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What
is an air courier?
An air travel courier
is a person who carries shipping documents on international flights
for a courier company in exchange for a reduction in the price
of the ticket.
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Why
do freight companies use air couriers?
It is quicker
to have a courier check freight through as excess baggage than
it is for them to send freight as air cargo. A courier’s
excess luggage clears customs on arrival and does not sit for
days in the customs shed as ordinary cargo may.
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Why
be an air courier ?
Traveling
as an air courier gives you a chance to fly inexpensively either
on business or for pleasure. Jet to exotic places you could never
afford to see before. Explore the globe and widen your knowledge
of the world.
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Where
do courier flights go to ?
See the destinations
page
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Who
can be an air courier ?
Virtually any healthy adult, lady or gent
can be an air courier, however some companies have a minimum age
restriction of 18 or 21 years. Couriers must be in possession
of a valid passport and be of smart appearance
with good English.
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What
do I give up as an air courier ?
Usually,
you get the normal baggage allowance. Some airlines may restrict
you to one item of baggage, whereas others may limit you to hand
luggage only. If you are only acting as an air courier on the
outward flight you can usually check in baggage as normal on the
return trip.
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What
airlines are used and where do I sit ?
British air
courier companies use major airlines like British Airways and
Virgin or Japan Airlines and other international airlines. You
are treated the same as the other passengers in the ‘economy’
section of the aircraft.
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Are
tickets one-way or return
Usually return,
one-way by arrangement. There are sometimes one-way trips to Sydney
costing around £250. These are ideal for Australians returning
home after traveling abroad.
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How
much do I have to pay ?
Prices depend
on the season, but the discount is usually substantial. Most courier
firms try to get at least 75% of the cost of the ticket if they
are able to. Recent bargain fares for couriers have included trips
to the Tokyo for as little as £200. During summer prices usually
remain higher than at other times of year. When a courier is required
urgently at short notice the fare may be lower, resulting in substantial
savings.
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Where
and how do I buy tickets ?
Reservations
are made by telephone with the courier company and you pay at
the time of booking. The ticket is collected at the airport on
the day of the flight. Comprehensive instructions are posted to
the courier on making the reservation. These inform the courier
of the regulations governing courier flights and give instructions
on meeting the company representative on departure and arrival.
Some companies accept a deposit when booking the remainder being
paid on collection of the ticket. Deposits are normally non refundable
so insurance is advisable. Couriers who fail to show up without
good reason may not be accepted on future assignments.
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Do
I need to book in advance ?
Flights to
the most popular destinations usually require at least a 2-week
advance reservation, especially during the summer or at Christmas,
when booking must be at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to be sure
of a seat. Most people book in advance in order to get the flights
they want.
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How
long can I stay ?
The length
of stay. The usual stay is 14 days, this can sometimes be extended.
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How
do I know that I am not carrying drugs ?
Air courier
companies are established firms that deal in legitimate commercial
air freight. They expect their shipment to be examined by customs,
and sign documents which are presented to customs officials when
the baggage is checked through. On arrival at the destination,
the documents are passed to the agent of the courier company who
then takes the material from the baggage claim area and clears
it through customs. A courier is never personally liable for the
contents of the cargo.
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Where
do I stay when I arrive ?
After delivery
of his documents at the destination the courier is free to do
as he likes until the pre-arranged return flight. No expenses
are paid to aircouriers.
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Do
I have to fly alone ?
Yes and no.
Courier companies have one courier on each flight. But that does
not mean there is no chance of traveling with a partner. Occasionally
you can fly as couriers for different companies on the same day
- and sometimes on the same airline (e.g. London/Tokyo). Another
method is for two people to arrange to be couriers on consecutive
days. For instance, one courier might fly to New York on Monday, the
other follows on Tuesday. Another possibility is that your partner
could buy a full price ticket on the same flight that you’re
acting on as courier.
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Do
I serve as a courier on the return trip ?
Usually. You
will be told at the time of booking.
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How
do I get started ?
As a member
you receive the ‘Travel
Guide International’,
a bi-monthly guide containing all the information you need to
book your courier flights. Telephone numbers and other relevant
information is included so you can get started right away. When
you want to make your trip, you use the appropriate telephone
number and book your chosen flight. Then just pack and take off.
Advice is at hand from the the UK office.
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Where
do I get up-to-date information
Direct
from the courier company when you phone them. You will receive
"The Shoestring Traveler" from the US office a bi-monthly
travel magazine. This invaluable travel guide gives inside information
and tips from experienced couriers, in addition to other foreign
travel bargains.
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How
do I know I will be accepted ?
Membership
of The International Association of Air Travel Couriers carries
a money-back guarantee if you are not able to qualify as an air
courier.
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How
do I join ?
The IAATC
is not accepting any new members. present members will be looked
after as usual.
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