Should I be scared to fly internationally?

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MikieB

Air travel is one of the safest ways to travel. It's far safer than traveling by car. Your plans look interesting. Have fun and enjoy the flights.

bebegurl

no, i travel internationally all the time. its a lot of fun.

Teddy TheBear

Brace yourself... you should be well aware that the aircraft is one of the safest way to travel around the world!

chewy

Not at all. Your much more likely to die on the way to the airport rather than on the plane. Don't worry, you'll be fine! Have a safe trip!!!!!!!!

Nolan Bilder

nahh. you should be fine. security is really top notch now a days

flightboy123

Im a flight attendant, and I would be more worried in your car on the way to the airport than on all those flights.

You have no reason to worry.

NOLA guy

No, you don't need to worry. In fact, long distance flying is usually more comfortable than domestic because the planes have more room between seats and more amenities.

A r/t from the USA to Germany will generate a decent number for airline miles. If you already belong to a frequent flier program, see if they are partners with the airline you are taking for the flights to Frankfurt. If you don't belong to a program or if they are not a partner of the airline you will use, join the frequent flier program for the airline you are using to fly to Frankfurt. Joining is free and you can do it instantly online. Call the airline (all of them have toll free numbers) and give them your FF account number to be attached to the reservation.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are not TOO casual. "Dressy casual" is best, especially for international flights.

Follow the rules for carryon luggage: www.tsa.gov Pack anything sharp or that might even look like a weapon in your checked luggage. Don't wear clothing with metal studs or trim that might set off the detector.

Get to the airport 2 full hours before your first flight as your international itinerary may take extra time. Check in and go through security. Wait close to your gate and check to make sure the gate doesn't change. Take a good book (one you have already started and know is OK) or something else to do while waiting.

An Immigration Officer may ask questions about your stay in Germany. Be prepared to answer the questions by knowing where you will stay, etc. You may be asked to show proof that you have hotel reservations and a return airline ticket, so have that in your carryon bag.

It will be much colder in Frankfurt than in New Orleans, so take appropriate clothing with you. Carry a jacket and at least one set of extra clothing on board with you in your carryon bag. On the way back remember to pack a short sleeve shirt in your carryon in case the weather in NOLA is warm

Your main problem after arrival will be "jet lag", which is partly caused by the time change but is mostly because of dehydration. The cabin air is very dry and you should drink lots of juice & water - avoid drinks with caffine (like colas). Try to sleep on the flight even if it isn't very good sleep. An eye mask and ear plugs may help you sleep. At your destination, STAY AWAKE until local betime. If you MUST take a nap don't sleep for more than 3 hours. Eat meals at the local times to help your body adjust to the time change.

There is no passport control or customs check leaving the USA. However, you will go through Immigration and Customs on the way back in Washington. Get off the airplane and follow the signs to go through Immigration. Then collect your checked bags and follow the signs to Customs. Once through Customs you will give your checked bag(s) back to the airline - ask where if it sin't obvious. You will have to go through security again, so don't take anything out of your cehcked bag(s) that isn't OK. Then follow the signs to the terminal for the flight to New Orleans.

Have a good trip!

neilinpdx

Just what is it you think you should be afraid of?? you, know...airplanes. ???

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