Economy Travel

The humanitarian airfare market was established in the 1950s to support churches, nonprofit organizations, missionaries, aid workers, and volunteers traveling to assist communities around the world. Airlines recognized the importance of offering specialized fares to individuals dedicating their efforts to humanitarian causes. Over the years, humanitarian airfare has evolved as global crises and relief efforts have expanded, leading to partnerships between airlines and agencies that specialize in facilitating travel for those committed to charitable missions. It is often referred to as missionary airfare also.

Humanitarian airfare is available to individuals and groups traveling for churches, nonprofit, mission-based, or aid-related purposes. This includes employees of registered charities, nonprofit organizations, religious missionaries, volunteers, and aid workers involved in crisis relief efforts. Qualification often requires proof of affiliation with an eligible organization, such as a letter of authorization, an official nonprofit certificate, or other documentation verifying the humanitarian nature of the travel. Economy Travel can help you with this.

Humanitarian airfare is exclusively available through licensed humanitarian travel agencies that have established airfare agreements with airlines to distribute these specialized fares. These agencies work closely with airlines to ensure that eligible travelers receive the benefits of humanitarian airfare. They are responsible for verifying eligibility, offering flexible booking options, and providing customer support tailored to the unique needs of humanitarian travelers.

Humanitarian airfare offers several key benefits, making travel more accessible and cost-effective for aid workers and nonprofit organizations. Advantages typically include:

• Lower fares compared to standard published fares
• Increased baggage allowances (2-3 bags free)
• Flexible booking policies, including reduced change and cancellation fees
• Many times, a reservation can be held without ticketing for days or weeks

Although Humanitarian airfare has different rules and lower pricing than regular airline airfare (commonly called published airfare), the reservation is made exactly the same way. Travelers will get the same frequent flier mileage and seat assignments that the airline offers other travelers. Once we make a reservation, you can call the airline to verify anything we have communicated with you. Of course, you will also get an email outlining the itinerary and price.