10 Air Travel Questions, Asked and Answered

As a self-proclaimed air travel expert, I get questions all the time about the airline industry.  I decided to compile 10 questions I get pretty regularly and answer them for you.

1.  How do I find the cheapest airline tickets?

I covered that in my post Best Online Sites for Booking Cheap or Discounted Airline Tickets, where I listed sites including Hipmunk, Kayak and Cheapflights. And this post is also helpful: How to Snag Those Rock-Bottom Air Travel Deals.

Finally, I'm a big fan (and have scored some major deals) on SecretFlyer.com.

2.  Can a commercial jet fly safely with only one engine?

Today's modern jet aircraft are able to fly safely with only one engine. In an emergency, a plane can be flown with no engines, as demonstrated during US Airways Flight 1549, Miracle on the Hudson.

3.  What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

The first thing to do is not panic. You can read my tips here: 10 Things You Can Do To Handle Flight Delays And Cancellations.

4.  What happens if an airline loses my luggage?

This has happened to me four times in my travels; once my luggage was never found. I answer the question in this post: What Everyone Should Know About Lost Luggage. I also suggest carrying an emergency kit in your carry-on that includes a dental travel kit and a mini deodorant.

5.  What are three items you never travel without?

One, my Bose QC25 noise cancelling headphones to get away from the noise of crying babies, loud passengers and engines. Two, Pampers baby wipes, which do everything from refresh hands and faces to cleaning airplane surfaces.

Three, a pashmina, which can be used as a wrap, a pillow, a skirt cover and an accessory to dress up travel outfits. And check out other items I recommend that every traveler have for a comfortable flight.

6.  What are the best ways to get an upgrade to first or business class?

This is one of my most popular questions.

Airlines are really getting tight with upgrades overall, especially on international flights. But some ways you can get it are: if you have gold or above frequent flyer status on an airline; if you have an airline-branded credit card; if you've bought a full-fare economy class ticket; or if you dress like you should be sitting in premium class. None of these are guaranteed, but they can help.

7.  How do I handle it if I'm downgraded from first or business class on a flight?

This very thing happened to me on the first part of an international flight from Washington Dulles Airport. The simple answer is that you are refunded the fare difference -- but only if you ask. After I discovered the downgrade, I asked for a seat toward the front and they even offered me a free drink and snacks from first class.

8.  Should you buy cancellation travel insurance?

I'm of an age that when you traveled, you would see kiosks or desks at airports selling Mutual of Omaha travel insurance. These days, airline and travel web sites do offer you the chance to buy insurance in case your flight is cancelled. For example, United Airlines has partnered with Allianz Global Assistance for insurance in case you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for an unexpected, covered reason. It covers prepaid and nonrefundable tickets, accommodations and other travel expenses. It also covers emergency medical assistance.

9.  What happens if a pilot becomes incapacitated and is unable to fly the plane?

I covered this question here: What Happens When Your Airline Pilot Dies Inflight. The remaining pilot is more than able to fly the plane. There may be an off-duty pilot who can help. In case of extreme emergency, the crew may ask if there's a pilot onboard.

10.  What are the longest and shortest flights in the world?

Conde Nast Traveler has determined that Dallas/Fort Worth-Sydney on Qantas is the longest. The shortest is Westray-Papa Westray on Scotland's Loganair, which takes less than a minute.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Please follow my travel-related magazines on Flipboard: Best of About Travel, a joint curation venture with my fellow About Travel Experts; and Travel-Go! There's Nothing Stopping You, all about the passenger experience on the ground and in the air. You can also find my travel-related boards on Pinterest and follow me on Twitter at @AvQueenBenet.

