Traveling to Campus

1. Check into your flight online 24 hours prior to your departure. You may be able to download your boarding pass to your phone and pre-pay for any bags you plan to check at the airport at this time. 
2. Make an action plan with your family of how you are getting there. Plan to arrive 3 HOURS before your flight is scheduled to leave.  
3. Parents are allowed to escort students to the gate with an escort pass that is given out at the airport ticket counters. Parents must have government issued IDs to do so. 

4. Download the airline app onto your smartphone. Use the flight confirmation number to track the status of your flight. You can share this with your family so they can track your flight and received notifications as well. 

    

1. Arrive to the airport at least 3 HOURS before your flight. 
2. Make sure you bring all of your travel essentials: luggage, student ID/government ID such as a passport or license, headphones, and spending money.  
3. Make sure you are aware of what airline you are flying with prior to your flight! That is where you will enter the airport.
4. When you enter the airport, you will have to show your ID and boarding pass to airline personnel. 
5. If you need or want a printed boarding pass, you can use your flight confirmation number to print one at an airline kiosk. Ask an employee for help if you need it. 

1. Confirm your airline's policy on checked bags. Most airlines now charge a fee, about $25-$60 per bag. This fee can be paid when you check in online 24 hours prior to your flight or at the airport when you arrive for your flight at the ticket counter. 
2. Each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds. If heavier, the airline will charge extra fees, so pack smart!
3. Also check your ticket to see what is allowed for carry-on items as this also can vary from airline to airline and seat type you have purchased. Most allow at least 1 carry-on that can fit under the seat in front of you. 
   1. If space in your carry-on allows, pack an extra set of clothing, charger for your phone and any of your other valuables. 

1. Make sure to have your ID out and have access to your boarding pass, via your phone or a paper copy of it. 
2. Make sure you have reviewed the TSA website for detailed information on transporting liquids, batteries, food, sharp objects, etc. 
3. You will go through security. They will scan your bags and will likely ask you to remove your shoes and have you walk through a body scanner. Do not worry! This is a very typical protocol and ensures everyone’s safety.

1. After going through security, please locate the GATE NUMBER on your boarding pass. This gate number is often a combination of letters and numbers (example: 4B or 24F). Please make sure you get to your gate ASAP and stay close. This is the location where you will get onto your plane. Arriving at your gate on time is essential - getting there late can mean you miss your flight!  FLIGHTS BOARD 30 MINUTES before the departure time. Your SEAT may be given away if you do not board on time.  
2. If in doubt, ask for help. Airport staff will usually have some type of uniform, vest, or badge visible. 
3. If you are flying during a meal time, consider purchasing something near your gate to take on the flight with you. Typically airlines will offer a complimentary soft drink/water and small snack on the flight.

Please stay close! Airline personnel will announce in the overhead speaker when you will board your flight. Make sure you are aware of this and are paying attention! 

1. EMPTY water bottle and/or a snack
2. A sweater, sweatshirt, or light jacket (planes get cold)
3. Headphones 
4. Book/magazine
5. Neck pillow
6. AND DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID AND TICKET/CONFIRMATION NUMBER!
7. You are allowed to bring one SMALL bag to put as a carry-on luggage, and one personal item (purse, backpack, or tote bag) that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. If it’s too big they will make you check it and they may charge you a bag fee, so keep these items SMALL!

1. Follow signs to baggage claim. There is usually an announcement on the airplane right before you get off about which carousel your bags can be claimed at. 
2. Collect bags from the baggage claim area.
3. Proceed to your planned pick-up area. Before you leave you should have planned with your family how you will get from the airport to campus. We have a list of shuttle services in the area which we find can be easier than trying to get a shared ride service.