Book directly with the airline Taking a page from the hotel industry, airlines have begun to guarantee equal or better prices to travelers who book with them directly. This helps drive traffic to their sites and save on commission expenses they would otherwise pay to third-party booking sites like Orbitz or Expedia.
Sign up for private price cuts Not unlike clothing chains that dole out special “family and friends” discounts to employees and repeat customers, airlines quietly offer special coupon codes to travelers who sign up for their weekly newsletters or frequent flier programs.
There is also a new Web site, Compete4yourseat.com, which encourages travel agents, who often negotiate contracts with airlines, to find you a low fare. Travelers fill out a Trip Request form on the home page and click Go. Once your request is bid on by a travel agent, you receive an e-mail message and can log in to view the deal.
Don’t wait if you see a deal “If you see an airfare and it looks good to you, don’t shop — buy,” said Mr. Rein of Travelworm.com. “It’s like wandering around the shopping mall. You can walk to the next store looking for a deal and the next, and by the time you walk back it might be gone.”
now US airlines want to charge you extra for selecting your seat. and why you should never look in the middle seat pocket. some of the topics covered in scott mccartney on air travelers’ turbulent times, npr’s interview with scott mccartney who writes the “Middle Seat” column for The Wall Street Journal.
things i didn’t know before mr. mccartney enlightened me:
when you get bumped from a US flight, you can get up to $800 cash in compensation. that’s right. CASH MONEY instead of accepting a voucher for a future flight on the same airline that screwed you in the first place.
when you get bumped and have to stay overnight, the airline must provide you with a meal voucher and hotel accommodation.
never look in the middle seat pocket because that’s where kids usually sit and leave things because they didn’t know any better – or adults who should know better anonymously deposit heinosities like dirty diapers and toenail clippings. (now, really! who the hell clips their toenails on a plane??)
don’t use those complimentary airline blankets because passengers sneeze into them, the flight attendant folds them back up, and then you use the blanket and mysteriously pick up a cold.
this doesn’t apply to me but the S.O. is 6′2″ and often gripes about having to hug his knees on planes and beds being too short. coping with the tall traveler’s curse in the ny times has helpful tips for the long of leg. we’ll be checking the seat maps on seatguru.com to select our seats from now on.
Coping With the Tall Traveler’s Curse
By SHARON McDONNELL
If you feel cramped when you fly, imagine the anguish if you were tall.
For extra-tall travelers, the discomfort continues long after the flight, as their feet dangle off the edge of hotel beds, forcing some to position their bodies diagonally, and as they dance what one tall traveler calls the “shower limbo” thanks to too-low showerheads.
“I truly believe it’s a serious disconnect. I end up literally booking everything myself, travel agents haven’t a clue,” said R. J. Brennan, director of strategic workplace for IA Interior Architects in its Chicago office, who is 6-foot-8. “In economy, my knees are embedded into the wire of the seat pocket — I’m literally wedged in and can’t move. On some small planes, I have to physically get off the plane to take my coat off.”
But some relief is at hand, both in the air and on the ground. Two years ago, SeatGuru.com introduced airline comparison charts, allowing readers to see at a glance “seat pitch” — the distance between the back of a seat and the seat in front of it, and the best indicator of legroom — in different classes and aircraft.
One SeatGuru feature allows readers to rearrange the alphabetical airline list by seat pitch, making it obvious that the bigger seat pitches in domestic economy class — 34 to 36 inches — are on United, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines’ McDonnell Douglas MD-88 shuttle, Air Canada and Westjet. Since a seat pitch of only 29 to 30 inches is found in most airlines’ economy class, this is no small potatoes.
Doug Dyment of www.onebag.com has created a diagram to illustrate how to save space in a suitcase.
npr had a story on how to pack everything you own in one bag. i didn’t pack EVERYthing i own in one bag, just the stuff i thought i would need. apparently, “need” is in the eye of the beholder because doug dyment says you only need one pair of shoes for a trip. yeah, doug dyment is a man.
the real problem for me isn’t fitting everything into one bag, it’s keeping the weight under 20 kilos (44 pounds) because that’s all the airlines will allow you to check in for economy flights in europe. sometimes, they’ll let you go with a little more. easyjet once allowed 23 kilos for my check-in bag but everyone is getting stricter. on several occasions, i’ve had to take out some heavier items and put them into my carry-on because the bossy people at check-in were going to charge me. the penalties are steep, anywhere from $15-20 for each additional kilo.
i know, you’re crying out in sympathy for me but this has been one of the most difficult parts of my now 10-month journey. i left behind shoes and clothes in italy, books all throughout europe, and foregone many new purchases for fear that they would tip the scales at check-in. these are the drawbacks when you travel from place to place without a stable base.
