I'm flying internationally for the first time and am in need of travel tips/advice!?

You've gotten much of your requested information in answers already (even if some people were snotty about how they answered you). I will add that the Australian visa is one of the easiest to get with a U.S. passport. You actually can do you application online, pay a minor fee of $20 or so, and then get notification in an email that you have been issued a visa. The visa is electronically linked to your passport, unlike visas for other countries, but you MUST apply for and be approved for it before you travel. You will need information from your passport when you apply for your visa, so make sure it's handy.

It's also a very good idea to take a picture of your passport information page and either print it and leave it with someone at home or at least send it to someone at home so that if something should happen to your passport you have the information to provide to the consulate.

When it comes to luggage, keep in mind that you will likely need to pay a fee for each bag you check, and that oversized or overweight bags will cost you more, so pack with care. Make sure anything critical, like medications, eyeglasses or contact lenses, your important documents (passport), and things like your house and car keys are all in your carry on luggage. If the airline should mishandle your bag you don't want to be stuck without something you can't easily replace. Remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed there. Don't take a heavy winter coat with you if the temperatures are going to be beach weather, even if you are a little chilly getting to the airport at home.

International travel can be a little bit daunting, but a ton of fun. Don't worry, you'll be able to read the signs and talk to the people, so should be able to navigate without problems. Have a great time!

The airport can be a daunting place for the first time, but you really need to just follow the signs to get around, checkin is first and you get your boarding pass and leave your checked luggage, then you head for security, make sure your not carrying liquids above the allowed 100ml volume limit, search 3-1-1 for detail.

Flying Internationally:

1. Arrive at the Airport Early ( 3 hours).

2. Travel Light, take only what you need.

3. Dress so that you can pass through the Security check easy. No metal objects in your clothing. No jewelry.

4. Your Suitcase has to be checked in. It will be placed in the luggage compatrment and returned to you upon arrival.

5. Make sure you have a valid uptodate passport.

6. Make sure you have a VISA for the Country you want to visit. (if required)

7. Hand Carry - keep it small and light and no prohibited objects.

Arrival. = Immigration first - Baggage Claim Second - Customs third.

.The AIRPORT works the same for domestic and International Flights. Sitting on the plane is the same. The planes goes where it is pointed it does not know it crosses Borders.

WHY does it matter what part Baggage claim is in. If you are on the flight you are allowed to the area that has your baggage to be claimed. The Airport has no desire to keep it.

someone's picking me up from the airport when I land REALLY your friend can suggest a good place to meet. They should know their own Airport as you are still flying to Mystery place probably Sydney or Melbourne,

You should have about $100 Australian CASH for the first day. No need to use your credit card to buy a soda.You can use your Bank card to get more Australian Dollars from your Bank Account. The banks figure out the exchange.

Suggest you get at least a day pass for the local transit service for unlimited rides.for your exploring.

ALL International Passengers claim their luggage in a secure area. BEFORE they pass a Customs officer that can search it.

Your buddy can meet you outside the Customs area.

On security Do not pack bombs knifes saws and assorted other sharp stuff in your carry on. Suggest you read the long list of do not take and pack accordingly

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/what...

how to navigate it. If you can find your way in a shopping mall you can find your way in an Airport.

There are maps and signs on the walls to direct you and they have Uniformed HUMANS scattered around to help people find their way. They are not mind readers and you need to TALK to them. You use your mouth and utter words. Then activate your ears to get their answer.. Its like Skype but in person.

What's the cheapest option? Depends the phone plan you have call your phone service supplier and ask about the options available or look online. Not about to list All the possible plans.

WARNING not turning your phone off can result in expensive roaming charges. In particular if you send videos or use an app.Like Google map as you wander.

Is there any paperwork/IDs I may need? Passport maybe a visa. A travel plan

Planning to drive would obviously require you have a drivers license.

Maybe some important to you phone numbers and addresses written down in case your electronic thing is not working.

In Australia most speak English and can make out an American accent. Avoid slang.

