Cheap Air Travel
Chapter 18 : More Air Travel Secrets
This chapter is a small collection of additional ways to get
cheap tickets and other air travel secrets that didn't make it
into the other chapters.
Tuesday Night Flight Specials
Many airlines post their special offers on Friday nights.
This is a good time to check for flights, but not the best. The
best time may be just after midnight on Tuesday. This is when
the special offers usually expire, and the unsold seats pour
into the computer system. For the next hour or so, you may find
especially cheap flights, particularly if you use a bidding system
like that of Priceline.com. Check for the cheapest flight first,
then bid cheaper. If you don't get your price, hurry back to
get the cheapest posted price.
Senior Discount on Airline Tickets
You may be able to get a senior discount if you are 65 or
older. Ask. If you are using an internet site to search for tickets,
they may not include this information, so you may have to call
the airline direct. Recently, www.Expedia.com has included a
box to check if you are over 65.
Also be aware that flights originating in some locations have
to give a discount to seniors. This is true if you are flying
out of Ecuador, for example. But you still have to ask for the
discount.
Will the Flight Be Canceled?
Information on airport delays and weather for many U.S. airports
is available online at www.weather.com/activities/travel . You
can even search for flight arrival information by airline and
by flight number. This is a good site to find information on
road conditions around the country as well.
Be Prepared For A Heart Attack On A Plane
You may be aware that taking aspirin at the start of a heart
attack can sometimes save your life. However, some planes do
not stock aspirin in their medical kits, and there may not be
a doctor available until the plane lands. Carry some aspirin
with you during flights, so you are prepared. Some doctors recommend
that you carry baby aspirin (81-milligram tablets), and chew
one up at the first sign of chest pain.
Dental Work and Flying
The change in atmospheric pressure from flying can cause severe
pain if you have had any dental work done within the last twelve
hours or so. Don't schedule a dentist appointment to close to
a flight.
Last Minute Deals
You can save up to 70% with last-minute deals at sites like
www.Site59.com. Offers range from beaches, romance or family
getaways, or you can choose from a drop-down menu of destinations.
Another one to try is www.11thHourVacations.com.
Alcohol And Flying
There is reason to believe that the pressure in the cabin
causes alcohol to be absorbed more quickly, so take it slow.
Drink some water as well, because the dry pressurized air causes
you to lose bodily fluids more quickly.
Changing Seats On The Plane
If there are empty seats, and you don't like the one you're
in, you can usually change without a problem. Do it before the
plane takes off. For a smoother ride, try a seat over the wings.
For a quieter ride, try a seat towards the front, but avoid the
bathrooms and galley. For more legroom, look for a seat in the
first row beside the emergency exits.
Also, you can go to the airlines desk about 15 minutes before
flight time and ask about changing seats. This is when they typically
release seats that were reserved for passengers who didn't show
up. Ask them if they have released any no-show seats yet.
Save The 8% Federal Tax
Here's a cheap air travel secret I missed out on when I booked
two flights to get overseas. The federal tax on airfare isn't
due if you are taking a flight from one city in the U.S. to another
in order to catch an overseas flight. Show your ticket to another
country to the agent to have the tax removed.
There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.
- Orson Welles
Continue with Chapter 19 here: Romantic
Vacations
Note: This chapter on cheap air travel and other air
travel secrets was part of the e-book Travel Secrets.
Now all chapters are free on this site. See the homepage (link
at the bottom of page) for a list of all chapters and links to
them.
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