When you’re flying to an international location like London, you’ve got to be properly prepared ahead of time. You’ve got to be sure that you have your passport, that you’ve properly packed your bags, and that you’ve found London luggage storage in the case that you arrive before your hotel or Airbnb is ready. Perhaps most important for take off is preparing yourself to abide by TSA regulations. If you don’t, you’ll run the risk of delaying yourself from getting to your gate on time, and potentially missing your flight, which can set you days back when it comes to traveling to an international destination. If you’ve never traveled to London (or any other country outside of the United States) before, we’re here to help with a breakdown of everything that you need to know about abiding by TSA regulations before you fly.
What is the TSA?
If you’ve traveled by plane throughout the United States, you’ve definitely encountered the TSA. The TSA, or the Transportation Security Administration, is a federal agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that is in charge of keeping the transportation systems within the United States as safe as possible. The TSA was created mainly in response to the terrorist attacks that occurred in New York City on September 11th, 2001. Since its creation, the TSA has created a series of detailed regulations with the safety of United States travelers in mind. The TSA places intense importance on the safety of air travel, to ensure that no passengers board with items that could be potentially dangerous to the safety of a flight.
How to Abide by TSA Regulations for an International Flight
When preparing for an international flight outside of the United States, you’ll still have to abide by TSA regulations on your way out of the country. In order to ensure that you’re in like with the TSA’s rules, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve prepared for the following before you fly:
Have Your Passport on Hand
While a driver’s license or state identification card is a valid form of ID to use to board a domestic flight, you’re going to need to have your passport with you in order to get past TSA checkpoints to board a flight to an international destination. In order to get a passport you’re going to need to fill out an application. From there, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with your local passport office. At your appointment, they’ll process your documents and take a photo of you for your passport. Passports are valid for ten years from their issuing date. If you already have a passport, but it’s been ten years, you’ll need to renew it. The passport renewal process is similar to the original passport application process, and you’ll need to fill out a new form and get a new picture taken.
If you’re traveling internationally, you’re going to want to get your passport sorted out well in advance. New passports and passport renewals typically take about seven to ten weeks to be processed, so you won’t want to wait until the week before your flight to get your passport ready.
Be Sure to Pack Liquids Properly
When flying within or outside of the United States, you’re going to want to be sure to pack your liquids in accordance with TSA guidelines. For carry on bags, you can only pack liquids under three ounces, and all must fit in a single one quart plastic bag. For larger liquids, you’ll want to pack them in your checked baggage.
Don’t Pack Any Banned Items
The TSA has a list of items that are banned for air travel. Most of them are self-explanatory: for instance, it’s illegal to pack firearms, weapons, explosives, and other flammable liquids. There are many special rules about what items you can pack depending on if your bag is a carry-on or checked bag, so be sure to do some research on the items that you’re bringing if you’re not sure if they’re okay. You’ll also want to do your due diligence and double check that the items that you’re bringing are also alright for travel within the country that you’re headed to.
How to Store Your Bags Internationally
When traveling to an international location like London, you’re going to want to find a place to store your bags when you arrive. Luckily there’s plenty of London luggage storage in and around the city. A great amount of London luggage storage is located adjacent to popular train stations, which you can reach easily after leaving the airport. With London luggage storage, you can secure a place to drop your bags, so you don’t have to carry them with you while you explore the city. After you’ve made sure that your baggage fits TSA and international regulations, take the time to book London luggage storage, so you can store your bags and start exploring as soon as you touch down.
In Conclusion
It’s essential to abide by TSA regulations when planning to travel internationally to a location like London. Be sure that your luggage is in line with TSA rules, and you’ll be jetting off with nothing to fret over.
