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Air Travel: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Phone Numbers - Airlines
So you'd like to speak to an actual person that works for the airline? Here is a list of phone contacts to reach the airline you're looking for.
Emergency Air Travel - Bereave
In times of emergency when you have to fly for a family funeral, or to see a terminally ill relative, shopping around for airfares is probably the last thing you want to think about. Many airlines have an answer for this - the bereavement fare, or compassionate fare, which is offered to family members traveling for a death in the family, or imminent death.
Airline Phone Numbers for NA
Phone numbers for airlines, big and small, in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Southwest Airlines Tickets
Southwest Airlines offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of Southwest Airlines web check-in services.
Bereavement Airfares - What is
What is a bereavement, or compassionate, airfare? There are pros and cons to these types of special airline tickets, and not everyone qualifies for them. So a rundown of some of the attributes of a bereavement ticket.
US Airways Baggage Policies
Baggage policies for US Airways - what is free, and what incurs a fee. Includes items such as excess luggage.
Air Canada Tickets and Res
Air Canada offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
Top 10 Airlines U.S. / Canada
If you want to see what airlines in the United States and Canada carry the most passengers, then this top 10 list is for you. See who passengers are choosing the most as their airline of choice by who they are ticketed and flying with.
Delta Airlines Baggage Policie
Baggage policies for Delta Airlines - what is free, and what incurs a fee. Includes regular checked in bags and excess luggage information.
How Much Stuff Can I Check In
Airlines have increased restrictions, and decreased luggage allowances a lot over the years. Now you may not be able to take a surfboard, a larger stroller, or a pet where you once could. Read up on what is permitted, and at what cost, to check-in.
The Movies About 9/11
There are several films that deal with September 11, 2001. Some criticize and some memorialize the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Top 10 Airlines in the World
Skytrax is known for its World Airline Awards - they survey more people than anyone else, and the travel industry consistently awaits the results every year. These then, are the top 10 airlines in the world according to Skytrax.
American Airlines Baggage
Baggage policies for American Airlines - what is free, and what incurs a fee. Includes items such as checked-in and excess luggage.
Bereavement Airfares - Discoun
Traveling due to a death in the family is the more common use of bereavement fares. Funeral details, or death certificates are often required to ensure a bereavement airfare discount.
Pregnant US, Canada, Mexico
Policies of major airlines in the United States, Canada, and Mexico regarding pregnant passengers, and flights during pregnancy.
Air Travel Flights Canceled
Rule 240 - often cited, often misunderstood, Rule 240 can often be employed when a flight is delayed, canceled, or you have misconnected and it's the airline's fault. Read more about what Rule 240 is, and how it affects your right to travel.
Big airlines, lots of passenge
Ever wondered about which airlines are the biggest? The following list names the largest airlines by the amount of passengers they flew. Some of the airlines in this list would rank differently if other factors such as revenue and distances flown were also considered.
Unaccompanied Minors
Children flying alone - the unaccompanied minor. Thousands of children travel unaccompanied every day. This feature describes the unaccompanied minor; airport procedures; travel tips; and what happens when flights are delayed or cancelled.
The Phonetic Alphabet
In the world of Aviation, there is a different way of learning your ABC's. The Phonetic Alphabet is not only used by the military, but also by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Customer Service Agents within the Airlines. It is a great way to make sure you are understood (since a B, P, T, and V sound hauntingly similar when spoken), and an appropriate introduction to Aviation Lingo. Your guide has listed the letters and their corresponding words for you.
Airline Essentials - Delta Air
Delta Airlines - details about this airline including seat maps, phone number, crashes/incidents.
World's Busiest Airports
Busy, busy, busy! The Airports Council International compiles data on the busiest airports in the world, and publishes the list of the top 30 airports in terms of passenger traffic every year. Since you may travel through one of these well trod spaces, I've compiled some data about each of the airports for you.
Fly Dubai - Low Cost Airlines
A new entry into the low cost airline market.
