6/28/06 3 Ways to Get the Lowest Airfare Possible By: Richard Wong The easiest way to break the traveling budget is with your flight. It's hard to find the lowest airfare out there these days, especially with the myriad of companies trying to tell you that THEY have the lowest airfare prices, or know where to find them. Lucky for you, there are several ways to take a bite out of the cost of flying. Here are some tips and techniques to make sure you are getting the lowest possible airfare. Please note that the advice given here is just that: advice. Companies mentioned are not better, or worse, than any other organization out there that claims to offer the lowest airfare possible. Lowest Airfare Technique #1: Courier It Without a courier, many important packages that are working their way through the flight system would be stuck in customs an awfully long time. Therefore, courier companies "hire" people to transport their packages for them in a set. All that you have to do is forfeit your baggage space, and you can receive some of the lowest airfare prices available. There isn't actually a "payment" that is exchanged here; you are providing a service, but in return you are only getting the lowest airfare that the company can afford. Also, scheduling can be a bit of a pain in the butt - you may have a quick stopover in one place you wanted to visit, and days in another that really doesn't interest you. Plus, can you imagine flying to Paris with only your overnighter bag? Those with light luggage and really flexible schedules may love this option, though. Lowest Airfare Technique #2: BidOnline services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing the tradeoff of 'maybe' getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it's a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for the lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you've bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts the bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you're off the hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries. Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages Every airline has a 'special offers' page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for the lowest airfare deals before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these 'special fares' will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only). About the Author: For more air travel tips, visit my website:
http://www.airtravelhelp.info or http://www.airtravelhelp.com

By: Michelle Annese Here are 17 ways to keep safe and secure when flying domestic or abroad. Air travelers need to keep a sharp eye and an ever present focus on what’s going on around them. Even though it has been a few years since the September 11th 2001 hijackings, the threat of terrorist actions against air travelers is still ever present. Not to mention with the hustle and bustle of a busy airport. This is a prime place to be potentially burglarized by a professional thief or criminal. 1. Keep Your Photo Identification Handy. If you do not have photo identification, make sure you have two pieces of some other form of identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority. Minors are not obligated to have identification. Failure to have proper identification may result in additional security inspection and search. Some airlines may also prohibit you from boarding without proper ID. For international flights, airlines are required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone number. ,b>2. Give Yourself Some Extra Time During busy hours, or when traveling. With elderly or disabled passengers, young children or infants, give yourself more than enough time to maneuver through a busy airport or to make necessary arrangements with airport personnel. 3. Do Not Park Your Vehicle and Leave Unattended in Front of the Terminal. The airport parking rules are being strictly enforced and your vehicle may be very swiftly ticketed and towed. So make sure to park in well-lit, designated areas. Find a parking garage or lot you are comfortable with and is well populated. 4. Know What You Have with You. Watch your bags all throughout the airport terminal, shops, and lavatories. Don’t accept packages from strangers or persons who you might have a casual conversation with. Be prepared to answer questions about who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at any time. Focus carefully and answer honestly. Previous history has shown terrorists and criminals use unaware passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous devices on board an aircraft, either by deceiving passengers into carrying packages or by slipping items into unprotected bags. If you’re unsure, make it known to airport security personnel. 5. Beware of Unattended Packages. If you see an unattended package, bag or piece of luggage in the terminal, report it to the airport security staff or other airport personnel immediately. 6. Don’t Fool Around. Don’t joke about having a bomb, firearm or weapon with you. Security personnel are trained to react when they hear these words. Punishment can be harsh and can include the possibility of time in prison and/or large penalties and fines. 7. Anticipate Having Your Bag and Luggage Searched. Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, especially when airline security personnel cannot determine by X-ray machines the contents of one. Keep gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. Airline security personnel will open it if X-ray machines are unable to identify the contents. 