Last-Minute Airfare Bargains

Standard travel advice is to plan ahead, book ahead, and get everything nailed down months before your departure. And generally, that’s good advice. As your travel date nears, rates will tend to creep up, so booking six weeks ahead will almost always save you some green.

But some of the best vacations are those that we don’t plan for. Surprise your spouse, and indulge your fun and adventurous side with a spur-of-the-moment trip to the warm, clear beaches of Bali, or a last-minute shopping spree in Hong Kong! And the good news is, last-minute trips don’t always cost more. And even better, sometimes they cost less.

Why do last-minute bargains exist?

It’s simple supply and demand. Prices are low six or more weeks ahead of departure time, then they gradually creep up as seats get sold. A week before departure, there are fewer seats, so demand is higher, and they will get sold for more. But a day or two before, the airline may still have some empty seats, and suddenly they face the possibility of unsold space. And so, the last-minute special was invented as a way of helping the airlines to make sure that every possible seat on the plane gets sold. Most airlines and travel sites have “last minute deals” advertised on a regular basis, so if you’re feeling adventurous and have a little flexibility around your vacation plans, keep a watch on these deals. Sign up for email alerts. And be ready to go when just the right deal presents itself.

It’s a Secret!

The airlines have last minute deals to make money, but at the same time, they don’t want them to be too widely advertised, lest too many customers wait till the last minute and stop booking ahead of time altogether. As a result, many consolidators and flight Web sites will offer these deals without revealing the name of the airline. The advantage is a remarkably cheap deal, but the downside is that you won’t know which airline you’re flying on until after you’ve already paid. But if you’re willing to take pot luck, then you can get the deals that nobody else can get.

A few caveats

Last-minute deals can be fun as well as cheap, but there are a few things to know ahead of time. Many of the departures may be mid-week, when the airplanes are less likely to be filled with customers paying full fare, and the fares may be non-refundable. And because you’re taking the leftover seats that haven’t sold, it is less likely that you’ll be able to sit together. You may be getting two single seats in the middle of the aisle, on opposite sides of the plane.

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Senior Air Fare Discounts

Senior air fare discounts can be found on some airlines for several Asian connections. If you are approaching your senior years you can probably still visualize Dennis Hopper waving his arms around as he tells you about retirement planning , claiming that “60 is the new 40.” But it’s important to have a plan.
Have a Flexible Plan

When it comes to air fare discounts, you need to do some serious planning. Gone are the coupon booklets and standard 10% off discounts once you hit sixty-five. Senior air fare discounts are easy to find on some airlines like United Airlines, but for other senior air fare discounts, you have to hunt. Not all airlines offer them. Often, independent airline ticket websites are your best choice for finding senior discounts, although you will find that several of the major sites do not offer any senior discount fares at all. If you’re buying tickets online, check multiple online sites to find the best discounts.

If you are serious about finding the best fares, you need a plan based on a good amount of research. Every airline has a place on their website advertising “deals”. Some have “deals of the week” and some have deals for flights to different locations. It pays to search out and compare deals for the destinations you are considering; sometimes the special deals will be better than a standard fare with senior discount. Flexibility is the key. This means flexibility in both destination and timing. This can be especially true for travel to Asian countries.

Today, some of the best deals for travelers at any age can be had if you don’t care when you go or where you land. Some of you may be saying, “what’s the point of traveling to someplace if you are never sure if you are ever going to get there?” But the nature of the fierce competition common to the airline business changes things so quickly that an open and flexible attitude towards travel attitude may be the best “plan” to have.

Follow these rules of thumb

Plan ahead, but not too far ahead. One month ahead works better than one week ahead but, ten months ahead doesn’t always mean cheaper tickets.

Shop around directly on the airline websites.

Some airlines offer a website box to check for 65+, which sometimes gives you a better price. If you use ticket aggregators to find senior air fare discounts be sure to note the flight number for your choice and then go direct to the airline website. Sometimes you’ll find a cheaper fare or better discounts when you buy direct.
Don’t forget to compare between aggregator websites, since some show discounts for senior air fares and others do not.
Due to intense competition, fares at every fare website change daily, or sometimes even hourly. If you find a good deal, take it—it might be gone by tomorrow. If you think you can do better, keep searching and checking back. You could be rewarded with cheaper fares and discounts for your efforts.

Also, take advantage of any memberships (such as AARP) that may offer special benefits or discounts for senior travel.

It can pay to do the research for International flights. A small discount can still mean big savings for senior air fare discount as you head to that exotic dream vacation.

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How to Save on Airfare with Open Jaw Tickets and Circle Trips

Among those who travel often by plane, there are only a handful of frequent travelers who know that there are more savings to be had if they book through Open Jaw Tickets or Circle Trips. People typically travel or buy tickets using Round Trip mode, but these two websites circumvent the process and generally end up saving the purchaser money in the long run.

Using Open Jaw Tickets and Circle Trips is a relatively simple process. With an Internet connection and basic navigation skills, you can benefit from the same discounted tickets that these frequent flyers already know about if you follow these simple steps.

1. Understand what Open Jaw Ticket is and does. A quick Google search shows that Open Jaw Ticket deals with airline tickets wherein you travel from Point A to B and then travel back to Point A by another route, Point C. Travel between Point B and C is done over land or water. For purposes of discussion, we’ll call Point A your Home City, Point B your Destination City, and Point C your Departure City.

2. Determine your Destination and Departure Cities. Usually they are just neighboring airports or at least in the same area or country. It cannot be farther away, since this distance should be shorter than the total distance of Point A + Point B and Point C + Point A. Otherwise, it doesn’t qualify for an Open Jaw Ticket.

3. Meet the conditions of Open Jaw Ticket. To get the cheapest Open Jaw Ticket, certain circumstances must be met. First, all flights taken should be with the same airline or at least partner airlines like Northwest and KLM. Second, the departure and destination cities must be near one another as explained in step two. Finally, the fares for both flights (Home City to Destination City and Departure City to Home City) must conform to airline rules, although they can be combined so that both fares follow the more restrictive fare rule. You save money because each leg of your trip costs less combined than roundtrip ticket fares. It takes the average cost of two round-trip fares, therefore saving you more money.

4. Familiarize yourself with Circle Trips. Booking with Circle Trips also means flying between three cities: Point A to B, Point B to C, and Point C to A. You save fares on circle trips because each leg of your journey is considered a one-way flight, which costs less than roundtrip air fare. However, like Open Jaw Ticket, some rules apply to avail of Circle Trip savings. First, all flights must be from the same airline or its partners. Second, the second leg or flight of your journey must be the shortest of the trip.

