All-Airline Peanut Ban: Yea or Nay?

I can’t remember the last time I was offered a bag of peanuts on a major commercial carrier, but apparently, that just shows that I don’t fly Southwest Airlines or Delta very often. The two domestic airlines, which continue to ladle out legumes, are at the center of a peanut controversy of sorts. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), one of the biggest complaints they receive from airline passengers is about peanuts on planes. In a new report just released by the DOT, the No. 1 suggestion from travelers on ways to enhance airline passenger protections is to … Continue reading

Airline Fee Free for All

Despite making headlines weeks ago, my frequent-flying friend is still steaming about Spirit Airlines’ new few for carry-on bags. If you haven’t already heard, the discount airline is planning to charge as much as $45 each way for passengers to store their carry-on bags in overhead bins. After the announcement was made, a litany of airline fee-related jokes sprouted up in my email inbox, including one that suggested that Spirit Airlines’ passengers should start wearing multiple layers of clothing on flights in an effort to avoid the carry-on fee. If you plan to fly the fee-friendly skies this summer be … Continue reading

The Downside of Ski Vacations

Two words: Luggage fees. My brother just took off for a 10-day ski vacation with his wife and son, but yesterday I got a call from him saying it may be the last one they take—-EVER! Apparently, the amount of money they spent on airline luggage fees was almost as much as a roundtrip ticket. Admittedly, my brother is not the world’s savviest packer, but considering that they planned to rent most of their ski equipment, it was quite a shock that they spent in excess of $150 on luggage fees. I won’t bore you with the breakdown of their … Continue reading

Money Saving Travel Tips for Cash Strapped Flyers

By now you know that a single flight could easily put a major dent in your family’s budget. From rising airfares to insane luggage fees to the “brilliant” idea of charging passengers for everything from water to pillows and blankets, airlines are not ruling out any means to milk flyers for everything they are worth. If you are planning to fly in the near future now is the time to devise ways you can get from point A to point B without going broke. Here are some tips: WEIGH YOUR BAGS BEFORE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT The ol’ human scale … Continue reading

More Airline Fees: Pillows, Blankets, Water and More

What’s next, having to pay to use the toilet mid-flight? Another day, another announcement from airlines saying that they simply can’t stay in business unless they find another way to earn some extra cash. The latest brilliant money making idea: JetBlue’s plan to charge passengers $7 for a pillow and blanket set. It’s no joke. But before you cancel your reservations you should know that the carrier is quick to point out that you are free to bring along your own pillows and blankets (though doing so will mean you will be able to carry on little else). Frankly, I … Continue reading

Disney Hikes Prices—How Much You’ll Have to Spend to Visit Mickey

Getting into the House of Mouse is going to cost you more. New admission prices went into effect today at Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. Tickets for guests aged 10 and older to Walt Disney World in Orlando now cost $75 (up from $71), while tickets for children aged 3 to 9 are now priced at $63 (up from $60). At Disneyland in Anaheim, one-day prices are now selling for $69 (up from $66) for those aged 10 and older, and $59 (up from $56) for children aged 3 to 9. In addition, the park hopper option, … Continue reading

Luggage Fees Increase—AGAIN!

You’ve got to be kidding! Then again, are any of us really shocked to learn that a major airline has increased luggage fees yet again? About 12 hours ago Delta Air Lines, the nation’s third-largest carrier, announced it plans to double its fee for checking a second bag to $50 each way on a domestic flight as a way to… you guessed it… offset the high cost of fuel. Reps for the Atlanta-based carrier said that the changes will apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after Thursday for travel on or after August 5, 2008. So here’s … Continue reading

Saying Farewell to In-Flight Movies

Think back to your last airplane ride. Did you have to pay for the standard airline issued headphones, which enable you to watch the in-flight movie or were they free? Now, how many of you remember a time when there was no in-flight movie? For those of you who raised their hands to the latter you should feel right at home on upcoming US Airways flights. Yes, it’s true; yet another reduction in airline services has been unveiled and this time the 2-hour entertainment block got the ax. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, US Airways is going to eliminate in-flight … Continue reading

Luxury Travel—-Private Jet Vacations

Imagine not having to deal with the hassle of luggage fees or wondering if you’ll miss your connecting flight because of weather delays. Those are just a couple of the perks associated with private jet travel. While most of us can only dream of indulging in such a luxury there are some who exclusively fly via private plane. They are the ones who don’t need to look for private jet travel bargains. However, if you have been saving up to splurge on a once in a lifetime trip you might consider the following private jet package deals. Right now TCS … Continue reading

Summer Travel Tips: Pack Your Patience and Some Common Sense

Summer might be halfway over, but millions of Americans have yet to embark on their annual family vacations. For those of you who are planning to take to the skies during the last weeks of summer be warned–packed planes, tighter security, horrific luggage restrictions and frustrated fellow flyers await you. Still, if your situation is like mine there is no other option besides flying to visit family and friends abroad. Fortunately, there are some ways to make the most of flying during the peak summer season. By planning ahead and using common sense you can avoid travel hassles whether you … Continue reading