PetSugar

Upgrade Tips: Where One Seat Empties, Another Seat Opens

SavvySugar — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:00:19 -0800

Ever hear "First class for Flight 123 has checked in full at the gate" and wonder what that means? Well, if someone has a full-priced economy seat (or lots of status), this passenger may choose to upgrade to a business or first-class seat. It costs more money to upgrade upon check-in, so frequent, savvy travelers often try to do so at the gate and be placed on a waiting list.

If you're thinking that the full-priced fares and platinum status needed to do so are still a pipe dream, then consider those now, newly empty seats. Where one spot fills, another opens up - those passengers could be vacating a seat with extra leg room or a window or aisle to replace your lousy middle. Politely go up to the agent to ask if there other seats available. If the openings are in economy anyway, the person at the desk will swap you out easily, few questions asked and your wallet safely still in your bag!

Biggest Headlines of 2009: Airlines Could Jam 50% More Passengers on Planes

SavvySugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:00:52 -0800

It seemed airlines and consumers were constantly at odds this year - air carriers looked for new ways to make a profit in a sluggish economy, while the rest of us set out on a mission to find cheaper tickets. A possible solution came in the form of a new seating design when British company Design Q announced a concept that it estimated would allow for a 50 percent increase in the number of passengers on board by seating customers in rows that face each other. The idea drew a mixed reaction from most of you, though it seems there's a general consensus on one key point: these flights should be kept short, real short.

What else wowed us this year? Check out some of the biggest headlines of 2009 and cast your votes in my Best of 2009 polls!

Do You Book Holiday Tickets Early or Last Minute?

SavvySugar — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:00:22 -0800

Ahh, the age-old question: ~~to be or not to be~~ to book or not to book. No matter how much homework you do on research comparing apples to apples, it's nearly impossible to predict the ebbs and flows of ticket prices . . . especially during the holiday season.

This past week I've noticed a flood of fare alerts, not just on Cyber Monday, but the last couple of days, too. On the one hand, I'm not a risk taker when it comes to my money and prefer to book when the pricing gets good but when "good" is still a bit away from "better" and a couple hundred from the "best," it's tempting to take a gamble and hope the fares drop. Even knowing that you could end up paying more, when will (or did) you buy your tickets?

It's Still Possible to Save on Airfare . . . After Booking

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:40 -0700

You've done your homework on plane fares, but, when seeing the cost begin to climb, panic and purchase. Two hours later, the price is back down again even lower than before. I feel your pain, but don't slam your keyboard and give up. Do something about it.

That's right, you can actually save on airfare after booking. Both Expedia and Travelocity have 24-hour windows on their low-fare guarantees, and Orbitz's Price Assurance only applies if someone buys that fare at a lower price. But booking directly with the airline can allow even more changes after the fact.

While I wouldn't recommend torturing yourself with fare checks everyday from purchase to takeoff, it makes sense to monitor the price 24–48 hours after you book, just in case. To see a chart of fees and refund amounts by airline, read more.

Airline	Low-Fare Policy	Fee
Alaska	Refund fare difference, $100 discount code, same day as booking	$0
American	Refund fare difference, $50 promo code, same day as booking	$150
Continental	Refund fare difference, $100 travel certificate, same day as booking	$150
Delta	Refund fare difference, $100 travel voucher, same day as booking	$150
JetBlue	Refund fare difference into a JetBlue travel voucher	$100
Southwest	Refund fare difference into Southwest travel credit; no same day restriction	$0
United	Refund and $100 travel certificate same day as booking	$150
US Airways	Refund minus $150 change fee; no same day restriction	$150

I'm Asking: Would You Pay For Advanced Seat Assignments?

SavvySugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:22 -0700

Ahh, remember when you booked a plane ticket and that was the last time you took out your wallet? I sure do, but with all the standard à la carte charges now, there are only so many potential fees left - like picking out seats?

Earlier this month, British Airways announced a charge ($16 and up) to book seats in advance, up to 355 days whether you're riding in first or business classes . . . or back in economy. The alternative? Wait within 24 hours of the flight's departure to race other passengers to pick your seats for free. I've experienced the unknown of the unassigned seating process with Southwest but, for standard-fared tickets, should this even be a factor in the booking equation?

