Air Travel: Most Popular Articles

Airline Phone Numbers
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.

Family Emergencies...
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.

Air Asia
Air Asia flies to pretty much any large Asian city that you may have in your travel plans.

Cebu Pacific
from Cebu Pacific - "WE ARE THE FILIPINO’S AIRLINE OF CHOICE - We are a trusted member of each Filipino family and a vital partner in the nation’s progress"

The World of Airlines
Airlines - grouped by region

SEAT MAPS - THE LIST
An exhaustive list of airlines and their seat maps. Find out where you will be sitting/want to be seated before you fly. Most of the major airlines publish seat charts of their fleet, and I have compiled them for you to find the seat maps all in one place.

The Unaccompanied Minor
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.

Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines

Canceled, Delayed and Rule 240
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.

Pregnant and Flying
When it comes to pregnancy and air travel, the second trimester is purported to be the safest time to fly while pregnant. The airlines, and many medical professionals do agree (at least to some degree) that air travel should not cause any further complications to a normal pregnancy, but you should seek the advice of your trusted medical professional before flying at any stage of your pregnancy.

Frequent Flyer - Air Tran
A+ Rewards

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. Wheelchairs are checked in as free baggage, and do NOT count toward the free luggage allowance. Some airlines allow strollers for free, some don't. Most airlines, regardless of excess baggage fees that you may be willing to pay, will not accept bags that weigh more than 100 lbs as checked luggage.

The Language of Air Travel
A comprehensive glossary of Air Travel terms so that you can decipher the often confusing airline lingo terms.

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.

Air India Express
This is the low cost arm of Air India.

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.

Airline - Air Tran
Air Tran Airways serves dozens of U.S. cities.

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.

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.

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.

Airline Essentials - Jet Blue
Airline Essentials - Jet Blue

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.

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.

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.

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.

Airline Essentials - Delta Air
Delta Airlines - details about this airline including seat maps, phone number, crashes/incidents.

Virgin America
Virgin America has been trying to get approved to fly in the United States since 2004. They have been, and are now set to fly in 2007.

Airline Essentials - Spirit Ai
Airline Essentials - Spirit Airlines

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.

1time Airline
1time airline is a low cost airline based in South Africa and flies to points within South Africa.

Tiger Airways
Tiger Airways has its entire schedule in one page, off of the homepage.

Air Berlin
Air Berlin flies to dozens of cities throughout Germany, Italy, France, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, UK, Portugal, Hungary, Turkey, Malta, and the Netherlands

kayakcom
Travel Aggregators - Kayak.com

Airline Essentials - American
American Airlines - details about this airline including seat maps, phone number, crashes/incidents.

Pregnant and Flying - world...
When it comes to pregnancy and air travel, the second trimester is purported to be the safest time to fly while pregnant. The airlines, and many medical professionals do agree (at least to some degree) that air travel should not cause any further complications to a normal pregnancy, but you should seek the advice of your trusted medical professional before flying at any stage of your pregnancy.

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.

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.

Lion Air
Lion Air began flying out of Jakarta in June 2000.

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.

Air Blue
Pakistan-based low cost airline that flies domestically and to Dubai

July long weekend getaways
It's a veritable long weekend slated for the United States and Canada. Here are a few of the getaways available for a festive Canada Day, or 4th of July weekend.

Airline Essentials - Continent
Airline Essentials - Continental Airlines

Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is consistently a top ranked airline both in passenger and travel industry surveys. Its main focus is international travel.

The Unaccompanied Minor
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.

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.

Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country is based in Minnesota with several destinations in the United States, and flies to Mexico.

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.

Air Travel Top 10 Lists
If you've ever wondered which airlines fly the most people in different parts of the world, or what are some of the rules / changes / regulations that can affect your travels, then the following articles are a good starting point for those answers.

Pacific Airlines
Pacific Airlines is based in Vietnam, flying domestically and to Taipei.

Skybus Airlines
Skybus shut down operations on April 5, 2008 citing high fuel costs as a contributing factor to its demise.

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.

Airline Essentials - United Ai
Airline Essentials - United Airlines

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!

Airline Essentials - Westjet
Airline Essentials - Westjet

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.

USA 3000 Airlines
Flies from: several U.S. cities in the Northeast and Midwest

HLX
HLX, or Hapag-LLoyd Express, based in Germany, flies to over two dozen European destinations

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:

Self Massage of the Face
Flights can be draining and stressful. On a longer flight you may feel jet-lagged as you traverse time zones at a rapid pace, or a short flight can sometimes leave you feeling a little worn. To combat the stress and anxiety of flying, or just the general discomfort of air travel, I came up with a quick self massage routine.

