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