8. Leave Behind Firearms and Hazardous Products at Home. Many hazardous products are not allowed on aircraft. Don?t pack or carry firearms, fireworks, flammable materials, household cleaners, or pressurized containers. Violations of hazardous materials regulations can have harsh civil penalties, as well as possible national legal action taken against you. 9. Be Aware of Your Surroundings. When you are in an airport terminal or on an aircraft, take notice of your surroundings, and those around you. Especially, if activities or situations don?t appear to be of the norm. 10. Report Strange or Odd Activity. If you see anything in the airport or on an aircraft that looks out of place, unfitting and unusual behavior or potential security violations, inform either a law enforcement representative or security personnel. 11. Have No Bias About the Who May Pose a Threat. If someone is intent on perpetrating violent acts against the air transport system, that person can be of any gender, age, or nationality. You should not presume any specific type of person is likely to do damage based on outward appearances. 12. Keep Away from Suspicious Circumstances. If you are exposed to a potential risk in the airport, move away from the situation before contacting someone in authority. If necessary, inform others in the vicinity. Examples of these are; unaccompanied packages, suspicious behavior, or an unusual disturbance. 13. Leave Your Seat Belt Fastened While in Flight. When you are seated, keep your safety belt securely fastened through your flight will provide extra protection if the plane is in unexpected turbulence. 14. Focus on What the Flight Attendants Are Saying. The number one reason flight attendants are on an aircraft is for safety, so if there is any kind of emergency or potential crisis situation, look to the flight attendants for help and assistance. 15. Remember the Basic Rules for Wireless Devices. In the U.S., cell phones, pagers, and other wireless communications devices may be used until the passenger entry doors are closed prior to takeoff. Do not use these devices for routine communications until the passenger doors are opened at the end of the flight. Rules vary around the world, so check with your airline. 16. Emergency Use of a Wireless Device. In the event of an in-flight emergency, you should take stock of the situation before using any communications device, including the aircraft's seatback telephones. If a situation calls for it, use your cell phone or other personal to contact help. In the U.S., a helpful number to call is the FBI at 1-866-483-5137. If you are a flight attendant or other airline employee, contact an appropriate office or department of the airline. 17. Work Together. If circumstances on an aircraft have the potential for danger, it is usually better to share information and work together with crew members and other passengers. By taking the necessary precautions when you fly, you can travel with a piece-of-mind and have your security on “high alert” and ready for anything. About the Author: Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience teaching self defense and safety for women and children. She is a World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee for Achievement and creator of The Realtor Survival Guide, Protection for Women, and The SafeGuard System for Kids. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family go to http://www.michelleannese.com to get her free weekly safety tips e-newsletter.

By: William Lezubski Friday, June 30, 2006 With airline travel increasing in record numbers, more people are experiencing the frustration of understanding the airlines industry language, and leaving them feeling that they need an interpreter for the travel information they're receiving from the airline industry! It seems that air companies think that every individual that flies should have to understand all that travel Jargon they place on their flight reservations, and maybe it's about time we figure out what they're talking about, because it's costing you money and valuable time! Once you learn all the airlines travel terms, you won't be dependent on your local travel agent anymore, and he/she won't be able to collect all the wonderful service fees from you for being your traveling interpreter.The price of your travel flight is based on many intricate components that the airlines reservations department implement, not to purposely confuse you, but to formulate their airfares and determine what they need to charge each passenger for all flights taken. Now if you already know most of these airlines flight terms, then that's ok. However, there are many people that are new to traveling, and are now beginning to use online air suppliers to capitalize on the great deals they offer. But when you're making that reservation, you want to understand why the flight you selected is so cheap, and what are the reasons for the low pricing. Misunderstanding in Airline Terms can cost you more money! Most of the airlines service terms you will come across will play a big factor on whether you pay an expensive price for you ticket, or getting the discounted travel deals you're looking for in the first place. I will explain the most common industry terms that many people get confused about: Nonstop versus Direct or Through Service: Don't get this one confused, because many airline companies don't explain this properly. Nonstop means exactly that, and most travelers want these flights, so they book-up quickly. You fly from your origin and land at your desired destination without any stops in between. Direct or Through Service: This can get a little confusing to many individuals. The aircraft even though is en route directly to your destination, it may be making some routine stops on the way, and all passengers must remain on the plane at that time. There are many times when you print your ticket that it will not list the cities that it will be landing in, so it is always wise to investigate a little further, and see how long the stop is going to be in each individual city. Connecting Flight: When you're on this