PopSugar

It's Still Possible to Save on Airfare . . . After Booking

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:40 -0700

You've done your homework on plane fares, but, when seeing the cost begin to climb, panic and purchase. Two hours later, the price is back down again even lower than before. I feel your pain, but don't slam your keyboard and give up. Do something about it.

That's right, you can actually save on airfare after booking. Both Expedia and Travelocity have 24-hour windows on their low-fare guarantees, and Orbitz's Price Assurance only applies if someone buys that fare at a lower price. But booking directly with the airline can allow even more changes after the fact.

While I wouldn't recommend torturing yourself with fare checks everyday from purchase to takeoff, it makes sense to monitor the price 24–48 hours after you book, just in case. To see a chart of fees and refund amounts by airline, read more.

Airline	Low-Fare Policy	Fee
Alaska	Refund fare difference, $100 discount code, same day as booking	$0
American	Refund fare difference, $50 promo code, same day as booking	$150
Continental	Refund fare difference, $100 travel certificate, same day as booking	$150
Delta	Refund fare difference, $100 travel voucher, same day as booking	$150
JetBlue	Refund fare difference into a JetBlue travel voucher	$100
Southwest	Refund fare difference into Southwest travel credit; no same day restriction	$0
United	Refund and $100 travel certificate same day as booking	$150
US Airways	Refund minus $150 change fee; no same day restriction	$150

I'm Asking: Would You Pay For Advanced Seat Assignments?

SavvySugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:22 -0700

Ahh, remember when you booked a plane ticket and that was the last time you took out your wallet? I sure do, but with all the standard à la carte charges now, there are only so many potential fees left - like picking out seats?

Earlier this month, British Airways announced a charge ($16 and up) to book seats in advance, up to 355 days whether you're riding in first or business classes . . . or back in economy. The alternative? Wait within 24 hours of the flight's departure to race other passengers to pick your seats for free. I've experienced the unknown of the unassigned seating process with Southwest but, for standard-fared tickets, should this even be a factor in the booking equation?

How Airlines Could Jam 50% More Passengers on Planes

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:30:37 -0700

Most of you were pretty baffled when China's Spring Airlines announced it was considering selling standing-room seats on its planes, and the newest news in air travel might be just as jarring. British design company Design Q has come up with a concept it estimates would allow for a 50 percent increase in the number of passengers on board.

The design consists of rows of passengers sitting sideways and facing each other, instead of staring at the seat back in front of you. Howard Guy, director at Design Q, explains, "Having passengers face each other is not an ideal situation. But this will see increased revenue for the operator and more economical tickets for the passenger - so by keeping both happy, this concept makes an attractive alternative." Guy estimates the cost per seat will be reduced by 30 percent, which is nothing to cough at.

Because the planes would ultimately be uncomfortable (Guy even admits it) the seating arrangements would ideally be on planes used for trips under 80 minutes. Limiting the flights to shorter routes makes even more sense when you consider the design would exclude aisle space to accommodate food carts.

This way of traveling is nothing new for military personnel, but what do you think of using it for commercial planes?

Airlines Aiming Higher With Fancier Coach Meals

YumSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:50:20 -0700

These days, airlines are engaged in new flights of fancy: in an effort to set themselves apart from competitors, many have been upping the ante on food offerings.

Airlines began charging for meals post-9/11, but food-for-purchase replacements never fared well. They came with high price tags, questionable freshness, and inventory challenges. But major players have found a way to tackle these issues, and hope to enhance their brand images with a revamped reputation for good food.

Delta Air Lines serves Ben & Jerry's ice cream, cheese plates, and a new array of dishes created by culinary impresario Todd English that includes grilled chicken gyros and almond butter sandwiches. In May, American Airlines partnered with Boston Market, hoping to levy the rotisserie chain's name recognition. Although Hawaiian Airlines has long kept a focus on high-end food, it, too, has tried to elevate coach sales. While meals are free on Hawaiian, paying an additional $10 buys passengers satay chicken with vermicelli, or a sushi bento box with edamame and teriyaki chicken.

