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Flying Fees Add Up Fast

Think you have enough money saved to fly to your niece’s upcoming college graduation?   Add up the litany of airline fees and you may be forced to drive to the commencement ceremonies. These days the cost of an airline seat is only part of what you will likely have to pay before you take flight.  Most carriers are making a killing by charging hefty baggage fees on domestic flights.  On average, you can expect to fork over $25 each way for your first checked bag and between $30 and $35 for the second.  Think about how deep you have to … Continue reading →

Save on Baggage Fees

When we flew to Hawaii in May for my grandmother’s funeral, American Airlines sucked nearly $100 from us thanks to a combination of baggage fees and their insane pillow, snack and blanket fees. When you are traveling on a 10-hour red-eye with a kindergartener you don’t think twice about forking over eight bucks for a pillow and blanket. They got me; what can I say? The litany of new or higher airline fees is despicable. However, the anger and frustration, which travelers harbor regarding the costs, has fueled a creative new tactic used by several savvy marketers. Take a look: … 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 →

Holiday Travel: Good News, Bad News

Unless you are independently wealthy or you just won that huge Powerball jackpot, then you’re probably not going to be happy with what the airline industry is offering in the way of holiday fares. The bad news: According to new reports, holiday fares are averaging about 10 to 20 percent more this year than last. What’s more, you will be battling more people for fewer seats now that most major airlines have reduced the number of routes they are flying in response to the economic crisis. More bad news: “Peak travel surcharges,” the dreaded three-word phrase coupled with the litany … Continue reading →

Mad as Hell Day

September 23, 2010, is Mad as Hell Day. If you are fed up with airlines nickel-and-diming you with hidden fees, then you’ll want to participate in Mad as Hell Day. Having paid more than $50 in checked bag fees, $15 for in-flight snacks and $8 for a pillow and blanket for my overtired child on a recent flight to Hawaii for my grandmother’s funeral, I was more than interested in learning the facts about Mad as Hell Day. The event is the brainchild of three travel advocacy groups: the Business Travel Coalition, American Society of Travel Agents and Consumer Travel … Continue reading →

Cracking the Code

Have you ever wondered what the single-letter code on the bottom of your airplane boarding pass represents? Most people could care less about any information on their tickets, save for the flight number, gate number and boarding time. However, there’s a lot to be learned by paying attention to your fare basis code. The single-letter code is typically found alone on the bottom right hand corner of your ticket. However, it can also be shown as the first letter of a longer code with a mix of other letters and numbers. If you see it, don’t ignore it. The code … Continue reading →

The Economy and Airfare

The good news is that the economy is recovering after free falling into a recession. The bad news is that airlines are now jacking up their prices due to the economic recovery. So what does that mean for leisure travelers? Expect to dig deep for domestic flights this fall and winter. Or, in simpler terms, your Thanksgiving or Christmas flights home are going to cost you a ton. According to new reports, fares for domestic flights are 16 percent to 20 percent higher than they were a year ago, and the numbers are expected to rise as the busy holiday … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on Your Summer Vacation

I dread traveling during the chaotic summer months, but when you have school-age kids, you have little choice but to vacation during June, July and August. Fortunately, there are ways to save if you must travel during the busy summer season. A number of stellar travel deals are making headlines this month, including: PARIS The brand-new Hotel Beauchamps is offering intro rates for as low as $232 per night. That’s more than $100 off the retail price. Plus, you can save even more if you book three nights at the contemporary hotel. The property is offering a three-night stay for … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on Summer Road Trips

How much are you planning to spend on your family’s summer vacation? A recent survey found that the average American family (consisting of two adults and two children) plans to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on upcoming summer trips. That’s a lot of money in my book. If you are keeping a close eye on your budget, but still want to treat the kids to a memorable summer road trip, then consider the following tips to stretch your vacation dollars: Stay in State: I’m not suggesting driving to the edge of town and pitching a tent to save some dough, … Continue reading →

Can You Afford to Travel this Summer?

According to AAA, May is the month when most families finalize their summer travel plans. It is also the time of year when most summer camps and other activities for kids close registration, so parents know exactly what their calendars look like until the new school year starts. With the economy still in disarray, many clans may be hesitant to book trips outside of their particular region. Flying is no picnic when you have young children and the cost of multiple flights can really add up. The same goes for long road trips that involve frequent hotel stays and even … Continue reading →