Flight Overview

SPI does not provide flight arrangements due to constant changes in airline policies for groups, nationwide student participation, and for your flexibility. SPI does designate an international flight for each program upon which students should travel. Students are expected to be capable of traveling independently to the international arrival city (i.e. Madrid) although most students will be traveling with other members of their group on the same flights. All students will be met at the airport by SPI On-Site Directors and Staff upon arrival. We cannot guarantee that a particular teacher or director will travel on the same flight as students.

Students are responsible for booking their flight and sending SPI a copy of their itinerary by APRIL 1.
 
Independent Travel Arrangements
SPI charges a $350 convenience fee if a student does not fly on the designated outbound international flight. Additional ESCORTING FEES (see below) will be charged if a student arrives outside of the designated flight's arrival time by 30 minutes OR to a different terminal than the arriving group's flight. All students will be provided detailed arrival and pick-up instructions prior to departure. No escorting fees will be charged if a student independently takes a taxi to the hotel or homestay family.
Why the fee?  The fee is designed to discourage students from not traveling on the designated flights. It also covers SPI's time in additional planning needed to make special transfers for the student to connect with the group. It's also considered a convenience fee for the flexibility it provides parents to use airline miles, etc. if they like. We highly encourage traveling on the designated flights as this gives students travel time to bond with fellow participants.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL RELEASE WAIVER:  We require a signed waiver indicating the exact time, date and location if you have independent travel arrangements or will arrive or depart late/early from a program.  Download Release Form

Departing Early/Arriving Late from a Program
A $100 fee will apply if the student departs early or arrives late from a program site.  Example: Student will depart 1 day before the group's departure and will fly from Santander airport to return home.

Summary of Flight Fees
Independent Travel Arrangements - $350
Escorting Fees for Independent Travelers - $150 each way
Late/Early Program Departure/Arrival - $100

Estimated Airfares
Summer is peak travel time and airfare is around $1200-$2000 to Europe/Asia and $500-900 to Latin America depending on your departure city. The best airfares are subject to availability and it is best to book your ticket as soon as possible.

Using Reward Tickets or Miles
You may use miles or points to book your ticket directly with the airline.  During peak summer travel most airlines require 100,000 miles/points for Europe/Asia travel and 55,000 miles/points for Latin America. 

Families Wishing to Meet Their Child Abroad
Due to disruption from the immersion experience, SPI does not encourage parents to visit their child during the program. If you would like to meet your child AFTER the program has ended, please plan to meet them at the airport 2 hours prior to the departure of the designated return flight. Please complete the release form above if you plan to meet your child or if they plan to meet you.

Custom or Closed School Group Programs