Within the next few days, the US House of Representatives could pass H.R. 302 which addresses funding of the FAA for the next five years. Part of this bill gives the Department of Transportation one year to establish minimum seat sizes on airplanes. The old standard pitch of 34 inches as shrunk over the years to 30 inches. Some economy airlines have a pitch as low as 27 … [Read more...] about New congressional bill could mandate minimum seat sizes on airplanes
Airlines
Wonder why planes are more crowded? Here’s the answer
In the past decade, over 200 million more passengers fly on planes than just fifteen years ago. But, that's just part of the story. Airlines are now flying over 1.5 million FEWER FLIGHTS than they did fifteen years ago! I was never great at math but I can understand this statistic. More passengers and fewer flights mean more people on a plane. Another good reason to … [Read more...] about Wonder why planes are more crowded? Here’s the answer
First day of Fall means it’s time to buy Holiday plane tickets
If you plan to travel over the upcoming holidays, now is the time to buy your plane tickets. Fares are expected to rise over the next three months so the longer you wait, the more you'll probably pay to fly. According to CheapAir.com, the best times to fly around the Christmas holiday is December 18th and December 28th. Another good time is December 24th (later in the … [Read more...] about First day of Fall means it’s time to buy Holiday plane tickets
New revenue source for airlines – seat fees!
With all the competition between cities and airlines, it's inevitable the airlines will find new and creative ways to increase revenue. The latest gimmick is a seat fee. You might pay $50 for what the airline calls a preferred seat but it's really just the same seat towards the front of the plane. You might not board early. You probably won't get a free drink. You'll … [Read more...] about New revenue source for airlines – seat fees!
When your flight has an “early arrival,” is it really early?
Well, I guess it would be considered early based on the schedule published by the airline. However, a recent study showed an average flight between city A and city B is 35 minutes longer than ten years ago! In Europe, passengers can be compensated if a flight is too late. So, enjoy arriving "early" but realize ten years ago, you might not have been early even with the same … [Read more...] about When your flight has an “early arrival,” is it really early?
Cathay Pacific plane reads, “Cathay Paciic”
Oops! Back to the paint shop! … [Read more...] about Cathay Pacific plane reads, “Cathay Paciic”
Frontier Airlines lowers change fees
At a time when most airlines are raising fees, Frontier Airlines today announced they are lowering fees for itinerary changes. There is an asterisk, however. Changes made 90 days out from travel date are free. Previously, the fee was $99. Most airlines, but not all, charge $200 for changes to itineraries. If the change is less than 90 days from travel, but more than two … [Read more...] about Frontier Airlines lowers change fees
Checked bags fees go up 20% in past few weeks
Jet Blue started it. In late August, they bumped up their first checked bag fee from $25 to $30. This was quickly followed by Delta and United. American has not yet raised their fee but I for one expect the raise any day. Spirit and Allegiant were already at $30 and as of yet, it remains there. Southwest still allows 2 free checked bags … [Read more...] about Checked bags fees go up 20% in past few weeks
Let’s examine travel insurance. Do you need it?
What Senior Travelers Need to Know About Travel Insurance The photo is one I took a few years ago. It was an evacuation, for medical reasons, of a passenger having heart issues. Vacations used to be for those who had the time and money to get away from home for a few days every year, and those people always went to the same destination for their trips. … [Read more...] about Let’s examine travel insurance. Do you need it?
**Senior Alert** Virgin Atlantic may deny boarding because of your dental work
If you plan to fly Virgin Atlantic airlines, you might want to forego the visit to the dentist if it's within 48 hours of your flight. This airline has a rule that passengers that have had simple dental work, including fillings, may not board within 48 hours after the visit to their dentist. Also, a general anesthetic could cause the same delay. The airline feels the … [Read more...] about **Senior Alert** Virgin Atlantic may deny boarding because of your dental work