Etripinfo Travel News

Affordable Caribbean Vacations Are Within Your Reach

2012-02-21T20:33:00.001-05:00

By: Tony Hagar

When it comes to affordable Caribbean vacations, there are two aspects that you want to consider. Aspect one is the planning stages (before your vacation). Aspect two is the actual trip (while you are in the Caribbean). Keep reading on for tips on how you can save money during both important phases. When implementing these tips, an affordable Caribbean vacation is what you should get.

The Planning Stages (Pre Travel)

Consider Going All Inclusive: When it comes to vacationing in the United States, most of us automatically head for a hotel. A hotel is all that most of us know about or are used to, but the Caribbean is different. In this area, you will find a host of all inclusive Caribbean resorts. These resorts include more than just a room or a suite. You get an all inclusive travel package along with your reservations. While airline reservations are optional, your stay should include your food, drinks, snacks, tips, some onsite entertainment, qualifying airport transfers, and your room or suite. When compared at the end, most people save money with these types of travel packages.

Price Compare to Find a Good Deal: Whether you opt for a stay at an all inclusive Caribbean resort or a traditional hotel, price compare to find the best deal. When doing so, you will find that hotels and resorts that are very similar charge varying prices; ensure you get the best deal. On that same note, it is important to keep quality in mind. While you are looking for affordable Caribbean vacations, you are also looking for a good time. To ensure you don’t have to settle for second rate, compare hotels or resorts first looking at inclusions, accommodations, and so forth. Once you have found a few good accommodations, price compare to get the best deal.

Look for Moneysaving Travel Deals: Although we are often told that third party travel websites tend to offer the best moneysaving travel deals and discounts, you might be surprised to hear that a lot of great offers are found directly through the resorts. Lets say you decide to stay at a Breezes resort, visit the website and look for any moneysaving discounts. You are sure to find at least a few to choose from. Whether your resort or hotel gives you a free night’s stay or a specific dollar amount off your total stay, you save money and end up with an affordable trip!

The Trip

Pack Wisely: This can save you money a number of different ways. First, pack only the necessities and remember that all Caribbean resorts have laundry rooms and laundry services so you technically don’t need a brand new outfit for each day. This might help you get everything into one suitcase, which will save you money on baggage fees. Then, make a list to ensure you bring everything, like sunscreen, deodorant, and so forth. Buying these things on your trip will cost you more money.
Stay At Your Resort: If you took the advice above and booked an all inclusive Caribbean travel package, you are staying at an all inclusive resort. All your meals, snacks, drinks, and some entertainment were already included in the cost of your stay. If you enjoy things onsite and take advantage of inclusions, you will not pay extra. This can help ensure your vacation stays affordable. Over the cost of a 7 day trip, you could easily save $150 or more by staying onsite.

Make Use of Inclusions: As mentioned above, a stay at an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean includes many forms of onsite entertainment. For example, if you stay at a beachfront resort you might find that windsurfing and snorkeling is included and this means you don’t have to pay extra to enjoy these activities. Making use of inclusions gets you the best value for your money. Getting the best value for your money is an important component of having an amazing and affordable Caribbean vacation.

In short, you can see from a few of the tips highlighted above that there are many ways for you to get an affordable Caribbean vacation. So what are you waiting for? Even if you are going to be vacationing on a budget, the vacation of your dreams is still within your reach.

Author Resource: Breezes at http://www.Breezes.com can help you plan an affordable Caribbean trip.

Article From Free Travel Articles

Tahiti

2012-02-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

By: Macon Gravlee

Tahiti is an island located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia. An ideal place for a holiday. This archipelago is a combination of a number of islands divided basically in four groups i.e. Tuamotu, Australis, Marquesas and Gambiers.

The island has warm, temperate weather all round the year. As due to its closeness with sea, any season change is minimal. There is warmer and humid and a little rainy period of 5 months i.e. from November to March and the rest of the year are dry and warm. The average temperature is 78°° F. So, clothing requirements are very casual. General summer clothes will do. One could also keep a foldable raincoat for refreshing tropical rain showers.

As for currency, the local currency is CPF Central Pacific Franc, code being XPF. The banks located on each of the island give slightly better exchange rate than the hotels. All the hotels generally accept credit card such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

French nationals require only a National Identity Card for a stay in the Tahiti Island. For other nationals, they must have a valid passport, more than six months pass return date, and an outbound ticket. The French Embassy in the resident country could only issue visa. There are no work visas or residential visas are issued.

