Leaving for Moscow this week.. nervous

[judnnc]

4 days as of this post. Slightly nervous because my travel arrangements got all twisted up, just hoping no problems at the airports.

I had booked USA-LHR-DME.. American Airlines to London, then British Airways to Moscow. When BA threatened to strike, I changed my flight to BMI/Transaero (Transaero is actually operating the flight) for the same day/same time as the BA flight to Domodedovo.

Anyway, in doing so, since my ticket was issued through American Airlines, I had to make the change through them. Fine, but they had to issue PAPER TICKETS for the changed itinerary, which I still have not received!

In addition, I found out today that British Airways is still showing a confirmed reservation for me, apparently they never got word of my flight change? weird.

So I have about 3 different record locators (confirmation #s), 2 flights showing confirmed from LHR-DME on different airlines.. and paper tickets which I still dont have 4 days before I leave.

 

Assuming I get this sorted out by travel day, I'm also faced with leaving the country for the first time. Ive been to Bermuda and the Bahamas on cruises, but this is my first, true international trip,and what a doozy.. RUSSIA!

On top of that, I have PTSD from a bad flight a few years ago, so I'm not exactly someone who enjoys flying.

[Ooooops]

Don't worry about paper tickets, but make sure that you have your reservation ## for every flight.   Plus print out all you correspondence w/airlines, plus extra passport/visa copies and all the important phone ##.   And stash it all in different bags.      Good luck, you'll have fun!   

[RussianWind]

but this is my first, true international trip,and what a doozy.. RUSSIA!

Don't get nervous, we are the same people here... normally with two arms and two legs like everywhere. 

[judnnc]

once I'm out of the airport in Moscow I will be fine, my lady will look out for me

I'm just having the worried questions go through my head.

'Will I clear customs ok?'

'Will I not know where to go in the airport?'

'Will My flights be on time'

'am I taking good new dollars so I can exchange them?'

'will my credit/debit card work there?'

'will my hotel have everything in order when I arrive'

'will the airlines lose my bags'

[greg2654]

It's a trip you'll never forget! Take lots of pictures and have fun!

[KenC]

once I'm out of the airport in Moscow I will be fine, my lady will look out for me

I'm just having the worried questions go through my head.

'Will I clear customs ok?'

No reason not to do fine, Moscow is an easy entry point

'Will I not know where to go in the airport?'

Follow the crowd off the plane and they will lead you to baggage claim area.

'Will My flights be on time'

:noidea: You will deal with it if they are not.  Take a contact number to whomever is picking you up to alert them to any possible changes

'am I taking good new dollars so I can exchange them?'

Insist on the bank giving you new bills only.  They may have to order them, but they can do so easily.

'will my credit/debit card work there?'

Call your credit/debit card companies in advance and let them know you will be using them in Russia or they may block them.

'will my hotel have everything in order when I arrive'

Confirm your reservations before hand again.  If it is a quality hotel, you will have no problem.

'will the airlines lose my bags'

Pack all imortant things including a change of clothes in a carry on bag.  If your bags do not arrive with you, they usually turn up in a day or so.

Take a deep breath and RELAX. You are about to go on the adventure of a lifetime.  Most important thing to remember is to enjoy it.  The rest will work itself out.  Good luck.
enC

[facetrock]

   Relax judnnc. You wont get lost in the airport its really not that big, just follow the people in front of you, they are all going to the same place.. Passport control is a breeze as long as you have your visa in it. They hardly even look at you. I was there in 2004 and 2007 and when I went out the green line I swear it was the same guard sitting in the same chair almost sleeping. I dont think the guy has moved in years.
  I seldom use a credit card and take 3 to 4k in cash with me. Feel naked without it. Just make sure you call the credit card company where you are going before hand.
  Once you are out of the security area the taxi mob will be waiting, just keep saying nyet and look for your lady. She will spot you before you see her.
  I have never lost my baggage on the way there, several times on the way back though.
  Take your time and look confident and people wont bother you. Have fun and goodluck.
 
