Pack everything you need for Welcome Days (or the first 3 days of Camp) into your carry-on luggage. This includes:

• T Shirt
• Shorts
• Pair of jeans
• Long sleeve shirt
• Sweater/ sweatshirt
• Comfortable shoes
• Travel size toiletries, including sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Undergarments
• Swimsuit if you’re going to camp
• Medication

You should also be sure to bring the following in a backpack or purse:

• Passport and visa papers, including your DS-2019 form
• Your EF Student ID card
• Proof of insurance (for example, your Erika Travel Insurance card)
• Your flight itinerary and printed e-ticket
• The EF International High School Camp address if you're going to Camp
• Your host family's address
• Valuable items like a smartphone, jewelry, etc.
• Cash or credit/debit cards for any travel purchases
• Your phone charger
• Pen for filling out USA entry forms during the flight
• Any medications you take; for prescription medication, you need a statement from your doctor in English clearly saying what the medicine is and what it is for
• Something to read, preferably in English!

For the latest rules and regulations on what you can or can't bring on the airplane, visit www.tsa.gov

• Don't wait until the last minute. Practice packing ahead of time to get a sense for how many bags you'll need.
• We recommend that all students put AirTags or other tracking devices in their luggage for peace of mind and additional information if your luggage is lost in transit.
• Your international flight will likely include one (1) checked bag. We recommend reviewing your airline's website once you receive your E-ticket to confirm size, weight, and the number of bags you are allowed.
• Your flight from Camp or Welcome Days to your host family will likely NOT include a checked bag. You should be prepared to pay for your checked bag on this flight. Again please consult with your airline's website for more information. Checked luggage typically costs $30 USD for your first bag. Keep in mind that overweight bags can be very expensive, so try to pack light.

• You will receive two flight tickets: your international ticket from your home country to Camp or Welcome Days, and your domestic ticket from Camp or Welcome Days to your host family. You should be able to view all of your flight information in the Hub. Print off copies of your e-tickets to carry with you for easy access to your flight information.
• Check-in online 24hrs before your flight if this service is offered by the airline and make sure you enter your name exactly as it is on the e-ticket. If online check-in is not possible, please make sure to be at the airport at least three (3) hours in advance for the in-person check-in.
• Download your airline's mobile app to see real-time flight updates, plan your layover(s) using airport maps and access your mobile boarding pass.
• Prior to your flights, log in to your online reservation on your airline’s website and submit your contact information. This will ensure that you will receive pre-departure messages from the airline via text and email.
• Save the EF Travel Support number in your phone ahead of time: +1 800-634-8351
• Arrive at the airport three hours prior to your flight departure and bring a copy of your e-ticket.
• Wear your EF hoodie or t-shirt! This will help you and other students recognize each other at the airport.

1. Get off plane
2. Go through immigration (get visa stamped, etc. usually a long line)
3. Get bags at baggage claim
4. Go through customs
5. Enter the arrival hall and meet EF team

Note that EF Staff aren’t allowed past the arrival hall. We’ll be waiting there for you and very excited to welcome you to the United States!

Your flight is delayed

• We're so sorry your trip is taking longer than expected, but this is very common. If you experience a delay but your flight schedule will not be impacted (i.e., you will not miss your next flight), sit tight! The airline will keep you notified of any changes, but you should still travel on your original itinerary.
• If your flight is delayed prior to your departure, still plan to arrive at the airport for the original departure time as changes could still occur.
• If your flight is delayed on your way to Camp or Welcome Days, the arrival teams will still be waiting for you. The staff at the airport will be tracking your flights and will likely already be aware of your flight delay.
• If your flight is delayed on your way to your host family, send your host family a message to let them know you may be arriving later than expected.

You miss your connecting flight

• Go to the airline’s help desk and ask to be rebooked on the next available flight to your final destination.
• Remember: the airline’s help desk will have the most up-to-date rebooking options and will be able to efficiently help you get rebooked!
• If you miss your connecting flight on your way to Camp or Welcome Days, call Travel Support after you’ve been rebooked. The Travel Support team will let the Camp and Welcome Days arrival teams know of your new flight information so they will be prepared to greet you.
• If you miss your connecting flight on your way to your host family, call your host family after you’ve been rebooked to let them know your new flight info.

Your flight is canceled

• 2+ days before departure: Our Travel Support team will work to book you a new flight. Once you’ve been rebooked, your new flight info will appear in The Hub and you will be notified via email. You can also check your reservation on the airline’s website at any time to find the most up-to-date flight information.
• 1 day before or the same day of departure: Contact the airline directly and ask to be rebooked on the first available flight(s) to your final destination.

Your luggage is lost or late

• Once you arrive in New York, let the Camp or Welcome Days team know that your luggage has been lost. We’ll help you complete the lost luggage paperwork with your airline.
• Don't worry, this is very common and the airline should get you your bag back soon. Make sure you keep your luggage receipt after checking your bag!
• For Campers, once your luggage arrives, we’ll have it shipped to the Camp.
• For students attending Welcome Days, luggage will be shipped directly to your Host Family. This is due to the short duration of the Welcome Days program.