first time flyer - making her int'l solo move a little less stressful

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aleaf

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Dec 13, 2013
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(apologies if this is wrong spot for this)

After much ado, the wife of a friend is finally coming to join him in Sydney. They haven't seen each other in over 2 yrs and certainly didn't expect to be separated this long so you can imagine this is pretty joyous news for them.

Just pre-Covid, he had tickets to Hyderabad, planned to spend a few weeks then fly back with her but of course those plans were smashed. Now the time has come and she's making the big move solo - and for added excitement, she's never flown before. She's an intelligent capable woman but let's be honest, making your way through airports - finding your departure gate, transferring flights, customs/immi, navigating the arrivals haul with all your luggage - can be a little daunting.

Thought I'd see what the collective wisdom of AFF can suggest to help make things a little easier navigating those airports?
  • Departure airport will be Hyderabad.
  • There is a layover and transfer (but I can't recall where - will check on that).
  • Arrival - remember waaay back when a person could meet you at the gate? Oh, those were the days. (maybe that wasn't doable for int'l, can't recall)
Thanks for any suggestions, AFFers. I've worked with this guy for a few years. He's a top bloke and helping take some of the stress out for her helps take some of the stress out for him.
 
I'd explain the main process, i.e. make sure you have enough time before departure, check-in where you drop luggage off, don't see it again until arrival at destination assuming same ticket (so make sure you have any personal items you need packed in hand luggage - but also restrictions on what can be carried e.g. liquids, sharp items), get 2x boarding passes for both flights plus luggage tags, go through immigration/security, then duty free if of interest (but then liquid restrictions again, to avoid). Go through the airport map, so you have a feel of the flow and layout e.g. https://www.hyderabad.aero/pdf/International-departure.pdf

Then transfer - I suspect Singapore?. Wherever, check which terminals the flights go through and the relevant maps, transfer arrangements if different terminals and layover time to see whether there is a need to rush.

And arrival is simple, as you're directed to an exit flow which isn't long. But again follow the passage, past duty free, go through passport scanner, collect luggage and go through Customs. Then meet at Arrivals gate! And he can check which gate it's arrived at so can meet reliably there.
Again, check the map for flow:

In these times, main thing is to ensure familiarity with the covid testing requirements at destination, transit and arrival and procedures around that.
 
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