Tel:
(952) 831-1516 or Mark (307) 587-0408
P.O. Box
66 Cody, WY 82414-0066
Email: goodnews@vcn.com
From the Desk of Mark Anderson
Travel Agent
in affiliation with Absaroka Cruise
and Travel
Specializing in
International Wholesale Airfare and Group Travel
May 13, 2006
Dear Missionaries, Pastors &
Leaders,
Greetings! Trust this letter
finds you well. Ever since my sister Darcia has started working with me
in the Travel Agency the Lord has greatly expanded us, giving us many
clients. In recent months we have worked for hundreds of missionaries
looking for wholesale rates when flying overseas. Over 95% of
our clients are missionaries. I felt led to put out a Pointer News
Letter to help each client, answering some common questions and
enable you to get the most for your dollar when flying. Here are
some pointers to help you with your next trip.
#1- In the travel industry
there are three seasons; High, Shoulder and Low season. Obviously
fares are at the peak during high season. For most airlines June 1st
to the beginning of September and December 15th – January 7th
are High season. During shoulder and low season prices are lower and
easier to book because of availability.
#2- If travel is scheduled for
high season the earlier you book the better. During high season prices
and availability are determined by classes of service. Airlines normally
release a certain number of seats in one class of service. Once that
class is full then it goes to the next class of service. There can be as
many as 4 or 5 classes of service in economy alone. Once the lowest
class of service is completely booked prices can increase by $50 to $400
depending on what class of service is available and the time of year.
Once in awhile airlines release wholesale fares to wholesalers only 4
months prior to travel.
#3- Some clients look for the
lowest possible price no matter what! In such a case there are certain
things you need to keep in mind. The lowest price does not mean quality.
Some airlines we have worked with while offering low prices lack in
other areas as well. They do not offer dependable service, often run
behind schedule, lack integrity, proper safety measures or poor routing
to the final destination. Sometimes it is worth paying $100 more to get
the service you need.
#4- An advantage of flying
with a major recognized airlines is that you get frequent flyer miles.
(A few foreign carriers do not give frequent flyer miles on low priced
economy tickets anymore.) One advantage of flying repeatedly with a
certain airline or its partner is that you can obtain a VIP status with
them.
My own personal example is
that I fly mostly with Northwest, KLM, Delta and Continental, which are
all partners. I take all my miles on Northwest, which has given me elite
status with them. Now on every trip I get double miles credited to my
account. I am also upgraded to first class on many flights with
Northwest and Continental. As I have so many miles with Northwest I
often fly free within the USA and Central America using my miles, only
paying a small service fee and the taxes. I highly recommend sticking
with one airline or it’s partners.
#5- There is a difference
between booking a flight and ticketing a flight. Basically when you
BOOK all you are doing is reserving a seat before that class
of service is sold out. You do not have to pay for it at that time.
(However groups that is 10 people or more need to pay a small deposit in
some cases). Once you book seats, depending on the airline you will have
anywhere from 3 days to two weeks to pay or ticket it in most cases.
Some foreign carriers hold seats up to two months or longer after they
are booked.
One thing you need to keep in
mind is that if you have only booked a flight and the fare changes, such
as fuel surcharges and taxes you will have to pay the increased price as
your price is not locked in until you actually ticket a flight.
TICKETING is when you pay for the flight you booked. Once
ticketed your price cannot increase.
#6- For domestic travel and
travel to Central America I recommend checking online first as most
wholesale rates are the same or more. We can however save you money if
you are traveling with a group. At such times I deal directly with the
airline group department.
#7- If you are traveling with
a group of 10 or more, often Darcia or I can negotiate directly with a
specific airline group department. In these cases very often airlines
compete to give the lowest fare possible to get our business, which in
turn benefits you.
#8- For children under 11
years we can obtain fares that are ¾’s the base fare of an adult ticket.
#9- To avoid missing a flight
or having difficulties, it is always good to double check your flight
schedule a few days before leaving. Airlines frequently change flight
numbers and departure times.
I hope these 8 pointers help
you out. As we have other pointers to help you in your travel plans I
will write another newsletter. If you do not wish to receive this
newsletter, please let us know if you would like to be removed from this
mailing or e-mailing. God bless you!
In Christ,
Mark R. Anderson
From the Desk of
Mark Anderson
Travel Agent
in affiliation with Absaroka Cruise
and Travel
Specializing in
International Wholesale Airfare and Group Travel
November 9, 2005
Dear Missionaries,
Pastors &
Leaders,
Greetings in the
name of Jesus! It has been a while since I have been in touch with many
of you. I trust that all is well with you.
I am writing to let
you know that I continue to operate as a travel agent in affiliation
with Absaroka Cruise and Travel, located in Powell, Wyoming.
My specialty and area of expertise has always been in providing
international airfare at wholesale prices and discounts for group
travel.
I have personally
operated as a travel agent since 1992. For the past 13 years I have had
the privilege of serving over 1,500 missionaries (mostly YWAMers), as
well as evangelistic teams, Team Extreme, former members of the Power
Team, GX Jam, churches, and a high school band to name a few. At times I
have booked and ticketed groups with more than 50 people.
Many missionary
friends have been calling in recent years to obtain wholesale airfare,
causing an expansion in our business. In the past I have only been
available between our ministry trips. We are better equipped now to
serve your many travel needs as my sister, Darcia Anderson, has
come to work fulltime for the agency. Our clients
appreciate the fact that we are available even after normal working
hours to work through any issues that need immediate attention.
Other things we do
to go the extra mile is to sign up clients for frequent flyer programs,
enter their mileage number into their records, and provide seat
assignments on the airlines that allow it. A lot of time is spent
looking for the lowest price, quality airlines and good flight
schedules. Other areas we are expanding into will be wholesale cruise
packages, hotel bookings, car rentals, domestic flights, etc. Often we
can offer very good prices to groups of 10 or more as we have the
ability to work directly with the airlines or wholesalers in comparing
and bidding for the lowest fares.
We sow some of our
commissions into world missions. This business also helps to provide a
means of support for my family while we operate full time in world
evangelistic ministry. This is another way to support Mark Anderson
Ministries and all
we are doing overseas. The more travel business we generate, the less
we depend on the ministry for salary, allowing us to put more ministry
finances into reaching the unreached. God has been greatly expanding
our overseas ministry. Being a travel agent also helps us to travel more
economically.
If we can be of
service to you or others you know please do not hesitate to call, fax or
e-mail us. We know many of you look for the lowest price available.
Most of those who have compared prices have usually stuck with us.
Let us know if we
can be of service to you or your team in any way. God bless you to be a
blessing to the nations!
Yours for souls,
Mark R. Anderson
