Tagged With "discount fares"
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Re: Ryanair's O'Leary: I have a way to make flying free
It's a shame to see the man who has opened up Europe for flights at bus fare prices being kicked again. He has many ideas to generate income - away from ticket prices. Some are just a reflection of his Irish sense of humour and others are worth listening to. He has succeeded in breaking the mould in Europe where flying was just for the wealthy. A man to be praised - not criticised !
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Re: Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu (Where Gumbo Was #230)
On my last visit to Diamond Head we left near to the closing time. A large Limousine was waiting to take us back to Waikiki. I hadn't ordered one but the driver insisted we used him to take us back. "I will charge you the same as the Taxi fare you paid to get here" Sounded like an offer too good to refuse ! Before we arrived back in Waikiki another 4 couples had joined our Taxi ride. Had to admire the driver for ingenuity. Very good earner !
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Re: EU Court rules baggage fees legal
Baggage fees are often avoidable. Links from AirFareWatchdog.com's newletter this morning included this one , a SmartTravel.com piece on ways to do it. While the suggestions don't generally apply to the low-fare airlines such as Spanish carrier Vueling, the subject of DrF's news, they can certainly help us avoid domestic charges.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Lots to consider. I can't go through Thailand without hanging out a few weeks so the 2 ticket plan may suit me better. I see Cathay Pacific also flies to Colombo, connecting in HKG. Will have to do more research to see if any of the low fare Asian airlines can facilitate a plan. What season is your favorite there? Is there an off-season when there are bargains to be had?
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Re: Pittsburgh's North Side
My parents lived and grew up on the Northside from the 1920's to the 1950's. I was born in the city and baptized on the Northside. My grandparents Northside house is now in a dangerous slum area. There are many great ethnic eateries in the area, especially German in the Northside neighborhood of Deutschtown. Max's Tavern is a great spot for German fare and beer.
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Re: New York Taxis Debut App to Compete with Uber
I seem to remember you posting something about the Nissan Minivan before on TG but I couldn't find it. I'll link to it here if I can come across it I do like the idea of finding out the fare ahead of time with the app. No arguing about what route to take or worrying you'll be over-charged
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Re: A Price War over Trans-Atlantic? TravelGumbo interviews Norwegian Air
I recently saw a cheap fare from Norwegian posted on The Flight Deal website. What struck me is what they said in the post (below) and how it really demonstrates the same Skytrain price matching problem . I do think consumers have to think that if they choose the legacy carriers price match ,instead of Norwegians, there might not be these lower fares in the future that Delta or United will match. " Norwegian is a low cost carrier so they will charge you for everything – advanced seat...
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Re: DOT: "mistake fares," won't fly, for now
This is really a blow to those of us who like to find bargain airfares. There were some abuses, but in general the post purchase rule been a good one for consumers and airlines. It's very hard to know a great sale from a mistaken fare. I hope the rule will be enforced in some way in the future.
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Re: Euro airlines: Delays continue in compensation for delays
Rules that may be perfectly reasonable for a large airline, the crew issue for instance, may be less reasonable for a small airline or a low-fare airline that needs optimally efficient practices to make money and continue to offer us the low fares. That may not include extra crews hanging around "just in case". As passengers, we can't have everything - low fares and no occasional delays, although those airlines appear better at avoiding delays than any others, of necessity. At the same time,...
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Re: Airlines defend holding onto fuel surcharges
I agree with Garry. It is dishonest to call something a "fuel surcharge" when it's not used for that purpose. They should just make it part of the fare.
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Re: Discounts top all in passenger perks survey
Everything has relative value -- a hungry person would pick the free meal, for instance -- but at some point people pay for comfort. Many already pay a little extra for legroom by sitting in the exit row (or use points to do so). There comes a point where, especially on longer flights, you want to be comfortable and are willing to pay a little more to achieve that. I definitely consider the pitch and width of airline seats when making purchases, especially overseas purchases. I'll pay a...
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Re: Discounts top all in passenger perks survey
I'd agree...in fact, the issue of space is what keeps me from considering some longer flights...and I have been known to change flights for the possibility of a 2-seat row rather than 3...better an aisle and a window without a middle!
