First flight domestic, second flight international.

[phillyrunner]

Another question related to our trip to Japan. We fly from Newark to Chicago, Chicago to Tokyo. Our flight from Newark is at 7:20 am. I will check us in online, have boarding passes printed and we will not be checking bags. Would you consider the first flight an "international" flight even though we are connecting in Chicago? What time would you plan on arriving to the airport? Just wondering how early I have to wake up since we have about an hour and a half ride from Philly!

[clseale]

No, not an international flight. Our last three flights have been like that (JAX to CLT to international), and we got to the airport about 1.5 hrs before the flight. (Which is what we do for any domestic flight from our airport.)

[phillyrunner]

Thanks - I've actually never had a domestic connection before an international flight! I've connected a lot internationally.

[clseale]

I'm trying to remember (I just did this 2 weeks ago, I really need to pay better attention!) lol We had to check bags, and we couldn't print our passes ahead of time, so we had to go to the counter. I think we gave her our passports, just like we would have given her our IDs, and everything else was standard. When we connect in Charlotte, we always have to go to the gate counter and have them check our passports. (A much faster process than coming back the other way.) I think we've just been fortunate with our nearby airports and our last few trips, because we've only had to connect domestically. I'm sure that would probably be different if we were traveling outside of western Europe. JAX is also a small airport, so I'd guess you'd need a bit more time in Philly.

[mdgirl]

Assuming this is all on the same airline/codeshare flights, you probably won't be able to check in online/print your boarding passes. You definitely won't be able to print your passes for the international leg. They'll want to see your passport before issuing those. You may or may not have to show your passport again at the gate (they seem to do this differently every time I fly). I also don't think you'll be able to print from a kiosk -- you'll have to stand in line and wait for an agent.

[phillyrunner]

Okay - so maybe I will plan on getting to the airport about 5 to be safe. Which means we have to leave Philly at 3:30! Yuck!!

[Deleted]

I would feel comfortable getting there at 5:30.

[alleinesein]

My last flight was SAN-DFW-LHR-BOM. I could not check in online and had to check in at the counter at the airport even though my first leg was domestic. I also had to check in at the gate at DFW to be cleared for the international leg.

[phillyrunner]

Thanks all. I will plan on getting there around 5-5:30. I am sapphire with One World (flying american airlines) so I can use the preferred/business class line which usually helps.

[CloudBee]

If the legs were booked together with Japan as the intended destination - yes, you are checking in for an international flight, even though others on that same flight may not be continuing onward.

I've always had my passport reviewed in these instances. Even when we make a domestic hop. I would plan on needing my passport initially, and again as you're about to board your 2nd leg.