Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anybody has purchased airfare from Airtech recently (http://www.airtech.com/home.html) or heard anything about them? I found out about them from an old post (Feb 2002) on this site talking them up and figured I'd check them out. I'm coming to Madrid indefinitely in mid-October to do a TEFL at Canterbury and go from there
and it's $199 one-way to Madrid from the US northeast...which of course seems sweet. However, there is a big disclaimer saying "**Unless you are EEC (European) Passport Holder, you will not be able to board flights to Europe unless you are holding a return FlightPass."

Do you think they are serious? After reading (i'm bleary eyed, searched out,) the many posts here regarding Visas and "the rules," I was under the impression that I could just enter the country with my one-way ticket and U.S. passport under the auspice of my 3-month tourist period and just see what happens. Thus I would just want to snag a one-way ticket for now, especially for that price, and especially because it looks like return fare through Airtech is just as cheap, and there would be no fees to change dates, etc, as one would have to do with a return flight unless they were impeccable planners or have suspicious foresight.

Any advice would be welcomed. Perhaps I should just contact them and ask THEM, and I will, but I also wanted to see if anybody had used Airtech recently or had anything to say about experiences with "no one-way" policies in general. And frankly, I just wanted to post something. To feel "included" since I spend a fair amount of time prowling the posts.

thanks,
corey mac

p.s. Bet you miss the thriving metropolis of Middlebury, Vermont, huh Jer? A friend of mine from St. Michael's College near B-Town is doing her Masters in Spanish through Midd right now...she likey...i think...

I flew Air Europa/Continental Boston-Newark-Madrid last summer, at the end of august, and I had a one way ticket. And every time I fly to Madrid I have a ticket that ends there because I buy my tickets there and it goes Madrid-Boston-Madrid, so every time I am going to Madrid I have no return flight, because it's the end of my trip, and no one ever says anything to me. I have never had anyone on any airline say anything to me. I don't know what to tell you, I would call the airline directly and speak to someone, tell them that you're a student, or whatever you want to tell them, and that you're not sure of the date that you're going to return yet because you are going to travel after your visa expires or something (the visa is not their business so they won't ask for proof or anything). I dunno!?!? Let us know! Besos, Joy

Corey,

the statment is mostly true except for a couple of misundertandings, its the same policy INS applies in U.S.

You don't need a EU Passport, you need either the passport, residence or a visa that is not a visitor visa.

Moreover, you don't need to buy both tickets at the same place, I am not sure if you got the impression you did. You can buy a ticket there, and another through someone else and you'll be OK.

EU immigration officials want to see, and its understandable, that you have means to leave the country, and you have intention to do so.

Uh-oh, I have a one way ticket to Madrid and I am leaving next Wednesday!!!! So you guys are saying that the people at the airport will turn me away because I have a one way ticket?! I was concerned about that and so my travel agent that booked the flight called the Spanish Consulate in Chicago and they said it would be no problem having a one way ticket because I would be going with a visa. I�m studying with the Middlebury Master�s program for a year so that�s why I thought my only option WAS a one way ticket, since you can�t book a return flight a year from now. I hope I don�t get turned away at the airport!!!!!

Based on my obviously vast expertise in these matters, you should be fine HiramGirl, especially with the Visa thing and the Middlebury program.

I contacted Airteach regarding their policy stating that passengers to Europe have to have return FlightPasses. They're pretty adamant about it and make no exceptions. I'm not sure if this is, in fact, because of immigration regulations or a marketing scheme, as the policy would obviously benefit them immensely. The price for a one-way FlightPass is $199, either from the east coast of the U.S. to Europe of vice versa, which would make it a good deal for a U.S. passport holder coming back over here. The catch is a deal of flexibility. i.e. the FlightPass doesn't have departure dates or airports (either departure airports OR arrival airports) or times on it; it's basically just a reservation to try to snag an extra seat on the airlines they do business with. You're supposed to call the Wednesday before your three-day travel window to see what availability is looking like. check out their website for more details. they respond promptly to e-mail. i'm not sure yet if i'll get tickets through them, but it could be a good option for others. i'll get to madrid one way or another!

hey csmccull, yeeeeehhhhaaaaaa!!! "mmmmmmm... vaaaaaacccaaaaaa"! was the vermont battle cry that summer as that was all one could smell

but seriously, i enjoyed my 6 weeks there in summer, it was a nice change of pace from the hectic nyc and suburban sprawl of long island where i grew up.

back to the flight thang. going by what fabrizio has said (assuming it is true), the best thing to do is take advantage of that $199 one way tick to madrid and buy the return via an online tick agent or a friend here in spain since it is usually cheaper to get a spain-usa ticket than a u.s.a. spain tick.

the only disadvantage i can see to having to buy both ticks before you leave u.s.a. is that you have to set a return date since open-date ticks over here can be pretty expensive :cry:

saludos,
jer...

