The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: May sixth, checking out charters.

Once charter flights were the cheapest way to fly. In the wake of deregulation, many charter companies folded, undercut by the fares of scheduled airlines. But others survived and are still good alternatives option for low-cost travel, especially to popular tourist destinations.

Travelers know discounts on most scheduled airlines come with a raft of restrictions and apply to a limited number of seats on any flight. Once the cheap reservations are gone, paying full fare is often the only alternative, and that can get very pricy.

On most charters flights, all seats are sold at the advertised price. And charters involve less sacrifice of comfort these days, since scheduled carriers have cost eliminated comfort from their planes. In fact, some charter flights provide seats and service equal to domestic first class at one third less cost.

But there are drawbacks. Charters may be more difficult to find and book. Some are advertised in newspaper travel sections, but they're seldom listed in travel industry computers. Travel agents can make reservations on advertised charters, but they'll have to work a lot harder to find the others. And since many charters may fly only once or twice a week, schedules are both limited and risky, especially if there's a weather delay or equipment problem. Charters are also generally sold on a use it or lose it basis, making changes costly. Finally, check-in, security and baggage handling can be slow, since charter flights are often relegated to less convenient departure gates.

Still if planning a trip, it may pay to check the charter options.

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