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Hermes had wings -- you need courier fares! Find out how this cheap way to fly has changed over the past several years.

Looking for inexpensive airfares? Traveling as a courier is the best way to go. I did and saved a bundle! There may be too many restrictions for your whole family to try it, but it's a perfect opportunity for mature, responsible teens.

My experience as a courier began several years ago when, after having scoured the newspapers and travel agencies for special discounted airfares to London, I hesitantly began calling the discount consolidators listed in the New York Times. Some sounded shady, wanting a credit card number immediately, or having a purchase deadline of 24 hours from when they quoted a price. Also, each one offered scheduled flights on well-known airlines rather than charters.

Turned off by their manner, but still determined to find a good deal, I happened on some advertisements for courier agencies. Several friends of mine had mentioned that they had heard how economical courier travel could be, but none had ever tried it.

How Courier Travel Works

Courier agencies represent various companies that pay to ship freight using the cargo space allotted to each passenger. Since all cargo must be assigned to a passenger when flying, the courier gets a discounted ticket to "carry" the paying cargo.

Each company and airline has their own requirements and restrictions for couriers. Most courier flights require a return within two weeks, and have various other restrictions depending on the airlines' policies. Usually, you will not be able to get frequent flyer miles from your trip, or travel from regional airports.

Generally, it's helpful to be flexible, especially about the short notice and flight dates, and be able to travel with just a carry-on bag. However, you may sometimes get a discounted courier fare without having a courier's responsibilities, such as clearing cargo, especially on the return trip.

My Adventures as a Courier

Let me illustrate with an example from a 1997 flight. I signed up as a courier to purchase a high season, round trip ticket to London for only $375.

I was allowed to check one piece of luggage in addition to my carry-on, and I was able to book my return flight six weeks later. Once committed to the flight, however, I couldn't actually get my ticket until I arrived at the airport. About two hours before departure, I had to go Customs Cargo to check in with the company I was flying as a courier for. I picked up papers pertaining to the electronic equipment traveling with me.

Once I arrived in London, I cleared Passenger Customs and then had to go to Customs Cargo to clear the electronic equipment I had accompanied overseas. All in all, it added two hours and some minor aggravation to my journey.

I really lucked out in the summer of '99. Again flying to London, I purchased a roundtrip ticket for $425 with no luggage limit, no pick up or delivery of papers, and I received my ticket one day before departure. I flew like any economy class passenger, only at a much cheaper rate! There were two other bonuses: I could have booked a return flight up to three months later, and a traveling companion could have come with me at the courier rate because the company had needed two cargo space allotments. (Even when your companion doesn't have a courier opportunity, many agencies will still book seats together while one of you travels at the courier fare.)