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Yeah, I don't know what I'm going to do in Madrid, removed from the smell of steaming piles of cowdung! I'll manage somehow, I guess. In case anyone was interested, I cut and pasted the FAQ from Airtech's website, regarding their FlightPass, which is currently $199 from the east coast to Europe and vice versa. It requires some flexibility, but at the same time, gives you some flexibility--i.e. you don't have to set a flight date, but instead set a 3-day window that you are under no obligation to travel within if you don't want to, and the pass never expires. The FlightPass thingy has an entirely different protocol than the usual airline ticket. The below crap is all cut and pasted directly from the website, just for people's information, including their requirement that you have to have a return flightpass if flying from the U.S. to Europe. They also have "normal" bookings (with actual departure and arrival airports, dates, times, etc.)if you aren't a risk taker and are in no mood to have your emotions and patience toyed with, but you have to call or e-mail to inquire about rates and availability.

Cheers,
Corey

"**Unless you are EEC (European) Passport Holder, you will not be able to board flights to Europe unless you are holding a return FlightPass"

Q : What is the Air-Tech Space-Available FlightPass?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : A Space-Available flight is unreserved region to region travel. Most Airlines have seats that remain empty at the time of takeoff (except perhaps during certain peak holiday periods). Air-Tech's exclusive FlightPass gains access to unsold seats. On a regular basis, select carriers communicate their anticipated seat availability to Air-Tech. We then distribute this information to our clients who redeem their FlightPasses for travel.

Q : Who should use Air-Tech's Space-Available FlightPass?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Our Air-Tech FlightPass option is designed for people that have flexibility with their travel itinerary. If you have a business meeting in London on November 1st at 2pm and your entire career depends on that, then by all means book a confirmed flight. Our confirmed/reserved Air-Tech Plus service can do just that for you at aggressively competitive fares. If you are flexible, however, with your dates of travel and, in some instances, destination, then the Air-Tech FlightPass is ideal. This is the lowest fare option that Air-Tech, or anyone for that matter, can offer you. The only way to fly for less is to be the President!

Q : Who is the "typical" Air-Tech traveler?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : You are! Many of our FlightPass clients are students, freelance professionals, models, musicians, actors, artists, retired people, and so many others with a flexible itinerary to take advantage of the Air-Tech FlightPass. Depending on your flexibility and budget, we can find you the right flight at the right price. Besides our exclusive FlightPass option, Air-Tech offers every other option from regular coach fares to first class bookings. But again, our FlightPass is the most economical way to fly.

Q : Where can I go?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Currently, we offer Air-Tech FlightPass service to/from Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and Domestic USA. Some flight rotations are seasonal so be sure to check for current updates. Remember, if the Air-Tech FlightPass does not fit you travel requirements then call us at 212-219-7000 and ask for our confirmed/reserved department.

Q : Can I fly to my preferred destination?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : A lot of passengers do. If it is unavailable, you can either wait for it or fly to a different city. Remember, as a Space-Available passenger, we guarantee to get you to a region: for example, Western Europe, rather than a specific city in Europe.

Q : Can I leave from my preferred departure city?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Sure, as long as it's available at the time you want to fly and is an "Air-Techable" departure city. Otherwise, you can either wait or leave from another city. The choice is all yours.

Q : Can I fly on the date that I choose?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Usually, and almost certainly within your Travel Window. But we cannot absolutely guarantee an exact date, destination, or departure point with a Space-Available flight. That's what we mean by being a flexible traveler.

Q : What is the "Departure Window" and how does it work?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : When using the Air-Tech FlightPass, you provide us a period of time that you want to fly. We call this your "Departure Window" and it's usually 2,3, or 4 days, depending on your destination and the time of year you want to go. During your Departure Window, we guarantee to fly you or we will give you a refund (see refund policy). We are successful 94% of the time, as long as the traveler is sufficiently flexible with dates and destinations.
(These instructions only apply to the Air-Tech FlightPass option).

