Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Low Cost, Budget Airlines NA

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Low Cost, Budget Airlines NA
Feb 29th 2012, 11:03

A number of low cost airlines have sprung up in North America as an alternative to mainstream, long-established airlines. As services decrease on the traditional, scheduled carriers, these low cost options seem even more attractive.

This is the low cost airline that other airlines - both legacy carriers and other low cost airlines - often try to emulate. Southwest Airlines is not just known for great fares, but for customer service.

This Canadian low cost airline flies across Canada, to the United States and now to points in the Caribbean. Westjet is also loosely allied with Southwest Airlines.

AirTran is a low cost airline that serves dozens of US markets.

JetBlue continues to be well-ranked among US airlines for customer service, as well as having a broad range of routes across the United States and the Caribbean.

In its short tenure as an airline, Virgin America is known for its innovation with WiFi, and inflight options, and for good customer service.

Spirit Airlines has been likened to Europe`s Ryanair as not just a low cost airline, but no frills one as well.

Air Transat is one of Canada's charter airlines serving sun destinations and Europe.

Frontier Airlines has its main hub in Denver and serves several cities in the United States.

Sun Country is based in Minnesota with several destinations in the United States, and flies to Mexico.

This charter airline travels from cities in Canada to Southern destinations.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Paper Vs. Electronic Tickets

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Paper Vs. Electronic Tickets
Feb 29th 2012, 11:03

There are two types of tickets that you'll encounter when using an airline, namely the paper ticket and the electronic ticket (also known as ticket-less travel). Paper tickets are quickly being painted with dinosaur strokes - they somehow seem less current. Before weighing in on such perceptions, it is important to look at the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of tickets.

Paper tickets are so named because the flight coupons (the pieces of paper that contain the exact flight information and are labeled as flight coupons) are in paper form. With an electronic ticket, this information is held within the airline's reservation system, and is indicated as electronic tickets when you check in. The passenger traveling on an electronic ticket is given a copy of the itinerary, and the contract of carriage. These documents are not a ticket but serve as an indication that you have an electronic one. With an electronic ticket, you do not have the physical ticket in hand. Knowing that paper and electronic tickets are different isn't really enough though; it is important to know what the positives and negatives are as well.

Paper tickets are particularly useful if your flight is canceled because of a mechanical or another airline-related problem as opposed to a weather issue. Certainly if a cancellation is weather related, you are stuck. However, if it isn't and you have a paper ticket, you may have a world of options that you possibly haven't considered. If you have a paper ticket on a major airline and are flying out of an airport where another major airline also flies to your destination, having a paper ticket can serve to your advantage. If your flight is canceled, you can ask an agent at another airline whether they will accept your ticket (more difficult to do if there is more than one terminal that airlines fly from to your destination). Often the other airline will, and you are now ahead of those on electronic tickets. You see, with an electronic ticket, because you do not have a physical ticket, you are more at the mercy of the airline you are booked on. And in the case of a non-weather related cancellation, you will be put on the next available flight on that same airline, even if it is hours later.

Paper tickets can also be advantageous in situations that don't involve cancellations. Let's say that you are checking the schedules to your destination and discover a more convenient time on another airline. With a paper ticket, you may just be able to switch airlines, particularly if it is a domestic ticket (and not on a charter airline). If it is an international destination, don't bother, as the rules of international tickets vary a great deal, whereas domestic ones are often incredibly similar. I'll demonstrate by example. A very unspoken rule at a major airline was to accept tickets from other airlines if the passengers showed up at check in. It was a large airport with numerous terminals, and a number of airlines served the exact same route. So agents were instructed to scoop the passenger, which meant accepting the passenger's ticket from another airline and taking (scooping) some of the other airline's profit. This does not occur on a consistent level at every airport, but it does happen and could serve to your benefit if you have a paper ticket.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Oversells and Bumping

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Oversells and Bumping
Feb 29th 2012, 11:03

The oversold flight, just another joy of air travel! What is an oversold flight? Why are flights overbooked? And what are my options if my flight has too many passengers, and not enough seats? Follow the twists and turns of the oversold flight.

1. Intro to Oversold Flights and Bumping

What is an oversold flight? Why are flights overbooked? And what are my options if my flight is completely full and looking to bump passengers?

