We are so eager to finally meet you in person! As you begin your final
preparations to join us at VIU, please refer to the following information and
tips regarding your arrival in the USA.
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Booking your flight
Packing
Preparing for flight
During your flight
At the airport
What to expect from the weather
In case of an emergency
Booking your flight
 Book your flight as early as possible after you get your visa in order to get the best price
available. Ticket prices vary with peak travel times.
 Check your itinerary (ticket) for all details including airline code, date, time (check for difference
in time zones), and starting and destination airports.
Sample itinerary information:
Airline code
AI 101
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Date
Starting Airport
29 Nov New Delhi
Destination airport Starting time
Washington DC (IAD) 1300 DEP
Arrival time
1800 ARR
Get information on the type of meals served on the flight (Asian meals, vegan meals, vegetarian
meals, etc.) and make your selections. This is especially important if you have long flights!
Reserve a good seat. Even within the same class and fare, some seats are far superior to others.
Consider an aisle or exit row seat for leg room, or a window seat if you want to sleep.
Packing
 Get a strong suitcase. It will need to endure the wear and tear during loading and off-loading.
 Get definite information regarding allowed baggage. How many bags are you allowed to checkcheck-in and how many bags are you allowed to carry on to the plane? Know the number, size,
and weight limits for luggage from the airlines you are planning to take.
 Try to remain within the limit of weight permitted. You will be charged extra fees if you luggage
is overweight.
 Avoid travelling with fresh food items like vegetables and fruits since they are not permitted by
USA Customs.
 Keep your carry-on luggage light. You will need to lift it high to place it in the overhead luggage
cabins in the airplane.
 Do not carry any liquids (perfume, moisturizer, toothpaste) more than 100mL each in your carryon luggage. Airport security will ask you to discard them. If you wish to carry less than 100mL
containers, pack them in a transparent bag or pouch before keeping them in the hand luggage.
This will make it easier for you to remove the pouch for the security checks.
 You may carry larger liquid containers in the check-in luggage.
 Sleeping on the plane can be difficult. If you are particular about your pillow, bring a travel
pillow or head rest.
 Wear your clothing in layers so that you are at a comfortable temperature during the flight.
There will be air conditioning on the flight and it will be cold when you arrive in the USA.
However, you may also find yourself feeling too warm. It is good to wear a sweater or shawl that
you can put on and remove easily.
 Carry something to entertain yourself. You may enjoy listening to music, playing a portable
game, reading a new book, or using your laptop during the flight. Some airlines will offer movies
during your flight.
 Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries (less than 3.4oz / 100mL) that you need to
freshen up. (Not all airlines provide them.)
 Consider taking your own food (cooked and packed) on flight if you care about taste or health.
You may also purchase the food at your airport after check-in or security check. Take some
sweets, gums, or other snacks with you.
Note: Carry travel documents including your passport, I-20, consulate letter, destination address, name
of any contact in USA with contact number, and ticket in your handbag (not in the check-in luggage!)
Preparing for flight
 Check the timings of the flights (direct and connecting flights) a day before flying to get an
update on any changes.
 Reach your airport at least 3 hours before the boarding time. You will need to:
o Check in your luggage
o Collect boarding pass
o Pass through immigration and security check before boarding the flight
 Security check:
o You may be required to remove shoes, belts, and any other metallic items.
o You may/may not have to take off jewelry. Inform the officers before the scan if you are
wearing any jewelry.
o Take you laptop out of the bag and keep it in a separate tray.
o Cell phones should be kept in the tray.
o Be aware of carry-on luggage contents to answer any questions that the security officers
may have for you.
Here is an interesting video with tips for international flights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7isFs0Ltmw
During your flight
 Complete the I-94 form. Address mentioned in the form should be the address where you will
reside in USA even if temporary.
 Complete the customs declaration form.
 Relax! Your first hours in the USA can be exhausting.
 Move around. This is especially important on longer flights to prevent your body from aching
due to poor circulation.
 Drink lot of water, carry eye drops for dry eyes, use lip balm, and apply moisturizer.
 Talk to the flight attendant if you are facing any discomfort. They will help find solutions.
 Don't look at the time during the flight. It makes it more difficult to face the long hours ahead!
At the airport
International flights in the Fairfax area are directed to either BALTIMORE WASHINGTON
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BWI) – 55 miles North East of Fairfax, or WASHINGTON DULLES
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (IAD) – 20 miles West of Fairfax. If you land in New York or New Jersey you
will take a domestic flight to either IAD or to the Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 15 miles East of Fairfax
in Washington, DC.
Here are some things to know…
After you get off the flight you will be directed to the internal commute train which will take you to the
main airport building. After which you will go through the following steps:
Immigration check for non-USA travelers
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Baggage claim
Customs declaration
Exit
Give the immigration official the following forms:
o I-20 or DS-2019
o Passport
o Customs declaration
o I-94
Make sure the officer stamps your I-94 AND I-20 with “F1 D/S” (Duration of Stay)!
The officer may ask to confirm your reason to come to USA, the address where are you planning
to stay, and the university you plan to attend. If you land in a state other then Virginia/DC you
may be asked the reason for not landing in the state where your university is located.
Your thumb prints, finger prints, and picture will be taken at the immigration desk.
After you finish with the immigration check, look for the signs for Baggage Claim to collect your
luggage. There are multiple claim areas and you need to find one for your flight (flight number
will be displayed).
Next you will line up for the customs check. Have your customs declaration form ready to give
the officer.
There could be a secondary interview if you have not given proper information on the forms.
They will take you to another room where they will check SEVIS for your details. Keep the
contact information of the Designated School Officer (DSO) of VIU to give to the officer for any
questions.
After customs clearance you will go through the exit to meet with anyone receiving you at the
airport. Alternatively after exit you will go towards the gate for the taxi/bus services to reach
your destination.
Communicate, if necessary!
o Both BWI and IAD offer free Wi-Fi internet.
o If you are going to use a cell phone from your home country, check with your service
provider ahead of time to determine if you should arrange for international calls.
o If you plan to use a pay phone at the airport, you may need US currency to do so. Pay
phones use quarters (coins worth $0.25). Some pay phones also accept credit cards as
payment.
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Find valuable information at a help desk:
o IAD airport: International Visitors Information Services & Travelers Aid are both located
in the Baggage Hall. International Visitors Information Services can be reached via
telephone at +1(0)703-572-2536. Travelers Aid can be reached via telephone at
+1(0)703-572-8296.
o BWI airport: The Customer Service Center is located on the first floor of the terminal,
between piers B and C. There are also service points in all terminals. The Customer
Service Center can be reached via telephone at +1(0)410-859-7992.
What to expect from the weather
In January, temperatures in Fairfax, VA average around 33°F or 0.6°C – which may be much colder than
you are used to! Be prepared for the cold by wearing a heavy coat, gloves, ear muffs, and a hat.
In case of an emergency
If you arrive in the USA and experience an emergency which needs immediate assistance, you can reach
a VIU representative by calling (703) 338-5753. If your phone call is not answered, please leave a
message with your contact information and your situation. The representative will return your call.
VIU Student Affairs will be sharing regular emails with you on different topics of importance until your
arrival. Meanwhile, join us on Facebook! Find us by searching “VIU StudentAffairs.”