Your Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist

So you’ve finally booked that plane ticket, cleared your schedule, and you’ll soon be jet-setting overseas for a well-deserved holiday! Happy days!

For context that makes this easier, see travelling to Europe.

...or stressful ones? We know that despite the excitement of traveling, the departure process can be pretty anxiety-inducing. More often than not, it involves frantically running through your mental to-do list of what to pack and prep:

For the next step, plenty of readers find A Comprehensive Comparison for Travelers genuinely useful.

- Where’s my passport?

- Have I checked in properly?

- Did I leave any food in the fridge that’ll evolve into a mould civilisation whilst I’m away?

If this sounds familiar, we’re here to help! We’ve put together this little pre-flight travel checklist to help you get to the airport and onto your plane smoothly.

Pair it with SIM card information for the practical side.

Well In Advance

• Make sure your passport is up to date and won’t expire while you’re overseas.
• Check the visa requirements for your trip! It can take some time to organise the documents, so leave yourself plenty of time. Also double check your passport expiry date, as this might affect your entry to certain countries.
• Get travel insurance. Come on, you know this is absolutely essential.
• Notify your bank of your travel dates (so they don’t block your card for suspicious activity!).
• Make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use your travel SIM!
• Buy any relevant travel adaptors.
• Double check the dates for your flights and hotels. This sounds redundant, but trust us, mistakes do happen!
• It’s often handy to withdraw some local currency in advance so you have cash on arrival.

The Day Before

• Double check the baggage weight and size restrictions for the airline/s you’re flying with. You can cop some hefty fees at the airport otherwise!
• Take photos on your phone or making photocopies of your passport, travel insurance and essential documents, just in case.
• Charge your phone, kindle, battery pack and any electronic gadgets you need during your trip.
• Pack your lip balm, noise cancelling headphones, a shawl or scarf (it gets cold on planes!), any medication you need, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a book and maybe even a spare change of clothes (in case your suitcase gets lost!) in your carry-on bag.
• If you’re flying with a carry on bag, make sure you don’t have any liquids over 100ml in there & have liquids/gels inside a clear ziplock bag. Also double check you haven’t left a pair of scissors or a rogue machete in there - that goes in your check in bag.

Before Leaving Your House

• Check in online to skip the airport queues.
• Make sure you have all your important documents in one easy-to-access place. This includes things like your passport, flight details, accommodation/hotel details, relevant contact details for tours, etc.
• Confirm your airport transfer if you have one organised for your arrival.
• If you’re flying with a laptop, make sure it’s easy to remove from your carry-on as you’ll need to take it out when you go through security.
• Take out the bins and clear any perishables out of your fridge.
• Give yourself a margin to get to the airport - you never know what traffic will be like.
• Pop your travel SIM card in your hand luggage! You can swap it into your phone just before you touch down at your destination.

Then - assuming you’ve gotten yourself to the airport on time, checked in your luggage, gone through security to your gate and have boarded your flight - sit back, relax, and enjoy whatever little packet of peanuts or crackers the air hostesses will inevitably be bringing around.

Worth filing away for the trip: What Are the Options.

Have an epic holiday!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How early should I start preparing for an international flight?

Start preparing several weeks before departure. Check your passport validity, visa requirements, travel insurance, and flight bookings early, as some documents can take time to arrange.

2. What documents should I take to the airport?

Bring your passport, any required visas, flight confirmation, accommodation details, travel insurance information, and any other documents required for your destination. Keep them somewhere easy to access.

3. Should I check in online before my flight?

Yes, if your airline offers online check-in. It can save time at the airport, although you may still need to visit the check-in counter to drop off checked baggage or verify documents.

4. What should I pack in my carry-on bag?

Pack your travel documents, phone, charger, essential medication, valuables, headphones, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Keep anything you may need during the flight or immediately after arrival within easy reach.

5. Can I bring liquids in my carry-on luggage?

Liquid restrictions depend on the airport and route. Many airports apply a limit of 100 ml per container, with liquids carried in a transparent bag, but some airports have different rules. Check the requirements for every airport on your journey.

6. Should I notify my bank before travelling overseas?

Check your bank’s travel advice before departure. Some banks recommend notifying them of international travel, while others use automatic fraud detection and do not require advance notice.

7. How can I avoid expensive roaming charges abroad?

Check your mobile provider’s international roaming rates before leaving. A travel SIM or eSIM can be a convenient alternative, letting you access mobile data abroad without relying on your usual roaming plan.

8. Should I buy a travel SIM before leaving home?

Buying a travel SIM or eSIM before departure can help you get connected soon after landing. Check that your phone is unlocked and, if choosing an eSIM, compatible with eSIM technology.

9. How early should I arrive at the airport for an international flight?

A common recommendation is to arrive around three hours before an international flight, but check your airline’s guidance and allow extra time during busy travel periods or when additional document checks are required.

10. What should I do the day before an international flight?

Confirm your flight details, review baggage limits, charge your devices, pack your carry-on, prepare your travel documents, and arrange transport to the airport. Check that your home is secure before leaving.