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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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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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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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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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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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 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.

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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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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.

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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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