Becoming Familiar With International Hubs, Airports

Planning a flight that may involve international hubs will involve a bit more time and effort than hopping on a domestic flight for a short trip. While it may help if the traveler is an experienced air traveler, even a regular user of domestic airlines will have some information issues when encountering international airports. Add to that the differences between international airports (due to varying regulations in each country) and the need for gathering knowledge becomes critical.

Simply put, flying internationally is several steps removed from taking the bus across town or across state lines. The wise traveler studies the rules and regulations that apply in each destination country. The benefit of doing this will become quite clear as the trip progresses.

Of course, the most important reason for planning and preparation is that the traveler will know where he or she is going, within the airport and the surrounding area. International airports and hub airports (planes collect at hubs and move out to other destinations) can be complex and almost impossible to negotiate without some prior knowledge. A bit of research and planning can prepare even the most experienced traveler for a new airport. Having information in hand about where to park and which counter to go to for tickets can be a great help.

One of the items that many travelers miss is airport fees, those that are separate from the actual cost of the ticket. Generally, these additional fees and costs are charged by the airline or airport to cover certain services or features apart from occupying a seat on the plane. Some international airports have their parking accommodations far from the actual terminal and gates. Since the distance is too great for walking, especially with luggage, travelers must arrange to get from the parking lot to the correct terminal or gate.

While parking shuttles are very common and run on a regular basis, they are not always free. As airline and airport costs rise, some locations are charging a minimal amount for the ride from the distant parking lot to the terminal. Even if the ride is a "free" service, many travelers choose to give the driver a dollar or two as a tip. Some companies and drivers may even expect this. This small bit of information may be good to have in a country with which the traveler is not familiar.

One of the key factors in international travel is an arrival time, not for the plane, but for the passenger. This means that airports expect the traveler to be at the terminal to begin check-in an hour or more before the flight departs. With international flights, this expected arrival time is usually two hours. Tip: Make sure to know what this expected time is! Not allowing enough time for check-in and baggage check may lead to a serious delay.

There are numerous reasons to study and ask questions long before starting to the airport for an international flight. While it is impossible to know all the details and cover every situation, even a little knowledge ahead of time can make a great deal of difference.

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