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Monday, 11 April 2011

How to Survive Airport stopovers

Stopovers don not have to be tedious there are ways to make them bearable, even enjoyable. Trying to fill in time in airports is right up there as one of the worst parts of traveling: every hour seems like two when you are sitting out a long stopover.

Travelers with several hours to kill are often tempted to go sightseeing. While this can work in a city such as Hong Kong, which has a fast train from the airport, it can be fraught with danger in cities with traffic problems.

We usually recommend that you do not leave the airport unless you have at least five hours between flights and even then, it pays to check on transport options.

If you are stuck at an airport for an extended period, do not torture yourself by staring out the window or pacing around a departure lounge, airport facilities are improving all the time.

Find a Lounge
Do not assume lounges are only for first and business class travelers.

Some airports now have pay-to-enter lounges, giving economy class passengers access to a range of facilities for a one off fee. For example, Plaza Premium Lounge operates at several major airports,
including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong, and offers facilities including showers, snack bars, hot and cold drinks, Internet access and magazines and newspapers, for about $25 for a five hour stay.

Ask staff from the airline or airport information counter if there is a lounge you can access.

Freshen Up 

Even if you cannot get access to a lounge, you can often find a shower in an airport.

Some airports have free showers (no towels or soap provided,) while others have serviced shower facilities where you can get basic amenities for a small fee.

It is amazing how differently you feel about the world after a shower and sometimes it can be a long time until the next one.

Go the Chop

Have one less thing to fit in when you get home by having a haircut at the airport.
Many airports now have hairdressers tucked in amongst their retail shops or lounges and they can usually fit you in quickly.

It might be a good idea to make sure there are shower facilities in the airport, to save you itching and scratching all the way through your next flight.

Go surfing
Internet access is now available at most airports, although you sometimes have to hunt around to find it.

Lounges provide free access, but there are often also computer terminals in the main part of the airport, offering either free or pay as you go Internet.

Send emails to your family and friends, research your holiday destination, look up transport options for when you arrive or learn a few words of the local language where you are going.

Stopovers don not have to be tedious there are ways to make them bearable, even enjoyable.

Trying to fill in time in airports is right up there as one of the worst parts of travelling: every hour seems like two when you are sitting out a long stopover.

Travelers with several hours to kill are often tempted to go sightseeing. While this can work in a city such as Hong Kong, which has a fast train from the airport, it can be fraught with danger in cities with traffic problems.

We usually recommend that you do not leave the airport unless you have at least five hours between flights and even then, it pays to check on transport options.

If you are stuck at an airport for an extended period, do not torture yourself by staring out the window or pacing around a departure lounge, airport facilities are improving all the time.

Find a Lounge

Do not assume lounges are only for first and business class travelers.

Some airports now have pay-to-enter lounges, giving economy class passengers access to a range of facilities for a one off fee. For example, Plaza Premium Lounge operates at several major airports,
including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong, and offers facilities including showers, snack bars, hot and cold drinks, internet access and magazines and newspapers, for about $25 for a five hour stay.

Ask staff from the airline or airport information counter if there is a lounge you can access.
Freshen Up

Even if you cannot get access to a lounge, you can often find a shower in an airport.

Some airports have free showers (no towels or soap provided,) while others have serviced shower facilities where you can get basic amenities for a small fee.

It is amazing how differently you feel about the world after a shower and sometimes it can be a long time until the next one.
Go the Chop

Have one less thing to fit in when you get home by having a haircut at the airport.
Many airports now have hairdressers tucked in amongst their retail shops or lounges and they can usually fit you in quickly.

It might be a good idea to make sure there are shower facilities in the airport, to save you itching and scratching all the way through your next flight.
Go surfing

Internet access is now available at most airports, although you sometimes have to hunt around to find it.

Lounges provide free access, but there are often also computer terminals in the main part of the airport, offering either free or pay as you go internet.

Send emails to your family and friends, research your holiday destination, look up transport options for when you arrive or learn a few words of the local language where you are going.

Exercise
If you have already spent many hours squashed into an airline seat and have another long flight ahead of you, it is a good idea to spend some of your transit time getting some exercise.
Walking is the most obvious option and there are always plenty of kilometres to cover in airports, get a luggage trolley if your carryon baggage is heavy.

