Are you nervous about traveling alone? Are your parents or family members worried about you traveling alone? Do not fret, Voices attendees! The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has put together a list of answers to all your travel questions!
What should I bring with me?
- Sleeping bag and/or pillow (Tip: contact your host ahead of time to ask if they have a sleeping bag or other accommodations you could use for the night)
- Towel (Tip: your host may have an extra so don’t be afraid to ask, but it’s not a guarantee)
- Shower shoes (Tufts’ showers are not the worst, but shower shoes – like flip flops – are always a must in college)
- Toiletries (Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap, and be sure that you bring liquids in bottles that meet airport requirements. Containers should be less than 3.4 ounces and fit in a quart-sized plastic bag)
- Sweater or light jacket (New England weather is notoriously unpredictable)
- Umbrella or rain poncho
- Water bottle (make sure it’s empty when you go through airport security) · Comfortable shoes and clothes
- Cell phone charger
- Homework (if you need it)
- Spending money (for the airport or bookstore, just in case. Tufts will provide all of your meals while you are on campus)
When should I get to the airport?
You should plan on getting to the airport at least two hours before your flight takes off. Trust me: it is better to arrive early (and, besides, running through the airport only looks graceful when the cast of Home Alone do it). Make sure you know what terminal your flight leaves from.
What do I do once I get to the airport?
When you get to the airport, plan to check in at your airline with a ticket agent who can review your travel itinerary with you. They can point you in the right direction toward security and your gate. Please do not check your luggage.
How do I get my boarding pass?
Major airlines have an app that you can download to check-in for your flight and access your digital boarding pass. You can check-in and download your boarding pass 24 hours before your flight takes off. For example, if your flight takes off at 8:25am on October 20, you can print your boarding pass on October 19 any time after 8:25am.
If you don't have access to a phone while traveling, but you do have access to a printer at home, you can print your boarding pass 24 hours before your flight takes off. In order to print your boarding pass at home, all you have to do is log onto the airline’s website and click “Check-In,” which is generally located on the top or right-hand side of your screen. You will need the airline confirmation code found on the itinerary you received from us. Printing your boarding pass at home is easier and saves you the trouble of having to print it at the airport!
If you do not have access to a phone or to a printer at home, you can always print your boarding pass once you arrive at the airport. If your flight is not non-stop and you have a connecting flight, you will be issued two boarding passes.
What exactly is a boarding pass?
A boarding pass is what separates you from boarding your flight to Boston! It is a physical or digital ticket with your name and specific flight information. It will have your seat assignment and flight number which will tell you which gate your plane will leave from. It also tells you what time your flight boards—be sure to be at the gate BEFORE this time.
What do I need in order to get through security?
You need both your ID and boarding pass to proceed through security – have them in hand. You cannot take any liquids through this checkpoint (except for your small bag of specially packed toiletries –see packing list). To go through the metal detectors, load all of your belongings onto the conveyer belt. Take your toiletries out of your duffel & place them along with the shoes you are wearing into the plastic tub provided. If you have a computer, you may also need to take it out of your bag and place it in the plastic tub. Once you get through security be sure to collect ALL of your belongings! Put your ID away but keep your boarding pass handy.
Follow signs to your gate. Look on your boarding pass if you forgot your gate number. The gate is the location where you will find your plane. Every terminal has gate numbers and letters so follow the signs carefully! In some cases it may be a LONG walk to your gate, so be prepared!
What do I do once I get to my gate?
Once you have found “your” gate, RELAX! If you have time before the plane boards (check your boarding pass or the monitor at the gate for the time you will board the plane – usually 30 minutes before the plane is scheduled to depart), use the restroom, put water in your water bottle (see packing list), grab a snack.
Look at your boarding pass again – you need it handy to get on the plane. Find your “zone” which tells you when you can get on the plane. Because there are so many people on your flight, they stagger how many people can get on the plane at a time. The airline representative will announce each zone in order (1,2.3 or A,B,C), or they may announce row numbers. Scan your boarding pass with the airline representative when you walk onto the plane. Match your seat assignment to the seat numbers and letters found above each seat row near the luggage bins.
What do I do if I have a connecting flight?
If your flight is not non-stop, you will have to exit the plane and walk to another plane in order to make it to your final destination. The flight attendant will be sure to let you know the gate number of your connecting flight, but we recommend downloading the airline's app on your phone prior to your trip so you have easy access to the gate information. The gate number of your connecting flight should be on your (second) boarding pass, . If not, there will be monitors in the terminal that lists every departing flight by airline, flight number and gate. You may have another long walk to your next gate!!
Where do I go if I have a question?
Near your gate, there should be an information booth or airline personnel. Don’t be shy; approach any official-looking airline employee to be sure to get your questions answered!
Can I bring food and drink on the plane?
Food—yes! Drink—no! Tip: bring an empty water bottle and fill it up once you get past security. This is an easy way to save $4 (and stay hydrated!). Feel free to bring along your favorite snacks for the trip!
How do I meet other prospective Jumbos who might be traveling on the same flight?
Do NOT be afraid to contact the other Voices attendees who are on your flight! We will let you know if there are other students traveling on your flights. 9 times out of 10, they are also nervous about traveling alone, so why not make one more friend before you even arrive in Boston? Once you find out if you are traveling with other prospective Jumbos, we encourage you to email and/or call each other.
What happens once you arrive in Boston?
Where do I get my luggage?
Hopefully you will NOT need to check-in bags because most airlines charge to check-in luggage (we will not cover the cost of checked luggage). If, however, you over packed and have no choice but to check-in your suitcase, follow the signs to “Baggage Claim.”
The great thing about airports, especially ones in which you have never been to, is the fact that everything is labeled well. If, for some reason, you are really lost, you can either A) follow the other people who were on your flight to baggage claim, or B) ask an airport employee.
Where do I go get picked up and brought to Tufts?
Be sure to turn on your cell phone and turn off airplane mode. Make your way to the Baggage Claim area and look around for other students who look like they also may be traveling alone or are in small groups for Tufts. Find a comfortable spot and wait for a cell phone call.
We will let you know when the shuttle bus is close to picking you up at the terminal (Don’t go outside until you hear from us). You should be looking out for a bus that says, “Joseph’s Transportation” on it (this is better known as “the Joey”). A person in a Tufts t-shirt will be aboard the shuttle and ready to greet you! If you can’t seem to find the shuttle for any reason, feel free to call Tufts at (617) 299-9218.
Keep the emergency travel phone number handy. If, for some reason, your flight is delayed or cancelled, please call that number and we will work with you to make alternative arrangements.