5. Go to sites like Travelocity or Orbitz which offer these kinds of fares. You need to choose a multi-city or multi-destination option. On Expedia, you can first choose one-way and then choose multi-city afterward to book Circle Trips or Open Jaw Tickets.

Tips and Warnings:

• Most airlines will have and permit these kinds of travel fares. However, they may not always be the cheapest flights due to the advent of budget airlines. Double-check and compare prices before booking.
• Circle Trips and Open Jaw are great ways to explore more than one city and still save money.

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Airline Consolidators - How to get the Best Consolidator Ticket Deal

Consolidator tickets are tickets on airlines that are for international travel. Flying with consolidator tickets is pretty much the same as flying with standard tickets, with the primary difference being that consolidator tickets are cheaper. This is because consolidators get discounts from airlines for buying tickets in large volumes.
This is how it works: The airline sells empty seats to consolidators to fill up the flight. If the plane flies with empty seats, it is lost profit for the airline. Consolidators market these "cheap seats," and the airline returns the favor by giving low contract rates.

How Consolidator Tickets Help You

Air travel consolidators help you to compare flight fares between airlines for a specific flight route during the same period, allowing you to save time and money. You can also decide which airline and flight schedule suits you best. Securing a consolidator ticket generally cuts between 10% and 70% or more off the airlines’ selling prices. At airfare sales, you can get a cheaper ticket with a published rate, although this does not happen all the time since fares go up during the summer and holiday seasons.

Consolidator tickets normally do not have the same restrictions that airlines have on advanced air fare purchases. By using a consolidator ticket, you can fly into one city and exit from another. Moreover, consolidator tickets do not require advance purchase and are refundable with little penalty.

How to Use Consolidator Tickets

1. Find an online consolidator you trust, because the relationship counts a lot. When you work with a consolidator you trust and who trusts you back, it is possible to get a fair deal. Inquire about the yield management system that is used to calculate your airfare. A yield management system computes the selling price of an airfare based on factors such as season, point of departure, time, local and international events, and market forces.

2. Make sure to find out the rules before you buy your ticket. Consolidator tickets are treated the way standard tickets are treated, but there may be special rules that apply in certain situations.

3. Ask about the details of the seat and the flight in general. When you fly with a consolidator ticket, you are supposed to get meals and other benefits you would normally get with a standard ticket.

4. Buy your ticket as early as possible. The population of online travel consolidators is growing, and the result is a vibrant online travel industry. Because of this, there is pressure on offline travel consolidators to go online as well. When you use an online air travel consolidator’s service, you can compare air fare prices between airlines and consolidators as well. This will allow you to get the best deal to suit your needs.

Where to find consolidators

Most Sunday travel sections of big news newspapers publish consolidator contacts and links. In the United States consolidator centers are located in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Portland, Honolulu, Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, and Minneapolis. International consolidator hubs are also based in England, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Israel, Australia, Thailand, and Canada.

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Saving Time and Money with Alternate Airports in the US

Airport alternatives provide options to travelers based on what is most convenient for them. Choosing an alternate airport can save you a significant amount of money from your airfare.

San Francisco Alternate Airports

1. San Francisco International Airport — this airport is located about 9 miles south of the main city. Almost all international airline carriers have scheduled flights to San Francisco every year. Some of the major airlines served by the airport include Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

Although this airport enjoys a great location at the rim of the San Francisco Bay, the place can be foggy at times, which often reduces visibility on the runways, resulting in flight delays when only one of its two runways can be used. Because of the potential delays at San Francisco International, international travelers often choose alternate airports. Flights to alternate airports can be less expensive, but just as convenient.

Taxis are available at the designated taxi zones near the Arrivals and Baggage Claim Areas in all terminals. The airport also has “air trains” which are free of charge.

2. San Jose International Airport — located 60 miles south of San Francisco, this airport is another alternative for those traveling to the city. Although quite far from the center of San Francisco, this airport is a good pit stop if you will be traveling down to Carmel, Monterey or any area south of San Francisco. You only have to rent a car or take a shuttle to your destination. Major airline carriers that have regular trips to the airport include Continental Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Air.

3. Oakland International Airport — this airport is located about 25 miles from the city of San Francisco. The airport is easily accessible for locals through shuttle buses and taxis. Major airlines such as Delta, Alaska Air, United, Southwest and America West have regularly scheduled international flights to this airport. This is a good starting point for those who plan to travel to Yosemite, Sequoia, Napa and Lake Tahoe.

Los Angeles Alternate Airports

1. Los Angeles International Airport — this is the main airport serving Los Angeles, California. It is located 16 miles from the downtown core. Since it is the most famous among all airports in Los Angeles, it is easily accessible by bus or taxi cab. Flights are sometimes delayed due to passenger traffic, as it serves around 60 million passengers every year. Some of the major airlines that the airport serves include Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Hawaiian Airlines, KLM, Northwest Airlines, TACA, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Volaris and WestJet.

2. Long Beach Airport — relatively smaller than the main international airport, the Long Beach International Airport is located about 11 miles from the city’s core. It has limited daily flights, and most of them are 90 percent on time. Good shuttle and taxi services are available, although there are very limited domestic and international passenger flights served by the airport.

3. Ontario International Airport — this is another one of the alternate airports surrounding Los Angeles, although it is quite far from the center of the city. It is located 35 miles from the center of Los Angeles, or approximately a 30-minute drive from L.A. It has poor shuttle and taxi services compared to the two previously mentioned airports. Some of the airline carriers that fly to the airport include United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Us Airways, Aeromexico and Horizon Air.

4. Palmdale Regional Airport — this is ideal for domestic flights to Los Angeles. Although located 65 miles from the center of the city, flights to this airport can be relatively cheaper than those offered to the main airport of the city. Plans for expansion are currently in progress, although there is such high potential for the airport because of the land area it covers.

Chicago Alternate Airports

1. O’Hare International Airport — considered “the best airport in North America” for ten years, this airport is located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. With an average of 2,500 flights per day, air traffic is sometimes the cause of delay for many domestic and international flights. This airport is accessible by bus or shuttle, depending on your preference. All major airlines from America and many major airlines carriers from other countries have daily scheduled flights to this airport.

