Homebound Flight Preparation
It's hard to believe, but it's almost time to return home! We want you to feel confident and comfortable about your travels.
To help you get ready for your upcoming flights, we've put together our top tips for packing, navigating conversations with airlines and how to prepare for any scenario.
Any questions?
Reach us at 800-634-8351 or email [email protected]
Packing
Carry-on luggage
Be prepared for travel disruptions by packing essentials in your carry-on luggage!
- Your passport and DS2019 form
- Your airline-issued luggage tag
- Proof of insurance (for example, your Erika Travel insurance card)
- Phone charger
- Valuable items like a smartphone, jewelry, etc.
- Cash or credit/debit cards for any travel purchases
- Any prescription medications you take along with a statement from your doctor (in English) clearly saying what the medication is for
- A change of clothes
- Glasses and/or contact lenses plus solution
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Snacks
Packing
Checked luggage
- Don't wait until the last minute. Practice packing ahead of time to get a sense for how many bags you'll need.
- You will have one piece of checked luggage in your airline reservation, and any additional pieces of luggage or overweight luggage will be an out-of-pocket expense.
- We recommend that all students put AirTags or other tracking devices in their luggage for peace of mind. This can help provide additional information in the off chance your luggage is lost in transit.
- Avoid extra luggage fees by shipping luggage home using a service like sendmybag.com!
Pro-tips
Plan ahead to have a smooth experience
- Check-in online 24hrs before your flight. Make sure you enter your name exactly as it is on the e-ticket.
- Download your airline's mobile app to see real-time flight updates, plan your layover(s) using airport maps and access your mobile boarding pass.
- Prior to your flights, log in to your online reservation on your airline’s website and submit your contact information. This will ensure that you will receive pre-departure messages from the airline via text and email.
- Save the EF Student Operations number in your phone ahead of time: 800-634-8351
- Arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure and bring a copy of your e-ticket.
Scenarios
What to do if...
Your flight is delayed
We're so sorry your trip is taking longer than expected, but this is very common. If you experience a delay but your flight schedule will not be impacted (i.e., you will not miss your next flight), sit tight! The airline will keep you notified of any changes, but you should still travel on your original itinerary.
If your flight is delayed prior to your departure, still plan to arrive at the airport for the original departure time as changes could still occur.
You miss your connecting flight
- Go to the airline’s help desk and ask to be rebooked on the next available flight to your final destination.
- Remember: the airline’s help desk will have the most up-to-date rebooking options and will be able to efficiently help you get rebooked!
Your flight is canceled
2+ days before departure: Our Operations team will work to book you a new flight. Once you’ve been rebooked, your new flight info will appear in The Hub and you will be notified via email. You can also check your reservation on the airline’s website at any time to find the most up-to-date flight information.
1 day before or the same day of departure: Contact the airline directly and ask to be rebooked on the first available flight(s) to your final destination.
Your luggage is lost or late
- At your final airport destination, go to the luggage claim desk near the baggage claim. Fill out a lost bag form.
- Don't worry, this is very common and the airline should get you your bag back soon. Make sure you keep your luggage receipt after checking your bag!
We're here to help
Remember, flight disruptions are very common with all airlines. Follow these steps and know that you are not alone.
A member of the Operations team can be reached at +1-800-634-8351.