Humanitarian Airfares are Not a Figment of Your Aviation

"Humanitarian Airfares" are real, relevant, significant, and aren't just for humanitarian-specific travel.

Funny language, English. For all of the words in it, it seems like there still may not be enough – or the right ones in the right places.

We have been sharing information on what is traditionally known as "humanitarian airfares," how they work and how they can result in significant cost savings. But these are not your grandfather's "humanitarian airfares" anymore. As NGOs evolve in what they do, so do leaders in the travel industry in how we serve them.

Significant airfare savings can extend to missionary and religious individuals and groups, non-humanitarian charitable individuals and groups, and groups with good works missions that may otherwise defy traditional identity.

So the reality is, don't let the lack of "humanitarian" in your name, mission statement, tax documents, or general identity prevent you from taking advantage of the significant airfare savings for which you may be qualified.

Here are the 3 Quick Facts you need to know on how it works:

1) Humanitarian airfares are governed over and provided by the airlines, and almost all airlines offer them in one form or another. That is important to know because there is no government or quasi-government department or agency managing or overseeing these fares. In other words, there is no obligation or requirement to provide them.

2) That said, humanitarian airfares can be generous. Depending on the many typically mysterious factors that apply to pricing for pretty much any airline seat, humanitarian airfares can be significantly less than regular fares. Sometimes very significantly. They can only be quoted (provided) with specific flight information, so there is no general gauge.

3) Each airline has its requirements that humanitarian travelers must meet to qualify for a humanitarian airfare, but most offer them based on this model:

• Members and employees of non-profit humanitarian organizations;

• Members and employees of religious church ministries and mission organizations;

• Members and employees of secular social service agencies, foundations, and not-for-profit corporations

• Passengers participating as volunteers in humanitarian projects, organized by accredited volunteer seeking organizations.

• Often applicable for accompanying spouse and children.

In many cases, airlines offer humanitarian airfares for international adoption travel.

Perhaps most important is that the groups mentioned above, or individuals, cannot qualify for or book humanitarian airfares unless it is through a recognized travel agency or travel management company such as Safe Harbors. And that is what we are here for.