Another option is to look for a gym, sometimes available in pay to enter lounges, or day use of a swimming pool.

At Singapore's Changi Airport, one of the best airports in which to be killing time, you can use the pool of the Ambassador Transit Hotel for about $10. The fee includes a towel, shower facilities and a cold drink.

Be Pampered

From basic massages to indulgent spa treatments, you can now find pampering at most airports.

Many airlines have their own facilities, such as Thai Airway's new spa for first and business class travelers at Bangkok's Suvarnabbumi Airport, although there are often other options, either in the airport terminal or at airport hotels.

The Regal Airport Hotel at Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport has more than 40 different types of massage, along with a range of other spa treatments.

At Singapore's Changi Airport, try the Rainforest Lounge, where the prices for massages, facials, manicures and pedicures are very reasonable.

Spend Wisely
Shopping is the most obvious way to kill time in an airport but I'm not a fan of shopping for the sake of shopping you tend to go home with a bag stuffed with things you don't really need.

Do some more productive shopping by thinking ahead to any upcoming birthdays or events and seeing if you can find suitable gifts.

Be Entertained 

If you have not already watched enough movies on the plane, you might be able to catch a flick in the airport.

Changi Airport has two free movie theatres, while many airports show popular television shows or documentaries on large screens. It also has several Xbox game stations. Yes Changi is the champion again.

Sleep
If you can't sleep on planes, catch some z's in an airport hotel or "napping lounge".

Many airport hotels offer really good value, such as the new Novotel at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport which has been offering day use from just $81.

Some airports, including Narita in Japan also offer napping suites, where you can stretch out for a few hours for a small fee.
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There is a time of your life! 10 Things older travelers might consider before venturing overseas.

The first is to admit that they are aging and may not be as young as when, where and admit that they have more of a backpack, digs rough and poor diet. Why not consider group travel?

Operators Tours range from the ultra-swish Captain's Choice with ways more like Insight and groups as a boutique travel Indochina.

For some destinations, organized tours are the only practical way to go. Others may be ground gained, but for what?

Consider a long stay at the beginning or end of your trip, the operators tend to organize it, often at attractive prices.


Should sea or river cruise. It is not the ultimate concern, since uncompressed form to avoid major physical problems or organization.

If you are a little shy and moody, choose a ship with an outdoor dining so you can socialize as much or as little as you like. smaller ships are roomy, bigger ships provide lots of Hideyo holes.

Look closely at the river cruise. Where the boats are smaller, but on land tours are less hassle. Again, consider extended stays before or after your cruise.

Do not turn your nose up with the idea of ​​traveling by bus or train. Clothes, as Insight put a lot of work to do something more than sightseeing bus tours to Gen-Xers and geriatrics.

Examine routes. If you can do better, go for it: if not, allow tourism companies to do the legwork.

Train travel works well if you do your homework. Buy Eurall or Amtrak passes in advance. In the United States should also consider the additional cost of sleepers.

Consider staying in villas or apartments rather than hotels. Few hotels in Europe and the U.S. equal to the value / comfort standards of a reasonable Australian motel. Although less match the pats of Asia.

Join the advantages of your own kitchen, a laundry and access to space to avoid a domestic dispute, and are very attractive.

Houses are expensive upfront, but some friends or join a family group, and can run very economically, as well as fun. Rent a car in Britain, are considered in Europe, but do not even think about it in Asia. Renting a car is cheaper when done from Australia, but small problems, rip-offs and piracy are inevitable small print. It is worth to independence, however.

In Britain, I prefer bars back a little more efficient B & B. They are: they are usually in the city: you can usually have a feed, you can always grab a drink, and you do not have to put up with women pretending they are doing you a favor.

Rough for a week and then treat yourself to a couple of nights in something above the market and about a laundry. Break your journey. No matter what the airlines put spin on it, the flight to Europe takes toll.

There are hotels in value more overflow ports: Bangkok, Jula Lumpur, Hong Kong,
Blossums cherry in Japan
Singapore, Dubai, Abu Bhaba. Most have quick access to downtown.
Blossums cherry in Japan

If you can manage it, book your luggage straight and take a change of beating to continue. You can always grab a disposable razor or go unshaven. Who cares?

