Does Insight include flights in program proposals?

Insight is an all-inclusive education service provider and happy to coordinate flights for your student travel programs. Flight costs are not initially included in program pricing due to  price fluctuations. Prices generally tend to increase as availability decreases and the departure date approaches. While Insight is happy to provide an estimated price range based on recent trends, these estimates are not guaranteed. Final pricing will largely depend on when the program is confirmed and flights are secured.

When do flights become available?

Airlines typically release their schedules 10-12 months before departure. While Insight is happy to provide suggested flight paths and an estimated price range based on recent trends, these estimates are not guaranteed, and all flights are subject to availability until confirmed. 

How should we estimate the cost of flights?

Prices can fluctuate and generally tend to increase as availability decreases and the departure date approaches. While Insight is happy to provide an estimated price range based on recent trends, these estimates are not guaranteed. Final pricing will largely depend on when the program is confirmed and flights are secured.

When can we expect final pricing, including flights?

A final price including flights will be provided within 15 days of the start of student enrollment, and it will remain valid for 45 days. If you think more than 30 days will be needed for student enrollment, we’d be happy to work together on a timeline that fits your needs.

How can we avoid expensive flights?

The best way to avoid expensive flights is to confirm a group 10-12 months prior to departure. This results not only in lower fares, but often also in better flight paths. 

What are Insight’s flight policies?

Insight makes the utmost effort to book nonstop or one-layover flights where possible. Where prices are comparable, preference is given to shorter flights or those with more convenient departure and arrival times. Insight does not guarantee specific flight paths. Any special requests such as avoiding U.S. layovers may lead to a price increase. Confirming early is the best way to accommodate special requests but all flights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Airlines typically allot group seats within the same area of the aircraft but this cannot be guaranteed and specific seats cannot be requested at the time of booking. Ticketing typically occurs 30-90 days prior to travel. At this time, chaperones may contact the airline to request specific seats.

Can the school choose a preferred flight?

Once a program is confirmed, Insight will research possible flight paths in consideration of departure and arrival times, pricing, and any special requests such as avoiding U.S. layovers. Insight will then share what we feel is the best option and provide our reasoning based on our experience. It is up to the school to accept our recommendation or ask for alternatives. Insight does not have exclusivity agreements with any airline and is happy to provide alternatives. It is important to note that group quotes are often time-sensitive and subject to availability. 

I see a different flight path online, why is it not available?

The itinerary for group travel may be different than for individual travel, with different routes and stops. This can also affect the price of the airfare but is necessary to keep the group together. While individual fares often mix and match airlines on bookings, group reservations are booked with the same airline throughout the itinerary. This is necessary because if a change or interruption occurs for all or part of an itinerary, that same airline is able and willing to resolve the problem. (This is not the case if the change or interruption occurs on differing airlines.)

I see a different price online, why is it not available?

Group airfares are typically only available if there is a block of seats available on the plane that the airline is willing to sell as a group. If the plane is already close to capacity, the airline may not be able to offer a group rate. Group airfares are often high compared to individual fares because the airline is able to fluctuate individual fares frequently based on real time demand, whereas group blocks lock in a rate based on expected demand, often several months in advance. This means that the price per person may be higher for group travel compared to individual travel.

Do flights include baggage?

All of Insight’s travel programs include one checked bag. In certain circumstances, airlines do not allow us to add checked baggage for domestic flights until check in. In those instances, Insight will reimburse the school for any expenses incurred.