RSSDiscounts on air travel
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Small businesses have to travel to compete with the big guys, but they can’t always afford to pay like their competition. To level the playing field it’s essential to get as many discounts as you can, whenever you can. Use the following tips to get some discounts on your next business flight.
- Travel on holidays. Airlines tend to offer deep discounts on those days and the days immediately preceding and following a major holiday. How can you afford not to take advantage of this great tip?
- Travel on Tuesday or Thursday. Like holidays, these days are not popular travel days and usually come with discounted fares.
- Shop when the stores are closed. If you’re doing online shopping and comparisons, then schedule some late night Internet sessions in the middle of the week. For some reason this seems to garner the best deals.
- Shop around. The Internet is full of deals, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the only place with discounts. Try the airline directly and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Plane seats are like snowflakes, no two are alike. And they all carry different price tags.
Welcome to our site. If you like what you see why not subscribe to our RSS feed. You can also help us by bookmarking this page with any of the buttons to the right. Follow us on Twitter for travel deals and travel related news, questions and conversations. Thanks for visiting!
Small businesses have to travel to compete with the big guys, but they can’t always afford to pay like their competition. To level the playing field it’s essential to get as many discounts as you can, whenever you can. Use the following tips to get some discounts on your next business flight.
- Travel on holidays. Airlines tend to offer deep discounts on those days and the days immediately preceding and following a major holiday. How can you afford not to take advantage of this great tip?
- Travel on Tuesday or Thursday. Like holidays, these days are not popular travel days and usually come with discounted fares.
- Shop when the stores are closed. If you’re doing online shopping and comparisons, then schedule some late night Internet sessions in the middle of the week. For some reason this seems to garner the best deals.
- Shop around. The Internet is full of deals, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the only place with discounts. Try the airline directly and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Plane seats are like snowflakes, no two are alike. And they all carry different price tags.
Singapore’s JetQuay terminal
Business travelers flying into Singapore’s Changi Airport can avoid the long queues at passport control at JetQuay, the terminal’s “elite gateway.”
JetQuay is basically a separate terminal for travelers who are CIP (Commercially Important Persons). For a fee of between S$150 and S$350 (around US$100 - $250), JetQuay offers three levels of service named Gateway, Quayside and Jetside, progressively offering higher and higher levels of personalized service and an easier route through the arrivals or departures process.
Typically, you could be met off your flight by a special buggy to drive you to the separate terminal. While you wait for your documents to be processed, you’ll be able to sit back in a comfortable lounge and have a coffee. If you’re departing, you also have access to private rooms or a boardroom if you want to hold a predeparture meeting. Amenities also include a gym, Internet access, spa treatment and special rooms where you can take a quick nap before your journey continues.
Business travelers flying into Singapore’s Changi Airport can avoid the long queues at passport control at JetQuay, the terminal’s “elite gateway.”
JetQuay is basically a separate terminal for travelers who are CIP (Commercially Important Persons). For a fee of between S$150 and S$350 (around US$100 - $250), JetQuay offers three levels of service named Gateway, Quayside and Jetside, progressively offering higher and higher levels of personalized service and an easier route through the arrivals or departures process.
Typically, you could be met off your flight by a special buggy to drive you to the separate terminal. While you wait for your documents to be processed, you’ll be able to sit back in a comfortable lounge and have a coffee. If you’re departing, you also have access to private rooms or a boardroom if you want to hold a predeparture meeting. Amenities also include a gym, Internet access, spa treatment and special rooms where you can take a quick nap before your journey continues.
Flying styles of the rich and famous
The world’s movers and shakers are in the air a lot. Here’s a look at how they make flying more agreeable. A sample:
- Steven Page of “Bare Naked Ladies” always brings his noise canceling headphones.
- Model Selita Ebanks, never flies without moisturizing lotion, baby wipes and socks.
- Professional poker player Annie Duke packs outfits she knows she can reuse: one pair of jeans she wears every day, lightweight tops and jackets.