How Airlines Could Jam 50% More Passengers on Planes

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:30:37 -0700

Most of you were pretty baffled when China's Spring Airlines announced it was considering selling standing-room seats on its planes, and the newest news in air travel might be just as jarring. British design company Design Q has come up with a concept it estimates would allow for a 50 percent increase in the number of passengers on board.

The design consists of rows of passengers sitting sideways and facing each other, instead of staring at the seat back in front of you. Howard Guy, director at Design Q, explains, "Having passengers face each other is not an ideal situation. But this will see increased revenue for the operator and more economical tickets for the passenger - so by keeping both happy, this concept makes an attractive alternative." Guy estimates the cost per seat will be reduced by 30 percent, which is nothing to cough at.

Because the planes would ultimately be uncomfortable (Guy even admits it) the seating arrangements would ideally be on planes used for trips under 80 minutes. Limiting the flights to shorter routes makes even more sense when you consider the design would exclude aisle space to accommodate food carts.

This way of traveling is nothing new for military personnel, but what do you think of using it for commercial planes?

Airlines Aiming Higher With Fancier Coach Meals

YumSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:50:20 -0700

These days, airlines are engaged in new flights of fancy: in an effort to set themselves apart from competitors, many have been upping the ante on food offerings.

Airlines began charging for meals post-9/11, but food-for-purchase replacements never fared well. They came with high price tags, questionable freshness, and inventory challenges. But major players have found a way to tackle these issues, and hope to enhance their brand images with a revamped reputation for good food.

Delta Air Lines serves Ben & Jerry's ice cream, cheese plates, and a new array of dishes created by culinary impresario Todd English that includes grilled chicken gyros and almond butter sandwiches. In May, American Airlines partnered with Boston Market, hoping to levy the rotisserie chain's name recognition. Although Hawaiian Airlines has long kept a focus on high-end food, it, too, has tried to elevate coach sales. While meals are free on Hawaiian, paying an additional $10 buys passengers satay chicken with vermicelli, or a sushi bento box with edamame and teriyaki chicken.

Airlines have found savvy methods of measuring the success of food programs, like using credit card readers to monitor the popularity of foods. Do you think the new tactics work? Has airline food gotten tastier?

Fur Flyin' High: Follow This Timeline For Air Travel With Pets

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:30:56 -0700

No matter what part of the plane your pet will travel in, check out my seven-step timeline to fly the friendly skies. Even if you're not heading out in a big ol' jet airliner, several of these are good tips to remember when traveling by car - follow along when you start this slideshow!

View Slideshow ›

Pay As You Go: Check Out My Handy Chart of Airlines' Pet Fees

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:40:10 -0700

For most of us - the most that wouldn't have hundreds of dollars to spare, won't take multiple trips a season or don't own a private jet - the price of air travel with pets can prohibit inclusion of furry friends in all but the most important of situations (like relocation). If you're wondering how much it will cost to include a pet on your next trip, I've gathered up the prices for the major airlines. How much will you pay as you go? Find out the one-way rates in the chart below.

Airline	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage	As Cargo
AirTran	$69	n/a	n/a
Alaska	$100	$100	n/a
American	$100	$150	n/a
Continental	$125	n/a	800-575-3335
Delta	$100	$175	$179–$689
Frontier	n/a	$100–$200	n/a
JetBlue	$100	n/a	n/a

See the rest of the chart when you read more.

Airline	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage	As Cargo
Midwest	$125	$150	n/a
Southwest	$75	n/a	n/a
Spirit	$100	n/a	n/a
United	$125–$175	$175–$500	800-822-2746
US Airways	$100	800-428-2966	n/a
Virgin America	$100	n/a	n/a

(If a phone number is listed, you'll need to call a representative who can give you the current rates for your pet's type, weight, kennel size, and destination.)

How Have Your Furry Friends Flown the Friendly Skies?

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:30:15 -0700

One if by land, two if by sea, one place for pup, a different for me? Taking a plane ride can be difficult for pets - especially those nonfrequent fliers and ones that can't ride at your feet. To kick off our flying high week, let's dish on your pampered pals: in which part of the aircraft do they travel?