Travel Planning

Category: Blog

Airfare Savings Tips for 2018
Ready for some Airfare savings tips for 2018! I’m sharing highlights from a report from ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) with airfare

Airfare savings tips-Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash

savings tips. This report was prepared by Megan Leader, senior brand and content strategist for ARC.

Many of my readers are consulting with me just in the past few weeks to begin planning their trips for the New Year. I read a report on Airfare savings tips for 2018 and share some highlights below. If you want to read the entire report, I share the link on the bottom of this post.

Airfare savings tips for 2018:

Economy travel:
- For most economy air travel, booking more than30 days ahead often results in cheap-airfare success.
- For most economy international flights, booking on a Sunday and departing on a Thursday or Friday is the best recipe to find a good price. (Noting highest [Average Ticket Prices] ATPs for international economy flights tend to occur on a Friday.)
Premium travel:
- For most premium air travel, booking more than 30 days ahead often results in cheap-airfare success.
- For most premium international flights, booking on a Saturday or Sunday, will save you money as compared to booking flights on other days of the week.
- For most premium international travel, starting the journey on a Friday or Sunday delivers the lowest ATPs
Here’s our saving tip for leisure travelers wanting to upgrade to premium seats, at bargain prices:
- book premium fares on the weekend, and/or start the journey on a weekend. Weekends are when travelers paid the lowest domestic and international premium ATPs, as this is when it’s least likely for corporate/business travelers to book their travel
Airfare Savings tips 2018 Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash

Mythbusted:

despite popular belief in the benefits of last-minute booking, in most parts of the world, no matter where you are headed, economy fares tend to increase as departure date gets closer. The most cost-effective booking lead time for an economy flight is one month, or even earlier, from the departure date.

Advanced Purchase ATP trends for Premium: As a rule, the further in advance premium fares are purchased, the cheaper the fare. So, in most cases, it pays to book early.

Insights from Corporate business Travel

During the same period as ARC data captured in this report (i.e., between Sept., 2016 — Aug., 2017), and also comparing year-on-year trends, Egencia clients (business travel management arm of Expedia) have been shifting to longer booking windows (15+ days out) for premium cabin tickets originating across multiple countries including the US, the UK and France. This indicates customers, or their travel managers, are savvy to this book-as-early-as-possible price-saving trend. A snapshot of Egencia data for the same period also shows one-third to one-half of its clients include Advance Purchase (AP) requirements in their policy, varying depending on country of origin and client segment (e.g. global businesses versus small and medium enterprise).

Insights into when the highest and lowest fares occur in North America:

International economy flights

Highest ATPs were paid in:

· December for international economy travel from US
· July for international economy travel from Canada

Lowest ATPs were paid in:
· February for US and Canada international economy flights

Domestic economy flights

Highest ATPs were paid in:

· June for economy travel within the US
· August for economy travel within Canada

Lowest ATPs were paid in:

· September for economy travel within US
· May for economy travel within Canada

There you have it, book sooner than later. And, last minute deals are a myth (for the most part). Want to see the entire report?

Click Here

Finally, do contact me for all aspects of your trip as your international airfare is one of the key parts of your trip where I will work with you.
January 18, 2018
MSC Cruises: The Best Cruise Line You’ve Never Heard Of
MSC Cruises Seminar

I recently attend a seminar with MSC Cruises – Is MSC Cruises the Best Cruise Line You’ve Never Heard Of?

MSC Cruises is part of a worldwide financial powerhouse. Chances are you may have never heard of MSC Cruises nor actually sailed on MSC Cruises. In addition to cruising, MSC is a huge container cargo company and a major terminal operator. Before we get into why you really must consider trying them out, I’d like to share a couple of pictures from the seminar.

MSC Cruises Meraviglia

Although, I did not win any ship swag, I’m just happy to win this little Lego of the brand new MSC Meraviglia!