Returning from a European winter, considered a thaw outside Asia. Be sure to airlines, operators or agents, hotel deals and travel. Throw out the baggage she has had since his honeymoon. Telescoping handles and wheels in good working order will make life much easier. Avoid switches back, you can not move without bending.

Four wheels are better than two when it comes to t lifts and confined spaces.

No matter what our love for each package, other separately. Invest in some travel packs to keep things tidy. Plan light pack light and pack even lighter.

If you worry about wrinkles remember you will never see these people again.

8 Dream about the first class, but seriously consider the classification for the class. Not cheap, but it is true, for example, Thailand or Malaysia, which at times is achievable. Some airlines are offering deals to upgrade to more than 55 years is.

Investigate travel off season, as the fares are cheaper there.

It has all year to plan your trip, and will pay (or at least begin to tuck away money for more details).

If you can harness and hotels with rates, prepaid credit cards, clean, can be fooled into thinking it's not really a big extravaganza.

Take your plastic, and save a few dollars in their average for emergencies.

Do not rush. If you are not retired yet, accumulate some savings and some leave. The cost of fares will be great to get the most out of each target, while you're down.

Consider trimming our goals, having at least a week to enjoy each destination.

You can get an apartment (or a better deal for a longer stay), there is less and less travel and decompression can see the city, country or people much better.

More importantly, Relax! Bad things happen abroad: bad things also happen at home. Most people you meet are friendly and honest, especially if you stay away from bad places.

Foreign food is exciting and not fear. If you do not like, do not eat, but at least try.

Hygiene standards vary, so use a brain. Some of the safest food comes frenetic Asian cuisines: dodgiest some from places where flash is all cooked out of sight.

The only place I've ever had food poisoning was a clean sheet in Switzerland. The most nauseating experience was at a five star hotel where I caught the maid sweeping the coffee cups with the bathmat used.

Be wary of tourist traps but if this is the place where tourists (especially children) are eating is just a bet the food is good, cheap and safe.


Le Bon Swizterland
Some of the most popular destinations for older travelers are Switzerland and Japan, and Spain is becoming very popular too.
Read more...

How to Save Money on Gas on tips - 29 Tips


I love Road trips continue to fuel the growing cost of long-distance drive of my mood could be a damper. Gas prices for the last excursion, I wanted to share this article on how to manage the fuel. As a student, I did not have a lot of money and fuel cost to me was always a big issue. Improving gas mileage with the gas I save money for a lot of ways I learned. If you travel outside of the purchase of a car and more fuel efficient, how many things there are to reduce your fuel costs will help you too. Most of the management style requires only minor adjustments. I have a number of well-known techniques, such as a student and I used it, am going to review some of their own. I am always in my car's gas mileage than some have been able to (even if the number of meetings is not very difficult). Gas prices of the previous article, I am here to be this high prices that we really never speculated for a less expensive gas. In this article, you talk a little about what can do to save gas will go.

Hybrid Car Gas Mileage Improvement: Update: This article and learned that he wrote in hybrids, a new technology help me, I got two Hybrid cars

Changing Your Habits Road


Brake the right way
1. This accelerates the gas used as a car. In this case, (the power is equal to mass times acceleration), the law's just a physical. A motor gasoline, a move (for the inherent inertia) does not need to act to save. This means in real life, to improve your mileage, you'll need to keep a smooth ride. Me some examples býrakayým.
Approximately 30% of drivers of heavy traffic from a single high-speed accelerator with the control pad can probably see. Instead, all I have to speed up and when the kids slam the brakes were. It is clear that a very very close to the nerve behind the need to constantly braking and acceleration of the man he is. indeed, (but still moving) in the heavy traffic of motor vehicles on the 90% of this. This is a car without stepping on the brake to easy to speed in a long line. A little more practice and try to keep the distance. If you scroll down all the way down, you seldom need to brake. If you (only one right in front of your nose, but ahead of other cars), and attention to the next car if you slow things down when off-gas may reduce the estimate. In this case, (the brakes) that all the friction, without the power to accelerate the speed and lose the means you can save. The most effective way to save gas and the heavy traffic it can get easily 10% - 20% better gas kilometers.