Q : Do I have to travel during my Departure Window?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Do what you want. One of the great features of our service is that you're flexible, so we're flexible! You'll never be locked into anything. You can use your FlightPass during your Departure Window. But if you don't, then simply call us when you are ready to fly. And with no penalty.
(These instructions only apply to the Air-Tech FlightPass option).

Q : What is my call-in date (the "Contact Date") and what happens on that date?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : On your call-in date, which is always the Wednesday before you travel, we match our clients with a master airline matrix listing all flights available to Air-Tech FlightPass holders. We match you as closely as possible to your preferred destination within your designated Travel Window. You are provided with all the vital information you need:
when the flight is leaving
the name of the carrier
where the flight leaves from
which counter at the airport you go to, etc.
(These instructions only apply to the Air-Tech FlightPass option).

Q : Which airlines do we work with?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : For FlightPass holders, Air-Tech has arrangements with a select group of major scheduled airlines and charters. We are bound by contract to withhold the names of these carriers for two reasons:
Everyone involved (you, us, the airlines) knows the specifics of your flight only as we approach your Travel Window because each Air-Tech passenger's travel plans are unique to that particular person.
The airlines contract with Air-Tech at these exceedingly low fares as long as we don't compete with them for sales. This is accomplished by not revealing the names of the carriers in our marketing. The airlines want to sell these seats for much higher fares and they do so until departure, except for Air-Tech passengers.
For confirmed/reserved flights, we work with all carriers.

Q : When is my seat confirmed?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Your seat is actually confirmed prior to takeoff at the airport, once the carrier has made a final determination of available seats and flight boarding.

Q : How do I get back?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : For most Caribbean and Mexican destinations only, you'll be given a guaranteed confirmed/reserved seat for the return flight, usually for one week later. At this time, longer stays for Carribbean and Mexico are not possible.
Getting back from Europe works the same way as going over. You may call, e-mail or fax us to receive flight details. On your call-in Contact Day, which is always the Wednesday before you travel, have your FlightPass ready and we will provide you with flight options. We will ask you where you are, and then match you as closely as possible to an available return flight. If you do not want to travel to catch a flight, you can choose to stay put as long as the location is an "Air-Techable" city, with space-available flight options.

Do I have to fly back from the same city I fly into?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : For the European service, you do not have to fly out of the same city you flew into. In fact, many people fly to Europe with us for that very reason. They like the total flexibility that we offer. For the Caribbean/Mexico, Hawaii and Domestic USA, you are expected to return from the same city you flew into.

Q : Can two or more people travel together?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : The Last Train to Clarksville is a long way from the last seat on a plane. Yes, two people can travel together as long as they are flexible about dates of travel and destinations. Flights that have one available seat usually have others.

Q : Am I locked into the Air-Tech Space-Available program once I have purchased an Air-Tech FlightPass?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : No. Anytime you wish to fly using our confirmed/reserved service instead, you may do so. Your FlightPass is fully transferable for those flight services.

Q : What happens if the flight I try for sells out?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : We minimize this occurrence by monitoring the availability on the flight. If you were unable to board, you would be directed to the next flight (either the very same day or perhaps another day in your Travel Window).

Q : How long is my FlightPass valid?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : FlightPasses are good indefinitely. If you have a FlightPass, you may call us on any Wednesday with your FlightPass in hand and we will find a flight for you. Please keep it in a secure place as it is irreplaceable and non refundable if lost or stolen.

Q : What is our refund policy?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Air-Tech flight passes are good indefinitely, if the prices go up, you pay no more money. All Airtech Space Available Flight Passes are subject to a $25 FEE OFF THE FACE VALUE OF EACH FLIGHT PASS, For ANY changes including: refunds, name changes, upgrades to other services, (confirm-reserve) or destination changes, plus applicable dollar difference amounts on any purchases. Shipping and/or other fees NOT included in refunds.

Q : What would happen if my FlightPass is lost or stolen?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Sorry, FlightPasses are irreplaceable and non refundable if lost or stolen. Keep them in a safe place just like any other valuable.