- ESPN sports analyst Jalen Rose has this packing advice:
Rose has a few guiding principles: check the local weather; understand whether your trip is business, pleasure or both (”be realistic with yourself”); and understand your local city’s dress style: “You can’t come to New York with a white suit,” he says. “You can get away with that in Las Vegas.”
The world’s movers and shakers are in the air a lot. Here’s a look at how they make flying more agreeable. A sample:
- Steven Page of “Bare Naked Ladies” always brings his noise canceling headphones.
- Model Selita Ebanks, never flies without moisturizing lotion, baby wipes and socks.
- Professional poker player Annie Duke packs outfits she knows she can reuse: one pair of jeans she wears every day, lightweight tops and jackets.
- ESPN sports analyst Jalen Rose has this packing advice:
Rose has a few guiding principles: check the local weather; understand whether your trip is business, pleasure or both (”be realistic with yourself”); and understand your local city’s dress style: “You can’t come to New York with a white suit,” he says. “You can get away with that in Las Vegas.”
Track flight prices with Yapta
Now available as an extension for Firefox, Yapta allows you to track fare prices across the Internet with the click of a mouse.
Here’s how it works: After you download the extension, visit Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity or your chosen airline site and enter your itinerary then tag it to your My Trips. Yapta will begin tracking prices. Yapta will email you when the price drops so you can get credits or refunds from the airline even after you’ve book your trip.
For more information visit www.yapta.com/.
Now available as an extension for Firefox, Yapta allows you to track fare prices across the Internet with the click of a mouse.
Here’s how it works: After you download the extension, visit Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity or your chosen airline site and enter your itinerary then tag it to your My Trips. Yapta will begin tracking prices. Yapta will email you when the price drops so you can get credits or refunds from the airline even after you’ve book your trip.
For more information visit www.yapta.com/.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines serves 55 destinations between the US, Canada, and Mexico and offers competitive pricing in many of the popular markets especially on the West Coast.
The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan rewards you with 500 bonus miles at signup. With your Mileage Plan account, your preferences are stored, which saves you time and it allows you to view your travel history. Also, by establishing an account, you will be eligible for Discount codes, which you can track regularly.
If you fly 20,000 miles exclusively with Alaska Airlines or Horizon Airlines during the calendar year, you are elevated to MVP status. 40,000 miles will give you MVP Gold status. MVP status offers you many perks such as 50 percent bonus miles on Alaska Airlines and select partners. As a gold MVP member, when you fly 75,000 miles in a calendar year between Alaska Airlines and select partners, you are rewarded with 50,000 bonus miles. Other perks include complimentary First-class upgrades on Northwest Airlines.
You can earn miles for air travel in a number of ways. If you’re looking for a real kick-start, you can get 20,000 miles for signing up for an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card. The primary way of earning miles is by traveling on Alaska Airlines. For every flight, you earn a minimum of 500 miles or the actual mileage flown. Additionally, if you travel on one of their partner airlines, you can earn miles for your travel. Alaska Airlines has partnered up with many of the top US airlines such as NWA, Continental, and American Airlines in addition to prominent international airlines like Air France, British Airways, and Quantas Airlines.
If you book a hotel or rental car with one of the aitline’s hotel partners, such as Hilton, you’ll earn up to 500 miles per stay. Residents of Alaska have opportunities to earn miles for everyday purchases and services.
Redeeming miles is easy too. There are more than 700 destinations to choose from and you can redeem for flights through any airline partners. To learn more or to sign up for Alaska Air’s frequent flier program, visit www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/.
Alaska Airlines serves 55 destinations between the US, Canada, and Mexico and offers competitive pricing in many of the popular markets especially on the West Coast.
The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan rewards you with 500 bonus miles at signup. With your Mileage Plan account, your preferences are stored, which saves you time and it allows you to view your travel history. Also, by establishing an account, you will be eligible for Discount codes, which you can track regularly.
