Air travel costs continue to rise, and for crew changes the timing of ticket purchases now makes a significant difference. Airlines are increasing fares much earlier than in previous years, especially on popular crew-change routes. In many cases, prices climb sharply in the final two to three weeks before departure.

Booking flights well in advance helps avoid these late surcharges and reduces the risk of limited seat availability. It also allows for better routing options, fewer overnight stays, and smoother coordination with visas, port schedules, and handover plans.

Early confirmation is also beneficial for seafarers, who gain clarity on their travel dates and can prepare accordingly.

By securing flights in advance, crewing teams not only capture lower fares—they also gain:

• More routing choices, allowing crew to arrive rested and on time
• Lower risk of last-minute cancellations or missed connections
• Better alignment with port schedules and visa processing
• Smoother handovers, reducing fatigue and operational stress

For shipowners and managers, these savings compound across the year, protecting budgets at a time when every operational cost is under scrutiny.

In short, planning keeps costs manageable and supports safer, more predictable crew movements.