TIPS FOR PURCHASING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

THINGS TO CONSIDER: 1. Departure & Arrival dates and times – Pay attention to the departure and arrival dates and times when booking travel. International flights from the U.S. often arrive 1 - 2 days after the date of departure due to time changes. 2. Connections – How many flights will I need to take to get to my destination? Am I willing to pay more for a nonstop flight if it is possible? 3. Layover Time – Cheaper flights can have substantial layovers lasting many hours. Be conscious of layover time when purchasing a ticket. Ask yourself, are you willing to arrive at your destination very fatigued as a result? Are you willing to monitor closely your carry-on items during a long layover? Remember that you will pay airport prices for food, water, etc. What is the cost benefit of a discounted fare compared to time and money spent in the airport? Conversely, when considering layover time, make sure your connections are not too short. Reserve at least two hours for a connection. 4. First-Time International Travelers – If you are going abroad for the first time and need to do a layover, you might consider doing so in the U.S. where you have a familiar language and culture. For example, if you are flying to South Korea, you could do a layover in Los Angeles with a direct flight to Seoul. 5. Third Party Providers (i.e., JustFly, Momondo, Orbitz) – While some offer excellent deals, others fall woefully short, particularly if you need customer service. Be sure to do research on the website legitimacy. Ideally, it is best to purchase a fare directly from the chosen airline to receive optimal customer service in the event of a delay, missed connection, or change in travel plans. 6. Using Multiple Airlines – While this can offer a substantially reduced cost, remember it is possible that you will have to pick up and re-check your luggage as well as go through customs multiple times. Plan for extra layover time. You may also have additional baggage fees if you travel domestically on either end of your journey. 7. Luggage – Most international flights allow one, free checked bag that weighs less than 50 pounds. Be sure to consult the baggage policy of the airline before booking your flight so there are no surprises at check-in. Do not forget to ask, what are the fees for extra bags, odd-shaped, or overweight bags? These can be very high, especially on discount airlines, so please use caution.

SUGGESTED WEBSITES FOR FLIGHTS • Google Flights – An excellent starting point to compare itineraries and prices across multiple airlines. You can search their calendar for the most affordable days to fly. It is helpful to set up a price alert so you can monitor trends in costs. • StudentUniverse – This can be excellent website for economical, student fares. • Student Travel Agency (STA) – While their flights can be a bit more expensive than StudentUniverse,students can purchase flights with a down payment and no interest for 90 days rather than pay in full up front.