Questions for frequent flyers

[Dakota_Lynn]

I'm going to Denmark in three weeks! I have flown several times, but mostly just to Disneyland or San Jose and a few times to Ohio; all from Seattle. So I'm not very experienced at all. I have a few questions for those of you with more experience than I have!

1) My ticket says I'm flying United Airlines but it is operated by Scandinavian Airlines. So which is it? Will my plane be United Air or SAS? Sorry if it's a dumb question but that has been bugging me since I bought the ticket eight months ago!

2) How does one stay comfortable on a 9½ hour flight? Any suggsetions would be much appreciated.

3) I take a lot of medications. Will I have a problem getting my prescription drugs through customs? I know to make sure I have the RX lables with me. But I always keep a seven day pill reminder box that I can slip into my camera case (so I don't have to carry all the bottles with me). Somebody told me that customs won't like it if the medication isn't all in its proper bottles. Is this true? If so, ugh, what a hassle it'll be carrying around the bottles!

I have never left North America before. This is the trip I've been dreaming of all my life and I am so excited I can hardly stand it! But I'm nervous too! I'm traveling alone, but I do have two wonderful friends in Denmark that I've known for a long time thanks to the Internet. I'll be with them the whole time. So the only thing I'm nervous about is the flight. It's very unfamiliar territory for me so if anybody has any advice for first time international travelers, my ears are wide open!

 

[smilingmouse]

Hi. I hope I can help with some of your questions.

1. The two airlines are prob. partners. The plane will most likely be Scandinavian Airlines since they are the operating airline.
2. I recommeng getting a travel pillow (or something soft) to rest you head on if you plan on sleeping. stretching in your seat helps too IMHO. I like to bring a good book and some games (word searches and a gameboy to keep myself busy.
3. I bring all of my meds in their original Rx containers. I've never had a prob. with customs but you never know...

Have a great trip!

 

[Disney Daniel]

United and Scandinavian Airlines are partners under Star Alliance, and something like this is not uncommon. Often times for example, when our family flies from Toronto to Orlando, we encounter a United Airlines flight operated by Air Canada (Air Canada is also a member of Star Alliance). In this case, you are simply flying on Air Canada aircraft. In your case, you will simply be flying SAS.

Be sure to get up and walk around every now and then during your flight and be sure to keep any medications in their original containers and you should be fine.

Have a great trip.

 

[Honu]

I have my pharmacy make me small labeled bottles, so I don't have to take the big bottles when traveling. They are pretty strict on everything now. My meds never even used to get checked, now they are opening and checking my makeup.

 

[Cool-Beans]

1. International airline stuff becomes a problem when getting credit for frequent flyer miles. Check them to make sure you're getting your credit. If you don't, don't even bother trying to fight it yourself - get the travel agent to do it!!!

2. Fly first class (easier said than done, I know...but it helps.) Or don't sleep for a long time before boarding and sleep your way through it. Read, listen to music, get up and walk to the bathroom. Long flights are a pain in the buttinski, but 9 hours isn't THAT bad. Drink LOTS of water!!!!!!! Can't stress that enough! Water, not pop or alcohol. 'Course alcohol might help make it easier.

3. I just went through an airport with several meds, including steroids, antibiotics, inhalers, a big bottle of liquid narcotics (bigger than you're technically allowed, according to the website) and had no problem. But, that was here in the U.S. of A. Never been to Denmark, can't help.

Have a great trip!!!