What do I need for an international flight?

A passport valid 6+ months, any required visa or ETIAS, boarding passes, travel insurance, a card that works abroad, and your medications, power bank, and liquids packed correctly for the cabin. Arrive about 3 hours early for international departures.

How early should I get to the airport for an international flight?

Aim for 3 hours before departure. International check-in, security, and passport control take longer than domestic, and many airlines close international check-in 60-90 minutes before the flight.

Can I bring a power bank on a plane?

Yes, but only in your carry-on — lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage. Most airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh without approval; larger ones need airline permission.

International Flight Checklist

An international flight has more that can go wrong than a domestic hop — passport validity rules, visas, and stricter carry-on limits. This checklist gathers the documents to confirm, the items to pack in the cabin, and the timing to hit, so nothing sends you back from the gate. See more travel checklists.

Curated by the Gisti team · Updated July 2026

International Flight Checklist · 19 items

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
Many countries refuse entry otherwise.
Visa, ETA, or ETIAS for your destination
Apply well ahead — some take days to approve.
Printed or offline boarding pass and hotel confirmation
Travel insurance details and an emergency contact card
Copies of your passport, stored separately and in the cloud
Local currency plus a card that works abroad
Tell your bank you're travelling so it isn't frozen.
Universal power adapter for your destination's plug type
Power bank in your carry-on
Lithium batteries are banned from checked bags.
Medications in your carry-on, in original packaging
With a doctor's note for anything unusual.
Liquids under 100ml in a clear resealable bag for cabin security
Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, with content downloaded
Neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for long-haul
Refillable water bottle — empty through security, fill after
Snacks that clear customs
Avoid fresh fruit, meat, or seeds.
A change of clothes and essentials in your carry-on
In case checked luggage is delayed.
Check your baggage allowance and weigh your bag at home
Overweight fees are steep at the airport.
Offline maps and a translation app downloaded before you fly
A roaming plan or local eSIM set up before departure
Arrive at the airport about 3 hours before an international departure

Make it yours in Gisti

Open this checklist in Gisti to tick items off, add your own, set reminders, and keep it in sync across Android and the web. AI can tailor every item to your exact situation.

Open Gisti