YFU Students on Program

Travel Information

Lost Passports

Before you consider your passport lost, dig through all of your belongings, luggage, bags, pockets, under the bed, and any other place where you might have been while carrying it. If it is definitely lost and you are not traveling for a few days, you will likely need to apply for a replacement passport and fly on a later date. Find out how long this will take from a passport agency and alert YFU immediately in case we need to alter your travel arrangements.

If you are already in the airport, retrace your steps and see if you left it in a seat, at a counter, in a restroom or other location inside the airport. Most students find it hidden somewhere in their own belongings or in a pocket. If it is definitely lost, notify a YFU staff member and call YFU Travel at 1.800.705.9510 in case we need to change your travel.

Info about return dates

Returns are arranged over the last two weeks of June with the earliest arrivals also departing earliest. Winter programs begin in mid-January and winter returns are in early January.

Change of Date Request (CDR) information

International Student inbound flight dates can only be changed for reasons of school, illness, or visa issues. International Student return dates can be changed by following the YFU Change of Date Request (CDR) procedures which are mailed to all International Students a few months into their exchange program (October and January). Students may request to return on a different date than the scheduled group flight for various reasons, if approved by their natural parents, host family, home country, and hosting YFU offices. Date changes are limited to the period of a student’s visa validity as well as seat availability.There are YFU and/or airline-imposed fees to go off the group travel return date and students who choose to change their returns do not receive YFU airport assistance.

When will I receive my return tickets

Tickets are mailed out about two weeks prior to departure.

Luggage and Airlines

Please contact the airlines directly or check their websites for luggage restrictions. Plan to pay fees for extra pieces of luggage or overweight luggage and potentially your first bag.. You are responsible for your luggage and all luggage weight limits are subject to changes at the airlines’ discretion. YFU will NOT pay for fees for excess luggage, so plan to pack light.

To find out how to travel with special items or understand which items are prohibited  consult with your Airline or check out the Transportation Security Administration’s website.

Travel Staff

YFU Travel staffs the following international gateway airports:

  • Atlanta Hartsfield - Jackson International Airport – ATL
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport – ORD
  • Dallas/Fort-Worth International Airport – DFW
  • Denver International Airport – DEN
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport – DTW
  • Houston George Bush International Airport – IAH
    (international departures and arrivals only)
  • Los Angeles International Airport – LAX
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – MSP
  • Portland International Airport – PDX
  • San Francisco International Airport – SFO
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – SEA
  • Washington Dulles International Airport – IAD
  • Frankfurt, Germany International Airport – FRA

YFU Airport Staff wear white T-shirts with a large blue YFU logo on the front and “TRAVEL STAFF” printed on the back. They might also have a blue YFU bag or a clipboard with the YFU logo on it.  YFU staff members are usually stationed behind the security area, where they can assist students with connections. You should always call YFU Travel if you have any problems during your check-in procedure or finding your gate or if you miss your flight. We can assist you over the phone or send a staff person to you if possible and/or necessary.