The Language of Air Travel
A comprehensive glossary of Air Travel terms so that you can decipher the often confusing airline lingo terms.
Bereavement Fares for Imminent
If you have a close relative who is terminally ill, and the possibility of death seems near, then you may qualify for a bereavement fare based on imminent death.
Airfares and Airline Tickets
Are there any set rules and truths when it comes to buying a ticket, changing a ticket or getting the best airfare available? Because not all airlines follow the same routes, there are several myths and misunderstandings that exist when it comes to airfares and airline tickets.
Face Massage Techniques
Begin the self massage of the face with very general strokes. Take your hands, which were covering your face, and bring the fingers up to your forehead - almost fingertip to fingertip across from each other
Delta Airlines Tickets and Res
Delta Airlines offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
Tips for Using your Frequent
So you want to travel for free? One of the only real, tried and true ways to do so is through accumulating and then redeeming your frequent flyer miles for flights. American Airlines is the airline that first introduced the frequent flyer program, and they have some tips for earning and redeeming miles for travel.
Emirates Airline Jobs
Job seekers can look for jobs with Emirates.
The World of Airlines
Airlines - grouped by region
bereavement fare
A comprehensive glossary of Air Travel terms so that you can decipher the often confusing airline lingo terms.A discounted fare offered to family members traveling because of an imminent death or death in the family. Most airlines that offer bereavement fares will require information about the situation.
SEAT MAPS - THE LIST
An exhaustive list of airlines and their seat maps. The airline seat maps are organized to find the seat maps all in one place.
United Airlines Baggage
Baggage policies for United Airlines - what is free, and what incurs a fee. Includes items such as check-in and excess luggage.
Preferred Seating - Emergency
When one is looking for premium seating in the often confined quarters of the economy cabin of an airplane, the exit row is usually mentioned. The emergency exit rows of an aircraft are usually more spacious, but not universally so. More space comes with more restrictions for this type of seating that should be considered before asking for a seat in the exit row.
American Airlines Bereavement
American Airlines bereavement / compassionate airfares policy for flights to travel to funerals or family emergencies (imminent death / terminal illness).
Continental Airlines Baggage
Baggage policies for Continental Airlines - what is free, and what incurs a fee. Includes checked-in and excess luggage.
Airline Policies - Bereavement
Airlines' bereavement / compassion airfares policies for flights to travel to funerals or family emergencies (imminent death / terminal illness).
Giving the Gift of Air Travel
If you want to buy a unique gift for those who enjoy travel, then gift certificates from an airline may prove to be a perfect present.
Take Comfort Inflight
Making long economy airline flights comfortable - A long flight in an economy seat is one of the prospects that air travelers tend to dread. Here are a few tips to try and make it more comfortable inflight.
Tips for Using your Frequent
So you want to travel for free? One of the only real, tried and true ways to do so is through accumulating and then redeeming your frequent flyer miles for flights. American Airlines is the airline that first introduced the frequent flyer program, and they have some tips for earning and redeeming miles for travel.
US Airways Tickets and Res
US Airways offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
Gift of travel
Stuck for gift ideas? Want to avoid the chaos of holiday shopping? Many airlines offer gift certificates that you can order online or over the phone, and avoid the shopping malls this holiday season.
Security Surprise
You may be surprised that despite the evolution of security at airports that has been occurring over the past few years that many potential "weapons" are being allowed to go through airport security and may be brought on board. There are various banned items depending on the country you are traveling from, but you may be surprised at what is allowed on board these days.
Survival Tips for Air Travel
Airports are not the most people-friendly places already. Add travel with an infant to the mix and you may wonder how you can get through the experience both sane and safe. Tips for air travel with an infant may not be 100% foolproof, but it is always important to have a plan ready when you are traveling with your baby.
Luggage Fees and What is Free
Luggage fees, and what you can check in for free. This article has a list of airlines - legacy carriers such as American Airlines and United Airlines; low cost airlines such as Southwest Airlines and Virgin America; and non-US airlines such as Air Canada and British Airways. Includes not just regular luggage, but sports equipment, strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, and excess bags.