2. Compensation - What to Ask for in a Voucher

There are a few things to ask for when you are offered a travel voucher for compensation when you are either voluntarily or non-voluntarily bumped from a flight.

3. How to Avoid Getting Bumped

Bear in mind that you are never required to volunteer to be bumped off of a flight. So if you don't want to be bumped, some advice...

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: IAH - Houston

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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IAH - Houston
Feb 28th 2012, 11:03

Find airfare specials from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport to dozens of other cities

1 Full name - George Bush Intercontinental Airport

2 The airport's website

3 Address/Phone Number - 2800 North Terminal Road, 281-230-3100

4 Location, location, location - 20 miles north of Houston's city center

5 Flight Information - Arrivals/Departures

6 Major Airline(s) that serve the airport - a hub of Continental Airlines

7 All airlines that serve the airport

8 Transportation to/from the airport

9 Fun fact - The airport is named after the elder Bush, George H. W. Bush the 41st president of the United States.

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Frequent Flyer - Northwest

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Frequent Flyer - Northwest
Feb 27th 2012, 11:03

Northwest Airlines merged with Delta Airlines and now has a harmonized frequent flyer program with Delta. The Northwest Airlines name is being phased out.

According to Delta Airlines - "SkyMiles helps you save time and money in all kinds of ways, from travel to telecommunications."

SkyMiles

phone 800-323-2323

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: United Airlines Baggage

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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United Airlines Baggage
Feb 27th 2012, 11:03

The following policies are for passengers traveling in economy class, and are not top tier frequent flyer members (Premier Associate status or higher in Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy) for flights within the United States, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada:

United Airlines

Baggage Allowance - Your first checked in bag is $25, your second is $35, with a weight allowance of 50lbs (23kg) per bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage.

For Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean - 1st bag free then $50 for second bags on flights to Europe, and $30 for 2nd checked pieces for the Caribbean and Mexico. Other international destinations permit 2 bags weighing a maximum of 50lbs each for free (except Brazil which allows for a maximum of 70lbs each).

Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $125 and can run up to several hundred dollars. If it weighs over 100lbs it will not be accepted and you will need to contact cargo for freight charges.

United Airlines policies regarding checking strollers, car seats, mobility devices and sports equipment.

Baggage Policy

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: ATL

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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ATL
Feb 26th 2012, 11:03

Find airfare specials from ATL to dozens of other cities

Atlanta is home to the world's busiest airport. Given that so many passengers flood through its gates, here are all of the stats about ATL -
1 Full name - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

2 The airport's website

3 Address/Phone Number - 6000 North Terminal Parkway Suite 435, Atlanta, GA 30320 1-800-897-1910

4 Location, location, location - 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta

5 Flight Information - Arrivals/Departures

6 Major Airline(s) that serve the airport - hub of Delta Airlines

7 Airlines that serve the airport

8 Transportation to/from the airport - one of the fastest ways in and out of ATL is by public transit. MARTA, Atlanta's Transit Authority has an airport help page to get you in and out of the world's busiest airport.

9 Fun fact - ATL was originally the site of an auto racetrack.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Airline Essentials - United Ai

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Airline Essentials - United Ai
Feb 26th 2012, 11:03

Founding Year:

1926 was the year that Varney's commercial air mail service began, which was a predecessor to United Airlines. In 1931 the name United Airlines was established.

Headquarters / Main Hub:

Chicago holds the headquarters for United, with its main hub being Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and major hubs in San Francisco, Denver and Washington.

Official Website:

Seat Maps:

Phone Number:

phone number #800-241-6522

Frequent Flyer and Global Alliance:

The frequent flyer program of United is Mileage Plus. United Airlines is a founding member of Star Alliance.

Frequent flyer info

Major Crashes / Incidents:

United lost two flights in the terrorist attacks of September 11,2001. United 93, and 175 had no survivors.

One of United's most fatal crashes was a mid-air collision with a TWA flight over New York in December 1960. 134 on both flights were killed, as well as several people on the ground. The collision was attributed to United pilot error.

Airline News:

Interesting Fact:

United claims the first flight attendant, a nurse who served on San Francisco - Chicago routes, in 1930.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Survival Tips for Air Travel

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Survival Tips for Air Travel
Feb 26th 2012, 11:03

Airports are not the most people-friendly places already. Add travel with an infant to the mix and you may wonder how you can get through the experience both sane and safe. Tips for air travel with an infant may not be 100% foolproof, but it is always important to have a plan ready when you are traveling with your baby. Then you are ready to embark on the airport portion of your journey.