Health care system in Polynesia is advanced and modern. Apart from a big hospital in Tahiti, there are many pharmacies and private clinics in and around the island. Special care has to be taken while consuming water as tap water is not so safe here.

On security points, there are generally few thefts on Tahiti Island. Though personal attention is required. Strangers should be avoided. Valuables should be kept in the hotel room or your rental car. The safe boxes provided by most of the hotels may be used.

Tahiti Excursion:
There are many day trips and excursions at Tahiti Island. Some of them are fun especially for families with kids. Following are some fascinating excursions

Swimming with Dolphins: Some companies provide these services in the areas profound with dolphins. The visitors could jump in the water and play with dolphins. But one should be cautious about swimming. One should not enter the water after having a meal, after a heavy sun bath or after consuming alcoholic drinks. One should avoid water when one is not feeling well. The charges for one dolphin swimming are around $100 per person. A great experience for kids when the kids are old enough to swim.

Fishing: A holiday is never over without some fishing. Though fishing is a bit expensive at the Tahiti Island (a few hundred dollars per person per trip) it is a must go for a person who loves fish. The best way to go is search for a good deal with a local hotel. They take you for a good fishing trip in the sea.
Pearl Farms: This is the specialty of the Tahiti Island. The Island is famous for its pearl production and export. One could have a unique experience of seeing actual pearl farming.

Helicopter Tours: One could enjoy the titillating experience of seeing the island from above. But those who fear height should avoid this.

Tahiti Island Nightlife:
The night at the island is equally fun as the day excursions. There are many places where one could enjoy the evening starting with a good meal and drinks and then some sort of entertainment. There are many night clubs and pubs which provide good night life. These places are full with locals as well as the tourists. The bars range from every day bars to elite pubs. Though this night fun doesn’t come cheap. The pubs are generally costly and most of them require cover charges.

Paul Gauguin Museum Tahiti:
While visiting Tahiti Island Paul Gauguin Museum is a must go. The museum contains Gauguin’s life in French Polynesia. A lot of wooden carving and engravings are at display. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Hotel and Resorts:
There are many hotels and resort at Tahiti Island. These range from comfortable budget to luxurious first class hotels.

Author Resource: http://akumalvacation.com/akumal_links/ http://linkroo.com/Travel/

Article From Free Travel Articles

7 Must Visit Sights in New York City

2012-02-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

By: Macon Gravlee

The ‘city that never sleeps’ and the ‘big apple’ are two of the many names the New York City has been christened with but being an international center for politics, finance, music, communications, culture, and fashion, it is very easy to understand where the nicknames come from. The New York City boasts of numerous, top notch museums, sights, and venues, all which make the city a truly cosmopolitan and all accommodate city in the world. Thanks to an affluent history and culture, there is a lot to see for any holidaymaker wishing to make the New York City their holiday destination of choice.

1. Statue of Liberty
First comes the statue of liberty. Be advised that due to security concerns, you will be expected to reserve a visiting time well in advance before you land in the City. Either way, you can still enjoy a picturesque view of the Statue of Liberty by taking the ferry that goes into the Ellis Island. For only $10, the ferry always departs from the Battery Park after every 25 minutes and stops at the Liberty and Ellis Island, providing people with an outstanding view of the Statue of Liberty.

2. Central Park
The Central Park is a villainous destination in New York City and equally has some History behind it. Experience the picturesque greenery, attractive lakes, sprawling lawns, and a great Zoo. This destination is particularly popular among concert goers and outdoor enthusiasts. Ensure you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as the Central Park Zoo.

3. Times Square
This is another impressive must visit attraction that represents the rich American History. Note however that the Times Square has been highly commercialized today and will always be thronging with tourists and visitors of all sorts. Located in close proximity to Broadway and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the Times Square has become quite seedy today and is now being referred to as the ‘old Times Square’. However, to have a feel of the Times Square without people milling around, you can always visit the ‘new’ Times Square, found a few blocks away from the ‘old one’. In the ‘new Times Square’ expect to find a family friendly, but equally commercialized place full of theaters, themed restaurants, and hotels.

4. Cathedral of St. John The Divine
This is the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral and apparently it has been a work in progress for the better part of a century. Expect to sample the most beautiful stained glass windows and Gothic Architecture never seen before even in the European churches the cathedral emulates.

