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.

read more...

Using Official Airline Route Maps

Seeing the world has become much easier with developments in modes of travel, especially airline route maps that have been made available. This, together with an explosion in disposable income and longer paid time off, vacations for rest and relaxation are one of the largest industries in the world. As there is a whole world out there to see, finding tools to help in navigation has become a premium item for the itinerant traveler. Airline route maps have become indispensable items for the modern explorer in the jet age.

The jet age has provided more options and means to get from one country to another. However, the myriad of choices makes making decisions quite dizzying and confusing – and long layovers frazzle and fray travelers. Flight costs are also a matter for consideration when traveling, as direct flights are much more expensive and more popular compared with connecting flights through other destinations. Therefore, to be able to get through the maze of transoceanic travel, airline route maps help you make your way to your perfect vacation.

The Airlines and their Route Maps

To help you with planning your airline travel itinerary, here are a few airlines and their route maps for your convenience.

American Airlines covers many destinations in Asia. There are direct flights from the United States, particularly San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York to China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, and Cambodia. There are domestic flights to numerous cities throughout the United States and to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Europe.

Continental Airlines flies out of the hubs of Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Las Vegas, Denver, Cleveland, and Orlando to many international destinations like China, six international airports, Hong Kong, nine airports in Japan, eight airports in Micronesia including Guam, the Philippines, and Australia.
• Delta Airlines flies direct out of New York, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City to numerous destinations in Asia and Europe. The airline services Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China, with only time difference as the problem.
• Aside from its domestic flight service, Northwest Airlines flies out of Los Angeles and New York direct to three airports in China, two airports to South Korea, three airports in Japan, Taipei, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangkok in Thailand, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Manila in the Philippines, Singapore, and the Polynesian Islands of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.
• United Airlines has the most presence in Asia, with fourteen direct destinations to China and Hong Kong, eight routes to Japan, two routes to Thailand, two routes to Malaysia, and destinations to Vietnam, Singapore and Taiwan. The airline flies out of the major airports in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. It also has the most destinations locally.

The Other Airlines to the United States

• All Nippon Airways flies direct out of Japan to ten destinations in China, and to Hong Kong SAR and Taipei, Taiwan. Other direct destinations of ANA are to Bangkok in Thailand, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, and Seoul in South Korea. From Japan, ANA does direct flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC.
• Cathay Pacific AirlinesCathay Pacific also has wide airline route coverage, with fourteen direct flights to Japan, five direct flights to Japan, twice to Thailand, thrice to Malaysia, and twice to the Philippines from its Hong Kong hub. From Asia, the airline flies direct to twenty destinations in the continental United States.
• China Airlines’ international hub is Taiwan, flying out of Taipei and Kaoshiung. It has direct flights to Hong Kong, three direct flights to Thailand, four to Vietnam, three to the Philippines, two to Thailand, two to Malaysia, two to Indonesia, and one to Singapore. From Taipei, China Airlines flies to Tokyo, Honolulu, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.
• EVA Air is based in Taiwan and has direct flights to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali. It also flies direct to six different airports in Japan. It also flies direct trans Pacific, with destinations of Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
• Japan Airlines flies to and from its hub in Tokyo to select cities in Asia and the United States. The airline flies direct to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Dallas Fort Worth. In Asia, Japan Airlines flies to Seoul, Chenyang, Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Kaoshiung, Hano, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Bali, and Guam.
• Korean Airlines flies direct to ten destinations in the United States, most to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and New York. In the Asia Pacific Rim, Korean Airlines flies direct to Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China.
• Singapore Airlines flies direct to Manila, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, Seoul, Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Singapore Airlines also flies direct to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York.
• Thai Airlines is one of the best airline services in the world. The airline flies direct from Bangkok to six locations in China, Hong Kong, two airports in Indonesia, four to Japan, two to South Korea, two to Malaysia, and one direct flight to Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Finding direct flights with these airlines helps avoid stress while you travel. You avoid running the halls of the airport, trying to reach the gate of your connecting flight or twiddling your thumbs passing the time on many layovers. Direct flights cost a little more but they ensure that you and your luggage are together in the same airport when you arrive. You can avail of these benefits by working with your travel agent or going online to find the best airline route for your travel needs.

read more...

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.

read more...

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!

read more...

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.

read more...

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.

read more...

US Airways 767 Flying Over Italy (PHL-VCE)

read more...

US AIRWAYS - MADRID - PHILADELPHIA (BIZ CLASS)

read more...

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...

read more...

