Saving money when flying internationally by using charter
flights
Every international budget traveler, and many domestic budget
travelers as well, will eventually be introduced to the idea of
using chartered flights. Using charter flights has important
advantages and some drawbacks to be aware of.
One advantage of charter flights is that they can often allow a
traveler to fly to a popular destination, like Europe, in the
high season for a much lower cost than comparable commercial
flights. That is because commercial airlines generally greatly
increase their airfares during the popular high season, due to
the effects of supply and demand. During the high season,
charter flights can often be much less expensive than those ion
traditional airlines.
Another advantage of charter flights that many people are
unaware of is that it is sometimes possible to upgrade to first
class for very low prices. Many travelers do not realize it, but
charter planes do have first class sections. Since few people
who can afford first class transatlantic flights fly on charter
airlines, the first class section is often almost empty. Due to
this disparity, it is often possible to upgrade to first class
for very low prices.
When you check in for your charter flight, always be sure to ask
if an upgrade to first class is available. These upgrades are
almost always available, and the price can be as low as $50.
This is an unheard of deal for a long transatlantic flight.
These price advantages, of course, often come with some
associated drawbacks. One of the most significant disadvantages
of many charter flight operators is that their level of customer
service can be much worse than the major commercial air
carriers. From late opening ticket windows, to flight delays to
luggage problem, many charter airlines have a bad reputation for
customer service.
Fortunately, the internet has made the process of finding
reliable charter airlines, and avoiding the bad ones, much
easier. The many travel related web sites and newsgroups are
great ways to learn about the various charter airlines that
operate international flights, swap stories and tips with those
who have been there, and of course to compare prices.