Check-in
Check-in online if possible to secure the best seats possible. Although the bulkhead seat can have more space, I find for longer trips if there are going to be a few empty seats on the flight then the back of the airplane is best. Airplanes tend to fill front to back so you are more likely to have vacant seats. Plus, lavatories are often in the back of the plane so access is easier. Also, toting your items on and off is easier when you are in the back - more space in general!

Check in as much of your luggage as possible especially for longer flights, you'll feel less bogged down.

Airport Security Screening
You will likely have to take baby through the screening machine out of a stroller and possibly out of a carrier, so you may as well have baby ready to go in your arms. If you use a sling or a baby carrier, you may or may not ask to remove baby from the carrier so it is a good alternative to a stroller for moving around the airport. You can always ask the security screeners about this as you wait in line.

It is easiest to keep bottled breastmilk or formula in a plastic bag/cooler bag separate from your other carry on for quicker inspection.

Gate Area
If you still aren't satisfied with the seating, approach the gate agent and ask them what seats are available. Ask about seats with an extra oxygen mask if you have not purchased a seat for your baby. As a gate agent, and having traveled with a baby, I find that on most flights the back fills up last plus you have the added bonus of being closer to the toilets for changing the baby. I book aisle seats when I can so that walking up and down the aisle is possible.

Be prepared for possible delays by having extra diapers and wipes at hand. Plan for an onboard kit - diapers, wipes, blanket, plastic bag for trash and dirty diapers, fresh change of clothes. The extras can easily be packed in here in case of airport delays. As you head to the gate area mark your nearest restroom should you need to take care of a baby 'emergency'.

Get to the gate area early to take advantage of preboarding so that you and baby can get settled before the throngs of passengers get on board.

Arrival
Be aware that some checked items such as car seats may arrive at an oversize or special luggage section, separate from regular luggage. If you are missing any of your luggage check there first.

If you brought a stroller and checked it at the gate you may as well take your time getting off the aircraft as it needs to be retrieved by a baggage handler and brought up to the door of the aircraft. This takes time so rather than disturb baby even more, wait until the crowd is off the plane and your stroller may already be waiting for you.

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Air Canada Check In Online

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Air Canada Check In Online
Feb 25th 2012, 11:02

Air Canada offers check-in online. Save time and snag a good seat on your flight. Air Canada online check-in includes the following procedures and requirements:
  • Air Canada - Check-in online up to 24 hours prior to departure.
  • Need a booking reference, Aeroplan number, or the credit card number used to purchase the ticket.
  • Most of Air Canada's domestic, transborder, and international destinations are eligible for check-in online.
  • Checked luggage can be dropped off at the baggage drop off counter.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: ORD - Chicago

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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ORD - Chicago
Feb 24th 2012, 11:03

Find airfare specials from Chicago O'Hare to dozens of other cities

1 Full name - O'Hare International Airport

2 The airport's website

3 Address/Phone Number - 1-800-832-6352

4 Location, location, location - 17 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop

5 Flight Information - Arrivals/Departures

6 Major Airline(s) that serve the airport - main hub of United Airlines, a hub of American Airlines

7 Transportation to/from the airport

8 Fun fact - ORD does not seem to match up with O'Hare. So what's with the airport code? ORD is actually a tribute to the name of the community that now is the location of ORD - namely, Orchard Place.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: When Flights Cancel due to Wea

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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When Flights Cancel due to Wea
Feb 24th 2012, 11:03

Hurricanes, blizzards, fog and floods. Just a few of the weather elements that can lead to your flight being canceled. When flights cancel due to adverse weather, airlines usually have a policy set up for passengers.

When you see that weather is going to affect your travels, what can you expect? Many of the airlines invoke similar policies for dealing with cancellations or delays due to inclement weather. Similar, not always universal, and you may or may not be protected on another flight.