Deep down, you prefer spending time alone to spending time with others. You enjoy thinking more than talking.You don’t spend much time thinking about your place in the world. You are who you are – and people can just deal with that!
Your gift is relating to other people. You don’t hide from your own emotions, and you are good at drawing other people out.
You are inspired by what is possible. Real life is often too ordinary for you.
You are happy as long as you are given some personal space. It’s important for you to have your own private life.
discovered this gem while browsing foXnoMad’s site. budget airlines are charging extra for checked luggage, excess baggage, food and drinks…what next?
he also has helpful information about how to pack light, get through security check more quickly at airports, and keeping on-line accounts safe.
in related news, smart money had an article about 10 Pesky Airline Fees by kelli b. grant:
THESE DAYS AIRLINES are desperate to raise revenues — without raising fares. One solution? Tack on some fees.
“The airlines are getting more into the nickel-and-dime mentality, exploring every angle to bring in incremental income,” says Tom Parsons, CEO of BestFares.com. Competition from low-cost carriers makes it tough for major airlines to increase fares, he says, so they make up the difference in fine-print fees. Here are 10 to watch out for:
1. Booking Fees
Potential cost: $5 to $25
“The most prevalent sneaky fee is a booking charge of $10 to $25 if you want to make a reservation any way but through the airline’s web site,” says Ed Perkins, a contributing editor for SmarterTravel.com. If you call the airline, most charge you at least $15 per ticket for phone reservations. Third-party travel sites charge these fees, too: Expect to pay $5 to $15 per ticket on sites like Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity for securing your reservation.
Solution: Use travel comparison and booking sites to shop around, but make your arrangements through the airline’s web site. It’s the only fee-free way to book.
8. In-Flight Amenities Fees
Potential cost: $1 to $5
After the airport hassle, all you want to do is prop your head against a soft pillow, drown out the noise with some decent headphones and relax with a cold drink and a snack. OK, but it’ll cost you. Air Canada charges $2 for a “comfort kit” of pillow and blanket. JetBlue tacks on $2 to upgrade your complimentary pair of headphones. Spirit charges $1 for sodas and coffee, while United offers a $5 snack box
2. Change-of-Plans Fees
Potential cost: $25 and up
“Be sure of your plans if you’re really going for the low-fare price,” cautions David Lytle, editorial director for Frommers.com. The cheapest fare classes are nonrefundable and can’t be changed at all. Even if you pay more upfront for a refundable fare, you’re still subject to hefty change fees. Most airlines charge a flat fee, plus the difference in fares on your old and new travel dates. Discount tickets purchased through third-party travel sites and travel agents carry even bigger penalties. Delta, for example, regularly charges $50 to change your flight. If you didn’t buy your ticket through Delta.com, or over the phone through one of its agents, the airline charges another $10 to $15 to change your reservation, plus the fare difference.
Looking to change your reservation by just an hour or two? Expect to pay for that, too. Continental and Northwest both charge a $25 fee to allow passengers to get a confirmed standby seat on an earlier flight.
An American Airlines arrivals list at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport on Thursday.
All Things Considered, April 12, 2008
Not so long ago, the U.S. airline industry was a model of efficiency and comfort while airlines in Asia struggled with aging fleets and chaotic airports. Today, it’s the reverse.
Grounded: What’s Behind the U.S. Flight Delays
American Airlines has canceled thousands of flights since Tuesday, disrupting travel plans for hundreds of thousands of people. Here, a guide to the safety issues involved and how travelers can navigate the disruption
Why is American canceling so many flights? American has grounded the flights while it inspects its fleet of MD-80 airplanes to make sure the wiring in the wheel wells is properly protected from chafing. Unprotected wires potentially could result in a short or spark that might ignite, explains Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Laura J. Brown. “It’s a very low-probability risk, but it’s an extremely high-consequence issue,” she says
i went to a wedding in montego bay, jamaica. i know, i live an awful life. but before you go on hating me too much lemme tell you about my flight over there. ok, that wasn’t too bad either because i flew virgin atlantic which is one of the most kickass airlines evAR. they have personal seat-back screens which allows you to choose from a fairly current selection of movies and programs. i watched, eastern promises, knocked up, the bourne ultimatum, and a few episodes of 30 rock. (it was a ten-hour flight from london heathrow to my connection in miami.) virgin atlantic also has pretty good grub for an airline including yummy snacks like pretzels flavored with “worcester sauce” (brit english for “worcestershire sauce”) and a big, chewy chocolate cookie.
