When health team leaders prepare for travel there are many issues to consider. For example, what is the most economical way to get volunteers to the intended destination with the necessary supplies? Some questions that frequently arise may be:
1. Which is best? Airline Group travel resources facilitated by the team leader OR Use of a travel agency with mission team experience?
If you are a team leader that has a preferrred method of arranging for health team travel, please post a comment at the end of this posting. I have used both of the above methods and both work well. For me, the advantage of using a reliable agency is that it reduces the amount of phone time and search for flights that occurs when the team leader deals directly with airline group travel desks. Pricing using either method seems to be somewhat comparable. Additionally, agencies are usually up to date on new airline rules regarding baggage and pricing and are able to make last minute ticket changes that are sometimes required.
Mission related travel agencies:
1. Janet and Kurt Kaiser, former Western Jurisdiction UMVIM Coordinators, arrange UMVIM trips. They are particularly involved in trips to Nepal and surrounding areas. E-mail is love2trvl@imbris.com
2. Educational Opportunities, Gordon Moody-Travel Agent. Email: eo@travelwithus.com or website: http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/
3. Blake Stiles Lawson at Missionary Airfare Search. E-mail: reservations@missionaryairfaresearch.com
2. What will the impact of checked baggage rules have on a team's ability to transport supplies? Because of complex and changing rules, go to the airline website before travel.
At this time, the airlines, listed below have published the following baggage rules for economy class:
South, Central America, Carribean, Bahamas & Mexico - Delta and United:
Allows each traveler 2 checked bags of up to 50 lbs, and a total of 62 linear inches each plus a personal item and a carry-on for international travelers at no additional charge.
South, Central America, Carribean, Bahamas & Mexico - Continental:
Tickets purchased before 5/8/08 same as above for Delta and United.
Tickets purchased after 5/89/08: First 50 lb, 62 linear inch maximum bag is free and second one costs $25.
Brazil - Delta, United and Continental: Two checked bags of up to 70 lbs. each.
All other International destinations for United: Two 50 lb. bags are allowed. For travel within Asia all checked bags must equal no more than 44 lbs.
Japan - Delta: Two bags, 70 lbs each are allowed.
Middle East, Africa, Europe - Delta: Two bags, 50 lbs. each
Europe, Micronesia, Middle East, Asia and Tokyo, through Houston and Rio or Sao Paulo - Continental: Two bags, 70 lbs. each
Tokyo, through Newark and Rio, or Sao Paulo - Continental: Three bags, 70 lbs. each.
Happy planning for your next volunteer trip!
1. Which is best? Airline Group travel resources facilitated by the team leader OR Use of a travel agency with mission team experience?
If you are a team leader that has a preferrred method of arranging for health team travel, please post a comment at the end of this posting. I have used both of the above methods and both work well. For me, the advantage of using a reliable agency is that it reduces the amount of phone time and search for flights that occurs when the team leader deals directly with airline group travel desks. Pricing using either method seems to be somewhat comparable. Additionally, agencies are usually up to date on new airline rules regarding baggage and pricing and are able to make last minute ticket changes that are sometimes required.
Mission related travel agencies:
1. Janet and Kurt Kaiser, former Western Jurisdiction UMVIM Coordinators, arrange UMVIM trips. They are particularly involved in trips to Nepal and surrounding areas. E-mail is love2trvl@imbris.com
2. Educational Opportunities, Gordon Moody-Travel Agent. Email: eo@travelwithus.com or website: http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/
3. Blake Stiles Lawson at Missionary Airfare Search. E-mail: reservations@missionaryairfaresearch.com
2. What will the impact of checked baggage rules have on a team's ability to transport supplies? Because of complex and changing rules, go to the airline website before travel.
At this time, the airlines, listed below have published the following baggage rules for economy class:
South, Central America, Carribean, Bahamas & Mexico - Delta and United:
Allows each traveler 2 checked bags of up to 50 lbs, and a total of 62 linear inches each plus a personal item and a carry-on for international travelers at no additional charge.
South, Central America, Carribean, Bahamas & Mexico - Continental:
Tickets purchased before 5/8/08 same as above for Delta and United.
Tickets purchased after 5/89/08: First 50 lb, 62 linear inch maximum bag is free and second one costs $25.
Brazil - Delta, United and Continental: Two checked bags of up to 70 lbs. each.
All other International destinations for United: Two 50 lb. bags are allowed. For travel within Asia all checked bags must equal no more than 44 lbs.
Japan - Delta: Two bags, 70 lbs each are allowed.
Middle East, Africa, Europe - Delta: Two bags, 50 lbs. each
Europe, Micronesia, Middle East, Asia and Tokyo, through Houston and Rio or Sao Paulo - Continental: Two bags, 70 lbs. each
Tokyo, through Newark and Rio, or Sao Paulo - Continental: Three bags, 70 lbs. each.
Happy planning for your next volunteer trip!