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Archive for February, 2009

A Word About In-Flight Air Travel Rules

February 16, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

When it comes to air travel, a lot of focus is placed on airport security. While the majority of air travel rules are enforced in airports, there are other rules that are enforced in the air. To make the most out of your next business meeting or vacation, you are advised to familiarize yourself with those rules.  Doing so will not only allow you to have a pleasant experience, but it will also prevent you from being involved in an unnecessary, but serious incident. 

As you may have gathered from news reports, one of the biggest problems on airplanes today is uncooperative passengers.  An uncooperative passenger can simply be one who needs to go to the bathroom and refuses to wait until it is safe to leave their seat. However, that passenger, along with many others, is largely unaware of the dangers of violating these important, but simple air travel rules.  The first rule that you must follow is to follow all rules imposed by your airline. This means leaving your seat belt on until it is safe to remove it or staying in your seat until it is safe to move around.

It is also important that you cooperate with all airline employees, namely flight attendants.  If they ask you to do something, such as remain in your seat, you are advised to listen to them.If you are not aware of the situation it is likely to get out of hand. A few insulting comments and you could be met at your next boarding gate by airport security or local authorities.  Even if you do not consider yourself a threat to other passengers or flight attendants, confrontation in the air is taken seriously; very seriously.

It is also advised that you refrain from making any jokes, especially those that involve the use of a bomb or any other weapons. Although you may only be kidding, in today’s society, these jokes are taken seriously.  In fact, it is advised that you refrain from using the words bomb, gun, or hijacking aboard an airplane. In the event that those words were overheard, whether they were taken out of context or not, they could cause you and other passengers a large hassle.  This hassle often involves the de-boarding of the airplane and additional security checks.

As previously mentioned, there are serous consequences for violating these air travelrules.  Even if it is proven that you are not a threat to yourself, the flight crew, or other passengers, you may still face prosecution. This prosecution may include disrupting the peace or inciting panic aboard an aircraft. Just because you know that you are not a threat, does not necessarily mean that everyone else knows the same thing. That is why you are advised to choose your words and your confront very carefully, especially at the time of flying.

The above mentioned in-flight air travelrules are just a few of the many that you must abide by. You will find that most of these rules are not well-kept secrets, in fact, many are simply common sense.  If you would like to learn more about the rules enforced in-flight, you are advised to contact each airline directly or use the internet to your advantage. A simple internet search should provide you with the information that you were looking to obtain.

Air Travel Rules: Are They Different For Children?

February 16, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

Are you and your family planning on taking a trip now or in the near future?  If so, there is a good chance that you all will be flying on airplane.  When traveling a long distance, especially with children, airplanes can be the quickest way to get to your destination.  However, when it comes to air travel rules and children, many parents are confused. Many of those parents mistakenly believe that their child is exempt from all air travel rules, including airport security checkpoints. Unfortunately, this is not true. 

If you are planning on traveling with your child, they will not receive a free pass. This means that they must undergo the exact same screening process as everyone else.  Although you will all be going through the same screening process, you will want to prepare for it a little bit differently. This preparation should not only be used to ensure that you and your family make it through the airport screening process, but that you and your family have a pleasant experience when doing so.

Explaining the details about the air travel rules to your children is the very first step in preparing for air travel. Depending on their age, this can be a fairly difficult task.  When explaining the screening process, it is important that your child knows they will have to enter the metal detectors.  If your child can walk, they are encouraged to go through them alone.  Although there is a good chance that the alarm will not sound, especially if you check their clothing before you leave; it could still be a fairly scary process.  In the event that the alarm on the metal detector does sound, your child will be pulled aside, just like everyone else. 

It is also important to talk to your children about what is allowed and what is not allowed on the airplane. For instance, there is a good chance that your child would like to take a drink with them. Recently, there was a ban imposed on liquids and carryon luggage.  While there are a few exceptions, namely baby formula, your child will likely have to go without a beverage, although they should be provided with one as soon as they board the plane.  It is also advised to let them know that some of their toys may need to be left at home. These toys may include ones that are large, have sharp objects, or appear as if they are real weapons. 

