Tag Archives: Airfare

Save on a Mid-Summer Getaway

Forget about the fact that Wal-Mart and Target erected their school supply displays before the last firework exploded on the 4th of July.  Take a look at the calendar and you will see that there are more than six weeks of summer vacation left before most kids head back to class. For many families, that leaves plenty of time to get in another trip or two before the end of the season.  In fact, if you’ve waited this long to take flight on a summer vacation you stand to save a pretty penny.  According to travel insiders, late August is … Continue reading →

Free TV at 35,000 Feet

Southwest Airlines is giving passengers another way to stretch their travel dollar.  The discount airline recently announced that it will be allowing customers to watch TV for free on all Wi-Fi enabled planes. The new “TV Flies Free” offer is a budget-conscious traveler’s dream come true.  Just bring along your own personal device–iPhone, iPad, iPod or other Internet-ready gadgets–and Southwest will hook you up with satellite TV provider Dish network’s 14 live TV channels and 75 on-demand shows.  The new service is currently being offered on the airline’s 425-plus Wi-Fi equipped planes, which is nearly 75% of Southwest’s entire fleet. While … Continue reading →

Flying High Without High-Flying Prices

Everyone loves a sale, but when discounted prices are associated with air travel, frugal vacationers’ hopes begin to soar a bit higher.  Unfortunately, not all sales equate to rock-bottom prices. The trick to getting the most bang for your buck is to examine the fine print.  Just because you see an advertisement by a major airline regarding an airfare sale, it doesn’t mean you will saving a ton of cash.  In most cases, airfare sales come with a long list of restrictions, including specific dates, times and destinations. Airline insiders are quick to point out that most commercial carriers offer … Continue reading →

In Search of Cheap Seats

A few weeks ago, Southwest Airlines added yet another fee to its ever-expanding list of ala carte charges.  Now, you’ll have to fork over $40 at the gate if you want to board the plane with the first group of passengers. The discount carrier doesn’t offer assigned seats like United and American Airlines, but will bump you to the coveted group “A” boarding if you cough up the extra cash.  The offer begins 45 minutes before the flight departs, though is only available if the slots are not filled by elite and business select passengers who pay upfront for the … Continue reading →

Studying Airfare Structures

Saving money on air travel doesn’t come without a little effort.  Or, in some cases, a lot of effort.  The advent of the Internet has made booking more convenient, but not all sites are easy to navigate; consequently, finding the best fare can be quite challenging.  Add to that the vast array of fare structures that vary from airline to airline and you may be tempted to drive to your vacation destination rather than fly. To help travelers find prices that best suit their budgets, American Airlines recently unveiled a new fare structure.  It offers potential fliers three coach-class fare … 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 →

Fall Fare Sale

After months of sky-high airfares, some carriers are finally offering a break to customers. Timing is key. After all, we are slowly moving from the busy summer season to the less hectic fall travel period, which is why airfare sales are popping up with more frequency. If you have been holding off on flying because your budget simply can’t take the hit, you will be pleased to know that help is in sight. Right now a number of airlines have slashed fares to as low as $66 one-way. Even flights to Canada and Mexico are reasonably priced. But as always … Continue reading →

Taking to the Skies this Summer? Don’t Forget Your Wallet

And don’t forget to fill it with wads of green… you are going to need it if you want to quench your thirst, have a snack, or use the bathroom. I’m kidding about the last one, but at the rate that airlines are assessing additional fees for drinks, pretzels and luggage these days could paying to use an airplane’s lavatory really be that far off? If you are taking to the skies this summer you might want to review the following fee changes recently implement by various carriers throughout the United States. Then pack your wallet accordingly. US Airways In … Continue reading →

New Airline Fees–Keeping it Straight

For the past several weeks I have been detailing the new baggage fees being assessed by select airlines. The information is readily available through the individual carriers and has made headlines from coast to coast, yet there are many summer travelers out there who find sifting through the new rules as nerve racking as a turbulent flight. If you find yourself asking: Is the $15 fee for the first checked bag or the second… Do you still have to pay the fee if you bought your ticket before the new rule went into place… What airlines are currently assessing the … Continue reading →

More Bad News for Cash Strapped Flyers

Well, I guess this means I have to stop picking on American Airlines. On Thursday United Airlines announced it plans to join American and charge passengers $15 for a first checked bag. American set the precedent for the charge and now it appears baggage fees are becoming an unavoidable part of U.S. air travel. First, it was the $25 charge for checking a second bag now this $15 fee for the first bag… before you know it U.S. carriers will be charging travelers for each carry-on they lug on board planes. Blame it on the record fuel prices they say. … Continue reading →