It’s not only the flights that are turbulent but the airline industry itself. Much of it is quite confusing to the everyday passenger. In our last blog, we looked at airline alliances and mergers and what they mean to you. Today we tackle the issue of code shares.

Code shares are one of the most confusing things for airline passengers. Simply put, a code share is when one airline sells seats on a partner’s flight and puts their own flight number on it. So you actually have one flight but with two different flight numbers. Yes, it is confusing!

In our last blog, we mentioned a scenario where a passenger tries to check in with American Airlines but is instead sent to British Airways. In that case, the flight is actually operated by British Airways but American sold the tickets and gave it an American flight number. The biggest issue for the traveler is knowing which airline to actually check in with.

The easiest way is to take note of who operates the flight. This typically will show on your itinerary or the agent will mention it to you. You can always ask your agent or the airline. Airlines usually want you to check in with the carrier actually operating the flight. Another way to know if it is a code share is to look at the flight number itself. Usually, if the flight number has four digits following the two letter airline abbreviation, it is a code share flight operated by a different airline. Airlines tend to use only three digits in their own flight numbers.

Code shares can cause confusion beyond just knowing which desk to go to. What happens if your flight is cancelled or there is a problem en route? Do you turn to the ticketing airline or the one you actually were flying on?

Technically, the airline that checks you in is responsible to get you to your final destination, regardless of whether the flight is a code share. Any refunds, however, come from the airline that ticketed you. This can create confusion between the two airlines and leave you stuck in the middle. It may mean a delay in getting that refund while the airlines sort it all out. There really isn’t anything the passenger can do about this, other than being persistent with the airlines to resolve your problem.

One of the advantages Ministry Travel clients have is that our specialists work aggressively on their behalf to try and solve these issues with the airlines. Instead of the passenger spending hours on hold with the carrier, we usually are able to cut through the red tape and bring resolution.

Alliances, code shares and mergers—common for airlines but confusing for passengers. As always, your Ministry Travel specialist is glad to help you sort through all of these so that you can make the best decision about your flight options.

As your plane begins its descent, the flight attendant comes on the intercom to thank you for choosing their airline, “a member of the One World Alliance.” One World Alliance? Sounds like a plot to take over the world. What is it? And more importantly, what does it mean to you as a traveler?

How about this scenario: You get to the airport and head to the American Airlines desk, because your itinerary has an American Airlines flight number. But the American Airlines agent tells you that you can’t check in with them—you have to go to the British Airways desk. They tell you it’s not really an American Airlines flight, but a code share flight with British Airways. What!? But didn’t your money go to American? What is this code share business anyway?

Does it seem like every time you pick up a newspaper that some airline is merging with another? Is that the same as code sharing or alliances? Again, what does this mean to you as a traveler?

Alliances, code sharing and mergers are all common in today’s turbulent airline industry. Let’s break these down and see how they relate to the passenger.

Mergers are the actual merging of two airline companies into one. This typically happens when one airline is either in bankruptcy or on the verge of bankruptcy, and they get bought by another airline. Sometimes it happens to strengthen the airlines and allow them to compete better.

Currently, Continental and United are trying to gain government approval for a merger that would make it the world’s largest airline. Northwest recently was taken over by Delta. In the past, American has gobbled up TWA. The merger list goes on.

So what does this mean for the consumer? It often means less competition, and therefore higher prices, at least initially on some routes. Also, for the first few months to a year after a merger, customers may experience difficulties as the airlines seek to merge systems. Trying to merge customer service centers and establish consistent policies are monumental tasks that usually have some hiccups along the way.

For the airlines, mergers mean the ability to streamline operations, save money, and add revenue. The Houston Chronicle, for example, reports that the Continental-United merger will eventually save the combined company more than $1 billion annually.

Alliances are basically airlines agreeing to work together on a substantial level with other airlines in an effort to extend their services and streamline operations. There are three major global alliances. The Star Alliance, anchored by United, Lufthansa, Continental and US Airways; Sky Team, anchored by Delta; and One World, anchored by American and British Airways.

For travelers, alliances often mean that you can get frequent flyer points on your favorite airline even though you are flying a different carrier. There are, however, lots of exceptions to this so you will need to read your airline’s particular policy.

In our next blog, we will tackle the very confusing subject of code shares. We’ll show you what they mean to you, especially when you check in for a flight or have problems with a flight.

Yes, you had multiple pre-trip meetings with your volunteer ministry team before heading out of the country. Yes, you discussed health, safety and a myriad of subjects. Now that you and your team are on the field, do you really need another orientation?

Absolutely yes!

You see, the trip becomes “real” to your team once they actually arrive. When it’s real then they listen—really listen.

So what’s the best way to do field orientation? First, try to meet with your team as soon as possible upon arrival at your destination. Remember, however, that your team probably will be tired from the long trip, so keep your comments brief and to the point. Focus on the immediate–particularly logistics, health and safety. Other details can be handled at breakfast meetings and other opportunities.

Logistics

Help orientate your team to where they are staying. Make sure everyone knows where to find you and other leaders. If staying at a hotel, remind your team about extra and often excessive charges that come from using the phone, laundry services, etc. If the hotel has a safe, then make arrangements to secure valuables like passports, unless they are required to be carried with you.

Make sure every person has a business card, matchbook or something from the hotel or place where you are staying that has the address and phone number on it. This will be invaluable if they get separated and lost.

Also make sure your team knows where meals and any meetings will take place.

Be sure to cover money issues such as how and where money be exchanged, and what items team members will need to purchase themselves and what will be provided for them.

Health

Discuss with your team whether or not the water is safe to drink. If it isn’t, then remind them to avoid ice and non-bottled drinks made with water. Also remind them to use bottled water to brush their teeth.

Discuss any food preparation concerns and the need to avoid street vendors.

Also make sure they know how to use the toilet. That sounds funny, but many toilets abroad work differently. Some, for example, require water to be dumped into them in order to flush. Some places do not flush toilet paper but rather provide cans for their disposal. So just make sure your team knows what is appropriate.

Safety

Review safety recommendations and discuss any concerns. Now that you are actually there, you may notice things that could become issues. Deal with these right away. Also, remind your team to stick together and not venture out alone.

The team field orientation is one of the most important things to do upon arriving at your ministry destination. Work through a checklist that covers the items mentioned above as well as any other issues relevant to your location. Even though you probably discussed all of these before leaving home, your team needs the reminders. They’re listening now!

The country of Tanzania boasts of more land devoted to natural parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Tanzania’s wildlife collection truly is breathtaking. The Ngorongoro Crater, for example, is a collapsed volcano that is filled with zebras, wildebeest, lions, hippopotamus and other animals. For details on Tanzania’s national parks, visit http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/, the official national parks website.

Touring 

Tours in Tanzania should be arranged in advanced through reputable agencies as there have been an increased number of assaults related to people posing as tour guides. The Tanzanian tourist board’s website is http://tanzaniatouristboard.com/ and it contains a list of licensed safari and tour operators.

Travelers to the island of Zanzibar, especially women, are encouraged to dress modestly as this is a predominantly traditional Muslim area.

Money Issues

Credit Cards are not widely accepted in Tanzania, and there are concerns about credit card fraud in some places that do take them. It is advised to only use credit cards at reputable hotels and then cash for other transactions. Travelers’ checks can be difficult to utilize and may require users to show their original purchase receipt. If you are exchanging U.S. notes for national currency, make sure that the notes are newer bills in good condition. Many banks and exchange offices will not take U.S. currency printed earlier than 2001.

Photography

Photography of military installations is not allowed in Tanzania. In addition, travelers have been detained and cameras confiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools, bridges and airports.

Health Issues

Medical facilities are limited and medicine is often in short supply, even in the major city of Dar es Salaam. Serious medical or dental issues are often better handled in Nairobi or South Africa, which have better facilities.

Cholera is prevalent in different parts of Tanzania and malaria is endemic. Visitors should talk to their doctors in advance of travel and carry malaria suppressants with them. Malaria affects all of Tanzania with an altitude under 5,906 feet. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, chloroquine is not an effective antimalarial drug in Tanzania and should not be taken to prevent malaria there. 

The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travelers to Tanzania. Typhoid vaccination is also recommended, especially if you will be staying in a small city or in rural areas. Adults who have not had the polio booster should also consider getting this as well. The CDC advises against swimming in fresh water unless it is a well chlorinated swimming pool. It also encourages travelers to protect themselves from insect bites.

The CDC website for Tanzania is http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tanzania.aspx.

Getting There 

Ministry Travel offers special rates to Tanzania on KLM, Kenya Airways and British Airways. For a no-obligation quote, visit http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.

With one of the richest collection of wildlife in the world, the East African country of Tanzania has a thriving tourist industry and a stable government. Tanzania has a population of 43 million and 80% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture. Life expectancy is 54 years, and the vast majority of Tanzanians live in rural areas.

Entry Requirements

Tourist visas can be obtained by U.S. citizens upon arrival in Tanzania, but it is recommended to secure it in advance to avoid long lines. Travelers doing volunteer work cannot use a tourist visa, and this is strictly enforced by the government. Regardless of the type of visa that is obtained, passports need to be valid for six months beyond the visa date.

Visit the Tanzanian U.S. embassy website at http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/ for additional information on visas. Travelers in Tanzania should carry copies of their passports with them at all times.

Travel Within Tanzania

Tanzania offers a variety of transportation options both for long and short trips throughout the country. When riding on buses or other public transport, however, travelers should never accept food or drink from strangers. There have been reports of Americans being drugged by accepting these items.

Also, the quality of transportation equipment varies greatly, so travelers should be careful not to use buses and other vehicles that are in obvious disrepair. The U.S. State Department recommends using taxis for in-town transportation and avoiding the micro-buses which are often overcrowded and poorly maintained. The micro-buses are also common places for petty thefts.

During the rainy season of late March to mid-June, many roads throughout Tanzania are only passable by four wheel drive vehicles.

Safety

Although most visitors to Tanzania do not have any problems, crime is on the rise and is becoming increasingly more violent. Petty theft, pick pocketing and purse snatching are special concerns in tourist areas like Arusha and in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s major city. Dar es Salaam is also seeing an increase in muggings and attacks on vehicles. Cameras are highly coveted by thieves throughout the country, so travelers are encouraged to pay close attention to their equipment.

Two particular areas of safety concern are the Tourè Drive on Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam, which is a beach road leading from the Sea Coast Hotel, and in Arusha on the far side of the Themi River. Tourè  Drive sees frequent muggings and thefts from cars, even during the day. It is advised to avoid it, both on foot and by car.

It is recommended that the far side of the Arusha’s Themi River be avoided at all times by foot. Carjackings are also a concern when driving in and around Arusha and visitors are encouraged to drive with their doors locked and windows up.

We’ll continue our look at Tanzania in our next blog as we examine tourism, money issues and health concerns.

A culturally rich and diverse country, Ethiopia is also an archaeologically important nation with claims of being home to the earliest known humans. Our last blog examined entry requirements and security issues for this African nation. Today we will look at money, photography, health and travel issues.

Money

Travelers can carry $3,000 in foreign currency in and out of Ethiopia with proper evidence of its source. Only 200 Ethiopian Birr can be carried out of the country.

Credit cards are not accepted at most hotels, restaurants or shops, so most likely you will need to exchange your currency and use Ethiopian cash for any transactions. It is best to use newer currency as some banks and exchange centers have refused to take 1996 series U.S. currency.

Be sure to keep your receipt when exchanging money as it will be required to convert unused Ethiopian currency back to the original foreign currency. Also, only use legally authorized outlets to exchange your funds. Penalties for not using legal outlets range from fines to imprisonment.

Photography

Ethiopia strictly prohibits photographing military installations, police/military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings, airports, bridges, dams and roads.

Health

Health facilities are limited in Addis Ababa and almost non-existent outside of the city. Serious illness or injuries will require medical evacuation (“medevac”) out of the country, so traveler’s insurance that covers such is highly recommended. Medevac from Ethiopia can cost in excess of $40,000. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends travelers to Ethiopia have yellow fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccinations. A booster dose of polio vaccine for adults who have never had the booster is also recommended. If you are traveling in western Ethiopia between December and June, the CDC also recommends a meningitis vaccination.

Malaria is prevalent in Ethiopia in all areas with an altitude under 8,202 feet except in Addis Ababa. Chloroquine is not an effective antimalarial drug in Ethiopia. Proper precautions to protect against mosquito bites should be taken.

Swimming in any lakes, rivers or still bodies of water should be avoided as most bodies of water have been found to contain parasites. Travelers should also be aware that much of Ethiopia is at higher elevations. Addis Ababa, for example, ranges from 7,000 to 8,500 feet which may pose a problem with people with breathing difficulties.

For additional health information on Ethiopia, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ethiopia.aspx.

Getting There

Ministry Travel offers special rates on Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM Airlines, and Lufthansa which all serve Addis Ababa. Ask your Ministry Travel agent for details or submit a no-obligation quote request at http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. A developing country in east Africa, it has an estimated population of 80 million. The capital is Addis Ababa with a population of 5 million. Eighty percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, the rest in industry and commerce.

Ethiopia is a land of contrasts and extremes. Its terrain includes high plateau, mountains and dry lowland plains. The jagged Simien Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has some of the lowest places on the African continent. The Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism website is http://tourismethiopia.org/.

Entry Requirements

While the Ethiopian government does issue tourists visas upon arrival at the international airport in Addis Ababa, it is strongly recommended that you obtain an Ethiopian visa prior to traveling. There has been confusion at the airport, with some U.S. citizens delayed and others not given visas. Additional information on obtaining a visa can be found on the Ethiopian Washington D.C. Embassy website at http://www.ethiopianembassy.org/visiting/visiting_overview.shtml

Security

Ethiopia is currently in the midst of a national election, which will end on July 1. If you are traveling during this time, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia advises avoiding political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind as these can quickly turn violent.

Most of Ethiopia is considered stable. There are, however, places that are best to avoid. Travelers should also be extremely cautious of the border areas with Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan as well as when traveling to any remote areas of the country. The Eritrea boarder has been in dispute for years and is currently a militarized zone. Land mines as well as military clashes within 30 miles of the Eritrea boarder make this an especially dangerous area.

