AIR TRAVEL TIPS FOR F1 STUDENTS

This post will help you understand the flight booking process and provide you with some air travel tips. Cheap flight ticket from India to USA might not be the best always.

1. Find a travel companion to the same university from your departing city.
2. Book flights together (India to USA), if not get same connecting flight from second flight (if you have connections).
3. Search for best airfare deal not the cheapest airfare (don’t just ask one travel agent)
4. After you ding the lowest priced ticket through travel agent, then shop online (or vice versa).
5. Negotiate to get the lowest air fare to US
6. One way fare is about 70% to 80% value of round trip fare.
7. Register for frequent flyer account with the airline which you plan to book ticket.
8. Provide the frequent flyer number to travel agent while issuing the ticket.
9. Don’t forget about registering for frequent flyer account. After accumulating 25,000 miles, you can get 1 round trip ticket within US.
10. Find baggage allowance.
11. You may have to pay $50 for second suitcase
12. Some airlines will allow students to carry 2 checked bags for free (23kgs or 50 lbs each)
13. Avoid certain airlines (know for poor customer service and frequently delayed flights)
14. Lowest fare doesn’t always provide best flight connections and options.
15. First time travelers ask for Window seat. If you are tall, ask for aisle seat.

Flight Connections

1. Most likely you will have to get connecting flight within US before you reach your final destination.
2. Universities located in Major cities will have direct flight from India (Mumbai to New Jork) or direct entry from second connecting flight.
3. Port of entry in US will be the first city where you land (not your final destination)
4. You have to clear Immigration and Custom procedures before boarding the next flight within US
5. Allow atleast 3 hours between connecting flight, that will give enough time to clear customs and immigration procedures.
6. You will have to take your suitcase and clear customs and check the bags-in for local domestic connection.
7. If you miss the connection, don’t panic.
8. Airline will get you on the next flight to your destination.
9. Have some US Dollars in hand and atleast $1 bill to make phone calls.
10. Find a way( phone or email) to inform the party who will be waiting to pick you from the airport, if there is a flight delay.