2. Chicago Midway International Airport — this airport is known as the Midway Airport or simply the Midway for many locals. It is located 8 miles from the center of the city. This airport is more heavily used by low-cost airlines, although some flights from major international carriers are also available.

Airline traffic is fair, and flights are usually on time. Airlines that are supported by the airport are AirTran Airways, Delta Connection, Shuttle America, Northwest Airlines, Northwest Airlink, Compass Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

The airport is served by the Transit Authority of Chicago. Upon arrival, passengers can board the Orange Line trains at the airport terminal bound for several destinations within Chicago.

3. Gary/Chicago International Airport — located 25 miles from downtown Chicago, this airport has inconsistent international flights to a number of destinations. Currently, the airport has temporarily ceased their service for domestic and international flights because of ongoing expansions.

4. Chicago Rockford International Airport — an international airport serving several airlines, this airport is located 68 miles from Chicago. Because of the distance, a small number of international airlines serve the airport. Some of these include Allegiant Air, Aeromexico Travel, Direct Air and Virgin America. Although shuttle buses and taxis are available for passengers, the distance from the center of the city makes it the least preferred airport for travelers bound for Chicago.

New York City Alternate Airports

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport — this airport is located around 8 miles from Manhattan. It is currently the leading gateway to the United States, which is why you can expect that almost all flights bound for this airport can be relatively more expensive than those bound for other airports. It is also the base for major airlines such as JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Flights are 90 percent on time.

You can expect good taxi and shuttle services available from the airport. It is accessible for international and domestic travelers.

2. Newark Liberty International Airport — located about 15 miles from the core of Manhattan, this airport serves good public transport and easy cab access to travelers. Some of the major airlines that fly to this airport include Air Canada, Air Trans Airways, American Airways, United Airlines, US Airways, Miami Air International and JetBlue Airways.

3. LaGuardia Airport — this is the smallest among the three primary airports of New York. It serves international flights from airlines such as Continental Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Air Canada and several other international airline carriers. Taxis that serve the airport are licensed by the city government. As you arrive at the airport, uniformed taxi dispatchers will assist you with your ride.

4. Westchester County Airport — this airport is located 30 miles from the center of Manhattan. The airport has two major runways that serve a number of domestic and international flights. Today, the airport is served by 8 major airline carriers bound to a range of destinations in the US and Canada. Some of the international airlines that it serves include the American Eagle, Air Canada, Cape Air, Delta Connections and United Express Airways.

This airport is ideal for those who are traveling to nearby cities of New York. The airport has a rather poor provision for cabs or shuttles.

Boston Alternate Airports

1. General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport —this is the main airport of Boston. It is located approximately 4 miles from the core of the city. It is simply known as the “Logan Airport” to many locals. Travelers to Boston are most likely to be brought to this airport. It is included on the list of the 20 busiest airports in the United States, with over 27 million passengers every year. It serves almost all major international airline carriers in the world.

Taxis are accessible within its perimeters. All transportation is coordinated and licensed by the airport. Taxis, shuttle buses and limousines are available at their designated terminals.

2. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport — called the “Manchester Airport”, this airport is located 3 miles from the center of the city. It bears the reputation of never surrendering even under extremely bad weather. It serves regional and interstate flights served by the major airlines in the US. Taxi cabs and shuttles are easily accessible.

3. Portsmouth International Airport — this was formerly known as the Pease International Airport before its name was changed. Located 50 miles from the city of Boston, this is also one of the nearest airports from the city. It provides services to international and domestic passengers and offers free parking and no traffic, which means less hassles and flight delays. The amenities of the airport were built according to international airport standards.

4. Worcester Regional Airport — this airport can be found 28 miles from the core of Boston City. The airport has three runways that mostly serve domestic flights within the United States. Passenger flights to a range of domestic and international destinations are being served in this airport. They provide safe, secure and efficient services both for passengers and aircrafts.

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How to Survive Airport Problems, Travel Simply and Have a Better Trip

Your holiday fun starts with a smooth flight. We have a few tips to help you enjoy your travels.

Traveling Light - A Joy Many Never Experience

Depending on your complete itinerary, try to travel with the minimal amount of baggage. If you can travel light, the ease of going through the airport, traveling with your baggage will be make your travels much more enjoyable. Yes, packing light is a skill but worth the effort. Anything bulkier than your backpack or carry-on should be left out if you want to try this out. Think how long your holiday trip is and the number of times you will change your clothes. Simplify. Take only what you need, and plan to dress comfortably. Dress down, since you are unlikely to attend a Cannes Film Festival awards night.

At The Airport

Arrive early. The golden rule is to get to the airport two hours early for domestic check-in and two and one-half hours for international flights. When you are at the airport ahead of time, you can double-check your bag, make calls to friends and family, and relax before boarding.

Know airport and airline rules, which can vary from facility to facility. Know which rules are in place at your point of departure, and read and understand pertinent information such as e-ticket and airport announcements.

Know where you are and where you need to go. Check the flight boards regularly, locate your gate, and do not hesitate to ask airport personnel if you need help locating something.
Keep your identification and boarding pass easily accessible at all times. You will need both from the time you check in until you board the plane. So you do not lose them, insert them in a book or magazine you are reading. Again, read your boarding pass before boarding the plane.
Keep your cool. If the “D” word (delay) happens because of a lengthy security check, tell yourself it is for your own good. Putting on an attitude and ridiculing airport management can annoy other passengers. Neither should you comment about bombs nor terrorists in an already tense situation, as those are very sensitive issues in airport security.

On The Plane

Be kind and polite to airline staff and fellow passengers. Keep in mind that the flight attendants are doing their best to make your flight as comfortable as possible. If you believe you complaint is legitimate, state it politely.

Occupy yourself. It can be painfully boring on a long-haul flight if all you do is sit and stare at nothing in particular. Get your brain cells working by reading a book or magazine.
Get up and stretch once in a while. Drink water or juice on the plane: The recycled air in the cabin can cause dehydration, so avoid drinks with too much caffeine like coffee and colas.

If you sleep on a long flight, try to wake up about an hour before arrival and wash your face in the bathroom. You will feel much more refreshed and presentable when you disembark.

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How to use Farecast and Compare fares

Farecast offers free airfare predictions to more than 87 popular European destinations. Users of Farecast can request predictions to their destination, and the site shows a certainty rating based on previous figures on the market you are searching. Farecast also displays a history chart within the last 90 days of the fares from your point of departure to your destination.