Hybrid drive

2. If you own a hybrid powered car, the report of the above applies to you. Avoid high-speed braking. Hybrid cars in braking power into electric power, and the ability to store batteries, they have. However, this (induction) will only be no more braking power. If you need to slow down more quickly, and the brakes will be engaged in the energy will be lost.
So after you last minute slam on the brakes and the brake is a very fast, approaching a traffic light is better. This will increase the efficiency of your hybrid car.
Traffic light in front of me started rolling and green started to slow down quickly before the car keys, often a complete stop (regular car), can prevent the next. This way I can save some, such as inertia, and (- more gas saved <) do not have to accelerate more.

Turn off your air-condition
3. It may be possible in some places such as this. Summer weather in Arizona to turn off my car I will never dare to be. But I also know that my air conditioner will reduce the burden of fuel economy than my car's engine for compression. I do not need to try not to use the air conditioner.
Park your car can be a shadow, if such a place to go when you are working as hard not to AC.
If you (a high degree of theft areas may be a good idea) is only a small Windows Roll parked in the lower, the road to the air time you can.
Continue to work until the last second before the goal, and you do not turn off the AC for 5 minutes.

Manual variable

4. A gear shift is really fantastic. I can only recommend everyone to try it out. Your effective (at a low RPM) is a variable changing sports (at higher RPM) or to the fuel, rather than some can. How "intelligent" automatic transmission, they are as smart as you are not, is. in connection with an auto transmission depends on the way, where the losses are more related to the automatic transmission. The transmission of fuel may be more effective than a general one.
If you have a gear shift, and some want to save gas, first of all, you'll need to shift up and down of late.
Most of the people, a complete BS I'm sorry, that should shift at certain RPM, to get education. You need to shift out of cars and trucks for a number felt the situation required. that is a mountain of cars and many more need to take a higher RPM (or any other of these jumps) should be at the management. On the other hand, you are gliding along an empty road, a very low RPM (high gear) you can drive it. Then if you want to speed up, shift down quickly go higher and faster shift (a bit more power required). I always feel the car shift and I rarely see any RPM (or the boredom that is my entertainment, I, or, indeed, race, and I want to shift before the red line, except if required).

Automatic variable

5. If you have a Cruise Control traffic is all the more, in order (and, therefore, will continue to accelerate the speed of continuous there is no need) to use.
6. This is usually low and your wallet happy, as you will continue to RPM, use overdrive gears.
7. Shift into neutral when standing still to reduce transmission strain and cool transfer.

This article is less than the following comments, more information has been added to a number of floating.
 
Reduce weight 8. is equal to mass times the acceleration force returned. We need to speed up a little more certain. In addition, the main drain, and you do not need to (keep your spare tire and the cab, but to get rid of gardening equipment) to reduce the mass of the car by removing heavy items that you can try.

Back off for a car
9. turn on the car, he uses bits of gas. car idling, it is a period of time (especially on AC) in the amount of gas is determined.
If you turn off the car for 20 seconds and then, if the scenarios (depending on the car), you will have a positive energy balance.
A long traffic light sequences, railroad crossings or while waiting for the better half of the ATMs out of cash you can turn off the car means you can save gas. For you at any time after 30 years of move that is not, or feel you need to turn off the engine to support the budget holiday 1minute.

Drive slowly

10. Yeah right. It is clear that I am off thats all I leadfoot drive the stock is nothing. Yes, this high-speed driving, and drag (turbulence) and thus will increase the legal speed limit myself, but I just can not bring the following drive, the fuel consumption is increasing evidence that you said. This's your choice. 60mph and 65mph in terms of fuel consumption is not much difference between the. However, I am from Germany (no speed limit) was increased. A car / (depending on the vehicle), these two times on the 160km h / would have more control at the maximum speed of 200km of gas, such as that consumed during the race h. At the end of the energy spectrum of the top engines are very inefficient.

