Trying to Avoid Those Extra Airline Fees? Good Luck.

December 27, 2011 No Comments

Now that the 2011 travel year is winding down, articles abound across the Internet regarding 2012 travel predictions and future airline fees. Unpredictable fees,  along with American Airlines‘ bankruptcy, may make it more difficult for some travelers to find a convenient flight, and/or one that is in their price range. In an article by Brett Snyder, author of The Cranky Flier blog,  next year’s airline fares are unpredictable. The fares will be driven by fuel prices and passenger demand. In his article “What will 2012 bring in air travel?” Snyder states demand for air travel has been strong. Therefore, airline rates will continue to rise. However, if demand starts to waiver, the airfares may drop in price.

American Airlines will reduce services in some markets as part of its restructuring.  Southwest will no longer service many AirTran markets since the airlines’ merger is proceeding.  All this will lead to fuller and fewer flights for passengers.  Also, if fuel prices spike, airlines will raise their fares and cut back on flights.

Don’t expect those extra fees to go away anytime soon.  As we all know airlines have started to nickel and dime travelers with new fees.  The airline that seems to have this down to a science is Spirit Airlines. In reviewing Spirit’s baggage fee page, it appears the only thing they do not charge extra for is an infant sitting in a passenger’s lap.  Carry-on luggage (currently free on other airlines) is an additional charge from $20-$30 per bag.   Since I just witnessed a lady who unpacked half of her carry on bag just to get it in the overhead compartment, I wonder what she would have done if she still had to pay a fee for her bag.

Spirit Airlines is well known for offering $9 airfares, but then tacked on additional fees for checked and carry-on luggage, advanced seat selection, and a passenger user fee which can be up to $17 each way for tickets booked online. All these fees are “optional” since technically a passenger does not need them to travel on a plane.  The passenger doesn’t need luggage, nor advanced seat selection, and they could drive to the airport and purchase the ticket at the counter.  As history reflects with airlines, if one airline can charge an additional rate the others are sure to follow its example.

One theory among travel experts is that more airlines will start ” bundling.”  Passengers will have options to choose from to fit their budget or travel demands.  Frontier Airlines is already offering bundles.  Good, or bad, this seems to be the new way that airlines will be able to dig deeper into travelers’ pockets.

How many of us have been intrigued by the insanely low advertised airfare – UNTIL we read the fine print.  Good news, starting January 24, 2012, the Transportation Department will enforce a rule that any advertised air travel price must include all the government taxes and fees.  Previously, the Transportation Department allowed the government-imposed fees listed separately on advertised fares.  This resulted in that dreaded fine print disclaimer which could add 20 percent to a ticket price.  However, keep in mind that this fare would not include any additional extra fees, such as baggage fees since these are optional.

However, the some airlines are not on board with this new rule and have filed suit against it stating that “that it violates their commercial free speech rights.”  The rule was part of a about a dozen passenger protections proposed by the DOT in 2010.  We all will have to wait to see if this rule is upheld through the courts.

One way to avoid extra fees is to use ParkSleepFly.com.  You receive a night’s stay at a hotel, parking for the duration of your trip, and a shuttle ride to and from the airport.  All at one low price.  The park sleep and fly package is often cheaper than parking at the airport alone, plus you get a great night’s sleep prior to your trip.  ParkSleepFly.com has hotel partners at major airports and a lot of regional airports, too.  Stay the night before, after or both and you’ll be glad you booked this total parking package.  Look, you are going to have to pay for your snacks on the plane, and maybe a beverage.  Don’t be overloaded with all those extra fees.  Book your hotel and parking package now for a great rate, which also includes the shuttle service.  Stay the night before your flight, and save your money for that extra bag of trail mix you’ll want for your flight.

