Question: Hello FlightGuru,

I am a student from India and I will be joining the University of Chicago in July 2010. I want to know which is the best airline from India to USA, which offers the highest baggage allowance for students. Please reply early as I plan to book within the next few days.

Thanks,
Amit

Edit: Jet Airways EduJetter Program for year 2010 and 2011, offering additional baggage allowance for students now launched!

Answer:

Dear Amit,

For the 2010 season, Air India is offering the Best 2010 Student Baggage Allowance for students traveling to USA and Canada on a student visa. Air India is offering all passengers traveling to USA and Canada on a student visa an extra piece of baggage weighing 23 kgs, in addition to the regular baggage allowance. The total baggage allowance available to students traveling to USA and Canada on Air India is as under:

Cabin Baggage: Please note that on all Air India flights to USA and Canada, you can carry 1 bag weighing upto 7 kgs as cabin baggage. The sum of the length, width and height of the hand baggage should not exceed 115 cms. Basically the cabin bag should be able to fit in the overhead bin. Due to safety regulations, you are not allowed to carry any liquids, gels, nail polishes, or any sharp items like razors, scissors, nail cutters etc in your cabin baggage. You can carry all such items in your check-in baggage.

Please note that if you have any expensive items like jewelery, cameras, or any other expensive electronic items, it is wise to carry them with you in the cabin baggage. Also note that in addition to 1 piece of cabin baggage, you are also allowed to carry ANY ONE of the following in the cabin:

1 Laptop bag OR 1 Ladies Purse OR 1 Still/Video Camera OR 1 Umbrella OR 1 Overcoat OR 3-4 books for reading on the flight.

Student Check-in Baggage: All passengers traveling on student visa from India to the USA and Canada on Air India (direct or connecting flights) are allowed to check-in a total of 3 pieces of 23 kgs each, (23 kgs + 23 kgs + 23 kgs = 69 kgs total) per person. The size of each check-in bag should not exceed 35.5 inches x 29.5 inches x 16 inches. You can carry food items, utensils, and other household items in your check-in baggage.

Interlining Baggage Allowance on US Domestic Airlines: If your final destination is in the interior of USA or Canada, then the 3 pieces (69 kgs) student baggage allowance will be available on the following connecting domestic airlines in the USA and Canada:

• American Airlines
• US Airways
• Continental Airlines
• United Airline
• Delta Airways
• Air Canada

In addition to this, Air India is also proving a special offer where there will be no extra charges for change in date of travel. This facility is available only once and if you change the date of travel for the second time, you will have to pay charges for the change.

Also, if your student visa is rejected, Air India will not levy any cancellation charges if you show them the proof of visa rejection.

To avail the above special student baggage allowance on Air India, please use our Student Special Fares Booking Engine. All highlighted fares appearing on the booking page are special student fares. Student special fares and baggage allowances to USA, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia are also available on Emirates, United Airlines, Finnair, and Etihad.  Please see the above link for more details.

All the best for your future and have a safe and happy flight!

- FlightGuru