Like a book of bus tickets, but with better stops
Think of an air pass as a book of bus tickets that you tear off one by one and give to the driver as you go, but with more exotic and far-flung destinations.
Operated by several carriers and airline alliances, air passes are perfect for round-the-world travellers and those on a gap year. They allow passengers to create their own itineraries, stopping off for a few days here, flying on there, but going at their own pace.
However, while air passes are often cheaper than regular tickets, they may be quite restrictive. Read the fine print carefully before you commit your cash.
Europe
European Airpass (Aegean Airlines, Adria Airways, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, Austrian, Croatia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines and TAP Portugal)
Visit Europe (airberlin, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, LAN and their affiliates.)
Asia
Asia Airpass (Asiana Airlines, Air China, ANA, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, THAI and United.)
Japan Airpass (All Nippon Airways)
Discover Thailand (Thai Airways)
Visit Asia (Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Royal Jordanian and their affiliates.)
Visit Japan (Japan Airlines and its affiliates JAL Express and Japan Transocean Air.)
Discovery Airpass (Bangkok Airways and Lao Airlines)
Middle East
Arabian Air Pass (Emirates)
Africa
African Airpass (Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, EGYPTAIR and Brussels Airlines.)
Visit Africa (British Airways and Comair)
Pacific
Circle Pacific (Air Canada, Air China, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, ANA, Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, THAI, United)
Air Tahiti Airpasses (Air Tahiti)
North America
North American Airpass (Air Canada, United and US Airways.)
Visit North America (American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, LAN, Qantas and their affiliates.)
Go America (Sky Team)
South America
TAM South America Airpass (TAM)
Brazil Airpass (TAM)
South American Airpass (Aerolineas Argentinas)
Visit South America (American Airlines, British Airways, LAN, Qatar Airways, TAM and their affiliate airlines.)
(Featured image: Kenneth Lu)