One more thing, the last time I was there they were building an addition to the terminal and I dont know if that changed anything for arrivals. Does anyone here know if it has? 

Ok I see KenC just gave about the same advice:))

[Jumper]

good advise kenC..

once I'm out of the airport in Moscow I will be fine, my lady will look out for me

since you're in the Trip report section,,
how'd you meet her? corresponde long?
is she from moscow? or coming in from another city..

I'm just having the worried questions go through my head.

they are normal,,but don't panic..it's just travel..

'Will I clear customs ok?'

no reason for any problems!!
 Moscow is a major city,  thousands going thru the customs lines daily... hubdreds just off your flight..
you may be  special to your romantic interest there,, ,,but you're just  a face in the crowd to any customes..

'Will I not know where to go in the airport?'

english is the official language of international flight,,
in any major airport, the signs will have english,,
 and the staff will speak english

It would be hard to find someone in that airport that does not have a basic grasp if english.

for fun,did you brush up on  a few russian phrases? or cryllic alphabet..?
take a book (on cryllic) or CD's , study on the flight over,
you wont need it really,but it might make you  a little more confident..and comfortable in a new surrounding.
and will pass the time
(some words are the same or similar, ,example- taxi,restaurant,,pharmacy,,you will recognize if you learn the alphabet some)

'Will My flights be on time'

yes or no,, either way you will get there

'am I taking good new dollars so I can exchange them?'

you recognize the need for them to be fresh..
that's the basic step?

'will my credit/debit card work there?'

as ken C suggested,you must let your bank know your travel itinerary,
if it includes far from moscow,,let them know that as well.

 I normally told more than one person at the bank and made 100% sure they notated the account,,
its easy for some young teller,who hasn tleft her hom estate,
 to say "ok" , but not properly note your  account,or accounts.
after a couple screw ups by my bank,,i started asking for the branch manager before travel.
that shouldn't be needed, i just got tired of trying to fix the situation from out of the country,,its a pain.

in any case Moscow is a major world city, credit card use , atms are EVERYWHERE,,
no problem ,,as long as you have let your bank know you are traveling.
and the exchange rate from your card on an ATM is generally decent.
for what its worth i never carried much cash,,there was no need ,,even in provincial cities world wide.

Since i traveled extensively in the past i generally had a couple of accounts set up..
it was worth it,,if one wasn't working. often i was going from one foreign city directly to another in a different country,,
it made sense to be prepared.

That is way overboard for  a single trip to Moscow though!
just tell your bank you are traveling ,wha tdates, and where you are going,,

also check the daily limits on your account for cashadvance /vs puchases..
the can adjust those for you prior to travel if needed (up or down)
the devil is in the details

'will my hotel have everything in order when I arrive'

maybe ..!!

'will the airlines lose my bags'

I would not worry,
,but quite possibly..
but they will generally  get them to you in a day or two even if lost.

as kenC stated,, pack your carry on  accordingly.. basic needs..
anyone who travels much has a set "carry on" essentials,,as bags can and do get lost.

i used to be in a different city 40 weeks out of the year,,,
 and i pack a very light carry on,,but still it has basics,,
if my bags get lost, carry on is enough to get buy ,untill they show,,
,or visa/debit will get me buy if they don't..  

to speed recognizing them..if your bags dont stand out,
think of something to tie on them that might catch your attention
(lots of luggage looks similar,,and travelers have a habit now of tieing orange /pink or bright ribbion on it)
i use caution tape ,or my luggage is strange enough colored to stand out..

mostly ,as mentioned ,relax!!
it's supposed to be fun!

[UTRO]

Whatever you do after getting your Baggage, exit Customs Control through the Green Zone. You have nothing to claim so don't go Red Zone.
Once out into the public Terminal ignore the Taxi Mafia. Just say Nyet!

[Jumper]

ohh!
 not to add to your nerves,, but London's Heathrow stinks!!

its under construction ,the terminals are spread out,long lines for  customs clearence ,
and for the buses to get you to the proper terminal..

i have missed more connecting flights (yes scheduled thru /by the airlines)
  in that airport , than any other !!!!!

the good news is the airlines seem to recognize that ,
and are often accustomed to holding flights for connecting passengers...

