Traveling alone is something everyone is scared of at first. Traveling alone is something a lot of seniors will be doing at the end of their senior year by heading off to a new destination. Going on an international flight alone might be a new experience that not a lot of people are prepared for.
For those going to Mexico, here is a guide on how to get through a travel day by yourself.
Getting through LAX might seem scary at first because of how big it is and how many people there are. To get through it all, one has to be confident in themselves and be ready to ask for help if it’s needed.
Drop-off at LAX might look different for everyone. It all depends on whether you’re traveling nationally or internationally. When traveling to Mexico, you will have to go to Tom Bradley International terminal. Once you arrive you’ll have to look for your airline to check in when checking your bag.
When you’re checking in, have your boarding pass and passport ready to hand to the employee. Your checked luggage should not weigh more than 55 pounds, so be sure to weigh it before you arrive at the airport. If your luggage weighs more than 55 pounds you might have to pay or bring an extra backpack just in case to put excess items in.
Once you check in you’ll have to go through security. Most of the time you’ll have to go to the right side and up the escalator, the only time you’ll have to go to the left is if you get pre-check TSA (Transportation Security Administration). When going through security make sure not to carry any liquids. Liquids will be thrown away. Examples of these are shampoo, water, soap, sunscreen, etc. It’s also required to put in the boxes your bag, backpack, carry-on, your phone and anything you have in your pockets make sure to remove everything.
“We appreciate when people are ready, it makes it easier for everyone and it goes by faster,” Juan Bautista said.
Once you’ve gone through TSA you’ll now have to find your gate. Usually, it’s best to look for your gate to make sure it’s the correct gate before going off to buy food or wander around. Also, pay attention to the gate number to make sure that it doesn’t change and you’re not at the wrong gate. Paying attention to the announcements your airline is making is important so you don’t miss anything.
Once you board the plane make sure to sit in the correct seat whether that be window, middle, or aisle. Once you’re on the plane just enjoy the flight. As you’re approaching your destination the flight attendants will go down the row handing out a piece of paper and on that piece of paper you’ll put your passport information and flight number. It will also ask you to put if you’re traveling with more than 10,000 dollars/pesos.
“Estoy aqui para ayudar, entonces ayudando a llenar formas no me molesta,” Agustina Alvarez said
(“I’m here to help, so helping to fill out the form doesn’t bother me.”)
Once you land do not get up and wait for the flight attendant to dismiss your row. Getting up when the plane lands won’t get you out of the plane any sooner. Once you’re out of the plane you’ll have to go through immigration. During immigration, all you’ll have to do is give them your passport and they might ask questions like a reason for your visit or how many days you’ll be in the country.
Once you go through immigration you go get your luggage at the assigned carousel (they announce on the plane which one it is) After you’ve picked up your luggage you’ll go to check your luggage and that’s when you’ll hand them the paper you filled out on the plane. Once you check your luggage you’re done and you get to enjoy your vacation.
