Last minute travel desks at European airports
Mar 31, 2003, 10:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 592
Last minute travel desks at European airports
As an avid traveler to Europe I've noticed practically every airline at the major European airports has a desk for last-minute travelers. (In Germany they're called "Last-Minute-Reisen.") What, exactly, is the purpose of these desks? Can one head on out to the airport and shop around for good deals on an impromptu holiday, like one used to be able to do with the standby system in the USA? Or are these merely glorified ticket counters, meaning any actual last-minute trips are likely to be spectacularly costly?
[This message has been edited by Factotum (edited 03-31-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Factotum (edited 03-31-2003).]
Apr 1, 2003, 12:58 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,801
Generally, these are charter flights/operators who need to sell off unsold inventory. Since charter flights are less popular in N. America, you don't see so much. What else there is is generally sold through other channels.
Apr 2, 2003, 9:55 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,122
The prices offered are often very low because they get rid of excess inventory. At some airports you can buy tickets only - and the price of a package will often be lower than a last minute r/t ticket on a regular carrier. I know amsterdam has one - I think you can check offerings on schiphol.com.