As previously mentioned, your child’s age is important when explaining air travel to them. You will find that most older children, including teenagers, completely understand everything that you are saving, but smaller children may not.It may be good thinking if you arrive at the airport earlier than the recommended time, if you are afraid that your toddler does not understand what you are saying.  You should be able to stay off to the side and watch other passengers, especially those who are going through the screening process. This, along with a simple explanation, may help your child to see and understand what will happen to them later on. 

While you may not necessarily think about it, it is important that you make sure that your child understands that they are not to joke about having a bomb or any other weapon on an airplane.  Airport security, although it is a serious issue, has become a joke to many people, including some children. Your child may not have a weapon onboard and they may only make a comment with the intention of getting a laugh, there is a lot more that they could get. As previously mentioned, when it comes to air travel children receive the same attention as adults do. This means that if your child is overheard making a joke on the plane that may cause some security concerns; it is likely that your whole family, including your child, will be removed from the plane and detained by airport security, until the situation is resolved. 

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should not have any problems traveling with your child.  Even if you feel that your child is mature for their age, it is still a good idea to remind them of all air travel rules, not only for the sake of your trip, but for their own safety as well.

Steps To Travel In The Air With A Pet

February 16, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

When it comes to air travel, a large number of individuals hit the skies daily.  People fly for all different reasons. Some individuals need to make a business trip, others are visiting friends or family, others are going on vacation, and some are making a cross country move.If you are in the process of moving, there is a good possibility that you will be required to bring your pet along with you. If this is the case, you will find that you are subject to a whole new set of air travel rules.  Before leaving for the airport, with your pet or pets in tow, you are advised to familiarize yourself with those rules.

The first step in traveling, in the air, with a pet is to make sure that they are even allowed.  Certain pets are allowed to be on airplanes, but that does not mean that all airlines will allow it.  If you are planning on traveling with your pet, you will need to inform your airline of this information upfront.  This is vital because not all airlines will allow you to bring a pet onboard. Therefore, if you do not check with your airline before heading to the airport, you may be unable to board your flight. 

When traveling with a pet, you will need to keep that pet contained. That means that if you are traveling with an animal, such as a dog or a cat, that animal will likely need to be in a carrier.While purchasing a carrier for animal, this is essential to know that all carriers are not permitted onboard. If you will be keeping your animal in the cabin with you, as opposed to having your animal treated as checked baggage, you will need to make sure that your pet carrier will not negatively affect other passengers. Your pet carrier must not block aisle ways or encroach on other passenger’s seating spaces.  In addition to these general rules and restrictions, you may find that each airline has their own set of pet carrier rules.

Almost all airlines require that your pets have the proper documents before being allowed on their airplanes.  These documents most commonly include information on your pet’s health.  Most airlines require that your pet undergoes a medical evaluation before being transported by airplane.  This information is not only used to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to fly, but is also used to ensure that they are protected with the proper vaccinations.Proper vaccinations is helpful in not only protecting your pet, but airline staff members and other passengers too. 

Once you have received clearance from the airline, which you wish to fly on, purchased the appropriate pet equipment, and obtained the proper health checks for your pet, you will need to wait until your day of travel. On that day, you may want to arrive at the airport a little bit earlier than recommended. This will help to ensure that you could quickly straighten out a problem, without having to miss your flight, should one arise.

When you and your pet arrive at the airport, whether it be early or not, you will both be required to go through airport security. Your pet will be required to pass through a metal detector, just like everyone else.  If you are using a pet carrier, it is also likely that your pet carrier will be subject to examination.  This examination most commonly includes being sent though the x-ray machine with your carryon luggage; however, it is important to note that your pet will not have to go through the x-ray machine; the metal detector should be enough.

As previously said in the rules, all airlines don’t permits the passengers to fly with their pets, even in the cabin area or below the deck.This is the reason it is suggested that you should determine whether or not your pet can fly with you, before going ahead. In addition to different air travel rules, you may also find that some airlines charged extra fees for pet passengers.  In the event of being charged, you will be notified ahead of departure time.

