Even if you’re not traveling, you can see off your friends and family beyond airport security in the United States? Yes, some major US airports, including Seattle Tacoma International Airport, have visitor pass programs for non-ticketed guests to access secured areas which are usually reserved for travelers with international flight tickets. With a SEA Visitor Pass, you can enter the Seattle-Tacoma Airport terminal to see off the family at a boarding gate, indulge in airport shopping, or hang out in the international terminal.

Seattle Airport’s post-security visitor program welcomes non-flyers to a world normally hidden behind security checkpoints. The first airport to have launched the program in 2018 in the West Coast, Seattle-Tacoma is followed by Detroit, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and Orlando, Florida. Up to 300 SEA Visitor passes are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis for low-risk individuals without a boarding pass. And, the best thing is that you can apply for it online.

PC: PortofSeattle.org

How to apply for SEA Visitor Pass

Applying for one through the SeaTac Airport website is just like a piece of cake. You can start the application process within seven days prior to your family or elderly parents’ flights from Seattle to India or on the day of your planned visit. You need to provide a valid email ID, as approval comes by email. The application page shows the remaining number of passes on any given day, as it is limited to 300 visitors a day. If you are not able to select a date on the application form, it means the passes are booked for that particular date. The Transportation Security Administration may approve or reject the application.

Do I need a valid ID proof along with SEA Visitor Pass?

Yes, you must carry a valid TSA-approved photo ID along with a digital or photocopy of the SEA Airport visitor pass to go through the TSA Checkpoint 4. It is a designated lane for all Seattle visitor pass holders. Just like incorrect or misspelt names on flight tickets, any name mismatch between your ID proof and the visitor pass will result in denial of entry at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Besides, you are required to scan the QR code (received in the confirmation email) for your entry through the TSA Checkpoint 4.

What are the permitted hours for SEA Visitor Pass holders? 

Entry of non-travelers, under the SEA-TAC visitor program, is permitted from 5 a.m. through 10 p.m. You must leave the airport before or by 10 p.m. If you exit the secure area for some reason, you need to go through the TSA screening again for re-entry. Non-ticketed individuals’ entry to Seattle International Airport is subject to the same security protocols that apply to travelers boarding cheap flights from Seattle to India or any other destination. The TSA rules must be followed, including restrictions on dangerous items.

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FAQs on SEA Visitor Pass Program 

Do I need a Real ID to enter Seattle Airport as a visitor?  

The airport website states clearly, “A Real ID is not required unless you are flying commercially.” A government-issued photo ID is enough. Your name on the visitor pass should match with the ID.

Can I use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR program with my visitor pass for expedited screening?

Expedited screening is not available for SEA Airport visitor pass holders. Precisely, you cannot use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to avoid security wait times as a non-ticketed visitor to the airport.

How to know if my Seattle Airport Visitor Pass application is rejected?

All airport visitor visa applications are subject to TSA approvals. If your application is rejected, you will receive email notification from TSA stating that you are not eligible for the SEA Visitor Visa program.

The post SEA Visitor Pass Guide: Know How You Can Enter SeaTac Airport without a Ticket to See off Your Family appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and technology go hand in hand. No wonder why RGIA Hyderabad earned recognition at the Airports Excellence Awards 2024 for its digital innovations which double up as passenger-friendly solutions, such as Smart Trolleys. Since completion of the pilot trial, 3,000 IoT smart trolleys at Hyderabad Airport have elevated passenger experience. Not only is booking flights to Hyderabad from USA online easier these days, but also navigating the airport is a seamless experience.           

What Are Smart Trolleys?

At RGIA, smart trolleys are not just advanced luggage carts, they are smart traveling companions and all-in-one guides helping flyers with baggage handling to real-time flight updates. Built on the LoRa (Long Range) IoT technology platform, these trolleys come with a tab-like screen and support long-range wireless communication. These high-tech trolleys pack in multiple features (listed below) to make your travel smarter and faster at Hyderabad Airport.

PC: HYD Airport

Features of Smart Trolleys at Hyderabad Airport

GPS-enabled Tracking

The trolleys are equipped with GPS systems that enable the airport and the user to track their whereabouts in real time. You can use HYD Airport’s mobile app or digital kiosks to locate the closest available trolley.

Real-Time Info Touchscreen

Remarkably, smart trolleys have digital screens that put all essential information at your fingertips, such as live flight status, boarding gate numbers, and various airport facilities. The touchscreen works like a navigator to help you with directions to food courts, retail stores, help desks, and likes.

Your luggage safety

You can keep the trolley unattended while using the restroom in the airport terminal. Yes, Hyderabad Airport’s smart trolleys are equipped with app-controlled locks and sensors to ensure the safety of your travel bags. This specific feature has even surprised techies, who book Dallas to Hyderabad flights for business or family trips.  

