YFU Handbooks 2015 Family Handbook (Study Abroad) | Page 17
YFU, in accordance with airport security measures,
recommends that you allow at least two hours for your child
to check-in to the US domestic flights and at least three
hours for check-in for an international flight.
CHANGING FLIGHT DATES
Some students may need to return early for school or
stay later to finish school in their host country. In these
cases, students and parents may request a change in their
return date, but this must be done before the rebooking
deadline. The return letter will contain all necessary forms,
instructions, fees and deadlines for a Change of Departure
date Request (CDR). If the hosting country agrees to the
request, YFU will rebook travel and send a confirmation
letter with the new return itinerary. A second confirmation
letter will be sent to all natural parents (you) confirming
domestic and international flight itineraries a few weeks
before the students’ return date for those returning on the
regular group flight.
TRAVEL PROCEDURES
YFU Travel has staff in major gateway airports across the
US in order to assist with connecting flights. These YFU
Travel staff do not leave the airport until all students have
been accounted for and are either on their connecting
flight or other arrangements have been established. Please
note, YFU Travel staff will assist your child at his/her
connecting airports only; you are responsible to check
them in and get them on the plane. At connecting airports,
your child will be instructed to wait for a YFU Travel staffer
wearing a blue tee-shirt with a white YFU logo on the
front. If your child does not see a YFU staffer at the gate or
needs assistance during his/her travels, s/he can call the
YFU Travel Department toll-free number, 1.800.705.9510.
The YFU Travel Department is available 24 hours a day to
assist students traveling. You will receive more detailed
information in the mail about your child’s travel as the
departure date draws near.
Your child will need to show his/her flight itinerary at the
international check-in counter, along with his/her passport
and visa. After checking in, your child must be careful not to
lose or misplace any of these documents since no one can
board the plane without them. Your child should also keep
the luggage claim stubs in a safe place as these are the only
proof of checked luggage. In some international airports,
travelers must have their luggage claim stubs in order to
claim their luggage upon arrival. Furthermore, these stubs
will be vital if your child’s luggage is lost or delayed by the
airline. If your child’s luggage is missing at the airport, s/
he must report it to the airli