Why should I book with Overseas Express?
Since 1988, Overseas Express Travel has assisted missionaries, churches, religious
orders, humanitarian organizations, relief workers and qualified not-for-profit
organizations with their travel requirements. We offer the lowest fares to worldwide
destinations via the world's leading airlines. Overseas Express maintains the highest
standards of service and dependability. In 2002 Overseas Express became a RAPTIM Company.
RAPTIM is the world's leading travel supplier for non-profit organizations committed to
church and social humanitarian issues worldwide. RAPTIM started operations after
World War II. Founded by, and under governance of religious institutes for the specific
purpose of accomodating the changing needs of missionaries as well as church and development
aid workers, the name RAPTIM has become synonymous with missionary travel.
Over fifty years of creating travel products has produced a solid base of knowledge
with which RAPTIM serves those who serve the world. RAPTIM has developed a worldwide
network of locations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Indonesia,
the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, three offices in the USA, as well as a network of
affiliated agencies around the world.
RAPTIM/Overseas Express is fulfilling one simple, single -minded goal to create the
highest value product line for their travelers. Product development efforts have yielded
special global agreements with the world's finest airlines. These efforts result in
significant savings on travel budgets.
· Low net fares on most major airlines
· Commissions on may published fares
· Low cost delivery of documents via UPS
· Confirmation fax or e-mail sent after booking
· Payment taken via the Internet, fax or telephone
· Insurance available via the Internet, fax or telephone |
Which destinations does Overseas Express offer?
We have net fares and commission override contracts to Europe, Middle East,
Africa, Asia, Orient, Australasia, Central and South America. We offer you
transportation throughout the world. |
Which airlines does Overseas Express offer?
| Air France |
AF |
Worldwide |
| Air Botswana |
BP |
Within Southern Africa |
| Air Niugini |
PX |
Port Moresby, Papua Niugin |
| Air Tahiti Nui |
VT |
French Polynesia |
| Air Zimbabwe |
UM |
Africa from USA and Europe |
| Alitalia |
AZ |
Europe, Middle East, Arica |
| American |
AA |
Asia, Orient, Central & South America |
| British Airways |
BA |
Worldwide |
| British/Iberia |
BA/IB |
Spain/UK to Eurpoe, Middle East, Africa, Orient, Central America |
| Cathay Pacific |
CX |
Worldwide |
| Continental |
CO |
Central & South America |
| Delta |
DL |
Central & South America |
| Emirates |
EK |
Middle East, Africa, Subcontinent & Orient |
| Ethiopian |
ET |
Africa |
| Eva Air |
BR |
Asia & Orient |
| Garuda |
GA |
Indonesia, Orient, Australasia from USA and Amsterdam |
| Gulf Air |
GF |
Middle East, Africa, Subcontinent & Orient |
| Kenya Airways |
KQ |
Africa from USA and Europe |
| Lufthansa/United |
LH/UA |
Worldwide |
| Northwest/KLM |
NW/KL |
Worldwide |
| Qantas |
QF |
Australasia including Niugini |
| SN Brussels |
SN |
Europe, Africa |
| South African |
SA |
Systemwide from USA & Europe Worldwide |
| Swiss |
LX |
Worldwide |
| TACA |
TA |
Central America |
| TAM Brazilian |
JJ |
South America |
| Varig |
RG |
South America |
|
Does Overseas Express offer group fares?
Yes, we have a group department that specializes in finding the best group rates for you. |
Do you offer Business and First Class net fares?
Yes, we have many business and first class net and commissionable rates available on some airlines. |
Can I accrue frequent flyer miles on your fares?
Most of the airlines do permit you to accrue frequent flyer miles with the exception of
British Airways. |
How soon will I receive documents once purchased?
Tickets paid for by credit card, bank check or Money Order are sent out immediately if
ordered before 3:00 PM, EST. Tickets paid for by check will be sent once the check has
cleared the bank, usually 10 days after receipt. We issue E-tickets whenever possible
and will send you the E-ticket receipt by e-mail or fax. |
How do I pay for my ticket?
For bookings made more than 21 days prior to departure full payment is usually due within
5 to 10 days of making the reservation. For bookings made 21 days or less prior to departure
full payment is usually due within within 48 hours. However, this may differ when a special
fare is in place or if an airline has a different set of rules. Our sales staff will review
the payment details with you at the time of booking. Please note that all fares are subject to
change by the airline without prior notice. We accept personal or agency check (allow 10 days
for check clearance), certified check or money order and all major credit cards.
Payment due dates are always sent with booking confirmations. To avoid any disappointment please make
certain your payment is received by 3:00 PM EST on the due date. Because of ticketing volume
any payments received after this time may not get ticketed. Payment can be made online or
you can view and print a copy of our credit card authorization form and fax it back to us.
