what is airmail?

[writergirl123]

im about to send my first overseas auto request and i have heard some talk about "Airmail". Can you just write it on the envelope or do you need a sticker? If you need a sticker, how much does it cost? And if you don't put Airmail, what is the difference? I'd like some help ASAP! Thank you!

[Volante]

I never write airmail...

On my envelopes I send out, I get stickers saying "Priority mail" or something (blue), but my SASEs have nothing on them. I think, that if you put enough postage for airmail/1st class mail on your SASEs, they will be airmail automaticly... I mean, I don't think the stickers/writings are necessary!

I could be very much wrong though! ;)

But this has worked for me, some replies were fast without airmail written on them

[writergirl123]

OK, so I should just use two US stamps and send two IRC's on the SASE? do priority stickers cost/ can you get them at the post office?

thanks for the help so much

[ApoTiff]

The stickers are for free. Just go to the post office and ask for them. On one envelope you have to stick one sticker 'Air Mail' or 'Priority Mail'.

I don't know how it works in the USA, but in Poland if you don't stick a sticker 'Air Mail', a letter will be sent by a surface mail, even if the stamps on the envelope are for the air mail (The air/priority mail is much faster than the surface mail).

You should aks at the post office what will happen if you forgot to write/stick a sticker 'Air Mail'; how long the letter will go to the addressee.

Paul.

[Volante]

Yes the stickers are free

Hm, that's odd... For me the letters have been sent fast, I'll give some examples

Canada to Sweden, posted: 24th April, received: 28th April
USA to Sweden, posted: 22nd May, received: 27th May
England to Sweden, posted: 25th July, received: 28th July
England to Sweden, posted: 29th June, received: 3rd July

The one from Canada wasn't a SASE, the actor (Pierce Brosnan) paid the postage but there's nothing on the envelope/stamp saying priority or airmail.

I don't know if these numbers of days classify as fast or slow delivery, but they came to me without damages at least ;)

[TheCollector]

Hi guys

In an "ideal world" the post office should realise that you have paid enough for your envelope to go (or be returned by) Airmail.

Most times this will be the case. . . . . .

However, you do run the risk of your letter or reply going by surface mail if you don't use an AIRMAIL sticker. As those above have said, they are free, and you should be able to get 20 or 30 from your post office for you to use at home if you prefer!

The difference in delivery is startling. For example an airmail letter from the UK to the USA will take only about 2-3 days, but if it goes Surface Mail then it can take up to 6 weeks!!!!!!

My advice is to use the free stickers. . . . . . Better safe than sorry

Ian