As you know, the Subud World Congress is happening July 28- August 8, 2018, in Freiburg, Germany. If you are thinking of attending, it is time to start your travel planning now. Summer is a very busy time in Europe!
Through Mhd. Isman Kanafsky, we have become aware of a travel agency that specializes in booking international flights for members of a church or humanitarian group who are traveling on behalf of their organization. Subud members traveling to the 2018 World Congress in Freiburg qualify for this missionary airfare.
The following information may help you determine if you wish to use this travel service:
- Your travel itinerary must include the World Congress, but can also include other destinations. Members could plan to spend time before or after the event in other countries, and fly to or from another country.
- In most cases, the missionary tickets once purchased are changeable or refundable, although specific terms vary across airlines.
- In case the airline requests to see it, the Subud member must have a letter from Subud confirming that the trip is for religious reasons (see below).
- Children or family members traveling with a Subud member can be booked to the same itinerary and terms as the member.
- A group of up to 100 wishing to travel on the same itinerary can be booked together.
- Additional information is available on the agency’s website here.
If you wish to pursue this option, please follow these steps:
1. Send an email to Mona Mazeed, the contact for Economy Travel at mona@economytravel.com. This email should include the following information for all travelers:
- Church affiliation (Subud)
- Main travel contact phone number and email
- Traveler(s) name (as appearing on passport)
- Traveler(s) Date of birth
- Desired departure and arrival cities going to Europe
- Desired departure and arrival cities returning from Europe
- Preferred dates of travel (also note if travel dates are flexible)
- Additional questions or special requirements, if any
2. Mona will reply back, usually within one business day (office hours are 9-6pm EST Monday-Friday), to confirm details and present options for the itinerary
3. Once a suitable itinerary is identified, the Subud member must confirm the reservation via email
4. Most reservations can be held without payment for a few weeks.
5. After registering and paying for the World Congress, members will receive an email confirmation of registration from the World Congress Committee. This will serve as proof that their travel is for the purpose of attending the Congress in Freiburg.
6. The Subud member should print and carry a copy of this confirmation while flying.
Important Notes:
This information is provided to make the option of missionary travel known to Subud members. Subud CA has no relationship with this agency and is not acting as an intermediary, agent or representative for them. Please direct any questions you may have to Mona Mazeed at mona@economytravel.com.
This agency does not book lodgings. You can find some information about lodging options here.
You will probably want to travel on July 27 (or earlier) to be there in time for the Congress opening.
Whether you choose to use this agency or to book your own travel, start planning soon to ensure you have the best airfare possible. Flights are likely to go up in price or become more limited over time.
Special thanks go to Mhd. Isman Kanfsky for bringing this forward on behalf of Subud members.