Please note: the authorization form MUST be signed by the cardholder unless previous arrangements
have been authorized by Overseas Express. |
| Card Authorization Form |
Is there a service fee for NON CASH payments?
PLEASE note this is subject to change without notice by the airlines.
| Air France |
3% |
| Air |
3% |
| Air Botswana |
3% |
| Air Tahiti Nui |
NO |
| Air Zimbabwe |
3% |
| Alitalia |
3% |
| American |
3% |
| Austrian |
NO |
| British Airways |
3% |
| British/Iberia |
3% |
| Cathay Pacific |
NO |
| Continental |
NO |
| Delta |
NO |
| Emirates |
NO |
| Ethiopian |
NO |
| Eva Air |
NO |
| Garuda |
NO |
| Gulf Air |
NO |
| Kenya Airways |
3% |
| Lufthansa/United |
NO |
| Northwest/KLM |
NO |
| Quantas |
NO |
| SN Brussels |
NO |
| South African |
NO |
| Swiss |
NO |
| TACA |
NO |
| TAM Brazilian |
NO |
| Varig |
NO |
|
May I use airline travel vouchers for your ticketing?
Sorry, the airlines do not permit the use of vouchers with our special negotiated fares. |
Can I make changes prior to ticketing?
Once booked a reservation may be changed as long as it is within the ticketing option
and the space is still available in the required class of service. |
Can I make changes to the tickets once they are issued?
Some airlines permit changes without fees or penalties. Others have strict rules for changes
and charge fees. Please check with your Overseas Express agent when booking about changes after
ticketing to avoid disappointment. |
Is there a fare printed on the ticket?
Not usually, but there are exceptions. Most tickets show "BT" in the fare box.
Published tickets will show the full published amount in the fare box. Under all
circumstances applicable taxes, security charges and miscellaneous charges will be
shown on all tickets. |
Can I get a refund?
Refund penalties range from $50 to non-refundable depending on the airline and the fare,
however all no shows are non refundable with most airlines. Please be certain to cancel
any reservation at least 24 hours prior to departure and return the tickets immediately
using a courier service that provides tracking; e.g. FedEx, UPS, DHL, US Postal Service.
Refund rules will be reviewed at the time of booking. |
Can I obtain E-ticket receipts?
An E-ticket receipt will be sent to you via e-mail or be enclosed with your payment invoice. |
Can I have seats assigned?
Please contact us via phone, fax or e-mail and we will assist you with seating if possible. |
Can I change the name for an existing reservation?
Name changes are not permitted so please ensure the name exactly matches the passenger's passport. |
How long will you hold reservations?
You will be given a ticketing option date at the time of making the reservation. |
Can I purchase travel insurance with airfare?
If you are making a reservation by telephone, please inform the Overseas Express travel agent
that you wish to purchase travel insurance and they will add it into the record. You may
complete an Insurance Request Form online or you can view and print a copy of the Request
Form and fax it back with details. |
Travel Insurance
|
Is there a charge for ticket delivery?
Overseas Express charges a delivery fee of $11.00 for all paper tickets. There is no
charge for E-tickets. We would be pleased to dispatch tickets charged to your courier
accounts with prior approval. |
Are there baggage limitations with your fares?
NO. Most baggage limitations are standardized by IATA (International Airlines Transport Association)
The normal free allowance for travel to Europe and beyond: two bags per person not to exceed 70lbs or
32kg each and no more than 62 ins or 168cms total dimensions each. (length + width + height). The
normal free allowance for travel within the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean: two bags per person
not to exceed 50lbs or 23kg each and no more than 62ins or 168 cms total dimension each.
(length + width +height)
The airlines will charge excess baggage fees for any overweight. Airline policy may vary.
You should advise the airline at least 24 hours in advance if you will be traveling with excess
baggage or weight. If not, the airline may ask you to re-pack your bag, the item will be refused for
carriage and you will be required to make alternative arrangements. Exceptions are musical instruments,
electric wheelchairs, pets as baggage, sporting equipment, TV news cameras. You MUST notify the
airline in advance to make arrangements for carriage of the above items.
PLEASE NOTE: All wheelchairs and mobility aids up to 66lbs or 30kgs are carried free of charge with
most airlines. Please check with the airline you are traveling with to verify current regulations.
Travel originating or within other countries varies by airline if not part of your International
Ticket. Please consult Overseas Express or the airline for more specific informationrelated to
your trip. Carry on baggage is restricted to one medium size bag in addition to a purse, overcoat,
raincoat, umbrella cane, crutches, bassinet, books or magazines to be read in flight. The weight
and dimension of the bag is determined by each airline's policy. Please consult Overseas Express or
the airline for specific information related to your trip. |
