Not too long ago, becoming an airline courier was an attractive way to fly on a budget.  You basically were hired to bring a package from one place to another and your baggage allotment was “rented out”.  You got paid with a low fare for the flight.  This arrangement is not very common anymore, because businesses don’t need couriers like they once did as shipping is much more efficient than it was in the past.  Another reason is that security laws have become more intricate since the September 11th tragedy.

 

Today, a small number of companies can offer you the opportunity to be a courier.  While in the beginning of the ‘70s you would pay a minimal fare as a courier, nowadays you only save 25 to 50 % of the full price.  For example, a flight to Paris or Berlin could come out to about $390 for a round trip, but you can often find such prices anyway.

If you do become a courier, you do not have much choice in where you are flying.  You fly wherever they need you to go, whether it’s Asia, South America or another location.  You get a last minute OK for the trip and are often limited as to how much luggage you are allowed to have.

 

If, despite our warnings, you still want to become a courier, think again. Don’t.  You’re better off finding cheaper flights in other ways.  It is just not worth it.