USB Charging Ports

What is more remarkable about these luggage carts is that they have built-in USB charging ports, so that your mobile devices don’t fall dead particularly during flight delays.  

Automatic Reallocation

Using predictive analytics, the airport provides trolleys in high-demand areas, such as check-in points, security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates, particularly during peak hours. Precisely, you don’t need to look for a trolley.

Time-Saving and Efficient

With GPS-enabled convenience and dynamic deployment through predictive analytics, intelligent trolleys cut down time in finding and accessing a cart significantly. With a few clicks, passengers can find, activate, and receive relevant travel information, thereby saving time, particularly during peak hours.

Zone Alerts

If a trolley is diverted from its assigned zone, airport staff are automatically alerted. This feature helps maintain a good number of trolleys in crucial zones and enhances baggage security.

How to Use a Smart Trolley at Hyderabad Airport?

• Get a smart trolley through the airport app or request airport staff.
• On the trolley screen, select “Start Now.”
• Scan your boarding pass or just enter your flight number.
• The screen will display the gate number, departure time, and nearby facilities
• Now you get to travel around the airport following directions on the screen.

Planning your travel to Hyderabad or any other destination in India? Check out Indian Eagle deals to save big on international airfares and fly smart. Indian Eagle is the most trusted travel-booking agency in America, with a proven record in booking the best flights to and from India for more than 15 years.

Are smart trolleys available to all passengers at Hyderabad Airport?

Smart trolleys are made available for use free of charge to all international and domestic travelers at Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Do I require the Hyderabad Airport app to get access to a smart trolley?

The airport app helps to locate the nearest trolley. Or, you can approach the airport staff to get you a smart trolley. Besides, the airport ensures availability of these trolleys at key touchpoints, such as check-in points, security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates.

The post Your Guide to Using Smart Trolleys at Hyderabad Airport for Easy Navigation, Baggage Safety, Live Flight Status appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Reportedly, American tech companies are advising the US visa holders, among their employees, to avoid international trips amid the heightened scrutiny at US airports for retuning travelers. However, smooth re-entry to the United States requires both immigrants and non-immigrants to have certain preparedness, like carrying essential documents while traveling abroad. If you have booked flight tickets to India, it is high time to consider the below list of documents. Travel to India, spend time with family, have fun, enjoy your vacation…without worrying about your return to the second home – America.

PC: This AI-generated image is for illustration purpose only

Passport with, at least, 6-month Validity 

Your Indian passport is more than just a travel ID; it’s your primary identity proof in the US. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of return to the US. Otherwise, CBP officers may refuse your entry into the United States. Not only at a port of entry in the US, but also at a port of departure in India, the less-than-6-month validity of your passport can result in boarding denial to you. Also, if your US visa is stamped on an old passport, don’t forget to carry both the old and the new one.

Employment Documents for H1B and L-1 Visa Holders

For H1B visa and L1 visa holders, carrying the most recent Form I-797 is critical to their hassle-free return to USA after an international trip. This document is the official proof of your legal employment status in the US. It includes important details like your employer’s name, job position, and validity period- details that CBP officers may verify during re-entry. Along with the I-797, you should also carry a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) and Form I-129 to prove your employment authorization in the US.

Form I-94: Your US Arrival and Departure Record

Form I-94 is a document that tracks your arrival in, departure from, and re-entry to the US, and it records the period of your legal stay in the US. This record is used by CBP officers to verify your immigration status. Before taking flights to India, download and print your latest I-94 from the official CBP website. Even if you’re a Green Card holder, CBP officers may ask for I-94 Form during your re-entry to verify your legal status. Keeping this one-page document handy is the wise to evade additional questioning on arrival from a trip to India and ensure safe re-entry into the US.

Documents for Green Card Holders and Applicants

Among the documents critical to Green Card holders’ smooth re-entry to USA is their physical Green Card. So, do always carry your physical Green Card, not just a copy or photo. If you are taking flights to USA from India after more than 6 months of stay in India or anywhere else outside the US, be prepared for a routine interrogation at the port of entry in the US. If you return to the US after 12 months, you must have a valid re-entry permit, or your Green Card could be considered abandoned.

For those in the process of getting a Green Card, especially Indian professionals transitioning from H-1B, Advance Parole is a must before leaving the US. If you travel abroad without it while your adjustment of status is pending, your application could be canceled automatically. Whether you already have permanent residency or are in the middle of the process, carrying the right documents is key to protecting your status.

Documents that Dependent Visa holders must carry

For H-4, L-2, or other dependent visa holders, it’s essential to carry marriage or birth certificates (especially if they were issued in India). Make sure they’re translated into English if needed. Also keep a copy of the primary visa holder’s key documents, like their visa stamp and I-797 approval. If you’ve been issued an EAD (work permit), carry that too, even if you’re not currently employed. During your re-entry to USA, these supporting documents will help establish your relationship with the primary visa holder and confirm your legal status in the US.