type of service flight, now this is treated differently than the other services above. With this type of flight the plane travels from one city to another, however, the passengers must change aircrafts at some point between the origin city and the destination city. On-line Connections: This is when you change an aircraft but continue to fly with the same carrier. So if you're flying form Los Angeles to New York on American Airlines. If you make a stop for example in Denver, you will change planes at that airport, but with the same American Airline carrier. Interline Connection: This is when you as a passenger changes airplanes, but instead of boarding the same company plane you will be on a different airline. For this example, you're flying from Seattle, Washington en route to San Antonio, Texas. If you were on a United flight, you will have a stop in a city in-between your origin and destination, and let say you have to get on an American carrier to continue your journey. The main reason for this is that the particular airline company may not be flying into certain cities due to particular business reasons, so then they share with competing airline business companies. Open Jaw: No it's not when you see the price of your ticket and your jaw drops. This trip is one in which you depart out of one city, and later return from another city. For example: you fly from San Diego, California to New York City, and then return back home from the city of Boston back to San Diego. This can dramatically increase your airline ticket, so if you're looking to visit a family member in another city that you arrived in, and then depart out of another city where your families live, then carefully check and make sure you understand this term. Consolidators: A consolidator can be your friend if you understand how they work. Simply put, they purchase tickets from an airline at a rate less than the tariff, with the intention of reselling the tickets to either you the public or travel agencies. They buy tickets in bulk from air carrier companies, and therefore offer substantial savings. If you happen to be wondering what a tariff is, it's basically set pricing, rules, and regulations all put in place by authorized organizations in the airline industry. Lets talk types of Fares! If you're searching for fares online, you will come across a list of different terminologies for your ticket, and it will reflect on the price you end up paying. The airlines distinguish certain fare prices by the terms normal or restricted. Normal Fares: A normal fare is first class, business class, and economy. These have no restrictions such as advanced reservation requirements or minimum stay stipulations. Such flights are valid for one year from the date of the first flight and can be extended if not used within that period. Restricted Excursion and Discounted Fares: These have certain restrictions, and that is why they are cheaper to purchase. They're sold with a number of conditions attached, which most require advanced reservations, and there is normally a minimum and sometimes a maximum stay requirement. Travel dates are pre-determined, and any changes in most cases are subject to a penalty, or at times you can't make any changes at all! Airlines limit the number of seats at these fares to encourage travelers to book early. With an understanding how the air travel industry communicates, and how they determine a flight schedule and pricing, you will eventually be able to speak their language, prevent air lingo confusion, and obtain the best flight itinerary and price with this new knowledge! About the Author About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is the owner and author of "Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site" available at http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com A great source for Cheap Flights to the Caribbean!

An air travel tip is something you can use to your benefit when traveling by air. In this article we look at several air travel tips. Seems travelers love to hate the screeners at the airport. Keep in mind, the front line personnel that you see as you make your way toward the gate are just the worker bees. They’re not Congress and they’re not the big wig decision makers. If at times they seem like robots, deviating very little from their spcheel, it’s because they have procedures that they must follow and deviating from the standard operation procedure is not an option. There are a number of things you can do yourself to speed things along. Listed below are the top ten tips to help your visit to the airport security checkpoint hassle-free. 1. Have your boarding pass and government issued photo ID readily available. Some airports have someone checking your boarding pass and ID as you first approach your concourse, then shortly thereafter there is another employee asking for the same thing. Actually they may be asking for the same thing, but these employees, often one a federal employee and one a private company employee, while looking at the same thing, aren’t looking for the same thing. Each person has a different role to fill. If you have to dig in your purse or wallet for these items, that will increase the wait time. Ensure your boarding pass is pulled out of the airline envelope. 2. Wear tennis shoes or known airport friendly footwear so you’ll avoid setting off the alarm on the walk through metal detector. Often the screeners will encourage you to take your shoes off before passing through the metal detector. What many passengers fail to recognize is that many, many shoe manufacturers place steel shanks (supports) in the souls of the shoes. Just because you don’t see metal, doesn’t mean they are metal-free. 3. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassette tapes, not digital cameras, need to come out of their carrying case prior to passing through the x-ray machine. Have these items out of the case before you reach the table to divest your items. 