Leaving on a jetplane

[Elate]

So, it's in the title, I'm visiting America in about a month from the UK and have no idea what to expect at the airport. If it helps at all, I'm leaving from Manchester Airport, arriving via train (which I have never visited) and I'd appreciate any information about what to expect, I have a layover in 'Murica, New York, so any advice there is also appreciated.

Obviously it's my first time flying, and I get quite socially.. anxious, I guess would be the term, so knowing what I'm walking into might help ease my mind. What I can take, how luggage works, scans. The .gov site, while sort of useful is far too general, and I doubt it's going to tell me to expect the staff to be assholes (Which I've been told can be an issue with the TSA)

 

[Eleuthera]

I've never had any problems with any TSA staff.
How much luggage you're allowed to take depends on the airline (this should be mentioned some where with your booking).
Check-in luggage (stuff that gets put in the cargo hold) is handed off to some ground crew at check-in, they will weigh it to see if you're within the allowed weight, if you're over you will be told to take some stuff out, or pay extra (paying extra can only be done with a credit-card at some airports).

You carry-on luggage has to be within a set size (there are usually some type of metal size measuring devices around check-in), if it's over this size you will have to check it in. There's an official weight-limit to carry-on luggage as well, but this is hardly ever checked.

Carry-on luggage will be scanned at the same time you are. The luggage along with any metal items (keys, phone, belt) and your shoes will be put through an x-ray machine. You yourself will go through either a metal-detector, or some kind of 3D scanner, the people there will tell you when to enter the scanner and if you're good to go.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Longstreet]

Usually they allow one carry on, size of a backpack you would use for school per person. Luggage that goes in the cargo hold, with the airlines i've traveled with, is also 1 per person at a maximum weight of about 20 kilo's but that could be different.

Usually everything is pretty easy to find (check-in / gates, those sort of thing) so don't worry bout that.

With some airlines you can check in about 24 hours in advance via internet, so if that is available with the airline you are flying with, do it. Saves a lot of time.

On the flight itself, just relax. I'm guessing it's about an 8 hour flight, give or take, so if you can get a window seat (at least in my experience) it in pretty comfortable sleeping.
Safety measures / procedures will be explained by flight attendances before each flight, so you might want to pay attention to that.

That's bout all i can think off, if you got any more questions, or something ain't clear, let us know.

Out of curiosity, what is your final destination?

Oh and about the layover, that can be tricky. We once had one in Detroit (were going to Mexico) and we had to stay in our seats for the full 3 hours. Sometimes they will let you out though. Then i suggest you just browse around the stores a bit to kill time and make sure you get back with plenty of time to spare.

 

[Frezzato]

snip

I used to work for a travel agency unfortunately. The tips already posted are very good advice.

In addition, all of your questions and concerns about your flight can only be officially addressed by your airline, so I would make a list and call them. Be sure to confirm your flight no farther out than 24 hours prior to your flight. Additionally, you should call en route to check for potential flight time or gate changes. You will be asked some questions by humorless ticketing personnel and customs which should be answered in a straightforward manner. That's not the time for joking around.

I believe the rules for layovers with international destinations is still a minimum of 90 minutes. You don't want to fall asleep in the airport during that sitting period, so try to catch some sleep on the plane. And never, ever leave any of your bags unattended. Entire airport wings have been shut down for less!

[hr]

What I would love to know is how foreign cell phone plans work and if you'll need to plan for that. It seems that everyone outside the US knows how to travel internationally with cell phones. For example, people in the Caribbean would just buy SIM cards locally and swap them out in their phones. AT&T and Verizon in the US have add-ons for international travel that allow lowered per-minute rates for calls and data.

 

[Tiger King]

So, it's in the title, I'm visiting America in about a month from the UK and have no idea what to expect at the airport. If it helps at all, I'm leaving from Manchester Airport, arriving via train (which I have never visited) and I'd appreciate any information about what to expect, I have a layover in 'Murica, New York, so any advice there is also appreciated.

Obviously it's my first time flying, and I get quite socially.. anxious, I guess would be the term, so knowing what I'm walking into might help ease my mind. What I can take, how luggage works, scans. The .gov site, while sort of useful is far too general, and I doubt it's going to tell me to expect the staff to be assholes (Which I've been told can be an issue with the TSA)

ive never been to manchester airport, so i cant give you much advise on that, but im sure the process is the same as other airports.
arrive at airport, check in at the company you are flying withs desk, hand over your passport and ticket and luggage, go to the security part where you have to take off your shoes and belt and get your hand luggage inspected etc, go to your gate and climb aboard!

for internatinal flights your supposed to arrive 3 hours before the departure time and if your going to 'the states that are united' you have to fill in (and pay) an online form for the visa waiver programme. it just means you dont have to fill in a paper form, that for some reason nobody does until they get to the customs desk!
really annoying, especially when youve been stuck on a plane for ten hours and you just wanna get your bags and go and rest.

take lots of paracetamol/asprin with you for the flight and drink plenty of water.
lots of people seem to get excited over the window seat, honestly in my opinion i wouldnt bother as there is nothing to see for most of the journey. i always book a seat next to the aisle so i can get up and stretch my legs whenever i want instead of having to climb over people. unless your good at falling asleep in places in which case you should be ok and i envy you. (i cannot fall asleep on a plane ever!!)

ive never had a layover, where are you flying too?
i try to avoid them as long haul flights are bad enough without having to extend them. hopefully they let you off for a stretch.

being america, you will have to give your finger prints and have your photo taken at customs, dosent take long but the queing up does, unless you flew first or buisness class. the customs officer will ask a few questions about where your going etc then they should stamp your passport and your away!

long haul flights are pretty rubbish, the only good one i had was a few years ago when we had all that snow at xmas. well on the return flight from san francisco, economy class was empty and i had 3 seats to myself! i thought it was brilliant, i wanted to go laugh at all the people in first and buisness class for having paid a fortune yet gotten less foot room

oh and whatever you do dont check the in flight journey map. its soul destroying!