prepare for international travel jetstar

8 Things You Should Do Before Every International Trip

The Points & Miles Backpacker is a weekly column appearing every Monday. TPG Contributor Brian Biros , who has backpacked the globe for the past 15 years, discusses how to fund this adventurous, budgeted and increasingly popular form of travel with points and miles. He'll also explore all things backpacking-related. Read his story here and his high-level approach here .

With our smartphones, there aren't many things we need to prepare for in advance anymore. You can look up directions when you're already on your way, hail a ride from anywhere and pay for your coffee with (you guessed it) your phone.

But flying internationally is one of the few times you still really need to prepare — especially if your destination is one that isn't as connected and tech-driven as the US. When you touch down and turn on your phone, the information super highway may suddenly take a detour.

That's why I always use this last minute checklist before I travel abroad. Many of these items can be done quickly the day you depart and, most importantly, will help keep you safe and connected during your travels.

1. Download Offline Maps

Regardless of whether or not you'll have cell coverage, always download offline maps for your destination. In Google Maps, simply view the location you'd like to download, then select "Offline Maps" from the menu. There, you can choose to "download an offline map" and highlight the area you'd like to save. Many travelers swear by Maps.Me (available on desktop and as an app), which is especially great for hiking. Other map programs specialize in specific regions, such as 2GIS for Russia and Central Asia.

2. Plan Your Transfer

Don't let things go wrong the second you land, because plenty of people profit from overcharging — or even stealing from — new arrivals.

Ideally, your hotel or home stay arranges free transfers for guests. Be sure to inquire at the time of booking and, if available, ensure that the driver has your flight information and your name. If possible, get the driver's name, too. If the driver is only holding a sign with the name of the hotel or inn, ask them to confirm your name. On my first trip to Nepal, I saw a man holding a sign that said "Kathmandu Guesthouse" as I exited the airport. I began walking with him to his car, when he informed me that Kathmandu Guesthouse was full and he'd have to take me to an alternate accommodation. I calmly took my bags back from him and returned to baggage claim to find the real transfer.

If you're traveling light and don't mind trains or buses, map out the route beforehand because some offline maps don't include public transit directions. If detailed directions weren't provided by your hostel, hotel or inn, always ask.

When free or public transit options aren't available, you can always arrange a paid transfer beforehand, which will save you a lot of headache. Just be sure to compare this cost to what an Uber (or similar rideshare service ) would cost. Before you count on an app, of course, make sure your arrival airport has a reliable Wi-Fi network. Also, some countries use other ridesharing apps, such as Gett in Israel or Grab in Southeast Asia. Research what locals use beforehand, and have the apps downloaded before departure if you plan to use them.

Sadly, you're more likely to get ripped off in a taxi than any other method of transportation, which is why it's typically my last resort. To make sure you don't, ask your accommodation how much the taxi fare should be. If available, take an official airport taxi (follow signs, not touts). Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before getting in the car, and if it's metered, mention the approximate amount you know it should cost. Follow along on your offline map to make sure you don't end up on the, er, scenic route.

3. Set Travel Alerts

When a bank or credit card company sees a transaction outside of the US, it may get declined for potential fraud, and that always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. Play it safe and take a few minutes to call the number on the back of your cards, notifying them of the countries you'll be visiting and the dates you'll be traveling. Many companies make it possible to set travel notifications online or through an app, making the process even simpler. And as always, use credit cards and ATM cards that won't charge you a foreign transaction fee .

4. Note the Exchange Rate

Cash still rules much of the world, so you'll want to hit an ATM in the airport when you land. But do you want to take out 10,000 Kazakh Tenge or 100,000 Kazakh Tenge? Know the exchange rate before you land so you have an idea of how much money you'll be taking out of your account (and how much you'll likely need). I use the XE currency app, too, already loaded with the currencies of the countries I'm visiting. For other tips on how to deal with unfamiliar currencies abroad, see this guide .

5. Check Cell Phone Coverage

Depending on your cell phone provider, plan and destination, you may be covered internationally. Some providers promise pretty much global coverage, but don't let their stat padding fool you: There are still plenty of countries that are not covered. On my recent Pacific Islands trip , neither New Caledonia nor the Solomon Islands were covered in my Google Fi plan. You'll need to check each destination individually. We have a comprehensive guide to international smartphone use , but each provider has its general strengths and weaknesses.

Google Fi is my favorite option for international coverage. They are the only provider that offers high-speed international data as part of their regular plan, which is $10 per GB. This page tells you which countries are covered. T-Mobile claims to have 210-plus countries covered. You can see which countries are covered here . However, the data speeds are capped at 2G, which these days is frustrating and sometimes unusable. You can, however, upgrade to faster plans, and full speed data is free in Mexico and Canada. Sprint mimics T-Mobile's free 2G international offering, but full speed data elsewhere in North America costs a premium — as does the rest of the world. Their coverage list is here . And depending on your plan, both AT&T and Verizon users may be eligible for unlimited calls and texts abroad for $5 to $10 a day, per line. Because coverage (and rates) can vary wildly depending on your personal cell plan, always call your provider about your options. Making a mistake could result in a rude surprise come bill time.

