This guide will walk you through the essential details about your trip’s airfare, flight information, and everything you need to know for a smooth departure experience
HXP includes international airfare
HXP has your international airfare covered! We book group rates to ensure you get the best deals and routes for everyone. Each trip starts from a meetup airport in the U.S.—think LAX, MIA, or JFK. As a Builder, you’ll need to fly out and return with the group from your assigned meetup airport. Your only responsibility is to get yourself to and from that meetup airport and cover your domestic airfare. We’ve got the rest handled!
Flight details will be released 90 days before trip departure
About 90 days before your adventure begins, we’ll send you all the important flight info you need! This includes your meet-up time, international flight details, baggage guidelines, and everything else to help you prepare to meet your group. Since we’re flying on a group ticket, you won’t receive individual boarding passes—your Trip Leader will have everything organized for you at the airport. Just remember to bring your passport!
While you’re on your own for travel to the meetup airport, we’ve got your back with travel tips! Most Builders fly in, but you’re welcome to drive or travel however works best for you, as long as you arrive on time. If you want to coordinate your travel plans with another Builder from your group, make sure to use the trip GroupMe. Your GroupMe will also be live 90 days before departure.
Arrive at the airport early
Arriving at the airport early is key! The meetup time will always be four hours before your international departure. We know it might seem a bit excessive, but trust us—this timing is crucial. After years of running Humanitarian Experience trips, we’ve found that this is the sweet spot. It gives you plenty of time to disembark from your domestic flight, collect your checked luggage, and meet up with the group. Once you are with your group, your Trip Leader will help you check your bags again, go through security together, and ensure everyone makes it to the gate with plenty of time to spare before takeoff. Even in unexpected situations, this buffer allows HQ and your Trip Leaders to make any necessary adjustments so you can still catch your international flight. So, plan to arrive on time or even a bit earlier—it’ll make your journey smoother!
Domestic trips (Builders 14-16 years old)
Even if you’re not traveling internationally, Builders on Domestic Trips need to make sure they arrive at the meetup airport (VIA, RDU, CMH, BIS) by the assigned time and day. Keep in mind that some airlines have age restrictions for travelers under 16 and may require unaccompanied minor services. Click here to learn more.
You can find more details about this in your Builder Portal, including Trip Leader flight and escort information, which will be available 90 days before your departure.
Domestic flight tips
When booking your domestic flights, we’ve got some tips to keep in mind! First off, it’s best to avoid low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, as well as JetBlue, which had the second-highest cancellation rate in 2023. Last summer, many of our flight issues were linked to JetBlue, so steer clear if you can!
Instead, we recommend flying with Southwest, which offers baggage included and unlimited changes, or Delta, known for being the most on-time airline out of SLC. Whenever possible, try to book direct flights to avoid layover delays and minimize the risk of chain cancellations.
Other tips
Before you head out, it’s important to be organized and ready to go! Weigh your bags ahead of time, and make sure you have a designated spot for everything, especially your passport. Check out our packing tips to avoid overpacking, and keep items you’ll need while traveling in your personal bag.
On travel day, don’t forget to wear your HXP shirt and save your Trip Leader’s phone number. Know where your group meet-up spot is—this info will be shared with you the week before you leave. If you run into any delays on your way to the meetup, let your GroupMe group know! This not only helps you stay on track but also makes it easier for your Trip Leader. And if you experience domestic travel delays and are running late, leave your checked bags behind! We’ll figure out how to get them to you later; the most important thing is making sure you get on that flight.
GET SET TO JET
YOUR DEPARTURE DAY GAME PLAN!
Night Before Departure Date
1. Check-in for your domestic flight to the meetup airport
2. Check GroupMe for the latest details on the meeting point
Day of Departure
1. Get to the airport 4 hours before the flight — time to kick off the adventure!
2. Land & Message: Hit up GroupMe to let everyone know you’re here!
3. Grab your luggage from the domestic baggage claim and head over to the international terminal.
4. Meet the squad: Gather with your group, catch the vibe, and get ready!
5. Bag drop & boarding pass: Your Trip Leader will help you check bags and grab your international boarding pass.
6. Security time! Go through as a team, then hang out together at the gate.
7. Phone check-in: Hand over your phone to the Trip Leader — digital detox baby!!
8. Takeoff time!