yummy snack alert: worcester sauce flavour pretzels (not available in stores!)
so yeah, the bad part of my trip was that american airlines canceled my next leg from miami and instead put me on an air jamaica flight to montego bay. however, they didn’t have enough time to put my luggage on that flight. not the end of the world since i packed my trial-sized toiletries in my carry on bag, just in case something like this should happen. what i didn’t pack was my swimsuit. the size zero bride lent me what were undoubtedly her largest, stretchiest clothes which left me with a terrible farmer’s tan as i sat poolside. the airline ended up delivering my luggage to me the next day– after i had already bought another swimsuit and a hideous skirt that i will probably never wear again.
now back to the part where you can start hating me again…i stayed in a villa of four rooms called “destiny.” it’s part of a larger villa complex that overlooks a gully of tropical foliage and the turquoise blue of the caribbean. the infinity pool was six steps from my room. we had a private chef who cooked us three meals a day. we even had a driver and a butler! yes, i know, you are absolutely loathing me right now.
the infinity pool at destiny
lunch by the private chef
the bride and groom are wasps, as were 99.9% of the guests. i was one of two non-white guests, along with a south asian man, and later on i found a couple of jews and a mexican. the wonderful thing about wasps is that they sure know how to throw parties and they are hilarious when they get sloshed. in the six days leading up to the wedding, we had a party each night in a different villa with free-flowing wine, rum and beer and a copious supply of the island’s natural herb. alas wasps don’t eat with their drink so i ended up foraging for food in the villa fridge at midnight hoping to find some leftover pasta or jerk chicken.
the wedding was lovely. the size zero bride was stunning in her silk chiffon vera wang gown and botticelli-esque blond curls. it’s no wonder the groom got all choked up at the altar when he saw her walk down the aisle. we all had a blast at the reception. like i said, they sure know how to throw a party.
for all you readers who pine to go to europe but think you can’t afford it, think again.
And Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, the Irish no-frills carrier, has said he plans to start a new airline that will fly from secondary European markets like Liverpool or Birmingham to a half-dozen American cities like Baltimore or Providence, R.I., for a base fare as low as 10 euros, or about $16 at $1.59 to the euro.
AIR travel to Europe is about to undergo a significant change, one that is likely to spell more choices and cheaper fares for travelers.
On March 30, the so-called open-skies agreement goes into effect, allowing airlines based in the United States and Europe to fly across the Atlantic between any two airports in each region. Before the pact, trans-Atlantic flights were governed by separate agreements between the United States and individual European nations. The pacts required airlines to take off or land in their native countries, and limited which airlines could serve certain airports.
For example, British Airways flights bound for the United States had to originate in Britain. And only two United States carriers were permitted to land at Heathrow Airport, near London: American and United.
When the open-skies agreement kicks in next week, those restrictions will be lifted, essentially letting the open market dictate all trans-Atlantic routes between the United States and Europe. For instance, Continental, Delta and Northwest will be able to serve Heathrow for the first time.
This year, San Francisco, Orlando and Washington all received their first scheduled nonstop flights to Dublin on Aer Lingus under a related transitionary arrangement. And Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, the Irish no-frills carrier, has said he plans to start a new airline that will fly from secondary European markets like Liverpool or Birmingham to a half-dozen American cities like Baltimore or Providence, R.I., for a base fare as low as 10 euros, or about $16 at $1.59 to the euro.