For any trip of more than a few days, picking up a local SIM card can save you money (or a headache, if you're dealing with 2G speeds). Pack an unlocked phone if you plan to purchase local SIMs. I have an old unlocked phone that I use with my Google Fi SIM card, and I can make that a hotspot to use my locked iPhone. It's not the most efficient or ideal solution, but it works if you're handcuffed to a locked phone payment plan like me.

6. Upload Copies of Your Documents

Emailing a picture of your passport and visas to yourself and any travel buddies could prove useful if you get in a bind. I also keep these pictures, along with pictures of my credit cards, in a password-protected app on my smartphone. Make paper copies of your passport and visas as well. Keep one set with you, on your person, at all times and another set stashed safely in your luggage or hotel safe.

7. Register for STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) was created by the US Department of State to notify local embassies about your travel plans. This way, you will be contacted in case of an emergency or security advisory in your destination. It's free and easy to register. Though you may not need to enroll every time you leave the country, this is a step you don't want to skip if you're traveling to a destination that's a candidate for political instability or civil unrest; you're traveling to a country for a major event that could be targeted; or you have some other specific concern about your personal safety.

8. Charge Your Electronics

Make sure you charge everything — phones, computers, tablets, power banks, cameras, spare batteries, shavers, headlamps — before catching your next international flight.

Of course, a last minute charge is also a good way to leave some of these electronics behind, so leave your suitcase open and next to your devices while they're charging.

Though voltage converters are rarely needed any more, as most electronics either charge via USB or can handle a voltage input from 110 to 240 volts, you will likely need a plug adapter. And you'll probably want more than one. A universal adapter is handy, but if you know you'll only need one plug type, you may want to get a couple of those smaller, specific adapters instead.

I f you're looking to back that pack up and get some guidance, send your questions to [email protected] !

Your Guide To Flying With Jetstar

Tom Goward | 27/01/2021

Jetstar Airways is a fully owned subsidiary of Qantas, who created the airline in 2003 as part of a two-brand strategy in response to the threat posed by Virgin Blue (now Virgin Australia). The master plan was to position Jetstar for the low-cost market, leaving Qantas to take on the premium full-service sector. Nowadays, Jetstar is one of the world’s most successful value-based airlines, and is currently Australia’s only major low-cost carrier after Tigerair’s demise in late 2020.

Tip: check out our guide on the Jetstar price beat guarantee to save on your next flight!

Jetstar is unquestionably a “you get what you pay for” airline. Put simply, customers who expect Jetstar to offer the same service as parent airline Qantas are not choosing Jetstar for the right reasons. Jetstar is a good option for those who want to get to their destination for as little as possible, and don’t mind skipping some of the benefits to save a buck.

In this post:

Airbus A320/A321

Boeing 787-8, economy bundles, business bundles, booking jetstar flights through qantas, food & beverage, inflight entertainment, earning qantas points/status credits, booking jetstar flights with qantas points, jetstar’s price beat guarantee, the jetstar fleet.

According to Planespotters.net , Jetstar currently holds a fleet of 68 aircraft with an average aircraft age of 10.3 years.

Jetstar Airways has 49 Airbus A320 aircraft and 8 Airbus A321 aircraft in their fleet. You can expect to fly on these aircraft on domestic routes, as well as some shorter international flights, with the larger A321 used on flights with increased demand. Each aircraft is configured in a 3-3 all-economy layout, with 180 seats on the A320 and 220 to 230 on the A321.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is Jetstar’s most modern aircraft, with the first of the type delivered to the airline in 2013. The Boeing 787 features state-of-the-art technology to improve passenger comfort and fatigue, including cabin pressurisation that is 2000ft lower than traditional aircraft and improved cabin humidity. Jetstar’s 11 Boeing 787 aircraft operate on long-haul international routes, configured with 21 seats in a 2-3-2 layout in Business, and 314 seats in a 3-3-3 layout in Economy.

Fare types and bundles

Normally you can only add bundles to your fare at the time of booking directly through Jetstar’s website. The cost of each bundle will differ based on the length of each flight, and can sometimes cost more than adding items such as checked baggage and meals individually.

There are six main Jetstar fare types:

• Starter – base fare
• Flex – designed for business travellers
• Plus – designed for general travellers
• Max – for maximum extras
• Business – base business class fare
• Business Max – a business class fare with the lot

Jetstar often cost more when booked through the Qantas website, even with all the trimmings added. However, sometimes it may be your only option for a connecting flight. If you book a Jetstar flight through Qantas’ website, you will get a choice between a Starter or Max fare.

Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic may result in slightly different fare policies, including waived change fees on some bookings.

As with most low-cost airlines, Jetstar does not provide complimentary food and drink. Instead, you have the option to purchase items online before your flight or from the onboard menu. If you selected a Plus or Max bundle, or you are travelling in Business, food and beverage is included in the ticket price.

Note that Jetstar only accepts card payment onboard.

Jetstar does not provide inflight entertainment on all domestic flights. On international flights operated by B787 aircraft, you will have the option to pay extra for inflight entertainment.

As part of the Qantas Group, you can earn Qantas Points and Status Credits when flying with Jetstar. To earn Qantas Points and Status Credits you must purchase either the Plus, Max or Business Max bundle.

Want to know more? Check out our guide here !

Jetstar award redemptions cost 20% less points than Qantas award redemptions. The best way to book award redemptions with Jetstar is on the Qantas website.

You can also use “points plus pay” on the Jetstar or Qantas website (just before payment) however, this is likely to cost more than a standard redemption.

If you are searching for the cheapest flight available, Jetstar’s Price Beat Guarantee is a great way to book some seriously cheap flights. The Price Beat Guarantee works a bit like Bunnings. If you find a cheaper flight with either another airline or a Jetstar flight on an eligible third party website, Jetstar will beat it by 10%.

Note that Price Beat bookings are always Economy Starter fares, although you do have the option of adding extras such as checked baggage and seat selection. You can’t add a bundle to a price beat booking.

Jetstar can be a great option for travellers who want to get to their destination for the lowest price possible. I have never had a bad experience when I have chosen to fly with Jetstar, although there are some horror stories out there.

Chief Operating Officer & Aviation Nerd at Flight Hacks

I think the move by Jetstar to not even give a cup of tea, and charge for entertainment is a greedy policy. They try to cover it up by saying: You only have to pay for what you want: That is BS. Jetstar is just trying to recoup what they lost in the lockdown. Jetstar has not lowered its price and is just charging for something we got as part of the flight. If you can’t afford entertainment you have to sit for over 2 hrs doing nothing. I have bad eyesight, I can’t read anymore, and as I am paying for all 4 of our group itsw just not worth being loyal to Jetstar.

When you say “just” that much it opens up eyes and speaks volumes about you. As the useless say: “just saying”.

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The 19-Step International Travel Checklist: How to Prepare to Go Abroad

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Michela

Traveling internationally is both exciting and intimidating – with so many moving parts to keep track of while trip planning, you don’t want to forget essentials that will make your international travel experience safe and stress-free. With this international travel checklist , you’ll know exactly the steps to take in preparing for your upcoming trip.

Preparing for an international trip is not just about deciding what outfits you’re going to wear or what activities you’re trying to cross off your bucket list or how you’re going to stay entertained on a long-haul flight .

Travel prep includes everything from researching the visa requirements of your destination to finding a pet-sitter to simply having a pen on the plane.

This international travel checklist gives an overview of all the steps you should take before departure, plus important travel tips we often overlook, to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Download the PDF International Travel Checklist

Step one is to convert this informative post into a handy checklist you can download and print as your international travel prep gets underway!

You will receive tons of information about preparing for international travel throughout this post, but if you’re looking for a quick and easy fix, you can jump straight to the downloadable checklist of the actionable steps you need to take.

It’s also a helpful handout to keep things organized as you’re preparing to go abroad – you have a lot to think about, so a printed list can at least streamline one aspect of your trip prep!

Not to mention you can download so much more, like a packing list or photo editing presets, since this checklist is part of The Travel Library .

Email address

Preparing for International Travel: Before Departure

1. check visa entry requirements for your destination.

The first thing you should do when preparing for international travel is update yourself if there are any visa requirements for entering the country with the passport you hold (I have the most experience with my US passport, so I’ll mostly be referencing travel as a US citizen.)

You can do a quick check for visa requirements by country and then contact the embassy covering your jurisdiction to proceed with applying for a visa if necessary.

2. Book Plane Tickets & Other Important Reservations In Advance

As soon as you know you’re leaving the country, start looking to book flights, accommodation, car rentals, and any other reservations that would be detrimental to your itinerary to not have planned.

Use my favorite cheap flight hacks to find a flight and keep in mind countries can be strict if you don’t have a return ticket home. Have some kind of proof of onward travel or your return plane ticket when going through customs.

3. Ensure Documents Are Up To Date

The most important document for international travel is your passport. Besides not losing it, you must make sure the document is not expired.

Passport renewals should be done as soon as possible if you realize your passport is expired before your next trip.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some destinations will not allow you in their country if your passport will expire within 6 months of your trip or if you don’t have enough blank pages.

4. Enroll In The STEP Program

United States citizens should always enter their trip information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , offered by the US Department of State.