Offer Discounts For Last Minute Travel By Travel Agencies

February 16, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

Planning your travel can be a great thing and an exercise for you in terms of organization. You need to know what to pack, where to go, what to do, and how to get there. You need to know the best travel deals, the best and the worst in dining, and the best in the worst in bargains of things that you want to buy for people back home. You need to get the best deals in not just going to and from a place, but in staying there. Some travel agencies can help you out, while others are just plain nasty. How can you weed out the bad ones and get yourself the travel experience of a lifetime?

First, if you are looking for a travel agency, look at the deals that the travel agency posts, especially when it comes to your travel deal of choice: last minute travel. Many travel agencies will naturally not favor last minute travel. It can be taxing on resources as they scramble to get you a good deal on plane fares and hotel accommodations. With your planning and your packing, they will be panicking in a similar way that you are. They will not like to be harassed! But if they offer some discounts already for last minute travel, it means that they have planned their company well and already foresee your needs. Pick this kind of company: the kind that anticipates travel problems.

Second thing is, select a company that is up front with its fees. You will get a lot of fees for last minute travel, from the hotel to your tickets, from the travel agents to your taxes. Some travel agencies can keep these fees a secret by showing you discounted rates, and then mentioning hidden fees but never telling you how much you are going to be charged. Do not be afraid to ask your travel agent about these hidden fees, and do not be afraid to walk away if your travel agent never gives you details on what these hidden fees are. The travel agent should have nothing to hide from you!

Third, pick a company that actually has a reputation. Other thing is that, you should not be ashamed to get help from your friends. You require to have a company that has worked for many people, not some travel agency that seems to pop out of anywhere. A travel agency that has a reputation will also have a reputation to uphold, so they cannot simply take money from you and make your last minute travel horrendous.

Fourth, always scout around for a lot of travel agents. There will surely be many travel agencies in your area: some big travel agencies may have a lot of clients and they might not be able to give you the attention that you need for last minute travel, but they could also be used to catering to people who are on last minute travel quandaries. Smaller agencies can give you the personalized service that you need, but they might not be used to handling last minute travel arrangements. Look for many travel agents and then have an agency that exclusively handles your last minute travel needs.

These are only a few tips that you can use to help you get the travel deals that you want. Last minute travel can be a big hassle, but if you know what agencies will work well for you, you won’t have too big a problem.

Remember Before Storing A Camera In Your Carryon Luggage

February 16, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

In this day in age, it seems as if all individuals have at least once piece of electronic equipment with them, often at all times. That electronic equipment may include a cell phone, a beeper, a laptop, or a personal data assistant, commonly known as a PDA. If you are one of the individuals that regularly travels around with one or more of these electronic items, there is a good chance that you will be taking them with you when you board an airplane. If so, there is a chance that you may be concerned with whether or not they are a violation of air travel rules.

When it comes to determining which electronics are prohibited aboard an airplane, you will find that almost all are allowed.  Despite this allowance, it is still a good idea that you check with your airline or airport, in advance.  Since most electronic items are expensive, you not want to get to the airport only to learn that you are prohibited from bringing all of your belongings with you, especially something as expensive as most electronic equipment. 

As previously mentioned, many individuals keep a cell phone or pager with them at all times.All types of pagers and cell phones are allowed aboard airplanes. In addition to being permitted onboard, they are allowed to be stored in your carryon luggage.  Your cell phone or pager, like most other electronic equipment, will be suspect to inspection, if need be.

Laptops and personal data assistants, also called PDA’s, are permitted too aboard airplanes.  You are also allowed to store them in your carryon luggage if you choose to.  If stored in your carryon luggage, your laptop or personal data assistant machine will need to be scanned along with the rest of your carryon luggage. This screening process is safe and should not hurt your equipment.

The process of screening is not safe only for a few electronic equipment, but it is safe for the rest.  There is a chance that your film, especially film that has yet to be developed, could be ruined by the x-ray machines.  In the event that you are storing a camera in your carryon luggage, you will need to notify airport security.  They have alternative ways of checking your camera or film equipment. Other recording devices, such as digital cameras or camcorders, are also permitted aboard an airplane, even in your carryon luggage. It is safe for these items to go through the x-ray screening process.

