| Every international budget traveler, and | | | | fly on charter airlines, the first class |
| many domestic budget travelers as well, | | | | section is often almost empty. Due to |
| will eventually be introduced to the | | | | this disparity, it is often possible to |
| idea of using chartered flights. Using | | | | upgrade to first class for very low |
| charter flights has important advantages | | | | prices. |
| and some drawbacks to be aware of. | | | | When you check in for your charter |
| There is no doubt that airfare is one of | | | | flight, always be sure to ask if an |
| the biggest expenses of any vacation. | | | | upgrade to first class is available. |
| Airfare costs can easily represent at | | | | These upgrades are almost always |
| leas half of the total cost of a | | | | available, and the price can be as low |
| vacation, and if you do not get the best | | | | as $50. This is an unheard of deal for |
| possible deal on airfare it is easy to | | | | a long transatlantic flight. |
| go over budget. | | | | These price advantages, of course, often |
| One advantage of charter flights is that | | | | come with some associated drawbacks. |
| they can often allow a traveler to fly | | | | One of the most significant |
| to a popular destination, like Europe, | | | | disadvantages of many charter flight |
| in the high season for a much lower cost | | | | operators is that their level of |
| than comparable commercial flights. | | | | customer service can be much worse than |
| That is because commercial airlines | | | | the major commercial air carriers. |
| generally greatly increase their | | | | From late opening ticket windows, to |
| airfares during the popular high season, | | | | flight delays to luggage problem, many |
| due to the effects of supply and demand. | | | | charter airlines have a bad reputation |
| During the high season, charter flights | | | | for customer service. |
| can often be much less expensive than | | | | Fortunately, the internet has made the |
| those ion traditional airlines. | | | | process of finding reliable charter |
| Another advantage of charter flights | | | | airlines, and avoiding the bad ones, |
| that many people are unaware of is that | | | | much easier.The many travel related web |
| it is sometimes possible to upgrade to | | | | sites and newsgroups are great ways to |
| first class for very low prices. | | | | learn about the various charter airlines |
| Many travelers do not realize it, but | | | | that operate international flights, swap |
| charter planes do have first class | | | | stories and tips with those who have |
| sections. Since few people who can | | | | been there, and of course to compare |
| afford first class transatlantic flights | | | | prices. |