Preparation

11. I commute a long distance in preparation for a long time ago was using some good mileage. It is clear that this requires a little skill, and it is not exactly recommended, since you are the way of attention, and we do not read all of it's just most people. However, I am probably saving tips you can give a good "secret" is one of the fuel.
This technique is often faster and truck convoys to save fuel and save the race car drivers are used by the.
Each vehicle drag (or wind resistance) has a particular. This drag, rolling resistance tires you (see below under the care) and low-friction engine with the efficiency of the three main reasons. motor vehicle and the vehicle moving through the air turbulence around the air behind the causes for air. If you drive a car enter the slipstream other cars, both cars (less turbulence) and save fuel. The following car saves the most gasoline.
Now I am not tailgate for the defense, I remember. However, a large truck (or slipstream turbulence, and a long tail), where you can try to find a landslide. And still now (NASCAR driver than this) is still a distance can save your gas.
However, many people (see above) without braking and can not regulate their speed. In this case, when, and maybe the distance is not a holding brake is better off.

Close Windows

12. He believed, or, in Windows, but you will eventually increase in fuel costs of opening and turbulences. If you can, use a car only the ventilation system. I really can not measure it against the use of air-conditioning. I have a low speed and high-speed Windows boot using the air conditioner is better fuel economy, I believe.

Fill up with the Arco 

13. squeezing the most money to the poor each year after the new year, a record earnings, Chevron and Shell are accepted. They Techron, V-Power and some other BS words such as buzzwords to advertise their expensive gasoline. According to that, they better make a profit is it to sell gas in some expensive stuff. In fact, all the petrol and gas stations in the same pipeline, the only difference with the flow of gas into the magic stuff they have is a clean burning fuel or better fuel efficiency claim is weak. At the same time, the average gas price is about 10c - Cheap gas stations in the neighborhood and other above-30C. Souped-up high tech additive gas spritz Techron I have a tank full off Arco vs. a tank of gas mileage the whole time, I can see no difference. And then, of course, all squeaky clean after filling up my wallet, if it cleans anything.
Yes, I am tired of financing these mega-billions of empires. Arco I get my gas and I never have any problems with the quality. Indeed, the hard-earned dollars to take free of charge to the Chevron (pay 10% more than the 3% saving on their rebate cards - another high-priced gas to tie the customer scam), and their magic bullet fuel additives or Shell in what you hope for a something.
Now let me up the second. Sometimes, I actually go to Chevron to fill. I have a car wash discounts apply to the full 8 gallons into my tank left.

14. When I am on the road, try to keep an eye open for the price of gas along the road. I see the price jumping down, I usually fill up. Some gas stations to offer free coffee and a free hot dog to fill their gas across the gas and the cost of gas if I go for coffee.
Select the best route
15. Try to avoid heavy traffic and transport more electricity. If you have a lot to stop shortcut is not always the most fuel efficient.

Cheap Car care
Cheap car care why? I do, I really, you will help increase the bottom line of fuel additives or special tires for any other offers or spend a lot of money and do not believe that's what this post. For example, your oil every 5,000 miles instead of 3000 miles (oil change, but often do not have to save money) than if you change the fuel economy that is suffering from, do not believe.

Pump it

16. inflate tires to determine the level (I usually go to the above about 0.2 PSI). This is the way to reduce tire friction and therefore reduce the contact area. This will help you to get a little advanced gas mileage.
17. If you do not need Snow Tires or Chains, and remove them. Snow Tyres Do not drive around all summer. They are soft and the friction will have a deeper profile.

A small car rental

18. that the equations of mass and acceleration Save? Well, a small car has always been a good fuel economy for its small mass. Smart budget travelers therefore rent a car in the small car is the status of the brightest do not care much about. On the contrary, they save all their gas money (they do not have to drive over time) at the end of the day to face with a good drink. View as a honorary pictures of their vacation, they still have a great pressure for change in services.

To reduce drag

19. Why drive around with that ski, bike rack, cargo, or you do not need it is your roof? You refuse, it increases the wind resistance your vehicle? Well I do now. Serious, to remove, it is very fuel will save you a little bit.

Eco Tuning

20. Chip tuning for the gas engine when the amount of water at the back is a great way to use. Today buzzword is eco tuning. Increase your energy-saving gas at the same time a lot of players to replace the engine computer chips offer. How this is possible? This reduction in the long article short, they improve the curve the two ends. At the end you are at the top (with a low efficiency) at the end of better efficiency and lower to a higher power. What used to select the mode with the feet of gas. ensure you do not want to lose you, make sure to use approved manufacturer player.

