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If you've dreamed of backpacking around South America, exploring multiple countries in Asia or island-hopping in the South Pacific, you may be a good candidate for an air pass. Primarily offered by national airlines and international airline alliances, air passes are special fare programs that allow you to fly to multiple cities in a designated region at discounted rates, creating your own personalized itinerary. If you're planning extensive travel within a large country like Australia or a region like Europe, an air pass could save you money over buying point-to-point tickets.Is an air pass right for you? Read on for some basic facts about air passes and a summary of regional passes around the globe.
AIR PASS Q&A
How do air passes work?The price of your pass is generally determined by the number of flight segments on your itinerary, the distance you're flying and how long you plan to travel. A few air pass programs also include the price of your international airfare to the region. (For passes that require you to pay for coupons or segments, read the terms carefully; connecting flights may require multiple coupons.)
Some air passes are more flexible than others. Certain providers require you to purchase and reserve every leg of your trip before you leave home, while others let you change your flight dates or add segments while you're on the road. Be sure to check what rules apply to your air pass before purchasing.
Who offers air passes?Air passes are offered by the three major airline alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam), by individual airlines and occasionally by third-party agencies. The alliances may be your best bet if you're interested in doing extensive travel over a large region such as Africa or Asia; if you're looking to focus on only one country or a smaller region (such as Australia or Southeast Asia), you may do better to purchase a pass from an individual airline serving that area.
When choosing your air pass, keep in mind any frequent flier programs that you may already belong to. If you you're a member of a loyalty program for another airline within the same alliance as the provider of your air pass, you may be able to apply the miles accrued on your air pass toward that program. Be sure to ask what restrictions may apply.
Who can purchase an air pass?Air passes are generally available only to travelers who live outside the region in question -- so while North America air passes do exist, most of them cannot be purchased by U.S. or Canadian citizens.
What other restrictions apply?Many air passes must be purchased in conjunction with an international flight to the region on the same airline (or a codeshare partner) as the airline providing the pass. To prevent hassles, either purchase your international ticket and your air pass at the same time or, if purchasing separately, make sure to have the confirmation code for your international ticket handy when you're booking your air pass -- that way the agent can easily look up your existing reservation.
How do I book my air pass?Due to the complicated nature of ticketing and routing, most air passes can't be booked online. You'll either have to call the provider directly or work with a travel agent.
Will an air pass always save me money?Don't assume that an air pass is your most affordable option. Before you book, check out alternatives such as regular point-to-point tickets, airfares on discount airlines in the region, and even local train or bus services.
ABOUT THE AIR PASSES BELOW
We have gathered air passes for a variety of regions, but there are a number of single-country passes out there too. Where appropriate, we have given links to Web sites where you can find more information about those. It may also be worth calling any airlines based in the country where you're headed to see whether they offer air passes, as these programs are not always easily accessible on airline Web sites.
The information below is for guidance only. Prices, terms and conditions can change at any time.
To go straight to the region that interests you, click on the appropriate link below:
Africa/Middle East | Asia | Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific | Europe
North America | South America
North America | South America
AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Star Alliance Africa Airpass
The Star Alliance Africa Airpass serves 55 cities in 29 African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. You must purchase at least three but no more than 10 flight coupons. Travel is good in economy class on South African Airways, EGYPTAIR and Brussels Airlines, and the pass must be booked in conjunction with an intercontinental ticket to/from Africa on a Star Alliance member airline. The pass is good for a minimum of three days and a maximum of three months, and may be booked through a travel agent or any Star Alliance member airline. Arabian AirpassThe Arabian Airpass from Emirates is good for travel between 13 Middle Eastern cities including Cairo, Dubai and Muscat. To qualify, you must fly into the Middle East on an Emirates flight costing at least $500, and purchase at least two but no more than six coupons. The first segment of your air pass must be confirmed and reserved in advance. The air pass must be booked at the same time as your international ticket, through an Emirates office outside the Middle East.
Star Alliance Middle East AirpassThe Star Alliance Middle East Airpass covers 25 cities in 13 countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. You may purchase three to 10 flight coupons and travel for up to three months. The pass is available in conjunction with a Star Alliance Round the World Fare or an international roundtrip ticket to the Middle East on a Star Alliance member airline. Your first flight must be reserved in advance, but all other flights may be booked any time before departure. To purchase, contact a Star Alliance airline or call your local travel agent.
Visit AfricaOneworld's Visit Africa pass is best for travelers looking to focus on southern Africa, with its focus on destinations like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Victoria Falls. You must book a minimum of two sectors, but you need only confirm the first sector at the time of booking, giving you flexibility with the rest of your trip as long as you ask for your flights to be "open dated." The pass can be booked through a travel agent or by calling any airline in the Oneworld alliance.
