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i am about to fly from ord to pek on united later this month and i was wondering about the basics of international air travel i.e. how early to arive at the airport, what to expect at customs, and security screenings,
i am assuming that you have all the necessary documents needed for your travel - passport, tickets, ID’s and visa stamps (if needed).
since this is your first time (?) to travel abroad, go to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. You will perhaps see a line on the entrance (and sometimes, this line may be long). As you enter the check-in area, your luggage will go through xrays. You will also be required to put in a plastic container (airport provided) all metals in your body - coins, cell phones, watch, belt, shoes, jackets, hats etc … then you also go through an xray passageway. If it beeps, meaning there are still metals in your possession, then you will be requested to do the same routine again, until it no longer ‘beeps’ as you pass.
If successful, then you gather your things and go to the check-in area of your airline. Again, there maybe a line. When it’s your turn, hand over to the receptionist your passport and ticket. He may also require an ID. After he processes your flight, he will give you back your passport, boarding pass and ticket (attached there will be the claim stubs of your luggage).
When you have the boarding pass, you again line up for the immigration check. (Some airports require that you pay first a terminal fee before going through immigration). Present your passport and boarding pass and the immigration officer will stamp your passport of your departure date.
After immigration, as you go now to your assigned boarding gate, you will be checked again for your hand carried baggage. You will have to undergo again the earlier routine of putting everything in a plastic container your metal things etc. In some cases, your hand carry luggage may be subjected to close scrutiny by opening it.
When it is time for your flight, you line up at the gate, present your boarding pass before boarding the plane. Then you’re off.
Upon arrival at destination, just follow the people in front of you. They will all be going to the immigration counter. Here, you present your passport and immigration entry card (provided by the airline stewardess on the flight). After clearing immigration, you line up and wait for your luggage. When you have gotten all your luggage, line up at the customs area. Some airport customs may be very strict and subject your luggage to opening. After clearing customs, you may now go out of the airport.
On your return flight, expect the same routine when you left your country.
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For international travel, ALWAYS be there at least 2 1/2 hours before the flight leaves. This is to allow time for security check in or any other problems arising before you depart.
If you’re connecting flights, always go straightaway to your gate and if you’re going to wander off to eat, stay within the terminal and keep your watch synchronized to the time.
Generally, depending on the time and season, the lines at security can be very long or short. Mornings are the least busy times while afternoons can be pretty hectic.
You will not pass through customs until you RETURN to the United States. The first city you arrive at from overseas is called the port of entry. At this port of entry, you will be required to show your passport, and turn in a declaration form to the US agents. Then you’ll have to take luggage to customs for inspection, then drop it back off (if you have a connecting flight) then pass thru security screening AGAIN if you’re going thru a connecting flight. But all this only happens when you get BACK from Pek.
All in all, the coming back takes a lot longer because of the lines to pass thru immigration and customs.