Travel Tips

Have you and your family been thinking about spending the summer in Thailand or Japan? Or have you been considering a business venture with your partners in Hong Kong or Singapore? With the current economic downturn experienced by most countries and the rise in airfares, you may want to settle for an inexpensive flight to get to your destination. However, flying coach means cramped seating, less legroom, and fewer amenities. These factors do not matter much if you are flying for just an hour or two. But for longer flights to Asian countries, flying business or first class makes a lot of difference. If you are going on a vacation, your trip starts when you board the plane. So why not make it as comfortable as you can?

Fortunately, there are more ways to enjoy the amenities and privileges of flying first class to Asia without spending more than you would on an economy fare. A lot of people are not aware of this, but getting an upgrade on your tickets is easier than it seems. Here are a few ways to get that first-class treatment on your next trip to Asia.

1. Increase your mileage

To fly first class to Asia, use your frequent flyer miles to upgrade your economy class ticket. Sometimes, these upgrades are more available than seats on other flights. Given the current decrease in capacity and fewer flights, fewer economy seats are available while first- and business-class seats are bountiful. Make use of Web sites that offer the best deals on prices, seats, and routes. Also, make use of credit cards that give you free mileage for your purchases, as they usually offer more mileage points on promotions and cross-provider offers.

2. Go promo hunting

Sign up for the email newsletter services of your desired airlines. They occasionally offer discounted prices for flying first class to Asia. They may even give you a first-class seat at an economy price, or they may offer special packages with upgrades using your frequent flyer miles.

3. Do some online research

Look for the airplane model that you prefer for your next trip to Asia. Some airlines use a variety models for the same route. If comfortable seats are your priority, compare the first-class seats of one airline to another. Several sites offer this information for free.

Also, before purchasing a ticket, make sure that it is entitled to an upgrade. Tickets full of restrictions are difficult (or even impossible) to upgrade, making your dream to fly first class to Asia just a dream.

4. Look for discounts

Competition among carriers in the US is fierce. Offering incentives and upgrades on Asian flights where they have several flight schedules in a week is one way that carriers use to lure passengers. You can also find great deals at the airport. If the flight is not fully booked, or if you are flying during an off-peak season, ask politely about the possibility of an upgrade without annoying the airline staff.

5. Be a master and learn

Staying loyal to one airline is highly recommended. Learn from your experiences with different airlines. Ask family and friends their opinion on airlines, especially those who have flown first class to Asia. Be mindful of what does and does not work and experiment until you get the right mix.
Acquiring upgrades and discounts is an art: the more knowledge you gain, the more you will be rewarded. Fly first class to Asia and have a great trip!

If you have ever been inconvenienced by overbooked flights, poor onboard airline service, or unreasonably long flight delays, then you should know how to properly voice your complaints to the airlines. You can file a complaint with the airline company or with the federal authorities. Either way, filing airline complaints will not only help you get recompense for the troubles that you had to endure, it will get airline companies to improve their services and uphold consumer rights.

Steps

1. List all of the details of your complaint. Make sure to list the following minimum details:
a. your name
b. address
c. daytime phone number (including area code) and e-mail address
d. name of the airline or company about which you are complaining
e. flight date
f. flight number if known
g. origin and destination cities of your trip
h. concise description of your complaint.
Include any other details that will help clarify the airline complaint you want to file.

2. Contact the customer service or complaint department of the airline in question. Give the information about your complaint and request prompt action. Some airlines will offer refunds, free tickets, or other indemnification for the inconvenience you have suffered from their services.

3. File your airline complaint with the Department of Transportation if the airline operates to or from US airspace. Do this if you feel that your complaint is serious and/or you have not received a prompt response from the airline after sending the complaint directly to them. You can call the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD) and leave a message on its voice recorder anytime from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Contact the ACPD at:
202-366-2220 or 202-366-0511

4. Send a letter to the ACPD to file your airline complaint. You can send a letter of complaint to the following address:
Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

5. File your airline complaint electronically with the ACPD using their online form at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm. Make sure that all required fields are filled out before you attempt to submit the form.

