Your Flight to the US: A Travel Guide For Departure Day

Hey there!

The countdown has officially begun. You’re just about a month away from boarding your flight to the U.S. for college - and if you’re feeling excited and anxious, you’re not alone.

This year hasn’t been the easiest. With tighter immigration scrutiny, job market uncertainty, and rising costs, many students are understandably on edge. But today, we’re focusing on something we can prepare for: your flight journey to the U.S.

From check-in in your home country to immigration at your final destination, this newsletter breaks down what to expect - so you feel calm, confident, and ready.

Departure Day: What Happens at the Airport?

You’ll start by heading to the international airport in your home country. Make sure you arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights.

1. Find Your Airline Counter
Once you enter the airport, look for the departures board or ask staff for your airline’s check-in counter. Have your passport, visa, and flight itinerary ready.

2. Luggage Check-In

• Weigh your bags - most airlines allow 23 - 32 kg for checked bags and 7 - 10 kg for cabin baggage.

• If your bag is overweight, you may have to repack or pay extra.

• Ask if through check-in is possible to your final destination (If yes, you will not have to pick up and re-check in luggage at transit)

• You’ll receive luggage tags - take photos of them in case your bags are lost.

3. Boarding Pass

• You’ll receive this at check-in or from a kiosk. Double-check the gate number and boarding time. Once your bags are checked in, it’s time for security screening:

4. Security Check

• Remove shoes, belt, jewelry, watch, and electronics.

• Place them in bins along with your carry-on.

• You’ll walk through a detector, and your bags will be scanned.

5. Head to Your Gate

• Check the airport monitors for updated gate info - gates can change last-minute!

• If there’s time before boarding, hydrate and grab a light snack (you’ll need energy for the long flight!).

Not an incoming international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

Got a Layover or Connecting Flight? Here’s What to Know

Most international students will have a layover in cities like Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, or Istanbul before reaching the U.S.

Some things to know:

• If you're flying through Europe or the Middle East, you'll usually just change terminals or gates.

• If your layover is in the U.S., things are different - that’s where you’ll go through U.S. immigration and customs (even if your final destination is another U.S. city).

• You’ll need to collect your checked bags, go through customs, then recheck them for your next flight. (Unless your bags were checked-in to final destination)

• Check the monitors for your next gate

• Use shuttle trains or buses if needed to reach the next terminal

Common layover airports include:

• Doha (DOH) - Qatar Airways

• Dubai (DXB) - Emirates

• Abu Dhabi (AUH) - Etihad

• Frankfurt (FRA) - Lufthansa

• Amsterdam (AMS) - KLM

• Istanbul (IST) - Turkish Airlines

• London Heathrow (LHR) - British Airways

• Paris (CDG) - Air France

Common U.S. transit hubs include:

• New York (JFK/EWR)

• Chicago (ORD)

• Dallas (DFW)

• Atlanta (ATL)

• San Francisco (SFO)

• Washington D.C. (IAD)

• Los Angeles (LAX)

Layovers can be tight - especially in large U.S. airports. If your layover is less than 2.5 hours, don’t waste time browsing stores or grabbing food. Head straight to your next gate. If you're unsure where to go, ask airport staff for help. If your connecting time is very short or you miss the flight, don’t panic - go to your airline’s transit help desk immediately. They will usually rebook you on the next available flight.

Arriving in the U.S.

International vs. Domestic Arrival
If your flight lands directly in your college city, you’ll go through immigration at that airport. But if you land in a major city (like New York or Chicago) and have a connecting domestic flight, immigration will happen there.

At U.S. Immigration
Be prepared to show:

• Passport with valid F-1 visa

• I-20 (signed by your DSO)

• SEVIS fee receipt (If asked)

• Proof of funds or sponsor letter (If asked)

The officer may ask:

• “What program are you joining?”

• “Where will you live?”

• “How will you pay your tuition?”

Answer confidently. Keep it simple and truthful. Once cleared, you’ll pick up your checked luggage and re-check it if you have a connecting flight or you’ll collect your bags, clear customs, and head toward your pickup point.

Getting to Your Accommodation

After landing, here’s how to reach your accommodation:

• Pre-booked pickup: If your university or a friend is picking you up, coordinate beforehand.

• Airport taxis/Ubers: These are available at most major U.S. airports.

• Shuttle buses & trains: Larger cities like New York, Boston, or LA often have public transit options.

Tip: Take screenshots of your U.S. address, contact number, and directions, in case you don’t have Wi-Fi right away. We recommend having a phone plan that is ready to activate on arrival - check out US Mobile or CampusSIMS for affordable and reliable phone plans with E-Sim options available).

Before You Fly…

• Download offline Google Maps of your destination

• Screenshot or print important emails and documents

• Keep all immigration documents in your carry-on

• Pack a change of clothes in case your luggage gets delayed

• Carry basic toiletries and meds in your backpack

• Stay hydrated - international travel is tiring!

Your journey is finally beginning, and you’ve done so much to get here.

Safe travels - we’ll see you on the other side!

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