Bed bug bites typically appear 24-48 hours after the bites, and sometimes longer (especially with the first exposure). The bites tend to be grouped in a line or zig zag pattern. Only about half of people will react to bed bugs. The rest may get bitten, but never show any bites.

Bed bugs live in any dark nook or cranny. I got bitten by them the first time in a restaurant with wooden chairs, the second time was the classic bed in a hotel. I saw the bugs both times so I know that is what they were.

I have often wondered about the possibility of bed bugs in airline seats, because that does not seem common, but does seem possible, but bed bugs from somewhere before you got on the plane is a more likely possibility (which would then mean that, yes, you might have brought something home with you).