Documents that Students (F-1) must carry

If you’re studying in the US on an F-1 visa, your Form I-20 is as important as your passport. Make sure it’s signed by your Designated School Official (DSO) within the last 6 months for travel authorization. Also carry your student ID card, SEVIS fee receipt, and some proof that you’re still actively enrolled, like your latest transcripts or enrolment letter.

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The post Documents that US Visa Holders Must Carry While Flying Abroad for Smooth Re-entry to USA appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

You have not subscribed to the Global Entry program for expedited entry formalities in the US. No worries! Mobile Passport Control App is your free guide to faster immigration clearance and customs screening for seamless re-entry to USA after an international trip. Some savvy travelers call MPC App CBP’s best kept secret, as only 8% of inbound travelers used this in 2024, though it is the best alternative to Global Entry, and that too for free.

PC: IndianEagle.com (paid image)

What is Mobile Passport Control App 

Mobile Passport Control works as a digital “fast lane” through immigration and customs at US airports. A free official app from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), MPC helps streamline your arrival in the US and quicken your entry into the country. It eliminates the need to make customs declaration in paper. Rather, you can easily submit your passport information and customs declaration to the CBP through the Mobile Passport Control App on your phone. It gives you access to dedicated express lanes at more than 50 airports across the US.

Mobile Passport Control vs. Global Entry 

Both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry are designed to expediate the US entry process, but they are poles apart in several aspects. Firstly, MPC App is absolutely free whereas Global Entry is a premium program for $120 for 5 years. Unlike the Global Entry Trusted Traveler program, Mobile Passport Control App requires no application process, no in-person interview, no fingerprinting, basically no prior approval. You can easily download the app on your phone for immediate use. While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck come together, MPC is a convenient alternative for those seeking a complimentary solution.

Where You can Use Mobile Passport Control

As of April 2025, you can use CBP’s MPC App at 53 US entry points, including 35 international airports, 14 US preclearance facilities abroad, and 4 seaports (cruise ports). Precisely, this covers almost all the major gateway airports in the United States and several international transit hubs overseas. Using MPC APP, you can breeze through US immigration and customs clearance at major airports like NYC JFK, Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO, Chicago ORD, Atlanta ATL, Houston IAH, Detroit, and Miami MIA.

If you travel on Etihad flights to USA from India, you can clear US immigration and customs through MPC App at the designated preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi Airport. The US entry preclearance facilities in Canada and Ireland do also support the app for eligible international travelers.

How to use Mobile Passport Control App

CBP’s MPC App is compatible with iPhones and Android mobile devices. You can download the app before you travel back to the US. Once installed, you need to create a profile by scanning your passport or entering the passport details manually. The app stores the information securely. You can add to the profile maximum 12 people traveling with you. No background check, fingerprinting, or pre-approval is required.

The app can be used to further the process only within 4 hours before landing or immediately after landing in the US. You need to click and upload a selfie through the app for identity verification followed by a few standard customs declaration questions. Hit ‘Submit’ once you answer the questions. Your information is shared with the CBP over a secure connection, and you will receive confirmation, either as a QR code or a receipt on the screen.

As you deplane and head toward immigration, look for signs for “Mobile Passport Control” or ask an airport staff where the MPC lane is. Major US airports have clear signage directing MPC app users to designated lanes.

You’ll hand over your actual passport and show the CBP officer the confirmation QR code or receipt that you receive through the app. The officer scans your passport and/or the QR code to verify the info that you submit through MPC App. He might ask a couple of routine questions or simply verify your identity against your selfie. And that’s it! You are all set to enter the country or take a domestic flight without the paper work and probably in a fraction of the waiting time for other passengers.

Who can use Mobile Passport Control App

According to the CBP, US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can use Mobile Passport Control App for seamless arrival and fast entry in the United States. It is also available to Canadian citizens visiting the US on B1/B2 visa, and Visa Waiver Program travelers with pre-approved ESTA. In plain terms, nationals of the countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are privileged to use the app.

Can B1/B2 visa holders from India use MPC App for hassle-free arrival at US airports?    

No, B1/B2 visa holders from India are not eligible to use the Mobile Passport Control App. However, if you are an NRI holding a US Green Card (lawful permanent resident), you are eligible to use MPC for a quicker and more convenient immigration experience at supported US airports.