Q: i’m wondering how much you pack for your travels? what do you pack alot or little? how do you manage the logistics of it all throughout europe? do you only have a modest bag or two or alot of stuff? some pointers would be helpful.–anon
A: i’m going to answer the question in a general post because several people have asked me this already. most airlines flying to or over anywhere in europe currently allow a maximum of 20 kilos for checked luggage. (that’s 44 pounds or roughly the weight of a 6-year old girl for those of you who don’t speak metric.) i have one big suitcase that was 21.4 kilos at the last weigh-in. the airline staff will generally let you by with up to 2 extra kilos. if you are way over the max, you can dump some of that stuff into your carry-on bags or pay through the nose for the extra weight. easyjet charges 8 euros per extra kilo. on my flight to europe from korea on lufthansa, i think i was quoted 25,000 won (=$25) per extra kilo over 25 kilos, or something ridiculous like that. the logic is that extra weight consumes more fuel and costs the airline more money. plus, if every passenger packed two huge immigration bags filled with their life’s possessions, the plane might topple.
20 kilos really doesn’t allow for much stuff since your suitcase already weighs about 5 kilos and a pair of leather shoes will add another 3 kilos. with that in mind, i take the bare minimum: jeans, tee shirts, a couple of sweaters, one nice outfit and plenty of socks and undies in case i can’t do laundry right away. i always wear my heaviest outfit when i fly. and i pamper my feet in sneakers.
beyond that i recommend the following if you’re planning an extended journey to europe:
get a good sturdy piece of luggage; preferable one with a pullout handle and indestructible wheels. you’ll be rolling that thing onto pebbly sidewalks and bumping it along over cobblestone streets. the last thing you want is one of the wheels to chip or pop off. i have the standard vertical rolley or what i call the “tilt and drag.” it’s served me well for the past 3.5 years but my next investment will be in a spinner suitcase. you don’t have to tilt this kind and it has four wheels that roll in any direction which really helps you get your bag down narrow train and bus aisles.
get a lightweight comfortable backpack. i’ve been toting my laptop in my backpack all across europe. it becomes really freakin’ heavy after a while. i can’t imagine how lopsided i would be if i had my ibook hanging off one shoulder. i also shove my books and heavier items into the backpack when i fly in order to stay within the weight threshold for my checked baggage.
get a money belt. i am the queen of purses but they’re not practical at airports and train stations when you’re juggling a big suitcase and carry-on bag and you have to show your passport and boarding pass every ten minutes. it also thwarts those shady pickpockets that linger around major tourist sites. oh, and make sure to get a nice looking money belt. you’re more likely to use yours if it doesn’t look heinously geriatric in those awful hospital hues.
pack trial-sized toiletries in your carry-on bag. i’m always paranoid that the airline is going to lose my luggage so i take the essentials into my carry-on bag. the current airline regulation allows you to take a minimal amount of liquids, gels and creams on board. no more than 100 ml each in a max of 100-ml containers and they all have to fit in a one-liter ziplock bag. (that’s 3 ounces-3 ounces-1 quart.) you don’t want to arrive in a new city at night and go searching for toothpaste and soap after you’ve spent all your energy pleading with the lost luggage clerk to please find your bag. and most stores that sell that stuff close early in europe. (yeah, i’m looking at you italy.)
take a lightweight, foldable tote bag. i use this to hold any extra purchases i make in my travels. it’s also great for holding groceries and minimizing the clutter of plastic shopping bags. i react to plastic shopping bags the way mommy dearest did to wire hangers.
that’s all i can think of right now but keep the questions coming. lord knows i love nothing better than being a smarty-pants know-it-all.
the next time you fly to or from korea, i urge you to take Korean Air Lines (KAL). each seat has its own personal video screen loaded with games, videos and like a gazillion movies. i watched the queen, little miss sunshine, scoop and school for scoundrels. i played yahtzee . i looped rain’s music video for “i’m coming” over and over.
as far as in-flight meals go, their bibimbap is way better than the standard rubbery chicken with goopy sauce you get on other airlines. the flight attendants have been trained to be nice – even to other women!
i am already looking forward to my next 12-hour flight out of korea.
i'm suddenly susan. i grew up in new york city. my last home was in korea where i spent three years. i left in 2007 to travel the world, freelance writing to pay the bills. europe, jamaica, fiji, NZ, australia...and i'm still on the road, currently in cape town, south africa. follow me as i continue my journey across the globe.
get a money belt. i am the queen of purses but they’re not practical at airports and train stations when you’re juggling a big suitcase and carry-on bag and you have to show your passport and boarding pass every ten minutes. it also thwarts those shady pickpockets that linger around major tourist sites. oh, and make sure to get a nice looking money belt. you’re more likely to use yours if it doesn’t look heinously geriatric in those awful hospital hues.
