We at Menno Travel Service want to make sure that you are aware of the possible dark side of travel as it relates to a Third World Country.

Please note that prior to any airline ticket leaving our office, we have made sure that all the flights are confirmed. Regrettably, all airlines overbook their flights. Statistics have been compiled at all airports on what the airlines refer to as the "no-show factor". This factor is the percentage of passengers who hold confirmed reservations but, for one reason or another, are unable to travel and fail to advise the airline of that fact. This percentage can be in excess of 10%. On a jumbo jet, that would be more than 40 seats, which often is the profit margin for the airline.

Because of this, the airlines automatically overbook their flights to protect against this loss.

In general, this policy works very well. However, there are days when everyone scheduled to be on the aircraft arrives at the airport and the flight is overbooked. To diffuse this uncomfortable situation, the airlines will blame it on the travel agents who made the booking, when in fact it is a result of their own overbooking policy. For this reason, it is imperative that you immediately reconfirm your return flights when you arrive at your destination. Be sure to take down the name of the airline agent who assisted you. We would suggest that this be done by your host at your destination. They understand the culture and customs, as well as speak the local language. 

Flight times do change from time to time. If you have access to the internet, we highly recommend that you go to our website and view your flight itinerary  exactly as the airlines see it. By doing this, you can verify your flight times. Just go to www.mennotvl.com, on the left hand side of our home page, click on "CHECK MY TRIP" and follow the directions from there.

When traveling in these countries, local airline agents may try to demand a bribe through various means. As a North American, you are considered wealthy and could be the target of such actions. Since it is unlikely that you will be returning to this country, or will ever meet this same person again, they feel safe in soliciting bribes. If you have reconfirmed your flights and a bribe is requested, immediately ask for the airline station manager to prevent this process from going any further.

Situations like this are unheard of in North America, but are alive and well in the Third World. To be forewarned is to be forearmed! 

Regards,
J.W. ( Bill ) Toews

Manager
Menno Travel , a Raptim Company
Phone: 604-853-0751 (ext 304
Toll Free: 1-800-667-5559
Fax: 604-853-4931
Email: bill@mennotvl.com 
Website: www.mennotvl.com        

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