• Confirm Flights, Departure Times, Seating, and Baggage online.

• Airline departure times are subject to change, so double-check!

• Some airlines offer a discount if you pay for your baggage charges online in advance. (Some even allow you to print the baggage tags.) Print out the receipt just in case. You must pay all baggage charges, even if your Rotary program paid for the airline ticket. You can avoid extra baggage charges by shipping items you don't need immediately. To compare prices between baggage fees and shipping costs, check with the Post Office, an international shipping service or a “freight forwarder.”

• Label your checked bag(s) with your Host Family's address and phone number, take a photo of each bag, and make a list of the contents.

• Reconfirm with your Host Rotarians/Host Family the date and time (use the 24-hour clock to avoid mistakes) of your arrival at your final destination airport -- and where they will meet you at your destination airport.

• Go online to www.TSA.gov (USA)/ www.catsa.gc.ca (Canada) to learn about any baggage restrictions or hand-carry items and what you can carry on your person.

• PRINT out your itinerary with confirmation codes AND ticket numbers.

• Be sure your have your Parent Permission to Travel Form!

Before you leave home, be sure you have these things in your carry-on:

• Your passport with Parent Permission Form. You also should have a black-and-white laminated photocopy of your Passport.

• Some cash and/or a debit card for meals or surprise expenses while traveling.

• A 5-day supply of any prescription drugs--in pharmacy bottles. (The balance of any prescription medicine should be in your carry-on bag with appropriate documents from your doctor and pharmacy).

• The photos of your baggage printed.

• Phone numbers for your Sponsoring Rotarians, Hosting Rotarians, your Host Family and your mom and dad.

• A printed copy of your itinerary.

• A printed copy of this page on your person.

• Now, put on your Rotary Blazer so other Rotary students (or Rotarians) can recognize you while you’re traveling.

• Arrive at the ticket counter at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. Give the counter agent your passport.

• Check your bag(s) to your final destination airport, and be sure you receive the baggage claim sticker.

• If you have connections, ask if gates have been assigned at the later airports and write them down.

• Ask what time you need to be at the gate for boarding; if you are not available for boarding when your row is called, you may be denied boarding -- and pay additional fees for a later flight.

• Be careful with your passport. Airports and airplanes are the easiest places to lose it!

• If your parents want to accompany you to the gate, ask at the airline check-in counter. Depending on the airline and the security level of the day, it may or may not be possible -- and the airline may charge a fee.

• Allow at least 30 minutes or more to clear security.

• Immediately after security, check the Departures board and re-confirm the gate for your flight. If you don't know how to get there, ask any uniformed airline employee. (If you find yourself in an unlit gate area with no other people around, this may mean that you are at the WRONG GATE!)

• Before leaving any plane at a connection or final destination, double-check your seating area for all items you brought on board.

If the airline delays or cancels your flight, or you miss a flight:

• Immediately go to the Customer Service counter. The lines will only get longer if you delay.

• The airlines should re-book ALL flights to your final destination. If there is trouble with that process, call IYWT at +1 (206) 242-1969

• When the airline re-accommodates you, have them print out the new itinerary and/or send it to your email address so that you can easily forward it to everyone who needs to know.

• THEN: Call your Sponsoring Outbound Chairman. They will relay the information to your Hosting Rotarians, Host Family and parents.

1. Disembark from Your First Flight

• Once your first flight lands, follow the signs for Connecting Flights or Flight Connections. This will lead you to the appropriate areas for passengers with connecting flights.

2. Check the Airport Information Displays

• Look for flight information screens that list your connecting flight’s gate number, boarding time, and flight status. This will help you identify where you need to go next.

3. Check Baggage Transfer Instructions

• If you’re traveling on a single booking, your checked baggage is usually automatically transferred to your connecting flight. However, if your connection involves a change of airlines or a separate booking, you may need to collect your baggage and recheck it for your next flight.

• Check with the airline or airport staff when you disembark to confirm whether you need to pick up and recheck your luggage.

4. Follow Signs to the Connection Gate

• Most large airports have signs directing you to connecting flights. Follow these signs to proceed to your next gate. Be sure to take note of any special instructions (e.g., if you need to pass through security again or go through passport control).

5. Check Security Requirements

• Depending on the airport and destination, you may need to pass through security screening again. If so, follow the signs for the security checkpoint and be prepared to remove your shoes, belt, and items from your bag for scanning.

6. Go Through Immigration (if applicable)

• When traveling internationally and the connection is in a different country, you may need to go through immigration or passport control before proceeding to your next gate. Have your passport and any necessary visas ready for inspection.

7. Recheck Baggage (if needed)

• If you were required to collect your luggage, head to the baggage claim area, retrieve your bags, and proceed to your airline's check-in desk to recheck your baggage for the next flight.

8. Find Your Gate

• Once through security or immigration (if applicable), check the monitors again for your connecting flight’s gate number. If you are unsure or have any questions, ask an airport staff member for directions.

9. Look for the Boarding Announcement

• As you wait in the terminal, keep an ear out for any announcements about your flight’s boarding time. Some airports also send notifications or updates via mobile apps if available.

10. Board the Flight

• When it’s time to board, follow the signs or instructions to the gate. Present your boarding pass and ID to the gate agents. After being cleared, you can board the plane to your final destination.

11. Stay Alert for Any Updates

• Stay updated on any possible delays or gate changes. Airports often provide real-time information via displays or apps.

Tips for Smooth Connections:

• Check for flight updates: Monitor any potential changes in your gate or flight schedule.

• Stay near the gate: Once you’ve found your gate, stay nearby in case of announcements or last-minute changes.

• Inquire about baggage: Always double-check if your luggage will be transferred automatically or if you need to recheck it, especially with connecting flights involving different airlines.

• Before you get off the plane, double-check your seating area for all items brought on board. You should be wearing your Rotary Blazer again.

First, you will clear Immigration:

• Have your passport in hand. Be sure you choose the right line, depending on your nationality. These lines only move as fast as the people in front of you. When you meet the immigration officer, answer all questions honestly: You have nothing to hide.

Next, you will proceed to Customs.

• Take your checked baggage off the carousel and put it on a cart. The carts are free in customs.

  • Note: If your bags go not arrive, tell Customs and immediately make a claim with the airline, using your checked baggage claim sticker and giving them a photo of the bag(s). Ask Customs how your bag(s) will be cleared when they do arrive.

• Continue to the customs tables, where most countries use the “green” light/”red” light system. As long as you see “green” lights, keep pushing your baggage cart. If you see a “red” light, STOP, and follow the directions of the customs agent. Each country reserves the right to thoroughly inspect all your baggage, your clothing and your person. Wearing your Rotary blazer will -- in most circumstances -- avoid this. Again, answer any questions honestly.

• Go to the pre-arranged “meeting area” you discussed with your Host Rotarians or Host Family.

• If your Host Family is not there, stay in the airport. Call your Outbound Chairman collect and they will solve the problem. Do NOT leave the airport or try to find them; they will find you.

• On arrival at your host family's house, CALL YOUR PARENTS before you go to sleep. They've been worried ever since they said goodbye to you.

• Go online to register with your home government. This will help your government contact you if there is an emergency back home, or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.

• This is suggested for all Rotary Youth Exchange students.

• For US Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/

• For Canadian Citizens -https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

Now stow your passport (unless Rotary is going to hold it) in the zippered compartment of your largest suitcase and . . .

FINALLY: HAVE A GREAT EXCHANGE ! ! !

Your parents, Rotary and It's Your World-Travel! have given you the tools to succeed!

So now we entrust the World into Your Hands ! ! !