Moreover, Farecast lists the current fares and links with other travel sites where you can compare and purchase tickets. Farecast partners with travel websites like Orbitz.com, Kayak, and others. Air fare rates and travel facts are freely shared between these sites.

Click “Add My City” on Farecast’s homepage. By doing so you can usually save about $150 if you purchase two tickets.

Go to the "Plan Trips" tab on Farecast's website. For example, if you need to depart between July 1 and July 31 and you choose Boston and Los Angeles as your airports, Farecast shows the cheapest fares on both dates. Keep in mind that during holidays and national events, air fares will increase.

When you provide Farecast with a return date a week after your scheduled departure, the site gives you the lowest fares within the next seven days. Farecast drives home the point that it is better to purchase tickets now rather than wait until air fares go up. If Farecast predicts air fare is going down, however, it’s in your best interest to wait to book a flight since doing so could save you cash.

When you click “Plan Trips,” another graph shows you possible airfare rates in the next two months. Farecast bases these rates on past and current trends.

On the left side of Farecast's results page, a set of check boxes narrows your desired departure and return times. Here you can also limit the number of plane changes and acceptable airlines. Keep in mind that Farecast does not let you make reservations; instead, Farecast links you to sites that will accept your reservations. What Farecast does is look up other travel sites and offer you results that you can adjust by using the site’s slider bars. You can make adjustments by un-checking airlines and airports in the box. If you prefer not to fly on a particular airline, for example, you can remove that airline's check mark from the list. Farecast’s and the other travel sites’ search results will not include the airline you un-checked.

When your departure and return and dates are final, you can begin choosing an itinerary. Farecast links with other travel sites on which you can purchase tickets for that purpose. For instance, the site can show you four flights for $362 on your chosen date of July 18 aboard a specific airline. You can see other airline information on the site as well.

Recently Farecast launched free international predictions on more than 200 destinations, including U.S. cities, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and tourist destinations in Europe.

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The Story of Airline Alliances

Most likely, you’ve heard that airline alliances make traveling across countries and continents easy. From a commuter’s standpoint, the ease of travel is still improving despite the problems presented by 9/11. From the airliner and business point of view, there are still ways to improve business and profitability. One way to go about reaching business and profit projections is to enter into an airline alliance. An airline alliance is an agreement among air carriers on many common issues and concerns. These alliances work to allow US air carriers to travel across countries and continents to a partner airline’s hub and priviliges, allowing alliance passengers to transfer to partner flights as connecting flights. Currently, the three largest alliances in use today are Star Alliance, Sky Team and Oneworld Alliance.

Reasons for Alliances

Entering into an airline alliance is a win-win situation for airlines. Here are some of the reasons why being part of an airline alliance is one of the most profitable decisions that an airliner can make.

• The airlines enjoy an extensive and optimized network among themselves, including codesharing, which allows others to share priviliges among member airlines.
• An effective overhead cost reduction occurs for the airline, as each alliance member can share information for booking and reservation purposes.

The airline alliance also provides travelers with the following benefits:

• Price discounts as a result of lowered route operational costs
• More choices for departure times on a given route
• More destinations
• Optimized travel time from facilitated transfers
• Broader airport lounge options
• Increased earning capacity for flyer miles
• Lower around-the-world ticket prices

Airline Alliances Memberships

Three major airline alliances operate in the industry. They are Star Alliance, Sky Team Alliance and Oneworld Alliance, and their member airlines are as follows.

Star Alliance

• Air Canada – Canada’s largest full service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in Canada.
• Air China – The only airline company servicing China and other stops that carry the flag of the People’s Republic of China.
• Air New Zealand – New Zealand’s national airline serving 52 cities in 15 countries, with 26 destinations within the country.
• All Nippon Airways – One of Japan’s private airlines that serves 77 destinations in 11 countries.
• Asiana Airlines – This is the second flag carrier of South Korea, serving 82 cities in 20 countries and 12 destinations within its country.
• Austrian Airlines – The leading carrier in Central, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
• BMI – The second largest airline company at Heathrow Airport in London, with services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Northern Africa.
• EgyptAir – Egypt’s flag carrier with 69 destinations in 44 countries and over 1200 weekly flights.
• LOT Polish Airlines – This is one of the oldest airlines in Europe, and is currently one of the most modern airlines in Europe, carrying many passengers to major hubs in Europe and North America.
• Lufthansa – Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, the service flies to 208 destinations.
• Scandinavian Airlines - A consortium of the national airlines in Denmark, Norway and Sweden offering 822 flights to Europe.
• Shanghai Airlines – The airline has a fleet of 66 aircraft with a 170 domestic and 13 international and regional destinations.
• Singapore Airlines – Throughout its long history, this airline has become one of the most innovative service carriers to 65 destinations in 35 countries.
• South African Airways – As one of the oldest airlines in the world, it offers travel to 20 destinations across Africa, including its hub in South Africa.
• SpanAir – The Spanish flag carrier offers 250 daily flights with a fleet 48 aircraft covering intercontinental flights to Madrid-Washington-Dallas, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Havana.
• Swiss International Air Lines – Swiss quality service has been a mark of the Swiss national airline, traveling to 90 destinations from its Zurich hub, Basel and Geneva international airports.
• TAP Portugal – The leading Portuguese airline with Lisbon as its hub, traveling to 59 domestic and international destinations in 26 countries throughout the world.
• Thai Airways International – With Bangkok as its hub, this is Asia’s leading airline with 74 destinations in 35 countries worldwide.
• Turkish Airlines – Turkey’s national flag carrier and one of the fastest growing in the world, servicing 112 international and 36 domestic destinations.
• United Airlines – One of the United States’ foremost airlines, servicing 200 domestic and international destinations.
• US Airways – One of the greatest successes in the airline industry from its airmail delivery origins, with 3,800 daily departures to 240 destinations to 32 countries.

