Land-Only Tours Give Travelers Some Options : Trends: Their biggest advantage is greater flexibility to book one's own money-saving overseas flights. But the inconvenience may not be worth it.

CONSUMER REPORT

April 12, 1992|JACK ADLER

"In some cases, travelers can get their flights, say from Los Angeles to Tokyo and Hong Kong to Los Angeles, for free due to frequent-flier mileage awards. But they have to buy their own flights in the Far East package, such as Tokyo to Bangkok, Bangkok to Singapore and Singapore to Hong Kong. The prices they pay for these flights are much higher than they would pay if purchased through us."

That sentiment was echoed by a representative from Olson-Travelworld of Manhattan Beach.

"I don't think travelers can generally beat the fares we offer," said Dawn Suart, vice president of operations for Olson-Travelworld. "But with air-fare wars, it's conceivable. We don't get involved with non-refundable fares, and travelers may take advantage of frequent-flier mileage awards."

Suart estimated that about 70% of the people buying Olson-Travelworld's tours purchase the complete package. Of the 30% that buy their own fares, about two-thirds find less expensive fares, while the rest set up their air arrangements separately because of special pre- or post-tour plans.

Globus-Gateway & Cosmos Tourama also offers travelers the options of buying their own air fares on some of its packages, according to Paul Albrecht, chairman of the New York-based company. The firm has a "European Explorer" package to a dozen destinations, with travelers given the option of 34 days, including transatlantic flights round trip from Los Angeles to London, starting at $3,863, or 33 days from London to London, starting at $3,008.

Prev | 1 | 2

FEATURED