MSC History and Background
- Technology leader – MSC is developing a practical man-overboard technology
- MSC is a true leader in itineraries serving the world including South America, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, South Africa along with everywhere else you would expect such as Caribbean, Europe, etc.
- 192 nationalities welcomed aboard
- Global Melting pot on-board for both guests and crew
- Fastest growing cruise line with multiple new ships coming!
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve- a “Private Island” Experience like no other

Have you been to any Cruise Lines’ “Private Islands? I have, and I’ve visited three of them. Some are better than others but they are a fun experience right off of your ship.

PHOTO: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve rendering. (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

Experience your “own” beach club-like experience with drinks, lunch, and activities. MSC will really shatter-the-mold with their Ocean Cay Reserve.
- 10 beaches and a lagoon
- A pier – so NO tendering required, and a family section close to the pier.
- 60 Miles East of Miami
- Guests will experience seaside restaurants and a tiki bar
- Serves as the LAST port of call and ship will stay LATE into the evening featuring entertainment in an outdoor amphitheater.
- Yacht Club guests will experience their own second island linked to the main island with VIP butler service
MSC also has a private island in the Persian Gulf: Sir Bani Yas Island; you can explore HERE

Is MSC Cruises Right for you?
- Like to travel internationally and meet travelers from all over the world (Italy, France, Spain, Germany and more)
- Excellent value for those new to cruising; e.g. Wi-Fi for $79.99 on a 7D cruise for 4 devices.
- Retired couples looking for elegance
- Frequent cruisers looking for a new experience – YES, MSC honors your loyalty benefits
- Multi generational families with varying incomes and preferences
- the higher the category you book, the more all-inclusive the experience is for you.
MSC Cruises Status Match Program

Do you have a Loyalty/VIP with another cruise line? hotel?

MSC Cruised wants you to try them; SO, bring your loyalty status and they’ll match it. John the MSC Voyagers Club at no charge and receive a matching status card, guaranteeing you a 5% discount on any booking plus much more:

Save an extra 5-15% off on select voyages

Top-tier Black Card members enjoy additional benefits like:
- Priority boarding and disembarkation
- Late stateroom checkout
- An invitation to a private Black Card member party
- Complimentary Spumante with chocolate dipped fruit
- A free one-hour thermal area session in the MSC Aurea Spa & so much more
MSC Dining
- You will taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine and gourmet international favorites
- There’s a wide selection of specialties in the main dining rooms with many scratch made items including pastas and breads. As this is a true European experience, you will find smaller portions onboard for your to enjoy multiple courses. YES, you can order multiple entrees.
- Enjoy the buffet open for 20 Hours a day with multiple display kitchen areas
- Enjoy the specialty dining restaurants
- Finally, enjoy private dining for guests of the MSC Yacht Club
MSC Current Offers

Contact me to discuss MSC’s current offer and see why MSC just may be the best cruise line you’ve never heard of.
November 28, 2017
Helpful Travel Apps for You to Explore the World
Looking for some helpful travel apps to help you explore the world?

If you’re a frequent traveler or a not-so-frequent traveler, there are Helpful Travel Apps that can help you explore the world a little bit easier.

Before, we get to the “sexy” Helpful Travel Apps, let’s take a look at an airline app and the INCREDIBLE things it can do for you!

Helpful Travel Apps

If you live in New Jersey/New York/Connecticut, San Francisco/Bay area, Chicago-land, United Airlines may hold a dominate position in your air travel choices. What’s in it for you if you download and use United’s App?
- Access your boarding pass
- Cancel flights
- Make important flights changes within App is coming soon
- United Club Check-in
- Real-time bag tracking is coming
- Access boarding passes for Partner airlines when connecting
Let me tell you what is Not on this list – NOTIFICATIONS of re-booking!! By using the app or at least providing United with your email allows them to notify you of re-booking if your flight is canceled. This one feature that can save you huge amounts of time and the frustration of waiting in line at the gate after your flight is cancelled. Here’s a popular post about my 21 passengers on a flight that was cancelled from San Francisco to Honolulu.

Next up Daydream Excursions has a very helpful travel app for you; it’s GoSiteSee.

