How to Book Cruise Line Airfare

You'll need to figure out how you're going to fly to the location of the ship on the day your cruise starts. The easiest way to do this is to book your airfare when you book your cruise reservation. There are advantages in combining your airfare reservations with your cruise booking. Find out how to book your cruise line airfare by following these valuable tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Notify your travel agent or the cruise line that you need to book airfare at the same time you make your cruise reservations. Airfare is also booked on a "first come, first serve" basis, so the earlier you make flight reservations, the better.

2. Allow your travel agent or cruise line to plan your airline reservations however they choose and you'll only pay for the airfare. Or, request an "Air Deviation" and pay a non-refundable fee if you wish to fly on a certain airline and use a flight schedule of your choosing. Even so, your special request may be denied if it can't be arranged.

3. Make sure you get an official confirmation of your airfare booking.

4. If you book a flight when you make your cruise arrangements, an employee from the ship will meet you at the airport to transport you and your luggage to the dock. You'll also be taken back to the airport on your return trip home.

5. If you use airline reservations that were arranged when you booked your cruise, you don't have to worry about flight delays. The airline will notify the cruise line if there are any delays in their schedule. If you miss boarding the ship at the original port, you and your luggage may be transported to the next port so you can still make your cruise.
   

6. Purchase travel insurance and your cruise reservations--as well as your airfare--may be covered. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line for details.

Tips & Warnings

• Book cruise line airfare and you can save a bundle by not having to pay bus, taxi and rental car costs to get to the ship's location.
• Remember that while you can take as much luggage as you wish on a cruise ship, airlines have baggage limits and restrictions. Take too much luggage and you'll be charged extra.
• If you book cruise line airfare, you can't use Frequent Flyer Miles or any other discounts.
• Don't automatically assume that booking cruise line airfare is the most economical way to fly. If you're looking for the cheapest airfare, then contact your travel agent or airlines and compare prices.

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on 10/14/2008 Note that air boooked through the cruise line may not be the most direct, efficient or fastest way. You may have more than one stop or plane change, particularly if travelling between countries.