Cheap airfare: save on flights to Italy
If you are looking to buy airfare from North America to Italy, there
might be times when you would start thinking that airlines have gone crazy
with the price of flight tickets, and that there are no cheap flights or
discount offers available. This is the time when some "lateral thinking",
coupled with a bit of knowledge of European air fares, might help.
Indeed, if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and time to
save money, you will be very pleased to know that European "no-frills"
or "low-cost" airlines, such as easyJet and Ryanair, will take
you from London to several destinations in Italy (Naples, Rome, Pisa,
Bologna, Pescara, Forlì, Milano...) at times for less than US$
30, and often for less than US$ 60.
"But I still need to buy tickets to get to London", I hear
you say... well, try it for yourself: intercontinental flights to London
at times cost half than flights to Italy. Why is that? I don't know, but
it was quite a surprise to find out. The amount of saving that you can
achieve depends on your specific travel dates and on your flexibility,
but I would not be surprised if you saved 400/500 US$.
"So, why is not everyone doing that?". As I said, there are
some trade-offs, and some people might be discouraged or might decide
that the saving is not worth the hassle. I guess it all depends on how
thick your wallet is :-). Let me tell you right away that by flying low-cost
you do not sacrifice comfort on board or security. The planes that you
will be boarding are just as good as the planes that are operated by "regular"
companies. It is just that you are not offered complimentary drinks, you
pay for them onboard if you wish. Low-cost companies also use smaller
airports that are at times a bit further from your final destination,
although that is not necessarily true (it depends from where you are heading to!).
The amount of saving that you can achieve depends on your travel dates.
At times the saving is minimal, because flight tickets to Italy are sold
at a reasonable price, other times the saving is huge, either because
tickets to Italy are sold ad an increased price or because tickets to
London are sold at bargain price.
The above article quoted from Summer In Italy.
Biz Buzz: Online consumers taking airfare shopping to new heights
Thursday, July 28, 2005
The Internet has created a whole new type of shopper.
These bargain-conscious consumers will visit, on average, more than three
Web sites in their quest for an ideal airfare, and they will peruse at
least three sites before choosing a hotel rate, according to a study by
JupiterResearch, a research and analysis company.
JupiterResearch described the largest consumer segment as online users
who shop, or research, intensely before they purchase plane tickets. Some
37 percent report enjoying the challenge of shopping around on three or
more Web sites for a travel product.
"It would be inaccurate to interpret shopping around as a reflection
of frustration among all online travelers," said Diane Clarkson,
an analyst at JupiterResearch.
"In fact," she said, "comparison shopping reflects a significant
empowerment among the majority of online travel consumers."
The motivation, as it turns out, isn't always a bargain.
According to the study, earning frequent flier points is one of the most
important reasons many consumers end up buying their plane tickets online.
Please go to NJ.com to
find more info about Online consumers taking airfare shopping to new heights.
10 Cheap Airfare Tips
Shel Horowitz's Monthly Frugal Fun Tip -- July, 2001, Vol. 5 No. 3
From Frugal Fun Monthly Tips (Sign up below!)
By Shel Horowitz
THIS MONTH'S TIP: 10 tips +1 to Save Money on Airfare
1. If you're quoted a fare that's too expensive and the flight connects
through an intermediate city, price two separate itineraries, to the connecting
city and to your final destination.
2. Traveling with someone old enough for a senior discount? The discount
may apply to you as well.
3. If you or a family member is in the military, you may be able to get
a Space-A flight through the armed services, at a tiny fraction of the
usual ticket cost (an international flight for $25!). Also, if you fly
in uniform, some commercial airlines will give you a discount.
4. Buy a first class upgrade for as little as $25 on some small regional airlines.
5. On international flights, it may be substantially cheaper to book
your connecting domestic flight on the same airline and as part of the
same itinerary; they will put you on their domestic partner airline. McCool
gives the example of flying from Chicago to Cairo for just $50 more than
New York to Cairo.
There are another 5 points in their site be talked, please visit frugalfun.com to get more info.
Auto Incentives and Airfare Sales
Reported By: Bill Liss
Web Editor: Manav Tanneeru
Last Modified: 7/6/2005 9:08:38 AM
Competition is heating up in the auto showrooms as extended employee discounts
spark a vehicle price war.
General Motors started the discount program in June and says its sales
jumped 41 percent.
One analyst says GM incentives in June averaged $4,500 per vehicle.
But now there's strong competition.
Daimler-Chrysler and Ford Motors are matching GM through August 1. Honda
is also reportedly considering a similar program.
