TFC Responds. First intercontinental flight? The five things you need to know
It is your first intercontinental flight. Before Covid, perhaps, you never thought you would bypass an ocean or a [...]
It is your first intercontinental flight. Before Covid, perhaps, you would never have thought of bypassing an ocean or a continent to go on vacation. But those two years as a recluse (or almost) weighed. Also, By now, everyone seems to be going this way and that, following an irresistible impulse.
In this article:
So a few weeks, ago, defying the astronomical prices that airlines are shooting at so much demand for travel, you also made up your minds. And one night at dinner you asked your wife and children: why don't we take a trip this year instead of going back to Sardinia or Greece? Maybe to the United States. Proposal enthusiastically accepted. The next day you looked at a few flights on the Internet, chose the date and destination, and booked the fateful intercontinental flight. That already the name is a big word -- good. Now what?
You are wondering: what else should I do? What about the luggage? What if an unforeseen (let's make horns) happens there, unfortunately? Here are a few tips that may come in handy.
The documents
To travel outside the European Union, with a few exceptions, a passport is required. If you haven't done so yet and leave in July or August, that's trouble.
Did you get your flight cancelled, miss your connection, land late?
You could get up to 600€ compensation per person
This year, due to two years of Covid where no one dreamed of going to renew a passport, there is a boom in applications and making an appointment is almost impossible, especially in big cities. But, if you already have a ticket, you can go to the police station or police station a few days before the departure of your flight and have the document made or renewed by 'emergency procedure.
On the other hand, if you have a passport, keep in mind that many countries require it to have at least six months of validity when entering their borders, but not the United States, which requires a valid passport and Esta.
The visa
Italy's is among the most 'powerful' passports in the world, that is, among those that 'open wide the doors' of more foreign states than any other. However, to enter many countries you will need a visa, which with some exceptions can be purchased online at the website of the foreign ministry or consular services of the country where you intend to travel.
The visa has a cost and a waiting time, which can range from a few hours to over a week. Take this into account to move promptly. There are countries, such as the USA and Canada, that provide a 'shortcut' for visitors from many countries: the American one is called 'ESTA' ('Electronic System for Travel Authorization') and can be obtained in just a few hours by entering one's personal information on the appropriate site and paying a few tens of euros).
Still, there are states where visas can only be obtained upon arrival at the destination airport, either for free or for a fee. The Farnesina website's 'Travel Safe' page provides fairly comprehensive information on this.
How early to go to the airport?
If flying to the United States and Israel (considered 'sensitive' destinations, i.e., at risk of terrorism), you have to keep in mind that document checks at check-in and security checks may take a little longer.
That said, arriving at check-in between two hours and two and a half hours before the flight's takeoff time is more than enough.
Baggage
Check what is the maximum weight limit allowed by the airline you are traveling with: usually, at least if traveling economy class, is between 20 and 23 pounds, but be careful because basic fares that do not include baggage are becoming increasingly popular.
If you have a stopover and reach your final destination on a second flight, You will not have to pick up your luggage when you have a stopover if the two flights are part of the same reservation.
In this case, the check-in clerk/attendant. will hand you two (or more, if you make multiple stops) boarding passes, but a single checked baggage receipt, which you will collect only at your final destination. If, on the other hand, the flights you are taking were purchased with two different reservations, ask at check-in how you should behave.
Attention if you leave from Italy and fly to the U.S., with an intermediate stop in the U.S., you will have to retrieve your luggage and re-board it. Basically, you arrive at the first U.S. airport, go through customs, retrieve your luggage, and check in again, even if you already have a ticket to your final destination.
The unexpected
When we travel far away, perhaps to places where health care facilities are far below our standards, Or in places like the United States where every medical service has an exorbitant cost, it is better to leave with insurance in your pocket to cover those expenses. Insurance can also cover only the economic value of the vacation, i.e., reimburse you for what you have spent and will not be able to take advantage of due to an unforeseen event that occurred before departure. A family traveling to the U.S. may spend as much as 5/600 euros for insurance coverage.
Take advantage of the insurance included in the American Express Platinum is perfect Because not only will you be covered at 100%, but Taking advantage of the many benefits will save thousands in the vacation.
That said, we hope that this installment of TFCanswers will also be of help to those who have to leave--have a safe trip!
