Travel Trippers

Information and Inspiration - for travelers

Flying

New congressional bill could mandate minimum seat sizes on airplanes

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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

Wonder why planes are more crowded? Here’s the answer

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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

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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

Frontier Airlines lowers change fees

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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

**Senior Alert** Virgin Atlantic may deny boarding because of your dental work

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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

**Senior Alert:** Miracles actually happen on flights!

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According to a CBS News report, flight attendants have often reported "miracles" happening on flights! They claim many people board with a wheelchair yet are able to walk off the plane on their own.  Of course, this miracle is tongue-in-cheek as the wheelchair passengers are just hacking the system to get early boarding. I find this unethical but in my many travels, I … [Read more...] about **Senior Alert:** Miracles actually happen on flights!