Can airlines do this?
 

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forums!

I was curious if airlines did fare sponsorships? I am trying to go to South Africa so that I can work on an organic orchard to supply food to the poor and homeless population of South Africa. However right now I can not afford the plane ticket. Are there any airlines that will sponsor air travel for college students who are going to volunteer for humanitarian aid to countries in need?

Thanks

Hi APWannabe,

The answer is no. Not at this time.

There's only one way to find out, and it's not by asking all us clowns here.

Contact the airlines' public relations department for information.

You might try enlisting the help of some civic organizations near where you live, as sometimes they will sponsor good deeds, and we're really not talking about a whole lot of money here. As well, make sure that you get a round trip ticket that's open-ended on the return, because, no matter how you feel before going, you might change your mind once you are in-country, and you'd probably hate being stuck there. Good luck. It's an honorable endeavor.

JJ

Stranger things have happened.

While I think it's a bit of a long shot asking an airline to pick up the fare for you college summer vacation (even it is for a decent cause), it never hurts to ask. If I were you, I'd do the following:

1. Find out which airlines fly direct to South Africa from the US. United and Delta come to mind.

2. Put together a professional proposal/presentation discussing what you are trying to accomplish. Be creative! I'd consider a video presentation, a powerpoint presentation, or a very well put together paper-binder presentation.

3. Emphasize how your efforts will bring glowing press to the airline, at minimal cost to them, while helping actual human beings. Will you document your endeavors? Send regular pictures and updates? The fact is, your work will at best be a blurb for the airline in the US. HOWEVER, airlines love good press in the countries they serve, and this is where you'd like to focus your efforts.

Do some research on the airlines that are possibilities, then send your presentation to their PR department. Most large airlines also have HR departments that eat this volunteer stuff up.

Also: I wouldn't ask for a "free ticket", per see. Your presentation should indicate your willingness to fly "space available". That is, the handout you're looking for from the airline should be: If there is an empty, available seat on the airplane, would it be possible for you to have it just for the cost of mandatory taxes (both the US and the host country are going to levy a marginal fee, say $200?). This costs the airline nothing, and in return the airline gets good PR for free.

Good luck. FWIW, I think the "organic food for the poor" is a little silly; no bona fide starving person is going to give a rats behind if the food they're eating has a little "organic" sticker on it. You might consider that others may have this jaded impression when reading your presentation as well, so tailor your presentation accordingly.

Try United Airlines...they are almost broke, but still seem to have an unlimited propensity for peeing money away.

All airlines are in survival mode. Company employees use open seats as well as a benefit. Liability in an accident prevents this type thing.

Airline travel is dirt cheap. Get your organization to buy a ticket and deduct the cost.

Many pilots qualify for public assistance.

Maybe find somewhere closer i.e. here in the states that need food and shelter and drive there?

Thanks comment. For many years I have been volunteering within the US. I am an 18 year old college student trying to accomplish good deeds whenever and where ever I can. I volunteered all around the city of Detroit while I was in middle school. Throughout high school I still continued to give my time and volunteer. I am a freshman in college and a tutor at a low income housing program and give 6 hrs weekly. I have traveled for a couple of months around the US after high school to help people in need. Now I want to open my horizons and move on to a country that has people even less fortunate than Americans, my goal is to help one place at a time. Going to South Africa for farming is just a start. I hope that when I get there I find other opportunities such as AIDS clinics, and educational programs to get involved with. Sorry for the lengthly response.

Thanks,

I have about 5000 volunteer hours