First-Time International Flyer with Questions..

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Hello everyone!

I apologize in advanced for my ignorance about this and the probably stupid questions I am about to ask, but I am curious!

If there is a guide related to what I am asking about, feel free to guide me to it. I have tried searching a bit but could not find anything specific to my question.

Anyway, my main concern is this:

I am flying to visit my fiance in England next week. I first fly from Chicago to Washington DC, and then from DC to Manchester, GB. I have flown domestically before and I know that when you are staying in the US, once you check your bags in at your initial take-off location, they are all set and you don't have to worry about them for a layover. I was wondering if this is different when flying out of the country? My layover is only 2 hours in DC and I am unfamiliar with the layout of the airport. I am worried about missing my flight if there is anything I need to do in between that time other than finding my gate (especially if there is inclement weather that delays my flight from Chicago!) Will I need to collect my checked bag and then pass it through security again in DC in order to fly to Manchester?

Also, if anyone has any other tips AT ALL for international travel I am more then happy to hear them! I get a little paranoid and anxious when it comes to travel, and I don't want to mess anything up.

Thanks!

[Lee&Ana 88]

Your luggage should follow you to your destination. It doesn't hurt to check with the airline when you check in though.

[bkp51 2]

It depends how you bought the ticket.

If you entire journey is on one ticket, than you only have to checkin at Chicago airpot, you will get your boarding pass for both of the flights. In this case, you will get your bags at GB after immigration and before custom.

If not, than you have to deal as you given in your question.

Double check the weight requirements for both flights, before you start packing.

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Your luggage should follow you to your destination. It doesn't hurt to check with the airline when you check in though.

Thank you very much! I plan on attempting to call the airline tomorrow to see what they have to say, but figured it didn't hurt to ask for tips on here as well!

[-Shana- 152]

Hello everyone!

I apologize in advanced for my ignorance about this and the probably stupid questions I am about to ask, but I am curious!

If there is a guide related to what I am asking about, feel free to guide me to it. I have tried searching a bit but could not find anything specific to my question.

Anyway, my main concern is this:

I am flying to visit my fiance in England next week. I first fly from Chicago to Washington DC, and then from DC to Manchester, GB. I have flown domestically before and I know that when you are staying in the US, once you check your bags in at your initial take-off location, they are all set and you don't have to worry about them for a layover. I was wondering if this is different when flying out of the country? My layover is only 2 hours in DC and I am unfamiliar with the layout of the airport. I am worried about missing my flight if there is anything I need to do in between that time other than finding my gate (especially if there is inclement weather that delays my flight from Chicago!) Will I need to collect my checked bag and then pass it through security again in DC in order to fly to Manchester?

Also, if anyone has any other tips AT ALL for international travel I am more then happy to hear them! I get a little paranoid and anxious when it comes to travel, and I don't want to mess anything up.

Thanks!

I know this feeling! I remember taking my first flight alone to Colorado from Manchester and I was terrified. I thought I would get lost, but honestly, airports are made so everyone of all languages can navigate it and get around. My advice is to just relax, read all the signs, don't be afraid to ask a staff member for help.

In regards to your bags, you don't need to pick them up, but you can always ask at check in if your bags go straight to Manchester. If you do need to pick up your bags (I'm almost positive you won't since you already cleared security in America at Chicago, so you won't need to do it again within the same country) then be as quick as you can without rushing yourself, if you're about to miss a connecting flight I like to politely ask to skip the line at customs/security so I can make the flight in time. Sometimes people are nice and oblige, sometimes they don't.

If you do miss a connection, don't panic! Other than the annoyance of being delayed you will get assigned another flight and most of the time if you miss the last flight out they'll put you up in a hotel. I once missed 1 of 2 connecting flights and ended up getting a direct flight to Denver, it actually worked out better! Your bags should never leave the country without you either, I've missed loads of connections because of delayed flights and my bags have always found their way on the correct flight.

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

I know this feeling! I remember taking my first flight alone to Colorado from Manchester and I was terrified. I thought I would get lost, but honestly, airports are made so everyone of all languages can navigate it and get around. My advice is to just relax, read all the signs, don't be afraid to ask a staff member for help.

In regards to your bags, you don't need to pick them up, but you can always ask at check in if your bags go straight to Manchester. If you do need to pick up your bags (I'm almost positive you won't since you already cleared security in America at Chicago, so you won't need to do it again within the same country) then be as quick as you can without rushing yourself, if you're about to miss a connecting flight I like to politely ask to skip the line at customs/security so I can make the flight in time. Sometimes people are nice and oblige, sometimes they don't.

If you do miss a connection, don't panic! Other than the annoyance of being delayed you will get assigned another flight and most of the time if you miss the last flight out they'll put you up in a hotel. I once missed 1 of 2 connecting flights and ended up getting a direct flight to Denver, it actually worked out better! Your bags should never leave the country without you either, I've missed loads of connections because of delayed flights and my bags have always found their way on the correct flight.

It's strange, I fly domestically so often you think I would just be a pro by now but I still find myself clenching my hand around the documents I need for check in and security checks and constantly looking down and going through them to make sure I didn't accidentally somehow?? drop them or set them down.