By entering your information, you will then be notified by email of any relevant safety news affecting your destination, including protests, emergencies, and embassy contact information.

If an emergency does occur, it makes it easier for the embassy to contact you and your family, so this is one of the most important things to do on this international travel checklist.

5. Plan For How You Will Use Your Phone

This has always been a big one for me – probably because I’ve been in countless situations where my phone doesn’t work while I travel!

You have several options for figuring out how you will use your phone abroad:

• Pay for your international phone plan through your domestic provider. (Typically expensive, but convenient)
• Only use free WiFi.
• Buy a local SIM card. (You can learn about the basics in my guide to buying a SIM card in Italy .)
• Pay for a WiFi roaming hotspot like Solis .

Depending on your budget and duration of your trip, some options are better than others. If you’re only abroad for a week, then I would just use free WiFi or pay for an international phone plan through my provider.

Anything longer and paying for a SIM card is way more worth it. The SIM takes a few days to activate, so even though it’s cheaper still than an international phone plan, it’s not very convenient for travels less than a week.

6. Notify Your Bank Where You’re Traveling To

Depending on your bank, you may have to submit a travel notification so they know what days and where you will be out of the country in order to not flag your purchases as fraud.

Also find out if the bank or certain credit card companies charge fees for international transactions.

7. Buy Travel Insurance

I typically never buy travel insurance, but going abroad is a different story. Not only is your trip abroad expensive, but your health insurance will likely not cover you for anything while you’re in a foreign country.

It is worth it to protect your trip and be prepared for any emergencies by investing in travel insurance. World Nomads has different policies for your needs and budget to keep you covered and have some peace of mind while traveling.

8. Ensure You Have Enough of Any Prescription Medication During Your Travels

Before embarking on your trip, order and pick up any medication or vitamins you will need for the duration of your trip.

Items like toiletries and clothes are easy to get abroad, but prescription medication is not something you want to forget.

Pro Tip: Always keep medicine in your carry-on in case your checked bag gets lost.

9. Obtain An International Driving Permit (If Necessary)

If you are planning to go on a road trip abroad, rent a car, or drive for any reason, then make sure to check if your US Driver’s License is valid in that country.

In most cases, you will have to get an International Driving Permit which is basically an authentication of your US Driver’s License.

Do this step several weeks in advance of your trip in case you have to wait for the permit by mail.

10. Receive Required Vaccinations (If Necessary)

The CDC has a feature to search for health information according to each destination around the globe. This includes current public health situations in the country and required vaccines, if any, upon entry.

11. Research Your Destination’s Current Conditions

What’s the weather like where you’re traveling to? Is there a holiday occurring during your travel dates? Asking yourself these questions and finding the answers will help you to avoid bumps in your itinerary as best as possible.

Being far away from home, you won’t have the same comforts and resources. Surprises like a national holiday where no stores are open or a train strike (yes, both of these happen in Italy where I live) can freak you out if you have to change around your travel plans!

Spontaneity is one of the most fun parts of traveling, but having a plan to be prepared can help you avoid sticky situations.

Handle Things at Home

12. Schedule a Pet or House Sitter

Taking a trip means you can forget about your troubles at home – well, not entirely. If you need your house taken care of or someone to watch a pet, get those services in order well before you leave for your trip.

Scheduling services last-minute can mean no availability, which creates a stressful situation, which we are trying to AVOID with this checklist!

13. Stop Mail Service

You’re on vacation, but your mail is not! If your mail piles up while you’re abroad, you run the risk of items stopped being delivered.

The US post office, for example, can usually hold mail up to 30 days . If you are traveling for longer than that, you may have to sign up for a forwarding service so your mail is received.

14. Share Your Itinerary With Friends & Family

The last step for handling things at home is to share your itinerary with someone staying behind. This tip is especially important for solo travelers, so friends and family can know where you’re supposed to be and when in case something happens.

You can share your detailed itinerary through apps like Wanderlog , where you can also update it as you travel.

At minimum, give loved ones or close neighbors an idea of where you’ll be and for how long so they can keep an eye out for things back home and know how to contact you if necessary.

It’s also to helpful to leave copies of documents like your passport with your family in case of emergency.

Carry-On Packing Essentials for International Travel

There are certain items you should always keep in your carry-on – medicine, valuables like jewelry, as well as an extra outfit (especially for international trips with connecting flights – you never know if you’ll be the unlucky one to have their luggage lost.)

Keep essentials easy-to-reach all throughout your airport experience. When you need to sign something or charge your phone, you don’t want to have to open up your suitcase and dig through your stuff at the airport gate trying to try and find a pen or charging cord.

Pro Tip: Take photos of your suitcases in case they get lost. It may assist the airline in recovering your lost bags quicker!

15. Extra Pens

It may be the simplest thing to cross off on this international travel checklist, but don’t forget to throw some pens into your carry-on bag or personal item.