If you fly 20,000 miles exclusively with Alaska Airlines or Horizon Airlines during the calendar year, you are elevated to MVP status. 40,000 miles will give you MVP Gold status. MVP status offers you many perks such as 50 percent bonus miles on Alaska Airlines and select partners. As a gold MVP member, when you fly 75,000 miles in a calendar year between Alaska Airlines and select partners, you are rewarded with 50,000 bonus miles. Other perks include complimentary First-class upgrades on Northwest Airlines.
You can earn miles for air travel in a number of ways. If you’re looking for a real kick-start, you can get 20,000 miles for signing up for an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card. The primary way of earning miles is by traveling on Alaska Airlines. For every flight, you earn a minimum of 500 miles or the actual mileage flown. Additionally, if you travel on one of their partner airlines, you can earn miles for your travel. Alaska Airlines has partnered up with many of the top US airlines such as NWA, Continental, and American Airlines in addition to prominent international airlines like Air France, British Airways, and Quantas Airlines.
If you book a hotel or rental car with one of the aitline’s hotel partners, such as Hilton, you’ll earn up to 500 miles per stay. Residents of Alaska have opportunities to earn miles for everyday purchases and services.
Redeeming miles is easy too. There are more than 700 destinations to choose from and you can redeem for flights through any airline partners. To learn more or to sign up for Alaska Air’s frequent flier program, visit www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/.
Blood clot risks for travelers
Everybody knows these days that when you fly, you increase the risk of getting a thrombosis, or blood clot in your veins. The combination of inactivity and being dehydrated mean that the risk of getting a DVT–deep vein thrombosis, usually in the leg– increase if you fly.
Researchers in the Netherlands have released more detailed information on the risks to travelers. They say that the risk increases if you fly more regularly within a short period of time, especially if you take a lot of long-haul flights. You are also at a greater risk of developing a DVT if you are under thirty years old, if you are particularly short, tall or overweight, or if you are a woman taking contraceptive pills.
If you’re a statistics lover, the Dutch research team calculated what they consider to be the probability of getting a blood clot when you fly: They say it is in a one in 4,656 chance.
So if you want to improve your chances of coming away healthy, do those exercises that the inflight entertainment system suggests, drink plenty of water but not much alcohol, and get out of your seat when you can. If you’re medically at a higher risk of thrombosis, your doctor can advise you on medications.
Everybody knows these days that when you fly, you increase the risk of getting a thrombosis, or blood clot in your veins. The combination of inactivity and being dehydrated mean that the risk of getting a DVT–deep vein thrombosis, usually in the leg– increase if you fly.
Researchers in the Netherlands have released more detailed information on the risks to travelers. They say that the risk increases if you fly more regularly within a short period of time, especially if you take a lot of long-haul flights. You are also at a greater risk of developing a DVT if you are under thirty years old, if you are particularly short, tall or overweight, or if you are a woman taking contraceptive pills.
If you’re a statistics lover, the Dutch research team calculated what they consider to be the probability of getting a blood clot when you fly: They say it is in a one in 4,656 chance.
So if you want to improve your chances of coming away healthy, do those exercises that the inflight entertainment system suggests, drink plenty of water but not much alcohol, and get out of your seat when you can. If you’re medically at a higher risk of thrombosis, your doctor can advise you on medications.
Aer Lingus Gold Circle Club
If you’re a frequent traveler on Aer Lingus airlines, consider joining the Gold Circle Club.
Sign up online and when you accumulate 2,400 points within a 12 month period you’ll qualify for Gold Circle Club membership. If you earn 4,800 points within a 12-month period, you become eligible for Prestige status. Garnering 8,400 points will entitle you to membership at the Elite level.
Membership to the Gold Circle Club is available to all people ages 12 and older. Once you obtain Gold Circle Club membership, you are entitled to all the benefits and your application points will count towards free flights. Additionally, you’ll be eligible to use the lounges at most airports. Lounge access varies with your Tier Status in the club. As a member of the Prestige and Elite Gold Circle Club, you are entitled to entry at extra lounges.