5. Chrysler Building
This is an embodiment of Art Deco architecture and happens to be the most popular and beautiful building in the world. Ensure you visit the lobby for an outstanding panoramic view of the city, but unless you are on an official business trip, don’t expect to be allowed to go up the top.

6. Carnegie Hall
You love history? You will love it even more when you visit the Carnegie Hall, a hall that boasts of having housed the who is who in this century’s top performers and musicians. Inside the hall you get to sample pictures of part performers as well as all the famous people who have been there.

7. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, which was once the tallest building in the US, is an outstanding landmark in New York City standing beautifully on the famous fifth avenue. The building exemplifies the urban, sleek, and cultured atmosphere in New York.

Author Resource: http://akumalvacation.com/

Article From Free Travel Articles

Europe Travel tips : Things to know before you go

2012-02-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

Lack of good preparation will make your trip unsuccessful. This applies to no matter you travel to anywhere in the world, not only for the Europe. The following article, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Travel Europe in terms of key elements that you have to focus on before you go.  

OK, once you have decided you will definitely travel to Europe. But wait a moment. I strongly suggest that you should think about starting plan at least 12 month forward. Why? The reason is really simple as the more time you have for preparation, the more effective trip you will get and I recommend the longest possible of time that you will spend for preparation.  

1. Looking for information Let’s spare your time about 1-2 hour per day to sit on the computer and browse the Internet and get information about travel to Europe as much as you can. However, it’s not only browsing the Internet, you should visit some of travel agents to get some advice about basic approach that you need to know and do not for get to pick up some travel brochure. Visiting travel agents who specialised in travel in Europe bring a lot of benefits to you. They can advice you on very focused topics such as what is the best accommodation to fit your budget as well as security issues, so you can rest assured that you have correct and reliable information before you go.  

2. As many of European countries use another language as a formal and spoken language, apart from English, and of course you don’t have any idea about how to communicate with local people. This is another reason why I suggest you to start forward planning at least 12 months before you go. You will have more time to learn some basic word of the language of the country that you are going to visit such as German, French and so on. You can learn by either from the books or take some short courses or if you have your friend that can communicate in those languages, just ask them to teach you.  

3. Another one big thing that concerns to your travel is travel documents. Make sure that you have passport and visa for your travel. Please also check with your immigration department of the state that you living whether they have specific conditions required if you want to go to Europe. For example, non-European people who hold passport of some country need no visa to get into countries in Europe. Therefore you have to be sure that these kind of documents are handy before you go. Do not forget to contact airline tickets too, if you have some budget, choose airline that has good customer service rather than buying cheapest ticket, especially if you have to take a long flight.  

And keep remind yourself over and over whether there are anything else to be done. Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Now that isn't hard at all, is it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study and some useful tips on Travel Europe.  

Tatiya T.
 www.guide2europe.net
Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

All Inclusive Caribbean Vacations – Perfect For All Types of Travel (Really)

2012-02-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

By: Danielle Needham

You might have heard that an all inclusive Caribbean vacation is perfect for any type of travel, but is it really? Yes it is and you can keep reading on to find out why!

Family Vacations
There are three important keys to having a good family vacation. They are (1) fun activities, (2) things for everyone to do, and (3) good weather. You will find all of these in the Caribbean and at an all inclusive Caribbean resort. That is one reason why it is not just great for romantic getaways and destination weddings, but family vacations as well.

When it comes to planning a family vacation to the Caribbean, there are some important things you will want to keep in mind. First, know that a lot of resorts have age restrictions. Since you are traveling with your children, be sure that they are able to stay onsite. Many times, you aren’t asked the age of your children when making your reservations; you don’t want to find out too late that they are too young.

Moreover, you will find that some resorts allow guests of all ages onsite and then there are those designed for families. Caribbean family resorts are likely to be the best fit for you because they come with activities, eateries, and events that are ideal for families like yours.

Romantic Getaways
As previously stated, the Caribbean is known for its beautiful, tropical, and sunny weather. These all make for the perfect romantic getaway. No matter what you want your trip to be about (romance or adventure), you can get it in the Caribbean. Best of all, your trip can have a theme; it can be a plain old romantic getaway, an anniversary, or a destination wedding!

When it comes to planning a romantic getaway to the Caribbean, there are some important points you will want to keep in mind. All inclusive resorts are your best choice because you will find everything you need right onsite. Moreover, there are resorts designed for adults and couples on romantic getaways just like you. These are the perfect fit because you are surrounded by adults and translated into a resort designed for romance.

Trip with Friends
If you have a group of friends who you would like to spend some quality time with, you can’t go wrong with an all inclusive Caribbean vacation. The beautiful weather and the beaches opens up a world of fun for you and your closest friends! Whether it be relaxing along the beach catching up or going on a scuba diving adventure together, you can have the trip of the lifetime in the Caribbean.
When it comes to choosing an all inclusive resort for your upcoming trip with friends, you want to look for two things. First, you want a resort that has an age requirement because you won’t find underage kids on site. This means if you want to get wild with your friends, you can go right ahead and do so. Then, if you are a bunch of single guys or single girls traveling together, you can opt for a singles resort where you can not mingle with others just like you!

Solo Vacation
When it comes to trips, we typically take these trips with others but you don’t have to. The Caribbean may be known as the place of fun and sun, but all the sun and beautiful tropical weather can make for one of the most peaceful places in the world! Whether you need a break from the stresses of work or if you just want to do something nice for yourself, an all inclusive Caribbean vacation is the perfect escape or treat (whatever your fancy).

When it comes to planning a solo trip to the Caribbean, there are some points you will want to keep in mind. Many resorts in the Caribbean do have an age limit, meaning guests need to be a certain age to stay. It might be within your best interest to choose one of those resorts because there won’t be any screaming kids around. Then, there are some resorts that are known for their party like atmosphere. If you want to let loose and have a good time, these will be the perfect fit. If you want to relax and unwind, a more relaxed resort may be best.

Author Resource:-Let Breezes, at http://www.Breezes.com, help you plan an amazing, yet affordable Caribbean vacation.

Article From Free Travel Articles

Delta announces: Eliminated mileage expiration

2011-02-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday Delta Airlines announced that it has eliminated expiration dates for miles earned on its SkyMiles program. See below for the email to its customers:

Hello XXXXX,

You now can earn miles without worrying if and when they will expire as we have eliminated our mileage expiration policy - no asterisk, no fine print, no ifs, ands or buts.

So regardless of your future SkyMiles activity, redeem your miles whenever you want for Award Travel to 350+ worldwide destinations, car rentals, hotel stays, newspapers, magazines and one-of-a-kind auction packages.

We are proud to be the only major U.S. carrier without mileage expiration.

Visit delta.com to learn more about your SkyMiles benefits and explore the many ways you can earn and use your miles.

You're the reason we fly,

J. W. Robertson
Vice President - SkyMiles

Birth of a new Boeing jumbo

2011-02-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

Boeing Co rolled out a new jumbo jet on Sunday, hoping to relive the glamour surrounding the birth of the 747 over 40 years ago and use it to boost slow sales. The 747-8 Intercontinental will seat 467 passengers, 51 more than the current version of the 747, and burn less fuel while offering passengers more comfort, the U.S. planemaker says.

Sunday's rollout, in front of a crowd of almost 10,000 Boeing employees, their families and a select group of industry VIPs, took place at the same Everett plant outside Seattle. Near the front of the seated audience was Joe Sutter, Boeing's chief engineer on the original jumbo, and known as the "father of the 747." The plane itself, unveiled from behind an enormous curtain to rapturous, thudding music, was bright red and white -- a departure from Boeing's classic blue -- bearing generic Boeing livery on the side and '747' on its orange tail. The 747 lost its crown as the world's largest airliner when the 525-seat Airbus A380 was unveiled in 2005. But at 19 feet longer than its predecessors, this one will be the longest.

It is the first time the 747 fuselage has been stretched to make the biggest passenger jet marketed by a U.S. manufacturer. The 747-8 -- listed at $317.5 million -- also boasts new wings, a new tail, state-of-the-art engines and a new cockpit, making it, according to specialist magazine Flight International, "unrecognizable from that first jumbo jetliner."

Delta and Midwest will end frequent flyer partnership

2010-04-18T22:56:00.000-04:00

There has been no formal announcement, but a note in the partners chart for Delta’s SkyMiles program says that Delta’s mileage partnership with Midwest Airlines will terminate on June 7, 2010. Delta inherited the Midwest alliance from Northwest, which had once been a part-owner of the Milwaukee-based carrier. Midwest is now owned by Republic Airways Holdings, which also owns Frontier Airlines and several regional carriers. Republic has been working to integrate Midwest and Frontier, and has already brought their frequent flyer programs together. Republic is reportedly studying plans to unite the two airlines under a single brand in order to facilitate marketing. News of those plans recently brought protestors onto the streets of Denver, urging Republic not to drop Frontier’s iconic animal mascots, which are painted on the tails of all its aircraft.

US Airways News - Goes Cashless and Downsizing in Boston

2010-03-30T23:04:00.000-04:00

Effective April 2, US Airways will no longer accept cash for in-flight purchases on its mainline aircraft. Instead, flight attendants will only accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or Diners Club cards, as well as debit cards that carry a Visa or MasterCard logo. On US Airways Express regional aircraft, only cash will be accepted. And on US Airways international routes, flight attendants will take either cash or a credit card.

Meanwhile, US Airways is closing its crew base at Boston Logan as part of a downsizing there. According to media reports, the airline is planning a major downsizing of its Boston operations, with a planned reduction in May from its current 84 daily departures to just 44. The reductions will reportedly mean the loss of 181 pilot jobs and 242 flight attendant jobs based at Logan. The flight cutbacks will reportedly not affect US Airways’ hourly Shuttle schedules from Boston to New York LaGuardia and Washington Reagan National.

Kingfisher Airlines joins Oneworld alliance

2010-03-01T19:20:00.000-05:00

Five-year-old Kingfisher Airlines, which serves 58 cities in India, has signed a memorandum of understanding to become a full member of the global Oneworld alliance, which includes American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and others.

Existing Oneworld members currently serve five points in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. American currently operates non-stop service to Delhi from its hub at Chicago O’Hare.

Kingfisher has applied with India’s civil aviation authorities for approval to join the alliance, and after that is received, the airline’s membership is expected to take effect sometime in 2011, Oneworld said. Kingfisher has a fleet of 66 planes, mostly Airbus jets, and carried 10.9 million passengers during the last fiscal year on a schedule of 383 daily flights.

Two Big U.S. Airlines Open to Merger

2010-02-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

Top executives at two of the five largest United States airlines said on Tuesday they are open to a merger, adding that the airline industry needs to consolidate to return to profitability, Reuters reported.

Speaking at the Reuters Travel and Leisure Summit in New York, United Airlines’ chief financial officer, Kathryn Mikells, said the third-largest American airline is open to merging with domestic or foreign carriers.

“UAL has been supportive of consolidation for a long time,” Ms. Mikells said at the summit. “It is something we will continue to look at.”

In a separate interview with the news service at the conference, US Airways‘ chief financial officer, Derek Kerr, said his airline was open to merging with another United States carrier.

Starwood has big NYC plans

2010-02-08T14:05:00.000-05:00

Starwood said its New York City plans include the redevelopment this year of its Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square, located at 51st Street and Seventh Avenue, and the opening of six more New York hotels in 2010; it already has 13 in the city. In April, Starwood will take the Sheraton name off the Sheraton Manhattan and operate it as “a non-branded Starwood property” while it finalizes its redevelopment plan. The hotel will remain open and will still be a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest plan; but it will be an independent location because “the hotel does not currently meet the upgraded standards of the Sheraton brand,” Starwood said. The company also plans to spend $90 million this year renovating the nearby Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Starwood said its new openings in New York this year will include Sheratons in Brooklyn and in Manhattan’s Tribeca district; the W New York Downtown; and a Four Points by Sheraton in Long Island City, Queens, as well as an Aloft property in Brooklyn and an Element in Manhattan near Times Square.

Southwest Airlines debuts iPhone app

2010-02-04T23:42:00.000-05:00

Southwest Airlines has introduced a new travel application for users of Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch, available from Apple’s App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore. Southwest customers can use the new app to make flight reservations, check in for their flights, view flight status, see Southwest schedules, and download the airline’s DING feature, which will send them exclusive fare discounts on Southwest flights as soon as they become available. The new Southwest app is free. For more information, go to www.southwest.com/iphone.

Washington Dulles starts up its new AeroTrain

2010-02-04T23:40:00.000-05:00

It took more than a dozen years to build, and it cost $1.5 billion, but Washington Dulles Airport’s new AeroTrain finally started operating last week. The three-car electric trains with rubber wheels will carry passengers between the main passenger terminals and the airport’s A, B and C concourse gates - although those going to C gates will have to walk 500 feet underground from the train stop, because it was located underneath a planned future concourse that has yet to be built. Passengers using the D concourse and the International Arrivals Terminal will still have to use the airport’s mobile lounges. The trains will run every two minutes during peak travel times, and will have enough space for 50 passengers with their carry-ons.