In other news:
-- The Buick division of GM is upping its bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage
from three to four years and is extending its mileage warranty from 36,000
miles to 50,000 miles. The new program will match most other high-end
vehicle warranties.
-- AirTran Airways is offering an airfare sale. Travelers have until
July 15th to buy the 10-day advance purchase tickets and they can be used
through November 16th. The sale tickets cannot be used Friday or Sunday.
-- Frontier Airlines is also offering an airfare sale. Travelers have
until Thursday to buy 14-day advance purchase tickets from Atlanta to
Denver. They can be used through November 16th
-- Lastly, Independence Air, with service to Atlanta, is offering a free
companion ticket to its frequent fliers after two qualifying flights taken
by September 30th.
More info about
Auto Incentives and Airfare Sales.
New airlines will change summer airfare market
By Scott McMurren / Anchorage Daily News
There are tricks to every trade. The travel business is no exception,
so it's important to have a few tricks up your sleeve when you are in
the market for a good airfare. Plus, now is the season when folks are
lining up their summer travel plans.
As we head into May, airlines and travelers are playing a little game
of "chicken." Airlines are hoping travelers will grow frustrated
at the lack of low fares and just fork over the big bucks. Travelers are
waiting for the right price. And waiting. They're betting there will be
a fare sale for summer travel that is worth writing home about. I think so, too.
Keep in mind that Frontier Airlines will begin service on May 10 and
America West will start on June 2. Both airlines are looking to make a
big splash in the local market.
Already, the airlines have made big changes in the way fares are
being sold. For example, Frontier is offering one-way fares to almost
all of its destinations with no advance purchase required. It's the space
on the plane rather than the advance purchase that determines the fare.
Northwest, United, Continental and Delta hate Frontier because of policies
like that. It undermines their ridiculous fare structures and onerous
restrictions. For example, Frontier is offering one-way fares between
Anchorage and Washington, D.C., for as little as $274. Not bad for a walk-up
fare. Even Alaska Airlines will have to take notice!
America West also is publishing reasonably priced one-way fares. However,
the Phoenix-based airline still has those pesky advance-purchase requirements
in place. Same with Alaska Airlines. But once Frontier's wheels touch
down at the airport, watch for all the rules to change. Quickly.
The above news quoted from Alaska.com.
8 ways to save on air fares
Shop online. Many airlines will slash an additional 10 percent off ticket
prices to customers who purchase tickets on the Web. One way to keep track
of last-minute sales is by signing up for e-mail alerts from airlines
with major hubs in your area.
Fly off-peak days. Cut air fare costs by traveling off-peak days such
as Saturday and Tuesday through Thursday and buying your tickets in advance.
Shop around. Check for online specials from individual airlines and then
visit sites such as Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Bestfares.com and Smarterliving.com.
Check out non-sale prices as well. The sale price on an airline ticket
is not always the lowest price available. You may be able to find a lower
price on a non-sale ticket from another airline. Be sure to check.
Ask about taxes and fees. Whatever ticket price you're quoted, make sure
it includes taxes and fees. They can bump up a ticket price by $100 or
more. Some ads for low fares don't include taxes and fees.
Consider consolidators. Consolidators such as Hotwire.com, Onetravel.com
and Lowestfare.com offer some of the lowest fares around, but shop carefully.
Tickets from consolidators have a lot more restrictions, including travel dates.
Be flexible. When planning your trip, it's best to be as flexible as
possible. Folks with flexible travel dates and destinations tend to scoop
up the best bargains. They're willing to fly any carrier at any time of
day from any airport in their area. Folks with a fixed travel schedule
and a fixed destination may have a tougher time landing a good deal. To
get the best deal possible, be sure to check prices on flights from two
or more airports in your area.
Check out package deals. A package deal might give you airline tickets,
hotel accommodations and a rental car for your dream destination at an
unbelievable price. Or it might not. Be sure to compare package deals
with prices you could get on your own.
Friday, July 8, 2005
Travel packages can be cheaper than just airfare
Bargain travelers see airline tickets soar, while inclusive tour deals
remain inexpensive.
By Gene Sloan / USA TODAY
If you're looking for a cheap, last-minute flight, forget discount
airlines. Your best bet may be a company that sells tour packages.
Americans are traveling in record numbers this summer. The Travel Industry
Association estimates Americans are taking a record 328 million trips,
up 2.3 percent from 2004. And the strong demand is allowing airlines to
raise fares.
In fact, the four biggest U.S. airlines -- American, United, Delta and
Northwest -- raised most airfares recently.