Editor's Note: If you're planning to travel only in North Africa, you may be better served by a Europe air pass (see below).
ASIA
All Asia PassCathay Pacific's All Asia Pass differs from many other passes in that it covers not only travel within Asia but also the cost of your long-haul flight to get there from the United States. The pass includes roundtrip economy flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York to Hong Kong as well as flights to as many as four other Asian cities over a period of 21 days. There are 42 cities to choose from, with another eight available for an additional fee. You may also extend the length of the pass to 30 or 90 days, or depart from another U.S. city than the three mentioned above (through a codeshare with American Airlines). To purchase the pass, print out the official rules and booking instructions and take them to your local travel agent.
Star Alliance Asia AirpassYou may travel throughout Asia for up to three months with the Asia Airpass from Star Alliance. Coupon prices vary by length of segment; you must purchase at least three and no more than 10. All segments must be planned in advance. The pass must be purchased in conjunction with a flight to Asia from outside the region on a Star Alliance carrier. Book the pass through a travel agent or any Star Alliance member airline.
Editor's Note: Star Alliance also offers air passes for China, Japan and Thailand. Its Circle Asia Fare covers Australia/New Zealand as well as Asia, and its Circle North Asia Fare focuses on China, Japan and Korea.
SkyTeam Asia PassSkyTeam's Asia Pass has a wider scope than many other passes, covering not only Asia but also Australia, New Zealand and a variety of Pacific islands. In total, 23 countries are offered. Travel is good for up to 60 days, with no minimum stay. You may purchase anywhere from three to eight coupons. You may combine your Asia Pass purchase with either a SkyTeam Round the World Pass or an intercontinental ticket on a SkyTeam member airline. The pass may be purchased through a travel agent or by calling any SkyTeam member airline.
Editor's Note: SkyTeam also offers a China Pass.
Visit ASEAN AirpassFor travelers looking to focus their explorations on Southeast Asia, the Visit ASEAN Airpass from Thai Airways may be an economical option. Country options include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and others. You may purchase three to five coupons. All flight segments must be confirmed at the time of booking. The pass is good for up to one month, with a minimum validity of three days. To book, contact Thai Airways directly or call your travel agent.
Visit AsiaOneworld's Visit Asia pass covers 50 different cities, including Delhi, Seoul, Bangkok and Tokyo. As long as you book a minimum of two flights, you can travel as long as you like within the validity of your qualifying international ticket. Flights between each city pairing are priced at flat rates based on geographic zones. You must make confirmed reservations for your first flight, but other flights may be booked later as long as you ask for these segments to be "open dated." You may purchase the pass through a travel agent or a Oneworld member airline.
Editor's Note: Oneworld also offers a Visit Japan pass.
For more Asia air passes, including single-country options, visit AirTimetable.com.
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH PACIFIC
Aussie AirPass
For one base price, the Aussie AirPass from Qantas covers both your flight to Australia and domestic flights within the country. International flights are from L.A., San Francisco or Honolulu; other departure cities are also available via an American Airlines codeshare. You may include up to three intra-Australian flights in your itinerary, with pricing based on how far afield you travel. The pass requires a minimum stay of seven days and is good for up to 21 days, with an optional extension to three months. This is one of the few air passes that can be booked online; alternatively, you may call Qantas directly to make your reservation. Star Alliance South Pacific AirpassStar Alliance's South Pacific Airpass is a flexible fare option that's ideal for travelers looking to explore New Zealand, travel the Australian coast, or hop-skip around South Pacific islands such as Tahiti, Fiji and Western Samoa. You may purchase three to 10 flight coupons. Except for your first flight, reservations may be changed at any time. Travel is valid for up to three months. The pass must be purchased in conjunction with a Star Alliance Round the World Fare, a Star Alliance Circle Fare or an intercontinental Star Alliance flight from outside the region covered by the pass. To purchase, call your travel agent or a Star Alliance member airline.
Editor's Note: If you're interested in a wider region, try the Star Alliance Circle Pacific Fare, which includes North America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Visit Australia and New ZealandOneworld's Visit Australia and New Zealand pass covers 50 destinations, and is a particularly good choice if you want to concentrate your travels in Australia; thanks to Qantas, a Oneworld member airline, this pass serves more Australian cities than the competing pass from Star Alliance. However, this pass does not include South Pacific island destinations. Segment prices are based on geographic zone, and you must purchase a minimum of two. There is no maximum stay beyond the validity of your international ticket (which must be booked on a Oneworld carrier). To purchase, contact a travel agent or a Oneworld alliance member.