I’ll load up the details of your itinerary in my GoSiteSee app for you (included with most of my custom planning packages). This helpful travel app includes:
- Full trip itinerary
- Flight & accommodation bookings
- Flight check-in & real-time flight alerts (when applicable)
- Daily itineraries
- OFFLINE maps & navigation
- Rich travel guides for each destination
- Trip journal, postcards, currency converter, weather & much more
- Itinerary in PDF & online trip page
You know how important I feel Trip Protection Insurance is for your trip! I don’t want to see you losing any money and will fight hard to get it back (for a covered reason). Allianz now offers their TravelSmart Mobile App which features:

Policy Information

Access all your Allianz Travel Insurance policy information right in the palm of your hand.

TravelSmart Hotline

Contact our award-winning team of assistance experts whenever you need help.

Claims

File a claim and track its progress.

Flight Status

Track your flight, check for updates, and find your boarding gate—all in real time.

International Hospital Search

Locate the closest pre-screened medical facility with a geo-aware hospital search.

Country Information

Know what numbers to dial if you need police, an ambulance, or the fire department while overseas.

RX and First Aid Terms

Find the right medication anywhere in the world with a medication dictionary, and translate first aid terms into multiple languages.

Check out Packpoint for a helpful travel app for packing:
PackPoint Builds Your Custom Packing List

Will you be hiking, traveling internationally, swimming, working, traveling with a baby, or ?

PackPoint builds your packing list accordingly so you have everything you need for your travels.

Entrain will help you avoid Jet Lag:
Entrain is a free app that connects users to lighting schedules developed by researchers at the University of Michigan. These schedules are mathematically proven to adjust you to new time zones as quickly as possible. Light is the primary driving input to the circadian clock, and by recording your lighting history, we can simulate your body’s clock and make recommendations for behavior.
Enjoy GateGuru not just to learn about your gate(s)/gate change(s) but to also learn more about the airport:

For users that add flights, much of the magic of GateGuru’s day-of travel solution is behind the scenes, as we automatically connect the relevant parts of your day-of travel based on your flight information. So the amenity list view automatically shows information that is personalized to your trip – based on your departure or arrival terminal. If you want to see all of the amenities in the airport, just tap the terminal filter bottom in the bottom left.

Google Translate is a must download travel app:

Translate between 103 languages by typing
• Tap to Translate: Copy text in any app and your translation pops up
• Offline: Translate 59 languages when you have no Internet
• Instant camera translation: Use your camera to translate text instantly in 38 languages
• Camera Mode: Take pictures of text for higher-quality translations in 37 languages
• Conversation Mode: Two-way instant speech translation in 32 languages
• Handwriting: Draw characters instead of using the keyboard in 93 languages
• Phrasebook: Star and save translations for future reference in any language

Finally, please checkout coChange and helpful travel app for saving both time and money.

With coChange app, find easily the exchange offices offering the best rates and services for your currency. Benefit from our service in the entire world for free!

You don’t have time to chase the best currency exchange offices…

coChange is a free and collaborative mobile app to simplify currency exchange operations.
- Find the bureau de change that best fits your needs among thousands referenced across the world, and share with the community.
- Exchange offices are small family-hold businesses. Use their services rather than ATMs to support local economy!
- Become an actor of the country’s local development.
Which of these will you try out? And, what are your favorite travel apps?
November 8, 2017
Shared Shuttle Bus From Tampa to Miami
Looking for shared shuttle bus from Tampa to Miami and points in between to get to your cruise?
- Are you located on the West Coast of Florida, anywhere near Tampa and points South?
- Don’t feel like driving to your cruise port?
- Want round-trip transportation without paying for a private car?
I’ve been doing research and comparing vendors for clients who need to get to the Port of Miami. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale applies as well to this analysis.

1) Cruise Connection is back online but they do not offer regularly scheduled service for Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday returns back from FLL/MIA during their Winter schedule.

2) Florida Shuttle Transportation – they stop at the FLL and MIA airport and you’d have to take a shuttle/cab from the airport to the pier.

3) The Florida Express Bus – offers daily service even in the winter months. $244RT for two people with one checked bag per person.

