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AIRPASSES
Airlines in many countries offer special fares for tourists to fly
between a number of airports, usually, but not always within that
country. E.g. Visit USA fare, which allows multiple stops throughout
the US. For the Pacific Region the
following airpasses are for sale:
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AMENDMENTS
These cover changes to dates of travel, class of travel, name
changes either prior to or after commencement of travel. All fares
and tickets carry different restrictions regarding these. Many
cheaper fares will not allow any changes at all, whilst most fares
will require payment to cover administrative costs in the form of an
amendment fee.
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APEX
An advance purchase excursion. Such tickets can be purchased for a
discount directly from the airline, or consolidator. However, as it
says, 'advanced purchase' strictly applies. From the UK, as a
general rule this is 21 or 30 days.
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BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
This is indicated on the right hand side of your ticket. Economy
class passengers generally are allowed 20 kg, except British Airways
who permit 23KG. Travelling to the USA Business Class is around
30-35 kg. First is up to 40 kg. Hand luggage remains pretty much
generic: one piece per passenger, restricted in size (esp. short
haul flights), and up to 8kg in weight. For larger items such a s
windsurfers etc. you should check with the tour operator or airline
with whom you have booked. Some additional charges may occur.
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BUDGET/ NO FRILLS
AIRLINES
These very popular airlines specialise in short haul routes at
bargain prices. For these low prices the consumer makes a trade off
and should be aware that:
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the flights are
often made to and from secondary airports (you should always
check)
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flight prices often
do not include in-flight refreshments/food
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there is often no
numbered seat allocation
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instead of receiving
a physical ticket with coupons you may receive either a
receipt valid for travel, or an 'e-ticket' (this is simply
emailed to you)
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cheapest fares are
fixed and changes are non-refundable.
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you will tend to get
the best prices when you book online
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BUMPED
This can be good or bad! A bump, if you're lucky can mean a bump up,
or upgrade to business or first class. However, being bumped usually
means you will be unable fly on the flight your ticket was for as it
has been oversold. It is always safest to check in early to avoid
this.
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CANCELLATION CHARGES
Most fares sold carry with them penalties if you wish to cancel your
journey. Cancellation fees can be up to 100% of the total ticket
cost. It is therefore always advisable to ensure you have travel
insurance that covers all eventualities.
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CHECK-IN
All airlines request their passengers to check-in well before the
scheduled departure time. Usual check in times are: worldwide
flights - 2 hours. Short-haul - 1 hour.
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CLASS of TRAVEL
The dates of First and Economy only are now over! Many of the
airlines are now reducing their rates for luxury travel, and even
creating new classes.
Here is a breakdown:
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Economy:
We all know this one. All scheduled flights provide you with a
meal and a drink for no charge. Comfort varies dramatically
from airline to airline. More and more of the airlines, such
as Cathay Pacific and Emirates, have installed television sets
in the back of the seats on all long-haul flights.
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Premium Economy:
This new class introduced by a number of airlines, such as
Virgin, and EVA Air. The logic behind the new class is to
provide passengers with a slightly bigger seat with increased
legroom in a smaller, and more exclusive cabin.
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Business Class:
The jump here is quite spectacular. The first benefit is that
you can check in later at a dedicated desk (avoiding the
queues). You can then relax in the comfort of the airline's
lounge where you will find complimentary drinks, snacks,
newspapers and quiet. There's no rushing or queuing to board
your flight. Your flight seat will usually be a cradle
that reclines to a virtually horizontal position, which has
legroom up to 60". The in-flight staff are dedicated to
your cabin, and when you arrive your luggage will be amongst
the first off the carousel.
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First:
Travelling first is a luxury few can afford. Most airlines now
offer a totally exclusive first class lounge and when you fly
you are treated to more space, high quality food and attentive
service.
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CONFIRMATION
It is normally your responsibility to confirm your flight, before
your outbound and inbound journeys. Confirmation is best done
directly with the airline 72 hours in advance of the flight time.
This is particularly important with your return journey where
failure to reconfirm can result in the in-validation of your ticket.
Some airlines do not require you do this procedure, but it never
hurts to contact whoever your flying with; in case of delays, time
changes etc.
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FULL FARES
Buying a full fare ticket from an airline or an agent will be
expensive. However, it offers the advantage that you can change
flight times, reroute or cancel for no, or little charge. These
types of tickets are very popular with business users.
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LOST OR DAMAGED TICKETS
Scheduled airline tickets are deemed as cash and should you loose
your ticket it is likely that you will need to purchase a further
ticket to travel. A refund is only likely through insurance or if
the ticket in found.
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MULTI-LEG OR COMPLEX
ITINERARY TICKETS
These are air-tickets that fly not just from A to B but go via a
number of other destinations. For example, you may want to fly to
New York to stay for a few days, fly on to Los Angeles, where you
stay for 3 weeks before spending a week in Mexico City and flying
back to London.
You can book these tickets on-line but there are a lot of factors
involved in getting the best price. The more complex the journey
then the more your plans may change en-route - some agents have
offices around the world making it easier to make changes to your
itinerary.
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NO SHOWS
Arriving late, or missing your flight, for whatever reason, can
prove disastrous. Discounted fares cannot usually be rebooked, and
even if it can, it may involve a financial penalty. If you have
valid travel insurance you may be covered for a missed departure.
This will be dependent on the nature of your policy.
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OPEN JAW
This is a return ticket that allows you to return from different
points.
For example, flying from London to Washington but returning Los
Angeles - London. The distance between the two points is a surface
sector, and must be arranged by the passenger at his/her own
expense.
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OPEN RETURN
A return ticket with no specified date for return travel. This is
booked with the airline, and usually involves an administration fee.
However, it is very important to check when the ticket is valid
until. If you have passed the validity date, the ticket is useless.
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OVERSELLING
It is the job of an airline to make their planes as full as
possible. It is a fact of life that as many as 10% of passengers
fail to show. Airlines can compensate for this by 'overselling'
seats on planes. This tactic is very effective, but when everyone
does show, the flight can become 'oversold'. Rather obviously
passengers arriving late are the first to be 'bumped'! So the lesson
is…don't be late.
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STAND-BY
This is a service where you wait at the airport until the next seat
becomes available on your chosen route. Stand-by tickets used
to be a cheap way to travel, sad to say those days are over.
Nowadays stand-by applies more to employees of airlines who can use
up available seats very cheaply.
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TRAVEL VALIDITY
Tickets are only ever valid for up to as maximum of 1 year.
Discounted tickets can be valid for much shorter periods. Always
check the small-print
