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Joined: 22/10/2010
Posts: 5
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Hi everyone,
I've read about some of the benefits of the book but does anyone have any firsthand experience? Can you really get significant airfare discounts? Do some airlines offer greater discounts with the document than others? What's the process? Just state that you have a CDB and are on ship's business or is there a "line" to use that has been reliable? Other notable benefits?
All the best,
A
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Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 1011
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These days, it doesn't seem to be very good because the fares are already rock bottom. I did a round trip Jakarta Indonesia to Vegas and return from Reno for under $4k Business Class. That was cheaper than they could get me "Seaman's Fare" for and it was last minute booked in 2 one ways. Last year the same flight would have been $10k and $6500 on a Seaman's Ticket.
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Joined: 09/10/2008
Posts: 103
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Bear in mind that Seamen's fares include additional bagage (I believe 30kg short haul and 40kg long haul, but this could vary by airline) and are fully flexible and refundable.
They have to be booked through an agent, and only the agent can make changes in schedule which can be a pain if it is outside business hours.
You will need to demonstrate that you are on ship's business at check in.
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Joined: 22/10/2010
Posts: 5
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Thanks for the notes.
When you say agent, do you mean travel agent? I just called a local one that had no idea what I was talking about and has been in the industry and booked other special fares such as military etc. for quite some time. Do you have an agent in the USA you can recommend with experience in "Seaman's Fares"?
Also, proof of ships business - would a letter from the captain suffice?
Best Regards,
A
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I have just booked a seaman's flight with:
REGENCY TRAVEL
1316 S.E. 17TH STREET
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316
954.525.5117
They state that you either need a Seaman's Book or a letter from the Boat.
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Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 1011
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Over 20 years of flying on seaman's tickets I was always told that as well, but I can't recall ever having to produce anything...YMMV
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Joined: 22/10/2010
Posts: 5
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Thanks for the thoughts. Well upon investigation, I found people that book seaman's fares, but they really aren't cheaper than Orbitz.com etc. In fact, quite a bit more expensive in the quotes I've looked into so far. Just thought I'd let other people know in case they were thinking of getting the book just for that reason.
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