[judnnc]

AJ, background of my story is on the newbie forum.

Ive got a VERY basic grasp of Russian and the Cyrillic alphabet, I also have an electronic translator Im taking.

I've decided to carry on my bags. I have one normal size, duffel type bag and one backpack. I know that will be fine on AA but Ive read Transaero only allows 5kg (11 lbs) worth of carry-on, but Ill see if I can bypass that.

Ive read about the 'green line'  at DME customs, will I be able to tell by a color code or something?

I have crisp, fresh looking bills, no bent corners, but not new. I hope this will be OK to exchange.

Also worried about jet lag

[judnnc]

ohh!
 not to add to your nerves,, but London's Heathrow stinks!!

its under construction ,the terminals are spread out,long lines for  customs clearence ,
and for the buses to get you to the proper terminal..

i have missed more connecting flights (yes scheduled thru /by the airlines)
  in that airport , than any other !!!!!

the good news is the airlines seem to recognize that ,
and are often accustomed to holding flights for connecting passengers...

Ive read this also, but I do know I arrive at Terminal 3 and leave out of Terminal 1 there, which is good (walking distance). plus, if my inbound flight arrives ontime, Ill have more than 3 hours layover.

It also appears the Transaero flight to DME is rarely on time to leave, so I dont feel too too bad about the connection.

[Lee08]

Ive read about the 'green line'  at DME customs, will I be able to tell by a color code or something?

I have crisp, fresh looking bills, no bent corners, but not new. I hope this will be OK to exchange.

Also worried about jet lag

Yes, there will se a big green sign, you can't miss it.

Just take the best looking bills that you can find. I always went to the bank and picked through what they had on hand and I never had any problems exchanging money even though they looked at them really hard sometimes at the exchange booths in Moscow.

Jet lag will be rough! At least it was for me. I had to take sleeping pills for the first few nights on every trip.

[XMan]

After you go through customs and get your luggage, follow folks through (like a cattle herd) up to the "lobby" area.  There is a currency, or used to be, exchange on the left hand side after you get into the lobby.  Small booth.  Been more than 18 months since I was there, could have changed.  Worth exchanging a few hundred there so you have rubles handy. 

You'll probably be approached by 10-20 taxi drivers.  I think someone already said "just say nyet."

I don't want to increase the nervous factor, but I notified my credit card company in advance, and it made no difference whatsoever.  It still wouldn't work.  So when folks say make certain your bank knows, definitely make certain your bank knows. 

No one likes to carry a lot of cash, but that is what I did.  I also had what looks like an ordinary, typical belt that I wore that had cash zipped inside it (aka a money belt).  Even if it's only to store your emergency cash, it's worth paying the $40 for the belt, IMO. 

I'm totally not convinced that it is safe to use your credit card anywhere in Russia -- hotel, restaurant, etc. -- even if it does work.  I wouldn't do it now even were I able to do so.  But I've also had one of my credit card numbers swiped from a merchant here in the US, had an account attempted to be opened in my name in another state (which fortunately I monitor and stopped in less than 24 hours), and had false hotel charges that I had to dispute and have removed.  Actually, 6 incidents in 4 years.  If it's that unpredictable and unreliable here, multiply it by a factor of 100 in a foreign country.

My luggage did get lost once, and was found. 

I think I mentioned this somewhere in a previous post before --
not a bad idea to photocopy your passport.  If it gets lost, I think it will help you at the embassy concerning getting it replaced. 

I could not sleep on the way over, so definitely lagged.  Coming back, not a problem.

[judnnc]

is it a good idea to try and get a seat on the plane near the exit, so when it lands at DME I can be towards the front of the line at customs?

I envision everyone thinking this same way, not wanting to be held up, so trying to scurry to get off the plane first.

[facetrock]

   It doesnt hurt to do that but its not like you will be waiting in line for 5 hours. Its not that bad of a wait.

[RussianWind]

You will be sat where your ticket says.

