Hidden fees are costing U.S. consumers billions of dollars every year. And airlines and hotels are among the prime offenders. That’s according to the National Economic Council’s new report, “The Competition Initiative and Hidden Fees” (.pdf file here). Why should you care? Three reasons, as cited by the Council: First, there is a systematic transfer…
“JetBlue Becomes Only Airline with Free, High-Speed Wi-Fi at Every Seat.” That’s the headline of today’s news release from JetBlue. Making JetBlue’s free Fly-Fi Wi-Fi available on every plane, at every seat, is a significant achievement, to be sure. It’s a real value-add to JetBlue’s product. In fact, the airline somewhat understates Fly-Fi’s benefits: Unlike…
Wi-Fi access isn’t free on Alaska Airlines flights. But at least for the next year, the airline’s passengers can use inflight Wi-Fi to send and receive unlimited texts for free. Here’s how it works: Free chat is available on flights with Gogo Wi-Fi. “Availability on other flights may vary” Chat is text-only—no videos, photos or…
Carlson’s new bonus-points offer is one of the industry’s most generous for winter hotel stays. Offer Details Between January 9 and March 31, Club Carlson members can earn up to 100,000 bonus points for eligible stays, as follows: 5,000 bonus points after one night 10,000 bonus points after two nights 20,000 bonus points after four…
One of last week’s biggest travel stories was Norwegian Air’s plans to sell New York-Edinburgh tickets for $69 each way. That stunningly low price will, to be sure, be an introductory fare, to promote the launch of the new service, available for a limited time. And in any case, the $69 flights won’t be available…
In a fact sheet issued last month, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, calls them “unruly passengers,” and deems them a “significant problem.” In case you don’t get the reference, here’s what’s at issue: Unruly passenger incidents include violence against crew and other passengers, harassment , verbal abuse, smoking, failure to follow safety instructions and…
Enter the Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Awards” sweepstakes by March 6, 2017, for a chance to win the grand prize: “a dream trip for two worth $10,000, to be planned by a T+L A-List Agent.” To enter, participate in the Travel + Leisure survey by rating at least one destination or travel supplier. Done!…
Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week. If it was a good deal—or a notably bad deal—from an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here, and plan your travel accordingly. Delta Domestic Award Discounts –…
One-way flights between New York and Edinburgh for $69. You read that right; it’s not a misprint or a mistake fare or a cruel joke. Transatlantic tickets for $69. That, according to The Scotsman, will be the fare later this year, when Oslo-based discount carrier Norwegian Air receives its new Boeing B737MAX aircraft. To be…
At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, cruise giant Carnival Corporation introduced “the world’s first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service for millions of guests.” Wow! Or, on second thought: What? More about the so-called Ocean Medallion: It’s a “first-of-its-kind…
The travel blogosphere lost its collective mind earlier this week when Southwest peremptorily made it more difficult to earn what might be that airline’s most coveted frequent-flyer award. Until the no-notice change, members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program could earn a Companion Pass, allowing members’ companions to accompany them for free, by transferring points from…