Flier frustration mounts over sky-high airline fees

Rachel Raskin of Las Vegas and her husband checked four bags on a Delta flight from Las Vegas to New York on their way to South Africa in June and were shocked to be charged an extra $120 on top of their airfare. “I usually fly Southwest, so it didn’t even occur to me that [...]

Bumped? What your airline ticket says about you

There are a few bits of information to pay close attention to on an airline ticket: the flight number, gate number and boarding time. Fare basis code? Not a common concern. But the single-letter code can make a big difference in some parts of the travel experience, even though most passengers don’t pay any attention. [...]

Airline fees test travelers’ limits

After a United flight hit severe turbulence over Kansas on July 20, injuring dozens of people on board, Jay Leno joked that flight attendants administered first aid only to passengers who paid a $7.50 “triage fee.” It was a bit of morbid humor reflecting the view that airline fees are out of control. Even the [...]

Troubled Mexicana airline suspends ticket sales

Troubled Mexicana de Aviacion, Mexico’s largest air carrier, indefinitely suspended ticket sales Wednesday but said it would continue operating flights for travelers who already bought them. The decision did not affect the company’s Click and Link airlines, which fly routes only inside Mexico. Mexicana flies to more than 65 domestic and international destinations, saying it [...]

Websites to help you manage frequent flier miles

What good are a million frequent flier miles if they expire before you can use them? All of the major airlines except Continental have slapped expiration dates on their frequent flier miles, generally one to two years. Activity on the accounts — like flights or credit card awards — will prevent expiration. But even frequent [...]

Advice: What if your flight is oversold?

Tips to keep in mind if your flight is oversold: • Know your rights and the maximum compensation if you’re bumped, which depends on how quickly the airline can put you on another flight. You aren’t compensated if the airline gets you to your destination up to an hour late. You receive up to $400 [...]

Airlines aim sales at impulsive, Twitter types

Fly to the Bahamas today for $10. Take a trip to Los Angeles tomorrow for $20. While airfares generally are higher these days, last-minute sales that ask you to fly at a moment’s notice are popping up everywhere. Why do airlines launch a sale that asks people to travel the next day or fly on [...]