One airline, two different customer service experiences
It’s no secret that the major airlines are struggling. And that they need to charge some of the penalties and fees that they do to survive. But sometimes waiving a fee might be the best financial decision an airline can make.
Cruise ships feeling new pirate pressure
As Americans get tired of the same old Caribbean ports, more and more cruise lines are basing ships out of the country for more exotic itineraries. Now pirates that used to feast on merchant ships in the Caribbean are lurking on the high seas off the coast of Africa and Asia.
Why using a travel agent may be your best insurance policy
Air travel being what it is today, a good insurance policy seems like a prudent investment. But there’s another kind of travel insurance out there: a service fee to an agent who can providing money-saving advice in advance and travel assistance during travel.
Thanksgiving airport hassles? Could be worse — you could be in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, the world’s 18th largest, is currently closed, after anti-government demonstrators swarmed the airport last night.
Flying with family? 7 holiday tips
Holidays can be stressful, and air travel doesn’t make them any easier. Here are seven things to consider before leaving for the airport.
Home for the holidays? It may not be too late — even for Thanksgiving
The recession and stock market crash may have put a crimp in many travelers’ plans to head home for the holidays, especially with high fares and fuel surcharges. But now, while the economy is still in the dumps, the airlines are offering a short-term fare sale that might make those impossible trips possible again.
What’s “attribute based” shopping? Hint: it’s not going to make travel cheaper
The latest cutting-edge idea from the minds of Sabre Travel Network is something called Attribute Based Shopping. The electronic reservations system unveiled it yesterday at the PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit in Los Angeles. But it isn’t necessarily good news for travelers.
Fuel surcharges forever! Here are two examples of outrageous airline fees
The price of oil is falling. But not airline fees and fuel surcharges. Although some air carriers have suggested they’ll reduce or eliminate fuel charges in particular, it’s not trickling down to tickets.
Would you pay more to avoid sitting next to a baby?
Many researchers now think that it is is pain avoidance, not potential gain, that is the primary reason behind decision making and that this especially affects spending decisions. Janice Hough asks the slightly-tongue-in-cheek question, “Will airlines soon start charging more to avoid the worst seats on airplanes?”
Thanks for almost nothing — Royal Caribbean’s coupon books
In these tough economic times, many cruise lines are discounting heavily. Plus, for clients of top agencies, some cruise lines are offering on-board coupon books. But, are these coupons worth the paper they are printed on?