[judnnc]

To clarify a bit more about the airport/airline portion of my nervousness, let me go into a bit more detail.. good luck not being totally confused 

I'm trying to make up my mind on the best thing to do.. but before I get to my conundrum, a little background.

I booked travel through a travel agency from USA to DME. My original itinerary was USA-Heathrow-DME on American Airlines from USA, then connecting to British Airways for the flight into DME was given a booking reference of MOSCOW (as an example) with electronic ticketing.

Then recently, as you may have heard, British Airways said they were going on strike over the Xmas holidays. I decided to go ahead and change my flight to avoid not being able to get to my destination. So I called American Airlines (I had to do changes directly through them since the tickets are all issued through AA). I was able to change my connecting flight in London to BMI airlines (codeshare flight on Transaero), which leaves at the same time. Since AA doesn't codeshare with BMI like they do with BA, I was issued paper tickets for all my flights, and given a booking reference of RUSSIA (example).

I thought ok great, now Ive changed my flight so if British Airways strikes I dont care because Im on another airline to DME now.

Well, British Airways called off the strike.. and I received an email from them (a week after I changed my flights) CONFIRMING my flight with them under the electronic ticketing confirmation # of MOSCOW.

So I called British Airways this morning, and sure enough, they show me as confirmed for that flight, and even confirmed my seat assignment.

So, apparently I have 2 connecting flights in London now. An electronic ticket (MOSCOW) with British Airways (WHOM I WOULD MUCH RATHER TAKE THAN BMI/Transaero Airlines btw), and a paper ticket (RUSSIA) with BMI/Transaero airlines.

How this can be, I have no clue, so I call American. They say they show everything still as I changed it with the paper ticket itinerary of RUSSIA with my London connection being with BMI/Transaero airlines. They have no idea why British Airways still has a reservation for me.

So then I call BMI. I gave them both the MOSCOW and RUSSIA confirmation numbers. To them, they show me as confirmed from USA-LHR on AA, from LHR to DME on British Airways, and on my return trip: DME to LHR on BMI (as it should be) connecting to AA to get me back to USA with the original, electronic ticket of MOSCOW. Under the paper ticket (RUSSIA) reservation, they show me using AA to London of course, then using them (BMI/Transaero) to Moscow, but with NO RETURN ITINERARY.

So I was advised by both AA and BMI to just use my paper tickets, and if any question comes up about my confirmation numbers, Use the RUSSIA # on my way out, and the MOSCOW # on my way home.

By now if you aren't lost then I am impressed.

Where I am going with all this is, I really would rather take British Airways, because it appears Transaero is perpetually never on time, plus, well, BA > Transaero .. do I chance trying to see if they will actually let me on the plane in London on BA?

Or when I check in for my flight out of USA will the computers or whatever figure it out and 'void' my BA flight?

Could I pull this off?

[wiz]

How the hell you managed to do that and complicate so much yours flights?  

I can only guess that you have paid twice and have double booked your London Moscow flights!

once I'm out of the airport in Moscow I will be fine, my lady will look out for me Assuming you arrive on time and the same day!

I'm just having the worried questions go through my head. For sure you have never travelled abroad before. Be brave and don't mess up and enjoy the ride!

'Will I clear customs ok?' ........YES but don't forget to go through the Green line!

'Will I not know where to go in the airport?' ....In England we speak English but in Russia...... oh welll you have to follow the other people on your flight!

'Will My flights be on time' .....Most probably NOT give and take a few minutes delay if you are unlucky!

'am I taking good new dollars so I can exchange them?'....... Most probaly you will ...... but who knows they may give you a bad rate!

'will my credit/debit card work there?'....... I guess Yes... but if you forget your Pin Code..... then Niet Rubbles!

'will my hotel have everything in order when I arrive'..... Maybe...... but if they don't ..... be nice and they will fix it. Just say Pazhalusta to them!

'will the airlines lose my bags'................... Maybe YES and maybe NOT.........if they do you must be very unlucky man so keep your wits about and take a spare nicker in your carrier bag!

Now one thing you forgot do...... 

