New TSA Regulations, Northwest Airlines Showdown and More
We're now officially moving into a slower travel period, which remains this way until Thanksgiving and the end-of-year holidays. But for those of us with an eye to getting frequent flyer tickets next summer, you should be booking NOW! I already booked freebies to Europe next July and South Africa next August, getting the exact dates I wanted. What about you?
On that note--let's see what's the latest news in travel.
1. Effective 26 September, the TSA has softened its stance on taking toiletries on board. Toiletries must meet certain specifications and be packed in transparent plastic bags. Liquids must be purchased after you pass through security. Get more details here.
http://www.travelexpert.com/airport-security/new-rules
2. Remember the ongoing saga with Northwest Airlines' flight attendants threatening to strike unless the tight contractual demands requested by management during the bankruptcy process are made less onerous? Well it's still ongoing. A judge initially agreed that the flight attendants have a right to strike, but this was overturned by a judge in a higher court who cited laws that are in place to assure uninterrupted service in the critical transportation sector. A final outcome is still pending, so I suggest you hold off purchasing tickets on Northwest Airlines until the outcome has been finalized. Here is the link to the flight attendants own website, which you should monitor if you have reservations pending on Northwest.
http://www.travelexpert.com/northwest-airlines/flight-attendants
3. In the most recent edition of my subscription newsletter Luxury Escapes, I outline strategies for flying to London in business class for $1,500 any time of the year and how to ensure you never get scammed in travel. I also describe the exact steps I used to get to Capri with my family during peak period this past summer, with luxury accommodations for one week--without paying! Luxury Escapes accepts absolutely no advertising, so I'm free to tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly! Interested in becoming a subscriber?
4. For those of you interested in booking award tickets online, here is an article that tells you what's available. In my experience, you will almost always get a better result calling the frequent flyer desk. Even though you may pay a $15-$20 per ticket phone fee, the ability phone agents have to try alternative routings and check partner airlines will trump what you can get online in 70-80% of the time.
http://www.travelexpert.com/mile-using-tools
5. Finally--a brief but to-the-point article about business and first class options available from US carriers. Hope it helps you decide where you want to spend your dollars--or miles--on premium service.
http://www.travelexpert.com/best-us-firstclass
Until next time -- Bon Voyage!
Theo
Dr. Theo Brandt-Sarif
9108 Hillboro Drive
Los Angeles, CA, 90034-1125
United States