Family Travel Girl

Checked Baggage Charges from American Airlines

The New Carry On Luggage - A Backpack?  Just when we thought that the airlines couldn't possibly (or wouldn't dare) charge us for more add-ons, here they go.  American Airlines' new first checked bag charge will cost fliers $15 for the first (that's right -- 1st) checked bag.  You know what that means, right?  Overhead bins are going to be overflowing, people will be putting their bags in YOUR overhead space.  Have you ever gotten on a plane that has started boarding from the rear only to find out that the overhead bin above your front-of-the-plane seat is full?!  Unless you're a high mileage frequent flier with priority boarding privileges, you'd better start learning how to pack light.  For some travel tips on how to pack using only one piece of luggage, check out my favorite travel website for tips on how to travel light -- One Bag.  Don't be so stubborn, lighten up.  You'll be glad you did (and your back will thank you, too)!

Photo by ToastyKen via Flicker (Creative Commons)

Mesa Airlines to Cut Routes at Air Midwest

Mesa Air - Air Midwest Cutting Routes:  Air Midwest (Mesa Air) is cutting service, according to a recent article on AOL Travel.  Mesa Air will be all cutting routes serviced by Air Midwest by June 30, 2008.  Soaring fuel costs have forced this unfortunate cut back.  So, if you have plans to fly Air Midwest in the next six weeks, I'd advise you to call the Air Midwest asap for up to the minute information.  Good luck!

Photo by cubbie_n_vegas via Flickr (Creative Commons)

JetBlue in the News Again: Makes Man Sit on Toilet During Flight

JetBlue Airlines

Gee, JetBlue Airlines can't seem to keep its nose clean lately.  Wait till you hear this one -- I'll bet their Public Relations Agency is busy, busy, busy!  According to a USA Today article, a man is suing JetBlue for allegedly making him give up his seat to a flight attendant and then forcing him to sit on a toilet for more than three hours during a flight from California.  What was that pilot thinking?!  If there weren't enough seats available on the plane, they should have never let him on in the first place.  I have a feeling that this gentleman is about to become a little richer than he was before his "stinky" flight.  What do you think?

Photo by Cubbie_n_Vegas via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Airplane Germs: Airline Seat-Back Pockets - What's In There?

Airplane Germs - Beware the Seat-Back Pockets:  OK, we all know that people dispose of all kinds of stuff in their airline seat-back pockets, right?  But, being a frequent traveler, I guess I just never really wanted to think too hard about what might be in there besides old newspapers, chewing gum wrappers, and the like.  Well, an article in the Chicago Tribune has opened my eyes!  I will never put my hand willy-nilly into the seat-back pocket in front of me again.  Come on, people -- dirty diapers?!  Really?  What are you thinking!  According to the article, the airline maintenance staff only give the planes cursory cleanings in between flights.  In fact, the planes are not given a deep cleaning except for about once every 30 days.  So, please be considerate of the fliers who are coming after you.  Dispose of your trash appropriately so that we can all fly on clean airplanes.  I thank you and so do the other innocent people who are about to reach into their seat-back pocket.

Photo by irishflyguy via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Airline Delays: Are You Sitting In An Airport Again?

Airline Flight Delays:  Is it just me, or does it seem like your flights have been either delayed or canceled more in recent months?  At first, I thought that these flight delays were simply because I'm flying out of O'Hare Airport, arguably the busiest airport in the nation.  But, then I ran across an article in the Los Angeles Times that claims nearly 30% of airline flights were disrupted in some way during the month of March.  The apparent culprits are bad weather and the replacement of larger planes for smaller ones, which are crowding the airport gates.  So, as you get ready to board your next flight, take a deep breath and realize that your flight could be delayed.  Plan ahead and bring some items that can help you while away the time -- electronic gadgets, books, iPods, or Sudoku (ok, maybe not Sudoku). 

Photo by JasonJT via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Lost Luggage: Check My Bags! Are You Crazy?

Baggage Claim - The Bermuda Triangle of Luggage:  I don't know about you, but it's been a while since I've entrusted my luggage to any airline's checked baggage system for a family vacation.  One too many lost suitcases, new charges for checked luggage, lengthy waits at the luggage carousel, and busted bags changed my mind about checking luggage.  According to a recent travel news article in the New York Times, 1 billion bags are checked worldwide each year.  But with some planning and a few travel tips, you too can travel lightly with small carry on luggage.  Watch your whole attitude about travel change when you're whizzing by the baggage claim area instead of standing there staring at the black hole, waiting for the red light to start flashing, all the while checking your watch.

Here are a few quick traveling light tips.  Choose small, light luggage -- why start out with 7 pounds (the average weight of a wheeled piece of luggage) before you've packed a single item?  Stick with one color scheme for your travel clothes - it allows you to mix and match easily.  I prefer either all black or all neutral items.  And finally, don't be afraid to plan to sink wash items like lingerie, socks, and lightweight material clothing during your vacation.  A few minutes of rinsing in the evening can save you lots of room in the suitcase.  By the way, every traveler should pack a travel clothesline.  It's tiny, lightweight, and can attach easily to towel bars in your hotel room for line drying.  No clothespins needed either.  Just slip your clothing in between the braided latex, and it will hold up to 12 pounds!

Hope you've made up your mind to use carry on luggage a little more often and de-stress your airport experience!

Photo by TheeErin via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Eos Airlines Shuts Down

Eos Airlines Ceases Operations:  According to an article in the Chicago Sun Times, Eos Airlines has officially ceased operations.  The luxury airline, which began operating in 2005, is the latest victim of the perfect storm of events that has hit the U.S.  Fuel prices and the credit crunch is taking its toll on the transportation market.  Hope none of you had tickets for an upcoming Eos flight.  You can click here to check out the company's letter to the public which provides a little more detail and recommends carriers who may be able to accommodate you.

Photo by Rich Moffitt via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Travel Tips: American Airlines Inspection Nightmare Over?

American Airlines Airplane Inspections:  According to an article in the LA Times, American Airlines has completed wiring inspections on all of it's MD-80's.  Looks like things should be back to normal beginning today, Sunday.  Hopefully those of you planning to fly American in the following days and weeks can breathe easier. 

Photo by Cubbie_n_Vegas via Flickr (CreativeCommons)

American Airlines Cancels 900 More Flights Today

Oh boy!  If you're planning to travel on American Airlines in the next few days, you'd better have a back-up plan.  According to an article in the New York Times, travelers are getting stranded because they're unable to obtain seats on alternative airlines.  So, please do your research -- call the airlines before you head to the airport.  It appears as though this inspection problem is likely to spread to other airline companies as well.  Whose fault is this mess, anyway?  The airline's?  The FAA?  How could this get so out of hand!?

Low-Cost Airlines: JetBlue Worth the Savings?

JetBlue Low Cost Airline:  I received notice today that low-cost airline JetBlue is having a fare sale.  I've never flown JetBlue and am wondering if it's worth taking the chance of flying a smaller, low-fare airline in view of the recent closure of three airline companies in this country.  Did you hear that Aloha Airlines, Skybus, and ATA are all either filing bankruptcy or just outright closing their doors?  Sure leaves the travelers in a bind, wouldn't you say?  If you've flown JetBlue, let us know about your experience.  What are the pros and cons of flying these airlines?  Leave us a comment below!

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