Family Air Travel
There are so many different components to travel with a family. This compilation of articles is to help you with your family air travels - whether you are pregnant and want to know airline policies; traveling with an infant, twins, or multiples; are flying with a senior citizen; or traveling for a family event - this is a starting point for finding the information you need in one place.
American Airlines - Policy
American Airlines and its rules / restrictions for pregnant women.
Airline Phone Numbers for Euro
Phone numbers for airlines, big and small, in Europe.
Saving Time Checking in for Yo
Online check-in for your flights could save you some time from waiting in line and get you to your gate on time. Read on about some of the airlines offering check-in online from airline websites.
Airport Minimum Connection Tim
A list of minimum connection times required to catch connecting flights at major airports around the world.
Frequent Flyer 411
It all began in 1981. American Airlines decided to start a loyalty program that would track and reward the customers that flew with them the most. And quickly, that idea would revolutionize the way people travel - if you flew enough you would be rewarded.
Swine Flu / H1N1 and Travel
This guide to Swine flu / H1N1 and air travel includes symptoms; airline policies - what to do if you have your flights booked and have Swine flu; tips for travel during this flu season; and recycled cabin air and catching the flu.
Safest Airplanes in the World
What makes one airplane safer than another? Are certain airplanes better than others?
Alaska Airlines Baggage
Baggage policies for Alaska Airlines - what is free, and what incurs a fee. Includes items such as excess luggage.
TSA Secure Flight
The TSA has now implemented its Secure Flight program, meaning there have been changes to identification requirements for passengers.
Air Travel - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Air Travel guide site.
Airlines write! Inflight Ma...
Airlines often provide more than simply a flight to get you where you need to go. Many airlines produce inflight magazines, there to give you details about their fleet, or inflight entertainment, sometimes articles about places they travel to, or other diversions. Read on about this aspect of inflight entertainment!
Airfare Travel Deals this Week
A list of some of the current travel deals for cheap airline tickets.
Paper Vs. Electronic Tickets
What works better for me...paper or electronic tickets? Compare the differences between the two types of tickets to find out.
Airline Phone Numbers for Amer
Phone numbers for airlines, big and small, in Central America, the Caribbean and South America
Airline Phone Numbers - Teleph
Phone numbers for airlines, big and small, in Asia.
Flights Canceled, Delayed and
Rule 240 - often cited, often misunderstood, Rule 240 can often be employed when a flight is delayed, canceled, or you have misconnected and it's the airline's fault. Read more about what Rule 240 is, and how it affects your right to travel.
American Airlines Tickets
American Airlines offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
TAM Brazilian Airlines
TAM (Brazil) has a "passion to fly and serve".
Aero Asia International
Aero Asia International, based in Pakistan, flew domestically and to the Middle East. Since May 2007, this airline has been suspended from flying as it has failed to meet safety standards.
Coming and Going from FCO
Navigating FCO (Rome, Italy) = Chaos. This is a busy airport. For many travelers FCO is the first point of arrival for an Italian adventure or a mediterranean cruise. Given a busy airport, tips on navigating through are always in order!
Luggage and Carry-on Baggage
Time to separate the myth from fact when it comes to checking in luggage, and toting your carry-on pieces.
Unaccompanied Minors - UMNR
Children flying alone - the unaccompanied minor. Thousands of children travel unaccompanied every day. This feature describes the unaccompanied minor; airport procedures; travel tips; and what happens when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Delta Airlines Bereavement Air
Delta Airlines bereavement / compassion airfares policy for flights to travel to funerals or family emergencies (imminent death / terminal illness).
FLYZED, the Interline Listing
FLYZED, the Interline Listing Site
Air Travel with a Toddler
Flying with children of any age can be a stressful experience. Not only do you have to worry about how they feel and behave, but also how others around you react. This has to be especially true for toddlers - with all their new-found skills for running, talking and moving about - a confined space, teeming with unfamiliar faces and surroundings does not sound ideal. Traveling with a toddler definitely presents its challenges, but planning ahead may give you at least a chance at a smooth flight.
