tips on 1st time flight

[zenki_james 0]

hi i am going to fly @ Los angeles airport with a connecting flight to dallas and final destination to corpus christi texas with a k1 visa. i am just curious coz its my 1st time to travel and i am so nervous and worried becoz so many connecting flights. anybody could give me some tips or tell me the step by step on how to get lost at the airport or missed any flight?

1 more question regards to my flight was the requirements i need to bring for a k1 visa.

[mari joe 1]

whenyou are on the plane look in the seatback pocket in front of you for a magazine called sky travel or something like that in the back few pages it has layouts of most of the airports that you will arrive to. it will give you a general idea of where to go next. other than that dont fly Delta and you wont miss your connecting flight,it happened to me.

[baron555 934]

Talk with the flight attendent before you land and they will give you information and may be able to have a representative meet you as you deplane and escort you to the next flight.

[Anh map 2,098]

The best and least stressful way would be for your fiance to at least meet you in LA and help you with the connections. (The absolute best is traveling together the entire way)

If that isn't going to happen and you are alone on your trip simply follow the guidlines for completing the I-94 in the airline magazine. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage you will then will go through the customs inspection and then go to the gate for your flight to Dallas. There will be a lot of signs and people there to help you find the proper terminal entrance.

Enjoy the trip.

[zenki_james 0]

thank u so much for all the fast reply...can i have one more question how does the immigrant data summary looks like and what is that I-94

[ccndyeth 0]

That's the slip that the flight attendant can give you.. if not you can get it at the custom desk.

Just a Quick adivice for your flight, after you deal with the customs and gave the envelop. you look for your next gate right away so that you won't miss your next fight.

Edited September 18, 2009 by ccndyeth

[TexPol 1]

LAX Airport Info

Immig and passport control at LAX

[Nik+Heather 121]

How exciting/scary! An adventure! I've been flying since I was young, but I still really like the whole process of the thing.

Let me start out by pointing out that many many people who are at the airport with you have never been to that airport before either. There will be many many signs because they know a lot of people have never been there before and need directions.

So, some step by step directions:

First: Packing.

There are only a couple of things which you MUST have to travel: Passport, K1 DO NOT OPEN Packet.

Technically, everything else is just extra. I also recommend that along side those two things you have a printed itinerary with all of your reservation codes, flight numbers, air lines and times.

Most of your things should go into your "checked" baggage. When you get to the airport, you'll give those bags to the airline agent (when you go up to the counter) and they'll take care of putting them on the plane - and such. For your first trip, you want to make things as easy as you can, so I would recommend that you take nothing larger than a back pack and purse for your carry on - you don't want to be dealing with wheeling things around, or anything which you need to hold in your hand. In your carry on bags, you'll want to put anything valuable that you are carrying (cell phone, laptop, jewelery etc), as well as a change or two of clothes (incase your checked is delayed) any medications you need to take and whatever entertainment you are bringing along. Be sure to read about restrictions on liquid - if you're bringing makeup or anything (I wouldn't recommend it - put it in your checked).

Second: Getting started!

For your first flight, make sure that you get to the airport early - For international travel, 2 hours or so is best. You want to make sure you plan for getting stuck in traffic, or long lines at the counter (say if the computers go down). When you walk into the departures area, you'll look for your airline and get in line to check in. You *can* do online check in, but if you wait and do it at the counter, at least you'd have an opportunity with some face time with an airline rep who you can ask some questions to.

Third: Security

Once you have dropped off your luggage and gotten your boarding pass (she'll also have given you your gate number) you'll go through security. You may want to ask to be pointed in the right direction in case your airport is large and there's more than one security station. I usually keep my passport and boarding pass out of my bag in my hand (and since you don't have anything else to carry if you followed suggestion 1, this shouldn't be an issue) until I get through security. Follow all the directions, and put all of your metal things in your bag to go through the scanner. It's easiest to just follow the directions and get through no hassle.

Fourth: Finding your gate....and waiting.

Now you're through security, you can put your boarding pass and passport away. Some airports are different - some have a departure lounge where you have to wait until your gate "opens" other airports you can go to your gate and there will be chairs there where you can sit. Find your gate (or the way to your gate) using the monitors and information boards which should be quite plentiful - verify your flight number, and gate number and see if it is on time, delayed or canceled. Once you've done all that, it's time to relax! Since you've gotten there early, there will likely be quite a lot of time before you need to get on the plane. I suggest walking around, as you'll soon be doing a lot of sitting! Since you'll be going international, there will probably be a lot of shops that you could go to. I waste a lot of time window shopping. Oh...and make sure to use the ladies' room - it's sooo inconvenient to do so on the plane, so minimize that!

