On-Board Courier — Personal Flight Escort
Expert courier service for on board courier. Specialist handling, GPS tracked, available 24/7.
Evening: +44 7737 778964 (08:00–22:00) · Quotes within 15 min
When your shipment is too urgent for even same-day road courier, and too critical to trust to air freight, an On-Board Courier (OBC) personally carries your cargo on the next available commercial flight.
What Is On-Board Courier?
An On-Board Courier is a dedicated person who books onto a commercial flight carrying your shipment as accompanied baggage or hand luggage. The courier collects from your door, checks in at the airport, flies with your cargo, clears customs at the destination, and delivers to the recipient — all within hours rather than days.
When You Need OBC
- AOG aircraft parts — component needed at a European MRO facility within 6 hours
- Prototypes & samples — pre-production samples for client approval meetings
- Legal documents — original signed contracts needed for closing
- Medical specimens — time-critical diagnostic samples requiring personal supervision
- High-value items — items too valuable for standard freight (jewellery, data drives, artwork)
- Customs-sensitive cargo — items requiring personal customs declaration
OBC Routes
UK Departure Airports
London Heathrow (most routes), Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow, Stansted, Luton.
Popular European Destinations
Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Dublin, Brussels, Zurich, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Vienna, Warsaw, Prague.
How OBC Works
- You call us — describe the shipment, destination, and deadline
- We book the courier on the next available flight (often within 2-3 hours)
- Collection from your premises (or airport cargo terminal)
- Flight — courier travels with your cargo as hand/hold luggage
- Customs clearance at destination (courier handles declaration)
- Delivery to recipient — with signed POD and photo confirmation
OBC vs Air Freight vs Road Courier
| Feature | On-Board Courier | Air Freight | Same-Day Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed (UK→Paris) | 4-6 hours | 24-48 hours | 8-12 hours |
| Personal supervision | 100% — courier is with cargo | No | Driver only |
| Customs | Courier clears personally | Agent required | N/A (domestic) |
| Cost (UK→Paris) | £800-£1,500 | £200-£500 | £400-£700 |
| Tracking | Real-time via courier's phone | AWB checkpoints | GPS vehicle |
OBC is the premium option for when speed AND personal security matter most. For standard urgent deliveries, see same-day courier or air freight. For aviation parts, see AOG courier.
Need an On-Board Courier? Call 07963 400173 — we'll find the next available flight. Available 24/7.
FAQ
How much does On-Board Courier cost?
OBC typically costs £800-£1,500 for European routes, including flight, courier fee, collection and delivery. Transatlantic OBC is £2,000-£4,000. Contact us for an exact quote based on route and urgency.
What can be sent via On-Board Courier?
Anything that can be carried as accompanied baggage: documents, small parcels, electronics, medical samples (with appropriate packaging), prototypes. Size/weight limits: typically 23-32kg per piece depending on airline.
How quickly can you arrange an OBC?
We can book a courier on a flight departing within 2-3 hours of your call, depending on route availability. For popular routes (London-Paris, London-Frankfurt), flights depart every 1-2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does On-Board Courier cost?
- £800-£1,500 for European routes including flight, courier, collection and delivery. Transatlantic: £2,000-£4,000.
- What can be sent via OBC?
- Anything as accompanied baggage: documents, parcels, electronics, medical samples, prototypes. Typically 23-32kg per piece.
- How quickly can you arrange OBC?
- Courier on a flight within 2-3 hours. Popular routes (London-Paris/Frankfurt) have flights every 1-2 hours.