Use the correct grade motor oil

21. tells us about the solution rather than the oil level. If you use the wrong grade, you may be friction in the engine. This will be hotter and uses more gas.

Air filters

23. Change the air, or you need the right mix can not be filtered. But (with the money to do it) Do not replace it every time the mechanic to tell you. The new filter is a need to try to find out how often.
Turn off lights
24. Yes, it can be a security concern. Many Rental Car companies more efficient and effective Daylights have their age. However, an electric motor manufacturing equipment more energy will increase its load is powered from the alternator. that you can safely, turn off the lights.

Drive less
Shall not discuss here, such as reading.

Carpool

25. Well, two people riding a car, if it is cut in half the per capita use of gas immediately. If you have 4 people sharing a ride, only a third of them is an individual Bill of gas. since they now can use the carpool lanes, they (more than an empty gas engines used), such as traffic and more time consuming to get better gas mileage is not, plus they get home quickly. It is not always possible.

Combine trips 

26. Try to combine trips. If you live outside the city, the city only once, and done everything required to get passes to enter.

Fuel efficient Cars
27. If a new vehicle market, the fuel efficiency is considered to be the absolute. New car market, but I have to get better fuel economy is not just a hybrid. How to save money and more than one year can easily calculate the weight of the car that cost (plus the potentially higher maintenance costs) against.

28. Its overall, long-distance drives, but is not known diesel engines and gas mileage may be better than hybrids. This's one of the reasons, hybrids are popular in Europe, but diesel is not.
Bonus:

29. all these years and we have already found that the weight of a gas such as, Do not fill in the blank (equal to the force .... - you know). But I usually only when gas prices falling, or constant (so I have to wait longer and get cheaper gas) do not. When I fill out the quick rising gas prices. According to the psychological impact on the increasing gas prices, people over more often reflect the full amount, no.

30. The list is growing. One of them offered an excellent forum for the trucks. Download the tailgate and the truck, Ronald, and to improve the aerodynamics of gas mileage can get better. Sounds plausible.

31. After a long dry stretch, I also encountered the first gas station, almost never mentioned that the cheap. A national park did not have a chance to leave the gas for a long time and then everyone pulls over to fill as soon as they are, as often the first station will be a little high prices. I usually drive a little more to find the cheapest station.

32. I am driving to gas stations in the first or major Interstate freeways do not have to appear on the filling. A visit to the city center and head for the way I usually am a medium-sized city on the act. I am really there before, I usually can find a better deal. Place in the local competition and other factors have determined the price fluctations. This is a very competitive (the mid-sized city) to seek and places (to be away from the main roads) is necessary to prevent general locations. Gas prices in big cities more often and are difficult to navigate. My last visit, I am, then the price is much lower than the station, I was in a tank is only a half-empty, but I had seen previously when pulled over. slightly different from the rules of the road trips. Fill out the cheapest place and time and to wait for yout tank is not empty.
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With the travel season in full swing, well-informed travelers have a hard time finding the best deals amidst the new charges Airlines have invented.

Instead of comparing ticket prices, travelers should calculate the total cost of the flight, including baggage charges, food, drinks, entertainment, and many more fees that Airlines have come up with in an attempt to disguise the true ticket price.

In this article, we reveal additional fees to help you calculate the true cost of your trip.

The following lists are not exhaustive and fees are not guaranteed. All information provided applies only to coach and only to domestic flights (continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii).

This article was last updated July 1, 2010.


Checked Luggage
Comparison Table for Luggage checked with US carriers:

Overweight charges are not included in this list.
Airlines
Checked Luggage (Excess Luggage and Overweight Fee may apply)
Exceptions

Alaska Airlines
$20 (1st-3rd), $50 (4th and up)
Unless ticket purchased before 5/1/10: $15 (1st), $25 (2nd)

American Airlines
$25 (1st), $35 (2nd), $100 (3rd, 4th, 5th), $200 (6th and up)
Unless ticket purchased before 1/31/10.

