IGCSE Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What characterizes chartered services in the context of air travel?

1. Flights available on a first-come, first-served basis

2. All seats are pre-booked by a tour operator

3. Flights that operate without a set timetable

4. Reduced fares for last-minute bookings

The correct answer is: All seats are pre-booked by a tour operator

Chartered services in air travel are characterized by flights where all seats are pre-booked by a tour operator. This means that the entire aircraft is typically reserved for a specific group or package, usually associated with a holiday or travel package. Tour operators often arrange these services to offer coordinated travel experiences that can include flights, accommodation, and other components, providing travelers with a seamless holiday experience. In contrast, flights available on a first-come, first-served basis indicate a free or traditional airline service where anyone can book tickets as they wish, without prior restrictions. Flights that operate without a set timetable can refer to some private or specialized charter options, but this is not the defining characteristic typically associated with chartered services. Lastly, reduced fares for last-minute bookings might occur in scheduled services but are not relevant to chartered flights, where the advance reservation secures all seats. Therefore, the emphasis on pre-booking by a tour operator is critical in understanding what distinguishes chartered services in air travel.