Insider Information on Courier Flights

It can be said that travelling inexpensively is the essence of backpacking. Many backpackers utilise ingenious ways of minimising airfare costs to uphold this. Unfortunately, few of them are aware of the benefits of taking courier flights. Most are not even familiar with the concept.

Courier flights are actually the most economical way to fly. Contrary to the popular misconception, courier flights are not those on board courier aircraft such as FedEx, UPS or DHL. The passenger availing of the courier flight is actually acting as the courier for the company who had previously purchased the tickets from the airline in order to convey its cargo faster compared to shipping them on freight flights that can be delayed at the port of entry for days. These are conducted on board standard commercial flights.

To catch a Courier flight, it is best to join an organisation such as Couriertravel.Org. The organization arranges the reservations for you and acts as a support group of sorts. Otherwise, you would have to co-ordinate directly with a courier company to make your reservation. It is advisable to book as much as several months in advance, though tickets are usually claimed on the day of the flight.

It is likewise best to pack lightly as couriers are usually only allowed to take two items of carry-on luggage. Each piece must not exceed the maximum dimensions allowed by the airline. It is best to coordinate such details with the courier company you are purchasing the tickets from.