courier travel 2011

How to Use Air Courier Travel                  

Air courier travel used to be an easy way for travelers to get very cheap plane tickets, however, this type of travel is now in decline given the rise of security concerns related to airborne travel, as well as the development of new technologies enabling the fast transfer of documents. Courier companies get paid very well for delivering goods on time and, since the quickest way is to avoid sending goods via air freight as this means lengthy delays for customs clearances, they prefer to use commercial flights instead - however, this can only be done with a passenger accompanying the goods being shipped. That is why it is cost efficient for courier companies to offer you heavily discounted tickets, in return for your "escorting" services.

1. • 1
     Be flexible. Before you try to jump on your first courier flight, you need to know that you cannot be picky on dates or in a particular destination. For example, if you have two weeks of vacation coming up, try to expand your choice from a specific location, to a specific continent. This way you will increase your chances of actually departing during your time off.
   • 2
     Contact courier companies. Access the website of the largest international airport closest to you, and look for the specific contact details of the courier companies working from that airport. The more companies you contact, the more chances you will have to depart. Call them or email them and tell them basic information about you, the nationality on your passport (you cannot depart without one, and nationality might be important if visas will be required for your destination) and the dates as well as destinations you are interested in.
   • 3
     Know what to expect. While you wait to get a call for your courier flight, inform yourself about the courier company's policies. Some air couriers report that they have had to accompany many things: from documents, to coffins. Remember that the goods you will accompany are your complete responsibility since the moment they are handed to you until you deliver them at the destination point.
   • 4
     Pack your suitcase well in advance to be prepared at every moment. Have an emergency travel bag handy and ready to go as soon as you get that call. Make sure you have all you need, particularly your passport, money and visas if your destination will require them.
   • 5
     Take off. You will receive a call with an offer sooner or later. The offer might be to take off in less than 24 hours, or with a longer forewarning, and you are entitled to accept or reject the offer. If you accept it, you will have to go to the courier office to sign all the necessary paperwork and pay a small amount of money for the plane ticket (the rest will be paid by them). Before your flight, you will be handed the goods you must carry to destination, and once you arrive, somebody will be waiting for you to pick it up.