Bradenton, FL to Miami, FL on January 13th 2018 (Schedule FLX 300)

For your outbound trip, we have 1 departure option available from Bradenton, FL and 2 arrival options available in Miami, FL.

Please select the option that is most convenient for your travel plans.

7:25 AM               Bradenton (McDonalds)

11:45 AM             Port of Miami (Miami)

12:15 PM             Miami (International Airport)

Miami, FL Bradenton, FL on February 6th 2018 (Schedule FLX 301)

For your return trip, we have 2 departure options available from Miami, FL and 1 arrival option available in Bradenton, FL.

Please select the option that is most convenient for your travel plans.

10:35 AM             Port of Miami (Miami)

(Port of Miami Cruise Terminal)            3:35 PM               Bradenton (McDonalds)

4) Florida Red Line

BASE PRICE

PICKUP INFORMATION:

Pickup Time :

Sat, 01/13/2018 at 7:25 AM

Approx Travel Time :

4 Hours & 15 Minutes

Pickup Location :

Bradenton, McDonald’s 604 67th Street Circle East Exit 220 off I-75

Drop-off Location :

MIAMI – Port Of Miami Cruise, Port of Miami (All Cruise Lines)

Number of Passengers :

2

Price :

$100.00 (includes taxes & fees)

BASE PRICE

RETURN INFORMATION:

Pickup Time :

Tue, 02/06/2018 at 10:35 AM

Approx Travel Time :

4 Hours & 30 Minutes

Pickup Location :

MIAMI – Port Of Miami Cruise, Port of Miami (All Cruise Lines)

Drop-off Location :

Bradenton, McDonald’s 604 67th Street Circle East Exit 220 off I-75

Number of Passengers :

2

Price :

$100.00 (includes taxes & fees)

Total Full Price :

$200.00 (includes taxes & fees)

FL Red Line may have better reviews than FL Express Bus. NOTE: I do not recommend any one of these service providers over another, and I have no affiliate links here. Further, some of these companies may substitute vans if they do not have enough passengers to fill a bus. Just sharing my research.   This post is just one component of the type of service I can offer for your trip. Click above to schedule your complimentary Dream Trip Design Session.
October 27, 2017
Multi-City Travel Service Update

One-Stop Multi-City Travel Services

I’ve enjoyed speaking with you about your travels and booking trip(s) for you for over 11 years!

Multi-City Travel Italy

I want to tell you about a shift I’ve made in my travel business, I’m specializing in complex multi-city travel trips. I have over 11 years of experience and absolutely LOVE helping busy people custom design bucket-list trips – especially multi-city trips. This includes busy people who have tried online and got too overwhelmed, or don’t have time to even START looking online.

I have extensive knowledge and experience in helping you select the perfect destinations and planning the perfect multi-city itineraries from Italy to the Greek Islands, to Hawaii. Thinking Hawaii is really a “multi-island” experience but here’s a sample itinerary:

Multi-City Travel Hawaii

PLUS I’ll save you LOTS of time and hassles (and even potentially $) while ensuring you have an incredible trip. My Clients receive ONE-STOP SHOPPING for: air, car rentals, hotels, cruises, tours, travel insurance, shore excursions, etc.

Imagine: you are going on a custom planned vacation without the stress of researching/booking/tracking every little detail!

Click here to see what my happy clients have to say.

Are you planning on taking any big trips in the next year or two? It’s never too early to start planning your big trip. If so, I’d like to offer you a complimentary “Dream Trip Design Session” to see if it makes sense to work together!

I love handling many or all of the logistical details of a multi-city trip for my busy clients, and I can do it for you. Why wait?

Click to schedule a Dream Trip Design Session

Want to learn even more about how I can assist you? CLICK HERE

October 17, 2017
Genuine Experience in Cinque Terre Italy

Are you up for a genuine experience in Italy? Consider Cinque Terre.

Genuine Experience in Cinque Terre Italy

We’re talking about visiting the Cinque Terre. Lately, I’ve been taking my clients closer to real authentic local experiences via my on-the-ground tour operators. Many first time trips to Italy may include stays in Rome, Florence, and Venice. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that – not even the slightest little bit wrong. There is so much to take in from these three cities, and this is a hugely popular way to explore Italy (Rome/Florence/Venice) – especially for your first visit to Italy.