10 Nice Air Travel Gifts You Can Buy For Under $50

Travelers can never have too many tools and gadgets to make going from point A to point B easily. And this is a category where there are myriad gifts available at different price points. I wrote about "25 Travel Gifts for Under $25," but you may have come into an unexpected windfall and want to spend more. Below are my picks for some great travel gifts that cost less than $50.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

1.  Travelrest - The Ultimate Travel & Neck Pillow

It's all about the inflight relaxation, especially if you're on a long-haul flight sitting in economy class. So get comfortable with this special pillow that offers support as you sleep sitting up. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

2.  Pashima Shawl

I never travel without these five items, including a pashima shawl. It can serve many purposes, like a pillow, a blanket and an outfit accessory. Consider one of these from Cashmere Pashmina Group, which offers them in 55 colors.  Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

3.  Victorinox Travel Organizer

 When one is traveling, one wants to be organized, because there are so many things you need to carry. This nylon case features a large stash pocket and full-length zippered pocket to store items including tickets, a passport and money. There are also handy slots for credit and business cards. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy Amazon.com

4.  Kenneth Cole Men's Top Zip Travel Kit with Around Bottom Compartment

This leather case has a wide-open zippered top, along with a front zipper pocket. There's also a bottom zip around compartment that has a removable mesh zipper pouch and a side handle for carrying. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

5.  3-piece Packing Cube Set

These 100 percent nylon cubes, in four colors, can be used to organize items that fit neatly inside luggage. They hold items including clothing, electronics and gadgets and can be put right into a hotel drawer.  Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

6.  Lalonovo Travel Luggage Accessory Bundles Set

This six-piece set is a great gift for someone about to travel for a bit of time. It includes one cross luggage strap belt, three TSA-approved luggage locks, five colorful luggage tags, a hand-held luggage scale, two luggage handle wraps and an add-a-bag luggage strap. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

7.  Samsonite Luggage 22 Inch Andante Wheeled Duffel

 I'm the type who doesn't check bags if I can possibly help it.  Which is why I like this 12-inch high, 12.5-inch wide wheeled duffel. It has an amazingly roomy main compartment, along with handy organization pockets. The strong handle and the wheel make it easy to haul. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Silver Fever

8.  Large Silver Fever Travel Tote

If I have a roller board suitcase and a large travel tote like this one from Silver Fever, I can travel the world and never check a bag. This nylon tote, which comes in 11 colors, features faux leather handles, a crossbody strap, a zippered top and a turn lock. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

9.  EZOPower 5-Port USB Charging Station and 5-Piece International AC Adapter Set

When you travel, there are always electronic devices that need to be charged. Plug this in the wall and you'll be able to charge devices via five USB ports. It also comes five different international AC adapter plugs that work in outlets worldwide. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

10.  Baosha HB-02 Men's Leather Handbag

This men's 100 percent leather, 17.7 x 9.8 x 9.8 inch weekend bag is the perfect companion piece for a quick trip or as a carry-on bag for a longer voyage. The bag features a zippered sandwich pocket, two wall pockets and one front pocket. Buy from Amazon »

25 Travel Gifts For Under $25

Anyone who travels even a few times a year needs to have items that make things as convenient and easy traveler. As a seasoned traveler myself, there are some items I never leave home without. But you want to have what you need without breaking the bank. Below are 25 great gift items for your favorite travelers that cost under $25. 

1.  Gogo Wi-Fi Passes

This inflight Wi-Fi provider offers day passes on Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Virgin America.  ;

An American Airlines gift card. Image courtesy of American Airlines

2.  Airline Gift Cards

The world's airlines offer gift cards for as low as $25, so give your gift recipient a start on a ticket. ;

Image courtesy of Amazon

3.  Universal Travel Organizer/ Electronics Accessories Case

The EVA Shockproof Carrying Travel Case can hold an iPad Mini, a Galaxy Tab 8 or a hard drive, among other items. It includes a built-in accessories pocket to hold devices, cables, an SD card and other accessories. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

4.  TSA-Approved Travel Bottles

Pack your liquids safely and securely with these four three-ounce bottles from Mon Image that are approved by the Transportation Security Administration. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

5.  Mocreo Travel Adapter

Traveling abroad? Then you need an adapter to keep your electronics charged and operating. So use this one from Mocreo, that features two USB ports and plugs that fit in more than 150 countries. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

6.  Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow

In my post "10 Tips to Get Through That Long-Haul Flight," I recommended investing in a travel pillow for comfort. You may want to consider this one by Travelmate. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

7.  ThinOPTICS Reading Glasses With Universal Pod Black Case

For those who can't keep up with their reading glasses, this item is ideal. The ultra-light and thin glasses are held in a pod case that attaches to the back of a smartphone, tablet, laptop or eReader.