Sky Team Alliance

• Aeroflot – The largest Russian airline operating 302 flights a day to 94 destinations in 47 countries.
• AeroMexico – The Caballero Aguila is one of the biggest airlines with offerings of daily flights to North, Central and South America, and Europe and Asia.
• Air France – This French flag carrier operates 1,862 flights, most of which are nonstop to 258 destinations in 110 countries.
• Alitalia – The Italian flagship covers 89 destinations in 44 countries, with 665 flights daily.
• China Southern Airlines – China’s largest airline with a large domestic and international service.
• Continental Airlines – The world’s fifth largest airlines with 289 destinations for its 3,500 daily departures.
• CSA Czech Airlines – The airline is one of the most convenient airlines servicing Western and Eastern Europe.
• Delta Airlines – This US airline service covers 321 destinations in 64 countries, with 37 transatlantic markers.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – This is Europe’s leading airline with a total of 258 destinations worldwide either nonstop or through another airport.
• Korean Air – This airline has services to over 115 destinations in over 38 countries.
• Northwest Airlines – This large US airline service has at least 2,655 daily departures with 905 destination cities in 169 countries in six continents.
• Air Europa – This is a local airline in the Spanish territory with 44 destinations in 15 countries.
• Copa Airlines – Its hub is Panama, with 41 destinations serving 22 countries.
• Kenya Airways – The airline of choice in Africa, with 42 destinations in 34 countries.

Oneworld Alliance

• American Airlines – The biggest airline in the world leading to over 250 destinations worldwide.
• British Airways – Based in London Heathrow with 175 destinations in 80 countries.
• Cathay Pacific – One of the premium carriers in Asia with destinations to 115 hubs in 36 countries.
• Finnair – Finland’s air carrier, reaching 60 destinations in 30 countries worldwide.
• Iberia Air – This Spanish flag carrier offers flights to 105 cities in over 40 countries.
• Japan Airlines – The largest airline in the Asia Pacific Region with operations in 90 destinations in 25 countries.
• LAN Alliance – The merged service for Ecuador, Argentina, Chile and Peru, which serves 60 destinations in 20 countries in Latin America and the world.
• Malev – The Hungarian flag carrier serves 50 destinations in 37 countries throughout Europe.
• Qantas – The Australian airline and covers 85 destinations in 40 countries through its long distance carrier service.
• Royal Jordanian – The national carrier of Jordan and one of the best services in the Middle East, with 50 destinations in 30 countries worldwide.

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How to Get the Best Seat On the Plane

If you are planning to go on tour or are required to fly for business, then finding the best seat on the plane is a must. Admittedly or not, flying is still one of the most feared activities you need to undergo when traveling. However, amenities are available when flying that can make you comfortable, especially when you are flying international.

The Hierarchy of Seats

Cost determines the level of comfort and convenience when traveling. The most expensive seats are in first class, followed by business class and then coach. In first class, you often get seats with wide berths and lots of legroom, along with being pampered with a cabin crew at your beck and call. Business class offers a similar package, though with smaller seating berths and legroom to accommodate more business class travelers. The general population is in coach or economy class, where choice seats on the plane become a premium, and are sought after by many passengers.

Finding the best seat on the plane

Getting the best seat on the plane is a matter of choice. Although your comfort while traveling is of primary importance, you need not be at the mercy of the booking agent or the reservations clerk regarding where you will sit. Here are some guidelines in getting the best seat on the plane to improve your comfort and convenience as you travel.

• Take a seat near the front of the plane. This area feels the least amount of turbulence, aside from the fact that you get your meal first. Sitting up front also allows you to exit the plane first and go through security and/or customs ahead of everyone.
• Seat type depends on the kind of traveler. Business people tend to prefer aisle seats so they can deplane much easier. A tourist may prefer a window seat to see the sights.
• The exit row seats are not always comfortable seats. In many planes, like the Airbus 380 and Boeing 737, the seats in the first two rows do not fully recline because passengers need to move quickly to the exit ramp.
• Seats at the back of the plane are often more cramped, as the fuselage tapers toward the rear of the plane. Often, the difference in width between front seats and back seats can be as much as an inch. The overhead bins at the back of the plane are often reserved for the crew's equipment.
• Aisle seats in the bulkhead are said to be better. These seats have more legroom and you won’t disturb others when you move about. However, these prime seats are hard to come by and you often need to pay extra or have earned quite a number of frequent flyer miles to be able to get one of them.
• Another tip is to be nice to the flight attendant. If you are nice to the cabin crew, you can get dibs on open seats if you want your family or travel companions seated together.

Traveling need not be a sudden decision. You can plan around your vacation while also planning your airline experience. If you are thinking long term, here are the top ten ways to get the best airplane seats for your future travel.

1. Sign up for a frequent flier program.

Accumulating your frequent flyer miles and using them at the time of your reservation is good leverage for you in getting a good seat on the plane. You can even do this at check-in to get the best possible seat.

2. Purchase your tickets early.

As the departure date nears, the number of available seats dwindles. Purchasing your ticket weeks in advance can get you the best seat on the plane. If you are unable to do this, do get to the airport early so that you can have the first pick of seats on the plane.

3. Better seats mean paying more.

Some airlines offer more legroom for coach class seats at a premium. Some even charge as much as $20 for an exit row seat with 38 inches of legroom. On other airlines, you can use your frequent flyer miles to pay for this privilege.

4. Booking online provides options for seats.

Most airlines allow you to choose your seat when you purchase your tickets, or at a later date. Some Web sites offer this service for free but others require a token fee. You also need to confirm your seat at check-in to avoid any misunderstandings later.

5. Checking in early ensures that you get your seat of choice.

If you arrive late, not only will you lose your seating privilege, you may even miss your flight altogether.

6. It doesn’t hurt to ask if new seats have opened up.

Usually, when passengers upgrade to business class or fail to show up, their seats are up for grabs. Asking may get you in for these choice seats.

7. Being specific helps.

Knowing the exact seat that you want can get you the seat of your choice. If you aren’t specific in your seat preference, you may encounter trouble with subjectivity.

8. Coordinate with your agent.

Accommodations can be arranged if you have a medical condition needing special concessions.

9. Using a polite approach also helps you get your way.

Airline staff are people, too. Speaking to them in an even and polite tone may get you on their good side and you may be able to pull a favor or two from them.

10. Be patient.

You are but one of many passengers on a flight, especially at peak season. Extending your patience quite a bit during all of the security checks and hassles can help alleviate the crush and make your flight a convenience instead of a headache.

As you can see, traveling by air is still something you can have control over. By following the guidelines and tips above, you can find the most comfortable and roomiest seat on the airplane.

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Important Steps to Take When Flying with Children

Flying with your children can be either a great family adventure or a miserable and disappointing experience for the whole family. Of course, preparation is key to avoid a miserable and disappointing holiday with your children. To help you free your trip from misery, here are some important steps that you can take when flying with children.