Be prepared for SUN use sun screen regularly. DO NOT over pack. They have stores in Australia if you need more shampoo. You want room for all those souvenirs you plan to buy.

Some pack some old clothes with the intention of throwing them away and wear the new things they purchase.

You are on vacation not a daily fashion parade. Good shoes for WALKING. Tourists do a lot of it.

How does security work? YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW all the details.

Line up. Do as told by the security Agent and answer their questions.

You make it fast if your carry on is packed being prepared to having it emptied out and examined. Is is a few hours for the ride YOU DO NEED your entire cosmetic line for the flight.

You do not need a three week supply of.... in the cabin.

If you take medicine. Have it in the original packages and a normal quantity. SECURITY does not care. Australia Customs does.

If you take food onto the plane EAT IT. Most things will be taken from you after you land and destroyed to prevent anything coming to affect the food chain in Australia.

YOU DO NOT have automatic entry into any country. Australia officials will ask you questions. YOU ANSWER. They decide if you go out the exit or just get back on the plane and return to US.

They will expect you have good health, a reasonable plan for your time in Australia, a way to pay for it, no criminal record and a way to EXIT Australia when your visit is over.

They might want to talk to your friend that is meeting you.Helps to have their phone number.

Good idea to have some get you home insurance for just in case. A medical evacuation back to home can be $20,000 or more. Tripping over your feet could be an expensive visit to a doctor.

https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/airport-guide/arr...

Suggest you read this part

Breeze through checks

TSA and Airline staff ARE NOT Australia Immigration or Customs.

Just before landing you will be given an Australia Customs forms to fill out. DO IT. May want to carry a pen in your carry on or pocket.

Curb your enthusiasm for Alcohol. Not a good idea to pass Immigration or Customs while drunk. They can detain you until you sober up.DO NOT expect an easy entry as next step.

Australia Customs can search you and your luggage. Suggest you fill in your form HONESTLY. Showing stuff has no penalty other than possible confiscation. Trying to hide it can be expensive when they find it.

NOT A GOOD idea to have shall we say recreational drug things.FIDO and FLUFFY have real good noses for it.

Just in case you have not figured it out AUSTRALIA has their own currency It is the Australian Dollar. It feels funny it is made from plastic.Very Colourful.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Australian+Currenc...

DO NOT Carry all your cash in one place. A few small bills in each pocket when out and about. NO NEED to pull out the whole lot of it every time you buy something..

You will check your bags at the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport. When you arrive in Australia, you will go through immigration/passport control, then collect your bag, then go through customs. You can meet whoever is picking you up after customs. They will not be able to meet you before that.

Security involves going through a body scanner while your belongings are scanned by an x-ray type machine. You will have to remove any belts and outerwear that you have, as well as your shoes, and will have to empty your pockets. All of those things will go through the x-ray. You will walk through the scanner and then pick up your items on the other end. You do need to have any liquid/gel items that you have in carry-on packed correctly - they must be in containers 3.4oz or smaller, and must all be in a single 1-qt ziploc baggie. That baggie is supposed to come out of your carry-on bag at security so that it can be inspected separately. They are also requiring that electronics - laptops, tablets, cameras, etc. be removed from your carry-on bag at security. You can speed things up by having these items easily accessible and ready to remove.

All airports are very clearly marked with lots of signs. It's really hard to get lost. You will check your bags at the airline counter, go through security, and then head to your gate. There will be very clear signs pointing the way to your gate.

You would need to check with your phone carrier about this. There may be several options available to you, but only you can choose what's best.

You will need your boarding pass to get through security and onto your plane. This is provided when you check in, either online or at the airline counter when you arrive.

You check your bags at the desk for your airline. When you get to Australia, you will first go through immigration, where you show your passport. They may ask where you're staying and how long. THEN you go to the baggage claim and get your bag, and you walk through the door marked Customs. Follow the other people. Whoever is picking you up will be waiting outside.

Just look at FAQs on here. There are first time flyers asking these questions all the time.

I'll let others answer most of your questions, but be prepared for a very long flight. It's like 16 hours from LAX to Sydney.