Chapter 2: Traveling Abroad

Group Flight

For your convenience, you are offered the opportunity to book travel on a group flight. We ask STA Travel, the world's largest student travel agency, to reserve a number of roundtrip tickets, usually on the JFK-Frankfurt-Florence route via Lufthansa. Other routes or airlines may be used if prices or flight times are better.

You are not obliged to use the group flight, but many students find that a group flight is a more comfortable and convenient way to start the program. If you do fly with the group, you will be met at the Florence airport by our staff, and will transfer from there to your apartment in town.

We will notify you by e-mail when group flight tickets are available for sale. To purchase a seat on the group flight, simply go to http://fairfield.statravel.com/, where you will find the flight itinerary. You can purchase your seat online or by calling STA's toll-free number.

Please keep in mind that Fairfield University is not responsible for air travel or reservations; it is up to you to book your travel plans and to ensure arrival in Florence. Since we have to estimate the number of seats on the group flight far in advance, there may not be enough seats for everyone. We advise you to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

On departure day, please arrive at the airport three hours before the flight is scheduled to leave. It can take quite a while for everyone to check in, and we hold a short pre-flight orientation to answer any last-minute questions.

If you are flying into JFK to meet the group flight, be sure to allow at least 6-8 hours connection time. Even better, fly in the night before and stay with friends in the area or at an airport hotel. The last thing you want to do is miss your flight to Florence, which can put you 2 or 3 days behind. If you do miss the flight, you are responsible for getting yourself to Florence. This involves waiting for an available seat and often paying additional charges. As a service to you, we keep a list of all students who'd like to share an airport hotel room, so call us if you'd like to be put on our list.

Hotels at or near JFK International Airport

The following hotels all pick up and drop off at each terminal at JFK:

Traveling Independently

If you wish to make your own travel plans, we suggest you book your flight early. There are no direct flights into Florence or nearby Pisa airport. There are, however, many connecting flights from Rome, Milan, and other European cities. There are a lot of different flight options, so shop around for the best price. You might want to compare prices between a travel agent and reputable on-line ticket sellers. Try to get a ticket that puts you in Florence or Pisa before noon on arrival day.

If you decide to book your own flight, please e-mail or fax us a copy of your flight plans so our staff will know when to expect you.

Landing in Pisa - It's only an hour by train to Florence; the station is immediately outside the airport. Get a ticket for Santa Maria Novella station in Florence. When you arrive in Florence, take a cab from the train station to the Fairfield Office. The ride is about 5 minutes. If your luggage is manageable, you can walk.

Landing in Florence - The Florence airport is about 15 minutes from the school. Take a cab to our office; it should cost about 25 Euros or less.

If you arrive in Florence between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., you will go directly to our office, where you will be greeted, pick up your keys, and then proceed to your apartment. If you will be arriving in Florence after 6 p.m., please contact us for alternate arrangements.