The post Mobile Passport Control: Know How to Use This CBP App for Faster US Immigration and Customs Clearance appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

In the history of aviation, Air India was, perhaps, the first and only airline to hand over an illustrated booklet called ‘Better Acquainted’ on the do’s and don’ts of flying to first-time travelers during the ‘JRD Tata’ era. 60 years down the line from then, flying with dignity has almost ceased to exist. Airlines’ no-fly lists of disruptive passengers are getting longer these days. Reclining seats carelessly, spilling drinks, hogging armrests, intruding a co-passenger’s privacy, picking a fight with the cabin crew over petty issues…. are common nuances in the sky these days.

Indian Eagle, the leading travel-booking partner for Indian Diaspora, shares this infographic as a gentle reminder of 10 air travel etiquette rules that can go a long way in ensuring pleasant international flights for you and your fellow passengers.

The post 10 Air Travel Etiquette Rules: Do’s and Don’ts for Flying with Decency appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Navigating US airport security often feels like embarking on a daunting journey before the long-haul flight from USA to India even begins. With stringent protocols and seemingly endless queues at every airport checkpoint, travelers find themselves trudging through a labyrinthine maze of regulations and security procedures. However, trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry and TSA PreCheck come to your rescue, streamlining the security screening process and expediting your journey through the airport.

But, which is better: TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? Should I enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or both? While Global Entry eases international arrival in the US, TSA PreCheck facilitates domestic and international departures. There are exclusive kiosks/security lanes for members of these trusted travelers programs. The best thing is that Global Entry members do automatically qualify for the benefits of TSA PreCheck. This infographic comes in handy for you to know what you should enroll in – Global Entry or TSA PreCheck – and other details like eligibility, fee, application procedure, how to use, and validity.

The post Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: An Infographic Guide on Travelers to and from USA appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Booked Qatar Airways’ flight tickets to India or USA via Doha for summer travel? You can now turn your transit into an exciting tour of Doha City if the layover/connection time is 8 hours or more at Hamad International Airport. Or, you can make the most of a Doha stopover in the event of a minimum 12-hour layover in transit. Qatar Airways’ Doha stopover is one of the best airline stopover programs for international transit travelers. Doha, the capital of Qatar, is much as beautiful as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. You can get to see an additional destination while in transit between USA and India at a very little cost, instead of spending a lump sum for a separate trip to Doha.

PC: Discoverqatar.qa/tours-excursions

Do I need a visa for a Doha stopover or a transit tour in Doha?

Usually, international transit travelers require a transit visa to enter Doha/Qatar. Nationals of both India and the United States are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. To be precise, Indian passport holders and US citizens can obtain visa waiver on arrival in Doha during their layover at Hamad Airport (DOH). They must have a passport valid for minimum 6 months and a confirmed onward/return air ticket. The visa waiver for them is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Other transit passengers of Qatar Airways can apply for a pre-approved transit visa to enter Doha. The Qatar transit visa is available at no cost and for a layover of minimum 5 hours. It is valid for up to 96 hours or 4 days. In case a US or Indian citizen is barred from obtaining visa waiver on arrival in Doha, he/she can apply for a free transit visa to Qatar.

Doha City transit tours for Qatar Airways’ passengers

Qatar Airways’ Destination Management Company, Discover Qatar operates several Doha City tours for international transit passengers having a layover of 8 hours or more at Hamad Airport. You can choose either of the two paid Doha transit tours offered by Discover Qatar and pre-book online on the website of Discover Qatar. You can also reach out to the Discover Qatar Desk at Hamad International Airport.

“Discover Doha” is a 3-hour guided coach tour across the city. It takes travelers on a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art, Dhow Harbour, the Doha Corniche, the Katara Cultural Village, and Souq Waqif. The Doha Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade stretching for 7 kms along the serene Doha Bay. Boat rides are available at the Corniche stop next to the Museum of Islamic Art. Dhow Harbour, one of the oldest tourist places in Doha, is where traditional sailing vessels are anchored. The place offers absolute serenity and scenic glimpses of beach life. The Katara Cultural Village is a must-visit place that offers a walk-through Qatar’s art, culture and cuisine.

Discover the Desert and Inland Sea is an exclusive 4-hour private tour for transit travelers with Qatar Airways tickets for business flights/economy. It is an exciting tour of the place where sand dunes of the Arabian Desert meet the pristine blue waters of the Arabian Sea and offer breath-taking views.

Hamad Int Airport tours for transit passengers

Neither Qatar Transit Visa nor the visa waiver on arrival in Doha is available for Indians and US citizens if their itinerary has less than 5 hours of connection/transit time at Hamad Airport. Without a visa permit or a visa waiver, they cannot step out of the airport for Doha City sightseeing. However, there are airport layover tours for them, and the tours are payable.

“Discover the Art of the Airport” and “Discover Squash at the Airport” are two Hamad International Airport tours for transit travelers. The former is a 2-hour tour exploring the remarkable art exhibits at Hamad Airport, DOH. Good for art connoisseurs among the transit travelers! The latter is also a two-hour tour that provides ample room to let you relax and enjoy a game of squash until boarding on to your next flight. It comes with access to the shower facility. The tour is available every two hours throughout the day.

