Booking Flights
Unless otherwise stated, the Center for Global Study and Engagement does not arrange group flights. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare. For students who are participating in a Dickinson program, they will be given a timeframe in which they should plan to arrive and depart. Students should not purchase their flights until instructed to do so by the CGSE and/or on-site staff. Students on partner programs programs will receive information from their program provider about how and when to book their flights. We encourage students to carefully review the change fees and cancellation policies before booking a flight.
The following is a list of travel agents and websites students have used in the past. This list is not exhaustive, and the Center for Global Study and Engagement does not endorse any particular travel agent or booking website.
- Airline website (Delta/American/United, etc)
- Booking websites (Expedia/Skyscanner/priceline, etc)
If students have questions about booking flights, they are encouraged to reach out to the CGSE and/or their program provider.
A few tips!
Book Early (But Not Too Early)
- Don’t book before your program is officially confirmed or before visa requirements are clear.
Check Program Dates Carefully
- Refer to your official arrival and departure dates provided by Dickinson/provider.
- There may be a specific arrival/departure window. If you arrive outside this window, you may be responsible for arranging your own local transportation to your program site at your own expense.
Check Student Travel Agencies for Discount Fares
- Websites like StudentUniverse/BYOjet often offer discounted rates or flexible options for students.
Book Round-Trip If Possible
- Round-trip fares are often cheaper than two one-way tickets.
- Some visa requirements may require proof of return travel.
Know Visa Rules Before Booking
- Some countries require proof of a return or onward flight to enter.
- If you are planning to travel independently before or after your program, make sure you understand if there are restrictions for how early you can arrive before your program and/or how late you can stay after.
Compare Across Platforms
- Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak, but always check directly with the airline too.
- If booking through third-party websites, carefully read cancellation, refund, and baggage policies.
- Be cautious if the route involves multiple airlines or is booked on separate tickets.
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If the airlines are not part of the same alliance and one of your flights is delayed or canceled, the airline may not rebook or reimburse you for your other flights, even if it causes you to miss a connection.
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When possible, try to book all legs on a single ticket or through affiliated carriers to ensure you're covered in the event of delays or cancellations.
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Leave Wiggle Room
- Give yourself at least 2–3 hours between flights in case of delays and arrive early to allow time to clear security.
- If you have a connection, check to see if you will need to clear immigration/custom before your next flight and take that time into consideration.
Consider Flexible Tickets
- If your plans might change, look for tickets that offer free date changes or refundable options, even if they cost a bit more.
Don’t Forget Baggage Policies
- Budget airlines and budget fares may not include checked luggage. Sometimes it's more cost-effective to book a more expensive flight that includes the baggage allowance you need.
- International flights often allow 1 free checked bag, but double-check weight limits and the specific baggage allowances for your fare type.