Tips to travel to USA
June 1st, 2007 | by Ridhima Suri |It was a sunny Friday morning. A dear friend of mine asked me how much baggage was allowed while coming to the U.S. A very critical question, indeed. I remember before getting married, there was no single day which passed without a discussion on the allowed baggage while flying to the U.S.
You must know how much to stuff your bags with! This is important for
a)shopping accordingly, and
b)classifying your needs into ‘what I DO need’ and ‘what i can do without’
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets certain guidelines for baggage size and specifications. This is not compulsory and most airlines vary the requirements according to their policy. Checked Baggage regulations are also based on what class you are travelling in and on the destination. Following are some examples of check-in baggage limits of various airlines, for traveling to the U.S. Economy Class only!!
Jet Airways 2 pieces only weighing 23 kgs each. The sum of 3 dimensions (H+W+L) must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) for each bag.
You can find more infomation on www.jetairways.com (Product & Services > On Ground Services > Baggage Information)
Cathay Pacific Airlines Economy Class 32kg (70lbs) per bag (with maximum of 2 bags). The dimensions are 158 cms (62in). You can find more information on http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/helpingyoutravel/baggageinformation
Other airlines like Continental Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Gulf International Air,etc can be good options. The criteria should be ‘cheapest’ with ‘maximum allowable luggage’ and ‘least travel time’. Now you cannot have the cake and keep it too, so try to strike an optimal balance. Some other important information is listed below.
1. MakeMyTrip.com is an awesome website for your travel plans. Call toll free at 1800-INDIA-10 for more information.
2. http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/ has tons of information on all that you need to know about your visa. This includes information about how to set up an appointment for the interview to petition processes.
To wind up in simple terms, “travel smart, travel cheap, but travel comfortable!” Make sure that you have no irritants (liquids,sharp items, metal items) in your hand-bags, your checked- in baggage is within the allowed limits, and you are all set. We ended up having my perfume bottle and a flashlight confiscated and never returned, but you can be careful…:) It was my mistake. The process was right..and there is no room for mistakes when you are flying these days…hehehe.
Bon Voyage!
Tags: H4, Immigration, Interesting, Moving to US, Travel
4 Responses to “Tips to travel to USA”
By Nina on Nov 5, 2009 | Reply
I flew from heathrow to jfk airport on flight BA177 on tues 22nd oct. The problem is that my bag arrived damaged at the airport. It is not a minor damage and I want to claim the loss. I am insured. What should I do?
By Ridhima on Nov 5, 2009 | Reply
You must contact the airlines and get a report of the damage. You must give this report to your insurance to claim damages.
By SS on May 13, 2010 | Reply
Perhaps it’s because I am not married yet, but in all the international travel I have done, I have never had to check in a bag. I always travel light
To anyone who is travelling internationally, I’d say…luggage is a big headache. Carry as little stuff as possible.
By Ridhima on May 13, 2010 | Reply
SS,
Thanks for the comprehensive comment..:) Its good to be a light traveler. It saves many hassles. This post, however, was written from the perspective of someone temporarily (1-3 years) migrating to the U.S. A person traveling from India to settle in the U.S. by no means can travel light. Add a married girl to this equation and there is no way the weight will be enough!
Thanks for posting.
Ridhima