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Tips To Make It Through That Long Flight

December 16, 2011 No Comments

We have all had those long, tiring flights that we thought would never end.  Once, I flew from JFK to Mumbai India and I thought the flight would never end.  My experience in India was awesome, but the airplane ride there was not.  Luckily, I have a few tips to share with you to help make your airplane ride easier.

Noise canceling headphones – I never travel on a plane without these.  I bought a pair before my trip to India, and they were a life-saver.  They block out the noise of the plane and you can listen to music, the in-flight video or simply nap.
Comfortable clothing – Another must.  Comfy clothing can make long, drawn out flights much easier to endure.  Your favorite sweater, sweatshirt, or blanket is great if you get cold on the flight.  Hunker down and maybe you can get a quick 40 winks while you wait for touch down.
A pillow or neck rest – Airlines are now charging for pillows and blankets, but you can beat the system by bringing your own.  You can even bring an inflatable neck rest, which saves space in your carry-on luggage.  You can use the pillow or neck rest to put in the small of your back if it begins to ache.  Remember, on those long flights stretch your legs to prevent blood clots.
Bottles of water – Experts say to drink a bottle of water for every three hours you are on the plane.
Read – I take a book or two with me.  I am a voracious reader and on long flights can read over a book. I like to take a books that can stretch my imagination. I get so enthralled in my book that time “flies” by quickly.
Bring your imagination – I tend to weave fantastic stories about my fellow travelers, where they are going, what they do, etc.

The best tip is to start your trip refreshed and not tired.  Try to get a good night’s sleep before.  Your patience will be longer, and perhaps the annoying things won’t set you off as soon.  If you have a long drive to the airport, stay the night before.  Use ParkSleepFly.com to select a great rate for a hotel room and parking package.  Park Sleep and Fly packages are at all major airports, and parking is always included in the package.  When calculating the cost, it is comparable to parking directly on the airport grounds.  Head out refreshed and ready to meet the challenges that all travelers face.  Don’t miss your flight, stay overnight!

These are just a few tips.  If you have some that make your flight more enjoyable, please let me know.  I’m always looking to squelch the boredom of flights!

 

Twas the Night Before Travel

December 15, 2011 No Comments

Twas the night before travel and all through the house,

No one was resting as Mom ironed her blouse.

The luggage was placed at the end of the stairs

Everyone’s hustling to travel by air.

 

The children were jumping and diving on beds

With no thoughts of sleeping had entered  their heads.

With Mom in a tizzy and Dad as a grump,

He threw down the suitcases and they landed with a thump.

 

When out from the street there arose such a clatter

Dad sprang into action to see what was the matter.

Alas! It is true and he started to yell

The snowplows are scraping and all is not well!

 

The moon was shining on the new fallen snow

And Dad was screaming “At 2AM we must GO!”

Mom turned on a dime and she did exclaim

“What are you saying? Are you truly insane?”

 

To leave so early we will get no sleep!

The kids will be grouchy and much trouble they’ll reap.

I’m sure that the roads will be quite clear.

And by morning, you will feel much calmer, my dear.

 

But, the dad’s brain was thinking and was very quick.

He turned to the computer and to the mouse gave a click.

A good night’s sleep was required before they departed.

So they could all have some rest before the holiday trip started.

 

First airport, then dates, and when they would return

A click of the mouse and the choices were learned.

With many hotels it took only a minute

To make a selection for a hotel and stay in it.

 

Dad  yelled to Mom “Let’s hurry and pack.

I found a solution so no sleep we shall lack.”

So up the stairs the parents did race.

Grabbed all the kids and to the car they made haste.

 

The airport was about two hours away

Mom said “Honey, we will need Santa’s sleigh!”

The snow was falling, but Dad was not worried.

He knew that tomorrow he would not have to drive in the flurries.

 

Dad made a reservation through ParkSleepFly.com

They could get more sleep than if they stayed at home

And left quite early and be grumpy all day.

Instead they had a warm place to stay.

 

They checked into the hotel and made arrangements for the shuttle

And all went to bed quick, on the double.