Editor's Note: Oneworld also offers a Circle Pacific fare, covering Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North and South America.
For more Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific air passes, including single-country options, visit AirTimetable.com.
EUROPE
Star Alliance Europe AirpassThe Europe Airpass from the Star Alliance covers 45 countries and offers three to 10 coupons for travel within Europe and North Africa. Your first flight segment must be confirmed ahead of time, but later segments can be confirmed after your trip begins. Travel is good for up to three months, and the pass must be purchased in conjunction with an intercontinental ticket to Europe on a Star Alliance airline or a Star Alliance Round the World Fare. To book, contact a travel agent or a Star Alliance member airline.
SkyTeam Europe PassServing 44 countries, the SkyTeam alliance offers a Europe Pass with no minimum or maximum stay. You do not have to reserve any flight segments ahead of time except for your first one, which allows you a great deal of freedom as you travel. You must purchase at least three coupons, which are priced based on geographical zone. The pass must be used in conjunction with a roundtrip intercontinental flight on any of the SkyTeam airlines or with a SkyTeam Round the World ticket. To purchase, contact your travel agent or call a SkyTeam member airline.
Editor's Note: SkyTeam also offers an Italy Pass.
Visit EuropeOneworld's Visit Europe air pass offers flights to 160 cities in nearly 50 countries across Europe and North Africa. You must purchase a minimum of two flight coupons, but there's no maximum for the number of flights you can take -- and the pass is good for as long as your international ticket is valid. You must confirm the first sector of your trip in advance. The pass is available in conjunction with an international flight to Europe on a Oneworld member airline or affiliate. To book, call your travel agent or a Oneworld member airline.
For more European air passes, including single-country options, visit AirTimetable.com.
NORTH AMERICA
SkyTeam America PassThe SkyTeam America Pass is good for travel within the U.S., Canada and Mexico. (Unlike the two passes below, it does not include Caribbean destinations.) You may purchase three to 10 coupons; prices vary based on your country of origin, the number of coupons you purchase and the time of year you travel. The maximum stay is 60 days. Your first flight must be reserved at least three days before you arrive in North America; you may arrange your other flights later at your discretion. The pass is available in conjunction with a SkyTeam Round the World Pass or an international flight to North America on a SkyTeam member airline (or associate airline). To purchase, contact any SkyTeam airline or your travel agent.
Editor's Note: SkyTeam also offers a Mexico Pass.
Star Alliance North America AirpassThe Star Alliance North America Airpass covers more than 300 destinations in 20 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico and a number of Caribbean islands. With a few exceptions, it is not available to residents of any country covered by the pass. You may purchase three to 10 flight coupons and travel for up to three months. The pass is available in conjunction with a Star Alliance Round the World Fare, Circle Fare or international ticket to North America on a Star Alliance member airline. Your first flight must be reserved in advance; for later flights, you may change your reservations up to two hours before departure. To purchase, contact any Star Alliance member airline or your travel agent.
Visit North AmericaOneworld's Visit North America pass covers 200 cities in 28 countries across North America, including the Caribbean and Central America. There is no minimum stay, though you must book at least two flights; you may take up to 10 flights over a maximum period of 60 days. Pricing is based on geographical zone. All sectors of your itinerary must be confirmed at the time of booking. The pass is available in conjunction with a roundtrip international ticket to North America on a Oneworld member airline. To purchase, contact any Oneworld airline or your travel agent.
For more North American air passes, visit AirTimetable.com.
SOUTH AMERICA South American PassThis pass offers flights to a number of South American cities served by Aerolineas Argentinas. You may purchase up to 12 coupons, with a minimum of three. The pass is good for a maximum stay of 90 days (there is no minimum stay). No coupons may be added after ticketing. To purchase, use the destination submission form on the airline's Web site.
South America AirpassLAN, an airline based in Chile, offers a South America Airpass that serves 49 destinations across the continent. As long as you purchase a minimum of three coupons, you may travel to as many places as you'd like. Your pass must be purchased at least 14 days before you travel, in conjunction with an international ticket to South America on LAN, another Oneworld carrier or one of the following airlines: South African Airways, Aeromexico, Air China and United Airlines. Travel is good for a maximum stay of 12 months. To purchase, contact LAN or a travel agent.
Visit South AmericaOneworld's Visit South America pass serves 34 cities in 10 countries, including Argentina, Brazil and Peru. You must book at least three flights, and travel is valid up to 12 months. You must specify which destinations you plan to visit at time of purchase, but you do not need to reserve your flights (except the first one) until the day before you wish to fly. To book, contact a travel agent or a Oneworld member airline.
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--written by Sarah Schlichter