My Packing List - Carry On
I really hate packing more than carry on luggage when I travel. On most airlines you are allowed to bring 2 pieces of carry on luggage, and instead of checking in luggage, I make sure I pack light. That way the horror stories of lost luggage don't really apply. Now you may prefer to pack differently, but I've written up a list of what I bring with me for travel to warmer climates (and have had a similar list for travels of up to almost 2 months at one time).

Frequent Flyer - U A
Mileage Plus

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.

EWR - Newark, New Jersey
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of two New York area airports to make the top 30 busiest airports.

LAX - Los Angeles
If you wondered what the X in LAX stands for keep reading...

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.

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.

EuroFly USA
Eurofly flies between New York's JFK and several Italian cities.

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.

Seat maps - United Airlines
Seat maps - United Airlines

- Singapore Airlines
Seat Maps - Singapore Airlines

Air Travel and Pregnancy
When it comes to pregnancy and air travel, the second trimester is purported to be the safest time to fly while pregnant. The airlines, and many medical professionals do agree (at least to some degree) that air travel should not cause any further complications to a normal pregnancy, but you should seek the advice of your trusted medical professional before flying at any stage of your pregnancy.

Airline Essentials - TAM Brazi
TAM offers a Brazil Airpass, valid for 21 days for $399 USD, which can be used for up to 4 domestic flights in Brazil

Airline Essentials - Aviacsa M
Airline Essentials - Aviacsa Mexico

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.

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.

Air Travel Glossary
A comprehensive glossary of Air Travel terms so that you can decipher the often confusing airline lingo terms.

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.

Airline Essentials - Southwest
Southwest Airlines - details about this airline including seat maps, phone number, crashes/incidents.

ORD - Chicago
ORD does not seem to match up with O'Hare. So what's with the airport code?

Onur Air
Onur Air is a low cost airline that flies to a dozen cities within Turkey, as well as popular destinations within Europe.

Airline Essentials - US Airway
Airline Essentials - US Airways

Air Philippines
Air Philippines is a low cost carrier that has been flying since January 31, 1996.

Essential Philippines
Philippine Airlines flies to several points within the Philippines, Australia, Asia, and the West Coast of North America.

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.

Sunwing Airlines
This charter airline travels from cities in Ontario, Canada to Southern destinations.

Qantas Airlines
Qantas is a long standing Australian airline that is not only popular with passengers, but is known for its inflight entertainment. Qantas is Australia's national airline, and if you've wondered what Qantas stands for - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited.

Zoom Airlines
This Canadian based charter airline flies to the UK in the summer and points south in the winter

My Passport Was Stolen
My passport was stolen - the procedures I followed when my passport was stolen at the airport.

Sky Europe
from the website - "SkyEurope is the leading Central European low-cost airline. With bases in Hungary, Poland and the Slovak Republic, it is also the first multi-based airline in the region of Central Europe."

Norwegian Air Shuttle
Norwegian Air Shuttle started with regional service within Norway and has now expanded to fly to several European cities

Seat Maps - American Airlines
Seat Maps - American Airlines

Air Scotland
Air Scotland flies to Alicante, Amsterdam, Athens, Malaga, Palma, Paris

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.

latest airfare specials
A few of the latest airfare specials ready to be booked...

Amman, Jordan - Queen Alia Int
amman airport

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!

Gift ideas - travel journals
From those that are already written, or writing one of your own, here are some travel journal options to record your own trip, or read about others.

Skyservice
Skyservice is a Canadian based charter that flies to lots of sun destinations in the winter and many European destinations in the summer.

FRA - Frankfurt
Because Frankfurt is used as a connection airport much of the time, there are lots of stories of those who sleep at the airport. FRA is a popular airport for making connections particularly within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Frequent Flyer - KLM
Flying Dutchman

The air in the air
The air in the air - the air quality in the aircraft cabin and your inflight health.

Get to Know DBV
Dubrovnik, also known as the pearl of the Adriatic, is just one of the destinations in Croatia, a small European country that has burst onto the tourism scene. The airports in Croatia may be small, but a few tips for getting in and out of them doesn't hurt.

Find Your Fare
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.

ATL
ATL - the world's busiest airport

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.

IAH - Houston
The airport is named after the elder Bush, George H. W. Bush the 41st president of the United States.

- Mobissimo.com
Travel Aggregators - Mobissimo.com

You Can Take It With You!
If you are packing luggage with toileteries, clothes, and other items that would normally fit in a suitcase, you can refer to basic information found on your ticket. There are two very common terms on tickets, 2PC and 20K (rarely 10K). 2PC means that you are allowed to check in two pieces of luggage, normally 70lbs or 32kg per piece. 20K (or another number like 10K for example)is a weight restriction, which means that the total weight of your checked in luggage can not exceed 20kg or 44lbs.