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Re: New routes give Denmark big tourism boost
It's good news for travelers and for Denmark. It shows budget travelers do contribute too. I haven't been to Denmark yet but I thought Sweden was very reasonable. Now Norway is pricey, but its so well worth seeing.
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Re: Need help planning Morocco trip
If you're passing through Europe and plan to go directly on to Marrakech, keep in mind that the low fare carriers more often than not use secondary airports which will add to your travel time if go straight on. For instance, if you fly into London's Heathrow airport a low fare airline will likely use either Luton or Stansted. I believe British Airways has flights from Heathrow so check on the variables and you may find that with time and costs involved to change airports a bit more expensive...
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Re: Chinese Airlines Looking for Bigger Share of Int'l Service
I have, indeed, noticed that Chinese airlines (China Eastern, China Southern) that I've used domestically or from other Asian countries to China, appearing on fare searches lately, usually with very competitive fares. I intend to pay closer attention. Thanks P.
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Re: Airfare bill would roll back consumer protection
With the continuing unbundling of fares, it's important that people get some idea of what their flight will actually cost. I don't understand the airlines opposition to it. Most of them use the same tactics and it's unlikely someone won't fly because their true fare is revealed (though a few might not). People need clarity to make well-informed choices.
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AirBerlin Black Friday: $499 to Europe R/T!
AirBerlin, a OneWorld member, is offering a $499 roundtrip to several European destinations at cut-rate prices from now to Tuesday, with flights from Jan. 12 to Mar. 22. The $499 rate is for Berlin from Chicago, and Stockholm or Copenhagen from NYC....
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Lonely Planet's Best Bang for Your Buck in 2015
While some of the destinations they include will be no surprise to the well-traveled group here on Travel Gumbo, I was interested in some of the places mentioned. Samoa, for instance, I wouldn't have expected, or South Africa. And I'd...
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Watch those search engines: the big ones are not always best!
I was just booking a one-way trip from Barcelona to Marseille for next summer hoping to use some points sitting on a bank-based (but not airline-affiliated) card. Imagine my shock when the ticket (which I knew should cost about $89) showed up as...
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RyanAir Stock Falters on Bargain Airfares
The stock price of RyanAir Holdings dropped because of bargain fares they offered to drum of business this current quarter. They also cited the weak European economy and rising competition. Read More
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Greyhound Fare Sale: Up to 50% Off, 2300 cities
Greyhound, winding down its 100th anniversary celebration, has announced a sale with fare cuts up to 50% for 7-day advance purchase. Planning a trip? Tempted to one by the sale? Click HERE for more details!
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Time to Try the 787 Dreamliner! Round Trip to Norway in May- June for $334.50 Total
This is an exceptional price for a round trip ticket to Europe from Florida in May- June from Norwegian. $334.50 round trip including all taxes and fuel surcharges. If that's not enough to motivate you ,it's non stop and on Boeing's 787...
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JetBlue Sale: NYC to Albuquerque $176 RT Total
This is a great nonstop round trip fare from New York to Albuquerque. $176 round trip total .Search JetBlue for dates . www.jetblue.com Sample date : Jan 29 - Feb. 5, 2015 1 traveler round trip: New York City area (NYC) to ...
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KLM Flash Sale: NYC to Kilimanjaro RT for $798
If Mt. Kilimanjaro has been on your mind since reading Hemingway in high school (or if you've seen the movie), here's your chance. KLM has a 24-hour flash sale at $798 RT from NYC, or $848 if you're leaving from Chicago or DC. The fare is only...
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$399.00 RT Per Person -New York to Milan
This is a good sale on Emirates ,a high rated airline. You must buy two tickets for this price. I saw this-Feb 8 to Feb 16 $399.00 per person total when you buy two tickets. Read More:...
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Cold in Canada? Good Fares to Hawaii
Here is a good deal from Calgary to Honolulu round trip on United.Feb4- Feb11 494.91 Canadian dollars( $ 413.32 US Dollars )If you check the round trip price from Denver- where the connection is- it's a lot higher. There are other...
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Frontier's raising bag fees; will the other "low-costs" follow?
Frontier Airlines, which last year joined Spirit and Allegiant in the ULCC (ultra-low-cost-carrier) class that seems to mean ULC (ultra lots of charges) for most folks, is raising its fees for checked bags. The only checked bags that will not go up by...
