If you think flying internationally is only for the rich or famous, think again. It is possible to fly to exotic destinations all over the world, and pay 50% or less regular airfare costs. How? By flying as a courier. When you choose this option, once in a while you might even get an overseas flight completely free. So, what does it mean to be a courier? Let's take a look at how to fly overseas for less by flying as a courier.

What exactly is a courier?
A courier acts like a third party for delivering a package or documents. A courier agrees to transport shipping documents and baggage in exchange for a greatly reduced fare on an airline ticket.

How is this possible?
The fact is that companies use these services because in many cases, it is cheaper or faster to buy a regular airline ticket than it is to send items freight. By law, a live person must accompany items sent as baggage. This means that if you are a frugal traveler, you can really take advantage of this law to get discount airfare.

When a business uses a courier, their package gets there faster because the items arrive speedily and clear customs faster than those shipped as freight.

So, why doesn't everyone do this?
Well, with any good deal there is a bit of a catch, in this case it is that you essentially have to give up your luggage allowance because it is being taken up by the package being sent. But, the good news is, most of these services are only one way, so you can pack a collapsible duffle, and buy stuff while you are there to bring back, and you can always pack a carry on bag and layer your clothes for the flight.

The other catch is that there is a responsibility attached to the flight, which is essentially, you have to get the package to the recipient. Usually the courier broker sets up the details of when you will meet and where, and this usually takes place at the airport so you are not transporting their package all over the place, but either way, you have to plan wisely, otherwise delays, etc. will put a bind on your travel plans. You'll have paperwork from the bonded courier company telling the customs agent that you're a courier and will be meeting a representative to pick up the delivery.

One last catch for some is that many courier companies require you to leave a deposit in order to ensure you will actually deliver the package when you arrive, and not flake out on them before the flight leaves.

Additional information about flying overseas as a courier:

Most courier tickets are round trip, but you will still want to double check and make sure you are getting into what you think you are getting into. Some have specifications, others are very relaxed, so ask questions and know the details.

Most of the time you are allowed a full baggage allowance on the return trip, but once again, you want to double check this as well. Take a collapsible duffel in your carry on so that on the trip you can buy souvenirs, etc. and be able to bring them home with you.

Most of the time once the package is delivered your obligation is fulfilled so you can stay at the destination as long as you want, however, this varies depending on your needs. Length of stay is usually between seven days to three months, or anything in between. On rare occasions a return time is specified, but since couriers rarely have to transport items both ways, this is usually up to you. Of course, once again, ask your courier company for details.

You can expect to save 50%, but often more, however, it is really not free anymore as it was a decade ago. How much you save really just depends on who you are doing the service for, and your flexibility. If you are able to take advantage of last minute deals you can often get overseas flights for as little as $100.00 - $200.00, and sometimes even free, but you have to work for them, and check frequently. You save the most if your schedule is flexible.

It is possible to fly courier and still collect frequent flyer miles. However, it's important to check with your courier company to see if there are any restrictions on this.

You can use courier flights even if you want to plan trips in advance, you will just have to talk to a courier broker. However, the better flexibility you have, the better chance you have at flying as a courier, and getting better discounts.

Two people can not fly courier together on the same flight, but you can get around this loophole by taking separate flights. Often times, if you and a companion want to travel together, look for more than one courier company, as it is not rare for more than one to offer flights to a given destination. You can book flights with different companies and meet at your final destination, or book the flights with the same company on two consecutive days. The financial savings will more than make up for any inconvenience of not being able to fly together.

There are really no domestic flights offered if you want to be a courier, so this is only an option for someone who wants to fly internationally.

You are on your own to find lodging, transfers, transportation at your destination and activities. Courier companies will usually help you set up your flight to get there, but once you are there, the rest is up to you. Do not even ask them to help with other stuff as they are not a travel agency.

You probably will not get a courier flight to some remote place, but courier flights are available to major business center cities the world over. If it's a world class city, chances are there's a courier flight there. It is especially easy to get flights to England, Australia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Venezuela.

Most major cities have some courier flights originating there, but the reality is that most leave from New York, LA, San Francisco, and Miami. New York has flights leaving for all over the world: Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Los Angeles and San Francisco have a lot of flights going to Asia and a few to Europe and Australia. If you want to go to South America, plan on leaving from Miami.

If you want to book a courier flight you need to call a courier company, see what they have available and make your reservations. Here is a list of courier companies that have flights originating out of LA:

East-West Express 718-656-6246
Film Travel 310-568-8403
Halbart 310-417-3048
IBC Pacific 310-607-0125
Jupiter Air 310-670-1197
Now Voyager 212-431-1616
Virgin Express 718-244-7244

There are organizations that you can join that give you courier information. While joining an organization is not necessary to qualify for a courier flight, good ones can be useful. They can help you find the destinations you want, and line you up with the right courier broker or company to get you where you want to go for the price you want to pay.

You have to be at least twenty one years of age to fly courier for most companies, though some allow you to be eighteen. You will need a valid passport as well. This pretty much is the only requirement.

Some, but not all, courier companies do charge a fee the first time you book a flight through them. Just ask questions and you will know if it is worth while for you or not. Sometimes you have to pay the whole ticket upfront, and they reimburse you after the package is delivered, sometimes they pay upfront. So, look into it.

If you are flaky, cancel at the last minute, etc. chances are you will never be able to explore this option again, as courier companies keep a good network of contact and will let other companies know not to use you.


Most people are afraid to fly courier for the first time, but the truth is that it is totally legal and above board, and as long as you follow the directions and are responsible it is also fairly easy. You will usually be asked to call a number collect at any layovers to ensure that you go there ok, and another once the package is delivered to confirm that you fulfilled your end of the bargain. However, once you have done that you get to enjoy your travel as your own, as a vacation, chance to see the world, visit to family, etc. If you are single, or like to travel alone this is a great way to fly internationally and save a lot of money, so take advantage of it.