QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS : Low Fares for Would-Be Couriers?

Question: Can one still fly abroad as a courier and obtain cheap air fare?

Answer: Various organizations employ persons to accompany cargo or to carry documents to a foreign country. Usually the only compensation is a very low cost air ticket. For information: Halbart Couriers (718) 656-8279, Jupiter Air Limited (213) 670-5251, TNT (708) 672-1100, World Courier (718) 978-9408, Courier Travel Services (516) 374-2299, Now Voyager (212) 431-1616, Way to Go (213) 466-1126.

Q: Is there insurance covering loss of a pet that accompanies the traveler or is carried in the hold?

A: Policies costing about $15 cover lost and found expense and vet fees. Contact (800) 666-5678.

Q: Now that Pam Am is shut down what happens to my Clipper Club membership?

A: Delta is honoring them in its Crown Clubs.

Q: What are the differences between various State Department travel advisories?

A: A travel notice covers inconveniences, such as new customs rules, local labor strikes, minor disease outbreaks, etc. Travel cautions report locations where trouble may be encountered. Most serious is the travel warning which covers potential violence, terrorism, natural disasters and civil disorder. It’s wise to check with your agent if advisories are still in effect or call the Travel Advisory Hot Line at (202) 647-5225.

Q: Are major hotels in the Soviet Union operating normally?

A: Travelers report no fall-off in service at St. Petersburg and Moscow luxury hotels. A major Europen chain has also been operating a hotel school in St. Petersburg for some time.

Q: I’m planning a trip through Eastern Europe by rail. Are there passes like the Eurail Pass?

A: The European East Pass, good in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland, costs $160 for 5 days’ use over a 15-day period and $259 for 10 days’ use over a month. It’s available thorough travel agencies.

Q: Are there any tours tailored specifically for people over-60?

A: Saga International Holiday has trips two weeks and longer for this age group. Younger companions are accepted. Itineraries are worldwide. Contact: (800) 343-0273.

Q: Airline ticket charges show up on my credit card bill immediately but credit for cancellations may take months during which I must pay interest and which takes time to adjust. Isn’t there a law against this?

A: Federal law requires credit card companies to remove these charges in timely manner but it’s wise to ask your agent to notify the company immediately if you’ve received a refund.

Q: Where can I obtain a list of English-speaking doctors abroad?

A: A free list is available from Medical Assistance to Travelers, 417 Center Street, Lewiston, N.Y. 14092.

Q: Can I get travel discounts by buying an identity card or certificate that says I’m a travel agent?

A: A number of companies and organizations offer such documents for free and some ask you to pass a short home study course or take brief on-the-job training. While this is legal and some companies may offer discounts, airlines and cruise lines normally give them to persons working for agencies accredited by them. Hotels also may not honor requests from these “instant agents.”

Q: Do any of the tall ships carry passengers and where do they sail? What does it cost?

A: A number of these vessels sail on cruises with accommodations of usually 20 or more. For Maine summer and Caribbean winter trips, call (800) 624-6380; the 34-passenger Sir Francis Drake sails the Caribbean. Call (303) 341-0335. For other Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings on the Star Clipper, call (800) 442-0551. For larger ships of 60 or more capacity, call (800) 327-2602. Rates for short trips start about $300.