How to Prepare for Your First International Flight as a Student

Are you feeling confused and nervous about boarding your first flight to study abroad? This comprehensive guide will help you with everything you need to know, from pre-departure prep (documents, tickets, packing) to navigating the in-flight experience and arrival customs. You'll feel confident and prepared by the end of this blog.

Congratulations! You secured admission to your dream university. After winning multiple challenges and putting in a lot of preparation, you're finally going to study abroad. The biggest challenge of studying abroad is that you will live alone and have to take care of yourself. For many Indian students, this will also be their first flying experience that can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness.

In this case, it is natural that you will feel nervous and confused. You don’t want to make any mistakes. Since you are travelling on an international flight first time, you want to know every detail. In this article, we are going through every basic information related to the pre-departure process, the flight experience itself, and what to expect upon arrival.

How to Prepare for First Time Travel by Flight

Travelling internationally on a flight is one of the last steps to studying abroad. By this point, you have overcome multiple challenges so don’t get nervous. This is just one more step on your journey towards fulfilling your dream. To understand the preparation as first-time flyers on an international flight, divide it into three steps:

1. Pre Departure Preparation
2. In-Flight Preparation
3. Post Departure

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Pre-Departure Preparation As a Student

Unlike a tourist, your preparation needs a lot of research including cheap international flight tickets, baggage information and required documents. In this section of preparation, you will know about things like required documents, ticket booking, Packing tips and other important information. So let’s start!

Required Documents for Boarding First Flight

• Passport- A valid passport is a must-have. If you don't have one or need to renew it, apply as soon as possible.
• Student Visa- A legal document that allows an international student to enter a country for study purposes. Research and apply for a study visa for your destination country.
• Insurance- Getting health insurance as an international student is important. For example, if you are going to study in a Canadian university, it's recommended to get health insurance in Canada before you board your first international flight.
• University Documents- Carry copies of your university admission documents like acceptance letters, transcripts, financial aid documents, and any other required paperwork. You may be asked to show proof at the airport.
• Flight Tickets- The last and most important step to board the flight is to book tickets. As a student, you might want to consider booking cheap international flight tickets to save money. It's recommended to book your tickets as early as possible. Check out student discounts on flights.
• Forex Card- While not directly related to boarding your flight, a forex card is an essential item for when you land in a different country. It will help you make transactions in the local currency. Check out best forex cards for Indian students.

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Flight Tickets Booking

At the time of booking your international flight ticket, you should consider multiple factors. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Travel Dates- Try to explore cheap flight tickets on different dates. Flexible travel dates can offer cheaper fares. It is suggested that try to travel on weekdays and during off-peak seasons, you may get cheaper flight tickets.
• Budget- Be strict with your budget. Set a realistic budget for your flight tickets.
• Which Airline to Choose- Do research to find the airline options you have. Look for student discount flight offers.
• Layovers- Most students find direct flights to their study destination, which may be expensive. You can try layover flights to save money. However, keep the total travel time in mind.

 Note: You can try websites like StudentUniverse or Skyscanner, or some ai websites to find affordable international flights and student discounts.

Understand Your Flight Ticket

No matter if you get a physical ticket or an e-ticket, you must understand your tickets very well.

• Flight Number- Your flight number is mentioned on your ticket. It represents your specific flight.
• Departure or Arrival Times- You can find your departure time and arrival time on your tickets and boarding pass.
• Baggage Allowance- Every person can carry a certain number of bags with a fixed weight limit. You may need to pay an extra fee if you exceed weight limits. So, pack your bags smartly.
• Check-in and Takeoff Time – You need to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before the take-off time. The check-in process is so long that it contains verifying your identity, confirming baggage, security checks and receiving boarding passes.

Tips to Do Packing for Study Abroad

Your smart packing habit will help you manage your bags while boarding your flight. Keep the maximum weight allowed to keep with you on the flight.

• Things to Keep- Your clothes, medicines, and documents are some of the important things to keep with you.
• Snacks- you can keep some of your favourite snacks with you. For example, some snacks are given by your mom.

Other than this, you can pack some extra things along with you. Note that things like books, clothes, and blankets you can buy after you reach there.

After completing the above-mentioned steps, you need to reach the airport at least 3 to 4 hours before the flight timings. Locate your airline check-in counter, drop your bags there and proceed for the security check along with your handbag and boarding pass.

Keep your phone, wallet, belt, and electronic items in a tray for scanning. After this step, proceed to the boarding gate and wait for your flight announcement.

What to Expect on Your First Flight?

Take your seat and relax! Follow the cabin crew's instructions and fasten your seatbelt. During takeoff, you may feel a pushback and experience a sensation in your ears. Don't worry, these are normal feelings! You can distract yourself by looking out the window.

On your international flight, you might be offered complimentary meals or snacks, or you may need to purchase them. You can also enjoy in-flight entertainment options like movies and music. Turbulence is a normal part of flying, so there's no need to worry.

Things to Expect at Your Arrival

So you are out of India now. After landing follow the instructions of the cabin crew. . Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, following the signs for your flight number If you have a connecting flight, ask airport staff for directions to your next gate and allow ample time for customs and immigration.

At the airport, you may need to go through a customs check. Have your passport and other required documents ready to show the staff. They may ask you to declare any items you're bringing into the country.

That's all you need to know about your first flight. We hope that this information helps you to complete your journey hassle-free. Below, we have mentioned some of the most common FAQs asked by first-time flyers like you.

If you have any queries related to your first-time flight journey, we’re happy to answer them. Feel free to leave your questions in the comments section below or get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance.