Students catch eye of travel agents, airlines

Mumbai: Students travelling abroad for studies are fast catching the interest of airlines and tour operators alike. Extra baggage allowance, discounted fares, commission waiver on foreign exchange, insurance covers and a bouquet of other goodies are coming their way.
According to Thomas Cook India, the market for students going abroad is witnessing a 40-45 per cent year-on-year growth.
Starting this year, the travel company will also assist students in getting an education loan, for which it has tied up with HDFC Bank, State Bank of India and some other private banks. It is also offering extra baggage of up to 78 kg to London and to the US and Canada up to 110 kg. Exclusive fare of Rs 13,000 plus taxes is being offered on the Mumbai-to-London sector, while special discounts are also being given to family members accompanying students.
The list of perks does not end here. Students can avail themselves of one per cent discount on the foreign exchange rates from Cox and Kings and Thomas Cook. Cox and Kings also waives the commission on the forex otherwise charged from customers.
While India’s national carrier, Air India, is offering extra baggage allowance for students travelling to the West, Far East and South-East Asian countries on its flights till October 31, 2008, Jet Airways flies further: its offerings include special fares and a chance to earn 1,000 bonus JPMiles subject to terms and conditions.
30/07/08 Shubhra Tandon/Business Line

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Categories: Foreign Jul 2008, Indian Aviation- In General Jul 2008