On international flights, you’ll have to fill out customs forms and potentially other documentation based on the destination or airline. Always bring a pen with you and keep it accessible throughout your flight.

You don’t want to be stressed trying to ask neighbors for a pen or being unprepared for customs (they like to move quickly and efficiently.)

16. Important Document Folder

Especially when traveling alone and now in 2021 with COVID-related travel restrictions and rules still in place, I always carry an easily-accessible, closable folder that holds my important documents.

In this folder I’ll keep:

• Printed Boarding Pass
• Printed Itinerary
• Copies of any necessary documents like birth certificate, SSN, etc. (I only do this if I’m doing long-term travel, like study abroad)
• Visa Documentation
• Passport (I typically keep my passport in my WANDRD Backpack because it has a secret, unidentifiable pocket on the backside for anti-theft security)
• COVID-related Travel Documents – Proof of Vaccination, Proof of Negative Test, etc.

Keep the folder accessible for check-in and customs. You may also add customs forms to this folder along your journey to make sure you don’t lose them.

Pro Tip: Make sure to also take photos of important documents like your passport. If you lose it, it could help you get a replacement faster.

17. Portable Charger

I never leave for a trip – especially a long one- without my Anker Powercore Portable Charger . While traveling internationally, you never know what can happen.

You may have the wrong outlet adapter or the USB port in the plane cabin might not work and the last thing you want to do is be without a phone.

It may be the only place you have evidence of hotel reservations, transportation tickets, and moreover, where you can contact family and friends to tell them you’re safe.

The Anker portable chargers are the best brand I’ve come across, lasting me years, and worth the $60 in comparison to buying a cheap one that will stop working after a few charges.

Storytime! I once traveled to London for a weekend and on my return flight to Italy, the plane was stuck on the tarmac for SIX HOURS! I returned to Pisa eight hours late, having missed my bus back to Florence, and my phone had been dead for hours – which also happened to be the only place I had evidence of a bus ticket to try to get on the next bus. These are the kind of situations you want to avoid by always having a portable charger on you!

18. Universal Adapter

Along the lines of keeping your phone battery alive, you want to make sure you’re traveling with a universal adapter that will fit the plugs of the country you are traveling to!

No plug adapter equals no way to charge devices, use hair appliances, or power up whatever other electronics you travel with.

Most universal adapters are inexpensive and – as they say – universal, meaning they can work with a lot of different plug types. Make sure your destination is one of the plug types included before you purchase.

19. Cash in Local Currency

I personally prefer to use my card when I travel, but it depends on your destination and your bank’s policies if that’s a viable option for you.

For example, if your bank charges high fees for using your card abroad, then paying in local currency may be more economical. On the other hand, some destinations more than others are going to widely accept debit and credit cards.

Whether you wish to pay in cash or card throughout your travels, I recommend exchanging at least a couple of days’ worth in currency to ensure you have a backup method of payment in case of emergency.

Think about if you will need to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel and any purchases you may have to make as soon as you arrive in the country. The more things that fall into that category, the more money I would exchange into local currency.

Plus, if you forgot to notify your bank of your travels, you may not be able to take out cash from ATMs or your card may be declined.

Find out more about currency and using ATMs abroad before you go. Just remember, it’s always good to have a backup plan!

Final Thoughts

Traveling abroad is an incredibly rewarding experience. This international travel checklist covers all the serious stuff you need to take care of before your trip.

But it’s all so that you can avoid stressful situations and travel away from home with peace of mind!

I hope these tips were helpful and allow you to enjoy your international travel while being adequately prepared!

Any questions about the international travel checklist? Leave me a comment!

Save this checklist on Pinterest!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

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12 Tips to Prepare for an International Trip

Tips for take-off to landing

Going on an international trip soon? The rules for international flights have many dos and don't's. Here are 12 tips gleaned from experienced globe trotters designed to make that long-haul flight easier. 

Pack Lightly

On one of my first international business trips as an adult, I overpacked drastically. Guess who had to carry a large heavy suitcase, a large purse, and a garment bag around Paris at Metro and train stations that didn’t have elevators or escalators? After that, I swore to only pack what I could comfortably carry by myself. Check out my packing tips here.

Choose an Aisle Seat

On long flights, it’s recommended that you get up and walk to stretch your muscles and avoid blood clots in your legs. This is much easier to do in an aisle seat, so book one as soon as you book your ticket.

There's an App for That!

Apps can be a savior when traveling, but especially when you're abroad. You can use travel apps them to keep in touch with your airline, translate different languages, search for services at airports, choose your seats and myriad other tasks.

