Sourced from a FatWallet Forums Travel Discussion
Quite popular in the 2000s, in this arrangement, a traveler essentially “escorts” time-sensitive documents or freight for a shipping company, which uses the traveler’s checked baggage allowance to bypass lengthy customs delays. The official term is Onboard Courier (OBC).
How it works
While the OBC often only has a carry-on for their own belongings and must adhere to a strict, sometimes last-minute schedule, the reward is the ability to fly to major global hubs like Tokyo or London for a fraction of the standard ticket price.
Becoming an Air Courier offers a fascinating look into a specialized corner of budget travel that flourishes by trading luxury and luggage space for deeply discounted international fares.
Becoming an air OBC requires a high degree of flexibility and a willingness to navigate a non-traditional booking process.
Courier Clubs
There are Courier Clubs that can help with getting sorted. Popular platforms facilitating this include Air Mule to utilize extra baggage allowance or, for shipping specialized items like golf clubs or luggage, services like Luggage Forward and Ship Sticks.
Successful couriers often join specialized clubs or organizations that act as intermediaries, providing members with lists of available “slots” across various airlines. This method is particularly popular for solo travelers who pack light and are comfortable with the idea that their primary role on the flight is to ensure the delivery of the manifest, even if they never actually handle the cargo themselves.
If you value flexibility and alternative routing options then be sure to add Onboard Courier to your list of “travel hacks.” It goes along well with repositioning cruises or last-minute flight deals that reward those who can travel on short notice.
