Step 14 : Block air tickets

Block air tickets to your destination. Blocking is free. Ask the travel agent the final date to confirm the tickets. Generally, August 1st or 2nd week is when people leave. Ask your seniors what is the best time to arrive there. Ask them the best airline to fly to the destination too. Prefer weekends as the arrival day in the US.

Important note : You are not allowed to land in the USA 30 days before the date mentioned in your I-20. Block your ticket accordingly.

USGuide's tip : Block at least 3-4 tickets. You will fly with your roommates. Give some fictitious names if you don't know your roomies. These names can be changed later.

USGuide's tip : Thomas Cook gives some student discounts. It is also popular and genuine. Plus they have policies for insurance and money transfer too.

USGuide's tip : Most of the airlines allow an extra bag for students. I can confirm this about British Airways. If you are flying with some other airline, do check their websites for baggage rules for students. You can always call their helpline numbers too.

USGuide's tip : Don't go by less reputed airlines because they are cheaper. More often than not, this is going to be your first journey abroad, so make it as lovely as possible. Go by some well known American, European or East Asian career. You might spend some 2K to 3K more, but it is worth.

USGuide's tip : Always try and go directly to the port of entry in the United States. That is, if your University is in Boston (it becomes your port of entry), you must land first in the USA in Boston only rather than going via New York.