Airline Travel Blog

In recent months, the airline industry has responded to the recession and the corresponding drop in the number of passengers, along with soaring fuel costs by tacking on a number of service charges for items that were previously included when purchasing a ticket.

Airline travel has consequently become much more expensive and passengers have been left with few alternatives as all of the major airlines have begun adding these fees.

Perhaps the largest and most widespread of the new charges is a baggage fee which many airlines charge for both the first and second checked bag. One way to avoid what can be as much as $50 per bag is to carry-on luggage and to limit yourself to just one bag on even lengthy trips.

If you have additional items such as souvenirs or other purchases on the return trip which require a second bag, consider shipping them back using low cost parcel services which will still be far cheaper than trying to check a second bag.

Another one of the new fees which every airline is now charging is a telephone booking fee and a fee for printed tickets. Some airlines are charging as much as $25 just to speak to a representative over the phone to book a ticket. Similarly, printing tickets and having them mailed to you can cost as much as $50 per passenger.

The economy has declined precipitously over the last year as just about everyone knows.

While this has been very difficult on the personal finances of many it does mean if you have some disposal income then you will find plenty of opportunity for deals.

Given that air travel volumes are extremely low due to the economic downturn you will find that airlines are doing everything they can to kick up business. Flying with empty seats is very unprofitable for airlines and so they are willing to offer tremendous incentives to fill planes.

In this environment you will be able to leverage this situation to get tremendous deals on your airline travel.

If you are diligent and look hard you will find fares at up to half off and you may even be able to travel first class for an incredibly affordable price.

If you have the money to travel now is the perfect time to take advantage of these deals. In addition, once you get to your destination you will find the deals continue. Hotels and rental cars are available for great deals and so you will be able to save all around on your trip. You will even find shows and restaurants offering great prices to attract customers.

If you’ve been putting off an international vacation because you think you can’t afford it, think again. London, England is one of the most interesting cities in the world and tops the lists of favorite tourist destinations for all ages.

It’s also one of the easiest European cities to visit if you’re looking to save money on cheap rates on airline tickets. The best way to save money on flights to London is to wait til the last minute. Check online for early access to last minute seats for the whole family.

So many flights go through London that you’re almost sure to get the tickets you want at a price you can afford. London is served by eight airports and flights arrive and depart at all hours of the day. The money you save on tickets will be well spent towards award winning meals and fun cultural events.

You could spend days visiting famous pubs or the birthplaces of muscians or you could leave the city for a while and explore the British countryside. It’s easy to have fun in London with little planning ahead so don’t worry about making a schedule.

There’s way too much to see and do than can ever be done in one trip, so don’t worry about trying to see it all. Just relax and soak in the unique atmosphere and history of this ultimate city.

Privacy rights activists are alarmed at a recent finding that underwear are visible in full body airport scanners.

The software obscures the face of a passenger, however other bodily parts are seen by sensors that pick up thermal radiation (heat).

Privacy raise the alarm that medical procedures and augmentations can be seen with the devices, and that data could be used without the passengers consent.