All Airfare Question of the Month Columns

• Should I Reconfirm My Reservation Before I Fly?
  August 19, 2009 12:00 am
  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. read more
• Minimum Connection Times for International Flights
  July 8, 2009 8:32 am
  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. read more
• What Happens If Your Airline Changes Your Flight Times?
  June 12, 2009 12:00 am
  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. read more
• Can I Rebook If the Price of My Flight Drops?
  May 7, 2009 12:07 am
  Is it possible to rebook tickets if the price drops after you buy? Well, the answer is yes—with a few caveats. read more
• Just How Expensive Is That Oversized Bag, Anyway?
  April 17, 2009 3:20 pm
  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. read more
• What Happens If I Need to Cancel My Non-Refundable Ticket?
  April 7, 2009 8:58 am
  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. read more
• What Happens If I Only Use Part of a Round-Trip Ticket?
  February 19, 2009 12:00 am
  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. read more
• Which Electronic Devices Can I Bring on My Flight?
  January 29, 2009 12:00 am
  Are CD players permitted? How about cell phones? Jessica Labrencis weighs in on what is (and isn't) permitted in carry-on luggage. read more
• What Happens If I Skip Part of My Flight?
  December 20, 2008 9:05 am
  "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. read more
• Can I Get an Airfare Refund If I Have a Doctor's Note?
  November 25, 2008 10:28 am
  "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. read more
• What Can I Get For a Broken Seat?
  October 9, 2008 12:00 am
  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. read more
• Are Standby Fares Too Good to Be True?
  October 1, 2008 1:30 pm
  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. read more
• Should I Be Compensated for a Missed Connection?
  August 21, 2008 12:00 am
  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. read more
• What Happens If My Airline Goes Bankrupt?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  With possible bankruptcies looming for several of the major U.S. airlines, one reader fears for her money. read more
• How Can I Prevent Lost or Delayed Bags?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  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. read more
• Do Airlines Hike Fares When a Route is Searched Often?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  If you've ever noticed fares jump up after you search a route a few times, you may think airlines are monitoring your searches. But is that really the case? read more
• Who Should I Contact About a Bad Experience With an Airline?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  There are several options when it comes to reporting a complaint, from the airline itself, to gripe websites or the DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Division. read more
• When Is the Best Time to Book International Airfares?
  August 5, 2008 4:58 pm
  A reader is seeking information on the best time to book flights to overseas destinations. We consult a travel expert from Hotwire for booking advice. read more
• Should I Buy an Online Guide Offering Airfare Secrets?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  A reader asks if he should purchase an online guide promising secret strategies for finding cheap airfares. When it comes to "Save on Airfare Secrets," we say buyer beware. read more
• Why Can't I Choose My Seat in Advance?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Our reader couldn't select a seat during the booking process with Northwest. Find out why the airline has a 90-day restriction for seat selection. read more
• How Do Airlines Set Prices for Airfare?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Prices for airfare often seem to defy all reason. JetBlue and Kayak spokespersons explain what criteria airlines use in setting prices for airfare. read more
• Why Do Airlines Limit the Cheapest Airfares to a 30-Day Stay?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Does it really matter to the airlines how long a traveler stays? Our airfare expert examines the reasoning behind maximum-stay requirements. read more
• When Should I Book My Flights for School Vacation Week?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Our airfare expert has booking guidelines for your early 2008 trips. Hint: Don't wait much longer! read more
• How Can I Tell If a Travel Provider Is Reputable?
  August 12, 2008 1:29 pm
  If you've searched for airfare and hotels online, you've no doubt noticed dozens of suppliers itching to sell you a vacation package. Can you trust them? Here's how to find out. read more
• Do Airlines Raise Their Fares on Weekends?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Vacation planning is often done during free moments on the weekend. Wouldn't it make sense, then, that the airlines would choose to hike fares during the weekend? read more
• How Can I Make Sure My Passport Arrives Before I Travel?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  A backlog has left many wondering if their new passports will ever arrive. Jessica Labrencis outlines the steps for ensuring your passport arrives in time. read more
• What Can I Do to Make Traveling This Summer Less of a Hassle?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  This summer will be one of the busiest in recent years. Our airfare expert has tips for getting through the airport quicker. read more
• When Should I Book My Summer Flights?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Summer is the busiest travel season of the year. The experts from three travel agencies offer booking guidelines for airfare. read more
• What Happens If I Miss My Connecting Flight?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Not all missed connections are created equal. Our airfare expert explains when the airlines should help you, and when you're on your own. read more
• How Far in Advance Should I Book Europe Flights?
  August 5, 2008 4:32 pm
  Experts from two major travel agencies share their booking tips for spring and summer Europe flights. read more

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