Travel & Flight Information
At Therapy Abroad, we believe that safe, supported, and flexible travel is the foundation of a successful study abroad experience. That’s why we provide students and families with clear flight options, including chaperoned flights with a dedicated flight leader as well as the flexibility to arrange independent flights that fit your schedule and budget. Whether you choose the convenience of traveling with a Therapy Abroad flight leader or the freedom to use miles, family discounts, or a preferred departure airport, our priority is ensuring every student arrives safely and confidently at their program. With guidance from our trusted partner FlightFox and hands-on support from our staff at every step, Therapy Abroad makes international travel for students simple, affordable, and stress-free
“Traveling abroad for the first time was something I was nervous about, but Therapy Abroad made the entire process simple and stress-free. From booking my ticket with their partner FlightFox to traveling with a flight leader who supported us through check-in, security, and arrival, I felt completely taken care of. Having staff there every step of the way turned what could have been overwhelming into a smooth, exciting start to my program.”
Chaperoned Flights with a Flight Leader
For each Therapy Abroad program date, we designate an official chaperoned flight itinerary. These flights are carefully selected and led by a Therapy Abroad flight leader, who travels with students from the U.S. departure airport to the program destination (and back at the end of the program). The flight leader’s role is to support students during check-in, security, layovers, and arrival—ensuring that every participant has a safe, coordinated travel experience.
Departure Airports
Depending on the program, chaperoned flights may depart from one of several major international hubs:
- Miami, FL – Dominica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
- Houston or Dallas, TX – Belize programs
- Los Angeles, San Francisco, CA, – Thailand programs
- New York, NY -Bulgaria & Greece, Ireland, Other European Destinations
Each year, Therapy Abroad evaluates available flight routes to determine the best balance of affordability, safety, and convenience. Because airline schedules and prices vary, the exact airport and airline used for the chaperoned flight may change from year to year.
Our Priorities When Selecting Flights
When choosing the designated chaperoned flight for each program, Therapy Abroad prioritizes:
- Reputable airlines with a strong record of safety and reliability
- Affordable airfare for students and families
- Nonstop service to the destination whenever possible (to reduce complexity and delays)
- Convenient departure times that allow families to coordinate domestic connections if needed
Why Choose the Chaperoned Flight?
- The chaperoned flight option provides peace of mind and a smoother start to your program experience:
- A Therapy Abroad flight leader traveling with the group from the U.S. departure airport
- Coordinated travel with your peers, so you begin the program together
- Staff assistance at the airport, from check-in through arrival abroad
- Support with layovers, delays, or rebookings, if they occur
- The opportunity to connect with fellow students before the program officially begins
Do I Need to Take Chaperoned Flight with A Flight Leader?
While many students find the chaperoned flight with a flight leader to be the most convenient option, there are several reasons why a student may choose to arrange their own travel. Independent flights can make sense when students want to use airline miles or travel vouchers, take advantage of family or university discounts, or depart from an airport closer to home rather than traveling to one of our designated departure hubs. In some cases, families may also find a more affordable or convenient itinerary that still aligns with Therapy Abroad’s designated arrival and departure windows. Choosing an independent flight allows for greater flexibility and often helps students and families minimize overall travel costs—while still ensuring full Therapy Abroad support upon arrival.
Independent Flight Options
We also welcome students to book flights independently. We allow this because we recognize that:
- Airfare prices continue to rise, and independent booking helps families find the best deals
- Students may want to use frequent flyer miles or family discounts
- Departing from an airport closer to home is often more convenient than traveling from one of our designated hubs.
- As long as flights arrive and depart within the designated travel windows, students booking independently will still receive full airport support from Therapy Abroad staff.
Flights Outside of Designated Windows
If a student’s itinerary falls outside the designated arrival or departure windows, a $300 fee may apply ($150 each way).This is not a penalty, but rather a way to ensure every student is supported. The fee covers:
- Pre-arranged private airport transfers
- A dedicated Therapy Abroad staff guide to personally greet the student and accompany them to or from the program site
- No matter how you travel, Therapy Abroad will never leave you to navigate the airport on your own. Our team will always be there to welcome and support you.
Booking Through Our Partners at FlightFox
To make the process simple and secure, Therapy Abroad partners with FlightFox, a professional student travel service. FlightFox provides:
- Easy booking of the chaperoned flight with our staff flight leader
- Assistance with independent flights that align with designated windows
- 24/7 travel support in case of delays, cancellations, or rebookings
- Access to competitive fares and flexible options for students and families
Why We No Longer Offer Group Flights
In the past, Therapy Abroad offered traditional “group flights,” where all students were booked together on the same ticket. While this model worked for some families, we found it limited flexibility, often increased costs, and did not take advantage of the many ways students and families can save on airfare today. By moving away from group ticketing and instead designating a chaperoned flight with a flight leader, we can offer students the best of both worlds: the reassurance of traveling with a Therapy Abroad staff member if they choose, and the freedom to book independent flights that make the most sense for their budget, miles, or departure city. This change ensures that every student has safe, supported travel options—without being restricted to one group booking.