Here is a primer on what your airline policy may look like if your flight is cancelled due to weather (check with the airline you are flying with as not all of these possibilities will necessarily apply):

  • Flexible changes to tickets - may be worded along the lines of being able to move your entire itinerary up to seven days before or after the originally scheduled date.
  • Changing your ticket completely - you may be able to apply the full value of your unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket to a different destination.
  • Change ticket without penalties - usually at least a one time change without fees is permitted, following the same itinerary.
  • Refunds and partial refunds - with really bad weather, where flight schedules are affected by days rather than hours, airlines may offer to refund your unused ticket and sometimes even the unused portion of your ticket if you have begun travel.
  • No hotel or transport - weather related cancellations exempt the airline from compensating passengers. Inclement weather is considered a force majeure or an act of god, and airlines are not required to pay for food / transport / lodging. Exceptions are sometimes made, but should not be expected.

A few tips for dealing with weather related cancellations:

  • Call ahead or check online before you go to the airport. If the roads are treacherous, the runways will be too.
  • If you are at the airport when your flight cancels, you can line up to see a gate agent or at the ticket counter, but this may take a really long time. The gate agent may send you to the ticket counter anyhow, or may be required to leave and go to the next flight.
  • If you are at the airport when your flight cancels call the reservations department immediately. They are the best chance at getting something rebooked for you.
  • If you are at the airport when your flight cancels check both departure and arrival screens. Chances are if flights later than yours are not operating, a later rebooked flight on the same day may end up cancelling. Checking the arrival board will give you an idea of whether enough airplanes are coming in to actually turn around and operate as another flight.
  • If you are at the airport when your flight cancels, and you are a connecting passenger, ask the gate agent if you should head to the ticket counter or if there is a desk for connecting passengers. Although not obligated, many airlines will take care of passengers who are in transit, particularly if the weather delays/cancellations were not foreseen or advised of when you began your journey.
  • Checking the weather at your destination may give you an indication of whether a flight can even fly.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: My Passport Was Stolen

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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My Passport Was Stolen
Feb 24th 2012, 11:03

My passport was stolen a little more than five years ago. It happened at an airport in North America. When you hear stories about a stolen passport you automatically think that it happens somewhere else, somewhere less developed, and most certainly not at home. But here I was, I had just returned from a trip to Eastern Europe, and passed through customs. I don't remember the exact moment that my passport was stolen, but in an instant it went from being loosely held in my hand (having just finished speaking with a customs officer and declaring the goods I had purchased), to being gone.

At first I thought that I had passed it over to one of the friends that I had traveled with on the trip. Minutes later I realized that I was the only one missing a passport. I went numb. I chastised myself, angry that I could let this happen, that I didn't take enough care with my most important identity document. And I moved to disbelief, calling the airport's lost and found incessantly over the course of the following days. But my passport was gone. In my home country, and the airport I worked at, my passport was stolen. Here I was, a seasoned traveler and airline worker, and in the jet lag of returning home, and not paying enough attention after customs, my passport was stolen.

I was set to travel to Southeast Asia only weeks later, so I almost immediately filed a report with the police. I next went to the Passport Office to apply for a replacement passport, and to report my previous passport as lost or stolen. After presenting all of the necessary documents to prove my identity, I completed my application and soon received a new passport without incident. I worried that someone might try to use my stolen passport, but I had filed reports and assumed that I would be contacted if there were any further problems. The fact that I was able to travel on the replacement passport for the next four and a half years eased me into believing that there were no problems with the old passport. I would soon find out that I was sadly mistaken.

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Amsterdam Travel: What's Hot Now: Amsterdam Photo Gallery: Scenes from Amsterdam's Open-air Markets

Amsterdam Travel: What's Hot Now
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Amsterdam Photo Gallery: Scenes from Amsterdam's Open-air Markets
Feb 23rd 2012, 11:12

Amsterdam's markets are some of Europe's most popular -- and most varied. These images illustrate the "vibe" of the many markets in Amsterdam, where you'll find everything from flowers, fruits and vegetables, to antique furniture, modern art and second-hand clothes.

Click on each image for a larger view. And don't miss pages two and three of the gallery.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Coming and Going from FCO

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Coming and Going from FCO
Feb 23rd 2012, 11:03

When departing FCO if you are checking luggage prepare for a long wait. Show up at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

No luggage? I suggest going to the airline's 1st class line if it is not too busy. Because I usually travel with carry-on only, I can attest to using this strategy with a few airlines.

The airlines like to put security stickers on passports so make sure you have one before proceeding to your gate.