But even as airfares rise,
the price of packages has remained relatively low. As a result, in some
cases, it's less expensive to buy a package that includes airfare and
hotel than to buy airfare alone.
"It's still quite a hidden phenomenon," says Robert Albert,
general manager of Site59.com, which specializes in last-minute packages
and is offering dozens of air/ hotel deals for July travel that are less
expensive than the current price for air alone. Consider these:
As of Wednesday, the site listed three-night getaways from Detroit to
Atlanta, including airfare and hotel, for $292 a person. The price of
airfare alone from online agencies such as Travelocity.com for identical
dates was $360.
In another typical offer, the site recently listed three-night getaways
to Chicago from New York for $272, including airfare and a rental car.
Airfare alone for the same dates was running $403.
The upside-down pricing means that even a traveler who needed only airfare
could save by buying a package and "throwing away" the hotel
or rental car portion instead of buying airfare alone -- a strategy that
was common in the 1970s and '80s.
"This has been going on for years with savvy travelers, but I don't
think most consumers know it's an option," says airfare watcher George
Hobica of TravelGuyAirfa res.blogspot.com.
Some tour packagers, such as 1-800-Fly-Europe, will sell airline tickets
alone, without bundling them into packages that include hotel rooms and
rental cars.
The above article sources from The Detroit News.
July 6, 2005
Era of bargain airfare deals already may have left town
Average Indy fare has soared compared to '04; abundant travel sites,
flexibility can yield values.
By Catherine Rentz Pernot
Looking to catch one of those lovely low, two-digit ticket prices offered
during Indianapolis-based ATA Airlines' bankruptcy?
Well, dream on, say airline industry experts. They say higher airfares
aren't going down anytime soon, and if you're in the market for a ticket
this summer, best buy now rather than later.
Average leisure tickets purchased now are about $40 to $50 more than
they were a year earlier, according to airline expert Terry Tripler of
Cheapseats.com. "The (price) peaks are higher and the valleys are
higher. In general, it costs more to travel this summer than last."
Rising oil prices, a stronger economy and a regular surge in summer travel
have helped boost average ticket prices over those seen last year, analysts say.
Even with the higher airfares, consumers should consider themselves lucky,
said Michael Boyd, aviation consultant with the Evergreen, Colo.-based
Boyd Group. "Consumers flying today better be happy," Boyd said.
"Because these prices are not going to last. To survive, airlines
have got to increase prices. They can sell below cost for only so long," he said.
It's not as bad as you might think. Sure, fares have risen this year,
but keep in mind that last year's prices hit an all-time low when adjusted
for inflation, according to the Air Transport Association.
And Tripler believes Indianapolis travelers already have it pretty good.
Historically, Indianapolis' mix of discount air carriers has helped make
it one of the lowest-cost points of departure in the Midwest. Department
of Transportation data show the average fare out of the Indianapolis airport
in 2004 ($129.47) was less than those of Cincinnati, Ohio ($188.42); Chicago
O'Hare ($147.62); Dayton, Ohio ($131.48); and Columbus, Ohio ($142.56).
Part of the cause was ATA's once-dominant position here. But the budget
airline's flights have dwindled from a peak of 54 daily in March to four at present.
Tripler believes the average leisure ticket price increase in Indianapolis
over last summer may be less than that of the nation as multiple air carriers
compete to take over ATA's customers.
Other discount airlines including Southwest Airlines Co. and AirTran
Airways have scrambled to fill the gap. However, the most successful competitor
in terms of market share gain has been Northwest. After increasing daily
flights from 17 last July to 52 this month, its market share has increased
from 11.2 percent in May 2004 to 23.7 percent this past May, according
to figures from the Indianapolis International Airport.
Airline industry experts have a mixed view on what such changes mean to consumers.
"The ATA 'el cheapos' are more or less gone," said David Field,
America's editor of London-based Airline Business magazine. He said the
bargain $50 tickets ATA offered around its bankruptcy filing last October
are gone. "Looking at fares, ATA hasn't made much of a difference
except that there are no more artificial floors," he said.
But the fight for ATA's former customers could be good for consumers,
said Bob Jones, frugal travel expert for OneTravel.com. He said Northwest
has scrambled to take up the market share with competitive pricing. In
a search of Internet travel engines Expedia, Travelocity and SideStep,
Northwest had the cheapest flights or tied for the cheapest fights for
seven out of the 10 top destinations of Indianapolis International Airport passengers.