Find the Best Airfare - Tips
Find your fare - some tips for getting the best airfare possible. Getting the best airfare depends on many factors - time of year, destination and length of stay are just a few of the major ones. The formula for getting the best price for your flights can indeed seem complicated. Although the challenging task of getting a great ticket price likely won't change, there are a number of strategies that may help in your pursuit for the best airfare possible.
Airport Procedures
A number of airports will have a specific area for checking in unaccompanied minors, or other passengers requiring special assistance. Look for signs that indicate this, or ask an airline representative before joining the regular check-in line.
British Airways Tickets
British Airways offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
Survival Tips for Air Travel w
Airports are not the most people-friendly places already. Add travel with an infant to the mix and you may wonder how you can get through the experience both sane and safe. Tips for air travel with an infant may not be 100% foolproof, but it is always important to have a plan ready when you are traveling with your baby. After making it through the airport, you are set for the toughest challenge of all - the flight.
Air Travel with an Infant
Flying with the youngest passengers does require extra time and planning. I've written the following series of articles to help make air travel with an infant a little less stress-filled.
Continental Airlines Tickets
Continental Airlines offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
Swine Flu - Air Travel Concern
With the spread of Swine flu / H1N1 the CDC (as well as many of its counterparts in other countries) has made a number of recommendations regarding travel, and precautions travelers may want to take.
Fare Talk - All Types of Airfa
You don't always know what you are going to get when you purchase an airline ticket. Every person on a flight may have paid a different price to fly. Can you change or cancel your tickets, and at what cost? The airlines have a seemingly secretive formula to constructing airfares. Knowing types of airfares and how they apply may not mean that airfares make sense, but you can make sense of them.
LAX - Los Angeles
If you wondered what the X in LAX stands for keep reading...
EWR - Newark, New Jersey
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of two New York area airports to make the top 30 busiest airports.
Food for Flights
A decade ago you may not have even considered bringing your own snacks on board. Now, as there are fewer options, and a lot of meal services that require you to pay on board, toting your own snacks for your flight is becoming a more popular option. No complaining about airplane food when you make and bring your own. You could bring candies or chips, but I try and bring items that are easy to pack and reasonably healthy.
Minimum Connection Times
Airport minimum connection times for several major airports around the world - in this feature Denver, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Houston, Kuala Lumpur, and London are covered.
Southwest Airlines Low Cost Ai
Southwest Airlines - details about this airline including seat maps, phone number, crashes/incidents.
Revised Airport Security
Security measures at airports have been revised again. To quell the confusion, I've compiled a list of items now permitted on board flights departing from the United States and Canada.
Top 10 Ways to Get Upgraded
So are there any tricks to getting upgraded from economy class? Most times there are no tricks of the trade, it is often by being entitled to an upgrade if you are a very frequent flyer with an upgrade-able fare, and once in a while it is a little bit of luck. These are the top 10 ways to get upgraded that I see as an airline gate agent most often:
Pets and Flying with Airlines
Traveling with pets is not always easy. In terms of air travel some airlines allow for the carriage of pets while others do not. Pets travel in approved kennels in either the cargo hold or in the passenger cabin.
Delta Airlines - Policy for Ai
Delta Airlines and its rules / restrictions for pregnant women.
ORD - Chicago
ORD does not seem to match up with O'Hare. So what's with the airport code?
Frequent Flyer - KLM
Flying Dutchman
Pregnant Air Travel - Europe
Policies of major airlines in Europe and Africa regarding pregnant passengers, and flights during pregnancy.
Air Asia - Budget Air Travel
Air Asia flies to pretty much any large Asian city that you may have in your travel plans. "Now Everyone Can Fly" is their inclusive slogan, for this low cost, no frills airline.
Air Travel Gift Ideas
Stuck for gift ideas? Want to avoid the chaos of holiday shopping? Many airlines offer gift certificates that you can order online or over the phone, and avoid the shopping malls this holiday season.