4. Only undeveloped film with a speed of 800 or higher should be hand checked. All other disposable cameras, film of 100, 200 or 400 speed and digital cameras are safe to pass through the x-ray. Know your film speed before reaching the x-ray machine. 5. If you have an inkling that your belt buckle or larger metal watch may set off the metal detector, remove them while you’re waiting in line and have them ready to place into a bin. 6. Don’t wear pants or suspenders that contain a lot of metal. If you can’t remove the metal prior to passing through the metal detector, you’ll be sent for additional screening, thus increasing your wait time. 7. Most smell (sic) jewelry such as rings, necklaces and earrings will not set off the alarm. Don’t bother wasting time removing them. 8. Yes your fanny pack, hidden money belt and wallet on a string around your neck must pass through the x-ray, have it ready toplace into a bin. 9. Leave all tools, Swiss army knives, pointed end scissors, and bladed corkscrews in your checked bag. You may not bring themonboard the aircraft in your carry-on bags. If your bag must be searched to find these items, it’s definitely going to increase your wait time. 10. Strollers and pet carriers need to pass through the x-ray machine. Remove your children and pets from this equipment prior to reaching the x-ray.If you’re standing in line merely waiting for your turn to walk through, use this time to your advantage. If everyone were already ready to walk though the metal detector BEFORE it was actually their turn, the wait times would be greatly decreased. Next time you fly, instead of grumbling about the procedures that neither you nor the front line screeners can change, try having some fun, being prepared and perhaps even thanking the screeners for doing their part of keeping the aircrafts safe. About the author: Jeff Schuman's small business resource website has the best of everthing to help you run your own small business. http://www.sites-plus.com

British Airways is United Kingdom’s largest international airline, with routes to over 550 destinations the world over. This airline is world renowned for their high standards and international recognitions, having been featured in many reviews by airline critics as well as passengers. Apart from just offering flights, British Airways sustains its status within the airline industry through a workforce that offers exceptional work commitment and excellent service levels. Throughout its long history, British Airways has evolved almost a century within the airline industry. Currently owned by Comair Limited since 1992, this airline started off with humble beginnings as Aircraft Transport and Travel in 1919, with its maiden flight from Le Bourget to Honslow in August 1919. Later, with the merger of a few other airlines due to the decline of the industry, this British airline was named Imperial Airways and was the first major British carrier. At that time, they operated with only 18 aircraft and 250 employees. Soon after their collaboration with Qantas to launch the first flight to Australia and with the acquiring of more aircraft, British Airways Limited was created which was a merger between Imperial Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). After World War II, with more transatlantic flights added, another sister airline was also created just to handle these flights. It was known as the British European Airways (BEA). Through the years, British Airways has continued steady growth, incorporating newer and more sophisticated aircraft and as well as running the Concorde since 1979. The success of British Airways could mostly be attributed to its continuous addition of more long-haul international flights as well as the expansion of their fleet. Apart from that, the entire airline boasts of features that provide their passengers with the best comfort through value added services such as extended leg room for travelers within their economy class cabins, special lounges of British Airways and onboard catering with exclusive wine served. Additionally, other conveniences provided for ease of check in including telephone check -ins, valet services and also an online portal at http://www.britishairways.com/ that consists of many features allowing passengers to check flight schedules, check personal bookings, travel advice, information on British Airways destinations and even perform online flight bookings. In fact, they have even implemented an e-ticketing system which provides passengers with the flexibility of checking in without the need of a physical ticket. Only passenger details including proof of identification are required to be produced during check-ins, as all booking information has already been stored in their computer systems. In fact, through this system, flights can be changed even up to 30 minutes before departure time. Finally, the British Airways portal also provides many other travel services such as hotel bookings, travel insurance purchase, car rentals as well as holiday purchases. This way, these products from British Airways comes in competition with travel sites such as http://www.adventuretraveltips.com/tips/Lastminute.html and http://www.adventuretraveltips.com/tips/RatesToGo.html . However, as all of these are not core businesses of an airline, they merely exist to complement the flight services. Thus, all of these value-added services work together with great customer support services in order to produce success for this famous airline. About the Autho: Robert Caleo is an editor of AdventureTravel Tips: http://www.adventuretraveltips.com/ This article is courtesy of http://www.adventuretraveltips.com, you may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.