FAQ
Questions travelers ask us most
Grouped by subject. If your question is not here, the full guides go into far more detail, and you can always write to us.
Before Flying
- How early should I get to the airport?
- For domestic flights two hours before departure is a comfortable target, and three hours for international departures. Add time if you are checking bags, travelling in a group, or flying from a very busy airport at peak hours.Read the full guide
- How much passport validity do I need?
- Many countries ask for at least six months of validity beyond your arrival date, and some ask for three. Check the entry rules for your destination and for any country where you change planes.Travel documents checklist
- Does the name on my ticket have to match my passport exactly?
- It should match closely. Small differences such as a missing middle name are often fine, but a misspelled surname can cause problems at check-in. Contact the airline as soon as you notice an error.
- Should I check in online or at the airport?
- Online check-in is faster and usually opens between 24 and 48 hours before departure. You still need a bag drop counter if you have hold luggage.Online check-in guide
Airports
- What do I have to take out of my bag at security?
- It depends on the airport equipment. Older lanes usually want liquids and large electronics out and coats and belts off. Newer scanners often let you leave everything in the bag. Follow the signs and the staff instructions in the lane you are in.How screening works
- How do I find my gate in a huge terminal?
- Use the flight information displays rather than memory, and note whether your gate is in a separate concourse that needs a train or shuttle. Allow 15 to 25 minutes for walking in the largest airports.Airport navigation guide
- Can I leave the airport during a layover?
- Sometimes. It depends on the length of the layover, whether you need to clear immigration, and whether your destination requires a transit visa. If in doubt, ask the airline before you land.Long layover guide
Flights
- How can I sleep better on a long flight?
- Choose a window seat if you can, use layers rather than one heavy jacket, set your watch to the destination time and avoid alcohol. An eye mask and earplugs make more difference than most travel gadgets.Overnight flight comfort
- How much water should I drink in the air?
- Cabin air is dry, so drink more than you would on the ground. A refillable bottle filled after security is easier than waiting for the drinks cart.
- What if my connection looks too tight after a delay?
- Tell the crew before landing, check the airline app for a new gate, and if you know the connection is impossible ask whether they can start the rebooking while you are still in the air.Tight connections
Baggage
- What if my bag does not arrive?
- Report it at the baggage service desk in the arrivals area before you leave the airport. You will get a reference number, usually a file number, that tracks the search and any claim.Delayed baggage steps
- When is a bag considered lost rather than delayed?
- Airlines normally treat a bag as lost after around 21 days of searching, though the exact period varies by carrier. Until then it is officially delayed.Lost baggage guide
- My suitcase arrived broken. Is that covered?
- Report damage before you leave the airport if possible. Airlines often repair, replace or compensate depending on the age and value of the bag, but they usually exclude normal wear such as minor scuffs.Damaged baggage guide
- Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
- No. Spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in the cabin. Check your airline's dangerous goods page for capacity limits.
Travel Problems
- My flight was cancelled. What comes first?
- Get in the rebooking queue and simultaneously try the app and the phone line. Ask about alternative routes and about meal or hotel provision if you are stuck overnight. Keep every document.Cancelled flight guide
- Am I entitled to compensation for a delay?
- That depends on the airline, the route and the local rules, and on the reason for the delay. We cannot confirm entitlement for your ticket, so check the airline's conditions of carriage and the relevant passenger rights authority.Delayed flight guide
- I missed my connection because the first flight was late. Who fixes it?
- If both flights are on one booking the airline normally rebooks you at no extra cost. If you booked them separately, the second airline may treat it as a missed flight, which is why self connecting carries risk.Missed connection guide
Destinations
- Do your city guides include prices?
- We give rough ranges and journey times so you can plan, but fares change. Always confirm current prices with the operator before you travel.Browse destinations
- Which cities do you cover?
- New York City, London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Tokyo at the moment. Each guide focuses on arrival, transport and orientation rather than sightseeing lists.
Website and Support
- Does Support In Flight book flights or hotels?
- No. We are an information website. The flight search area on the home page is a lookup interface and we do not sell tickets or take payments for travel.
- Is the information legal advice?
- No. Our guides explain how things usually work and what to ask. For entitlements and legal questions, rely on the airline's terms and the relevant authority in your country.
- How do I contact you?
- By phone on +1 505-883-2057 or by post at 6600 Menaul Blvd NE Ste B13, Albuquerque, NM 87110, US. You can also use the form on the contact page.Contact page
- How often is content updated?
- We review guides periodically. Airline and airport rules change often, so treat our pages as orientation and confirm details with the operator before you travel.
Still not answered?
Send us the question and we will reply, and if it comes up often it becomes a guide. You can also call the office on +1 505-883-2057 during Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 Mountain Time.
Ask a question