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SKY2BUY takes a swing at SkyMall's old audience
With SkyMall out of the sky and its name sold in bankruptcy court, the way is open for others to try selling to passengers inflight (SkyMall had exclusive deals with the airlines), and SKY2BUY, owned by an investment capital firm and ScotteVest, a...
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Ryanair's 5-year plan: Trans-atlantic for 10£
The 10£ fare is probably a teaser, but it appears that Ryanair is very serious about finding a way to acquire long-haul planes and enter the U.S. market, flying to 14 cities within five years, according to the Guardian (UK). They plan to serve...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Apr 7, 2015: Obwarzanek vendor, Krakow
Kraków is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland . Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Our visit to Krakow was a surprising delight. Not knowing...
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Hop on the Bus, Gus...or maybe a train
Wanderu, a startup travel aggregator (think Kayak) is now offering schedule and fare information for the major U.S. bus lines (Greyhound, Megabus and Boltbus) and has just signed a distribution agreement with Amtrak that will allow them to include...
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Amtrak's Auto Train - Relax your way to Sunshine
There is a rhythm to train travel that is different. This is especially true when you are taking a train for a long distance. I recently took a round trip excursion on Amtrak’s Auto Train. And it immediately reminded me why I enjoy train travel...
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A little good news from Delta's SkyMiles: a lower fare
After months of mostly bad news for loyalty-program members, as numbers of airlines reduced opportunities for accumulating points by flying, and some also raised the cost in points for award tickets, Delta (one of the most criticized for previous...
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Is there a "best day" to buy tickets? Maybe not!
There's always a lot of talk about when it's best to buy airline tickets—how far in advance, what day, even what time. A recent study that got a lot of publicity, even a Wall Street Journal article, suggested that Sunday is the best day because...
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Wow Air Brings the Wow to Airline Prices
Icelandic Airline Wow is starting service to Boston in (March,2015 )and Baltimore in (June 2016) They have posted some great airfares to Reykjavik,London and Copenhagen. Some prices today were lower than $250.00 rt ! Read More:...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 20, 2015: A Ferry Ride to San Francisco
Visiting friends in Alameda, across the Bay from San Francisco, I decided to take the ferry and spend the day in the City. Far less expensive than parking in San Francisco, $3.10 each way for seniors and $6.25 full fare, the price of the...
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Another "ultra low-fare" carrier ups its game
Frontier Airlines, which has been transforming itself into an ultra low-fare carrier like Allegiant and Spirit, is also expanding its route system, and seems to be targeting Delta by opening new routes from Atlanta to cities Delta serves from...
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Four Ways to Savor Savannah
Stephanie Kalina-Metzger shares some of her favorite ideas on what to see and do when visiting Savannah, Georgia
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American Airlines CEO: 'we'll never lose money again'
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker is sure his airline will never lose money again, but analysts are not so sure what would happen in a recession.
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Kids to fly free on some British Air flights
British Airways sees a way to fill some seats and offer a benefit that may be out of reach for its low-cost rivals.
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United exec: You don't REALLY want more legroom
United's president tells employees customers want the space, but don't want to pay higher ticket prices for it.
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$55 fares California, Florida to Europe: WOW!
WOW celebrates its 5th birthday with a $55 (get it?) fare sale to Europe from 3 U.S. cities.
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SAS takes different tack to trans-Atlantic competition
SAS has felt the burn from Norwegian and other low-cost carriers, but its plans call not for direct competition but serving a higher-priced segment.
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Alaska drops companion fare to $0 for new cardholders
Alaska Airlines is sweetening the pot for new holders of Alaska Visa cards, with a free companion ticket. Works on both Alaska and Virgin America.
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Frommers ranks best and worst airfare searches
With so many sites all offering 'the best' airline prices, Frommers News offers a careful guide...and the winners are not the names you hear most!
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Dispatches from Ikaria: Part 4
Professor Abe's fun and insightful series on visiting Ikaria concludes this week. Be sure to check out the great story and accompanying photos
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New Tokyo taxi app sets the price
A new taxi app lets riders and drivers know the price and destination in advance; authorities hope it will increase the use of cabs.
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U.S. airlines beef up hubs, stake out new routes
Both mainline and discount carriers are building new presence in key markets, often in direct confrontation with each other.