Booking Tips for Students
After getting the visa the next thing to do is booking tickets.
- Days before the flight, call the airline to confirm your reservation and to crosscheck everything the travel agent may have told you.
- Indicate whether you want Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM), non-smoking section, etc. This can be done at the time of booking the tickets with the travel agent.
- Some airlines offer Frequent Flier programs (e.g. Air France, TWA, United Airlines) implying that after
a certain number of miles of flying with that airline you get a free ticket. Enroll in such programs.
- Avoid transit of airline at airports A direct flight is the best. If change of airline can't be avoided,
make sure that there is at least 4-6 hours gap between the scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the connecting flight.
- Baggage is usually safe with a single airline while change of airline sometimes leads to misplaced luggage.
Some airlines don't take care about baggage transfer. You may have to personally carry it (check this while booking)
- Arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before the check in time.
- Drink lot of fluids on the flight. This will help you recover the jetlag very fast.
- Many airlines are fussy about the weight of your cabin baggage. The usual weight limit is 8 Kgs.
However, it's better to check with your travel agent regarding this.
- Always keep a photocopy of your passport, tickets, I-20, contact info of your school in every baggage including your cabin baggage.
- Always keep original copies of your CA certificate, bank statements, sponsor's affidavit, passport,
and admission letters in your cabin baggage. Sometimes, the immigration officials may ask you to present them at the airport.
- Ideally, a student can bring $ 500/- in cash, $ 1000/- in travelers cheques and a personal draft of
the amount equal to one semester's expenses. You may check your I-20 to determine this amount.
Emmigration Clearance
- Every person leaving India should have ECNR stamped on one of the rear pages of your passport.
For detailed information, it is advisable to contact your travel agent.
- For questions on whether one needs Income Tax clearance certificate or sometimes, a Police Clearance
certificate, it is advisable to contact your travel agent.
Back