GateGuru - New Mobile App

2009-12-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

With the holiday season upon us, we know that many of you will be traveling in the next month or so and ultimately you're going to be stuck in an airport.

Introducing GateGuru, an app that serves as your insiders' guide to America's airports, available today.

Think of it as the answer for the next time you're in the airport, you've got a couple hours to kill, and you're wondering where you can get some great dumplings. Or you're looking at the dumplings, but really want fries. Or you're running late, and you need to find the most efficient route between the security line, the duty free and your plane.

The app uses GPS to recognize which domestic airport you're sitting in, and then you type in what you need to survive your delay—a good beer and a decent steak, maybe a foot massage—and you'll get a list of the best and closest options.

And soon, GateGuru will add flight notification—your phone will get a quick alert if your plane's been delayed, so you can keep on talking with that traveling salesman you met at the bar.

New 130,000-ton Carnival Cruise Ship Ordered

2009-12-02T19:29:00.001-05:00

Carnival Corporation has reached an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct a 130,000-ton cruise ship for its Carnival Cruise Lines brand, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012. To be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard under a U.S. dollar denominated contract, the all-in cost of the vessel is approximately $200,000 per lower berth.

The new 3,690-passenger vessel will offer many of the same innovations featured on the recently launched Carnival Dream, as well as some exciting new elements to be announced at a later date.

Like Carnival Dream, which has earned accolades for its creative design and on-board amenities, the new 130,000-ton ship will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two-bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families.

New Zagat Airline Survey

2009-11-30T11:10:00.002-05:00

The newest annual Zagat survey of air travelers found that most of the nation’s legacy airlines have been falling behind their newer competitors in overall customer satisfaction: The domestic economy services offered by American, Delta, United and US Airways all received overall ratings between 9 and 11 on Zagat’s 30-point scale, the company said. However, Zagat said Continental “broke out of the pack” with an overall rating of 15. “Relatively new airlines such as JetBlue and Virgin America - flying newer planes with younger crews - got much higher ratings (19 and 21 respectively),” Zagat said. The company surveyed 5,895 frequent travelers and travel professionals who took a total of nearly 100,000 flights in the past year. Among large U.S. airlines, respondents rated Continental’s domestic premium class service as the best overall, while JetBlue was judged to have the best economy class service. Among “midsize” airlines, Virgin America won the top rating for domestic premium service and tied with Midwest Airlines for best economy service.

The survey found that airlines’ international service continued to be rated much better than domestic service. Continental’s international service was the most highly rated among U.S. airlines, but foreign carriers continued to dominate the international rankings: Singapore was the best, scoring an overall rating of 24 on the 30-point scale, followed by Emirates with 22 and Cathay Pacific at 21. “That airlines like Singapore, Emirates and Cathay Pacific do so well is a no-brainer - government support,” said Zagat Survey CEO Tim Zagat. “The big question is how Continental does so well without any special advantages.” The survey also asked about respondents’ opinions of U.S. airports. Portland, Oregon’s airport was rated the best in the country, followed by Tampa, Detroit, Orlando and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The country’s worst airport, the respondents said, was New York LaGuardia - for the third consecutive year.

Delta will go to cashless cabins next month

2009-11-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Delta Air Lines is expected to announce that it will stop accepting cash for in-flight purchases on December 1. The newspaper said Delta and Northwest will accept only credit cards for food and beverage purchases on flights within North America, although cash will still be accepted on international routes and on the operations of Delta Connection regional partner airlines. Flight attendants are being equipped with hand-held card readers to handle all transactions.

Best and Worst Airlines for Lost Luggage

2009-11-05T14:24:00.002-05:00

Travel & Leisure has a great article on the best and worst airlines with lost baggage.

Take a read.

Best and Worst Airlines for Lost Luggage

Air France Introduces a Revised Baggage Policy

2009-10-21T17:43:00.000-04:00

Effective with tickets issued November 1, 2009, Air France will introduce a revised baggage policy for customers traveling in Economy Class between the US and Europe including Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Passengers will be able to check one bag, weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilos), free of charge. If passengers would like to check a second bag, with the same maximum weight allowance, they may do so for a fee of $50 for all flights departing from the US or 50 Euros for all flights departing from Europe. Additionally, the fee for checked bags weighing between 50 and 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilos) will increase from 50 dollars or Euros to 100 dollars or Euros. Beyond the second checked bag, additional bags of the same maximum weight will be charged 200 dollars or Euros.