As previously mentioned, many of the above mentioned electronics can either be stored in your carryon luggage or your checked baggage.  If you are able to store the items in your carryon luggage, you are advised to do so. It is no secret that checked baggage gets tossed around in a number of different fashions.If you are having your valuable electronic equipment along with you, then there is less chance of its damage.  In addition to a reduction in damage, most airlines are restricting the use of baggage locks.  This means that it may be unwise for you to store expensive equipment in your checked baggage, especially if you cannot lock it.  Honestly, you never know who may have access to it.

By keeping the above mentioned information in mind, you should be able to pack correctly for your next trip, whether or not that trip is a business trip. Although most airlines do not have restrictions on the electronic equipment that you bring onboard, you will find that the use of these items is often restricted.  A large number of airlines will only let you power up your camcorder, cell phone, pager, PDA, or laptop during specified times.

Air Travel: Is your Clothing Important For You

February 11, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

When it comes to air travel and clothing, we are all different.  There are some travelers who are dressed in business suits, others in traditional jeans, and others who wear something as comfortable as possible, such as their pajamas or sweat pants.  With the recent increase in airport security and the recent change in air travel rules, there are many individuals who wonder if the clothing they wear to the airport is important.  If you are one of those individuals, you can rest assure because, in most cases, it is not.

It seems as if ever since airplanes became the popular way to travel, a focus has been placed on comfort. Regardless of whether or not you will be taking a long flight, you will want to be comfortable. Nothing is as bad as wearing an itchy sweater or tight pair of pants up in the aeroplane. Unless you bring a chance of clothes with you and place them in your carryon bag, you are out of luck. That is why it is important that you think of what you will be wearing before you leave for the airport.  Even if you are traveling for business, you should be able to change in to your business clothes as soon as you arrive at your destination, even in the airport bathrooms. 

When it comes to comfort, as previously mentioned, many air travelers make the decision to wear sweat pants and a comfortable top.  In addition to being comfortable, you will find, in most cases, that these types of clothes are the best for airport security, especially when entering airport screening checkpoints. This is because most sweat pants are not made with any metal items.  Essentially, this means that you should be able to enter the security checkpoint and leave it quicker than most other travelers, such as the travelers who are decked out in accessories.

When it comes to clothing accessories, you will find that a number of different items set off airport metal detectors. That is why most airport security officers request that you remove all of your jewelry.  Once your jewelry is removed, you will need to place it in a small bin, which will be scanned right along with your carryon luggage.  If you have rings or a necklace, you are advised to remove them, if you can.  For your convenience, you can leave your earrings on.  If by chance, you earrings set the metal detectors off, you will likely be pulled a side and airport security should easily be able to tell whether or not your earring were what set off the alarms.

In addition to the jewelry, you may realise that your belt can also set off an airport’s metal detector. For that reason, a large number of airports have requested that you remove your belts before entering the metal detectors.  Since a large number of travelers wear belts, this is done to help speed up the process of checking each and every passenger. If you do not enjoy removing some of your jewelry or removing your belt, it is advised that you leave those items at home

Recently, a number of new air travelrules have been implemented. One of those rules requires that all passengers remove their shoes.  Your shoes, once removed, will be scanned by an x-ray machine, right along with the rest of your carryon luggage.  Previously, only random passengers were asked to remove their shoes, but now everyone has to. For that reason, you will to wear simple shoes that you can easily remove and put back on.

Another air travel rule, recently implemented, is the ban of liquids.It means that adults are not allowed to bring any drink onboard and actually not even a bottle of water.  It also means that you are prohibited from placing liquid beauty supplies in your carryon luggage.  One concern, made by many women is the allowance of gel or water filled bras. Currently, you are allowed to wear these types of bras onboard an airplane.  Honestly, unless you mention it to airport security, there is a good chance that they would never even know.

Since there are really no rules or restrictions on the clothing that you can wear while flying the great skies, you need to choose for yourself. Whether you want to be fashionable or comfortable, it is all up to you. 

Round the World Flights

February 10, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

Round the world (RTW) tickets can be a convenient way to travel the world. RTW tickets are pre-bought so you don't need to worry about booking flights while traveling. However, these tickets cost a lot of money. Most people's jaw drops when they see the price of these tickets. It is important to heavily research and do some math before you purchase one of these tickets.

