About Travel As An Air Courier
A little known way of acquiring ridiculously cheap flights is by signing on as an air courier with a courier company. This method is not that widely used simply due to most people not knowing about this form of travel.
What's it all about, I hear you ask?
Well basically, there are numerous courier companies in existence whose sole job it is to deliver time sensitive packages from one destination to another.
Due to the fact that cargo which is unaccompanied usually takes a much longer time to be inspected and checked through customs than baggage accompanied by a passenger, these companies seek out individuals who are willing to accompany their cargo as part of their own luggage.
For this reason people willing to be couriers can be in high demand. The courier company purchases the ticket from the airline and gives it to the courier for a dirt cheap price in return for their services.
Here are some common questions and answers about this whole subject :
- Is it safe?
- Who can become a courier?
- How much money can I save on flights?
- What are the downsides?
Question 1.) Is it Safe?
Answer – Yes.
This should not be a problem provided you check the courier company is officially recognised by a trustworthy source. A good place to check is the ‘ IAATC - International association of Air Travel Couriers' (links are provided at the end of this article).
Courier companies have long established reputations they have to protect and would not do anything to jeopardise their businesses. Moreover, the courier is not liable for the contents of the cargo. After clearing through customs the courier usually passes the relevant documentation over to an agent of the courier company present at the arrival destination who then proceeds to collect the baggage.
Question 2.) Who can become a courier?
Answer – Anyone who is over the age of 21 (sometimes 18) can become an air courier. There may be more conditions depending on the company you choose to work with ranging from the necessity to dressing smartly to being able to speak good English. (Find out how you can sign up at the end of this chapter.)
Check each company's conditions before signing on. After signing up as a courier you will usually be required to show up at the airport at a certain time to be given instructions as to where to meet the courier agent (the person you are handing the baggage over to at the destined airport).
Failure to meet courier requirements may result in you being banned from flying as a courier again. You usually collect and pay for your tickets on the day of the flight. Many couriers choose to acquire some form of Insurance for protection.
Once at your destination simply meet the representative of the company at the other end and enjoy your time at your destination. Be sure to be in good time to catch your return flight home for this could be one of the conditions of actually flying with the company.
Question 3.) How much can I save?
Answer – Couriers can save up to 75% off the regular air fare price. Destinations are limited however and the length of stay usually varies between 14 – 21 days. Couriers usually only travel alone, but if you wanted to go with a partner you could do but with he/she having to pay the full fare.
Seasons of travel can affect the amount of savings you actually make and last minute offers can divulge the biggest savings, this is due to the desperation of finding someone to accompany cargo and therefore the Courier Company's willingness to give away flights at dirt cheap prices.
What are the disadvantages?
Answer – There may be some strict terms and conditions that you have to abide by. Always check the terms, conditions and small print before committing any money.
You may be required to forfeit some of your luggage space in order to make allowances for your courier cargo. This form of travel is usually best suited to those who are used to travelling light.
Sometimes, some light lifting may be involved, so some courier companies require you to be strong and in good health. Make sure all these small details are fully discussed before your actual departure.
Your time at the destination is limited and the choice of countries where couriers fly to is usually restricted.
In Conclusion
If looking for a unique and interesting way to save money on your airline ticket then this could be an option for you.
We recommend signing up with the ‘ IAATC – International Association of Air Couriers' . They have lots of additional information. They also inform couriers about the most trusted courier companies, the best offers to various destinations and up to date information on last minute flights. They require a small join up fee for their services. Alternatively, just look up alternate courier companies on the internet or your local directories.
IAATC – International Association of Air Couriers
Official Websites.
UK - Aircourier.co.uk
USA - Courier.org
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This article was written by M.S.Sid,
The Founder of www.Cheap-Flights-Finder.com
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