Alright, first of all let me start out by saying I have tried to use the search feature on this thing and either it sucks, or typing in "international travel" "traveling international" "international nonrev" or anything of the sort just doesn't turn up the right information I'm looking for.

I'm trying to get some information on nonrev-ing/JS'ing internationally (either on a US or international carrier) ... yes I know I can't JS on an international carrier unless we have a specific JS agreement ... and I don't really know where to start. I have never been out of the country before except to go to Canada (JS on Air Canada for that one ... GREAT EXPERIENCE!!). I'd like to take my girlfriend to Paris or something like that and want to know the best way to go about it.

First of all can ZED fares be purchased for non-family members if you're going to be traveling with them also on a ZED fare?

Secondly, I know that while in Europe things operate a little differently there remembering previous posts I have read (and could not find again). With a ZED fare would you already have a ticket and go straight to the gate through security, or would I have to stop at a Ticket counter (not sure what they call them over yonder) and get a pass through security there?

Thirdly, I know there is always a chance traveling standby that you won't make the flight, but what are the chances of getting bumped off with a ZED fare? What priority do you have versus other standby travel? Are we at the bottom of the list?

Fourthly, can ZED fares be purchased for both coach and first class?

Again, I stress that this is my first time trying to do this, so please keep the attacks on the international newbie to a minimum I know I could have called the 1800 number for a number of different airlines and received a number of different answers from a number of different people who didn't speak much english, but this way just seemed a little easier for some reason

I wanted to get the opinions and facts from those of you on here who have done this several times before and know what you're doing.

Thanks in advance, and and responses/information are greatly appreciated

Generally no. Usually ZEDs are available for immediate family, and some ZED agreements include parents too. It depends on the agreement between the carriers. Does your company offer a domestic partnership...?

The correct way to do a ZED in any country is to start with the ticket counter. Overseas, I've always been treated like a paying pax (I always fly with good loads, so there's no question about getting a seat). It's also a good idea to list yourself if you can figure out how.

ZEDs usually have the lowest nonrev priority behind all company, code-share, and buddy passes. You will be ahead of offline jumpseaters (unless they bought a ZED too). I suspect priority among ZEDs is based on check-in time.

You might be able to get an upgrade at the gate, but know that a number of foriegn airlines will not allow ZEDs (or even their own nonrevs) in first or biz class.

You're a US regional pilot, right? In order to maximize your odds (and comfort), try to fly on your own codeshare first...you will have higher priority. After that look at US airlines since they are often easier to deal with than foreign carriers, although the large european airlines should be OK too.

Also note that as a regional pilot you may have extra options...your company will have ZED agreements, but your codeshare major(s) will also have ZEDs, and may include you on that so be sure to check.

Many companies require advance purchase of ZEDs through the company travel office, but some majors will allow eligible travelers to buy them at any ticket counter. I can get a ZED for any airline from any DAL ticket counter.

Also look at multiple airlines...it might make sense to advance purchase 2-3 ZEDs on different airlines, especially on the way home. You can cash them in later if unused.

Don't forget your passport (and visas if you are going somewhere exotic). Also bring a power adapter if you need to use electronics overseas. Many newer laptop power supplies can handle euro-power, you just need a pig-tail that fits the socket. Internet cafes are ubiquitous and cheap in europe and asia.

I time my overseas travel for the off-season (mid JAN-mid FEB, or mid OCT-mid NOV). I've been spoiled...I never want to spend 10+ hours in economy class again

Well, it does, but I used the Registered Guest method because we don't live together. So she has my pass privileges on USAirways. I guess it would be far more beneficial just to list on USAirways and go from there? How much is the departure tax usually when coming back into the states?

Ok, so it is actually called a ticket counter? I didn't know if they had separate counters for checking in and actually paying for a ticket. Or are they just called ticket counter and check-in counter?

That's what I thought.

Gotcha

Yes, I'm with Colgan (hold back the insults for now ). I was planning on doing exactly that, flying on USAirways since my girlfriend could actually go with me on my pass privileges.

Of course! I ALWAYS carry my passport at work and going international. I never know when I may need it for some crazy reason or another. Where do I go about getting an adapter for the euro-power outlets? I know they are different, just don't know where to get one.

That's right about the time I was wanting to go is somewhere between mid JAN-end of FEB


Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your info!

I don't recall exactly what taxes were, but something like $75-150 total.

I don't recall what they called the ticket/check-in counter, just go where the other pax go.

I'd use airways as plan A, and maybe get a couple of ZEDs on other airlines for the return leg.

Have Fun!

Sort of off topic:

Radio Shack for sure and The Container Store I think have power adapters. Mainland Europe uses two round pins instead of our two tabs, the Brits have a huge three tab thing but one is plastic just so you get the other two right.

Make sure your appliance can handle euro-power (240V)! Some adapters just allow you to connect, they don't change the voltage/frequency...make sure you know the difference. Some gadgets have a switch on the back to make the selection, so all you need is the physical connector.

For travel on US Airways and you have travel benefits on US Airways, just list on theHub like you would a domestic ticket. At the end it will say how much taxes are. I know I just came back from Rome and it was $79 for two. Purchased upgrades to first at $100 each per leg so r/t was around $238 each in Envoy.

Also, if you want to try and go first, uhh excuse me Envoy, you will need to purchase the upgrades. They can be purchased at any ticket counter. Just go to the one where you are based before leaving on your next trip. Make sure they charge you $100 though for an international upgrade. The computer program automatically defaults to $20 for domestic upgrades. International are $100 and are refundable if you don't use them. They are also valid for travel for 1 year.

Also, when you travel, if you are riding on an A330 and you use your upgrades to get into Envoy, ask if row 1 is available. It used to be first class and the seats lie completely flat. Very nice and comfortable for trans-atlantic night flights. Envoy pax must pay extra to sit here and if it is not full, the gate agent can seat non-revs there.

For travelling through the airport on your return, it will just be like when you leave the US. Check-in at the ticket counter, tell them you are an employee. They will check your passports and issue you tickets like in the US without seat assignments. Normally, about 30-45 min before departure they will start to clear non-revs. No different than the US.

One tip though, before you leave the airport when you arrive, find out where the check-in counters are. I missed my return flight out of Rome because I got on the wrong shuttle bus. Apparently in FCO, US carriers park at terminal C but check-in at Terminal 5 which is kinda hidden away from everything. O well. One extra day in Rome. Enjoy Europe. I always have!

Thank you very much! Great information

One thing though. I can list us both on theHub for 1st class, so should I do it that way or just do coach and then upgrade at the ticket counter?

I knew this and told my wife. I also bought two adapter packs and voltage regulators (one for each of us). She "forgot" and her curling iron exploded in England.

I don't care who you are ... that's funny right there!!