Using a ZED fare in a third world country?
 

im traveling to the congo in the beginning of december and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with using a zed fare in a third world country. in FIH which is in the congo there is no computer system and the zed tickets (from US Airways) i have do not look like your typical air france tickets that they see everyday. ive listed on the flight but not sure if they're going to have that listing when im leaving the country. from what i've read the authorities hastle everyone about everything trying to get money. any suggestions on what to do would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Bring a lot of money.

Actually, you might want to post this question on ppune.org

That website has lots of pilots for european, middle eastern, and african companies.

Stay the hell out of the congo??? Eesh....


Just out of curiosity, what brings you all the way out there?

I recently (October 2008) went to Lilongwe, Malawi and back on ZED tickets. I had to use a total of 4 of them, because I had to connect in South Africa both going and coming. I had no trouble using my tickets. In fact, It was really quite painless. Each of the 4 times I presented my tickets, they accepted them with no questions asked, and I was given a seat right at the check-in/ticket counter and didn't even have to wait until I got to the gate. It was almost like having a regular revenue ticket. All in all, everything went very smoothly for me. I don't know about the Congo, but based on my experience in Africa... you should be just fine. Hope that helps.

from what ive heard i dont think they even have a computer system there at the airport. maybe i should talk to the inbound AF crew when coming into the country. the thing is the police are so corrupt there im afraid im going to catch a bunch of **** for my ticket. someone suggested wearing my uniform but i think that could make things worse.

Sdra - there's actually an African forum on www.pprune.org . I'm certain you'll get better information.

Based on what little I know - wear the uniform. But defer to the advice on Pprune; I'm sure there's some knowledgeable Congo fellows there. :)

I did ZED to Africa a few years back and had no problems. I think as long as you fly BA, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, etc you won't have any problems.
That being said, it is the Congo. I'd almost be let down if there weren't some bribery involved at some point....

I had the same exact experience on TACA in Peru. They gave me a seat assignment at the ticket counter both ways to and from Cuzco. Do you speak any French? Might help a little...

Wear the uniform if in doubt. In much of the rest of the world, uniforms of any sort inspire varying degrees of respect, awe, or outright terror. At the very least they will assume that hassling you will result in some level of diplomatic interest from your embassy.

Depends on what part of the world you are in. I was in NZ, and was told by the locals its a HUUUUUGE no no to be wearing a uniform there if you are not working.