Flights & Arrival Instructions

Booking Your Flight - Spring 2026

Students are responsible for booking their own flights. Spring 2026 students should book their flight so that they arrive into Chiang Mai on Friday, January 16th. We have arranged an optional coordinated flight should you want to fly over and/or arrive in Chiang Mai with other students on the program; you can work with Village Travel to book it or book it on your own. 

*IMPORTANT NOTE*: This year we have posted the group flight route TO Thailand (from the U.S.) separately from the group flight option FROM Thailand (back to the U.S. at the end of the program). This is due to flight availability challenges. You will need to book each way separately, as the routes are with different airlines/providers. You can book any part of the group flight itineraries with Village Travel if you'd like and it works for you, though you aren't required to.

Group Flight through Village Travel

ISDSI recommends booking a flight that allows for some flexibility and booking directly with the airline. 

The program ends on May 15th, meaning students can depart on May 16th or 17th at latest (and still utilize program housing). 

Students can stay up to 7 days after the program on their visa and arrive about 7 days prior to the start of the program. If you are wanting to arrive early or stay after the program, please reach out to us prior to booking your flight to discuss your options. 

Arrival Instructions—Official Start Date 

If you are arriving on the official start date, program staff will pick you up at the airport. After you have claimed your luggage, look for people holding a sign that says "ISDSI." 

If you are unable to find the group, call ISDSI for assistance:

• 24/7 mobile phone: +66.82.381.2634 

• Office phone (M–F: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. UTC+7) : +66.53.218.931

Delayed Flights

If your flight is delayed en route, call our 24/7 emergency line: 612.301.2255. Do not email us, since we might not be in the office or checking email as frequently.

Check-in Instructions—Early-Arrival Independent Travelers

If you are arriving in Thailand to travel independently prior to the official start date of the program, remember you will be on your own and will not have access to the program staff or facilities. 

Prior to your departure, we will send you a meeting point and time. It will be your responsibility to travel to that point to meet the program staff and the rest of the group. 

If you are unable to find the group, call ISDSI:

• 24/7 mobile phone: +66.82.381.2634 

• Office phone (M–F: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. UTC+7) : +66.53.218.931