Having two teams isn't necessarily prohibitive in terms of airfare.
In fact with a little work and maybe some creativity, you can use it
your benefit.
Here is an example: Currently according to continental.com the price
of a ticket from IAH to LAX for ICT is 332.00 per. I however called
their group rates office and have a preliminary agreement for 10
tickets (10 is the minimum number to get the discounted rate) at 227
per. I do not have a second team going but have talked to Rice and we
have a preliminary agreement to go in together on this fare.
A savings of $105 per ticket, though both A&M and Rice lose a little
in terms of flexibility. In this scenario it is financially sound for
2 teams to find two volunteers to come with them to L.A. (it works
out to 10 tickets for the price of 7) and then get the additional
discounts offered by NAQT for volunteers. This does not consider
added price for hotels.
I am sure these kind of discounts are available with most major
airlines. Just find the airline which has a hub near you and call.
Chris Romero
cromero_at_...