There is also a warning against any travel in Ethiopia’s Somali region as it is an area where armed insurgents operate.

It is also best to avoid public gatherings and public transportation. Also, be aware of unattended baggage or packages left anywhere, but especially in mini-buses and taxis. Rail travel in Ethiopia is discouraged due to security concerns.

Pick-pocketing and similar petty crimes are common in Addis Ababa. It is always a good idea to limit the amount of cash you carry and to leave valuables such as jewelry and passports in hotel safes.

We’ll continue our look at Ethiopia with our next blog, as we explore money, health and other issues, as well as how you can save money on your airfare.

Uganda is a land-locked country in the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of nearly 31 million and a life expectancy of 51 years.  It has had a difficult political past, but currently is enjoying relative stability under a republic government. Uganda has two rainy seasons which fall around April and November. Although there are nearly 30 different languages spoken there, English is the official language and is spoken by most people.

Entry

Uganda requires a passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry. They also require U.S. citizens to have a visa, evidence of a yellow fever vaccination, and a polio vaccination for children under five. For visa applications and details visit the Ugandan Embassy’s website at http://www.ugandaembassy.com/. The Uganda Tourism Board’s site http://www.visituganda.com has travel tips, cultural details, and information on safari companies (including fraudulent ones).

Safety

Visitors to Uganda are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling alone or at night. Women traveling alone are particularly susceptible to crime. Pick pocketing, purse snatching and thefts from hotels and vehicles are common. Traveling outside of cities after dark is discouraged.

Also discouraged is the use of “boda boda,” the motorcycle taxis that are common means of public transportation. The U.S. State Department, for example, advises its personnel to not use them during the day and forbids their use after dark.

It is advised not to accept food or drink offered from a stranger, even a child, as such food may contain narcotics that are used to incapacitate the person so they can be robbed.

Money

If you plan to exchange currency in Uganda, it is best to bring newer $100 U.S. notes. U.S. notes in $20 and $50 are exchanged at a lower rate than $100 ones. Also, it is difficult to exchange any U.S. currency printed earlier than the year 2000. Travelers cannot count on using ATMs to withdrawal national currency. While there are ATMs available in Uganda, very few work with overseas accounts.

Photos

While you certainly will want to take lots of pictures in Uganda, there are some photos you need to avoid taking. Photographing military or police facilities, as well as their personnel, is prohibited. Tourists have also been detained for taking pictures of the Entebbe Airport and the Owen Falls Dam, even though there are no signs prohibiting photos.

Health

Malaria is prevalent and Chloroquine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, is not an effective antimalarial drug in Uganda. Yellow Fever is also a concern, and the CDC recommends vaccination for all travelers to Uganda nine months old and older. And as noted earlier, it is required by the Ugandan government for entry. Polio is also a concern, and the CDC recommends vaccinations for adults who have not had the booster dose. In addition, Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended.

Medical facilities, even in the capital, are limited and not equipped to handle most emergencies, especially those requiring surgery. Travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation is encouraged.

For detailed health information on Uganda visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/uganda.aspx.

Getting There

Ministry Travel offers special discounted airfares for missionary and humanitarian groups traveling to Uganda. Request a free, no-obligation airfare quote by visiting http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.

Located in southern Africa, the developing nation of Zambia is a frequent destination for volunteer mission and humanitarian teams. With an estimated population of 12.9 million, Zambia has a life expectancy rate under 39 years. Seventy-five percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture. It is also one of the poorest countries in the world with a per capital annual income of $1,500.

Recent immigration changes require that visitors coming to do volunteer work hold a business visa rather than a tourist visa. Business visas require a letter of invitation from the Zambian organization that is sponsoring the volunteers. U.S. citizens who engage in volunteer activities on our tourist visa are subject to fines and removal. For visa applications and additional information, visit the Zambian Embassy website at http://www.zambiaembassy.org/visa.html.

The Zambian government requires that you have at least two blank visa pages in your passport. Passports also must be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure. Visitors are required to carry their original or certified copy of their passport and immigration permit at all times. Certified copies must be obtained from the immigration office that issued the permit. 

Travelers to Zambia should note that certain over the counter medicines containing diphenhydramine, like Benadryl, are not allowed to be brought into the country. This is considered a controlled substance and U.S. citizens have been fined and jailed for possessing it. The U.S. State Department recommends leaving all over the counter medicines at home. Prescription medicines should be in their original bottles and properly labeled. Bringing the actual doctor’s prescription is also recommended. 

Malaria is endemic in Zambia, so proper precautions are recommended for travelers. For additional health information, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zambia.aspx.

Ministry Travel offers special discounted airfares for missionary and humanitarian groups traveling to Zambia. Request a free, no-obligation airfare quote by visiting http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.