New airline flights to Alaska may lower fares

Travel industry officials say more airline flights to Alaska this summer may boost competition and result in lower fares to some Lower 48 cities. The Anchorage Daily News says Continental, United and US Airways all plan to add daily nonstop service between Anchorage and Portland, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia. From Fairbanks, Delta plans a [...]

Unsafe planes: 65,000 flights should not have flown

Reporting the results of a six-month investigation, USA TODAY on Tuesday said that millions of passengers were on at least 65,000 U.S. flights over the last six years that should not have taken off because planes weren’t properly maintained. While just a fraction of the 63.8 million U.S. airline flights over that time, the 65,000 [...]

Most travelers say obese fliers should pay more

Should airlines charge overweight passengers more if they need an extra seat? Yes, according to three-quarters of travelers in a poll. A survey by travel Web site Skyscanner found that 76 percent of people believe airlines should charge a “fat tax.” Only 22 percent of the 550 people questioned disapproved of introducing extra payments for [...]

Cash back may be better than miles programs

Now that many U.S.-based airlines are charging co-pay fees for upgrading from economy class to business or first, and considering some of the other fees you’ll now pay to use your frequent flyer miles, Airfarewatchdog suggests you think twice if you’re collecting most of your miles with a credit card. Sure, the bonus miles you [...]

Worth it? Extras to speed through airline security

Laptop bags that may not require removal of your computer. Luggage concierge services that enable you to check your bags before you arrive at the airport. PDAs to display your mobile boarding pass. These gadgets and services can help speed Americans through security, and they will not hit your wallet very hard. Here are some [...]

The sky’s not the limit: options for flier miles

Airlines have been tinkering with their frequent flier programs to spur loyalty. Increasingly they’re giving customers the option to buy more than plane tickets with their rewards, and that may offer more bang for your buck. AirTran, Delta and United are among carriers that allow their frequent fliers to use their credits or miles to [...]

New Zealand airline offers economy-class bed seats

Air New Zealand said Tuesday it will set a new benchmark for longhaul flights by offering beds in economy class, but they come with a catch — passengers need to buy three seats to enjoy lie-down travel. The airline’s “Skycouch” will use three economy seats, folded flat to the seat-back in front, creating a space [...]