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Charter Flights

A Charter Flight is often reffered to as a "Package Holiday Flight" and although this is generally true (and Charter Flight prices are generally inexpensive), these days Charter Flights are very far removed from the "cheap 'n cheerful" reputation that these types of flights were infamous for during the 1970's & 1980's "Spanish Costas package holiday" days. A charter flight today offers a luxury that was unheard of even in first-class travel years ago. The fleet of charter aircraft that company ike Thomson, MyTravel, FirstChoice etc operate (especially on long-haul flights) are often large aircraft with in-built TV screens on the back of each head-rest, choice of TV & radio channels, video-games console, bar-service, choice of menu etc.

A charter flight can usually be defined by being a flight that flies out directly from the departure locations airport to the destination non-stop. You'll usually find that charter flights don't operate on a fixed schedule and although they are getting better as years go by, they do generally have less leg room and storage.

The main difference between a charter flight and a scheduled flight is the way that the flight is sold. With a scheduled flight, you buy the ticket from the airline itself whereas with a charter flight you will generally buy the ticket from a holiday company or travel agent. This is because of the nature of charter flights. While a schedule flight is operated entirely by the airline to run on a regular schedule (and they are obliged to fly you out on time, even if you're the only passenger on the aircraft!) charter flights are booked by individual holiday companies or a consortium of holiday companies. For example, there may be no airline flying from a small airport to, say, Malta, but a local travel agent may think there is a demand for a weekly flight. So, he will approach an airline and ask to "Charter" an aircraft from them, once a week, to fly to Malta. He will then sell you tickets for that flight. Have you ever noticed that during the winter there are less flights going out from your local airport to your favourite holiday destination? well, it's because there's not so much demand for flights during the winter months so travel agents don't charter as many flights during this period - now you know!

However, you don't need to walk in to a travel agents office to book a package holiday or a charter flight. In fact, holiday shops all over the UK are closing down because people like you and I are booking online (and getting cheaper prices by doing so). In the time it would take me to go in to town and visit two travel shops, I could have compared prices in hundreds of online travel websites and got myself a much better deal - all from the comfort of my own home.

The best online company I've found at providing a charter flight at the right price is the aptly named "The Best Travel Agent.co.uk". They compare prices of all the main travel companies and airlines to find you the best deal. This is important, because if you walk in to a travel shop, they'll only sell you their holidays, on their aircraft, going to their destinations. "The best travel agent" on the other hand compares them all and instead of finding you say one flight going to your destination on a particular day, they may find you 4 or 5 or more flights - leaving you to simply compare the prices etc and make your choice.

You can visit their website or telephone them directly on 0141 812 7386. Ask specifically to speak to Tracy Moffat (the owner) and tell her that you found out about her company from the Sensational Travel Website and she'll take extra special care of you!