FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

Before you make your flight arrangements, be aware of the following:

• See if you have an 'Emigration Clearance Not Required' or ECNR stamp on the last page of your passport. If it says ECR or 'Emigration Check Required', talk to your travel agent and have him get you ECNR status, or tell you how to get it.
• Be sure of your itinerary before finalizing your ticket because last minute changes are subject to penalties.
• Most flights out of India leave early in the morning. Be sure to confirm departure times and connections from where you are to the city of departure, and onwards.
• If you are vegetarian, most airlines provide special meals on their flights. Make sure to call your airline well in advance and request this, especially if you have any other restrictions, such as no fish or eggs. Also confirm that all your connecting flights are aware of your needs. Some foreign airlines are also able to provide what is called a "Hindu Vegetarian Meal" if specifically asked for one.
• Make sure to carry enough money to pay the International Departure Tax (airport tax) at the airport, which is About U.S.A Rs.300.
• The Indian Government allows us to carry $20 in foreign exchange for travel purposes. You can change your money at the airport, or you can get it done through your travel agent. You have to present your passport and valid visa for the exchange.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

All airlines have baggage restrictions that you must observe as follows:

• You are allowed to check-in one suitcase not larger than 62 inches (combined dimensions of length, width and height) and another not more than 55 inches.
• The bags should not weigh more than 70 pounds each. (approx. 31.5 kilos)
• You are allowed one piece of baggage on board the plane, but it must be no bigger than 45 inches so that it fits in the overhead compartments. Along with that, you are allowed to carry a handbag or camera.
• You should confirm the baggage allowances of your airline because they can change.

TRAVEL SMARTS

Here's a list of things you should do to avoid being stranded, losing your baggage or any other complications that may arise during your travel:

• Make sure that your passport and Visa are valid and in order.
• Make photocopies of the important pages of your passport and visa. Pack one set of these separately from your passport and leave another with someone in India who can be reached easily.
• Make a note your visa duration, i.e. the date of expiry, and any other forms that may be issued to you.
• Write down the serial numbers of your travelers' checks, if you are carrying any, in your diary or notebook.
• Carry your passport and ticket in a safe and convenient place on yourself, like a jacket pocket or purse because you will need to pull them out quite often.
• Make sure that you have bought the $20 you're allowed to carry.
• Carry a list of contact names and telephone numbers of people in the US in case you need help.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

US Customs allows every adult visitor to the US to bring in the following free of duty:

• One liter of wine or hard liquor
• 1000 cigarettes or 100 cigars
• $400 worth of gifts

Foodstuff, fruits, plants, vegetables, etc. are not allowed, and you will be questioned About U.S.A them when you get to the US. If you are carrying any of these items, there are bins provided at the airports for you to throw them away. Professionally and securely sealed pickles and dry spices are usually allowed.

ABOARD THE FLIGHT

On the plane, you'll be given a Customs Declaration Form, and an I-94 form for arrival and departure records. Make sure you fill these out, and keep them with your passport when you go through Immigration. When your passport is stamped at the Immigration counter, part of the I-94 will be attached to your passport. It is important that you keep this carefully, because they'll need to see it when you leave the country.