The end of mishandled baggage?
February 25, 2010 ·
Modern day airline passengers juggle a lot of numbers. In addition to remembering flight numbers, gate numbers, seat numbers and figuring out how many liquid ounces fit into a zippered baggie, fliers must pay attention to the fees for checked baggage and calculate the odds of that luggage arriving safely and on time.
The good news [...]
How to beat airline fees
February 23, 2010 ·
You could almost feel sorry for the airlines.
Few people see the service on one carrier as being much different than another, so competition is all around fares — how cheaply can I get there? — and most of them lose money. Which means the carriers constantly skirt bankruptcy and have to find all kinds of [...]
TSA to swab airline passengers’ hands in search for explosives
February 17, 2010 ·
To the list of instructions you hear at airport checkpoints, add this: “Put your palms forward, please.”
The Transportation Security Administration soon will begin randomly swabbing passengers’ hands at checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives.
Previously, screeners swabbed some carry-on luggage and other objects as they searched for the needle in the [...]
20 Tips from air travel insiders
January 30, 2010 ·
Before snuggling up with a plane blanket or tying a ribbon to your bag, read these tips.
Planning Tips
1. Know the difference between “direct” and “nonstop” flights, and always opt for the latter. Unlike nonstops, direct flights can touch down at other airports on the way to their ultimate destinations, says Macon Dunnagan, a baggage handler [...]
Worth it? Extras to speed through airline security
January 28, 2010 ·
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 tips to [...]
Shipping luggage ahead can save money and frustration
January 19, 2010 ·
What? You’re still paying the airlines to carry your bags?
Now that the airlines have raised, yet again, their fees for checked bags, its time to take another look at the alternative: shipping your bags, or better yet (if youre staying in one place once you arrive) just the contents of your bag ahead of your [...]
New materials taking the `lug’ out of luggage
July 1, 2009 ·
Travelers have no interest in lugging their luggage anymore.
They don’t have to, according to experts.
A combination of consumer demand, design modifications and innovative materials has allowed manufacturers to switch gears to produce smaller, lighter and ergonomically friendly products, says Alan Krantzler, vice president of Tumi luggage brand’s product management.
“The No. 1 trend in the industry [...]