1. Before you leave:

• Traveling and flying with children is more stressful when more people are around. If possible, book your flights for less-crowded and off-peak travel times: at midday or in the evening on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays.
• Make sure that you have plenty of entertainment for your flight, including snacks and drinks and children’s activities. Pack activities such as activity/coloring books, playing cards, travel-sized board games, and CD players.
• Get your child ready for the trip. Tell him or her how to behave and what to expect at the airport and while on the plane.

2. In the airport:

• Allot extra time for airport transactions. Remember, everything takes longer when traveling with children.
• Make sure that you give your child some basic safety rules, such as what he or she should do in case you become separated.
• Since kids are impatient by nature, give your child some “airport allowance.” Visiting different shops or stopping by a snack stall can keep children busy for extended periods.
• Even if a child tether is not appealing to you, consider using one while you are in the airport. Remember, checking in and claiming your luggage can be distracting at times and you cannot avoid situations that you may have to let go of your kid’s hand.

3. On the Plane:

• Take-offs and landings can be very uncomfortable for children and painful for their little ears. This is one reason why flying with children can be very difficult. To avoid this, take ear filters with you. Ear filters shield the eardrums from rapidly changing air pressure. You may also ask your child to swallow or drink beverages, chew gum, or eat hard candy to keep him or her comfortable during take-off or landing.
• To maximize entertainment value while flying with your children, bring your child’s toys out one at a time, and remember to put away the first toy before introducing the next.
• Give your child the seat beside the window and he or she will surely find the view fascinating.
• Remember that not all passengers understand the joy of children. To prevent your child from making noise, keep him or her entertained. You may also choose to sit in the back of the plane, where engine noise can muffle your child’s piping voice.
Safety Note When Flying with Children
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly imposes a policy that smaller children must sit in a Child Restraint System (CRS) or a child’s car booster or seat. Here are the weight guidelines regarding safety seats for children:
• A rear-facing car seat must be used for babies weighing less than 20 lbs.
• A forward-facing car booster must be used for children weighing 20–40 lbs.
• The airplane seat belt must be used for children weighing more than 40 lbs.

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How to File Airline Complaints

If you have ever been inconvenienced by overbooked flights, poor onboard airline service, or unreasonably long flight delays, then you should know how to properly voice your complaints to the airlines. You can file a complaint with the airline company or with the federal authorities. Either way, filing airline complaints will not only help you get recompense for the troubles that you had to endure, it will get airline companies to improve their services and uphold consumer rights.

Steps

1. List all of the details of your complaint. Make sure to list the following minimum details:
a. your name
b. address
c. daytime phone number (including area code) and e-mail address
d. name of the airline or company about which you are complaining
e. flight date
f. flight number if known
g. origin and destination cities of your trip
h. concise description of your complaint.
Include any other details that will help clarify the airline complaint you want to file.

2. Contact the customer service or complaint department of the airline in question. Give the information about your complaint and request prompt action. Some airlines will offer refunds, free tickets, or other indemnification for the inconvenience you have suffered from their services.

3. File your airline complaint with the Department of Transportation if the airline operates to or from US airspace. Do this if you feel that your complaint is serious and/or you have not received a prompt response from the airline after sending the complaint directly to them. You can call the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD) and leave a message on its voice recorder anytime from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Contact the ACPD at:
202-366-2220 or 202-366-0511

4. Send a letter to the ACPD to file your airline complaint. You can send a letter of complaint to the following address:
Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

5. File your airline complaint electronically with the ACPD using their online form at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm. Make sure that all required fields are filled out before you attempt to submit the form.

6. Look up other government agencies that can help you get action on your filed airline complaint. At the state level, consumer protection departments can hear your complaint and help you get faster responses from the airline.

7. Share your complaints with consumer protection groups. Look up Web sites like AirSafe.com, which advocates consumer rights protection for travelers. Your experiences may be similar to the experiences of others and your joint complaints can prompt companies and concerned authorities to address your airline complaints faster.

Filing airline complaints is not purely a self-serving action. You may get a free hotel stay or free airline tickets as compensation for a severely delayed or overbooked flight. You will also help other travelers who in the future may include loved ones by prompting airlines to improve their services. They will not have to endure the problems you experienced that prompted you to file your airline complaints with the proper authorities.

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How to Write a Complaint Letter to an Airline

Most of us have encountered, or will encounter, a harrowing moment or two with airline service at least once in our lives. Because this is almost inevitable, most airlines have compensation systems in place for the inevitable problems that passengers encounter. Only in extreme cases does a passenger need to file a complaint letter against an airline.

Most of the time, airlines compensate up-front for flight delays, misplaced baggage, and other common mishaps. But since this is a human system, rare moments occur when things just go awry and you end up an angry, miserable, disgruntled, totally wronged passenger. At times like these, you do not need to call your friends at the law office just yet. A complaint letter against an airline may be sufficient to receive the damage compensation that you deserve.

Things You Need:

• Airline documents (ticket, boarding pass, etc.)
• Photos, written slips, damaged items, and other items that may serve as evidence of what happened

Instructions:

1) Before you sit down to write the complaint letter against the airline, reconstruct the incident in a different account. Use this document to support your complaint letter and attach it to the letter itself.

2) Gather all airline documents and all objects involved in the incident. Set them aside in an accessible place where you can easily retrieve them. More than the complaint letter against the airline, you should also secure supporting documents that you need. Make photocopies of the documents and attach them to the complaint letter.

3) Find out which office and the person in charge of handling complaint letters against the airline. Address your letter to him or her. With USairways.com, you can find airline contact information by going to Resources, under which you will see Airline Contact Info.

4) Write your complaint letter against the airline. Use a business-like tone. You may follow this format:

[Name of Airline Officer]
[Name of his Company Department]
[Airline Company Name]
[Address of Department]

Dear [Name of Official],

a. Open your complaint letter against the airline with a calm and objective tone. If you can manage a friendly tone, this works wonders in getting favorable results.

b. In the same tone, state your problem objectively.

Example: It is my pleasure to commend the services of [Airline Company]. I have been a loyal customer for several years because I believe in the excellence of your company. I truly enjoy your services, and I love how your staff serves your passengers with a smile. In fact, it is with a heavy heart that I file this complaint against your company.

c. State your complaint in a brief story. If you can manage to keep it to one or two paragraphs, all the better.

d. State how you want the airline to make it up to you: financial compensation, a refund, a voucher, or a replacement of the item.

