Group Flights
Group Airfare for Nonprofit, Mission & Educational Travel
Fellowship Travel International (FTI) brings deep group-travel expertise to every itinerary. From your first quote through departure, our experienced team helps you evaluate routes, schedules, traveler needs, payment timelines, and airline terms—so you can focus on your people and purpose, not the logistics.
Whether you are planning flights for a student group, humanitarian or volunteer project, mission trip, church group, nonprofit organization, or custom tour, FTI is ready to help you get there with confidence.
Why Book Group Airfare Through FTI?
As a travel agency that has specialized in serving nonprofit groups for the past 45+ years, FTI's team is extremely knowledgeable about the specific needs associated with this type of travel. With FTI, you can expect:
- Group flight expertise: For 10+ travelers, a dedicated Group Air Advisor manages complex domestic and international itineraries, special requests, seat coordination when available, and traveler deviations.
- Negotiated airline contracts: As a top-tier agency with major international carriers, FTI negotiates directly for competitive group airfare, flexible deposit deadlines, and contract terms that support your group’s needs.
- Support from quote to departure: Your Group Air Advisor and Trip Operations Specialist guide your group through itinerary planning, payments, traveler details, deadlines, schedule changes, and pre-departure readiness.
- One hub for trip management: Ubi gives group organizers 24/7 access to proposals, agreements, itineraries, e-tickets, financial statements, traveler details, payment tracking, and automated deadline reminders.
- 24/7 support when it matters most: Ticketed travelers have access to FTI’s after-hours emergency helpline for urgent travel disruptions, backed by experienced advisors and escalation support.
Group Airfare vs. Individual Tickets
Booking airfare for a group is different from purchasing individual tickets online. Public online fares are generally designed for immediate purchase and may not be available when you need 10 or more seats on the same flights.
When groups attempt to book multiple individual tickets, prices can increase as lower fare classes sell out. In some cases, airlines may also cancel bookings they identify as an attempt to create group space through separate transactions.
Group airfare can provide a more coordinated way to arrange travel for 10 or more passengers, with airline contract terms that may include deposit-based holds, later passenger-name deadlines, and permitted changes before stated deadlines. Exact terms vary by airline, route, and contract.
How Group Flight Booking Works
Start the quote process as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Group fares become available 10-11 months in advance of your trip and are typically lowest the earlier you book.
1. Request a quote
Share your approximate traveler count, preferred dates, departure city, destination, and flexibility so your FTI advisor can recommend options that best fit your group’s needs.
2. Choose & contract your flights
Let your advisor know which option you prefer. Be sure to review the fare, deposit, ticketing deadlines, and airline terms before signing an agreement.
3. Pay the deposit & hold space
Group space may be held with a deposit rather than full payment upfront. Payment timing will depend on the airline contract.
4. Submit traveler names & final payment
Participant names and final payments are generally due ~60-70 days before travel. Unlike individual tickets, if a traveler cancels at the last minute, group contracts often allow name changes for a fee.
5. Relax with ongoing support
You can sit back and enjoy the journey knowing that your FTI team supports travel planning and issue resolution until you return from your trip.
Ways to Save
Book Early
Group flights can generally be requested 10–11 months before departure. Starting early may provide more flight availability and more time to compare itinerary options.
Be Flexible
Group rates are affected by availability. A different departure date, flight time, or nearby airport may open additional options and help your group find a better overall itinerary.
Share Competitive Quotes
If you receive a confirmed group quote from another provider, let us know. It may help us negotiate on your behalf. Airlines do not permit duplicate group bookings, so don't try to hold the same group space with multiple providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a group flight booking?
For airline group contracts, a group commonly consists of 10 or more travelers flying on at least one shared flight segment. Requirements vary by airline, route, and contract.
Are group flights always cheaper than individual tickets?
Not always. Group airfare is structured differently from public online fares. The advantage may be contract terms, coordinated seating, deposit-based holds, name deadlines, and name changes—not simply the lowest displayed fare.
How far ahead should a group request airfare?
You can book up to 10-11 months in advance of your trip's return dates. Requesting a quote early generally gives your group more flight availability and more time to evaluate dates, airports, and airline terms. Peak travel periods and international trips often require additional lead time.
Can we hold group airline seats with a deposit?
Typically, contracted group space can be held with a deposit rather than full payment at booking. Deposit amounts, deadlines, cancellation terms, and final payment dates depend on the airline contract.
When are passenger names due?
Name deadlines vary by airline and itinerary. Your FTI advisor will explain the applicable deadline before your group enters a contract.
Can our group change traveler names later?
Some airline group contracts allow name changes before a stated deadline, but policies vary. Ask your agent about name-change rules for your itinerary before signing an agreement.
Does Fellowship Travel arrange flights for mission trips and nonprofit travel?
Yes. FTI specializes in nonprofit group travel and can help organizations plan group airfare for mission, humanitarian, educational, and faith-based travel. Your FTI advisor will check our private contracts with the airlines to see if your group qualifies for any benefits.
Does Fellowship Travel book international group flights?
Yes, FTI books both international group flights and domestic group flights.
Ready to Plan Your Next Group Flight?
Tell us where your group is traveling, when you plan to go, and how many people are flying. An FTI Group Air Advisor will help you explore airfare options that fit your itinerary, budget, and traveler needs!
Fellowship Travel
International
Connect with Us