Q : When i fly standby with Air-Tech, do i have priority over other standby passengers?
(Return to: FAQ Questions - FlightPass Menu)
A : Some standby companies use the same airlines as Air-Tech and some airlines have their own standby programs. It will be at the airline's discretion as far as which standby customers have priority.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The original last minute travel system for discount flights. Cheap flights to Europe, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and more. Last minute travel bargains that can't be beat.

Airtech is open from 10AM to 6PM Eastern Standard Time
For general inquiries on Airtech.com products and services, please contact fly@airtech.com or call 212.219.7000

Cory don't worry about the cowdung smell, here in Madrid, the subway smells like those pasting fields back home.

Read that FAQ you posted and its a bit tricky, they say you need a return flightpass before you are allowed to board but that doesn't make any sense, unless it is there own scammy little way to get more money from you. I am concerned at there use of the term "return flightpass" rather than return ticket, this may be going into their own policy, which I don't know.

The reality is that even though many times it is not enforced, if you don't have a return flight purchased and you are entering on a visitor visa or no visa at all then can refuse entrance to EU. A simple loophole on this is, if you are not sure when you want to go back and you don't want to commit, if you have the credit, you can easily buy a full fare ticket back, and cancel the ticket once you are inside. Just make sure that the company you buy it from has no return fee.

Great website, and what a clever idea!!! As I understand it (and someone shoot me down if I have got it all wrong) this company is making standby lists for flights in the future and actually getting the money up front for the seats!!! Absolutely no risk to themselves, as they don�t give any guarantee for flights, and minimal risk to the clients as the FlightPass doesn�t expire. I would think the only times they really get any flack is if people presume they are going to get away at peak times and in fact don�t, or when clients realise they have actually paid in advance to go standby. I wonder what the percentage is of clients who eventually exchange their FlightPass for a "normal" booking?

I�m with fabrizio on this, I think their insistance on a return FlightPass is for their benefit mainly.

I have to agree with fabrizio's last post regarding the returnable return ticket. Speaking from personal experience, I have only seen an airline refuse somebody once. I was flying to Nice France on business with another person who regularly (3-4 times a year) flies the same route. He lost his return ticket for a trip he took years ago and ever since his tickets have been booked as Nice - Ohio - Nice. The kind folks at Delta informed him that without a return ticket or a visa he would not be allowed to board the plane. They also explained that if they were to get caught doing so could mean a $10,000 fine for Delta. How much of that is true I have no idea. He had never had a problem before, and has flown the route so many times he is on a first name basis with the flight crew and everybody at Nice's Delta counter. In the end he purchased a return ticket and that was that.

I suspect it all depends on the airline you end up flying with, and that Airtech is just covering all of the bases. They can't have customers showing up at the gate, completely unaware that they might not be allowed to board. Just imagine the rage that would ensue. I also suspect that if the airline knows you are purchasing the ticket from Airtech they will be more diligent in making sure you have all of the proper paperwork. If the bit about the fines is true, they would be grossly negligent if they did not. My guess is that you would be stopped at the gate before you were denied admission into an EU country. Perhaps others can offer a difference in opinion, but I have never been troubled to provide a proof of anything when passing through Barajas, aside from a blue passport.

Best of luck.

I agree with you elguapo!! Although I only deal in charter flights, there is one company in the UK what almost works the same way as Airtech. If anyone is going to be bumped from a flight it will be clients holding that particular companies tickets!!! However in the case here, the clients have no idea why they have been refused. At least Airtech seem to have covered that one!!!

Perhaps I can be of assistance on this matter.

It is possible to purchase a one way ticket and not have problems.

HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!!! It is up to the airline whether or not they will sell you one, considering that due to immigration laws (european just as much as american) if you are not from the country you are entering, you can not enter on a one way ticket. And since these laws are meeting stricter reinforcements all the time, well, it gets harder and harder. Also, yes, it is the airline that would have to pay the fine and return trip, not the customer, and the airlines are getting tired of loosing big money from bending the rules so.... there you go!

Of course exceptions are made such as with exchange programs, but usually they purchase a rt or open return ticket for the second half (good up to one year).

And that�s the lowdown on that!

Is it risky? Depends. If this airline is saying that they won�t do it, they have their policies and reasons, I wouldn�t expect them to jump it.

Well, I guess I will just fly and see what happens. It�s all so confusing!!!! Thanks for the advice.

HiramGirl, you won't have any problems, you are coming in with a student visa. If you didn't have a visa that would be a problem.

Phew! :cheers: Cool, thanks!