Travel On World On A Shoestring As An Air Courier

The high cost of international flights is a big portion of any travel budget. But did you know you could fly to London, Copenhagen, or Brussels for as little as $99 round-trip? Though it sounds impossible, traveling as an air courier can make these rock bottom fares a reality.

Flying as a courier is a budget traveler's dream. It is ideal for students, freelancers, entrepreneurs, seniors...anyone with time on their hands and the desire to save money. You need no special training or knowledge to get started. In exchange for flexible trip planning, couriers enjoy discounts that make world travel an affordable pastime.

What Does A Courier Do?

An air travel courier -- sometimes called a casual courier -- is a person who carries shipping documents on international flights for a courier company in exchange for a discounted air ticket. Why do freight companies need couriers? It often is cheaper for a courier company to have a person transport, accompany, or check freight through as luggage rather than ship freight as air cargo. Courier freight makes it through customs quickly where it could typically take days.

Is This Legal?

Although the process sounds like smuggling, nothing is further from the truth. Air courier companies are established firms that deal in legitimate corporate airfreight. They expect their shipment to be examined by customs and sign documents which are presented to customs officials when the baggage is checked through. When a courier arrives at a destination, he hands paperwork to an agent for the courier company who then takes the material from the baggage claim area and clears it through customs. Couriers are not personally liable for the baggage.

Who Can Become A Courier?

To fly as a courier you must be over 18 and have a valid passport. You will also need to be flexible in several ways. First, couriers must depart, and return, when a company has an available seat. Reservations must sometimes be made 60 to 90 days in advance and stays of typically of 7 to 30 days will be required. Courier flights are round-trip except in rare cases.

You might also need to travel light. As a rule most courier companies will claim your entire checkable baggage allowance for freight. Couriers are typically allowed the carry on baggage allowance for personal belongings. If you pack efficiently, and wear your bulky clothing onto the plane, this is usually not a problem.

What’s In It For Me?

In return for this flexibility you can expect to save up to 85 percent off the regular airline ticket price. Discounts vary, depending on the season and demand, but are usually substantial. Recent bargain fares for couriers have included trips to the Orient for $200, Europe for $99 to $199, and South America for $150. Occasionally companies will offer free flights when they are in dire need of a last-minute courier. Free flights are extremely rare, but super-discounted last-minute flights are common.

How Long Can I Stay Abroad?

The length of stay in the foreign country varies according to the ticket. Nearly every flight allows you to stay at least 7 days. Some tickets are for a 7-day trip, other tickets allow you 10 days, 14 days, 21 days and up to 6 months if you desire in a few cases. Fixed stays of one week or two weeks are common on the European trips.

How do I get started?

There are several air courier companies in several major cities. You can find them in the Yellow Pages and on the Internet. A good place to start is The Air Courier Association (800-822-0888; www.aircourier.to/). The organization is a clearinghouse for couriers and represents 46 freight brokers. They charge a one-time fee of $30, annual dues of $28, and provide lists of brokers, an I.D. card, and a bimonthly newsletter.