Airline Essentials - Northwest
Airline Essentials - Northwest Airlines

Emirates
Emirates flies primarily to business capitals around the globe.

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.

Jet Star Asia
Jet Star Asia is partly owned by Australian airline Qantas.

Silk Air
This carrier travels between cities throughout Southeast Asia and China

Seat Maps - Malaysia Airlines
Seat Maps - Malaysia Airlines

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.

Seat Maps - Air Canada
Seat Maps - Air Canada

bmi baby
bmi baby is the low cost division of British Midland and flies from several UK airports to destinations all over Europe

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.

Memorial Day Weekend Airfares
A few Memorial Day Weekend Airfares at the VERY last minute!

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.

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.

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.

Frequent Flyer - British
Executive Club

ETA and travel to Australia
ETA is not just an estimated time of arrival. Traveling to Australia? You probably will need a visa, aka an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). For most nationals, it is a quick and easy process. An ETA is usually required for entry into Australia and you could encounter some big problems if you land without one.

Air Bulgaria - Eastern Europe
Bulgaria's flagship airline is now a combined airline with Hemus Air.

Seat Maps - Iberia
Seat Maps - Iberia

Asian Spirit
A low cost carrier for travel within the Philippines

Airline Essentials -Lufthansa
Airline Essentials - Lufthansa

Airline Essentials - America W
Airline Essentials - America West Airlines

Rising Oil Prices, Airfares
As oil prices barrel towards record highs, airlines are beginning to react with jacking up your airfares. Could this be a permanent trend, or will prices decline again if the cost of oil drops?

Travel Sized Items Carry On
We all know that air travel has become increasingly restrictive in terms of what you can bring with you on board, and even the slow decrease in the amount of weight for your checked in luggage. This is where travel-sized options are key - saving space and headaches. This gift giving / shopping guide is geared towards your carry on luggage.

Frequent Flyer -US Airways
Dividend Miles

Seat maps - Continental Airlin
Seat maps - Continental Airlines

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:

Jet Airways - Seat Maps
Jet Airways is an airline based in India. Seat maps are linked to from one page. Just click under the image of the aircraft you are traveling on.

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.

Some Airports are Well-liked
The world's favorite airports - a survey on this topic invites complete subjectivity. However, one of the air travel industry's more important players has gone ahead and asked tens of thousands of travelers which airport was their favorite.

Seat Maps - KLM
Seat Maps - KLM

PEK - Beijing
Beijing is the city that will be hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The busiest airports in the world - facts, details, and important info. Beijing Capital International Airport is included in the list of the top 30 airports in the world based on passenger numbers.

Airline Essentials - LTU
Airline Essentials - LTU Airways

Seat Maps - US Airways
Seat maps - US Airways

Seat maps - Emirates
Seat maps - Emirates

AAdvantage Celebration Flights
American Airlines AAdvantage, the grand-daddy of frequent flyer programs, is turning 25. To celebrate such a momentous event, American Airlines is rolling out several events to reward its loyal passengers. The first frequent flyer revolutionized air travel by creating loyalty towards an airline - rewarding passengers for flying with them - and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that has spawned dozens of frequent flyer programs with different airlines.

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.

Thai Airways
Thai Airways, in an effort to compete with the new crop of low cost airlines that are popping up in Thailand, is moving towards a low cost model. Thai Airways has flight attendants who don traditional Thai wear, and also wear traditional flight attendant uniforms at different points during the flight experience.

Airline Essentials - Air Franc
Air France and KLM merged together in May 2004, which made the Air France-KLM group a mammoth of European airlines.

SARS affects the health of ...
It is not just war or armed conflict that can have an adverse effect on air travel. Sometimes a virulent virus can create enough ripples of panic in passengers that travel plans are changed or canceled, and airlines suffer as people stop flying or stay closer to home. SARS is proving to be an example of a virus that is steering passengers away from flights to certain parts of the world.

Air Travel Gift Picks for Pare
Traveling with small children may not only be a challenge in terms of keeping the younger set occupied, but it often entails a lot of extra luggage, amongst other concerns. When thinking of a gift for the parent who frequently travels with young children, or if you are the parent with children in tow, here are just a few air travel gift ideas.

Airline Essentials - Jet Airwa
Jet Airways is an Indian airline that flies to over 40 destinations within India, and internationally.

Firefly
Firefly, based in Penang, is the newest low cost airline from Southeast Asia, and is a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines.