For those of you who fly a lot, you have heard the announcement , "We are sorry, you has been delayed." It is especially troublesome when you know you have to transfer to another flight. You just know the flight will not wait for you and this flight just may not make it on time for that connection.
First rule of flying, , before departing for the airport, check the flight to see if there is a delay. You can either call the airline, the airport toll free number or check online. If you see there is a delay you need to determine if you will have time to connect to you next flight. To connect domestically, the minimum time between flights needs to be 45 minutes, for international you should have a minimum of 1-1/2 hours. This will give you time to clear customs and retrieve your bags if necessary.
If you find you will not have this time frame, call the airlines immediately. Explain you situation, especially if your connecting flight is the last of the day. It is the airlines' responsibility to rectify the situation. Please remember, while waiting on thee line or speaking with the customer service rep, they did not cause the problem. So no matter how frustrated you are, don' t take it out on them. You want them to help you. Let then know during the conversation you appreciate their assistance. Since many airlines now have alliances with other, ask if you can be switched to another airline. If not, ask for the first available flight out the next morning.
Okay, so you are already at the airport because when you did check for delays, there weren't any. When you check for your flight, ask the service agent if there are any newly posted delays. If the your answer is yes, ask when your flight will now land at your next point. Will you have enough time to make your connection? If you find you will only 5 or 10 minutes difference between maybe making the flight or not making the flight, ask for a routing change. The same advise should be taken if a delay is announce after you check in. Remember, speak kindly to the customer service representative. If there are many others clamoring around being rude, who do you think will get the last seat on the last flight? You can even be conciliatory by telling the customer service rep that you understand their position in this rough period of time.
I have seen customer service representatives refuse service to passengers who are irate and ill-mannered. Who can blame the employee? No one wants to be treated badly and it is not the representative who created the delay. Just keep in mind, cool heads prevail!
Truly, I hope you never need this advice and all your travels are smooth. If you do hit a bump in the road, stay calm.
Happy Travels!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Boy, That Travel Agent Is Nosy
If you cannot say that about your travel specialist, find a new one! I warn my prospective clients before I begin that I will ask lots and lots of questions. If I don't ask questions, I cannot give you the answers.
How would you feel if you went to your insurance agent for homeowners or auto insurance and you were given a "one size fits all" policy? Would you have the right coverage? Probably not. When you visit the doctor, he/she will ask you questions to determine your health and what if any intervention is needed.
To be honest, I do like the term travel agent, at least for myself and most professionals which whom I am acquainted. To me the term "travel agent" is one who sits at a desk processing your request, without proper knowledge of your true travel needs...basically an order taker.
For example, you go online or read about a "travel special" to a destination. Price looks great, appears to fit your budget and sounds like what you want. You place the call or go to the local travel office. You walk in and meet the next available "travel agent" and proceed to tell them about the add you saw. The "travel agent" says great, give me your credit card and I will book it for you. Now you are ready for your vacation. You probably did not know for a few dollars more you could have had a non stop flight instead of the 2 flights with a 5 hour layover. Also, you were not informed this is a vacation haven for students on spring break...so no rest for you and your spouse. Oh, and did you know this is really beach block, not on the beach or a 3 story walk- up miles from all of the major venues and attractions? Of course you didn't know, no one told you or asked you about your preferences.
A professional travel consultant will take the time to ask questions. An example of this is the following true scenario:
How would you feel if you went to your insurance agent for homeowners or auto insurance and you were given a "one size fits all" policy? Would you have the right coverage? Probably not. When you visit the doctor, he/she will ask you questions to determine your health and what if any intervention is needed.
To be honest, I do like the term travel agent, at least for myself and most professionals which whom I am acquainted. To me the term "travel agent" is one who sits at a desk processing your request, without proper knowledge of your true travel needs...basically an order taker.
For example, you go online or read about a "travel special" to a destination. Price looks great, appears to fit your budget and sounds like what you want. You place the call or go to the local travel office. You walk in and meet the next available "travel agent" and proceed to tell them about the add you saw. The "travel agent" says great, give me your credit card and I will book it for you. Now you are ready for your vacation. You probably did not know for a few dollars more you could have had a non stop flight instead of the 2 flights with a 5 hour layover. Also, you were not informed this is a vacation haven for students on spring break...so no rest for you and your spouse. Oh, and did you know this is really beach block, not on the beach or a 3 story walk- up miles from all of the major venues and attractions? Of course you didn't know, no one told you or asked you about your preferences.
A professional travel consultant will take the time to ask questions. An example of this is the following true scenario:
A young wife contacts me about a vacation to Hawaii for 6 nights from the east coast. She tells me she found the perfect vacation online for $3700.00 including airfare. I asked her if she new anything about the hotel and of course the answer was no. I asked her if airport transfers were included with the package and of course the answer was no. Once we repriced the package with the transfers and taxes, the vacation added up to about $4000.00. I asked her why she chose this vacation and she told me it fit their budget and she didn't have a passport, but she really wanted to go to the Caribbean. When I asked further questions, she did not understand the actual cost of this vacation by the time they would add in food and excursions, not to mention
the travel time and time zone difference. Oh, did I mention they were traveling with an infant
as well? I spoke with her further and ascertained her true budget. The reason she chose
Hawaii was she was told she did not need a passport. Someone told her passports took a long time to process. She in fact has almost 6 months before the family travels. More than enough time to get a passport. After about a half hour and more questions, she booked an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, including the air, all inclusive beach accommodations, transfers, taxes and insurance for $4037.00. When I added a crib to the reservation she was shocked. She told me she didn't know we could do that and thought she would need to travel with a travel crib. Needless to say, the family now has a vacation which is more befitting of their needs.
Certainly, you can look online to get suggestions. Though you think you have found all the great hotels or resorts for a destination, ask a travel specialist, and don't be afraid to change your mind once you have listened to recommendations. A recent caller asked me about a particular hotel in Rome. Yes the price looks great...but at what cost? No air conditioning, very small closet-like rooms, and bathrooms barely fitting one person. Again, away from major attractions. For a few dollars more, a hotel which is well managed, has air conditioning, breakfast daily and better comfort for the American traveler.
Next time you are ready to plan your travel, get ready to answer questions! If the person on the other side of the desk or phone only asks one question..what's you credit card number, run, don't walk! If that person does not show an interest in your travel, find someone who does. Look for a travel professional. Don't be shy, ask questions too. You can find out how long the person is in the travel business, ask about their associations. The most important association is ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and IATA (International Air Transportation Association).
Ask for testimonials of clients using the services. If you cannot get those questions answered, keep looking.
If it takes you an extra day to find the right travel consultant it is worthwhile in the long run. Once you find the right travel consultant, stay with them. Once that travel professional is familiar with your travel needs, they will be able to help you in the future with fewer questions, but the same care!
Happy Travels!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
My Travel Budget Went Kaput!
So the lastest comment I am getting from some my clients and prospective clients is their travel budget becoming extinct. With personal expenses rising and travel expenses rising I know no one wants to give up their vacations! We cannot afford to not have our vacations.
Actually, the rest of the civilized world thinks Americans are a strange lot by not making their vacation plans mandatory. Most Europeans have an average of 30 vacation days and believe me, they use them all! Have you ever been to France in August? Yes, the country is closed for vacation!
It's funny to me we are willing to give up our beloved r&r each year, which definitely impacts our health. Hey, remember your last vacation? How mucj fun did you have? Didn't you come home with your batterires recharged and feeling more relaxed? So what's your excuse now? Please don't whine to me you don't have any money....
Oh speaking of spending money...so how much was the last "brand name" coffee (yes you know which one)...about $5.00? Oh, and you could not resist the scone to go with it.. So about $8.00 and 500 - 700 calories later...Instant gratification only lasts so long. Okay, it's now lunch time...Of course you would not be caught dead bringing your lunch. I know you are not going to the famous fast food chain everyday for the .99 cent menu. Even if you do, you are not getting out of there for less than $5.00. Most office /work lunch breaks are more towards the $8.00 mark, if not more. So far you have blown $16.00 today just in food. Multiply that by 5 days and you spent $80.00 this week..and that means $320.00 this month. Now multiply that by 11 months....grand total $3520.00. HELLO....there's part of you vaction money.
Ladies, I know looking good is important, but really do you still really need fingernails that resemble a fumanchu mustache? You go every other week at least to get your nails done, with emnamel tips, airbrsuhed with designs and sparkles. Now you have spent at $35.00 this week plus the tip. I didn't even add in the pedicure....Bring that down to a regular manicure and you will save about $40.00 a month. Multiply that by 11 months...$440.00 you just put toward your vacation.
There are other things you can do...here's a great reason to quit smoking. Improve your health and save money too! Open a vacation savings account. The banks used to offer them. You can make your own. Take 10% of your check now that you are drinking coffee from your thermal mug you brought from home and bringing your lunch at least 3 times a week, and put it in a separate bank account. When you are ready for that vacation, the money will be there.
Now how simple it that. Why didn't you think of that????
Call me when you are ready!
Actually, the rest of the civilized world thinks Americans are a strange lot by not making their vacation plans mandatory. Most Europeans have an average of 30 vacation days and believe me, they use them all! Have you ever been to France in August? Yes, the country is closed for vacation!
It's funny to me we are willing to give up our beloved r&r each year, which definitely impacts our health. Hey, remember your last vacation? How mucj fun did you have? Didn't you come home with your batterires recharged and feeling more relaxed? So what's your excuse now? Please don't whine to me you don't have any money....
Oh speaking of spending money...so how much was the last "brand name" coffee (yes you know which one)...about $5.00? Oh, and you could not resist the scone to go with it.. So about $8.00 and 500 - 700 calories later...Instant gratification only lasts so long. Okay, it's now lunch time...Of course you would not be caught dead bringing your lunch. I know you are not going to the famous fast food chain everyday for the .99 cent menu. Even if you do, you are not getting out of there for less than $5.00. Most office /work lunch breaks are more towards the $8.00 mark, if not more. So far you have blown $16.00 today just in food. Multiply that by 5 days and you spent $80.00 this week..and that means $320.00 this month. Now multiply that by 11 months....grand total $3520.00. HELLO....there's part of you vaction money.
Ladies, I know looking good is important, but really do you still really need fingernails that resemble a fumanchu mustache? You go every other week at least to get your nails done, with emnamel tips, airbrsuhed with designs and sparkles. Now you have spent at $35.00 this week plus the tip. I didn't even add in the pedicure....Bring that down to a regular manicure and you will save about $40.00 a month. Multiply that by 11 months...$440.00 you just put toward your vacation.
There are other things you can do...here's a great reason to quit smoking. Improve your health and save money too! Open a vacation savings account. The banks used to offer them. You can make your own. Take 10% of your check now that you are drinking coffee from your thermal mug you brought from home and bringing your lunch at least 3 times a week, and put it in a separate bank account. When you are ready for that vacation, the money will be there.
Now how simple it that. Why didn't you think of that????
Call me when you are ready!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Do I Need A Passport?
Along with all of the changes for homeland security one of the confusing points has become the passport issue. Yes, aside travel within the US and her territories, you could travel to several Caribbean islands, Mexico and Canada with only valid picture ID. Unfortunately, these days have passed.
By June 2009 all travel outside of the US and her territories will require a full passport. Until then you can still travel on a limited basis if you are on a cruise which begins and ends in the same US port. These cruises are limited to Caribbean travel.
In the spring of 2008, the US Passport agency created a limited passport card and another document called a WHTI compliant document. The WHTI is limited for travel to the Caribbean region, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.
The WHTI document applies to the following as of January 2008:
By June 2009 all travel outside of the US and her territories will require a full passport. Until then you can still travel on a limited basis if you are on a cruise which begins and ends in the same US port. These cruises are limited to Caribbean travel.
In the spring of 2008, the US Passport agency created a limited passport card and another document called a WHTI compliant document. The WHTI is limited for travel to the Caribbean region, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.
The WHTI document applies to the following as of January 2008:
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Form I-872 American Indian Card
Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Based on current projections, expectation is to begin production of the passport card in June, and be in full production in July. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.
Of course the options are just as confusing as the new passport regulations! What did you expect? If you want to make your life easy, apply for a full passport. Your passport will last onger than a gallon of milk. For adults, your passport will last ten years. It is well worth the investment if you are planning to travel. Passports for children need to be renewed more often, but still well worth the investment.
Now that the passport crush has passed, processing time for new passports is between 4 - 6 weeks. Renewals are down to 3 - 4 weeks. You can now apply for a new passport easily at a convenient passport acceptance center. Many are located at a post office near you.
For more information about passports and to download applications, visit the official Passport website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Can I Bring Luggage?
More confusing than the rules for your passport and things you can bring with your carryon are the new luggage rules being implemented by the airlines. Yes, it's not enough you need to pay for a boxed meal on board and new fuel surcharges, but yes, hello to new longer waits in line to pay for your baggage too! No wonder I see more and more backyard pools springing up!
