Arrive at the airport

3 hours prior to departure

Late arrival could jeopardize your seat assignment on the plane. Security checkpoints may also be crowded.

If departing from Minneapolis/St.Paul

Check in with your leader and/or ISE staff member at the appropriate airline desk. S/he will have your paper or e-ticket and facilitate group check-in.

If departing from any other airport

ISE will mail your paper ticket or your electronic ticket (e-ticket) confirmation to your teacher at least ten days prior to departure.

If flying without your leader

Communicate about a meeting point with your leader ahead of time. Check your bag through to your final destination.

Paper Airline Tickets

Are as valuable as cash. Do not discard any portion of your ticket or boarding pass until you return home. Without the return portion of your ticket, you will have to pay for an expensive one-way ticket yourself.

Electronic Airline Tickets (E-Tickets)

Most airlines use E-tickets. In this case, all you need to check in is your passport (and any required travel documentation for non-U.S. citizens)

Travel Documents

You must show your valid boarding pass and your passport at multiple airport security checkpoints throughout the day. Keep these items on your person at all times.

Airport Security

All passengers pass through a security checkpoint in order to gain access to the gate area. Parents and others who come to see you off will NOT be allowed to pass through security. Follow the instructions given by your group leader.

Before you pass through the metal detector, remove your jacket and all metal objects (jewelry, coins, heavy belt buckles); keep these items in your carry-on until you have cleared security. Remove your quart-sized bag of liquids from your carry-on and plan on removing your shoes and sending them through the metal detector.

Passengers may be screened individually with a hand-held metal-detection wand. S/he may also be patted down and the contents of his/her wallet or purse and carry-on bag may also be searched. Keep an eye on your items that remain on the conveyer belt until you are cleared.

Once you clear security, make sure you have gathered all your belongings and put your travel documents in a secure place on your person.

Air Travel Tips

Check airport monitors for current gate information! Sometimes gate assignments change from the time you check in until the time your flight leaves.

It is YOUR responsibility to be at the assigned gate at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure and to make sure that your tickets and other travel documents are with you.

Never separate from your group (ie. go to the restroom) without telling your leader where you are going.

Always keep your carry-on with you, never leaving it or your travel documents unattended.