Tag: airline miles

On the Saturday, January 27th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Alaska and United have gotten the OK to put 737 Max 9 aircraft back in the sky after inspections starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, Kayak.com reports that more and more travelers are trying to avoid the Max 9. And California joins the list of states with digital licenses (think TSA). Travelers United has put out a list of driving tips for cold weather destinations. If you are headed into the Sierras, or other snowy destinations, or just know someone who lives in one, check out the list. United is selling miles by subscription. Are they a good deal? Find out in our Smarter Traveler segment. We'll also address airlines on time ratings and explain how they are created, and whether or not they are to be trusted. If you are thinking about one of those extended cruises, consider the fate of passengers who thought they were going around the world for three years, and instead are just out a lot of money. Plus, there's a ship now with cabins that open to the ocean. We share the details of the pluses and minuses of this new innovation in cruise ship accommodations.

On the Sunday, November 10th 2019 edition of The Travel Guys, live from Sacramento and Kapa'a, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai… In the Travel News, Airbnb deals with a halloween party gone very bad in northern California and announces some new safety regulations.  Are they enough? Homeland Security is starting to realize that Real ID may have some problems getting everyone ready to travel by October 1st of next year and is proposing putting more of the application process online.  We also share the five hottest international destinations for US travelers right now. We talked with Travelers United about the upcoming airline evacuation tests.  The consumer advocacy organization is concerned about how the tests are going to be conducted and if they will be a realistic look at getting today's passengers off the plane in 90 seconds in an emergency. Joe Brancatelli from the travel website Joe Sent Me talks about the points and mileage game, and gives some great information on why you should or shouldn't play, and if you play, some rules to follow.

On the Saturday, August 4th, 2018 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Volaris Airlines is the latest to announce a new service at Sacramento International. The twice weekly red eye flights will take travelers to Leon, the largest city in the state Guanajuato. They will begin November 21st. American Airlines has a dud on its hands. Their *new* buy-on-board BBQ Chicken Sandwich didn't turn turn quite like they had hoped.  It has been discontinued and will be served to prisoners of war while supplies last. For years, we've told you never to bite on the offers the airlines make to buy points and miles.  Up to now, that's been good advice.  But for certain kinds of tickets, the buying mileage thing might be a better way to go.  We are talking Business and First Class overseas.  If you are spending that kind of money on a ticket, it could be a better deal to buy the miles and then use them to get the ticket.  But as Mark pointed out, there are a few things that can go wrong along the way.Gwen Duncan joins us at 3:35, to share her list of things to bring to survive long haul flights.  She has her list (below) and then we asked our listeners to call in and add their favorite item.  The best add ons got $25 Whole Foods Gift Cards.  We will print the entire list here next week. Luggage scale (do not pack too close to max i.e. 49.9lbs to avoid paying overweight charges). FYI, small carriers overseas have astronomical charges for overweight baggage Empty beverage bottles to fill with water to stay hydrated in flight Noise cancelling devices (airplanes can be very loud) Wet-wipes (avoid bacteria on trays and hand held controllers) Statistics for bacteria on planes are terrible!!!! Electronic books (any nooks, travel guides or novels can be heavy). Ron and I go to thrift stores and pick up relatively new guide books and rip out essential pages to take with us. Own snacks(for long airport layovers). Sometimes we just use airport lounges if long layovers..They are Great and if you don't have a priority pass can be purchased on-site a daily rate per person Compression socks can be helpful because in low humidity feet will swell Chewing gum (ease ear pain from elevation issues). Prescription meds and valuables. (NEVER pack valuables in checked luggage) Always have a copy of your passport in all pieces of luggage.