Fifth: Getting on the plane! YAY!

When the time comes, (you should be given a boarding time) make your way to your gate. You'll want to get your boarding pass (and sometimes your passport too) out of your bag again. Take note of your seat number. (It's usually two numbers and a letter). They usually board the plane according to what row (the number part) of the plane you are in. When the call your row, you get in line. you'll show your boarding pass, and get some of it back. You'll walk down the jetway (it's a long, movable hall way from the building to the plane) and then onto the plane itself! Find your seat, and put your passport and boarding pass away again.

Sixth: Settling in and preparing for your flight.

I usually keep my things with me, rather than using the overhead bin - then if I decide I want anything, I can get to it easily. The area under the seat in front of you is yours to stuff things into. If you've stuck with a reasonably sized backpack and purse, it should all fit easily. While others are boarding, get situated. There's a bunch of things you can look at in the seat pocket in front of you - including the instructions for passengers - it goes over emergency things, as well as basics like how to put on your seat belt.

Seventh: The flight! Wee!!

In general, you'll just sit in your seat, with your seat belt on. For a long flight you'll probably need to get up once or twice to use the lavatory - take that opportunity to walk up and down the aisles a couple times. The flight attendants can help you with just about everything else. They bring you food and drinks and come back to take away the trash. Basic airplane ettiquette is to minimize how much you fidget around - so...don't be constantly putting your tray table up and down (the person in front of you can feel it) Don't be changing the angle of your seat back 5 billion times. It's not that I want you to be afraid to move - just be aware that literally every move you make affects at least 3 people - the person in front, behind and beside you. The best way to get through the flight is to try to sleep most of it away.

Eighth: Arrival! YAY!

When you land, you'll want to double check to make sure you have put all of your things back into your bag. Again, I would suggest having your papers out in your hand while you're sitting down and can do it calmly instead of trying to get things out while standing in line. Get out your passport and K1 DO NOT OPEN envelope, and keep them in your hand with your customs form and I94. Once you get off of the plane, basically follow the crowd. Read the POE reviews for a detail of what happens next - you'll get in a (probably long) line, and then go through immigration. Then you'll go and pick up your luggage, and pass customs. For me, customs has usually been a non-event. Turn over the customs form, and move on.

Ninth: Connections!

Gosh, I just flew through LAX in 2007, and I can't remember how it works -- I *think* you'll have go to outside and get on the interterminal bus - I don't think you can stay within security and change terminals at LAX I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong... It's also possible to walk, if you have time. Everything is by air line, so if you get on the bus and tell the driver which air line your connection is on, they will take you to the right spot. The process for the next flight will be a lot like the last one - you'll go to the counter for your air line, and again give the agent your checked bags (make sure they are tagged to go to CC), go through security, find your gate, wait, get on the plane. You'll be a pro at this by the time the trip is over!!

When you change flights for the second time, you will NOT need to deal with your checked luggage. It should be handled by the airline all the way to CC. When you get to Dallas, you just get off of the plane, then go and look for your next gate. Again, if it is the same air line, it is probably in the same terminal (though it could be some walk). Find your gate, and then stretch your legs (if you have time).

Tenth: Home coming!!

Once your last flight lands, again, follow the crowd out through security (signs will be leading you to baggage claim). Once you get past security, your Fiance should be waiting for you! YAY! TOGETHER AT LAST!!

Wow that was a lot....Well, I hope it helps. And, I hope you have as much fun traveling as I do! The key is always to leave yourself a lot of time - figure out as many things early as you can, and bring a good book.

[Cortr 3]

That last post was pretty thorough, and sound advice, but one thing I'd like to add is that:

Anything you put in your "checked baggage" has the potential to get lost, and you won't have access to it (at best) until after you are through customs at LAX.

Make sure that you keep all important documents (passport, visa, sealed K1 documents, anything else super important -- money, fiance's phone number, etc) ON YOUR person at all times. Maybe in your handbag, or backpack. (Don't forget to grab it when you get off the plane!)

[thongd4me 69]

That last post was pretty thorough, and sound advice, but one thing I'd like to add is that:

Anything you put in your "checked baggage" has the potential to get lost, and you won't have access to it (at best) until after you are through customs at LAX.

Make sure that you keep all important documents (passport, visa, sealed K1 documents, anything else super important -- money, fiance's phone number, etc) ON YOUR person at all times. Maybe in your handbag, or backpack. (Don't forget to grab it when you get off the plane!)