Example: I would like [Airline Company] to replace my MacBook. Although only my hard drive was damaged, please understand that the files in it were crucial to my business and the way that I earn a living.

e. State the documents you are presenting as proof. This is where you indicate that you have attached copies of photos, as well as the detailed story (the separate document that you created earlier). If you are to staple the other documents, attach them to the complaint letter or put them in a separate envelope. If you are mailing the complaint letter, place your letters in the company pouch, so you can send two separate envelopes. If you are using only paper documents, you can just staple all other documents in order of importance and pertinence to the complaint behind the complaint letter.

f. Sign the letter and provide your contact details below your name and signature.

Tips:

1) Be very detailed in your chronicle of the incident. In your complaint letter against the airline, be sure to include your most important details like contact information, flight schedule (date and time), and time of the incident. Also indicate the names of the people involved and the people who tried to help you. Give details on the damaged object and other information that may be needed by the airline to determine how to resolve your complaint.

2) Despite everything, keep a cool head and continue to be generous with praise. You may have flown this company for a long time that, surely, you have a lot of things to compliment them on. Do not allow how upset you are about the situation affect the way you perceive things, as well as how you communicate with the company. Keeping a good, objective disposition toward the company helps you think clearly and work toward a solution with focus and clarity.

Warnings:

1) Make sure that you use clear, concise terms to explain yourself. Angry, hurt, emotional language will not give you the results you need but will only serve to annoy the person reading your complaint. It may even cause the person to simply reject your complaint.

2) Bear in mind that the person handling your complaint is likely different from the person directly involved in the incident that led to your complaint. It is not fair to dump your emotions on the person who may have the ability to give you the full compensation you desire.

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Fly First Class to Asia – Once a Dream, Now a Reality

Have you and your family been thinking about spending the summer in Thailand or Japan? Or have you been considering a business venture with your partners in Hong Kong or Singapore? With the current economic downturn experienced by most countries and the rise in airfares, you may want to settle for an inexpensive flight to get to your destination. However, flying coach means cramped seating, less legroom, and fewer amenities. These factors do not matter much if you are flying for just an hour or two. But for longer flights to Asian countries, flying business or first class makes a lot of difference. If you are going on a vacation, your trip starts when you board the plane. So why not make it as comfortable as you can?

Fortunately, there are more ways to enjoy the amenities and privileges of flying first class to Asia without spending more than you would on an economy fare. A lot of people are not aware of this, but getting an upgrade on your tickets is easier than it seems. Here are a few ways to get that first-class treatment on your next trip to Asia.

1. Increase your mileage

To fly first class to Asia, use your frequent flyer miles to upgrade your economy class ticket. Sometimes, these upgrades are more available than seats on other flights. Given the current decrease in capacity and fewer flights, fewer economy seats are available while first- and business-class seats are bountiful. Make use of Web sites that offer the best deals on prices, seats, and routes. Also, make use of credit cards that give you free mileage for your purchases, as they usually offer more mileage points on promotions and cross-provider offers.

2. Go promo hunting

Sign up for the email newsletter services of your desired airlines. They occasionally offer discounted prices for flying first class to Asia. They may even give you a first-class seat at an economy price, or they may offer special packages with upgrades using your frequent flyer miles.

3. Do some online research

Look for the airplane model that you prefer for your next trip to Asia. Some airlines use a variety models for the same route. If comfortable seats are your priority, compare the first-class seats of one airline to another. Several sites offer this information for free.

Also, before purchasing a ticket, make sure that it is entitled to an upgrade. Tickets full of restrictions are difficult (or even impossible) to upgrade, making your dream to fly first class to Asia just a dream.

4. Look for discounts

Competition among carriers in the US is fierce. Offering incentives and upgrades on Asian flights where they have several flight schedules in a week is one way that carriers use to lure passengers. You can also find great deals at the airport. If the flight is not fully booked, or if you are flying during an off-peak season, ask politely about the possibility of an upgrade without annoying the airline staff.

5. Be a master and learn

Staying loyal to one airline is highly recommended. Learn from your experiences with different airlines. Ask family and friends their opinion on airlines, especially those who have flown first class to Asia. Be mindful of what does and does not work and experiment until you get the right mix.
Acquiring upgrades and discounts is an art: the more knowledge you gain, the more you will be rewarded. Fly first class to Asia and have a great trip!

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Frequent Flyer Mileage Points

International air travel is the gold standard of mileage points. While most of us think of “Frequent flyer Miles” as a reward for frequent domestic travel, you can really rack up the mileage points during those round trips to China, Thailand, or Japan. In fact, a close look at most airline policies shows that they don’t have “frequent flyer programs”, they have “mileage programs”, or “air bonus programs”.

Many airlines have changed their restrictions on the use and the method of earning frequent flyer mileage points. If you are an old pro at using frequent flyer mileage, log on to your favorite airline’s website and be sure to check out the latest in their rules and regulations. The rules may have changed. A large percentage of frequent flyer points never get redeemed, largely because of the confusion over the rules, and the restrictions on flight times. If you want to get a free flight, you’ll have to be flexible—chances are, you won’t be able to fly at peak times. Besides blackout dates being applied to frequent flyer purchases, many airlines also restrict the number of seats on each plane that can be bought with the bonus points. As a result, if more than a few other people with large stashes of points have the same travel plans as you, then you need to beat them to the punch before the airline shuts the door on you.

You can still find deals, and frequent flyer mileage still gets you rewards, but you may have to work harder for the benefits and be more careful not to blow it by waiting too long to redeem your frequent flyer points or rewards.
Many airlines for example, have begun to implement expiration policies, which may take away all those miles if you haven’t had any activity in a certain period of time. Although the expiration policy varies, it is common for points to expire in 18 or 24 months.

Credit card companies may offer the easiest way to stash miles for frequent flyer travel rewards. Even if you’re not planning a trip, you can bankroll mileage points simply by applying for and using specific credit cards. These credit card mileage deals are not sponsored directly by airlines, but are offered as benefits from the credit card companies themselves. Special organizations that sponsor credit cards may also promote mileage benefits. Be aware though, that those credit card bonuses only look free—credit cards that include special benefits and rewards often carry a higher rate of interest. If you’re looking for the best interest rate on a credit card, you won’t get the extras—but if you carry a low balance and pay it off regularly, the interest rate is of less consequence, and this can be a good way to get extra frequent flyer points.