Aer Lingus has built up quite the network of partners so it’s easy to accumulate points. As apart of the one-world alliance, you can earn points when you travel American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Lan Chile, and Quantas. When flying Premier Class on Trans-Atlantic routes, you will earn Bonus points that you can use towards flight redemptions. Additionally, when you book travel through chains like Jurys Doyle, Fitzpatrick Hotels, Killarney Royal, and Griffin Hotels you’ll also ear points.
Like to golf? You can earn points when you play at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, the K Club, and Fota Island Golf Club.
It’s important to note that the membership to the Gold Circle Club is subject to expiration. In order to remain an active member, you must earn at least 2,400 points in your 12 months of membership. If you don’t meet this criterion, you can retain your membership by redeeming 2,400 points from your account. Or, if you choose not to renew your membership, the points that you’ve accumulated will be valid for redemption for 12 months. Points only have a lifespan of 12 months, and are deducted from your account as soon as they expire. To get more information on Aer Lingus’ Gold Circle Club, visit www.aerlingusgoldcircleclub.com.
If you’re a frequent traveler on Aer Lingus airlines, consider joining the Gold Circle Club.
Sign up online and when you accumulate 2,400 points within a 12 month period you’ll qualify for Gold Circle Club membership. If you earn 4,800 points within a 12-month period, you become eligible for Prestige status. Garnering 8,400 points will entitle you to membership at the Elite level.
Membership to the Gold Circle Club is available to all people ages 12 and older. Once you obtain Gold Circle Club membership, you are entitled to all the benefits and your application points will count towards free flights. Additionally, you’ll be eligible to use the lounges at most airports. Lounge access varies with your Tier Status in the club. As a member of the Prestige and Elite Gold Circle Club, you are entitled to entry at extra lounges.
Aer Lingus has built up quite the network of partners so it’s easy to accumulate points. As apart of the one-world alliance, you can earn points when you travel American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Lan Chile, and Quantas. When flying Premier Class on Trans-Atlantic routes, you will earn Bonus points that you can use towards flight redemptions. Additionally, when you book travel through chains like Jurys Doyle, Fitzpatrick Hotels, Killarney Royal, and Griffin Hotels you’ll also ear points.
Like to golf? You can earn points when you play at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, the K Club, and Fota Island Golf Club.
It’s important to note that the membership to the Gold Circle Club is subject to expiration. In order to remain an active member, you must earn at least 2,400 points in your 12 months of membership. If you don’t meet this criterion, you can retain your membership by redeeming 2,400 points from your account. Or, if you choose not to renew your membership, the points that you’ve accumulated will be valid for redemption for 12 months. Points only have a lifespan of 12 months, and are deducted from your account as soon as they expire. To get more information on Aer Lingus’ Gold Circle Club, visit www.aerlingusgoldcircleclub.com.
The 3-1-1 of air travel
Frequent business travelers have airport security down to a science, but for people who only make the occasional trip, the Transportation Security Administration has published its 3-1-1 tips to help you understand the current security process.
Three stands for how many ounces of a liquid or gel you can bring on board. Transfer your liquids or gels. to 3-ounce or smaller containers. Any item in a larger container will be confiscated.
One quart-sized bag is allowed for each traveler. This bag should be clear plastic with a zip-top lock. Use this bag to hold all of your 3-ounce gels and liquids.
One bag per customer. You are only allowed the one bag full of products so chose your items wisely.
The bag needs to go on the x-ray machine separately so having it handy is useful and speeds the process.
There is no such restriction on checked gels and liquids so if you’d rather not deal with the hassle and can do without your fluids, simply check them and you won’t have to worry.
If you do need to carry a liquid or gel with you that is larger than three ounces, such as medication, baby formula and juice, you will have to declare these items. Let the checkpoint security personnel know and hand the items to them for an individual screening.
Expect longer lines at holidays and plan accordingly. The more everyone cooperates with the guidelines and regulations the faster the process will go.
Frequent business travelers have airport security down to a science, but for people who only make the occasional trip, the Transportation Security Administration has published its 3-1-1 tips to help you understand the current security process.
