Travel/Flight Information

The group will be travelling on USAir and Virgin Atlantic.  Flights both leave on the same day, but at different times.  As long as both flights are on time, the groups should arrive in London within 30 minutes of each other.

Click here for Flight Info, departure/arrival times, and group lists.  Please check the lists carefully, some of the boys are on the Virgin Atlantic flight.  E-tickets for all travelers will be emailed out this coming week.

Virgin Atlantic passengers should expect to arrive at Logan Airport 3 hours prior to departure so we can assist the large group through check-in and security.  Baggage information can be found on their website here.

USAir is a domestic flight from Boston-Philadelphia before departing for London.  A 2 hour window should be acceptable.  Baggage information can be found on their website here.

Updates will be posted here regarding meeting times at Logan Airport.

OTHER HELPFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Outlet Adapters: You will need a power adapter to use electrical outlets in the UK.  Their standard is a 220 volt outlet where ours here in the US are typically 110.  Laptops can adjust to this automatically (check your power cord & it will tell you – my laptop says “Input:  100-240V”).  For some other electronics/hair dryers, etc. you may need an adapter AND a converter.  Adapters can be purchased at WalMart/Target/Radio Shack usually for $10 or so, while converters usually cost a bit more.

• Credit Cards/Cash:  Please remember to notify your credit card companies of your overseas travel dates.  If they are not notified, they could shut off your credit card while you’re away thinking it may be fraudulent activity.  As far as cash – we recommend withdrawing funds from an ATM upon our arrival in London, as you will receive the best exchange rates.  Try to avoid the currency exchange kiosks where they charge additional fees for commission.

• Mobile Phones:  Smartphones such as iPhone, Droid, etc have the capability to switch to global services.  You will need to contact your cell phone provider and request this change on your plan for the duration of the trip if you wish to use your phone overseas.  Alternatively, you can purchase pay as you go phones at numerous places while in the UK, at a relatively inexpensive rate.  Please be aware that data usage rates are much different on the global plans, more expensive.  Text messaging as well – depending on your plan you could be charged $.50 for outgoing messages and $.05 for incoming messages on top of the calling plan.  Be sure to ask questions when discussing with your provider so you are aware of possible charges.

If you are worried about data usage, you could always disable options on your phone to limit data usage & messaging, only utilizing wifi when available.

There are mobile apps that will allow you to call/text for free if you are on a wireless network (such as Viber, etc).  Wireless is available for free at the hotel and at certain locations (Starbucks) but free WiFi is not as readily available as it is in the US.    iPhones can text other iPhones via iMessage if on a wireless network as well.  We are expecting to have WiFi access while staying at Lancing College in Brighton.