The following customers continue to receive a baggage allowance of 2 pieces of checked baggage up to 50 pounds each in Economy Class free of charge:
• Flying Blue Platinum, Gold and Silver members
• SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus Frequent Flyer members
• Passengers traveling on special Seaman’s fares.

The following customers benefit from a baggage allowance of 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 70 pounds each free of charge:
• Club 2000 and Skipper members
• Passengers booked in Air France’s new Premium Voyageur Class.

The baggage allowance rules have not changed for those passengers flying in First or Business Class.
For further information on the rules of baggage allowance visit airfrance.us.

Flightcaster - New tool for predicting flight delays

2009-10-08T18:51:00.002-04:00

FlightCaster, a new San Francisco-based service, uses a patent-pending algorithm, that it says can predict more than 95 percent of delays to flight arrivals up to six hours in advance.

FlightCaster's calculation involves comparing statistics from the past 10 years of flights with the most recent data relevant to a particular flight from the US National Weather Service, the FAA Air Traffic Control and FlightStats.com. FlightCaster will then display, as a percentage, the relative probabilities that a plane will be on time, delayed by less than an hour or delayed by more than an hour. Only a flight number is needed to use it, and the system—rather than trying to pin down a single estimated time of arrival—helps passengers make a personal decision about whether to travel to the airport, based on their own priorities.

Launched last month, FlightCaster is available for free online, or as an iPhone/Blackberry app (USD 9.99). The service currently only operates in the US, but international expansion is in the works. Also expect to see richer information about alternative travel options in future versions.

American Airlines raising its checked baggage fee

2009-08-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

Effective August 14, American Airlines is raising the fee for checking a first bag from $15 to $20, and for a second checked bag from $25 to $30 for domestic tickets. That means a person who checks two bags will pay a total of $100 roundtrip.

Several other carriers, including US Airways, United, Delta/Northwest and Continental, have all instituted the same increases recently - but only when customers pay the checked bag fee at the airport. Those other airlines give passengers the option of prepaying the checked bag fee online, in which case the cost stays at the original $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second.

American, however, does not offer a prepayment option, so the new fees will apply to all checked luggage, whether the customer pays at an airport kiosk, at the check-in counter or curbside. The higher fees will also apply for American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights; they are valid for domestic routes and flights to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but not flights to Canada or other international services.

As usual, AAdvantage elite members are exempt from the fees, as are Oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby members; first and business class flyers; and full-fare economy class passengers.

US Airways will offer in-flight Wi-Fi

2009-07-27T11:16:00.000-04:00

US Airways is the latest major carrier to announce a partnership with Aircell that will put the latter's Gogo in-flight Internet service onto US Airways' planes. Installation of the Aircell technology will begin early in 2010, the company said, and will start with US Airways' domestic A321s. The airline said it will put up a map on its website (www.usairways.com) showing which routes will be the first to offer in-flight Wi-Fi, and as the installations proceed over the course of next year, the flight displays on the web site's booking screens will show a Wi-Fi icon next to flights that are equipped with the Gogo service. US Airways said the fees for the service will reflect "Aircell's standard pricing structure," which ranges from $5.95 to $12.95 per flight, depending on length of the flight and the type of device a passenger uses to access it.

Clear Lanes Are No Longer Available

2009-06-23T13:51:00.006-04:00

Clear, which was supposed to speed registered travelers through airport security, is shutting down–and taking a very large pile of its investors cash with it.

The web site for Clear says it will cease operations at 11 pm PDT tonight because parent company Verified Identity Pass is unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations. No word on what happens to the $128 that its 165,000 members each shelled out as a yearly membership fee.

Boeing Again Delays Dreamliner Test Flight

2009-06-23T13:35:00.001-04:00

Boeing Inc. again delayed the maiden flight of its 787 Dreamliner, saying tests showed a structural weakness where the wings join the body of the aircraft.

The company, which said it will be several weeks before it will release a new flight and delivery schedule, will disclose the potential effect on earnings when it releases second-quarter results next month.

The news comes as another blow to Boeing, which had maintained that the first flight of the next-generation aircraft would take place by the end of June. The Dreamliner was supposed to enter service in May 2008.