What about visiting the five villages or five “lands” that make up the Cinque Terre? While these rugged fishing villages are very popular, most tours (escorted or custom) do not over overnight in Cinque Terre. There are day-trips there for guests staying in Florence; I know as I’ve booked them for my clients.

Perhaps you’d like to stay in the Cinque Terre for a couple of nights to slow down the pace of your trip and escape the more crowded cities? Imagine more time for: hiking, beach-time, local seafood restaurants, and taking it all in? When you’re done here, you can go back to the cities and their must-visit museums, etc.

Monterosso, Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre Italy

Monterosso al Mare, one of the 5 villages, is easily accessible via rail from Florence. So, Monterosso is a good place to stay while visiting Cinque Terre. Monterosso also has its own little stretch of beach. Driving? Not unless you don’t mind twisty little roads nestled in the cliffs, and parking can be a hassle in the villages.

Want to see a real example of how I included a stay in Monterosso? Click here for a detailed itinerary

As time goes by, I build up more experience with my own network of international contacts at the actual tour suppliers and hotels to give you precisely the experience you want whether it is a special excursion, hotel, vineyard, etc.

This “closer to the action” post is the last of a series of three articles I wrote. Past articles took you closer to the action in Norway and Hawaii.

Interested in learning more about other destinations? Do let me know, and

Click to learn more about how to plan a better multi-city trip.

October 12, 2017
Authentic Polynesian Cultural Experience in Hawaii
Looking for an Authentic Polynesian Cultural Experience in Hawaii?
Polynesian Cultural Center – real client after a “pass the stick game” Polynesian Cultural Experience Hawaii

The Polynesian Cultural Center represents an incredible authentic Polynesian cultural experience in Hawaii. The Center is located in the Northern Part of Oahu, the “Waikiki Island.”

And yes, it has a Luau! While there are many luaus in Hawaii (especially on Oahu and Maui), the Polynesian Cultural Center is different. Read on for why I recommend the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Luau.

I normally bundle this into a package via one of my wholesalers to have everything on one itinerary/one invoice. A visit to the Center normally includes the Luau with a choice of seating/dinner experiences. For even more control, I can now offer to book exact seats offered within each tier of your Luau “experience” by working directly with the Center.

Want to drive there in a rental car? Have a shuttle pick you up at your hotel? Whatever you prefer.

Lately, I’ve been taking my clients closer to my on-the-ground tour operators. This option of working directly with the Polynesian Cultural Center is an example of how you can have even more precise control over your authentic vacation experiences.

A little more about the “Center:” Explore the Island Nations of Polynesia including:

Tonga

Tahiti

Hawaii

Samoa

Aotearoa

Fiji

via interactive exhibits. Some exhibits include: canoe paddling in a native-style outrigger canoe, Samoan cooking, Moia statues, etc. Each village offers shows, presentations giving you more insight into their cultures.

Authentic Polynesian Cultural Experience in Hawaii – The Luau

There are a lot of places in Hawaii to enjoy a Luau – especially on Oahu and Maui. At the Polynesian Cultural Center you’ll enjoy a dinner buffet and then experience the show: HA: BREATH OF LIFE.

You’ll start with your Luau dinner at your choice of three different service levels:

ALI’I LUAU BUFFET: dine in lush surrounding under a covered area

PRIME DINING BUFFET: dine in the grand dining hall with an upgraded menu

ISLAND BUFFET:Polynesian-inspired, Asian and American cuisine served in the grand Gateway Restaurant

As time goes by, I build up more experience with my own network of international contacts at the actual tour suppliers and hotels to give you precisely the experience you want.

Ha: Breath of Life Show

The evening show has a large number of performers, special effects, animation, and surround sound. You’ll experience Polynesian dance and music!
Experience the show in three levels of seating:
1. Ambassador
2. Luau
3. General
As always I’ll explain your options and help you select the best option for you!