RTW tickets are really air alliance passes. You buy a RTW ticket and can use it on an airline alliance. The biggest alliances are the Star Alliance, Oneworld, and World Journey. For example, if you bought a ticket with United, you would be using all the airlines on the Star Alliance and only those airlines.

Round the world tickets give you a set number of destinations over a period of one year. The ticket price is determined by your route, stops, and miles. There is a minimum of three stops with the maximum varying on each alliance. If you fly a non traditional route, you tend to pay more. The popular RTW route is LAX-FIJI-SYD-BANGKOK-LON-NYC-LAX.

Round the world tickets can cost between US$2,700 - $5,000, depending on how many stops and miles you pick. You can always change the stops, mileage, and dates for a fee. However, simple tickets with only a few stops can cost as little as US$1,500.

RTW tickets are good if you have a set route, schedule, and are only visiting popular spots. These tickets are designed to send people over a set route so if you choose one of the popular routes, it becomes easy to save money. If you want to go everywhere, prices will quickly add up.

However, nothing ever goes the way you plan it when you travel. These ticketts are popular with people who travel along time. The more time you spend on the road, the more your plans change. You won't be able to change your plans if you are restricted by a ticket. However, for intrepid travelers, there are many alternatives to getting an around the world ticket:

Book yourself. By booking your own flights, you get more flexibility. You can use discount airlines for cheap flights and wait for flight deals. It’s will take more work and patience but the money you save can better be spent on food, alcohol, presents, and tours.

Use Low Cost Carriers. You wil lots of these airlines in Asia and Europe. They often fly the same route as the big guys and charge half the price. You are only getting space on a plane but flying these airlines will save you a lot of money.

Use your rewards. If you don’t already have a travel credit card, you should get one now. Most credit cards will give you 20,000 miles right away and you will get points for everything you buy, receive special offers, and get miles when you. Even if all you get is one ticket out of the deal (those 20,000 points help get you there), that one ticket can save you hundreds upon hundreds of dollars.

Round the world tickets are great for travelers with a set itinerary and route. If you have a set plan, buy a RTW ticket. You will end up saving some money. However, if you are flying a complex route, are very flexible, and unsure of your dates, it is better to pay as you go.

How To Purchase Airplane Fares At A Last Minute

February 10, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

for cheap airline tickets

Depending on when you need to fly and where you need to go, finding a really great deal on last minute airplane fares can be quite a challenge. In fact, in many circumstances it can be very difficult to find the flight you need at any price. This is one of the reasons why travel experts recommend that you don’t wait until the last minute to try to look for flight deals.

In most cases, booking your air tickets as far in advance of your trip as possible is usually the best way to go for cheap airline tickets to your destination. When you secure your air tickets early, while there are still plenty of seats available, you will find that the airlines usually offer the cheapest airfares during this stage.

Waiting to book a flight until the last minute often means that there are very few seats left. When this happens, the airlines may charge a premium price for those seats that are left, especially during busy travel times.

However, while keeping that in mind, it needs to be noted that there are some special situations that will come up when you can get super cheap airplane fares on last minute flights. To take advantage of such cheap tickets, you have to pack quickly and be ready to fly out fast.

One thing that is essential in obtaining great deals on those last minute flights is your ability to be flexible in your travel plans. If you want to save a lot of money on your tickets, then you must be flexible about the date and time of the flight, about the airline, about which airport you fly in and out of, and about how many stops you are willing to make en route to your destination. If you are willing to be inconvenienced by early morning or late night flights or by having a layover or having to change planes, then you will probably be able to enjoy the cheapest airfares even if you had to make your arrangements at the last minute.

When the airlines want to fill all of the seats on a plane quickly, they will drop their prices and will usually post these discount airfare prices on their website. These days, many airlines will offer these airfare deals only on their website, so it is important to monitor the website of the carrier you are considering.

Some airlines will send email alerts about reduced prices to frequent flyer program members or to others who have signed up for such notifications. Signing up for these alerts can give you an advantage and can save you the trouble of logging on many times a day when you are in need of finding the cheapest airfares.