Airline Essentials - Emirates
Emirates is an internationally focused airline with its hub in Dubai.
Airline Essentials - American
American Airlines - details about this airline including seat maps, phone number, crashes/incidents.
Lion Air
Lion Air began flying out of Jakarta in June 2000. Bit of a dubious motto - "We make people fly".
The facts on bringing car seat
It isn't a requirement yet, but more and more government civil aviation authorities are pushing for some form of mandatory use of approved car seats for infants and toddlers under 2. There are certainly safety issues if you bring your child under 2 on board as a "lap baby". Concerns over turbulence and other safety issues with flights have led numerous pediatric associations to encourage the use of a CRS for children under 2.
YYZ
The busiest airports in the world - facts, details, and important info. Toronto Pearson International Airport is included in the list of the top 30 airports in the world based on passenger numbers.
JFK - New York
Although "The Terminal" is based on the true story of a man who lived in Paris' CDG airport, the movie was set at JFK.
Swine Flu Airlines Flights
A big concern for many passengers when speaking of illnesses, is the air quality during flights. The air is recycled, but what many passengers may not be aware of is how highly filtered that recycled air actually is.
Infant Ticketing Policy
Infant ticketing policies do vary between airlines, but these are some of the typical rules when dealing with airline tickets for an infant.
Air Travel Glossary
A comprehensive glossary of Air Travel terms so that you can decipher the often confusing airline lingo terms.
Delta Air Lines, Northwest Air
An agreement has been reached, and barring any roadblocks from antitrust authorities Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines are merging and will operate under the Delta Airlines name. Richard Anderson, Delta CEO, said: "We said we would only enter into a consolidation transaction if it was right for all of our constituencies; Delta and Northwest are a perfect fit."
Naked Skies - Air Travel in th
It isn't the first time that passengers have been invited to fly naked, but it has been a while since the last clothes-optional flight took place a few years ago. This time around, it is a charter flight that is set to operate in July 2008.
Pregnancy Policies Asia Pacifi
Policies of major airlines in Asia and the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand regarding pregnant passengers, and flights during pregnancy.
Top 10 Airlines in Latin Ameri
Airlines in Latin America may not carry as many passengers as airlines in Europe, and North America, but there are plenty of airlines serving all parts of Latin America. This is the top 10 based on how many passengers chose to fly on them.
Holiday / High Season Air Trav
A guide to holiday and peak season travel - from finding airfares, to the airport experience, and what happens when flights delay and cancel.
Amman, Jordan - Queen Alia Int
Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
British Airways - Policy for A
British Airways and its rules / restrictions for pregnant women.
Delta Airlines Airline Jobs
Job seekers can look for jobs with Delta Airlines. They are not always hiring but you can seek employment with United Airlines with job descriptions from pilots to marketing, and full time, part time or seasonal work.
ATL
ATL - the world's busiest airport.
Seat Maps - Air Canada
Seat Maps - Air Canada
Preferred Seating - Emergency
When one is looking for premium seating in the often confined quarters of the economy cabin of an airplane, the exit row is usually mentioned. The emergency exit rows of an aircraft are usually more spacious, but not universally so. More space comes with more restrictions for this type of seating that should be considered before asking for a seat in the exit row.
Finding Cheap Airfares
With airfare specials coming and going so quickly, and such differences from city to city, there are fare trackers that I often use to help find some of the deals each week. Now often I do receive press releases that will alert me to the latest airfare specials which I post in the Air Travel Forum, but for the best deals out of your home airport, I have compiled some websites that might help you find a good price for where you want to travel.
Minimum connection times
Airport minimum connection times for major airports around the world. This feature covers Los Angeles, Madrid and Miami.
Seat maps - United Airlines
Seat maps - United Airlines
Africa and the Middle East
Phone numbers for airlines, big and small, in Africa and the Middle East.
Seat Maps - US Airways
Seat maps - US Airways
Travel With an Infant, Baggage
With most airlines, infants who travel and don't occupy a seat are still given a luggage allotment. Some of the possible items that may be allowed are covered.
