Air Travel Money Saving Tips, Ideas and Advice to Reduce Your Travel Costs and Travel More Cheaply

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“Travel & Vacation Savings Advice & Tips On How To Save Money On All Your Travel Needs”

AIR TRAVEL - Page 5

Air Fare Extra Fees & Costs (continued)

7. Charges for curb-side check-in of $1-$2 per bag, in addition to any tips you may want to give, are also starting to appear with some airlines. Of course, you can avoid these fees by checking in at the counter.

8. And some airlines are charging for headsets, movies, and even blankets and pillows. If you have your own and it is convenient, you may want to consider bringing your own.

9. As noted earlier, some airlines are even starting to charge a fee for using your frequent flyer miles. This fee can be as high as $100. However, if you book your frequent flier trip online you can often avoid these fees or lower them significantly.

10. Food and drink (especially if you have kids) can cost a bundle when you fly. Airport prices are not exactly inexpensive, and some airlines are starting to charge for food and beverages that were once included in the fare. The best way to significantly reduce these costs is avoid purchasing food and beverages (and any other items for that matter) at the airport or on the plane. Bring any food, snacks and beverages you will need to the airport. These items can be consumed at the airport and, in most instances, on the plane. However, you must consume or throw away any beverages you bring to the airport (or buy at the airport) prior to going through security. To avoid this problem, take one or more empty water or beverage bottles (which are allowed) through security. On the other side of security, fill up the bottles with water at the water fountain. You will now have drinks and snacks for the plane trip, and hopefully some quiet kids.

11. Sometimes people will consider buying flight insurance and/or baggage delay insurance, in case of injury due to an airplane incident or lost or delayed bags. This is generally expensive coverage for what you get. Usually credit cards offer travel accident insurance and baggage delay insurance, when traveling on a common carrier such as a commercial airline, train, etc. Travel accident insurance is often $100,000 or greater. Check with your credit card company, or review the benefit brochure for your credit card.

Travel to the Airport & Parking

Getting to your departure airport can add up to a significant cost. If you drive your car to the airport there are mileage and parking costs. If someone drives you to the airport and picks you up on your return, there are double the mileage costs. And, of course, public transportation and shuttles have their own cost. Consider the following:

1. If the airport is relatively close by and/or your trip is relatively long, having a friend or relative take you to the airport and pick you up when you return is generally the best way to save money. While this does double the mileage traveled, it eliminates parking, which can be a major cost.

2. If you decide driving your own car and leaving it at the airport is the best option, all you can do is try to save on parking costs. Most airports have long-term lots that are considerably less expensive than other parking alternatives at the airport. Even if they are located some distance from the airport and require a shuttle to access them, you should consider using them. Remember, you can always drop off any passengers and luggage at the terminal before you park to minimize any inconvenience. But, unlike the old days, your traveling companions will not be able to check you or your bags in for the flight until you arrive back at the airport, since you and your photo ID are now required for check-in.

3. You can usually even save more on long-term parking by using independently owned long-term parking located off airport property. Most larger airports have one or more of these facilities and they are usually the best deal available for parking. You can make a reservation ahead of time for this parking and just drop off passengers and luggage at the airport before you park. When you return just call up the shuttle for the parking service and they usually pick you up fairly quickly, no matter what time of day or night. Look up airport parking reservation sites (such as AirportParkingReservations.com and ParkRideFlyUSA.com) on the Internet to find these facilities, and check prices and reputation.

4. In some metropolitan areas, public transportation is available to the airport. While this may be the least expensive means of transport, it may not fit well with your flight schedules or be otherwise inconvenient. However, it might be a consideration.

5. Private, for-hire transportation may also be an option. Taxis or limo service is available in most areas, but might be very costly if the drive to the airport is somewhat lengthy. Shuttle service is also available in many areas to get to the airport. Often, these shuttles will pick you up at your home or at a local location. If you have only a couple of people traveling, shuttles may be quite affordable, especially when eliminating parking costs. However, if you have a large group the cost may be prohibitive, since shuttles usually charge by the person.