Dress Accordingly

On a long flight, you want to look well-dressed, but you also want to be comfortable. so you don’t want to wear clothes that cut or bind. I wear a wrinkle-proof jacket that can double as a blanket or a pillow, and I always wear a long pashmina for the same reason. The pashmina can also be used as a wrap, a pillow, a skirt cover and an accessory to dress up travel outfits. Buy my favorite for $10 at the Bijoux Terner website. I also wear slip-on flat shoes that are easy to take on and off at security and on your flight. All of this isbeautifully illustrated here at the Chelsea Tells Storiesblog.

Arrive Early

Most airlines want you at the airport at least two hours before your flight takes off, especially if you’re leaving from a U.S. international gateway airport . It will give you time to check your bags, check in, navigate the airport security checkpoint and get to your gate in plenty of time and arrive ​stress-free.

Zip Through Customs

Those who travel internationally know that U.S. Customs and Immigration lines can be a nightmare, especially at peak arrival times at the major international U.S. airports. Smart travelers carry the  Global Entry  card, which speeds you right past the Immigration and Customs lines. And a bonus -- it also works for the domestic Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program .

Lounge Around

Because you need to be at the airport so far in advance, consider paying for access to an airline-branded or airport lounge. There are plenty of lounges that allow you to pay a fee for entry. It's good to have time away from the masses before boarding your flight.

Drink Water

It’s OK to have a glass of wine or two while on your flight, but you really need to stay hydrated, because aircraft cabins are extremely dry. And instead of bothering flight attendants for endless little cups of water, go to your local dollar store, buy a water bottle and ask them to fill that up.

Cone of Silence

Nothing is worse than being on a plane with a screaming child or a chatty Cathy seatmate. That’s why I never travel without either a pair of  noise canceling headphones or my Beats Flex By Dr. Dre earbuds. Pop on either of them and enjoy the silence.

Sleepy Time

When it’s time to rest, you want to be comfortable. So invest in an inflatable neck pillow (I know they look silly, but they are a great sleep enhancer), an eye mask and comfortable socks.

Charge Me Up

More airlines are installing power ports on their aircraft, but you can’t always depend on that. When I flew to Paris for Christmas, the flight over had a USB port, but the flight home didn’t. That’s why I always carry mytrusty Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo, which allows me to charge my iPhone and iPad quickly.

Show The Love

The flight attendants are there for your safety. But they also work hard to ensure that our flight is comfortable and stress-free. Show your appreciation by presenting them with a box of sealed chocolates, like Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares or Ferrero Rocher truffles. And although you're not expecting it, they may show the love back to you in return. 

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Simple Flying

Jetstar reboots its international network.

Lately, Qantas has hogged the headlines when it comes to resuming international flights in and out of Australia, but offshoot airline Jetstar is also dusting off its planes and preparing to resume international operations once again.

Jetstar is getting ready to fly at around 25 routes to eight countries over the next few months using a mixture of Airbus A320-200 and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Here's a rundown on when various routes are resuming and how often Jetstar plans to fly on them.

Jetstar beefs up its trans-Tasman flying from January 1

Jetstar plans to fly nine routes between Australia and New Zealand by the start of 2022. New Zealand isn't allowing quarantine-free entry for Australians into New Zealand yet. However, judging by the schedules, Jetstar (and other airlines) are clearly confident this will happen by the New Year.

From January 1, 2022, Jetstar is offering a daily return between Sydney and Auckland using an Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Also resuming from January 1 is a daily return Airbus 320 flight between Sydney and Queenstown.

The Queensland holiday hotspot of the Gold Coast is a significant jumping-off point for Jetstar flights to New Zealand, with four routes offered. Daily return flights to Auckland, thrice-weekly return flights to Christchurch, five times weekly return flights to Wellington, and thrice-weekly return flights to Queenstown are timetabled to operate from the Gold Coast from January 1, 2022. Jetstar is using its Airbus A320-200 aircraft on these routes.

There are also three Jetstar routes to New Zealand from Melbourne in the offing, including to Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. From January 1, Jetstar will offer eight weekly A320 return flights between Melbourne and Auckland (daily with a double daily on Saturdays), four times a week return A320 flights to Christchurch, and daily return A320 flights to Queenstown.

Jetstar eyes Bali flights from February 2022

There is currently lots of noise Bali is about to drop its unusual five-day quarantine for fully vaccinated tourists, and while Jetstar isn't yet locking in their usual full gamut of flights to Bali yet, they are putting flights to Bali from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane into their schedules.

From February 1, Jetstar is planning thrice-weekly return 787-8 Dreamliner flights between Sydney and Denpasar, with flights initially running on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. It is the same deal from Melbourne, with three times a week return Dreamliner flights to Denpasar. The ex-Melbourne flights will initially run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

The likelihood of international flights operating out of Brisbane by February is less certain. Nonetheless, Jetstar has thrice-weekly Dreamliner return flights between Brisbane and Denpasar beginning February 2. Flights will initially operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays.