American Airlines raises checked bags fee

checked-luggageAmerican Airlines is the latest airline to raise its checked bag fees, putting it in the same class as other carriers that introduced increased fees earlier this month. The new checked bags fees for American Airlines passengers will go into effect on airline tickets purchased after Feb. 1.

The first checked bag will now be $25 (up from $20) on flights in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. A second checked bag will cost $35 (up from $30). First- and business-class travelers, and members of the armed services, will be exempt from checked bag fees.

The fees apply to passengers on all flights within the company -- American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection.

read more...

American Airlines to lay off 175 pilots, possibly more

american-airlines-tailAmerican Airlines will lay off 175 pilots and could furlough more, the airliner confirmed.

In a prepared statement, American said, "The impact of the economy and reduction in capacity over the last 18 months, coupled with lower than expected pilot attrition, has resulted in a pilot surplus. This was a painful but necessary decision, as this staffing adjustment will better align the size of our pilot organization with the size of our current operation."

The furloughs will take place in two parts and will start with the layoff of around 80 pilots in March. The Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 11,000 American Airlines pilots, said the furlough will impact the least-senior pilots first, however, more senior pilots might choose to take a voluntary leave of absence, which would prevent junior pilots from being furloughed.

read more...

British Airways, Iberia and American work on antitrust dispute with the EU

British AirwaysBritish Airways, American Airlines, and Iberia are negotiating with the European Union to settle an anti-trust dispute. The three airlines want to establish more of a joint venture – sharing revenue, schedules, and marketing -- but the European Union is hesitant to get on board, since the scheme may eliminate competition on some trans-Atlantic routes.

British Airways and American have tried twice in the past decade to combine efforts, but the EU would only grant them permission if they agreed to give up slots at Heathrow, and the deal never came to fruition. Now, joined by Iberia, they’re trying again.

The EU doesn’t want these three airlines to stifle competition for airline tickets, and would like them to reassess their schedules and surrender some take-off and landing slots in order to even the playing field with other alliances. If the two parties can agree on the proposal, the airlines will be able to avoid cartel fine, which can amount to 10 percent of global revenue.

Right now, the airlines coordinate how they sell and operate flights between Europe and the United States, and they want to expand their alliance to manage capacity and pricing as well, for flights to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Norway, and Switzerland, according to USA Today.

read more...

FAA faults American Eagle $2.5 million for misinformation

AmericanThe Federal Aviation Administration is charging American Eagle $2.5 million for not ensuring that weight records were accurate on each plane on dozens of flights in the past two years.

When the crew of an airplane has incorrect information about the amount of weight in the cargo area, it affects how the pilot will gauge its take-off and landing procedures. A certain weight calls for the appropriate speed, and without accurate information, ascension can be difficult, according to USA Today.

The airline – a sister of American Airlines - has 30 days to respond to the charge, and is being accused of misinforming its crews on 154 flights since Jan 2008.

read more...

Oneworld partners granted immunity to form global alliance

american-airlinesThe U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) gave its tentative approval to grant antitrust immunity to oneworld partners to form a global alliance. The airlines - American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair, and Royal Jordanian Airlines - filed for alliance in an effort to build a flight system that would allow international operations in global markets.

According to an American Airlines press statement, the benefits of the oneworld alliance would be cheap flights on more routes, increased services, better schedules and reduced travel and connection times.

However, the pending alliance didn't sit well with other airlines. Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group has been vocal in his disagreement of this global alliance, saying it would harm harm the healthy competition airlines need to create a fair marketplace for consumers.

Reuters news service says BA, Iberia and American Airlines have offered to modify their plans and review their slots at London Heathrow Airport in an effort to share more of their transatlantic routes and settle a competition dispute.

Interested parties have 45 days to object and answers to objections will take a further 15 days.

read more...

Lufthansa strike cuts 800 flights

LufthansaFour thousand Lufthansa pilots began a four-day walkout strike in response to potential loss of job security today. The strike is thought to affect approximately 10,000 passengers worldwide, and the German airline has already cancelled 800 flights.

In terms of sales, Lufthansa is Europe’s biggest airline, and is known for both its long-haul trans-Atlantic flights and its shorter, widespread domestic routes. It usually runs 1,800 flights each day.

Estimated to cost the airline $34 million per day, the strike also includes efforts by Lufthansa Cargo and Germanwings.

Currently, Lufthansa is trying to rebook travelers on partner airlines or on trains. If a passenger is unable to reschedule, they are fully reimbursed for the flight.

Keep checking our News Blog for updates on the Lufthansa strike.

read more...