Get ready for the Thanksgiving rush (and merger mania)!
The big news this week is that US Airways (recently recreated from the merger with America West), has made a bid to acquire Delta. If the deal does go through, the combined entity will become the largest airline in the world, exceeding the scope of current giant American Airlines.
On an more immediate and practical note, Thanksgiving weekend is well known for being the most traveled days of the year. Given all the craziness associated with air travel over the holidays, let me help you get prepared.
1. SECURITY REGULATIONS: Security regulations have changed twice the past year. First was an immediate response to the British bomber threat, then came an easing of the regulations which seemed overly-harsh. Yet, the dos and don't still remain a mystery to many. Let be provide you with two resources so you can go to the airport fully prepared.
http://www.travelexpert.com/holiday/security-lines
http://www.travelexpert.com/holiday/tips-tricks
2. GET BUMPED: A few weeks ago, I went to the airport for my 5:30 Thursday evening flight from New York to Los Angeles, hoping for an upgrade. Turns out my flight was oversold, and volunteers were being sought. I stepped forward to volunteer, and received both a $300 voucher, and a DOUBLE upgrade (coach to first on an aircraft with three classes of service) on a flight leaving three hours later. Here's the skinny on being bumped. You may need to register first for free download of the article.
http://www.travelexpert.com/get-bumped
3. LOUNGE ACCESS: If your flight is delayed or canceled--do not rush to the customer service desk--which will already have a long line of angry fliers. Rather do yourself a big favor by walking over to the airline lounge, and purchase a day pass (typically about $50). The staff in the lounge will help rearrange your itinerary much faster with more options than any customer service agent. While US airline lounges are not nearly as lavish as those of their foreign counterparts, they can perform a valuable service when flight plans change in unexpected ways.
http://www.travelexpert.com/lounge-access
4. LUXURY ESCAPES: In this month's edition of Luxury Escapes, I discuss a way for you to get you business class travel anywhere in the world on airlines such as Singapore, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, and American for around $2,000--with no risk whatsoever. I also explain why airfares are so crazy, and provide a website that will e-mail you immediately when airfares on routes you specify decrease to bargain levels. Plus a strategy to convert unused Continental Airlines miles into free hotel nights at any top-of-the-line Hilton hotel worldwide. Interested? Check out:
5. FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS: What is the current state of frequent flyer miles? Today Show travel presenter Peter Greenberg provides his opinion.
http://www.travelexpert.com/frequent-flyer/redeem
6. PROPOSED MERGER: Want more details about the proposed merger between US Airways and Delta? Read more here.
http://www.travelexpert.com/mergers/us-air-delta
Don't hesitate to e-mail me at theo@travelexpert.com with comments.
Until next time -- Bon Voyage
Theo
Dr. Theo Brandt-Sarif
9108 Hillboro Drive
Los Angeles, CA, 90034-1125
United States