Jetstar might be taking a punt on Brisbane re-opening by February, but it knows Perth is a lost cause. They haven't scheduled any flights to Denpasar from Perth until the start of the northern summer flying season in late March 2022. Even then, seats on those flights have not been released for sale.

Jetstar also normally flies to Denpasar from Adelaide and Darwin. Early 2022 flights from either city are not yet timetabled in or available for sale.

Jetstar's Japan flights take-off again

Jetstar's routes to Japan from both Cairns and the Gold Coast are coming back, with flights resuming in early March. Jetstar will once again start flying its Dreamliners between the Gold Coast and Tokyo Narita on March 2. The flights will initially run three times a week on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Monday.

Flights between Cairns and Narita are resuming slightly sooner on February 1. Jetstar will fly four times a week between the two cities using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft to make the seven and a half hour flight. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Jetstar's other Japan route from Cairns is to Osaka's Kansai Airport . Thrice weekly Dreamliner flights there will resume on February 2, with flights running on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.

In an easterly direction, Jetstar is restarting its popular flights to Honolulu in March. Jetstar now has flights for sale to Honolulu from Sydney. The ex-Sydney flights will commence on March 3 and operate three times a week on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.

Jetstar usually also flies to Honolulu from Melbourne. It has twice-weekly flights timetabled in from early March 2022 but has not yet released these flights for sale. Jetstar uses its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners on its Honolulu runs.

Get your boarding pass  to the flight of the year. The  Future Flying Forum  is taking off soon!

A roundup of the remaining Jetstar international routes

There remain a handful of international routes resuming early next year. Jetstar is restarting its flights to Fiji on December 17, offering daily return A320-200 flights from Sydney.

Sydney will also host a new Jetstar service to Phuket, thrice-weekly flights starting on February 2. A Jetstar Dreamliner will take nine hours to make the flight to Phuket every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Flights to Phuket from Melbourne will resume one day later on February 3. Jetstar will operate return flights twice-weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.

Both Singapore and Ho Chi Minh will initially see two Jetstar routes early next year. Singapore will get Jetstar flights in from Melbourne and Darwin. Dreamliner flights from Melbourne are resuming on December 16 and will operate four times a week every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Thrice-weekly return flights between Darwin and Singapore will restart on December 21. The flights will operate every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Jetstar's Airbus A320-200s will fly this relatively short four-and-a-half-hour sector.

Finally, Ho Chi Minh will see Jetstar flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Jetstar will fly a Dreamliner to Vietnam from Sydney every Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday from April 1. Dreamliner flights to Ho Chi Minh will run every Saturday, Monday, and Thursday from April 2.

Still a dynamic flying environment

There are a few caveats to point out. Schedules in and out of Australia are pretty dynamic right now as border reopening dates shift and countries do travel corridor and quarantine deals.

A travel corridor with Singapore has just been announced, meaning frequencies there may increase and start dates come forward. A travel corridor with Bali is also imminent, which means more flights to Bali and probably sooner.

There is no guarantee New Zealand will be open to Australian travelers by January 1.

While you can have a degree of confidence most flights from both Sydney and Melbourne will resume on or before their current planned dates, you cannot say the same for international flights from other Australian cities.

Jetstar's route rollout is good news, and there's a reasonable degree of certainty behind it. But like most things flying these days, circumstances can change at very short notice.

Guided History Of Jetstar Airways

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Jetstar Airways History

Jetstar Airways is an Australian low-cost airline that was founded in 2003. It is a subsidiary of Qantas Airways and operates both domestic and international flights. The airline was established with the aim of providing affordable air travel options to the public.

Jetstar Airways made its inaugural flight on May 25, 2004, from Sydney to the Gold Coast. The airline quickly gained popularity among travelers due to its competitive fares and extensive route network. In its early years, Jetstar Airways focused primarily on domestic flights within Australia.

As the airline grew, it expanded its operations to include international destinations. Jetstar Airways now serves numerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It has also established partnerships with other airlines to provide seamless connections for its passengers.

More Airline Insights & Tips

Here are a few of helpful resources & tips that can further enhance your knowledge of Jetstar Airways airlines and how to best be prepared for your trip:

• Delays are an unfortunate fact of the life of an air traveler. Arm yourself against surprises by knowing the flight status of your JQ Jetstar Airways flight before heading to the airport, as this could save you a lot of time, or even your trip to the airport if your flight is canceled.
• Info can be found here on Jetstar Airways’s company structure , headquarters, etc.
• See which partnerships and alliances Jetstar Airways has here. This is useful if you want to build up your frequent flyer points on partner airlines.
• Want to know which plane types are in service? Check out JQ’s fleet list here.
• When considering a flight booking on Jetstar Airways, be aware that third-party travel sites might require you to use their customer service instead of Jetstar Airways's, which may be less than ideal in certain situations.