I second all the above. One additional experience that I had (in NYC ) was I bought one of those

"security key" baggage locks that only airport security can open (you use a 3 number combination).

Airport security stole my damn lock; so assume they will steal anything of real value in the suitcase.

Your K-1 documents & the abovementioned items should be in CARRY-ON.

[mari joe 1]

i also agree to all of the above information and would add to bring a pen so you dont have to borrow one and if your SO bought the ticket for you on a credit card some airlines require that you have a copy of his identification and credit card to check in.

[Zen Den 18]

hi i am going to fly @ Los angeles airport with a connecting flight to dallas and final destination to corpus christi texas with a k1 visa. i am just curious coz its my 1st time to travel and i am so nervous and worried becoz so many connecting flights. anybody could give me some tips or tell me the step by step on how to get lost at the airport or missed any flight?

1 more question regards to my flight was the requirements i need to bring for a k1 visa.

congratulations! if this your first time to travel, i hope this helps:

first of all, the main requirements you will show at your POE (LA) are your yellow envelope, passport, and later on your I94

here is my contribution to what others have said:

1. checking-in

if you're flying PAL, go to nearest open check-in counter, present passport and ID

if any other airline (through NAIA II or 3) look for your airline's check-in lines

pay travel tax (if not yet included in ticket price) then go back and claim boarding pass

fill out immigration form

pay airport tax

go to immigration, present boarding pass and passport

look for your gate number shown on your boarding pass

if you're given boarding passes for the connecting flights, keep them

wait at your gate until your flight number is called for boarding

present the first boarding pass and look for your seat

check-in for connecting flights are similar (look for your airline through monitors and maps, check in, look for your gate and wait)

2. fill out forms given during the flight:

I-94 (indicates arrival/departure)

immigration form

3. LA airport is your POE, follow everybody because you'll all end up at the same processing area

present your yellow envelope and passport

collect your luggage

go to immigration

check in for next flight

4. collect luggage at final destination

REMINDERS:

*don't hesitate to ask flight attendants, airport officers if you have a question

*always remember your flight no. and gate for every flight

* relax and enjoy your flight!

[joeyjoey 1]

hi i am going to fly @ Los angeles airport with a connecting flight to dallas and final destination to corpus christi texas with a k1 visa. i am just curious coz its my 1st time to travel and i am so nervous and worried becoz so many connecting flights. anybody could give me some tips or tell me the step by step on how to get lost at the airport or missed any flight?

1 more question regards to my flight was the requirements i need to bring for a k1 visa.

The best way is to have your Fiance meet you in LA! If that's not possible, when you leave the plane in LA, look for an official from your airline. They can assist you with getting to your next gate for the departure to Dallas. But you need to tell them that you need assistance. Don't be shy! When you arrive in Dallas, do the same thing and let the airline personnel help you reach the correct gate for Corpus Christi. I understand your concerns, but try not to worry too much, everything will be OK.

Your only flight requirement is to have your Passport with your K-1 Visa inside. Make sure the ticket was purchased with the exact name that is in your passport. You don't need anything more to enter the US. When you arrive at Immigration in LA, they will direct you to the correct area, you'll receive an I-94, they'll mark your passport, enter you in the system and then send you on your way.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

hi i am going to fly @ Los angeles airport with a connecting flight to dallas and final destination to corpus christi texas with a k1 visa. i am just curious coz its my 1st time to travel and i am so nervous and worried becoz so many connecting flights. anybody could give me some tips or tell me the step by step on how to get lost at the airport or missed any flight?

1 more question regards to my flight was the requirements i need to bring for a k1 visa.

Everyhting you need for POE will be given to you. Your passport and "secret envelope". After you arrive in the USA you will not need the K-1 visa anymore for travel within the US. You may need to show your passport to board the plane, just for a form of ID to match your boarding pass.

As you enter each airport, speak to people at the desk from the airline, they will direct you to the next flight. Basically anyone in a uniform will help you if asked. (except JFK where they will help you but gripe about it first) Minimize your "wandering around" to avoid getting lost. I would get assistance right away, get to your next "gate" and then wander around in the area where you know exactly where you need to be and when.

[Old Dominion 26]

It will help to have some U.S. currency also...at least $100...as you won't get very far with the pesos after you leave Los Angeles. Even there, the exchange rate will be horrible and you'll need to look far and wide for a currency exchange booth anyway. Food during layovers because you'll need it, maybe to use the phone or the internet service, whatever. I agree that the best thing is for your fiance to meet you at Los Angeles, even though it might be inconvenient and a bit expensive.