But Boyd mentioned that Northwest's growing strength in Indianapolis
doesn't necessarily mean prices and services are better or as good for
consumers, because Northwest isn't exactly duplicating ATA's destinations
and discount prices.
However, some discount carriers including AirTran have increased flights
here. Just last week, AirTran announced it would add flights to three
popular Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and Sarasota.
Despite the rising prices, savvy airfare
shoppers still can work the system for deals. Just ask Internet-bred teenagers
and their moms. Last week, 15-year-old Romona Dowdell helped her mom Sandra
buy a relatively cheap ticket for Romona's flight from Indianapolis to Las Vegas.
"We started out with Travelocity first, and then they were kind
of expensive, so then we did Cheaptickets.com and Orbitz," Sandra
said. "And then Romona looked at Expediant," she said.
"E-X-P-E-D-I-A," Romona corrected.
"And that's how we found the cheapest ticket," Sandra said.
The Dowdells landed a $283 ticket from Frontier on Expedia, less than
the $400 tickets they found on other sites, and even $100 less than a
Frontier agent told them on the phone.
She did feel the sting for waiting until later in the summer to buy.
She said a month earlier prices were $100 cheaper.
The Dowdells said they found the best price now by being flexible on
the dates, times and air carrier they used.
That kind of flexibility is critical in finding cheap fares, according
to Cheapflights.com President Hugo Burge.
"Flexibility is the most important factor in getting a good deal," Burge said.
And the Dowdells were flexible about which carrier they chose, when they
flew and where they purchased their tickets.
"To get the best deal, shop around," Burge said. "No one
company always has the best deal, and that is a grim fact of life shopping
around in the airline industry," he said.
He also recommended booking as soon as possible. "Waiting for a
last-minute deal may not be a good strategy. There will likely be fewer
last-minute deals this year," he said.
Other ways to cut prices include shopping around nearby airports and
looking for carriers with higher excess capacity. Cheapflights.com's Burge
said Southwest has higher excess capacity than most airlines right now.
Its planes are about 60 percent full while other airlines are averaging
at just over 70 percent, Burge said.
The above news quoted from IndyStar.com.
Transportation - Air Travel
Class of Service - Domestic
Domestic
travel includes travel within and between any of the United States and
it's territories and possessions. It also includes travel between the
United States and Mexico or Canada.
Travelers are expected to book coach class airfare. Travel to
Alaska and Hawaii where the destination is four time zones (or more) away
or more than eight hours direct flight time may be made using business
class airline tickets. However, if the traveler chooses a business or
first class airfare in other situations, he/she must absorb the additional
cost and the rate differential must be clearly documented for reimbursement
purposes. Any exception to this policy must be approved in advance of
travel by either the President, Executive Vice President for Finance and
Administration, or the Provost.
If a business or first class fare is approved, the cost in excess of
the coach fare must be charged to subcode 3950, Travel - Exclusions. Federal
regulations prohibit the charging of business class or first class air
travel to federally funded sponsored projects. They also prohibit the
inclusion in indirect costs of the differential between a coach class
fare and business or first class fare.
Generally, the lowest priced domestic coach class airfare is available
with a 21 day advanced purchase and is classed as non-refundable, allowing
for a reservation change (for a fee) to the return portion of the trip only.
Class of Service - International
International travel includes travel outside of North America (United
States, Canada and Mexico).
Destinations less than four time zones away or less than eight hours
direct flight time require the purchase of coach class airfare. Business
class airfare is allowed for international travel where the destination
is four time zones (or more) away or more than eight hours direct flight
time. First class air travel is not permitted unless an exception is approved
in advance of travel by the President, Executive Vice President for Finance
and Administration, or the Provost for a medical reason or extenuating
circumstance and there is adequate funding to support the request.
Federal regulations prohibit the charging of business class or first
class air travel to federally funded sponsored projects. They also prohibit
the inclusion in indirect costs of the differential between a coach class
fare and business or first class fare. Therefore, whenever business or
first class fare is approved, the cost in excess of the coach fare must
be charged to subcode 3950, Travel - Exclusions.
Many of the lowest priced international
airline tickets have restrictions regarding use, reservation changes,
and refund ability that should be understood by the traveler at the time
of purchase.
Travel to countries for which a travel advisory has been issued by the
State Department is not advisable. You may access the list of current
advisories through the following web-site: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html.
If you have any questions regarding these advisories please contact the
Office of the General Council.
