Your First International Travel

Travelling is a heady mix of excitement, anticipation and anxiety. Even more so, if you are travelling overseas for the first time.

Understandably, you will have a lot of questions. Some of which might be addressed here. But always remember, while it is helpful to try and go over potential situations that could arise and how you should deal with them, the best option when you are unsure would be to walk across to an airline or airport staff member and seek guidance. That is their job. And even though it is like everybody else seems confident about where to go and what to do, there are many like you who are looking for assistance.

Here are some possible unforeseen scenarios and how you can deal with them:

If your flight is delayed or canceled
In case your flight is delayed because of bad weather, or any other reason, airlines might offer you a complimentary snack/meal , and in case of extensive delays, possibly make arrangements for your stay.

If you feel you are lost in the airport
If you don?t know where to go and feel you are lost, don?t panic. Airports are usually large and confusing and losing one?s coordinates is quite common. At first try and understand the overhead signs. Airports usually have clear and simple signs to help guide passengers easily. Look at your boarding pass. It will give you the number of the gate you are to board at. If none of this is helpful, simply walk across to an airport staff member and ask for guidance.

If you lose your luggage
This is not a common occurrence. But in case your check-in luggage does get misplaced, inform the airline authorities immediately at the airport. If it is misplaced during transit by the airline, they will trace it and it will be delivered to your address in a few days. If it cannot be found, the airline will compensate you according to their standard guidelines.

If nobody comes to receive you at the airport
Look for the Information Counter and check with them about taxi rates or the airport shuttle schedules. It is always advisable to carry the full address of your destination along with the relevant telephone numbers.



Dos

• Make sure your name, the date and time of travel printed on your ticket are correct.
• Check and strictly follow the baggage regulations for the airline and destination of travel
• Ensure each of your luggage items has your name and address tag.
• Carry some currency of the destination country
• Check and double-check flight times
• Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
• Double check that you have your passport and ticket with you. Carry it in a safe place in your hand baggage.
• Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• As an extra precaution, make two photocopies of the passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to take.  Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home, and pack the other copies separately from the originals. 
• Make sure you are well versed with the transport arrangements to get from the airport to the university.
• Make sure you are carrying the address of your destination and contact details of the coordinating person at the university.

Don'ts

• Do not carry excessive amounts of money.
• Do not carry overweight or overstuffed baggage. Remember, you will have to carry it all yourself
• Do not carry food items
• Do not leave your luggage in public areas
• Do not accept packages from strangers.