For your first international flight, the process is similar to a domestic flight, but you will need to complete additional immigration checks and departure procedures. The basic process is: book your flight → prepare your passport and entry documents → arrive at the international terminal → check in and check your baggage → clear immigration → pass through security → find your Gate → board the flight → clear immigration at your destination → collect your baggage → clear customs.
If you have never flown internationally before, follow the step-by-step guide below to understand what you need to prepare and where to go at the airport.
1. Book your international flight
You can book your flight directly through the airline's website or app, or through a travel agency or tour operator.
After completing your booking, check the following important information:
Make sure your name matches your passport.
Flight date, departure time and flight number.
Departure and arrival airports.
Included carry-on and checked baggage allowance.
Fare conditions and any additional services you have purchased.
You will also receive a Booking Reference (PNR) and your itinerary. Keep your booking confirmation email or booking details readily available for check-in.
2. Check your passport, visa and entry documents
This is one of the most important steps when travelling abroad.
Before your flight, check the entry requirements of your destination and prepare all required documents. Depending on your destination and nationality, you may need:
A passport that meets the required validity period.
A visa or entry permit, if required.
Your flight ticket or itinerary.
Supporting documents required by the destination country, if applicable.
Entry forms or other documents required under the regulations in effect at the time of travel.
Do not rely solely on the airline's requirements. Entry requirements are determined by the relevant authorities of the destination country and may change.
It is a good idea to keep important documents in both digital and printed form, where necessary. In particular, check all passport details carefully before your trip to avoid issues during check-in or immigration procedures.
3. Arrive at the international airport early
On the day of departure, go to the international terminal shown on your booking or flight information.
International flights generally involve more steps than domestic flights, including check-in, document checks, immigration and security screening. If this is your first international flight, allow enough time to complete the entire process without rushing.
Once you arrive at the airport:
Check the flight information screens to find the check-in area.
Find your airline's check-in counter.
Prepare your passport, booking reference and other required documents.
If you have checked baggage, drop it off at the check-in counter.
Note: Check-in counter opening and closing times, required airport arrival times and boarding cut-off times may vary by airline, airport and flight. Check your ticket and the airline's instructions before departure.
4. Check in and get your Boarding Pass
If your airline offers online check-in, you can complete it before your flight to save time.
However, for international flights, you may still need to visit the check-in counter so the airline can verify:
Your passport.
Your visa or entry permit.
Documents related to your entry requirements.
Your checked baggage.
Once the check-in process is complete, you will receive your Boarding Pass.
Check your Boarding Pass for information such as:
Flight number.
Departure time.
Seat number.
Gate, if already assigned.
If your Gate is not shown yet, check the flight information screens at the airport for updates.
5. Clear departure immigration
After check-in, follow the signs to the Immigration/Departure area.
Prepare your passport and complete the departure immigration procedures as instructed by the relevant authorities.
You will generally need to:
Present your passport.
Complete the required checks and procedures.
Follow the instructions of immigration officers.
Once you have cleared departure immigration, proceed to the security screening area.
6. Pass through security screening
At the security screening area, your carry-on baggage and personal belongings will be checked.
Have your Boarding Pass and required documents ready, and follow the instructions of security staff.
Before heading to the airport, check the airline's and airport's baggage rules to find out which items are permitted or restricted.
In particular, do not assume that an item is allowed in your carry-on baggage simply because you have taken it on a previous flight. Restrictions may vary depending on the item, itinerary and applicable aviation security regulations.
7. Find your Gate and boarding area
After passing through security, check your Boarding Pass and the flight information screens to find your Gate.
At large airports, your Gate may be a considerable distance from the security area. Once you know your Gate, make your way to the boarding area.
While waiting, continue checking the flight information screens because your Gate or flight information may change.
If you are unsure where to go, do not hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance. This is especially helpful if you are visiting a large international airport for the first time.
8. Wait for boarding and board the aircraft
When boarding begins, pay attention to announcements at the Gate and follow the instructions of the airline staff.
When you are called to board:
Have your Boarding Pass ready.
Queue as instructed.
Present your Boarding Pass when requested.
Find your assigned seat.
Store your carry-on baggage in the designated area.
Take your seat and fasten your seat belt.
If you need assistance while boarding, feel free to ask the airline staff for help.
9. Clear immigration when you arrive in another country
After landing, you cannot leave the airport immediately. You must first complete the immigration process.
Follow the signs to the Immigration/Arrival area.
Have your passport, visa and other required entry documents ready.
Immigration officers may verify your information and ask questions about your trip, such as the purpose of your visit or where you will be staying. Answer accurately and provide any documents requested.