Buy the ThinOPTICS Reading Glasses online

Image courtesy of Amazon

8.  Household Essentials Hanging Grooming & Cosmetics Travel Bag

When space in your luggage is at a premium, consider using this travel bag to hold cosmetics and grooming items. And bonus: it has a hook that can easily hang in a hotel bathroom. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

9.  Brill'Travel Luggage Scale

The airlines have become relentless about weighing bags and charging  you if you're even one ounce over the 50-pound limit. So avoid the fees by carrying this Brill'Travel portable scale that weighs by pounds or kilograms. Buy from Amazon »

Image Courtesy of Amazon

10.  Genuine Leather USA Great Seal Passport Wallet

You may be flying coach, but your passport can look first class with this leather wallet and case. It comes in nine colors and has six pockets to hold credit cards, driver's license and money. Buy from Amazon »

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Image courtesy of Amazon

11.  Lewis N. Clark Pressure Reducing Ear Plugs

These plugs help reduce background noise and reduce ear pressure on flights. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

12.  Flight 001 Carry On Clear Quart Bag

Ditch the disposable plastic zip-lock for this TSA-approved bag to hold your approved 3-ounce liquids.  Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

13.  Kid's Travel Journal

Let your children get involved with their travels by giving them this journal to record their experiences. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

14.  Executive TRAYblecloth Airplane Tray Organizer

With economy class space at a premium on planes, use this tray organizer with handy pockets to hold items like a book, an iPad, earplugs and snacks. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

15.  Incipio iGo 6000mAh Power Pack

You can't always depend on your airplane to have a power outlet, so use this one to charge your smartphones and tablets. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

16.  Bedtime Bliss Contoured & Comfortable Sleep Mask & Moldex Ear Plugs

You want to rest on that long-haul flight. This eyemask and earplug set, with its own carrying bag, will help you sleep. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

17.  LilGadgets Connect+ Volume Limited Wired Headphones

These children's headphones, with volume limits, come in five fun colors. They are foldable and come with their own carrying case. And see my recommendations for grownups here.  Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

18.  Compact Zippered Mini Sewing Kit

This kit, which  includes everything to handle those emergency repairs that inevitably happen while traveling. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

19.  Bundle Monster 5 pc Silicone Mixed Design Luggage Bag Tag Set

If your luggage is black, you need luggage tags like these to pick it out from the crowd at the baggage carousel. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

20.  Simplicity 2-Piece Travel Pillow & Blanket Set

 Since most airline no longer hand out pillows and blankets, bring your own with this set that folds down to a packable size. Buy from Amazon »

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Image courtesy of Amazon

21.  Lewis N. Clark Tsa Lockdown Triple Security Cable Lock

Keep your luggage on lockdown with these TSA-approved devices. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

22.  Baggallini Curling Iron Cover

 Give your hot curling iron a safe place to cool off with this travel cover. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

23.  Holiberty 4-Piece set of Waterproof Travel Drawstring Bags

These bags, which come in three colors, can hold everything from dirty laundry to shoes. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

24.  Travelon 7-Day Pill Planner

You may be away, but you still need to take your medications and vitamins, which can be stored in this case. Buy from Amazon »

Image courtesy of Amazon

25.  Bago Hidden Travel Wallet

This RFID-blocking wallet can be worn around the neck or as an undercover waist pouch. It holds a passport, money and credit cards. Buy from Amazon »

DXB - Dubai International Airport

Baggage carousel at Dubai International's Terminal 3.  Photo courtesy of Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport is the world's 3rd busiest airport by passenger traffic, connecting to over 260 destinations with over 140 airlines.  It is the main hub for Emirates and Flydubai and a secondary hub for Qantas.