Want to see my last post: how I can take you closer to the action in Norway? Click here

And, Click to learn more about how to plan a better multi-city trip.
October 3, 2017
Genuine Mountain Biking Fjord Safari in Norway

Fjord Safari Norway

Are you up for a genuine Mountain Biking and Fjord safari in Norway? Lately, I’ve been taking my clients closer to my on-the-ground tour operators. Recently a client came to me to book an active adventure in Norway with only about one month’s notice. She was interested in a combination mountain biking and fjord safari that left out of Bergen, Norway – the same one I’d set up for her friend last year.

Look like fun to you? This is the real deal – the picture on the left is an actual client picture.

Norway has some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery; with fjords, mountains,

Mountain Biking Fjord Safari Norway

glaciers and waterfalls.

My normal US-based wholesaler said it was too close to departure to book the tour through them. So, it was a no-go through my normal channels. Not wanting to give up, I searched and searched and finally found the actual local tour operator who runs this tour and booked the Mountain Biking Fjord Safari Norway tour for my clients.

As time goes by, I build up more experience with my own network of international contacts at the actual tour suppliers and hotels to give you precisely the experience you want.

This “closer to the action” post is the first of a series of three articles I will write. Stay tuned for posts about Hawaii and Italy.

Want The Details about a Mountain Biking Fjord Safari in Norway?

Mountain Biking Fjord Safari Norway – Map

This tour leaves from the Bergen train station to make it very convenient for you.

At Flåm, you will have a chance to freshen up whilst you sign in and gear up for the fastest leg of your trip – the Fjord Safari!

From Flåm to Gudvangen, we explore the world heritage area of the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both of which are branches of the Sognefjorden, the second longest but deepest fjord in the word.

Your guide will give you an exciting ride, speeding close to sheer mountain walls in precise control. You will also experience the tranquillity of an area hard to reach and seldom visited whilst learning about the history and geography of this amazing place.

On this safari you are not lucky if you see seals, you are unlucky if you don’t (70% of the safaris tours see them). You may also see wild sea eagles and maybe even the odd sea kayaker!

The spectacular fjord Safari is by far the most exhilarating way to explore and experience the beautiful West Norwegian fjords. You can start this tour from the Bergen train station.

Click to learn more about how to plan a better multi-city trip.

September 20, 2017
Three Unique Travel Experiences

Last Thursday was the first meeting of the new season of NJ ACT – Association of Central Jersey Travel Agents. There is where I meet with travel vendors and learn about their latest offerings. We had three presentations from companies that are way beyond the typical tour/cruise/resort offerings. Please read on for three unique travel experiences!

1) Events 365

Perhaps you’ve worked with me in the past on trips where I helped you obtain Theater Tickets for New York and London. Now, I have a new source where I can get most concert tickets, big events like the Superbowl and US Open, etc. I can also get tickets to festival style events like Coachella along with most major sporting events. The system will even allow me to search for events around your dates of travel in your vacation destination(s).

2) American Cruise Lines

While European river cruises get almost all of the press, what about the Rivers of the US? American Cruise Lines serves the Mississippi and rivers of the Northwest while also offering small ship cruises in New England, Chesapeake Bay, and Alaska. They feature American built, flagged, and crewed ships. Identifying myself as a former Virginian, the Chesapeake bay itinerary looks really interesting. Take a peek: Chesapeake Bay Cruise

While there are other US river cruise/small ship operators in the US, what makes America Cruise Lines really stand out is that they are building a NEW class of river ships which will exceed the expectations of seasoned European river travelers.

3) Rocky Mountaineer

First-off, call me ignorant! I thought this was a luxury train service in the Canadian Rockies where you sleep on-board the train. WRONG; one of the first things the rep. said was that you do NOT sleep on the train. You stop in hotels along the way but actually have breakfast on the train. The train travels during the daytime to take in the beautiful scenery. You can package these beautiful train trips many different ways from Vancouver, Calgary, with/without a cruise, etc. Take a peek: Rocky Mountaineer

On a side note: the rep. showed me a picture of the train with a snow capped mountain in the distance. He went on to tell me that based on the snow-line on the mountain, the picture was probably taken in September. OK, I’m impressed.