Doha Stopover for Qatar Airways’ transit passengers 

Grabbing Indian Eagle’s best deals for Qatar Airways flights to USA or India, you can make the most of a Doha stopover for 12 hours or more. However, a Dubai stopover requires one-night accommodation at a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Discover Qatar offers cost-effective packages at bundle rates starting from $14 for standard 4-star accommodation and from $20 for premium 5-star accommodation per night. 

Hotel accommodation can be booked for up to 4 nights depending on the length of your Doha stopover. Your Qatar Airways boarding pass and stopover booking confirmation are the key requirements for hotel check-in on arrival in Doha. Your name on the boarding pass should match your name on the stopover booking document. In the event of flight schedule change or cancelation, you can contact Discover Qatar on +974-4144 5150 for a change to the stopover hotel booking.

What to do at Doha Hamad Int Airport other than paid airport tours?

You are in for a treat at Hamad International Airport. Among the things to do and see during a layover at Hamad Airport, the Orchard is a special mention. If you don’t wish to take a Doha sightseeing tour or spend on an airport tour, you can kill your wait time for the next connecting flight in the Orchard, a 10,000-sqm indoor tropical garden with spaces for relaxation, recreation, and shopping.

The Orchard with a 270-sqm water feature, among the key attractions of Doha Hamad Airport, resembles the Jewel Complex of Singapore Changi Airport. It offers lush greenery with tranquil ambience, so you can stroll or sit relaxed. Is shopping your favorite indulgence? You can go on a shopping spree in the sprawling retail area of the Orchard where there are more than 90 brands, including Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton Boutique.

During a layover, Hamad International Airport offers plenty of things to do for family travelers with kids. There are Mac stations with lots of kids-friendly entertainment content. The play areas have various facilities to let kids channelize their energy. The passenger terminal has five activity nodes for family travelers with children: one in Concourse A, one in Concourse B, and 3 in Concourse C. Bronze sculptures in the concourses are worth clicking selfies with kids. Precisely, there is no scope for kids to get bored during a layover at Hamad International Airport, DOH.

The post Traveling to India or USA via Doha? All You Should Know about Qatar Stopover, Doha City Tours, Visa-free Transit appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The Free Singapore Tour is back for international transit travelers after three years of the pandemic. Of all major airport layover tours, the Singapore Changi Airport transit tour is the most interesting one. A free city sightseeing tour or a walking tour across the airport is the best to kill a layover (minimum 5.5 hours) at Changi Airport while traveling on Singapore Airlines flights between India and USA. The Free Singapore Tour comprises two city sightseeing itineraries (City Sights Tour), one itinerary exploring the airport (Jewel Tour), and a newly added residential town & village beach tour (Changi Precinct Tour). You can pre-book either of the four tour itineraries.

What are the eligibility requirements for a free Singapore airport or city tour?

All international transit travelers are eligible for the Free Singapore Tour, regardless of their nationality. The first and foremost condition is the layover period or transit time that must be between 5.5 hours to 24 hours. Your transit schedule at Changi Airport should correspond with the tour timings.

How to register for a free Singapore transit tour?

You can register online for the Free Singapore Tour, a guided service. You can pre-book a tour itinerary of your choice under the ‘Airport Guide’ section of the website ChangiAirport.com. Do note that registration or booking is absolutely free.

Is an entry or transit visa required for the Free Singapore Tour?

US citizens do not need an entry or transit visa for a Changi Airport tour or a Singapore City sightseeing tour. Singapore offers 96-hour visa free transit facility (VFTF) to Indians in transit to or from any third country via Changi International Airport. Indian passport holders with a valid US/UK/Canada/Japan/Australia/NZ visa and valid onward flight tickets are eligible for 96-hour visa free transit in Singapore. An entry visa to Singapore is required for an airport layover/city transit tour, if Indian transit travelers do not meet the eligibility criteria for the visa-free transit facility.

PC: Wikipedia (left) | Caroandbram.com (right)

Changi Airport Precinct Tour 

Among free Singapore airport layover tours for transit travelers, the 2.5-hour Changi Precinct Tour will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tour will let you explore a “uniquely designed residential town and a quiet village.” the tour starts with a visit to Tampines, the residential town which was once a forested area with swamps.  The town won the UN World Habitat Award for being an exemplary model of local Singaporean life.

The Changi Precinct Tour goes through Tampines Hub, Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub with environment-friendly space for food and leisure services. The next stop on the tour is Changi Chapel & Museum where the story of the prisoners of World War II is preserved.