+971 4 224 5555

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Getting to Dubai International Airport

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• Shopping
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Unusual Services

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Guess Which International Spots Are Tops for Thanksgiving Travel?

Back when I worked for the airlines, I learned a secret -- that employees used their Thanksgiving holidays to travel abroad. Why? Because while most flights in the United States were full or even oversold during the week before to the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, international flights were wide open.

It looks like the rest of America has caught up with this thinking, according to a new survey by San Francisco-based travel services provider Switchfly.

According to the company's survey, the number one Thanksgiving travel destination is Brazil, followed by Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It also found that these trips abroad will average between four and six days.

"Apart from the obvious allure of warmer climes, travelers are likely to find excellent deals on international travel around the Thanksgiving holiday," said Daniel Farrar, CEO of Switchfly in a press release.

"While domestic travel volume is very high, fewer people travel internationally, which means airlines rightly incentivize customers to fly abroad."

Top International Thanksgiving Travel Destinations

 

                                       Average length of stay

1. Brazil                                       6.3 days

2. Mexico                                    5.2 days

3. Dominican Republic               5.5 days

4. Puerto Rico                            4.6 days

5. Aruba                                      5.2 days

6. Bahamas                                 4.6 days

7. Jamaica                                   5.4 days

8. Argentina                               4.0 days

9. England                                   6.3 days

10. Cayman Islands                   5.6 days

 

As shown in the chart above, the vast majority of those traveling abroad for Thanksgiving are targeting warm weather destinations. In Brazil, American travelers will find average temperatures about 80 degrees F with nearly 5,000 miles of beach coastline to enjoy.

The six best beaches in the country according to About's Brazil Expert, are: Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Jericoacoara, Paraty and Trindade. 

Except for England, number nine on Switchfly's list, the rest of the top 10 are as warm as Brazil, including:

• Mexico, number two. The About Mexico Travel Expert offers her picks for the top 10 beaches in the country;
• the Dominican Republic, number three. The About Caribbean Expert shares his favorite destinations;  

• Puerto Rico, number four. The About Puerto Rico Expert offers a vacation planning guide; and

• the Bahamas, number six. About.com offers a travel guide to the country.

Average temperatures in the United States are much cooler, at 63 degrees in San Francisco, 54 degrees in New York City and 48 degrees in Chicago.

The most surprising destination on the survey? "England.  How ironic, as a new country our first major holiday after leaving the motherland was Thanksgiving," said a spokesman via email. 

In a 2014 holiday survey, Switchfly found that the number one destination for holiday travel is the home of a parent, with the beach the second-most popular destination, said he/she said. "For 2015, we wanted to explore deeper into the details of that finding," he said.

With so many people traveling domestically, less people tend to travel internationally, he said. "And the best way to attract customers is by providing incredible deals," he/she said. "With a few extra days off during the week, why wouldn't people take advantage of a quick international escape?"

The numbers for the survey came from aggregate consumer data pulled from the Switchfly travel platform database, he said. Thanksgiving travel bookings were defined as travel beginning between November 20-26, 2015, and ending between November 27-30, 2015.

#FlashbackFriday - 17 Great Retro Airline Liveries

During a United Airlines event at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, I saw an Airbus A320 painted in the carrier's Friendship livery, used in the 1970s. I've always been a fan of the old-school liveries, which is why I created my Pinterest board, Retro Airline Liveries. The board has photos of airline paint jobs from the past, and below are 17 examples.

A United Airlines Boeing 747 in the Friendship livery at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. By RuthAS (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

1.  United AIrlines

Speaking of United Airlines' Friendship livery, here's an example of it on a Boeing 747 parked at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.  ;

An American Airlines Boeing 737 painted with the old Astrojet livery, parked at Miami International Airport. By Nandhp (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

2.  American Airlines

This is the American Airlines Astrojet livery painted on a Boeing 737. The livery was used by the Fort Worth-based carrier in the 1960s. ;

A Continental Airlines DC-10. Photo courtesy of Contri/Flickr http://tinyurl.com/o2g7ar3