After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area.
10. Collect your checked baggage
After clearing immigration, check the airport information screens to find the Baggage Claim carousel for your flight.
Check your flight number and proceed to the correct carousel.
When collecting your baggage, check carefully:
The name or identifying information on your baggage.
The colour, size and other identifying features of your suitcase.
The condition of your baggage before leaving the baggage claim area.
If your baggage is missing or damaged, contact the airport's baggage service or the airline immediately before leaving the baggage claim area.
11. Clear customs and leave the airport
After collecting your baggage, you may need to pass through Customs, depending on the requirements of your destination country.
Make any required declarations if you are carrying goods, cash or other items that must be declared under local regulations.
Once you have completed customs procedures, you can proceed to the arrivals area to meet your pick-up, take public transport, a taxi or other transportation to continue your journey.
12. What do you need for your first international flight?
You can prepare for your trip in four main categories:
Documents
Passport.
Visa or entry permit, if required.
Flight ticket or booking information.
Other entry documents required by your destination.
Flight information
Booking reference.
Flight number.
Departure time.
Departure airport and terminal.
The airline's check-in and boarding requirements.
Baggage
Check the carry-on baggage allowance.
Check the checked baggage allowance.
Check which items are permitted or restricted.
Label or otherwise identify your suitcase to make it easier to find at baggage claim.
Destination information
Your accommodation address.
Return flight or onward travel information, if applicable.
Transportation options from the airport.
Any specific entry requirements of your destination country.
13. International flight process for first-time travellers
The basic process to remember is:
Book your flight → Check your passport/visa → Prepare your documents → Arrive at the international airport → Check in & check your baggage → Clear departure immigration → Pass through security → Find your Gate → Boarding → Board the aircraft → Clear arrival immigration → Collect your baggage → Clear customs → Leave the airport.
The order of certain steps may vary depending on the airport, airline and destination country. Always follow the official instructions provided by your airline, airport and the relevant immigration authorities at your destination.
14. Tips for first-time international travellers
Arrive at the airport early: Do not only allow time for the flight departure. You will also need time for check-in, baggage drop-off, immigration, security screening and getting to your Gate.
Check your documents before departure: Your passport, visa and entry permit are among the most important documents for international travel. Do not wait until you arrive at the airport to check them.
Monitor the flight information screens: Your Gate, boarding time or other flight information may change. Check the screens regularly while waiting.
Do not hesitate to ask for help: If you are unsure where to find the check-in counter, departure immigration, Gate or baggage carousel, ask airport or airline staff for assistance.
Check your destination's requirements: Each country may have different immigration, customs and quarantine requirements. Check them before your trip rather than relying only on previous travel experience.
15. Frequently asked questions about international flight procedures
15.1. What documents do I need for my first international flight?
You will generally need a passport and the entry documents required by your destination country, such as a visa or entry permit if applicable. You should also have your flight booking information and other relevant travel documents ready.
15.2. Do I need to clear immigration when travelling internationally?
Yes. International travellers generally need to complete departure immigration procedures before entering the airside departure area. The exact process depends on the airport and the requirements of the relevant immigration authorities.
15.3. Do I still need to go to the check-in counter if I have checked in online?
You may. Even if you have checked in online, international travellers may still need to visit the counter for passport, visa or entry document checks, or to drop off checked baggage. Follow your airline's instructions.
15.4. What should I do first after landing in another country?
Generally, follow the signs to the immigration area and complete the arrival immigration process. Then collect your checked baggage, clear customs if required and proceed to the arrivals area.
15.5. What should I do if I cannot find my Gate?
Check your Boarding Pass and the flight information screens at the airport. If you still cannot find your way, ask airport staff for directions to the correct Gate.
15.6. How early should I arrive at the airport for my first international flight?
There is no single arrival time that applies to every flight. Check the required airport arrival time and check-in closing time specified by your airline for your flight. If this is your first international flight, arriving early gives you more time to complete check-in, immigration, security screening and the journey to your Gate.
15.7. Can I use a photo or digital copy of my passport instead of the original?
Do not assume that a photo or digital copy can replace the original passport. When travelling internationally, carry your original passport and all required documents. Specific requirements may vary by airline and the relevant authorities.
Your first international flight will be easier when you understand the process and prepare your documents in advance. Remember the three most important things: check your destination's entry requirements, prepare all required documents and allow enough time at the airport.
If you are unsure where to go or need assistance during the process, ask airport or airline staff for help. By following the signs and completing each step in order, you can feel more confident when taking your first international flight.