Changi Village and Beach Park is the most beautiful part of Changi Precinct Tour for international transit travelers in Singapore. It is a recreational getaway with pristine white beaches immersed in tranquility, where you can breathe in fresh air, listen to your heartbeats, and drink to natural beauty. This is also a popular place for plane spotting.

Changi Airport Jewel Tour

A 2.5-km walking tour across Changi International Airport. Exploring the world’s best airport (in 2023), from the Control Tower to Canopy Park to the forest valley and indoor waterfall in the Jewel complex, is the best thing to do during transit in Singapore if your layover falls short of city sightseeing. Changi Airport’s Jewel tour starts from the Jewel complex where you can breathe in the calm of the lush green landscape inundated with natural light.

The world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Singapore Changi Airport is the prime attraction of the Jewel Tour. The cascading waterfall doubles up as a light-and-sound show in the evenings. Family travelers with kids can see the magic of aviation through interactive games and immersive projections in the Changi Experience Studio. The Jewel tour ends at Canopy Park on the topmost floor of the Jewel complex sprawling 14,000 sqm. The Canopy Park is a recreational wonderland with a number of attractions for children.

Singapore City Sights Tour

A City Sights Tour makes the Free Singapore Tour a lot interesting for international transit travelers. The 2.5-hour City Sights Tour showcases the modern landscape of Singapore as a most vibrant city. The tour starts from City Hall where there are the Parliament House and the Supreme Court within spitting distance from. It takes travelers through the Civic District where the old national monuments are juxtaposed with the modern skyscrapers.

The Jubilee Bridge is a significant landmark that commands vivid views of the Marina Bay and the city skyline during the City Sights Tour. The tour includes a 30-minute stopover at the Merlion Park, a major tourist attraction without any entry fee. There are many beautiful spots to take photos and selfies for Instagram. Another 30-minute stopover is at the Gardens by Marina Bay where more than 500,000 plants make a horticultural oasis. The Avatar-like Supertrees that add to the dazzles of the night sky are a must see during this tour.

Singapore Heritage Tour

A 2.5-hour Heritage Tour transports you back to the colonial past of Singapore. It includes stopovers at Chinatown and Kampong Gelam home to many architectural marvels. A heritage tour for international transit travelers in Singapore starts from Marina Bay and continues through Central Business District where the city’s iconic hawker center and a thriving night street food zone are located amid modern high-rises.

Integral to the colonial history of Singapore, Chinatown is a 30-minute stopover during the heritage tour. Street murals depicting the lives of locals in the bygone decades do not go unnoticed. This free Singapore tour for transit travelers includes a visit to the Singapore River and its quays, where the economy of the country is believed to have been cradled. Glimpses of the bustling life in this part of old Singapore are simply unmissable.

The next stopover is Bugis, the early settlement of Europeans in Singapore during the colonial era. Some of the country’s oldest churches with towering spires are situated here. This area is also known as Arts District. The heritage tour culminates at Kampong Gelam where the lifestyle of locals is an interface between the traditional and the trendy. This neighborhood is home to some of Singapore’s swanky cafes and ultramodern art galleries.

The post Traveling to/from India via Singapore? You can Take a Free Singapore Tour or Explore Changi Airport during Layover appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

October to April is the best time to visit Dubai. Booking Emirates flights to India or USA this holiday season or for the upcoming summer travel is a good opportunity to see Dubai during a layover and, that too within your budget. Additionally, Emirates Airlines’ flights with a long transit time cost lesser than itineraries with short layovers. If you are traveling alone or with a family, you can make the most of your connection time at Dubai Airport or in downtown Dubai. Hope this guide on what to do at Dubai DXB Airport or things to do in Dubai during a transit layover comes in handy to you.

Picture Credit: Arabianbusiness.com

My Emirates Pass for passengers of Emirates flights

My Emirates Pass is a key to unlock the deals and offers at tourist attractions in Dubai and the UAE for international passengers of Emirates flights. You can use ‘My Emirates Pass’ to experience the best of Dubai Airport, Dubai City, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Palm Jumeirah, or All Emirates availing attractive discounts on dining, shopping, and leisure activities during your long connective time in Dubai. For instance, you will get 20% discount on general admission to Burj Khalifa.

My Emirates Pass is valid throughout the year, irrespective of your travel class on Emirates flights between India and USA. To be precise, your Emirates boarding pass will work as ‘My Emirates Pass’ at the restaurants, stores, brands, and tourist sites participating in the program during this period. Your photo ID may be required along with the boarding pass, printed or digital.

Dubai Connect Service for international transit passengers 

Emirates Airlines’ Dubai Connect Service is a complimentary package for international transit passengers with a stopover of 8 to 26 hours in itineraries. The Dubai Connect Service for Emirates flights between USA and India comes with complimentary hotel stay, meals, airport transfers, and a complimentary visa to Dubai. Travelers under 18 years are also eligible for Dubai Connect as long as they are accompanied by an adult traveler over 18. This complimentary transit service must be booked at least 24 hours prior to your flight to Dubai from India or the USA. A representative of Emirates Airlines will guide you at the Dubai Connect desk in Arrivals at the airport.