Beyond the history presented here for Jetstar Airways, if you’re wanting more aviation history, read about the history of commercial flight here , or the history of the airline industry here .

Over the years, Jetstar Airways has continuously modernized its fleet to ensure safety and efficiency. The airline operates a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A320s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These modern aircraft enable Jetstar Airways to offer a comfortable and reliable travel experience to its passengers.

Jetstar Airways has received several awards and accolades for its commitment to customer service and operational excellence. It has been recognized as the Best Low-Cost Airline in the Australia-Pacific region by Skytrax, a prestigious aviation research firm.

Today, Jetstar Airways continues to be a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. The airline remains committed to providing affordable air travel options without compromising on safety or quality. With its extensive route network and modern fleet, Jetstar Airways offers a convenient and reliable travel experience for passengers.

For more information about this airline, check out our comprehensive Jetstar Airways Guide .

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American Airlines is preparing for summer travel with new premium onboard amenities — take a look

• American Airlines is launching its first rotating collection of premium amenities Memorial Day Weekend.
• It includes a new front-row flagship suite, new bedding, and enhanced dining options. 
• The new amenity kit program will cycle skincare products and offer limited-edition specialty kits. 

American Airlines is gearing up for summer travel with new luxury in-flight offerings for its customers.

American is launching its first rotating collection of premium onboard amenities over Memorial Day Weekend. It will be available on 300 international and transcontinental flights.

The offerings include new bedding, dining options, and an amenity kit program that lets premium passengers sample different skincare brands and products.

"We thoughtfully curate each element of the onboard experience so every customer can look forward to the time they spend in flight," American's vice president of customer experience, Kim Cisek, said in a statement. "Part of the magic of travel is connecting our customers to the people and experiences that matter most to them."

While most of the new amenities are being offered to premium cabins, main cabin passengers will also have access to new bedding and other seat enhancements.

Passengers in the main cabin will have access to 4K seatback screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and new charging ports. All customers will have access to 1,500 free entertainment content options and can use high-speed WiFi.

Passengers can kick back in the flagship suites with new privacy doors and chaise lounge positions.

Customers traveling in American's flagship suite seat will have access to wireless charging, Bluetooth capability, and multiple storage spaces.

Passengers traveling in premium economy can also enjoy new amenities like wireless charging, additional storage space, and privacy headrest wings.

Customers looking for more luxury can sit front row on the new Boeing 787-9 and 777-300 aircraft's flagship suite preferred seat.

The new seat offers customers additional space and storage. It will offer additional amenities for passengers' comfort, like a Nest Bedding mattress pad, a throw blanket, and a memory foam lumbar pillow.

The seat will also have Nest Bedding pajamas and an exclusive amenity kit featuring additional skincare products.

American used customer research to enhance its bedding in all cabins.

American decided to offer dual-sided pillows to flagship first and business class after research indicated 75% of its customers preferred different materials on each side of their pillows. The new pillow will have cool touch fabric on one side and traditional fabric on the other.

Travelers in flagship business class can now enjoy slippers onboard.

The slippers used to only be offered on ultra-long-haul flights.

Customers in all cabins will enjoy enhanced bedding, with cabin-specific offerings like lumbar pillows, throw blankets, premium duvets, and fleece blankets.

American says the new bedding packaging will save 25 tons of plastic waste a year.

American collaborated with inflight textile company John Horsfall to create bedding from recycled materials. Nearly all the pillows, duvets, and blankets were made with recycled fibers, and filled bedding will be 100% recycled.

Customers traveling in premium cabins will also receive their bedding in a reusable zipper bag made with recycled fibers to reduce plastic waste from distribution.

International business class passengers can try out new flavors inspired by international cuisine and American Airlines destinations worldwide.

American is offering new menu offerings to business class passengers on international US inbound and outbound flights.

Some of the meals include macadamia-crusted sea bass with citrus cream sauce, quinoa, toasted orzo, and haricot verts.

American is also offering enhanced dining options to domestic travelers in first class.

Customers can also choose from new preorder options.

Preorder options will continue to roll out this spring for business class on flights from the US to international destinations.

Business class, premium economy, and first class passengers can pre-order all of the meals offered to their cabins. The main cabin doesn't have pre-ordering available but passengers receive a complimentary in-flight snack and beverage. They can also purchase food through the buy-on-board program.

Passengers in premium cabins will also have access to the new amenity kit program.

American's amenity kit includes basic comfort amenities like a toothbrush, dental kit, eye mask, and earplugs. The kit will also cycle different skincare products and offerings in premium cabins.

American collaborated with beauty retailer Thirteen Lune to curate skincare offerings in the amenity kit.

The kit will feature high-quality beauty brands from Thirteen Lune's tailored collection. Passengers can scan a QR code in the kit to learn about each brand and partner featured.

Customers will receive the Thirteen Lune kit for the first few weeks of the kickoff to the new program.

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