After making your way to the gates area, a decent cappuccino can be purchased at one of Rome's airport cafes to enjoy as an alternative to the coffee served on board as you bid Ciao to Italia.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: American Airlines Tickets

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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American Airlines Tickets
Feb 23rd 2012, 11:03

American Airlines offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services:
  • American Airlines - Online check-in is available up to 24 hours prior to departure.
  • Need reservation number or AAdvantage number and an AA.com password for web check-in.
  • Available for flights within the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
  • You can check in for connecting flights, even with another airline, as long as American Airlines has an e-ticketing agreement with them.
  • You can drop off checked luggage at Curb-side Check-in, Self Service Check-in, or with an agent.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Get to Know DBV

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Get to Know DBV
Feb 22nd 2012, 11:03

Dubrovnik, also known as the pearl of the Adriatic, is just one of the destinations in Croatia, a small European country that has burst onto the tourism scene. The airports in Croatia may be small, but a few tips for getting in and out of them doesn't hurt.

Considering it is such as small airport, there are several transportation options from DBV. Approximately a half dozen car rental agencies with well known names such as Hertz are located immediately after the baggage area. And if you don't want the hassle of renting, approximately 200-220 Croatian Kuna (30 euros). You can also set up a taxi in advance - one such site is Taxi and Transportation Service Dubrovnik to make sure you get the correct fare.

However, the least expensive way to get to and from the airport is by bus. Shuttles are operated according to flight schedules. So if you are flying into Dubrovnik you can rest assured that what looks like a tour bus will be outside, along the curb. The bus goes to the gate of the old town and will run you 30 Croatian Kuna.

For returning to the airport, bus service leaves from the old town gate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours prior to a flight's departure time and is the same rate of 30 Kuna.

If you are trying to go south to Serbia and Montenegro, the morning bus is supposed to stop at the airport but this is a small airport, and only domestic flights from Zagreb could possibly meet up with the bus.

If you are going to the islands, you can take the bus service from the airport which drops you off at the old town gate. Coincidentally, all of the local bus service also leaves from this area. Take bus 1A or 1B for 10 Kuna if you are paying the bus driver, or 8 Kuna from the newsstand in the bus area. Either of these two routes will take you to your choice of the ferry or bus terminal.

In terms of other travel essentials, the airport has the bare necessities available. If you need cash, there are ATM machines across from the car rental booths.

And finally, regarding the check-in process. Check-in counters tend to open up approximately two hours prior to your scheduled departure. The advantage of this small airport is it is straightforward and easy to maneuver your way through.

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Tips for Using your Frequent

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Tips for Using your Frequent
Feb 21st 2012, 11:03

So you want to travel for free? One of the only real, tried and true ways to do so is through accumulating and then redeeming your frequent flyer miles for flights. American Airlines is the airline that first introduced the frequent flyer program, and they have some tips for earning and redeeming miles for travel.

It's been 25 years since American introduced frequent flyer programs to the air travel world. These tips are geared towards the American Airlines' AAdvantage program, but a few of the tips may be useful for many of the frequent flyer programs out there.

American Airlines top 10 for earning miles so you can travel free faster...

  • 1. Book online at AA.com - earn AAdvantage miles each time you do.
  • 2. Sign up for promotions - some promotions have bonus miles offered just for signing up, making a purchase, or at times you may be eligible for double or triple the usual miles for flying a certain route.
  • 3. Get a credit card to earn miles - if you get one of the Citi / AAdvantage cards, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus miles after your first purchase is made with the card.
  • 4. Stay at a hotel - American Airlines has 35 worldwide hotel partners representing nearly 75 hotel brands. And the miles add up quite quickly...five miles for every dollar spent at more than 10,000 hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
  • 5. Rent a car - AAdvantage miles can be earned with eight major car rental agencies so you can drive and earn.
  • 6. Dine Out - you can earn up to 10 miles for every dollar spent while dining out. More than 10,000 restaurants across the United States and Canada participate, and give you miles to eat.
  • 7. Take a vacation - AAdvantage members earn 1,000 AAdvantage bonus miles when booking via American Airlines Vacations .
  • 8. Financing - partnerships with financial services, such as banks, financial service firms, real estate companies, and home financing services, mean several ways to earn miles. Members can earn miles for banking, investing, or selling a home.
  • 9. Go shopping - you can earn miles at more than 90 brand-name retailers.
  • 10. Donate - Earn miles for making donations to non-profit organizations through the AAdvantage Fund Raising program from American Airlines.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Food for Flights

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Food for Flights
Feb 21st 2012, 11:03

Carrots are not my favorite vegetable but I find them hard to beat in terms of neat, dip-able vegetables to bring on board.

