And when I got to Singapore, there wasn't anyone there. . . . McColl confirms the rather laissez-faire attitude of the customs and courier officials. His old college roommate, in fact, got stranded in Buenos Aires for several hours because the company representative failed to show. He meets all of the couriers there. Becoming a courier is fairly simple.
Felons are a definite no-go, but the job requires few qualifications beyond that.
If you are 18 and have a valid passport, you are in, said Elisberg. Prior to booking a flight, most couriers must pay a nominal membership fee and fill out an application. Most companies require security deposits, but these generally get refunded. What courier travel lacks sometimes is flexibility, said McColl. To get the exact departure and return dates, travelers sometimes may need to contact the courier company two to three months in advance.