Class of Service - Sponsored Project Travel
Except as noted below, travelers on federally-funded trips must travel
on U.S. carriers at coach rates. Airfare costs in excess of the
lowest available commercial discount airfare or customary standard (coach
or equivalent) airfare on a U.S. carrier are unallowable except when the
lower cost accommodations would:
- require circuitous routing
- require travel during unreasonable hours
- excessively prolong travel
- greatly increase the duration of the flight
- result in increased costs that would offset transportation savings
- be inadequate for the medical needs of the traveler
If business or first class airfare is approved, the cost in excess of
the coach fare must be charged to an account other than a grant/contract
and it must be charged to subcode 3950, Travel - Exclusions.
Justification for any exception to the federal requirement must be documented
in the Travel Expense Report. For the complete federal travel regulations
please contact the Office of Research Administration, extension 3-2777.
Sponsored project travel should adhere to the guidelines set forth by
this policy unless the sponsor imposes greater restrictions.
Class of Service - Upgrades
An upgrade at the expense of the University is not permitted and will
not be reimbursed. Free upgrades or upgrades paid by the traveler must
be clearly documented as such in the Travel Expense Report.
Class of Service - Savings
Reservations should be made as soon as travel plans are finalized to
receive advance purchase discounts. Greater savings may be achieved by
allowing travel agents two hours on either side of the requested departure
or arrival times, or to use an alternate airport serving the destination
city. In addition, to stay over a Saturday night often results in savings
of more than fifty percent. However, these savings must be weighed against
the additional cost of meals and lodging associated with a longer stay
and the potential personal inconvenience to the traveler.
Cancellations/ Unused Airline Tickets
When a trip is canceled after a ticket has been issued, the traveler
should inquire with the issuing agent about using the ticket for future
travel or processing a refund. Many non-refundable tickets can be used
for future travel (generally within one year) for a change fee. However,
some tickets require notified of the cancellation prior to flight time.
It is important for travelers to be aware of any restrictions on tickets
prior to their purchase, especially if there is a chance that the trip
may be cancelled.
Unused airline tickets have a cash value and should not be discarded
or destroyed and they should not be included with the Travel Expense Report.
A Travel Advance Request should be processed payable to the traveler to
cover current expenses and establish the ticket for future use. An explanation
of circumstances should accompany the Travel Expense Report when requesting
reimbursement for change fees.
Air Travel Payment Procedures
The American Express Corporate Card offers the simplest payment method
for employees. Airline tickets can be charged through Brown's on-line
booking tool or over the phone by giving the agent the charge card account
number. No forms or authorized signatures are required prior to the ticket
being issued. If the American Express (or any credit card) bill is received
and due prior to the travel taking place, the traveler may request funds
to pay the bill by submitting a Travel Advance Request form (payable to
him/herself) and a copy of the credit card bill or ticket confirmation.
With the corporate card program in place, billing of travel expenses
directly to the University is not appropriate. The traveler is to incur
the initial expense and be reimbursed following the trip. An exception
for special circumstances may be granted by the Assistant Controller (extension
3-7579) or the Assistant Vice President and University Controller (extension
3-2716). Travel arrangements for these exceptions will be made only through
the Garber Travel Office. To request an exception for direct billing send
email detailing the special circumstances to Gail_Goodness@brown.edu.
Air Travel Reimbursement Requirements
The original passenger receipt (typically the last coupon of the airline
ticket) or e-ticket receipt is required for reimbursement. A boarding
pass or travel agent itinerary are not valid for reimbursement. Most domestic
airline tickets are issued as electronic tickets and some airlines charge
an additional fee for paper tickets if electronic tickets are available.
Additionally, the cost of delivery for a paper ticket is typically charged
to the traveler. While it is preferred that travelers use electronic tickets
for domestic travel, the University will reimburse paper ticketing fees
with an explanation of why a paper copy was needed.
If airfare is the only expense reimbursement being claimed, an explanation
of how the other travel expenses (lodging, meals, ground transportation,
etc.) were funded is required.
A passenger receipt indicating a stop-over during travel to the destination
city must be clearly explained as to business purpose. If there is no
business purpose, supporting documentation (print out of fare quote) indicating
what the airfare would have been with no stop is required and only that
amount will be reimbursed.
Student travelers on Brown business will be reimbursed for the cost of
an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which allows for significantly
reduced airfares. If such reimbursement is approved by the authorized
signer, a receipt for the charge must be included with the Travel Expense
Report.
Many travel agencies charge processing fees in addition to the actual
cost of travel arrangements. This type of charge will be reimbursed by Brown.
For more info about Transportation - Air Travel, please visit Brown site.
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