Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for airlines
Open Skies, Part Two
By Linda Tancs
Following up on an earlier post on the EU/US Open Skies Agreement, a recent accord affirms the earlier agreement between the EU and US to allow route demand to dictate service offerings between airports in the US and EU and allows EU carriers the right to fly between US cities without originating in the EU. Moreover, the revisited agreement proposes that allowances for foreign ownership of US carriers be increased beyond the current 25% cap, considering that US ownership of EU carriers is capped at 49%. Harmonization in this area will require legislation that is unlikely to be in the offing considering other global crises at present. The parties have agreed to harmonize fuel emission standards, however. Overall, reports indicate that the agreement is supposed to produce almost $15 billion dollars in economic benefits and up to 80,000 new jobs. Let’s hope so.
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Will the Spirit Move You?
By Linda Tancs
As many readers may have learned, Spirit Airlines has taken the unprecedented step of charging for carry-on baggage that must be placed in the overhead bin. Excluded from the baggage fee will be a single personal item that fits underneath the seat. The new fee system also excludes such sundries as coats, umbrellas, car seats (for children holding a ticket), cameras and assistive devices. The fee for the airline’s online club members is $20. Nonmembers pay an online fee of $30, including phone and check-in customers. The gate fee is $45. Is this a shameless move for more revenue or an enlightened approach towards thwarting an uptick in checked baggage masquerading as carry-ons? Take the poll below.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Free Tickets
By Linda Tancs
Unless you’ve won a door prize or cashed in some frequent flyer miles, it isn’t every day you have the opportunity to get free airline tickets. But that’s just what JetBlue did a few days ago in celebration of its tenth year in service. And they’re not done; apparently the prizes will keep coming on the 10th of each month in a year-long birthday celebration. Better keep your eye on their Twitter account for more treats!
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Registration Required for Visa-Free Travel to U.S.
By Linda Tancs
Tourists from countries participating in the visa waiver program may be unaware of a little program passed by Congress in 2007 (arising from the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007) known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), previously reported on this blog. However, that little program could take a big bite out of your travel plans if you fail to comply with its requirements. Simply put, ESTA requires that travelers from those 30+ countries participating in the visa waiver program obtain an electronic authorization of their right to enter the U.S. The authorization is obtained by completing an online application. If approved for travel, the authorization will be granted in a matter of seconds. Otherwise, prospective visitors may get a “pending” message, in which event the site must be re-checked for authorization within 72 hours. Those denied authorization must contact the State Department for advice on obtaining a visa. The effects of noncompliance with the program, as of 20 January this year, could include denial of boarding or denial of entry into the U.S. at point of entry. And if the Travel Promotion Act becomes law, there’s likely to be a $10 fee attached to your application. You should also note that the right of authorization is independent of any other requirements for entry, such as a valid passport and length of stay limitations. Any questions? Read the Department of Homeland Security’s FAQs.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Sleep On It
By Linda Tancs
Longer security lines and increased check-in requirements mean headaches for early morning travelers. Worried about missing your flight? If you’re prone to misjudge the time it will take from breakfast table to tarmac, then maybe you need a sleepover. At many airports, you can get a deal on a nearby hotel–and a headstart on that check-in line. Sweet dreams.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Consumer Reports for Travelers
By Linda Tancs
Anyone who has ever been stranded on an airplane for multiple hours may appreciate the new regulations to take effect requiring airlines to limit tarmac delays and provide basic necessities onboard. These regulations, however, won’t require airlines to post complaint data on their Web sites. For that you should check the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report. There you’ll find a host of information concerning flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales, consumer complaints related to disability or discrimination, customer service reports to the Transportation Security Administration, and reports related to the loss, injury or death of animals. Check out the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, too, for more information.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Cashless Cabins
By Linda Tancs
As of December 1, 2009, travelers flying on Delta and Northwest in North America, Central America and the Caribbean became aware that cash is decidedly not king. In a move geared towards expediting the onboard payment process, customers flying within and among these destinations will have to use credit to pay for their munchies. The rule, however, does not affect trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and South American flights or duty-free items.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Transparency in Travel
By Linda Tancs
The dizzying array of airline charges can confound even the most seasoned traveler: second bag charge, security fee, fuel surcharge, exit row fee, holiday surcharge, food and beverage charges, tax, etc. What’s worse, you often don’t know what you’re getting yourself into until you hit the ‘pay’ button and that ‘cheap’ fare turns into something quite unexpected. For those who have long wished for an itemized list of those dreaded add-ons prior to checkout, your salvation may be at hand. A New Jersey senator has proposed the Clear Airfares Act of 2009, a bill intended to require airlines and ticket agents to notify consumers of all fees related to a fare in a timely manner. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for further action. Stay tuned.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Secure Flight Means Tighter ID Requirements
By Linda Tancs
The Transportation Security Administration recently announced the implementation of its Secure Flight program, an initiative from 9/11 requiring airlines to collect precise identity information to match up against the no-fly and warning lists. The program requires that a party present ID at check-in that matches the name given to the airline when making a reservation. Of paramount concern is whether a problem will arise if a driver’s license or passport omits a middle name or middle initial or some other hiccup in identity that is otherwise revealed on a boarding pass, or vice versa. Perhaps it’s too early to tell what the ramifications of the new rule will be, which ultimately will apply to both domestic and international travel (international rules taking effect in late 2009). The best advice? Have the appropriate ID handy when making that reservation or when instructing your travel agent.
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Fido Flies First Class
By Linda Tancs
Remember Eos and Silverjet, those now defunct business-class only airlines? Well, now comes the equivalent for four-legged travelers: Pet Airways. Billing itself as first-class travel for “pawsengers,” the airline uses Beech 1900 turbo props with a proprietary restraint system to fly your dog or cat in its carrier to one of their current destinations: Teterboro, NJ, Washington, DC, Denver, Los Angeles or Chicago. The experience includes a pet attendant, monitored potty breaks before travel and a little decompression in the travel lounge. The only thing missing is filet mignon on a porcelain plate. Rawhide will just have to do for now.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it, or bookmark it. Thanks for your support! Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!
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