1. Check all connecting flights/layovers.
Often times, the minimum layover time they post can still not be nearly enough time to make the connection especially if the operating carrier for one of your connecting flights changes (i.e you fly American Airlines all the way to London and then have a British Airways flight from there to another destination.) You might have to switch terminals (which alone can take up to an hour) and you will have to go through security and passport control again. Keep this in mind when flying through busy airports such as Chicago O'Hare, Paris Charles de Gaulle, London Heathrow, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, etc.
2. Allow for at least 2-hour layover for your return flight.
Upon returning to the United States., you will have to go through immigration and customs (first city upon arriving to the U.S.), and re-check your bags, and go through security before you arrive at your next departure gate. Given this, you should allow for at least two hours, if not more, between flights to make sure you can get through all these steps and comfortably make it to your next flight.
3. Get advice on where to book your flight.
If you have booked flights before and had a positive experience, look at using the same company/travel agent as before. If you have not ever booked an international flight before then check with friends or colleagues who have flown before for advice on carriers and finding good deals as well as the Office of International Education.
4. Research your options before purchasing your flight.
There are many 鈥渂udget鈥� flight booking companies online, however, often times these companies provide no flexibility for rebooking or rescheduling, and can even charge you more than the advertised rate. It is often best to book directly through a particular carriers website (i.e. for American Airline 鈥� book at ) or use a travel agent to book your flights, unless you are familiar with the online company such as orbitz.com or expedia.com.
5. Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Some students choose to purchase supplemental travel insurance to provide coverage for loss or delay of belongings, program delays or cancellations, or other unexpected events during their study abroad programs. All supplemental travel insurance policies are the student鈥檚 responsibility and must be purchased on an individual basis. We would encourage you to explore this option when you are booking flights with travel agents or the airline in order to help protect your travels and investment.