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Six Simple Tricks for Winter Packing
by Kate Sitarz, SmarterTravel.com Staff
For many travelers, winter means finding a way to pack bulky clothes, puffy jackets, and all the necessary cold-weather accessories into a bag. Instead of stomping on your luggage, follow these basic tips for hassle-free packing.
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More Travelers Will Drive This Thanksgiving
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Overall travel will rise, but air travel will drop, as more and more travelers take to the road this Thanksgiving. Is Turkey Day still the big travel day it once was?
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Have You Ever Gotten Sick on a Plane?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Ever boarded a plane feeling great, only to arrive at your destination sick as a dog? If you've ever gotten sick on a plane, we want to hear your story.
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Longest Layover Ever? The 10-Minute Cure
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
You can prepare for a delay In less than 10 minutes, even before you leave the house. So if you get stuck at the airport, you can make your time on the ground fly by.
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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Winter 2009/2010
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
While many winter travelers head to the beach or to popular ski resorts, savvy tourists can take advantage of fewer crowds and off-peak deals for fabulous vacations.
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American Launches Wi-Fi Finder Widget
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
American's handy new tool lets you know beforehand if you'll have wireless Internet on your flight. Better yet, it actually works pretty well!
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BREAKING: Computer Glitch Causes Widespread Delays
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A computer glitch in Atlanta has set off a wave of delays across the country, and numerous airlines have already canceled flights. Watch this space for updates.
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Two Great New Airline Initiatives and One Horrible Idea
by Ed Perkins
Lower taxi costs to and from the airport, as well as automated, lifetime check-in can make air travel easier. But who charges $60 to print your boarding pass at the airport?
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Travel Right After the Holidays for a Great Deal
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
If you have any flexibility in your schedule, you'll want to consider planning a trip immediately after the holidays to take advantage of low travel periods and great bargains. The weeks after Thanksgiving and New Year's are especially affordable.
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Holiday Surcharges Increase, Expand Deep Into 2010
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
When a handful of airlines imposed their holiday surcharges last month, people reacted mostly with shock and horror. Now those airlines have taken the surcharges to a whole new level.
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Allegiant Will Refund Booted Passenger After All
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Something didn't seem right when Allegiant said the mother (and her noisy children) it kicked off a plane weren't due a refund. So we investigated, and guess what? They are.
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America's Worst Airports for Delays: How to Cope
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Knowing what your activity options are at the nation's most delay-prone airports can turn a frustrating wait into bona fide leisure time. Almost.
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Judge Says Selling Frequent Flyer Miles Is Illegal
by Tim Winship
Should frequent flyer program members be free to sell their airline miles? Ruling on a lawsuit filed by Alaska Airlines, a judge said No.
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Allegiant Boots Mom and Noisy Kids, But No Refund
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
For the second time this month, an airline removed a mother and her children, both of whom were causing a scene. But the real story here is Allegiant's complete lack of sympathy.
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What is a Liquid, and What Isn't?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
'Tis the season for traveling with food, which means it's also time for the TSA to start confiscating our leftover mashed potatoes and gravy. So what does the TSA consider a liquid, anyway?
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Best Ways to Avoid Baggage Fees: A Holiday Travel Primer
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
As the holidays approach, there's no better time to re-acquaint yourself with what fees are in effect, especially if you're planning on traveling with gifts and extra winter gear.
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Welcome to Newark International ... Shopping Mall?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The mallification of airports around the world isn't news, but the amount of money these retail outlets bring in is surprising and, these days, essential.
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Meet Your Rep: The Passenger Rights Lobby in D.C.
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Charles Leocha, Director of the newly formed Consumer Travel Alliance, explains that passenger rights shouldn't stop at tarmac delays, and says there is hope on the horizon.
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Holiday Tips for Safe and Fun Family Travel
by Eileen Ogintz
With many factors to consider this holiday season, such as airline fees, the flu, and crowds, it may seem impossible to actually enjoy your trip. Keep all in good spirits by following these tips.
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DOT Establishes Panel to Fix Airline Industry
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Two words: Good luck! But the Department of Transportation is serious, and plans to create a "roadmap for the future of the airline industry." But is there really any hope?
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Frontier Upgrades Mean Downgrades for Some
by Tim Winship
Frontier's new Stretch seats provide more legroom for some, less for others. Is that why the product launch has been more stealthy than splashy?
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British Airways, Iberia, Agree to Merge
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
British Airways and Iberia agreed to a merger yesterday. The resulting airline will be Europe's largest and could save the two struggling carriers.
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Tips for the 3-1-1 Liquid Ban
by Patricia Magaña, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Knowing the rules, and the exceptions to them, can help free up the room you need to carry on all your toiletries.
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Low-Cost Carriers: Total Domination, or Bust!
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Darn those low-cost carriers, they've gone and grabbed a full thirty percent of the market from the big boys. How did they do it, and is there any stopping them?
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Delta Set to Go Cashless Onboard
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Delta will become the latest airline to ditch cash for onboard purchases in favor of credit cards. And the changes take place sooner than you might think.
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Buying Tickets Offshore Can Save You Money
by Ed Perkins
For international travel, a round-trip ticket is usually the cheapest option. However, buying a one-way ticket and purchasing a return ticket at your destination is sometimes more economical.
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Decision Maker: Ship Items or Pay the Airline Baggage Fee?
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Frustrated by airline baggage fees, lost bags, or schlepping your suitcases on multi-leg flights? Here are three easy steps to determine whether you might be better off shipping.
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Top Five Bargain Destinations for Winter 2009/2010
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Whether winter calls for sun or snow in your book, the deals are out there to put a vacation on your horizon. Destinations fighting the recession funk are offering plenty of winter deals.
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Passengers Unwilling to Pay for Wi-Fi
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Airlines are scrambling to provide in-flight wireless access, presumably because travelers are clamoring for the service. But is anyone really using it?
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Ten Smart Ways to Simplify Security
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Waiting in line at the airport can be a frustrating experience, but with these 10 simple tips, you'll be on your way in no time (unless your flight is delayed, that is).
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New International Routes Translate Into Big Savings
Many airlines are launching new international service in 2009 to capitalize on new markets. Flying on introductory routes is a great way to save on overseas travel.
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Virgin America (and Richard Branson) Arrives in Boston
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Virgin America celebrated its new service from Boston, and our blogger was invited to the festivities. Take a peek inside the carrier's swank plane, plus see Sir Richard Branson in drag. Yes, in drag.
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Ten (Almost) Free Travel Deals
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
While you're unlikely to get an all-expenses-paid trip unless you win a game show, you can still get portions your trip for free if you book certain promotions or take advantage of some alternative modes of travel.
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Avoid Fees and Hassles With a Well-Packed Bag
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Our visual guide shows you what to do and not to do when packing.