Airlines have found savvy methods of measuring the success of food programs, like using credit card readers to monitor the popularity of foods. Do you think the new tactics work? Has airline food gotten tastier?

Fur Flyin' High: Follow This Timeline For Air Travel With Pets

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:30:56 -0700

No matter what part of the plane your pet will travel in, check out my seven-step timeline to fly the friendly skies. Even if you're not heading out in a big ol' jet airliner, several of these are good tips to remember when traveling by car - follow along when you start this slideshow!

View Slideshow ›

Pay As You Go: Check Out My Handy Chart of Airlines' Pet Fees

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:40:10 -0700

For most of us - the most that wouldn't have hundreds of dollars to spare, won't take multiple trips a season or don't own a private jet - the price of air travel with pets can prohibit inclusion of furry friends in all but the most important of situations (like relocation). If you're wondering how much it will cost to include a pet on your next trip, I've gathered up the prices for the major airlines. How much will you pay as you go? Find out the one-way rates in the chart below.

Airline	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage	As Cargo
AirTran	$69	n/a	n/a
Alaska	$100	$100	n/a
American	$100	$150	n/a
Continental	$125	n/a	800-575-3335
Delta	$100	$175	$179–$689
Frontier	n/a	$100–$200	n/a
JetBlue	$100	n/a	n/a

See the rest of the chart when you read more.

Airline	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage	As Cargo
Midwest	$125	$150	n/a
Southwest	$75	n/a	n/a
Spirit	$100	n/a	n/a
United	$125–$175	$175–$500	800-822-2746
US Airways	$100	800-428-2966	n/a
Virgin America	$100	n/a	n/a

(If a phone number is listed, you'll need to call a representative who can give you the current rates for your pet's type, weight, kennel size, and destination.)

How Have Your Furry Friends Flown the Friendly Skies?

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:30:15 -0700

One if by land, two if by sea, one place for pup, a different for me? Taking a plane ride can be difficult for pets - especially those nonfrequent fliers and ones that can't ride at your feet. To kick off our flying high week, let's dish on your pampered pals: in which part of the aircraft do they travel?

Front Page: Severe Turbulence Injures 26, 4 Seriously

TresSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:39 -0700

At least 26 people were injured, four seriously, after a Continental Airlines jet headed from Brazil to Texas hit extreme turbulence this morning. The jet was forced to land in Miami, FL. - CNN
An Australian girl is suing Kentucky Fried Chicken for millions, claiming she was left crippled after eating contaminated food from the chain. - Times
An ad blasting Lou Dobbs is set to appear on CNN. - Huffington Post
The US is considering moving prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to a new prison in the US with its own courtrooms for military and civilian tribunals. - Voice of America
A lack of volunteers willing to participate in clinical trials may slow the fight against cancer. - NY Times

4 Things I Love About PetAirways

PetSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:20:10 -0700

Other than being the first fleet of planes dedicated solely to pawsengers, there are more things that set PetAirways apart from other air travel options! Even though it's too pricey for every weekend away, check out some special features that put this flight above the rest.

View Slideshow ›

Pet Airways Makes First Flights Today: Are You Buying In?

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:25:10 -0700

No people allowed, people. That's the policy on the Pet Airways fleet offering main cabin travel for pampered pals only. Although it began taking reservations when it launched with an introductory one-way fare of $150, prices now range from $250–$300 and take off from regional airports close to five US cities - New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles - and seats are selling fast. While times are limited, and cross country trips take about 24 hours with an overnight stay-and-play, there are plans to expand to 25 cities in the next three years.

I can understand trepidation about flying a pup as cargo or checked baggage, but this airline flies up to 50 pets in a cabin specially fitted with crates, making a nice alternative for people with larger pets, provided your departure and arrival locations fit with their offerings. What's your take?

Source: Pet Airways