A complimentary visa that the Dubai Connect booking provides can be a visa on arrival or a prearranged visa prior to arrival. If you have a normal Indian passport with a US visitor visa or a Green Card valid for minimum 6 months, you are eligible for Dubai’s visa on arrival. If you are on a US student visa or H1B/H4/any other US visa, you need to apply for a transit visa to Dubai in advance. The UAE’s visa on arrival allows Indian passport holders to stay 14 days in or outside Dubai, whereas a prearranged transit visa can be used for up to 96 hours of a stopover in Dubai. The US passport holders traveling to/from India via Dubai or Abu Dhabi are eligible for the free UAE visa on arrival.

What to do at Dubai Airport during a layover

If the connection time in your itinerary via Dubai does not permit a city sightseeing tour, you can spend the layover exploring the airport. We must say Dubai International Airport itself is a very happening place sans the city center. Being one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, DXB has entertainment options and recreational facilities aplenty. There are fine-dining restaurants to duty-free shopping zones. Dubai Airport lounges including the Plaza Premium Lounge indulge travelers in a lagoon of luxuries.

Saddled with jet lag? You can take a refreshing shower during the layover. Terminals 1 and 3 have free shower facilities, according to the Dubai Airport layover guide. Since the connection between two Emirates flights takes place at T3, you can locate a complimentary shower facility between the gates B13 and B19 in T3. If you have doubts about the hygiene of free showers, there are paid facilities offering shower-only packages.

Dubai being a shoppers’ paradise, the airport has vibrant retail areas across its three terminals. Emirates Airlines’ T3 has tens of duty-free brand outlets that operate round the clock. You can buy a box of chocolates or dry fruits as a souvenir for your family in the US. Dubai Airport Duty Free is a dedicated area for international transit passengers to on a shopping spree. You can browse product categories and check prices on the Dubai Duty Free website before you actually travel to or transit through Dubai Airport.

Unwinding in a quality lounge is one of the best things to do at Dubai International Airport during a transit layover. Located on Level 4 Concourse A of Terminal 3, Plaza Premium Lounge Dubai offers free Wi-Fi, cozy seating, quality food, relaxing showers, and USB charging stations at hourly rates. There are private family suites, a kids’ play area, a prayer room, a bar, and a smoking zone in the lounge. A family suite is spacious enough for 6 guests including children who prefer to relax in privacy, and comes with butler service. You can grab economical deals for the Dubai Plaza Premium Lounge service while booking Emirates Airlines’ cheap business class flights or economy class travel through IndianEagle.com.

You can relax at Zen Gardens while in transit at Dubai Airport DXB. Located near gates B7 and B27 in T3, Zen Gardens offer an indoor retreat to lush greenery and tranquility. You can do meditation, read a book, take a leisurely walk, soak in the sun, or connect with the virtual world on your mobile device using free Wi-Fi available at the airport.

You can take a power nap while in transit at Dubai Airport Terminal 3. Among various facilities for quality sleeping at DXB, the Sleep n Fly Lounge in T3 has igloo-style pods and double-bed cabins which you can rent on hourly basis. This lounge offers showers too. You can check in at Dubai International Hotel, a world-class transit hotel in T3, and relax for up to 18 hours during a layover. The Dubai Airport layover guide includes other hotels with free shuttle service between the terminals.

Dubai Airport layover sightseeing: Things to do and see  

There is no dearth of things to do and see during a layover at Dubai International Airport. The longer the layover or connection time at DXB Airport, the more you get to explore the city. You can choose to buy one of the Dubai Airport transit layover tour packages from Emirates Airlines, according to your itinerary. The guided Dubai sightseeing tours are meticulously planned and organized by the airline for varying lengths of airport layover. You can spend the long connection time without worrying about your connecting international flight.

Having a layover of 5 to 8 hours in Dubai? With a little homework on how to commute between the airport and the city center, you can make the most of this time. DXB Airport Terminal 1 and 3 have Dubai Metro stations. The Metro provides seamless connection from the airport to the city center nearly every 10 minutes. Downtown Dubai where the most popular tourist attractions including the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa – is located is 3 miles from the airport.

Undoubtedly, you can tick Burj Khalifa and the nearby Dubai Fountain on your list of the best things to see during a transit layover in Dubai. It is an adrenalin-pumping thrill to ride the high-speed elevator to the 124^th, 125^th and 148^th floors where there are observation decks to give you breath-taking views of the city landscape sprawling from the desert to the ocean. A twilight view from that stupendous height of the world’s tallest building is more wonderful. A visit to Burj Khalifa takes 1.5 to 2 hours including the commute from and to the airport, according to our customers who recently travelled on Emirates flights booked by Indian Eagle, a most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians in USA.

