A Quick Guide for International Students Flying to the USA for this Fall.

A Quick Guide for International Students Flying to the USA for this Fall.

Congratulation for securing spot in a U.S. university! Semester is approaching so many of you might have a flight coming up. This post is written to ensure you've smooth transition to USA. As i am writing this article i am recalling my memory of 30+ hours of total travel time. From my experience i am sharing what can help you make your journey go smooth, to a new land with better experiences.

This guide is written to help you avoid common pitfalls like missing flights, losing luggage, and feeling overwhelmed during your long journey to the USA. Many students face challenges with time zones, connecting flights, and unfamiliar procedures. Let's make sure you're not one of them!

 Here's what you need to know for your long flight:

Pack Smart

1. Carry-on essentials:
2. Important documents (passport, visa, I-20, acceptance letter)
3. a light jacket on the side
4. Chargers/power bank
5. Some Snacks and empty water bottle
6. Eye mask and travel pillow can help!
7. Ensure you tag you luggage properly with valid tags provided to you by airlines on the time of check in.
8. Take picture of your luggage and bags
9. if miss-placed later you can show them the picture if asked for the details

Flight Preparation

1. Check all flight details
2. Be aware of time zones
3. Pay especial attention to the boarding pass.
4. Use airline apps for updates
5. Don't rely on initial document handed to you by your travel agency as flight time could change

During Layovers/Transit

1. If your transit in port of entry(USA) has short duration like 2-3 hours, then try to get to your gate early as possible, optimize on your time.
2. Set an alarm if resting
3. Even you get to your gate 1 min late then min boarding door closes you will miss the flight

Beat Jet Lag

1. Stay hydrated
2. Fill up your water bottle after you clear security check in, so don't have dependency on air hostess.
3. Try to fall asleep in your plane so you have enough rest for your long flight ahead
4. You will be provided meal and snacks on long flights
5. Most likely domestic airlines won't serve free food, so if you're feeling hungry plan ahead.
6. You will have option to buy snacks but usually are more expensive in flight.

Arrival Tips In Port of Entry:

1. Be ready for immigration questions
2. With Documents like I20, passport
3. like your university name, majors
4. may be your stay/ accommodation questions
5. where are you going to stay?

🤞, what happens if you miss your flight?

1. Ask the attendance in your gate, what you should, when you're late.
2. Normally they assist you to your airlines help desk
3. ask for next available flight to the destination
4. They will get your next flight for free
5. What happens to my luggage?
6. Checked in luggage will arrive to your destination airport even if you miss your flight
7. On your next flight you, go to your airlines helpdesk again and ask the the luggage