In almost all cases of heavily discounted air tickets, there are greater restrictions on the tickets. It is important to be sure to read all of the fine print and the terms of discounted prices. Most discounted tickets are issued as non-refundable and non-transferable and can only be changed by paying a fee, which could outweigh the savings if a situation arises and you have to change the date of your flight. Many of these discount fares also have other limitations, such as requiring a stay over a weekend.

Special web discounted airplane fares are typically posted by the airlines on their website, in the middle of the week for flight dates for the upcoming weekend. When making your travel plans around discounted airline tickets on last minute flights, keep checking the airline website for last minute fare changes and have your bags ready and waiting so that you can take advantage of available deals as they come up.

Looking For Dirt Cheap Airfare

February 06, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

People are always looking for dirt cheap airfare.  Business and vacation travelers try to save money.  There are many ways to lower the cost of travel.

Fuel costs caused Airlines to begin selling services that were free in the past.  For instance charging a premium for checking a second piece of luggage.  Many charge for even one piece of checked luggage.  Window and aisle seats add a charge.  It’s now important to get a low fare in the first place.  People need to save money in some way.

People can find a dirt cheap airfare.  Airlines kept charging these extra fees after fuel prices fell.  In business prices rise quickly but fall slowly.  That’s a simple fact of life.

The reasons for the extra fees are known.  We know there are ways to find a dirt cheap airfare.  Where can we find it?  The Internet is there to help.  A number of ticket finder sites help people search all the airfares at once.  These will often result in finding the best or lowest airfare.

Sometimes the best place to find dirt cheap airfare is on the web sites maintained by the airlines.  They often include specials they don’t post to third party sites.  So don’t limit the search to the travel sites.  Become a member of each one, and make sure to sign up for their frequent flyer programs as well.

Many people make the mistake of only flying with one airline.  They consider it the fastest method to achieve a dirt cheap airfare.  That’s not true.  Rewards programs don’t make up for missing out on lower fares over 90% of the time.  It can be fun to walk onto the plane ahead of all the other passengers.  For those who enjoy that, stick with only one.

Dirt cheap airfare won’t be found through an auction web site.  A vast majority of people who use them end up paying more than the fare they would receive simply by booking through the airline directly.

So for a cheap family holiday get out there and find a dirt cheap airfare.

Avoid Airport Parking Stress

February 05, 2009 By: Tristan Category: Misc No Comments →

Nigel the Mouse does Heathrow Airport Transfer

Travelling abroad, for business or pleasure, can be a stressful experience. If you are taking your young family on holiday you will likely have loads of baggage. And when you return you’ll have loads of gifts and duty free booze. What you need is an easy and convenient way to get to and from the airport.

These days we are all encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. But if you and your family are flying to Florida or Europe from the UK’s busiest airport at Heathrow, is it really feasible to use a bus or train to take you, your family and all that baggage to the airport terminal? I don’t think so. The other options are to take a taxi all the way or to drive your own car.

Taking a taxi can be a good idea, particularly if you don’t live too far from the airport terminal. But as soon as you need to go more than a few miles the taxi fare can increase dramatically. So if you are travelling on a budget the only remaining option is to drive.

Driving to Heathrow airport will mean that you will need to find somewhere to park that is within easy reach of your departure terminal. Heathrow provides an abundance of airport parking lots, both on-airport, which tend to be nearer to the terminal buildings, and off-airport, which can be some miles away.

Some of the important things to bear in mind when considering your airport parking requirements are:

 

  • Transfer times: How long does it take to get from the car park to the airport terminal.
  • Disabled access: Do you need any special support or facilities.
  • Security: Many car parks have some very sophisticated security systems in place.
  • Availability: Although Heathrow provides a lot of parking space, during peak periods demand can be very high.
  • Price: Many people are painfully surprised by the heathrow parking charges applied for parking at Heathrow if you don’t pre-book.

It is really important that you anticipate your parking needs and book a space in advance. Otherwise you can find yourself in a parking lot paying over 60% more than the person parked next to you has paid for the same parking space.