Airfares
With rising fuel costs and the fragile financial state of many airlines, cheap airfares are becoming harder to find. Over the last decade, the internet has gotten more crowded with airline websites, booking engines and miscellaneous sites offering promises of great deals. But how do you know that the airfare you have found is really the best deal out there, or the best schedule for your needs? This page will give you some basic tips and information, but when you are ready to book, save yourself time and aggravation by making one call to us.
Domestic Flights
For domestic flights, the airlines offer little in the way of discounts, regardless of where you search. Because there is no discounting and the airlines no longer pay travel agents a commission, agents must charge a service fee over and above the price of the ticket. Most automated online booking sites also charge a fee. It is important to note that our fee is not just an added expense, but an added value. You are paying us to save you the headache of what can be a tedious search for a decent airfare… a search which may not even yield the best fare or schedule. In addition, you know that you will always have a live person that you can rely on to assist you with changes, and to provide whatever additional information or services are necessary.
International Fares
International fares are very different from domestic fares. If you are buying international tickets online or direct from an airline, you are potentially paying hundreds of dollars more than you should be. Most airlines sell two types of fares on international routes. “Published” fares are what the airline is offering that day. They can change on a daily basis and vary widely depending on any number of market factors. Discount fares, often referred to as “bulk” or “consolidator” fares tend to change less frequently and are often less than published fares. Many online sources, including airline websites, will only display the published fare, which means searching those sites may not provide the best fare available. When you call JMF Travel for any international destination, we will always check multiple sources for both types of fares to make certain that you get the best fare available.
Business Class
Business class is an extremely comfortable way to travel. Business class amenities begin even before you board, with a dedicated check-in area, private departure lounges, and some airlines will even pick you up from home. On board, you will find wide leather seats, some of which even turn into a completely flat bed, and a level of service and dining that resembles a fancy hotel. But this luxurious way to fly doesn’t come cheap, airlines routinely charge as much as $10,000 per seat depending on the route… so this is a great reason to call us. JMF Travel specializes in discount business class airfares and has established close relationships with several business class consolidators. Discounted business class tickets can often be purchased through us for up to half the cost of the retail fare.
The Taxes Are How Much?!?
Well, perhaps if you are a frequent traveler you have gotten used to it over the last several years, but due to the rising cost of fuel and additional security surcharges, taxes have skyrocketed to as much as four times what they were ten years ago… and if you haven’t flown much lately you may be shocked by the current costs. So what are you paying for? Well, at the moment, the majority of the tax is for fuel. Fuel surcharges vary but can be $70.00 or more for each leg of a transatlantic flight. Added to this are airport facility fees, usually $3.00 to $4.50 for each airport you travel through… not just your destination, but the airports through which you connect, September 11th security fees, usually $5.00-$10.00, and departure taxes which vary by country. This has made the cost of taxes to some international destinations exceed $300 per ticket, when the same tax was $50-$75 in the 1990’s. Unfortunately, the taxes are unavoidable, and most likely will continue to rise given the current trend in fuel prices, this makes it even more important to find the best fare you can. Call us today and let us make certain you get the best deal.
JMF Travel LLC
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