...arrange to take your babysiter with you to hold your hand all the way and take care of you. I hope when you meet your RW in Moscow.... she will take care of you, as you say.......   

Now remember when you arrive in Russia you will be greeted and see many greesly Bears, Russia is famouse for them..... and also the taxi driver's Mafia will give you hard time but........people in Russia have 4 arms and legs and women...... one eye! 

If you see any police man run away and if you are stopped by a pretty police woman in miniskirt..... don't look at her legs and boosom, ...... just look ahead where you are going!

Don't worry young man...... Russia is not what your propagand TV and newpapers are telling you. It is a very beautifull country and their women......... ah ....... I have to tell you you will be visiting Toys-r-Us!

Have a good trip and enjoy Russia and your young woman.

Any problems at Heathrow.... just email me and will be there in 20 minutes!

 

[wiz]

ohh!
 not to add to your nerves,, but London's Heathrow stinks!!

its under construction ,the terminals are spread out,long lines for  customs clearence ,
and for the buses to get you to the proper terminal..

i have missed more connecting flights (yes scheduled thru /by the airlines)
  in that airport , than any other !!!!!

the good news is the airlines seem to recognize that ,
and are often accustomed to holding flights for connecting passengers...

AJ

When it was the last time you flew through Heathrow?

Must have been long time ago. LOL

Today Terminal 2 in closed and under construction but the brand new terminal 5 has taken all British Airways and other flights.

American Airlines fly-in to Terminal 3 which is only 11 minutes walking distance from Terminal 1.

Heathrow Terminals 1 and 3 are close together at the centre of the airport and linked by a pedestrian underpass with moving walkways. Just follow the signs for your terminal.Walking time is approximately 11 minutes.


British Airways is departing from Terminal 5 and BMI/Transaero from Terminal 1.

Heathrow is not that bad..... as you say and I am sure our friend and anybody else with enough times between flights can make the connections and as you say:

the good news is the airlines seem to recognize that ,
and are often accustomed to holding flights for connecting passengers...

 

[judnnc]

Im not worried about the connection. no weather and rarely delays from my airport to LHR, plus for whatever reason, Transaero ALWAYS leaves LHR late for DME Ive seen.

[groovlstk]

is it a good idea to try and get a seat on the plane near the exit, so when it lands at DME I can be towards the front of the line at customs?

If your flight has many Russians aboard, it won't matter much. As soon as the plane touches down people will be lining up at the doors 

[Jazzyclassy]

Do not be worried and scared, Moscow is lovely, fun - amazing city , no need to be worried about flying either cos there is nothing you can do about it, just fly with the positive feeling, all will be good!

[Jumper]

wiz-
actually was there (heathrow) in october, and the year before in november?..
 connecting flights to koln..and milan respectively,,
both had to be held for passengers to make it..!!! 


i have had past flights thru heathrow that were not rushed,,
but the op's 3 hour window was generally needed,and not excess time as it would appear..

i agree he shouldn't have any troubles with 3 hrs between.
and had
no big deal,its a typical busy airport,
and not my favorite,,i'd  generally  prefer to route thru prague/warsaw/frankfurt/vienna etc etc,, 
no knock on the UK.

[wiz]

wiz-
actually was there (heathrow) in october, and the year before in november?..
 connecting flights to koln..and milan respectively,,
both had to be held for passengers to make it..!!! 


i have had past flights thru heathrow that were not rushed,,
but the op's 3 hour window was generally needed,and not excess time as it would appear..

i agree he shouldn't have any troubles with 3 hrs between.
and had
no big deal,its a typical busy airport,
and not my favorite,,i'd  generally  prefer to route thru prague/warsaw/frankfurt/vienna etc etc,, 
no knock on the UK.

I know you are not knocking the UK and just posted the info for the benefit of others.

If you are a seasoned traveller it doesn't matter which airport you go through..... somehow you always find your way around!

Actually to be honest, Heathrow for me is a very busy airport and I prefer the slighter quiet and better organised Gatwick, which is down the road from my home, only 20 minutes drive. I only use Heathrown when I have no flights from Gatwick.... like going to Russia!