Air Passes: Under The Table Here, Aboveboard Overseas

Among the more interesting kinds of air-travel certificates that some discount brokers handle these days are VUSA (Visit USA) tickets designed for use by foreign visitors.

Programs vary among U.S. airlines, but most feature passes good for three to five non-stop or direct flights within the continental United States during a one-month period, at a cost of $375 to $400.

VUSA rules specify that the buyer present a non-U.S. passport when purchasing the certificate outside the United States or within seven days of arriving here.

Some U.S. brokers buy the certificates from sources overseas, then resell them to U.S. travelers, usually marking up prices 30 to 40 percent.

One Seattle-area broker said that, as with most coupons, the airlines rarely ask for identification when the certificate is exchanged for an air ticket. Still, the risk of being challenged is somewhat higher than with other types of coupons.

VUSA certificates work similarly to Delta Airlines' ``Young at Heart'' coupons for older travelers, which cost $420 for four one-way flights, $704 for eight.

Airlines in other nations have begun to offer similar passes - over the counter, not under the table. Overseas travelers can find them economical if they plan several point-to-point flights within a particular nation's borders. One, the AeroPeru pass, allows a series of flights throughout South America and can lead to savings of up to 80 percent from standard fares.

Savings varies from nation to nation, airline to airline, says the September issue of Business Traveler International magazine. Usually it ranges from 25 percent (such as in Australia) to 60 percent (such as in Argentina).

Here are some examples of passes and programs currently available, according to the magazine. A number of restrictions can apply:

-- Australia: The Qantas (1-800-227-4500) domestic air pass; special ``See Australia'' fares with Ansett (1-800-366-1300) and Australian Airlines (1-800-922-5122); and various air passes with East-West Airlines (1-800-354-7472).

-- Thailand: Thai International's (1-800-426-5204) ``Discover Thailand'' pass - $199 for four flights.

-- New Zealand: Air New Zealand (1-800-262-1234) domestic air pass - $214 for four flights.

-- Malaysia: ``Visit Malaysia'' air pass from Malaysia Airline (1-800-421-8641) on the peninsula, and 50 percent discounts on sidetrips to eastern states.

-- India: An India Airways (information from Air India, 1-800-223-7776) unlimited travel pass for 21 days costs $400.

-- Argentina: Aerolineas Argentinas (1-800-333-0276) ``Visit Argentina'' pass starts at $249 for four stops.

-- Brazil: Varig (1-800-468-2744) and domestic carrier Cruzeiro jointly market a ``Visit Brazil'' pass - 21 days unlimited travel for $330.

-- South America: AeroPeru (1-800-327-7080, 1-305-594-0022) has a multicity pass good for 45 days for $759.

-- Caribbean: The regional airline LIAT (1-809-462-0070) has two air passes covering 23 airports throughout the region - one featuring three stops for $169-$199 depending on season, the other featuring unlimited stops over 30 days for $357.

-- Turkey: Turkish Airlines (1-800-874-8875) has a ``Visit Turkey'' pass starting at $119 for three stops.

-- Norway: Braathens Safe (information from Scanam, 1-800-272-2626) has a ``Visit Norway'' pass featuring $57 fares on short flights, $114 on longer ones.

-- Finland: Finnair's (1-800-950-5000) has a ``Holiday Ticket'' for 15 days unlimited travel for $250.

- Jim Molnar