Three stands for how many ounces of a liquid or gel you can bring on board. Transfer your liquids or gels. to 3-ounce or smaller containers. Any item in a larger container will be confiscated.
One quart-sized bag is allowed for each traveler. This bag should be clear plastic with a zip-top lock. Use this bag to hold all of your 3-ounce gels and liquids.
One bag per customer. You are only allowed the one bag full of products so chose your items wisely.
The bag needs to go on the x-ray machine separately so having it handy is useful and speeds the process.
There is no such restriction on checked gels and liquids so if you’d rather not deal with the hassle and can do without your fluids, simply check them and you won’t have to worry.
If you do need to carry a liquid or gel with you that is larger than three ounces, such as medication, baby formula and juice, you will have to declare these items. Let the checkpoint security personnel know and hand the items to them for an individual screening.
Expect longer lines at holidays and plan accordingly. The more everyone cooperates with the guidelines and regulations the faster the process will go.
The best airline food
The phrase “airline food” typically conjures up images of reheated, unidentifiable globs served on plastic trays. However, not all airline food falls into the mediocre or worse category. Skytrax, a London-based airline-rating company, recently announced their picks for the best food in the air. Admittedly, all of the winners are for premium class passengers; still, the survey is heartening.
Topping the list is Gulf Air, which actually has an on-board chef for its first-class cabin service. Second on the list is Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline. Passengers in their top-tier cabins get cooked-to-order eggs and omelets for breakfast, accompanied by freshly made toast.
Other airlines mentioned include Singapore Airlines, which includes Dom Perignon, Wagyu beef, and caviar among its offerings; Middle-East based Qatar Airways, which offers a 10-course meal on its long-haul flights; and German Airlines, Lufthansa, whose first-class meals are created by award-winning chef, David Bouley.
The phrase “airline food” typically conjures up images of reheated, unidentifiable globs served on plastic trays. However, not all airline food falls into the mediocre or worse category. Skytrax, a London-based airline-rating company, recently announced their picks for the best food in the air. Admittedly, all of the winners are for premium class passengers; still, the survey is heartening.
Topping the list is Gulf Air, which actually has an on-board chef for its first-class cabin service. Second on the list is Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline. Passengers in their top-tier cabins get cooked-to-order eggs and omelets for breakfast, accompanied by freshly made toast.
Other airlines mentioned include Singapore Airlines, which includes Dom Perignon, Wagyu beef, and caviar among its offerings; Middle-East based Qatar Airways, which offers a 10-course meal on its long-haul flights; and German Airlines, Lufthansa, whose first-class meals are created by award-winning chef, David Bouley.
An idea whose time has come: Drive-through check in
Starting in November, Virgin Atlantic is offering business class travelers to do a drive-through check-in at Heathrow Airport.
It works like this: The car that’s bringing you to the airport drives up a special ramp to the first floor area near Departures in Terminal 3. A host meets you, tags your luggage and checks you in then and there, with no queuing or dealing with what they call “the Heathrow hassle.” Then you walk through a dedicated fast-track security check.
According to Virgin Atlantic staff, the processing time for passengers arriving at the drive-through check-in will be a maximum of 10 minutes. That’s going to sound pretty attractive to anybody waiting for an hour or two or more at another airline; until, that is, all the airlines get a drive-through service!
Starting in November, Virgin Atlantic is offering business class travelers to do a drive-through check-in at Heathrow Airport.
It works like this: The car that’s bringing you to the airport drives up a special ramp to the first floor area near Departures in Terminal 3. A host meets you, tags your luggage and checks you in then and there, with no queuing or dealing with what they call “the Heathrow hassle.” Then you walk through a dedicated fast-track security check.
According to Virgin Atlantic staff, the processing time for passengers arriving at the drive-through check-in will be a maximum of 10 minutes. That’s going to sound pretty attractive to anybody waiting for an hour or two or more at another airline; until, that is, all the airlines get a drive-through service!
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