When you do travel here are some of the new rules for luggage. These rules, like others are sure to change, so please contact your airline before you travel or your travel planner to find out the rules before you fly.
The Department of Transportation has issued specific policies effective immediately on the
disclosure of fees for checked baggage. Please refer to this list for a summary of each carrier’s
policies. Click on the link to go to the carriers’ website for full detailed information.
Air Canada: Air Canada said today that it will implement changes to its checked baggage policy on flights within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S. including Hawaii, effective May 15, 2008 for travel on or after July 15, 2008. Under the new policy, customers who purchase Tango and Tango Plus tickets may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Tango and Tango Plus customers will continue to have the choice of customizing their fare
including obtaining a discount when traveling without checked luggage. There is no change in the checked bag policy for customers purchasing Latitude and Executive Class tickets. As well, Air Canada Elite, Super Elite and Prestige members in addition to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members maintain their current baggage allowance when purchasing Tango and Tango Plus fares.
http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/080425.html?src=hp_wn
Alaska Airlines: The baggage rules and fees noted below apply to tickets purchased on or after May 1, 2008, for travel on or after July 1, 2008. Free baggage allowance consists of 1 checked bag per ticketed passenger. Baggage can be a maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and may weigh up to 50 pounds. Excess baggage charges apply to additional pieces,
overweight pieces between 51 and 100 pounds and oversized pieces of luggage. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip).
http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/CheckedBaggage.asp
American Airlines: Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place. Updated Checked Bag Policies
Continental Airlines: Continental Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
Note: OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders, active military traveling on orders are not impacted by this policy change.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/checkbag.aspx
Delta Airlines: Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008.This policy applies to domestic travel.
Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp#checked
Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change.
Jet Blue: Each customer may bring two bags free of charge until June 1, 2008. On or after June 1st each customer may bring only one
bag free of charge. Please note: Customers who booked their reservation prior to May 1, 2008, may continue to bring two bags free of charge. Second Bag Fee (Effective June 1, 2008)
Customers who booked their flight on or after May 1, 2008, will be charged an additional $20 fee for checking a second bag on flights on or after June 1, 2008. 3rd + Baggage Customers checking three or more bags on their flight will be charged a $75 fee per bag if they booked on or after May 1, 2008.
http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGIBIN/
webisapi.dll/,/?St=76,E=0000000000015217217,K=357,Sxi=12,Case=obj(634)
Checked baggage
Northwest Airlines Announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within North America on/after May 5. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. Note: Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will not be impacted by this policy change. http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html#domestic
Spirit Airlines: All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag effective June 10, 2008, fees for bags paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com are $10.00 each way for the first bag only. The fee for Bag 2 is $20.00 each way, and items 3 – 5 are $100.00 per item each way. When paying at the airport, fees for the first and second bags are $20.00 per bag each way. (Customers will receive a 50% discount for the first bag when purchased online).
https://www.spiritair.com/welcome.aspx?pg=SalesInformation&number=334
United Airlines: United has published a new checked baggage policy for customers who purchase Economy tickets for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Customers purchasing any domestic Economy ticket and who do not have premium status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25.00. Customers who have attained Premier Associate status or higher in Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy change. This new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html
US Airways: New baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5,2008. The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. Note: Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx
When you do travel here are some of the new rules for luggage. These rules, like others are sure to change, so please contact your airline before you travel or your travel planner to find out the rules before you fly.
The Department of Transportation has issued specific policies effective immediately on the
disclosure of fees for checked baggage. Please refer to this list for a summary of each carrier’s
policies. Click on the link to go to the carriers’ website for full detailed information.
Air Canada: Air Canada said today that it will implement changes to its checked baggage policy on flights within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S. including Hawaii, effective May 15, 2008 for travel on or after July 15, 2008. Under the new policy, customers who purchase Tango and Tango Plus tickets may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Tango and Tango Plus customers will continue to have the choice of customizing their fare
including obtaining a discount when traveling without checked luggage. There is no change in the checked bag policy for customers purchasing Latitude and Executive Class tickets. As well, Air Canada Elite, Super Elite and Prestige members in addition to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members maintain their current baggage allowance when purchasing Tango and Tango Plus fares.
http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/080425.html?src=hp_wn
Alaska Airlines: The baggage rules and fees noted below apply to tickets purchased on or after May 1, 2008, for travel on or after July 1, 2008. Free baggage allowance consists of 1 checked bag per ticketed passenger. Baggage can be a maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and may weigh up to 50 pounds. Excess baggage charges apply to additional pieces,
overweight pieces between 51 and 100 pounds and oversized pieces of luggage. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip).
http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/CheckedBaggage.asp
American Airlines: Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place. Updated Checked Bag Policies
Continental Airlines: Continental Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
Note: OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders, active military traveling on orders are not impacted by this policy change.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/checkbag.aspx
Delta Airlines: Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008.This policy applies to domestic travel.
Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp#checked
Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change.
Jet Blue: Each customer may bring two bags free of charge until June 1, 2008. On or after June 1st each customer may bring only one
bag free of charge. Please note: Customers who booked their reservation prior to May 1, 2008, may continue to bring two bags free of charge. Second Bag Fee (Effective June 1, 2008)
Customers who booked their flight on or after May 1, 2008, will be charged an additional $20 fee for checking a second bag on flights on or after June 1, 2008. 3rd + Baggage Customers checking three or more bags on their flight will be charged a $75 fee per bag if they booked on or after May 1, 2008.
http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGIBIN/
webisapi.dll/,/?St=76,E=0000000000015217217,K=357,Sxi=12,Case=obj(634)
Checked baggage
Northwest Airlines Announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within North America on/after May 5. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. Note: Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will not be impacted by this policy change. http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html#domestic
Spirit Airlines: All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag effective June 10, 2008, fees for bags paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com are $10.00 each way for the first bag only. The fee for Bag 2 is $20.00 each way, and items 3 – 5 are $100.00 per item each way. When paying at the airport, fees for the first and second bags are $20.00 per bag each way. (Customers will receive a 50% discount for the first bag when purchased online).
https://www.spiritair.com/welcome.aspx?pg=SalesInformation&number=334
United Airlines: United has published a new checked baggage policy for customers who purchase Economy tickets for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Customers purchasing any domestic Economy ticket and who do not have premium status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25.00. Customers who have attained Premier Associate status or higher in Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy change. This new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html
US Airways: New baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5,2008. The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. Note: Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
What Can I Take On The Plane?
Since the stricker airline policies came into effect for carry on luggage many people who are either first time travelers or don't travel often ask what can they bring on board the airplane. From the implementation of the policy until now there have been some slight changes.
Here are some rules from TSA (Transportation Security Administration).
Here are some rules from TSA (Transportation Security Administration).
- 3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of the following liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary (all exceptions must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint):
Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers.
All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition
Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs
Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
You are able to take one carry on piece of luggage as long as it meets the size requirements for the luggage storage compartment in the plane. Ladies, this is separate from your handbag. Rule of thumb for the handbag, it must be able to fit underneath the seat during the flight.
For more information about acceptable carry on items, you can visit the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Monday, May 19, 2008
Welcome To My New Blog
I have always found travel to be fascinating in many respects. Traveling lets one grow and explore other cities, countries and cultures. There is beauty everywhere you turn.
Planning your travel can be half the fun if done properly. Finding the proper information when surfing the web may look easy at first, but once you are hit with so many choice, it can be confusing. A professional travel planner can help you unweave the web. With your input of your travel expectations and your travel professional's advice you will maximize your travel experience.
Many of my clients know where they want to go or what they want to experience. Some don't and that's okay. Travel is a matter of personal preferences and no two vacations are alike. Even escorted vacations...though the itinerary is the same for all travelers, what you personally experience will be different from the person sitting next you. I have had travelers come back from a group travel journey and they each tell a slightly different story about what they saw, and did.
I hope through this blog and upcoming posts, I will be able to suggest vacations ideas and provide news you can use for your travel pleasure.
Until then,
Adrienne
Planning your travel can be half the fun if done properly. Finding the proper information when surfing the web may look easy at first, but once you are hit with so many choice, it can be confusing. A professional travel planner can help you unweave the web. With your input of your travel expectations and your travel professional's advice you will maximize your travel experience.
Many of my clients know where they want to go or what they want to experience. Some don't and that's okay. Travel is a matter of personal preferences and no two vacations are alike. Even escorted vacations...though the itinerary is the same for all travelers, what you personally experience will be different from the person sitting next you. I have had travelers come back from a group travel journey and they each tell a slightly different story about what they saw, and did.
I hope through this blog and upcoming posts, I will be able to suggest vacations ideas and provide news you can use for your travel pleasure.
Until then,
Adrienne
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