They soon were all rested and ready to go.

And Dad got some nice sleep instead of driving in snow.

 

They could leave the car at the hotel and not worry

And pick it up later when they returned from their journey.

The shuttle would take them and bring them back

along with all their luggage that they had so carefully packed.

 

Dad was quite happy with the money he saved.

“The quality and value was something!” he raved.

The price was great and any worry was for naught.

It was cheaper than staying at the airport parking lot.

 

We hope you enjoyed our silly, little poem.

And wish you safe journeys wherever you roam.

We love all our customers and we are not shy

To wish y’all Merry Christmas ‘n Happy New Year from ParkSleepFly!

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Tips for Turkey Day Travel and other Holidays

November 21, 2011 No Comments

If you are like me, you peruse articles and websites for tips on just about anything.  Today, I have gathered some of my favorite travel tips to reference before one of the largest travel periods of the year.

  1. One of my favorite travel tips is to stay overnight in a hotel the night before my flight, of course.  I’ve done this several times, since I live a distance away from the airport.  I can rest the night before my flight, park my car at the hotel, hop on the shuttle and fly off on my trip in a better state of mind.  I didn’t have to fight the airport traffic, look for a decent parking space in the over crowded airport parking lots and then, deal with carting my luggage to the shuttle stop.
  2. During the holidays, arrive at the airport two hours before your boarding time.  With long security lines, you may need extra time.
  3. Bring snacks.  You may carry food through security, but drinks are not allowed.  You may fill your bottle up with water after you have past the screening area.  Stay hydrated during your trip.
  4. From the TSA Website: 3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.
  5. Leave your gifts unwrapped in your carry-on baggage.  The TSA will inspect and ruin your pretty packages.
  6. Travel light to avoid baggage fees.
  7. Print your boarding pass before you get to the airport.  You can go straight to the security line if you aren’t checking bags.
  8. Don’t pack your chargers in your checked bags.  You may need them if you get stuck in the airport.
  9.  Kids under 12 are no longer required to remove their shoes, but you should wear slip-ons to get through security quickly.
  10. And, another one of my personal favorites – noise canceling headphones!  I love them.
  11. Patience.  It goes a long way.
 

You Can Be Responsible for the Angels on the Plane

October 6, 2011 No Comments

It is ten o’clock at night and the kids just fell asleep. In just 5 more hours you must get the kids up, get them dressed, stuff them in the car and drive to the airport. You have about 2 more hours of packing before you can take a short nap before heading out. You already know the flight from St. Louis to Los Angeles to visit family is going to be a disaster. The kids will be grumpy, you will be sleepy, and every one’s nerves will be short.

Turning the Sleepy Head Grumps into Flight Time Smiles

Imagine a different way to travel. It is 8PM and the kids are exhausted and sleeping. They played in the swimming pool for about an hour after supper and were ready for a great night of sleep. Your bags are already packed, sitting in the corner ready for the airport. Instead of needing to get up at 3AM you can sleep in until almost 6AM and still have time to grab some donuts, fruit, or other food before heading out.

The difference in these two travel mornings is where you choose to sleep. When you stay at home you have extra morning travel time to the airport. You put off getting the bags ready. Your kids pretend it is just another night and do not get to sleep. When you choose to start your trip the night before at an airport hotel the difference is shocking plus saves you money.

Staying Overnight at the Airport Hotel Saves You Money?

Yes, you save money while starting your trip on a better foot. The difference is in your airport parking bill. When you choose one of the sleep, park, and fly packages from the La Quinta Inn St. Louis Airport you can stay overnight, have a free breakfast, use the airport shuttle, and leave your car parked for 30 days for well under $100. You cannot park your car at the airport for two weeks for that small price.
Now ask yourself a serious question. Do you want to save money and have angels on the airplane? Or do you still prefer to have little monsters and a morning rush to the airport? The decision is up to you.