August 2009 Archives

Now that Labor Day's here, it's time to get back to work...or perhaps to get back on the road for work (or so the airlines hope).

In case you haven't been in the airport this summer, you should know that several airlines have jacked up their fees for checked bags by $5. Now, checking in a bag might cost you up to $30. So, in order to keep to a budget, it's more imperative than ever to pack light. Here are a few strategies for keeping your business wardrobe to a carry-on case.

Jane's been noticing something is up with airline frequent flyer programs. Many are introducing changes that actually favor the consumer. Imagine that!

To wit, American Airlines recently introduced One-Way Flex, which allows AAdvantage members to get a one-way ticket for just half the points of a round-trip ticket. That's right, instead of having to waste 25,000 award points (the redemption level for a round-trip ticket), you only have to spend 12,500 points if you just need to get from Point A to Point B...and not back to Point A. Furthermore, American's program allows passengers to mix and match awards for round-trip flights. You can book economy one-way and business the other (for half the round-trip "fee" for each category), or combine restricted awards for one flight with an unrestricted award on the other flight. That addresses a common problem faced by frequent flyer point redeemers---when no restricted seats are available for one leg of the desired trip.