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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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J.D. Power ranks top U.S. airports

Detroit AirportMuch like the Zagat survey results that were posted in November, that highlighted small airlines in customer satisfaction, J.D. Power and Associates have polled 12,000 travelers for the best airports. Smaller airports consistently took the lead in approval.

Three airports in the Midwest ranked highest. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County won best large airport, Kansas City International snagged the title for best midsized airport, and the Indianapolis International Airport won best small airport, and also best overall customer satisfaction this year.

Results were based on six factors: accessibility, check-in, baggage check-in, baggage claim, terminal facilities, security check, food and retail. The results also show that the biggest priorities for traveler happiness in an airport revolve around baggage deliver, ease of check-in, comfort in terminals, and rapid security.

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