Frequently Asked Questions |
Answers
| Q1: I’ve never flown International before! What do I expect? |
| A: Some general tips for flying International: You will check in two large suitcases (some airlines allow three. Please check before you get your tickets) and have one backpack (small carry on luggage) and one wallet/ purse/ pouch. Check the weight of the luggage before you leave home.. otherwise unpacking and packing stuff at the check in is trouble.. You should keep all your papers - I20, passport, travellers checks, DDs, in your pouch, WITH you at ALL times. Do not check these items in. Do not leave it on any counters while filling out forms/ going to the restroom (bath rooms are called restrooms in US). Keep a detailed printout of your itinerary with you, along with all the time changes, etc. (of course). Also keep phone numbers of ISA guys with you written on a piece of paper. In your backpack/ carry on luggage, keep a change of clothes, deodorants, soap, lens solutions, any medication you take etc. That way you can change and freshen up during your flight change. In the rare case the airlines misplace your luggage, you need all necessary documents and things for the first couple of days with you in your backpack. Make sure you pack keeping that in mind. In case the airlines does lose your luggage, you will get it back within two days. Keep loose change and some dollars in your wallet, just in case anything. Take stuff to read/ music to listen to. Its a long flight, and you don’t want to be bored before you reach the US! Make sure you spend the last few days properly with your family. That’s the one thing we miss most after coming here, so enjoy these few days with them as much as you can. |
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| Q2: How does the immigration procedure normally work? (A personal experience of an ISA member, Ramesh Bhaskar) |
A: The immigration officer when you touch down in the US is hardly a problem. All he does is check your fingerprints (like the one's taken during the visa interview) and he will ask you a couple of routine questions if he feels like it. He will also as you for your passport and I-20 and do the necessary (filling up portions of your I-20 and stamping your passport and your I-94) He will ask you if you are getting any food stuffs into the country and you may just go ahead and say 'no'. He is not the one checking. There is a security check (customs) later, and if that guy feels like checking he will, otherwise he will let you through. I had no problems whatsoever with regards to any of these things. Its cool. The only thing is the long wait in the immigration queue ... That depends on where you are seated in the plane and how fast you are able to get to the immigration counters... Here are two valuable experiences of our members Ramesh Bhaskar and Chaithanya. Must read by every student. |
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| Q3: Before flying what things need to be taken care of? |
| A: Before few days of flight, call your airline and confirm your reservation. Specify the meal preference like Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM) to your travel agent or the airlines. Check the weights of your baggage and make sure that the weights are acceptable by the airlines. |
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| Q4: What do we keep in mind while booking flights? |
| A: Some airlines offer special deals to students flying to US – like 3 bags allowed, etc. You can find out all these details from your travel agent. Another thing to keep in mind is the country you will be flying through. Make sure you are flying through a safe country. Avoid change of airlines during travel. Same airline through out the travel is best. There are little chances of misplacing the luggage when you travel in a single airline. |
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| Q5: What is the airport name in Houston? |
| A: The name of the airport in Houston is George Bush Intercontinental. The airport code is IAH. |
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| Q6: How many airports are there in Houston? |
| A: There are two airports in Houston. They are IAH and Hobby airport. |
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| Q7: Do we land at Bush Airport or Hobby? |
| A: George Bush Intercontinental is the International airport. If you’re flying from India, you will be only able to book flights to this airport. If you’re flying from another state in US, Hobby airport is much closer to UHCL, and it would be great if you can book your flights for Hobby. It will be easier for your seniors to pick you up. Only a few airlines fly to Hobby. |
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| Q8: What is the address should I put on my baggages? |
| A: Please contact the current council to know an address to put on your baggage. You can find the council contact information at www.isauhcl.org |
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Note : If you are not satisfied with any of the answers provided here, you can post in your question on the Discussion Board of ISAUHCL for further clarification. All the ISA members are willing to help you on the discussion board.Also check the previous questions asked, so that you wont repeat the same question. For suggestions mail webmaster (AT) isauhcl.org