Want to learn more about any of these three unique travel experiences? Something else on your travel horizon?

Let’s talk

September 11, 2017
United Airlines Remarkable New Low in Customer Service
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve heard about United Airlines remarkable new low in customer service.

United Airlines Boeing 767

Do you want to check out some interesting tweets: United Incident Tweets Warning – expletives on that link! Note: there is a lot more to this story than the video showing the man being dragged off the plane…not saying good or bad nor right or wrong!

So, will you stop flying United airlines? Read on!

PS United airlines updated its policy for transporting crew member to prevent this incident from happening again. United airlines announced that crew members are not allowed to bump a seated passenger.

Does United’s bumping policy reflect a new low in customer service?

Even been bumped from a flight? I have! Once in Chicago, I was asked to get off, gave up my seat and waited at the gate for my goodies. After a while, I was informed that my volunteer deplaning was no longer needed and ushered back-on. Unfortunately they took me to a much worser seat and offered nothing for my troubles. This is what happens when you focus on maximizing “passenger-seat-miles,” industry-speak for squeezing all of the cash you can for each seat on every plane for every flight. Is this a crime? NO! Is this in the terms and conditions? YES!

Key takeaway here: always read the fine print.

Here are the rules on “bumping”

Do you know your rights if subjected to bumping:

Bumped due to Overbooking?

Looking for United Airlines among a recent top airline rankings – surprised?

Top Airline Rankings

Well, you won’t find United Airlines on that list and I will hazard a guess that the industry focus of competing solely on price and commoditizing air travel may be partly to blame. Maybe even more than partly!

Cheap Cheap Cheap, get your Cheap airfare here!

By going on Google, Kayak, etc., everything is focused upon the lowest price. What if Luxury cars competed on price? “Buy your BMW-er on the second Tuesday of the month for the lowest price!!” Not really, but what if it came to that? Does Maserati state how much cheaper a Ghibli is than a Ferrari 488 GTB? Make sense? There’s more than price, and with all of the consolidation, it seems to me like pricing is all that matters for United. Further, United just offered a new United basic economy fare which is so stripped down and insulting, I would not ever offer it to my clients! Cheap cheap cheap, but what about the experience?

Competing on more than Price
1. Delta offers a great Economy plus (Delta Comfort+(R)) experience for flights to Europe from at least Newark (EWR). I have many people going to Amsterdam (AMS) and back from Paris (CDG) this summer. The upgrade price from economy to Delta comfort+ was very reasonable. The Comfort + section is an almost-separate-psuedo-alcove-like section from economy. Flyers get nicer seats, complimentary alcohol, and nice meals. United economy plus just offers a little more legroom.
2. Jet Blue is the happiest airline IMHO. Been on JetBlue? The crew has a different attitude than on United or other “legacy” carriers. JetBlue will even give you a free bag of chips and a free seat-back screen with DirecTV.
3. Heard of Norwegian Air Shuttle? Norwegian broke the boundaries of whatever many perceive as a “shuttle.” Norwegian is a relatively new entrant offering long-haul flights on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. I booked my first ever tickets for some dear clients who are traveling back from London to Florida. they were interested in a business class option and Norwegian delivers a reasonably priced business class experience on the what could be argued as the most comfortable airliner.
These are just three examples of competing on more than just price. When JetBlue first offered serve from Newark (EWR), they had to compete on price. Now, their pricing is at parity or in same cases more than United. That’s getting beyond more than competing on price!

Will anyone actually stop flying United?

If you live in a “hub” city, probably not. Airports including Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH),and Chicago (ORD) have a huge United Airlines presence. Thus, it is increasingly hard to simply abandon United for direct flights and good connections. On-board happiness is another question. I refer to a tweet from @billwinterberg, “If you live in a United hub, you’re not going to change carriers. route and schedule convenience rules all,even price, in air travel…”

So, in the final analysis, United’s stock may have dropped along with a PR mess but I wouldn’t count them out of any long-term market share!
April 17, 2017