Flying abroad for the first time? Your top 5 questions – answered

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 12:32 pm

Preparing for your first international flight can fill you with excitement and trepidation. To have the best experience it’s important to get organised and know what to expect ahead of your travels. Here, a travel expert answers five questions commonly asked by first-time international fliers.

Reading time: 4 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• What to do before you leave for the airport for an international flight.
• How travel insurance can give you peace of mind.
• What to consider if you want to leave the airport while on a long layover.

Flying abroad question #1: How early do I need to be at the airport before an international flight?

Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience team leader at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, explains that airports are busier post-COVID-19 and that you should also consider factors outside of your control, such as loadshedding. “We recommend that you allow up to four hours to check in for an international departure, including regional travel to neighbouring countries,” says Machiri.

It’s also recommended that you check in online via the airline’s website or app, which will provide you with your boarding pass ahead of arrival at the airport.

Booking a flight soon? The Sanlam Money Saver credit card can help you save when you buy your air ticket. If you choose to commit to saving with the Sanlam Money Saver credit card and shop at Reward Partners, like Flight Centre, you’ll get 5% added to your Wealth Bonus, except at TotalEnergies forecourts. If you don’t commit to co-saving, but still use your Sanlam Money Saver credit card at Reward Partners, you’ll get 3% added to your Wealth Bonus, except at TotalEnergies forecourts. If you fill up at TotalEnergies, you earn R1 cash back per litre of fuel, guaranteed! Find out more here.

Flying abroad question #2: What are the restrictions with regard to liquids?

“You may carry liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in your hand luggage in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml each. These need to be packed in a transparent, resealable bag, and the total volume may not exceed one litre. Each passenger is only allowed a single one-litre bag, and this must be removed from your hand luggage at the security checkpoint for inspection,” says Machiri.

Some items like medication, baby food, special diet food and duty-free items are exempt from these restrictions, and there are no restrictions on the number of liquids carried in checked-in baggage.

Want to arrive at your destination well rested and feeling refreshed? Here are some top tips to help you sleep on a plane.

Flying abroad question #3: Can I leave the airport to explore if I have an extended layover?

The immigration law of the country you are transiting through will determine whether you can leave the airport. You won’t be permitted to leave the transit area or the airport if you require a visa to enter a country. If you don’t need a visa to enter that country, you’ll be allowed to clear immigration and leave the airport building. Ideally, you’d need a layover of eight hours (or more).

Flying abroad question #4: Do I need travel insurance?

If you enjoy basic complimentary travel cover by buying your flight tickets with your credit card, or international medical cover through your medical aid, it’s important to contact the insurer to get the details of what’s included. You may need to increase the benefits by taking out additional cover.

“It’s always best to travel with comprehensive travel insurance,” advises Machiri. “Ensure you have the details of your insurance policy at hand, plus key contact numbers, in case you require any support during your travels.”

Flying abroad question #5: What do I need to check before I leave?

Inform your bank of the dates of your travel so that your banking cards can be opened for international use. Make sure that you have all your travel documents, like your passport and any other required additional supporting documentation, in a secure and easily accessible place. If you’re travelling abroad with children, you’ll also need to bring their unabridged birth certificates.

Ensure that your baggage meets the weight, piece (how many items) and dimension requirements particular to the airline you’re flying with, if you want to avoid additional fees. Some international airlines sell very competitively priced tickets that don’t include baggage, in which case you‘ll be charged for checked-in items.