Air Travel for Next to Nothing

When a company needs to have an important document or package hand delivered, it might hire a courier to handle it.

As a courier, you give up a portion of your check-on luggage allowance, which the company uses for its cargo. When you arrive, you deliver the package to the shipping agent’s representative and your job is done.

Courier arrangements are most worthwhile for international flights. With nearly 40,000 courier flights each year, destination choices are extensive. Flying from New York to Bangkok, for example, might cost you only $300 round-trip.

A standard commercial flight to Bangkok typically costs more than $1,000. It’s best to book at the last minute — the closer your desired departure date, the bigger your discount.

There are times when a courier will be able to fly for free with just a few hours’ notice.

Tickets typically are nonrefundable and must be paid for in cash and picked up in person, often on the day of the flight. Most tickets are round-trip, and the return flights typically are open-ended. You can return anytime after your stint as a courier ends.

Courier flights depart from major cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. Some courier firms charge a registration fee — $35 to $50 — which gives you access to a wider range of ticket options and prices.

Where to book courier flights…

Air Courier Association/Cheap Trips. $49 for annual membership. 800-211-5119, www.aircourier.org.

International Association of Air Travel Couriers. $45 for annual domestic membership ($50 for international). 515-292-2458, www.courier.org.

source: bottomlinesecrets.com

Courier flights