Today, there are many sources for getting mileage points. By shopping around you can be a savvy flyer and accumulate air mileage points and bonuses that cut the cost of tickets, offer free or reduced flight deals to faraway places, and make the best use of mileage points already earned.

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How to Resolve Airline Complaints

At least once in your touring history you are bound to encounter glitches. Whether the glitch is rooted in bad luck or poor planning, there are ways of dealing with them without losing your cool and breaching your ties with the airline. Here is how.

1. Know what you are complaining about
Understand why you are complaining in the first place. Get the facts together by answering these questions: What particular issue caused the problem? Who is involved? What specific things do you want done to resolve the issue? What do you expect as an outcome? Once you’ve made these decisions, get straight to the point. If you are at the airport stand within sight of the airline agent, step forward, be courteous, and explain away.

2. Know the Rules
Your ticket is proof of an agreement between you and the airline and is a contract that covers your rights as a customer and passenger. Know the rules of the contract you are committing to.

3. Act promptly but politely
Time is of the essence. Ask right away what options you have. Agents deal with many things all at once, so dealing with the issue spot-on gives you a better chance of having things ironed out as quickly as possible. Give the agent time to sort things out, though. If you are at the airport, speak directly with the customer service representatives or another employee who has authority to address the issue. Call your travel agent if the airline cannot or will not do anything about your problem. If you are on the plane, bring it to the head flight attendant’s attention.

4. Note it down
Keep a record of your ticket and get the details of the issue down on paper. Document the names, time, date, and circumstances that pertain to the situation. Be objective and fair.
If you have to lodge a formal complaint, understand that results do not come in seconds. Depending on the gravity of the issue, results can take days to arrive. A complaint made in the presence of the right personnel or made over the phone kick starts the solution, but things take on official mode when the issue is written in black and white. Keep these steps in mind:
• Make sure that your letter includes all possible means of contacting you (phone number, email address, mailing address, fax number, etc.)
• Keep your note simple and straightforward
• If the problem involves expenses or loss of money, state the exact amount and the form of reimbursent you expect
• Be clear on what you want the company to do about your problem

If you can, resolve the issues before it gets out of hand. Remember that whatever you say or do in the course of lodging your complaint against the airline could possibly lead to a civil or criminal lawsuit, in which case you will need to retain a lawyer.
Finally, do not underestimate the power of anticipation. If you think in advance you will have solved half of the problem.

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Guide To Booking The Best Airline Seats

Picture this: You spent so much time finding the right perfect bargain for your flight, but as you walk on the plane on the day of your trip you end up in a seat that you don’t like. The seat is so rotten that even your success in bargaining for the price of the plane tickets can not make up for the fact that you are destined to a seat that you are not comfortable with.

Preference based on what is important to you as a passenger plays a vital role in determining where the best or worst seat is. Other factors include quick exits, leg room, and peace and smoothness on the whole trip. Many passengers dislike taking a seat in the middle of the plane because of its proximity to the bathroom.

So what are the seats that most people consider ideal? Aisle seats, windows seats, exit row seats, and seats located closer to the front of the plane are usually taken, since those are where most people prefer to seat. Different people have different reasons for choosing such seats. For short business trips, people may want to take aisle seats. For international flights, window seats are preferred since they are ideal for resting your head the moment the long hours of the trip takes its toll on you. For people who have trouble dealing with turbulence, seats positioned over the plane's wings are generally preferred.

In order to book the best airline seats, one needs to carefully research what the possible options are before finalizing the booking. There are many online tools designed to provide travelers with important information regarding seats before they make a final decision. Several booking search engines on the web provide a list of flight options, aircraft that all airline companies use for various flights, and seats available in these flights. Be sure to take some time in examining all this information, as it can have a big impact on your travel. Most of the time seat selection while booking is free of charge; however, some airline companies charge for seat selection per person on a one-way trip if the tickets are on sale or promo fares.

If you want to end up at a seat that suits your needs best, try to look beyond the price. While the cost of the ticket may be your primary concern, getting cheaper tickets may not be worth the trade off if you’re uncomfortable. If you are a traveler who wants to start relaxing early, it is best to spend a little for yourself. If you want better value, better services, and better seats, you need to consider spending an extra dollar in order to get that.

If you are a frequent flyer, there is a good chance you can have the best seat in the airplane. Loyalty pays, so if you are flying frequently using primarily one airline company, the staff will recognize you as a valued customers; as such, you’ll often end up getting a little bit of VIP treatment and will have a better chance of getting into the seat that you like best.

Another way to book the perfect airline seat is to buy your plane ticket early. As the travel date draws nearer, the number of available seat assignment dwindles. Buying your ticket at least three weeks in advance is the best way to go. If that is not possible, be sure to check seat maps of your flight online. Remember to get to the airport earlier than usual so you can find out if online check-in is available.

Make it a point to confirm your seat the moment you check in. A lot of airline companies give their passengers the opportunity to do so using the Internet 24 hours before the actual flight departs. At this point, you have the ability to confirm the seat that you have chosen. If there are available seats, you can even pick the better ones as long if they are vacant.

If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to ask. The moment you reach your designated gate, feel free to ask whether new seats are open. A seat becomes vacant the moment a passenger decides to upgrade to business class or does not show up for the flight, so go ahead and try your luck. Request to change seat the moment that an upgrade occurs.

Try to be specific about your preferences. If you know exactly where you want to be seated, tell the agent. Do not give out vague instructions. If it’s 12A that you want, ask if 12A is available. By being straight to the point, you have a better chance of getting exactly what you want. For people who have medical and health issues, let the airline staff know about your current status. Telling them about your condition means they will likely exert extra effort in accommodating you. Be sure to approach the agents in a polite manner. Bear in mind that these people are trained to handle complaints and demands. They answer not only to your needs but to others as well.

If all else fails, consider getting an elite status on an airline. It is a common practice among Airline Company to give their elite customers a chance to pre-book the seat of their choice. If you fly frequently and think you will fly enough miles every year in order to qualify for elite status, go ahead obtain a membership.

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US Airways 767 Flying Over Italy (PHL-VCE)

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US AIRWAYS - MADRID - PHILADELPHIA (BIZ CLASS)

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Introducing the Envoy Suite from US Airways

Remarkably comfortable, peaceful and private, the Envoy Suite will redefine the way you travel internationally. Every fully adjustable seat reclines into a comfortable lie-flat bed and each Suite h...

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