Continental Airlines
Check-in online: $23 (1st), $32 (2nd)// Check-in at airport: $25 (1st), $35 (2nd)
Unless ticket purchased btw. 10/2/09-1/8/10: Online: $18 (1st), $27 (2nd); Airport: $20 (1st), $30 (2nd)

Delta Air Lines
Check-in online: $23 (1st), $32 (2nd)// Check-in at airport: $25 (1st), $35 (2nd)
N/A

Frontier Airlines
$20 (1st), $30 (2nd), $50 (3rd and up)
Unless ticket purchased before 9/7/09: $15 (1st), $25 (2nd)

Hawaiian Airlines
Check-in online: $23 (1st), $32 (2nd)// Check-in at airport: $25 (1st), $35 (2nd)
Unless ticket purchased before 1/21/10: Online: $15 (1st), $25 (2nd)// Airport: $25 (1st), $30 (2nd)

Horizon Air
Part of Alaska Airlines

JetBlue Airways
1st free (within max. dimensions and weight), $30 (2nd), $75 (3rd and up)
N/A

Northwest Airlines
*Now Delta

Southwest Airlines
1st & 2nd free, $50 (3rd-9th), $100 (10th and up)
N/A

United Airlines
$25 (1st), $35 (2nd)
Unless ticket purchased before 1/14/10: $20 (1st), $30 (2nd)

US Airways
Check-in online: $23 (1st), $32 (2nd)// Check-in at airport: $25 (1st), $35 (2nd)// $100 (3rd and up) only at airport
Unless ticket purchased before 1/18/10: Online: $20 (1st), $30 (2nd)// Airport: $25 (1st), $35 (2nd)// $100 (3rd and up) only at airport

Virgin America
$25 (1st), $25 (2nd-10th)
Unless ticket purchased before 2/11/10: $20 (1st), $20 (2nd-10th)


Most airlines allow you to take a small suitcase and a personal item with you as carry-on luggage (into the cabin). A personal item can be a laptop bag or a backpack. Since airlines started to charge fees for checked luggage, many travelers started taking larger and larger carry-on items. However, keep in mind that most airlines also have size and weight limits for carry-on items. Recently, they have started to enforce those guidelines more strictly.

Food and Drinks


Airline Meal
Comparison Table for Food and Drink charges with US carriers:
Airlines
Food
Drinks

Alaska Airlines
Snacks - $3.50-6, Breakfast and Sandwich - $6, Platters (Antipasto or Fruit & Cheese) -$7
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Alcoholic bev. - $6

American Airlines
Breakfast Snack - $3, Breakfast Cafe Box - $6, Nut Snacks - $3, Boston Market Sandwich or Chicken Caesar Salad - $10
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Wine, Liquor - $7, Beer - $6

Continental Airlines
Complimentary Snacks, Complimentary Meals on flights longer than 3 hours, Plan to charge for meals beginning fall 2010
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Alcoholic bev. - $6

Delta Air Lines
Complimentary Snacks, Breakfast - $3-7, Lunch & Dinner - $6-8, Additional Snacks - $2-5
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Beer - $5// Wine & Liquor - $7

Frontier Airlines
Snacks -$3, Breakfast and Sandwich -$6, Salad -$7
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Bottled Water, Energy Drinks - $3// Alcoholic bev. - $5

Hawaiian Airlines
Complimentary Meals, Premium Meals - $10, Snacks - $5.50-6.50
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Alcoholic bev. - $6.50

Horizon Air
Snack Packs - $6
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Complimentary Wine & Beer// Liquor - $6

JetBlue Airways
Complimentary Snacks, Meals - $6
Non-Alcoholic Bev. - Compl., Alcoholic Bev. $6

Northwest Airlines
*Now Delta

Southwest Airlines
Complimentary Snacks, No Sandwiches/ Meals
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Energy Drink - $3// Alcoholic bev. - $5

United Airlines
Snackboxes - $6-7, Meals: Breakfast - $5, Lunch & Dinner - $9
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Alcoholic bev. - $6

US Airways
Snacks - $3-4, Snack Box - $6, Meals - $7
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Alcoholic bev. - $7

Virgin America
Snacks and meals - $2-10
Complimentary non-alcoholic bev.// Premium non-alcoholic bev. & alcoholic bev. - $2-10


The times where you can indulge in free food and drinks are long gone, but if I have to pay for my meals, I expect something better.