3.  Continental Airlines

This is the Jetstream logo designed for the Houston-based carrier in the 1970s by famous graphic designer Saul Bass. His other works include AT&T, Dixie (the paper plates/cups company), Quaker Oats and the YWCA. ;

A Boeing 747-100 of Northwest Orient Airlines at London Gatwick Airport. By Eduard Marmet [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

4.  Northwest Orient Airlines

Here is a Northwest Orient Boeing 747 parked at London Gatwick Airport in 1983.  ;

A Delta Air Lines L-1011. Photo courtesy of the Delta Flight Museum

5.  Delta Air Lines

A Lockheed L-1011 takes off at the Atlanta-based carrier's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Widget logo was introduced in 1962 to signal the airline's entrance into the jet age. ;

An Air France Airbus A320 in a retro livery. By Konstantin von Wedelstaedt [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

6.  Air France

French flag carrier Air France painted an Airbus A320 in a livery it introduced in 1946.  The airline used the classic livery to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2008.   ;

A Finnair Airbus A319. Photo courtesy of Finnair

7.  Finnair

This Airbus A319 is sporting a livery that was used by the Helsinki-based carrier on its fleet of Convair aircraft in the 1950s. It was done to celebrate the airline's 85th anniversary in 2008.  ;

A BAC 1-11 in the British Airways Landor livery. Photo courtesy of Przemysław Jahr

8.  British Airways

The London-based carrier unveiled this livery, created by Landor Associates, in December 1984. It featured gray, blue and bright red, keeping the Union Jack on the tailfin and adding the airline's coat of arms. It also included the iconic red Speedwing across the fuselage. ;

A Cathay Pacific Lockheed L-1011 parked at Japan's Osaka Airport. By Communi core by S.Fujioka (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons

9.  Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong's flag carrier adopted this livery, with the Union Jack on the tail, in the 1960s. ;

A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i in a classic livery. Photo courtesy of AirwaysNews.com

10.  Lufthansa

This Boeing 747-8i flown by the German flag carrier was painted in a classic livery as it celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2016. The only thing different is that the original design had a bare metal fuselage. ;

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A retro KLM Boeing 737 at Helsinki Airport. By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia (KLM (Retro livery), PH-BXA, Boeing 737-8K2) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

11.  KLM

This Boeing 737-800 is painted in the Dutch flag carrier's livery from 1960 to 1970 to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2009. KLM is the oldest carrier still flying under its original name.  ;

A Swissair DC-4. Photo courtesy of Aero Icarus/Flickr

12.  Swissair

Swiss Air Lines leased this Douglas DC-4 in 1997 from South African Airways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the flag carrier's trans-Atlantic flights that started in May 1947.

A US Airways Airbus A319 retro jet in the America West livery. US Airways retro jet in the America West livery. By Konstantin von Wedelstaedt [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

13.  America West

After Phoenix-based America West merged with US Airways in 2005, the latter created a series of retro jets harkening back to its predecessor airlines. Here is a US Airways Airbus A319 jet in the original America West livery. ;

Allegheny Airlines DC-9. Piergiuliano Chesi [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

14.  Allegheny Airlines

Allegheny Airlines was a predecessor carrier to what became US Airways, now American Airlines. This McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jet was delivered to the carrier on March 30, 1970. ;

An Air Canada Boeing 747-100. By Eduard Marmet [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

15.  Air Canada

The country's flag carrier used this livery, seen on a Boeing 747-100, from 1965 through 1988. The livery was adopted after Trans-Canada Airlines was renamed Air Canada. ;

A Hawaiian Airlines Convair 640. By RuthAS (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

16.  Hawaiian Airlines

 This is a Hawaiian Airlines Convair 640 parked at Honolulu Airport in 1971.

A TWA Constellation. By Matthew Anderson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (creativecommons.o...], via Wikimedia Commons

17.  TWA

This Constellation aircraft, dubbed the Star of Switzerland, flew for TWA in the 1940s and 1950s. It was restored and donated the Pima Air Museum in Tucson, Arizona. ;