International Air Travel Packing Tips

By Justin Chen

Pablo Barrios

International travel is an exciting opportunity to see the world, especially when it involves an adventure such as mountaineering or mountain biking. Most often, international travel will require a flight to reach your ending destination. Because of this, flight and air travel rules will mandate some of the items you can take and ways you pack your luggage and bags. By keeping a few things in mind, you can ensure that your trip is easy and hassle-free as it begins.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

1-gallon plastic bags FAA-approved lock Keys
1-gallon plastic bags
FAA-approved lock
Keys

Step 1

Remove all sharp, knife-like objects from your carry-on luggage. Knives and other sharp items may be placed in checked luggage, but not carried on.

Step 2

Pack only your camera, snacks, purse, wallet, cell phone, keys and absolutely necessary items in your carry-on luggage. Place all your liquids 3 oz. and under in a gallon bag if you plan to carry them on. All larger quantities of liquids must be in checked luggage.

Step 3

Keep your passport on your person along with photo ID and a debit or credit card that is Cirrus-certified for international use. Make sure they are in a secure place, such as buttoned pocket, where they cannot fall out.

Step 4

Pack all the necessary supplies needed for your sport as checked luggage if you are traveling for sport purposes. For example, bikers should have spare tubes and tool kits, while climbers should have rope and harnesses. It is usually difficult to find specialty sports equipment in other countries, so anything you need should be brought with you.

Step 5

Prepare your gear several days in advance. Luggage should be fully packed and all sports gear should be ready for traveling---for instance, golf clubs in an appropriate case and climbing gear in a climbing bag to prevent damage to equipment.

Step 6

Lock all your baggage with FAA-certified locks, and attach name tags with current contact information in case security must search them. Make sure that your keys stay on your person and are easily accessible in case you need to open your baggage.

Step 7

Arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance to check your baggage at the airport. This will give you plenty of time to make it through airport security and check in with your passport.

Tips & Warnings

Always familiarize yourself with acceptable carry-on items before you fly.

Resources

U.S. Dept. of State Travel Registration

About The Author

Justin Chen is a freelance writer and photographer with 6 years of professional experience in outdoor activities, extreme sports, travel and marketing topics. His professional work experience includes publication with KOMO 4 News Seattle, Fisher Interactive Network, and Demand Studios. He is a current Pre-Med student at Walla Walla University.

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