Although you cannot bring liquids through security, you can buy anything at the airport stores. Currently, most airlines still offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

You can bring food through security and I would not hesitate to do so.


Entertainment, Headsets, Pillows and all other charges


image by satosphere
Comparison Table for all other charges with US carriers:
Airlines
Headsets/Wi-Fi
Pillow/ Blanket

Alaska Airlines
Inflight Wi-Fi access on select flights, Fees
No info

American Airlines
Headsets - $2, Inflight Wi-Fi access on 767-200, select MD80s, and soon on 737, Fees
$8 pillow and blanket (for you to keep after the flight; pillow is inflatable; includes coupon for Bed, Bath & Beyond)

Continental Airlines
Headsets - $3
No info

Delta Air Lines
Inflight Wi-Fi access on selected planes, Fees
Free blanket

Frontier Airlines
Complimentary headsets or bring your own
No info

Hawaiian Airlines
Headsets - $5, $5 for inflight movies (even if you bring your own headsets), $15 player & 2 rental headsets
No info

Horizon Air
*Part of Alaska Airlines

JetBlue Airways
Complimentary e-mail access on BetaBlue, $ for headsets or bring your own
$7 pillow and blanket (includes coupon for cleanrest.com)

Northwest Airlines
*Now Delta

Southwest Airlines
No Info
No info

United Airlines
Complimentary headsets, Inflight Wi-Fi access, Fees
Only on international flights.

US Airways
Inflight Wi-Fi access, Fees
$7 Pack with pillow, blanket, eye mask, ear plugs

Virgin America
Headsets - $2 or bring your own, Inflight Wi-Fi access, Fees
$12 Pack with pillow, blanket, eye mask, ear plugs


Paying for headsets is not really a big deal breaker for me, since I prefer my own headsets. Since plane hygiene is also not what is used to be, I also prefer to bring my own inflatable pillow.

You can get airline headphone adapters in most electronics stores. Buy them ahead of time. The stores in the airport pay hefty fees to the airport operators. Those fees are reflected in their prices.
Conclusion

I wonder when we will have to pay for the luxury of having an oxygen mask available or a live-vest/ floatation device.

I wish there was a federal regulation that would force airlines to reflect all charges in the ticket price. Until this happens, we are devoted to keep this list up-to-date and we ask you to help us.

If you discover a new charge, please let us know so that we can update this list. Simply email us through the contact form. We will work it into the article.

We created this list to the best of our knowledge, based on personal experience, and reports we have received. We do not guarantee its completeness or correctness, nor do we accept any claims based on this list. We promise to do our best to keep up with the constant changes introduced by the Airlines. If you are aware of any changes, please let us know.
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Saturday, 9 April 2011

Tips and Tricks of Good Travel Guide


There are few places in each city, you can not find a guide, and they are very useful in order to understand better the neighborhood. These places are also quiet and inexpensive, and they have experienced any of the professional traveler.

1. Campuses. These places have been charged with a number of people who have brains and charisma, whether students or teachers. They all have a degree! You can collect a lot, we present the city, you can eat cheap, you could find some special museums that are not overcrowded, but deserve your attention!


2. Railway stations, bus stops, etc. Place of public transport, where you'll find so many different people from going to work, or anywhere else. Magic place! My favorite is taking enternainment railway bridge, and watching nevermeeting indefinitely and long parallel rails. Geometry and philosophy at a time. Important Note: some of the stations are old, nice, Master of Architecture. Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg metro, do not miss them!

3.Supermarkets. You know, which is known to your home or elsewhere in the world, and especially here in the (fruits, vegetables, behavior, etc.). Buy something for a meal, you are not going anywhere for the public (may be a park).

4.Public libraries. Books, information (lots of them) are found here. Maybe even free Internet acces, and even more so.

5.Cemetery. I hope you do not mind the tip and the offer. It is not morbid at all! Just go ahead, the day after the Mega City is confident the island of silence. Observe the graves, think about the motives of premature deaths and tragedies, to admire the tombs of the funeral.
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