American Airlines Check-in
American Airlines policies regarding checking strollers, car seats, mobility devices and sports equipment.
Swine Flu - protect yourself
Some tips and advice if you have booked your flights, are ready to travel, and are now infected with Swine flu. Also looking at possible options if you are afraid to travel for fear of contracting H1N1 / Swine flu.
Delta Airlines Check-in Stroll
Delta's policies regarding checking strollers, car seats, mobility devices and sports equipment.
US Airways Check-in Strollers
US Airways policies regarding checking strollers, car seats, mobility devices and sports equipment.
Air Travel with Pets - Rules
A list of several airlines and what their policies are regarding the transport of pets. Many airlines do allow pets like cats and dogs on flights but rules and fees vary. Note that in cabin service animals are an exception, even on airlines that do not allow pets for transport.
American Airlines Airline Jobs
Job seekers can look for jobs with American Airlines. They are not always hiring but you can seek employment with American Airlines with job descriptions from pilots to marketing, and full time, part time or seasonal work.
Must-Have Documents to Travel
There have been so many changes in air travel in the last year it could make your head spin. The latest has been in the works for some time. Passport requirements for air travel are drastically changing, and these changes are effective January 23, 2007. Read more for what is changing and government resources regarding passports.
Southwest Airlines - Policy
Southwest Airlines and its rules / restrictions for pregnant women.
United Airlines Tickets and Re
United Airlines offers check-in online, and a few of the particulars of their web check-in services.
Flights to Antarctica
The time of year for seeing Antarctica is during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere. This usually means flights in late November until January. Few flights are offered, and they are expensive, but for the air traveler without a budget limit, and who wants to see all the continents, then a flight to Antarctica can make it happen.
United Airlines Check-in
United Airlines policies regarding checking strollers, car seats, mobility devices and sports equipment.
Carry-on Luggage - What Items
There has been a lot of backlash directed at the TSA for banning items such as pumped breastmilk amounts of over 3 ounces when a woman was traveling without her infant. Millions of dollars worth of lighters also made their way into TSA bins. But guess what? Like many things in the air travel industry, these regulations are changing again and their is INCREASED flexibility in items that may be toted in your carry-ons.
December/Holiday Air Travel Deals
Take advantage of the seat sales and great airfares for December, Winter Holidays and Christmas 2002, and Winter and Spring 2003.
United Airlines - Policy
United Airlines and its rules / restrictions for pregnant women.
Strollers and the Gate
This is the time of year when many families choose to fly. Part of the travel experience with young children is toting along a stroller, for use at the airport. Since airlines have a fairly standard procedure for strollers, here is what you will likely experience if traveling with child and stroller:
Seat Maps - Thai Airways
Seat Maps - Thai Airways
Airline Lounge Passes
Want to spend your wait time in one of the business lounges but don't have a membership? There are a few airlines that allow you to purchase a day pass for a more relaxed, quieter airport experience.
Air Travel Assistance - First
The first thing that comes to mind regarding passengers who may require assistance are those who are afraid of flying, or first time flyers. It is okay to be afraid of flying, there is certainly a loss of control when you are sitting in a narrow seat, 30,000 feet above the earth, and the plane is shaking through an area of turbulence.
Have Pet, Will Travel
Traveling with pets is not always easy. In terms of air travel some airlines allow for the carriage of pets while others do not. Pets travel in approved kennels in either the cargo hold or in the passenger cabin.
Seat Maps - Delta Airlines
Seat Maps - Delta Airlines
Airlines and Accidents - Comme
An ongoing list of airline crashes which had fatalities in 2009.
American Airlines Travel Tips
According to Air Transport Association, airlines expect to host about 65 million passengers a month this summer, a healthy 12% jump from last year. With the increased number of passengers, travel may become stressful. There are a number of ways for travelers to reduce the trials and tribulations of summer travel and help make their experience easier and more convenient.
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