Peter Greenberg: Group Flight Discounts

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org

My wife and I are going to the Gold Coast, Australia, for the International Shuffleboard Tournament in September, and we have several questions. First, are airport connections possible from Fort Myers, Fla.? Second, our group consists of 30 to 34 people total, flying coach class. What airline should we get the best deal from for the flight only? Is this a large enough group to warrant a special rate? Finally, are there restrictions on the items we can take? (We usually give small gifts to our opponents and score keepers.) Any recommendations would be appreciated.
–George and Landy, Port Charlotte, Fla.

Flights are available from Fort Myers on a four-leg journey using Qantas Airways and its partners. If you want a more simplified journey, you may want to try departing from a larger airport (Orlando or Miami, for example). However, a connection will be necessary from Sydney or another major city to the Gold Coast, once you reach Australia.

Once you decide on your airline, you need to inquire about group rates, as this is a large-enough group to warrant special discounts in many cases. For instance, on Qantas, a group is 10 or more people traveling for a common purpose on the same flight. Contact the airline's sales office (not its regular reservation number) directly to discuss options for a flexible fare for your group.

In terms of baggage allowance, Qantas allows two pieces of checked baggage per person, as most airlines do. There is a charge for any baggage in excess of these requirements. If you have further questions, contact the airline or visit www.qantas.com.