Dutch to use full body scanners for US flights
December 30, 2009 ·
The Netherlands announced Wednesday it will immediately begin using full body scanners for flights heading to the United States, issuing a report that called the failed Christmas Day airline bombing a “professional” al-Qaida terror attack. A top Dutch official said a scanner of that type may have stopped Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab from boarding Northwest Airlines [...]
Airport attractions, from polar bears to music
December 28, 2009 ·
With the latest terrorist incident over U.S. skies, air travelers are more on edge than usual and security lines are even longer. But if you’re looking for something to distract yourself from all the worries and the waiting, a few airports actually offer unique attractions. Not that it will make the lines shorter, but checking [...]
New restrictions add to air-travel headaches
December 28, 2009 ·
New security restrictions swiftly implemented following a botched attempt to blow up an airliner on Christmas Day are making air travel more burdensome and could discourage some business fliers, key customers for the airlines. Passengers will likely face longer lines at checkpoints and less freedom to move around the airplane during flight. Leisure travelers, such [...]
With air security, travelers are flying blind
December 24, 2009 ·
The Transportation Security Administration likes to keep terrorists guessing. Apparently, it likes to keep travelers guessing, too. And we do. Shoes on — or off? Laptop computer in the bag — or on the conveyor belt? And tickets: middle name, middle initial or just first and last? Oh, and are they going to pull you [...]
Been away from the airport? A lot has changed
December 24, 2009 ·
Haven’t flown since last Christmas? Be prepared. Things have changed. Airlines continued to adjust to the tough economy. There are even fewer planes in service, and that can make rebooking after a cancellation tougher. Higher bag fees and new charges can make flying more expensive. And swine flu worries mean you might get a wary [...]
14 ways to survive a holiday flight
December 17, 2009 ·
It’s the season…for long lines and frayed nerves. Here’s how to cope. Lighten up Do yourself a favor and ship your presents. Nearly every U.S. airline charges a fee to check a bag, so shipping gifts is now cheaper and more convenient than carrying them in your luggage. If you decide to tote your gifts [...]
Fewer flights, rising fares at some big airports
December 16, 2009 ·
Air travel isn’t as quick and cheap as it used to be from some big-city airports. Airlines scrambling to reverse their financial free-fall by dropping unprofitable routes has left travelers with fewer nonstop options and, sometimes, higher fares on remaining flights. Blame the recession and airlines that added too many flights to too many places [...]
