How to Find Cheap Airfare for Missionary Trips

The most expensive part of a missionary trip is securing affordable airline tickets. In most cases, you will require two tickets - the first to get you from the U.S. to the country or region of your mission and the second to get you from the main airport to one closer to your destination. Shopping around for the best flight long before your trip is scheduled is necessary to finding the cheapest airfare available. Take advantage of agencies that cater to missionaries, especially those that work with airlines in your destination country.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Computer Internet access Telephone
Computer
Internet access
Telephone

Step 1

Search airfares to the country or nearest major city near where you are traveling via the airline's official sites and consolidators such as Travelocity (see Resources). Begin checking airfares 10 to 11 months before your planned departure.

Step 2

Set up e-mail alerts on each site you check. Purchase your tickets when the airfares reach the lowest price you have seen, usually within 60 to 90 days of the departure date.

Step 3

Contact a travel agency that works primarily with missionaries, such Intermission World Travel (see Resources). Give your travel dates, reason for traveling and the final destination of your mission to the agency.

Step 4

Check with regional airlines at your destination airport for their prices, such as Air Asia when traveling within Asia. Purchase your regional tickets after securing your initial tickets to the destination country.

Step 5

Alternately, contact charter companies in your destination country. Inquire about group rates if you are traveling as part of a larger mission group.

Tips & Warnings

Contact other relief agencies and mission groups that work in your target destination and inquire if they charter flights. They may have an empty seat they can offer you at a discount price. Sign up for frequent flier programs on each airline you travel with before and during your mission trip. The miles will come in handy on your return flight or if you travel again. If you use a credit card, look into cards that offer free frequent flier miles as a perk.

Contact other relief agencies and mission groups that work in your target destination and inquire if they charter flights. They may have an empty seat they can offer you at a discount price.

Sign up for frequent flier programs on each airline you travel with before and during your mission trip. The miles will come in handy on your return flight or if you travel again.

If you use a credit card, look into cards that offer free frequent flier miles as a perk.

Avoid departing on Fridays or weekends as ticket prices are higher on these days and special discounts are often not allowed.

Resources

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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