About International Flight Tickets

International flight tickets allow you to travel by airplane from one country to another. These can be adjoining countries, such as the United States and Mexico, or countries on opposite sides of the planet such as the United States and India. International flight tickets have different rules than domestic flight tickets. Passengers are required to have different documents, there are different security precautions, and luggage regulations are different.

Documents

In order to use an International flight ticket, you must have a valid passport. There was a time when American citizens didn't need passports for international flights to Mexico, Canada and some Caribbean countries. No more. If you do not have a valid passport, airlines will not allow you to board an international flight. Some countries require that your passport be valid for 6 months past your departure date from their country. If this is the case, renew your passport before leaving home or the airlines will refuse to fly you. Some countries also require visas for American citizens. Check with the embassy of the country you are traveling to for details. Some countries allow you to obtain a visa upon arrival; others insist you get a visa in your home country. As your plane prepares to land, flight attendants may distribute Customs and Immigration forms. They are to declare items you have with you, and your citizenship and reasons for entering the country. These must be filled out and given to Customs and Immigration officials upon entering a country.

Tickets

The price of international flight tickets depends on many factors. The most influential factors are distance, season and competition. Costs can be reduced by flying through hubs. A direct flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo can be much more expensive than one that connects through Hong Kong. You can save money and get a free stopover. Check the less famous international airlines by comparing fares through international travel websites such as cheapflights.com, orbitz.com or fareline.com. (See Resources below.)

Experience

Because international flight tickets cost more, they usually offer more perks than domestic flights. The food is complimentary and tends to be better. Alcohol is also free on some international flights, though the flight attendants will limit your consumption. In-flight entertainment is also free and usually consists of movies, television programs and music. Because many international flights are longer than domestic flights, there tends to be more food and entertainment. On very long international flights, passengers are given gift bags containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, a blindfold and other small toiletry items. Extras such as hot towels, candy and toys for children are also features of some international flights.

Baggage

International flight tickets come with very specific rules for baggage. Most airlines that fly international routes let passengers check two suitcases for free. These must weigh less than 50 lbs. each each and measure less than 62 linear inches. This is the height plus length plus width. Overweight bags are subject to an additional fee. International passengers are also allowed to bring one carry-on bag weighing less than 40 lbs. and measuring less than 45 linear inches. Be sure to weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport.

Security

Holders of international flight tickets must adhere to stringent security measures when they fly. They are not allowed to carry sharp objects with them in the passenger cabin. They are also forbidden from carrying large amounts of liquids. A few small bottles of toiletries are permitted in carry-on luggage. However, they are required to fit in 3-fluid-oz. containers inside a 1-qt., clear plastic zipped bag measuring 7 inches by 8 inches. Airlines make exceptions for breast milk, baby formula, diabetic glucose solution and prescription drugs.

Resources

• CheapFlights.com
• FareLine.com
• Orbitz.com