The pass must be purchased in conjunction with a flight to Asia from outside the region on a Star Alliance carrier. Coupon prices vary by length of segment you must purchase at least three and no more than 10. You may travel throughout Asia for up to three months with the Asia Airpass from Star Alliance. You must book a minimum of two sectors, but you need only confirm the first sector at the time of booking, giving you flexibility with the rest of your trip as long as you ask for your flights to be “open dated.” The Visit Africa pass flies with British Airways and its affiliate Comair, and can be booked through a travel agent or by calling any airline in the Oneworld alliance.Įditor’s Note: If you’re planning to travel only in North Africa, you may be better served by a Europe air pass (see below). Oneworld’s Visit Africa pass is best for travelers looking to concentrate on southern Africa, with its focus on destinations like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Victoria Falls. Be sure to ask what restrictions may apply. If you you’re a member of a loyalty program for another airline within the same alliance as the provider of your air pass, you may be able to apply the miles accrued on your air pass toward that program. When choosing your air pass, keep in mind any frequent flier programs that you may already belong to. The alliances may be your best bet if you’re interested in doing extensive travel over a large region such as Africa or Asia if you’re looking to focus on only one country or a smaller region (such as Australia or Southeast Asia), you may do better to purchase a pass from an individual airline serving that area. Who offers air passes?Īir passes are offered by the three major airline alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam), by individual airlines and occasionally by third-party agencies. Be sure to check what rules apply to your air pass before purchasing. Certain providers require you to purchase and reserve every leg of your trip before you leave home, while others let you change your flight dates or add segments while you’re on the road.

Some air passes are more flexible than others. (For passes that require you to pay for coupons or segments, read the terms carefully connecting flights may require multiple coupons.) A few air pass programs also include the price of your international airfare to the region. The price of your pass is generally determined by the number of flight segments on your itinerary, the distance you’re flying and how long you plan to travel. Is an air pass right for you? Read on for some basic facts about air passes and a summary of regional passes around the globe. If you’re planning extensive travel within a large country like Australia or a region like Europe, an air pass could save you money over buying point-to-point tickets. Primarily offered by national airlines and international airline alliances, air passes are special fare programs that allow you to fly to multiple cities in a designated region at discounted rates, creating your own personalized itinerary. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else.'Įmail Sarah at you’ve dreamed of backpacking around South America, exploring multiple countries in Asia or island-hopping in the South Pacific, you may be a good candidate for an air pass. Travel Motto: ''To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'-Freya Stark'Īisle, Window, or Middle Seat: 'Aisle.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: 'Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia.' Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories.' Follow her on Twitter Handy Item I Always Pack: 'A journal. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio.

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires-no humans or animals were harmed). Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can.

Australia airpass