Traveling domestically can be a great way for people to have a well-needed vacation without having to go too far away or learn a new language. Whilst some people crave international travel to see the world in all its glory, there are others who find great experiences in their own ‘backyard’, so what is a domestic flight and what does domestic travel mean?
Breaking domestic flights down
In basic terms, a domestic flight is when people travel by plane within their country’s borders to another area, for example, New York to Los Angeles is considered domestic travel. They start and end in the same country and do not land in other countries, however, if they have to fly over another country during the flight, it is still considered to be domestic as they have not touched down within those borders.
Where can you have domestic travel?
In every country there is the option for domestic travel, whether that be on a plane or a train, as long as it stays within the country, it will be classed as domestic. Domestic air travel in America is very well known as it is a vast land with multiple states, some people prefer to drive, however, for really long destinations, flying would be seen as a better option.
Where do most people travel to?
There are quite a few states in America that are popular with the domestic traveler. For instance, a study was put together by bravodeal.com that ranks the top 10 and how many times these states have, on average, been searched online, a handful are mentioned down below –
- Hawaii – 300,000 monthly searches
- California – 151,100 monthly searches
- Florida – 574,00 monthly searches
- Colorado – 286,00 monthly searches
- Alaska – 256,00 monthly searches
If you want to see what other states rank as well as the cities, attractions, and staycations for domestic travelers, you can check out their website. You never know, your travel plans could include some of these the next time you want to fly domestically.
There is a lot that people can do in the United States, which has a rich history and plenty of state-based fun for people to have.
What are domestic flights like?
If you have never traveled on a domestic flight before, then you don’t really know what the process is, however, if you have taken international flights previously, you do know the ins and outs of flying on a plane, so you shouldn’t be too surprised when you travel within the same country’s borders.
Domestic and international flights
There is evidently a difference between international flights and domestic flights. Flying internationally to a different country will entail passing through immigration and customs at some point to ensure that everything is in order.
International air travel may take longer and have longer queuing times, however, that may also be the case when people fly domestic, but that depends on when you are traveling and where you are going. The holidays can be incredibly booked and busy, so there is a chance for delays and longer wait times.
What can you take on a domestic flight?
Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you will be taking with you the exact same things you would with any flight. Read the TSA guidelines before you pack to make sure you have what you need without exceeding any limits or breaking any laws. If you do not make sure you are meeting the requirements, you could be turned away and miss your flight.
TSA guidelines
There are a number of guidelines for air travel that passengers have to stick to in order to catch their flights in a timely and safe manner, here are the sections on the TSA website that travelers will need to look at in enough time.
What can I bring?
This section will go from A-Z on what people can and cannot bring to an airport, from aerosols to yogurt, they have it all down. This will tell you whether you can have it in your carry on bags or checked baggage.
Identification
This is a key component of air travel, all flyers will need to bring their identification with them, depending on where they are going (international/domestic) so they can be dealt with properly. This applies to people who are 18 and older, as they are classed as adult passengers and will need to have their own ID like a driver’s license.
Liquids rule
Each liquid will need to be put into an acceptable bottle with the right amount in it so it can be taken on the flight. Travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces/100 milliliters are allowed per item. They have to go through security to be checked. Medications and infant nourishment are the exception as there will be different rules for these essential items.
Emerging technology
Airport travel has changed drastically over the years and there are new measures in place to ensure that all travel is safe from major airports to small airports. There is now automated screening and biometrics being implemented to increase security and provide a safer check in for all travelers.
Real id
By 2023 all travelers in the United States must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights. These will have a star at the top of their driver’s license showing that the cardholder is compliant and okay to fly domestically.
What are domestic airports like?
As mentioned before, domestic airports do not have customs inspections or border control for people to go through, so international flights are not allowed within domestic airports as they are not able to be handled properly.
Do you need a passport?
It is generally stated that in America, you may not need your passport for a domestic flight, only if you are deciding to leave the country when you touch down after flying domestically. However, in other countries, if you are planning on domestic travel, you could need them to get on the plane and go through their airport. You will need to check this out ahead of time to be sure.
What are the benefits of traveling domestically?
You may think of domestic travel as boring compared with international travel where people can leave their home country and explore a variety of international locations and stay in fancy hotels, etc., however, flying domestic, is far from boring, as visiting different cities in your own country can be incredibly thrilling and interesting for those who want to explore more of where they live.
Safer travel conditions
This may not be applied across the board, however, for some, traveling within their country can be a lot safer to them. They know the language, the customs, what the laws are, and how to get help when needed, it is easier for them to navigate than if they were abroad.
No need for (some) documentation
With domestic flights, there is no need for people to carry specific documentation like passports, as previously stated. People may want to bring it along just in case as a backup but that is for them to decide. It is still good to check beforehand to note down the documentation rules, especially if you are a first-time flyer and want to be thorough.
Power adapters
The best thing about traveling within the same country is that you do not have to worry about buying electrical equipment like power adapters that fit in with whatever country you are in. You don’t need to make any special changes to your items.
Less expensive
Whether you are on a domestic flight or doing any form of domestic travel, you won’t need to spend a huge amount of money on your trip, especially as there will be alternative traveling routes within the same country. Traveling internationally can be expensive for many, so a domestic destination could be a lot cheaper depending on where you are planning on going.
Tourism
Did you know that when you travel domestically, you are contributing to the economy within your country? The tourism industry is a massive market, and more people visiting these cities will add to the overall economy, boosting sales.
Something new
Arriving in a new city or state will open you up to fresh experiences. There are amazing things to see where you are and you could fill a lifetime with domestic travel. Plus, you don’t have to constantly worry about navigating through international airports and immigration before boarding. It can be a smoother transition.
International travel
We have touched on the difference between domestic and international flights, but it wouldn’t be fair to speak about the benefits of one without the other. Whilst some of the benefits do cross with each other, taking an international flight can provide additional experiences that people crave when they want to travel the world.
Learning about yourself
When we travel, we can see another side to who we are, we can pick up different experiences and find a new way to live, and delve into what these countries have to offer. It is a great opportunity for those who want to stretch themselves and feel a difference.
Friendships
One of the best things about traveling internationally is making new friends along the way, you can build on your language skills, connect with those who can help your career, and create new memories with people you wouldn’t have met if you stayed locally.
Broadening your horizons
Taking a long flight to a new country may be exhausting, but it will be worth it once you step off that plane and see something completely new. Going somewhere on an international scale can help you with growing your knowledge of people and places, as well as help you forge a new path in life.
You never know what international travel can bring, but it is worth it to go through the busiest airport you’ve ever seen (we all claim to know the one that is the worst) just to go somewhere special.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered that important question “what is a domestic flight?” as well as given you a few things to think about when you are traveling, no matter if that is domestic or international.
