Introduction to Travel and Tourism (Standard 3, Objective 1a) Taking to the Skies: Airports, Airfares, and Airline Tickets Chapter 3
The Basic Airport Experience Curbside skycap Customer service rep at terminal Security check Boarding Flight Exit through the jetway Immigration and customs (international)
Airport and Aviation Management Airport management Fixed-base operators Airport ancillary services Government organizations
The Varying Costs of Airfares If you’re traveling on a full-coach fare How far in advance you bought the ticket What class of service you bought Whom you bought it from, or how What add-on taxes and fees there are If there’s a “fare war” going on Which airports, routes, and airlines are involved What time you’re flying The number of passengers traveling
Restrictions to Promotional Fares You must stay over a Saturday night. You must pay 30 days in advance. You must stay at your destination less than 30 days. You must fly one airline your entire trip. Your itinerary must be roundtrip. Your ticket is nonrefundable.
Fares and Ticketing The reservation system’s record of a booking is the Passenger Name Record (PNR). Most tickets today are electronic tickets. Once a reservation is entered into the airline’s computer system, it’s confirmed.
Who Sells Airline Tickets? The airlines Consolidators Tour operators Rail companies Cruise lines
Careers in the Air Transportation Industry Senior executives, directors, and managers Reservationists Ticketing/gate agents Customer service representatives Dispatchers Accountants District sales representatives Flight attendants Maintenance personnel Air traffic controllers Shuttle drivers Pilots Clerical support Rate desk agents Crew schedulers Airport ground crew Human resources/training specialists Security/safety personnel (TSA and private) Sky marshals Baggage handlers Dining and store personnel
Rules for Checked Luggage Passengers can check one or two suitcases for a fee. There are rules about dimensions and weight. Most airlines permit two carry-ons, provided they fit under the seat.
Miscellaneous Notes About Air Travel Jet lag is the psychological and physiological discomfort caused by flying long distances over multiple time zones. A waitlisted person can try to fly standby. Most airlines no longer serve free meals. Baggage is seldom permanently lost.