I buy pre-peeled and washed baby carrots and have them to either dip or eat on their own. The added bonus is the crunchiness of them can help with the old popping ears problem on the rare occasion that it happens for me.

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Monday, February 20, 2012

Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Face Massage Techniques

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
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Face Massage Techniques
Feb 20th 2012, 11:03

Now that the actual massage is complete, if you have access to a warm, moist towel then place it on your face to continue the relaxing effects.

Alternatively, you can take a bit of your facial moisturizer and gently moisturize your face to complete the self-massage.

All illustrations are copyright Arlene Fleming

In addition to more than a dozen years of experience working for an airline, Arlene Fleming is also a registered massage therapist who has completed over 2500 hours of study to become a massage therapist and qualified in Thai yoga massage, reflexology, hot stones, and a certified practitioner of Tibetan acupressure.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace medical advice. If you have any questions about massage and acupressure, discuss your options with a qualified health care practitioner.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: The facts on bringing car seat

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
The facts on bringing car seat
Feb 20th 2012, 11:03

It isn't a requirement yet, but more and more government civil aviation authorities are pushing for some form of mandatory use of approved car seats for infants and toddlers under 2. There are certainly safety issues if you bring your child under 2 on board as a "lap baby". Concerns over turbulence and other safety issues with flights have led numerous pediatric associations to encourage the use of a CRS for children under 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics is just one of the organizations that has issued statements regarding the use of a CRS during flights.

Currently, you do have the choice between carrying a child under two years old as a lap baby on almost every airline, but if you choose to purchase a seat, or chance it and try for an unoccupied seat for your child, the question then becomes can you bring the car seat you already own on board.

Car seats are often referred to as child restraint systems (CRS) by government agencies. For a CRS to be used on a flight it has to pass the regulations set by the country where the airline originates. Most industrialized nations have similar requirements regarding the specifics for child restraint systems when used during a flight.

Tips for using a car seat during a flight

  • To be able to use your car seat you will be looking for a label that states: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Similar labels will be found on car seats in Canada, the U.K., etc..
  • Check the width of the car seat. The FAA mentions 16 inches as the maximum width so that it will fit most airline seats.
  • Some airlines offer discounted airfares for infants occupying a seat, but not all. For airlines that do offer discounted airfares for infants, discounts tend to range from 10-50% less than an adult's airfare.
  • If you do not purchase a seat for your child under 2, the airline is not required to give you an empty seat. It may not always be easy to pick a flight that isn't full. However, mid-week and late morning or early afternoon flights often give you a better chance at extra empty seats on an aircraft. And you can always ask at the gate. When I see that an infant is traveling, as a gate agent I try to check the flight loads and seat chart for a row with extra empty seats.
  • A CRS should be placed in a window seat, but on an aircraft with three banks of seats per row, there is the possibility of using a middle seat in the middle bank. It is basically about leaving the aisles clear.
  • The FAA, as well as many of its international counterparts advise that children under 20 pounds be placed in a rear-facing CRS, and from 20 to 40 pounds use a forward-facing child restraint.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Southwest Airlines Low Cost Ai

Air Travel: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Southwest Airlines Low Cost Ai
Feb 20th 2012, 11:03

Year Founded:

Southwest Airlines was founded in 1971 in Dallas, Texas

Headquarters / Main Hub:

Southwest is based in Dallas, Texas. Its main hub is Dallas Love Field Airport, as well as hubs in Las Vegas and Chicago.

Official Website:

Seat Maps:

Phone Number:

phone #800-435-9792

Frequent Flyer and Global Alliance:

Southwest's frequent flyer program is Rapid Rewards. They are not currently associated with a global alliance of airlines.

Frequent flyer info

Major Crashes / Incidents:

Southwest Airlines has not had a crash that resulted in loss of life on board. However, in December of 2005 it did have a flight that skidded off the runway at Chicago's Midway Airport, and killed a boy traveling in a car that was hit by the plane as it skid.

Airline News:

Interesting Fact:

Southwest Airlines is a pioneer in low cost airlines, fighting legal battles for over 3 years in order to be allowed to fly. The legal fight was documented in an odd way and became a children's book.

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