Are they really that accommodating if you miss your flight? That makes me feel a lot better. I figured since it was "your own fault" you would be stuck at the airport and have to shell out a lot of money for a replacement ticket if you are lucky to find an open seat on a flight within the next few days!

[Lo&jo 4]

Out of USA - your luggage will be checked to the final destynation- MAN ( All the way from CHI to MAN)

Unfortunatelly, back to USA- you need to clear your lugg at first point of entry, means, pick up in WAS for customs. Just after customs clearance you can drop your lugg and go to domestic dep just with your hand baggage.

2 hours is ok, but not time for airport shopping :-)). Most probably you will get all boarding passes for entire trip in MAN.

You will manage, I am sure, just look at monitors, find your flight number and gate and look around for signs how to get there.

Good luck!!

[KierenHby 899]

Check-in your bags all the way to Manchester when checking in at Chicago. Your checked luggage routing will be ORD=>IAD=>MAN

Clear security at Chicago O'Hare, board your flight to Washington Dulles.

Once at Dulles.. I don't think you have to clear security again, but even so, no biggie.

Don't have to collect checked bags; automatically transferred by the airline to your next flight.

You may need to take the underground train to a different terminal, check the Departure monitors for your Manchester flight.

Arrive at Manchester; after Immigration, collect all your bags and go through Customs.

I fly Washington Dulles often, but never as a layover. A two-hour layover should be enough to transfer, maybe even for a quick drink/snack.

[-Shana- 152]

It's strange, I fly domestically so often you think I would just be a pro by now but I still find myself clenching my hand around the documents I need for check in and security checks and constantly looking down and going through them to make sure I didn't accidentally somehow?? drop them or set them down.

Are they really that accommodating if you miss your flight? That makes me feel a lot better. I figured since it was "your own fault" you would be stuck at the airport and have to shell out a lot of money for a replacement ticket if you are lucky to find an open seat on a flight within the next few days!

All you need is PMT - Passport, money, tickets That's what someone once told me and I've never been able to un-hear it...

If you miss your first flight then you are completely responsible for that and they won't refund you, however if your first flight is delayed and you miss your second flight - then that's their fault and they will definitely rearrange something for you. It's happened to me about 4 times now! If you are JUST cutting it for time you should definitely try and get your connecting flight, sometimes they'll hold the plane for you if they think you can get there, but you have to RUN! I've made connecting flights by running and also I've missed them because of lines at security/customs. If you miss it then just go to a desk for your airline, or a general airport help desk and say you missed your connecting flight because your first flight was delayed and the airline will set something up for you.

I've flown with US Airways and they were always delayed, so I always missed my connections (except that one time I managed to sprint to make it!), if you're a solo traveler you're more likely to get a seat on another flight vs. a family of 4.

Edited December 15, 2015 by -Shana-

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

It is not ENTIRELY true that your luggage is checked to the final destination.

Your luggage goes from origin to destination if it is the same carrier.. example if you are flying by KLM flights all the way regardless of the connections.

But when you have two different carriers, you will have to recheck your luggage at the connection airport.

I flew from ABI >> IAD>> ACC

I had to recheck my luggage at IAD because I went by United and SA Airlines same thing on my return trip.

If this will happen to your fiance then he or she will be given a baggage claim tag (keep it safe) to claim the luggage at the connection airport.

[amberammo9915 19]

I am a frequent traveler, here's my tip..always ask for assistance every lay over from your airline , once you disembark from the first leg of your flight, immediately ask the airline information of your next gate and how far it is as arrival and departure area is a long route depending on the airport. All airlines offers a special service wherein they accompany you but for additional cost but mostly done when minors are travelling. Travel with a bag that has a side pocket that you can keep your passport, ticket and boarding pass only for easy access. Hope this helps.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

my parents lives in Spain and I visit them once-twice per year. My route is Miami- Madrid / Madrid-Vigo. During my conections I dont have to do anything but finding my gate. The airline takes care of my luggage and I only see it back in my final destination at Vigo. I only do costume once in madrid (stamp my passport etc tc). You need to call your airline

[MASH 172]

U don't have to worry, ur luggage will be going to its final destination, all you need to do is make sure you catch on ur next flight, an since ur going on a international flight it is advised to be there 3 hrs early compared to 2 hrs when going traveling in the same country

Imo if u r abit worried depends on how long u wanna stay in England is bring the luggage with u on the flight that way if it also doesn't fit they will put it underneath that plane ur on and u grab it the sec u get off the plane

Wish u luck on ur travels

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

All you need is PMT - Passport, money, tickets That's what someone once told me and I've never been able to un-hear it...

Edina in this episode of Ab Fab is me every time I have to fly anywhere -- I also can't unhear this!

[kevz900 5]

When you pick up your bags at Manchester head for the green "nothing to declare" channel at customs. (unless you have a suitcase full of booze and cigs!) My wife on her first visit to the UK didn't know this and wandered down the red channel and promptly got shooed out when the customs officers realized she didn't know what the red and green channels meant. Not sure if it's changed now but it used to be from the US to UK 200 cigs, 1 bottle of spirits, and 2 bottles of wine = nothing to declare, green channel. Perhaps someone could correct this if it's wrong.

Good luck for your first trip to the UK.