You can easily extend your Dubai Airport layover sightseeing tour to Dubai Fountain at a stone’s throw from Burj Khalifa. Among the world’s largest and most expensive choreographed fountains, this tourist site evokes awe with the vertical shooting of water up to 125 meters. 6600 lights and 25 color projectors make it a must-see extravaganza during a light and sound show that plays every five minutes during peak hours of the day.

If you are a shopping freak or brand connoisseur and wondering what to do during a Dubai Airport transit layover as short as 5 hours, you can visit the Dubai Mall located near the base of Burj Khalifa. Spread over 13 million square feet equal to the total area of 50 football grounds, the mall has 1200 shops, 22 multiplex screens, 120 restaurants and cafes. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo housing over 300 species of marine animals, is a must see at the mall. There is an indoor amusement park with an array of thrill rides and games. With 84 million visitors in 2019, the Dubai Mall is one of the few most visited manmade wonders in the world. The best thing is that Dubai Metro connects the airport to the mall.

Is shopping not your cup of tea? You can spend time in Dubai Miracle Garden, among the tourist places to visit during a layover of 5 hours or more at Dubai International Airport. One of the options to travel to Dubai Miracle Garden from the airport is the Metro that halts at the Mall of Emirates; from there you can take a public or private transport to reach the garden in 15 minutes. Spread over 72,000 sqm, this is the world’s biggest natural garden featuring more than 250 million plants and 50 million flowers. Dubai Miracle Garden holds three Guinness World Records, including the one for an Airbus 380 flower structure. You can visit this place only from October to April.

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Hyderabad City looks as fresh after a shower of rains as we feel fresh after a bath. The green landscapes of the city look greener, the roads become cleaner, and the air feels cooler. The beauty of the rain-washed city appears as inviting as the crystal-clear water of sea on an exotic beach. Windy mornings, pleasant days, rainy evenings and cool nights during monsoons make Hyderabad a must visit in July and August. Here’s a walk through the things to do in Hyderabad during monsoon based on the inputs shared by NRIs of Hyderabad.

Paddling a racing bicycle along the wavy streets of Banjara Hills is one of the best things to do in Hyderabad during monsoon. Banjara Hills is the greenest part of the city, and KBR National Park spreading over an area of 400 acres is the oasis of greenery here. The sloping roads with swaying boughs of trees on both sides around outside the park deepen the thrill of bicycling on rainy mornings. The city is home to groups and clubs of bicyclers. You can join a group or club to have the company of passionate bicyclers during your stay on monsoon days.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is the pearl of Hyderabad. The beauty of the lake hangs over the surrounding Necklace Road too. Fed by the River Musi, it is an artificial lake with a maximum depth of 32 feet and sprawling over 5.7 square kilometers. The water level swells in the months of monsoon. The boundary of the lake is the most popular hangout for all age groups and in all seasons. Driving on the rain-washed Necklace Road is a pleasure to those who love going out and driving in the rains.

Then, there is Irani Tea to warm up your mornings and evenings in Hyderabad during monsoons. It is one of the things that the city is famous for and visitors must have. The typical Hyderabadi essence distinguishes the taste of Irani tea from that of regular tea. There are many popular Irani tea hangouts in the old part of the city. Though available round the year, Irani tea with a plate of Osmania biscuits is the best monsoon flavor of Hyderabad.

READ MORE Weekend Trips from Hyderabad

The Charminar is the most identifiable icon of Hyderabad. It is also one of the most famous historic monuments in India. The Charminar in the rains is an ideal subject for monsoon photography in the city. The area surrounding the monument is a bustling marketplace, one of the most crowded zones in the old city. When it rains, crowds disperse making it easier for the Charminar to breathe freely. So, go out on a photography spree and shoot the ways of life around the Charminar, in the monsoon season.

Hyderabadi snacks are among the best food to eat during monsoons. Apart from masala dosa, bonda and mirchi bhaji are favorites of the locals. These street side snacks are sold here and there in the city, two times a day – morning and evening. Bites of smoking hot, crispy onion bonda and mirchi bhaji make the joy of monsoon an overwhelming feeling on rainy mornings and evenings.

If you are from Hyderabad, you must fly to Rajiv Gandhi Airport and refresh your memory of the rainy days this monsoon. Discard your worries about current airfares because Indian Eagle is offering the most competitive deals from partner airlines for cheap flights to Hyderabad for a limited period.  

The post Traveling to Hyderabad This Monsoon? Here’s How You can Make the Most of Monsoon in City of Pearls appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.