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Should I Reconfirm My Reservation Before I Fly?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This month, a reader asks if he needs to call his airline to reconfirm his flight before he flies. Our airfare editor turns to the airlines to find out.
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Minimum Connection Times for International Flights
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A reader wonders if he will miss his connection due to a too-short layover. Our airfare expert reports the minimum time varies, but there are some rules of thumb you can use.
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Ten New Routes That May Make International Travel Easier
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Traveling this summer or fall? You have some new options. Many airlines will soon be offering fights to destinations you may have overlooked in the past.
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What Happens If Your Airline Changes Your Flight Times?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
If your airline changes your flight times before you fly, you may not be happy with the new schedule. Read on, and find out whether you're stuck with the new flights, or if you can get a refund.
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Analysis: Is Spirit's $9 Fare Club Worth the Cost?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Spirit offers special fares exclusively to members of its $9 Fare Club. Airfare expert Jessica Labrencis explains how it works and tells you if membership in the club is worth the cost, or merely a marketing gimmick.
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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Summer 2009
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Although the economy hasn't improved much since the spring edition of this series, this summer will bring hot deals to destinations with hot weather. If you're a beach lover, you're in luck!
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Can I Rebook If the Price of My Flight Drops?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Is it possible to rebook tickets if the price drops after you buy? Well, the answer is yes—with a few caveats.
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Just How Expensive Is That Oversized Bag, Anyway?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A reader asks what will happen if she needs to check an oversized, overweight bag. The answer: It could end up costing more than the flight itself.
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What Happens If I Need to Cancel My Non-Refundable Ticket?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Non-refundable tickets are the cheapest option for budget travelers, but what happens if you must cancel? Find out if you can get a refund, or if you'll forfeit the cost of the ticket entirely.
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Ten Cheap Spring Europe Vacations
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Our picks for the top Europe vacations of the year include old standbys such as Paris, Rome, and London, plus unique trips to the Greek Isles, castles in Scotland, and a rail trip through Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague.
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What Happens If I Only Use Part of a Round-Trip Ticket?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A reader comes up with an idea for saving money on a one-way flight, but wonders about the repercussions. Our airfare expert looks into the situation and offers her advice.
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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Spring 2009
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Times are tough, so a vacation may not be at the top of your list this spring. But, if you're willing to travel during the off-peak season, you'll find some good deals for travel within the U.S. and abroad.
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Which Electronic Devices Can I Bring on My Flight?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Are CD players permitted? How about cell phones? Jessica Labrencis weighs in on what is (and isn't) permitted in carry-on luggage.
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Five Big Changes Coming to Air Travel in 2009
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Big changes in the world of air travel are coming in 2009. From merger mania to airport security adjustments, here's what's on our shortlist of important changes in the year ahead.
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What Happens If I Skip Part of My Flight?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
"Hidden city ticketing" could save you money, but it could also land you in hot water. Jessica Labrencis explains how it works and whether or not it's actually legal.
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Two More Essential Holiday Travel Tips
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Even if you've already read our guide to cutting down on airport delays, take a look at these companion tips before you fly.
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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Winter
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Winter can be a great time to travel. This year, big savings in U.S. cities and international destinations alike will make up for any inclement weather you may encounter.
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Can I Get an Airfare Refund If I Have a Doctor's Note?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
"Compassionate" doesn't come to mind when thinking about the airline industry. Find out what (if anything) a doctor's note will get you when you're forced to cancel a flight due to illness.
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What Are the Airlines Doing Right?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
From free in-flight Internet to complimentary meals and snacks, some airlines are still providing good service to passengers seated in economy.
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What Can I Get For a Broken Seat?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Find out what you're owed if your seat or in-flight entertainment is broken. The answer varies from "nada" to $200, depending on the airline.
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How to Avoid Missing Your Flight
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
These days, it's more important than ever to catch your flight. Here are a few tips on how to do so.
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Five Ways Airline Capacity Cuts Will Affect You
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
When airlines reduce capacity, everyone is affected. This fall, prepare to deal with schedule changes, crowded planes, and more inconveniences.
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Are Standby Fares Too Good to Be True?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A reader asks whether standby fares are too good to be true. Our airfare editor says that while standby travel is available on many airlines, it's not foolproof.
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Should I Be Compensated for a Missed Connection?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Does your airline owe you money if a delay causes you to miss your connection? Our airfare expert weighs in and the answer may surprise (or disappoint) you.
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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Fall
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This summer has been tough for the travel industry. But fall brings great weather and good prices to these five destinations close to home and far away.
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Airline Fees Survival Guide, Part One
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With airlines adding new fees nearly every day, booking a flight is no longer a straightforward process. These days, navigating the airline landscape requires more legwork than ever before. We're here to help.
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What Happens If My Airline Goes Bankrupt?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With possible bankruptcies looming for several of the major U.S. airlines, one reader fears for her money.
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Ways to Save on a Fourth of July Flight
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Independence Day may be smack dab in the high season, but there are ways to save a few bucks on airfare. You just have to know when to fly.
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How Can I Prevent Lost or Delayed Bags?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A reader asks if there is any way to prevent bags from being lost or delayed. Our airfare editor shares simple steps anyone can follow to ensure your bag arrives when you do.
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Sand dunes and Blue Angels in Traverse City, Michigan
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Summer is the best time to visit the 45th parallel. Grand Traverse Bay and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore present endless opportunities for summertime outdoor recreation.
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Get outdoors at Illinois' Starved Rock State Park
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Boat trips, 13 miles of hiking trails, houseboats, and more await less than two hours from Chicago.
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Top 10 Hot Air Balloon Destinations
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Around the U.S. and in Canada, annual festivals are dedicated to colorful hot air balloons, a delight to adults and children alike.