6. Look up other government agencies that can help you get action on your filed airline complaint. At the state level, consumer protection departments can hear your complaint and help you get faster responses from the airline.

7. Share your complaints with consumer protection groups. Look up Web sites like AirSafe.com, which advocates consumer rights protection for travelers. Your experiences may be similar to the experiences of others and your joint complaints can prompt companies and concerned authorities to address your airline complaints faster.

Filing airline complaints is not purely a self-serving action. You may get a free hotel stay or free airline tickets as compensation for a severely delayed or overbooked flight. You will also help other travelers who in the future may include loved ones by prompting airlines to improve their services. They will not have to endure the problems you experienced that prompted you to file your airline complaints with the proper authorities.

If you are planning to go on tour or are required to fly for business, then finding the best seat on the plane is a must. Admittedly or not, flying is still one of the most feared activities you need to undergo when traveling. However, amenities are available when flying that can make you comfortable, especially when you are flying international.

The Hierarchy of Seats

Cost determines the level of comfort and convenience when traveling. The most expensive seats are in first class, followed by business class and then coach. In first class, you often get seats with wide berths and lots of legroom, along with being pampered with a cabin crew at your beck and call. Business class offers a similar package, though with smaller seating berths and legroom to accommodate more business class travelers. The general population is in coach or economy class, where choice seats on the plane become a premium, and are sought after by many passengers.

Finding the best seat on the plane

Getting the best seat on the plane is a matter of choice. Although your comfort while traveling is of primary importance, you need not be at the mercy of the booking agent or the reservations clerk regarding where you will sit. Here are some guidelines in getting the best seat on the plane to improve your comfort and convenience as you travel.

• Take a seat near the front of the plane. This area feels the least amount of turbulence, aside from the fact that you get your meal first. Sitting up front also allows you to exit the plane first and go through security and/or customs ahead of everyone.
• Seat type depends on the kind of traveler. Business people tend to prefer aisle seats so they can deplane much easier. A tourist may prefer a window seat to see the sights.
• The exit row seats are not always comfortable seats. In many planes, like the Airbus 380 and Boeing 737, the seats in the first two rows do not fully recline because passengers need to move quickly to the exit ramp.
• Seats at the back of the plane are often more cramped, as the fuselage tapers toward the rear of the plane. Often, the difference in width between front seats and back seats can be as much as an inch. The overhead bins at the back of the plane are often reserved for the crew’s equipment.
• Aisle seats in the bulkhead are said to be better. These seats have more legroom and you won’t disturb others when you move about. However, these prime seats are hard to come by and you often need to pay extra or have earned quite a number of frequent flyer miles to be able to get one of them.
• Another tip is to be nice to the flight attendant. If you are nice to the cabin crew, you can get dibs on open seats if you want your family or travel companions seated together.

Traveling need not be a sudden decision. You can plan around your vacation while also planning your airline experience. If you are thinking long term, here are the top ten ways to get the best airplane seats for your future travel.

1. Sign up for a frequent flier program.

Accumulating your frequent flyer miles and using them at the time of your reservation is good leverage for you in getting a good seat on the plane. You can even do this at check-in to get the best possible seat.

2. Purchase your tickets early.

As the departure date nears, the number of available seats dwindles. Purchasing your ticket weeks in advance can get you the best seat on the plane. If you are unable to do this, do get to the airport early so that you can have the first pick of seats on the plane.

3. Better seats mean paying more.

Some airlines offer more legroom for coach class seats at a premium. Some even charge as much as $20 for an exit row seat with 38 inches of legroom. On other airlines, you can use your frequent flyer miles to pay for this privilege.

4. Booking online provides options for seats.

Most airlines allow you to choose your seat when you purchase your tickets, or at a later date. Some Web sites offer this service for free but others require a token fee. You also need to confirm your seat at check-in to avoid any misunderstandings later.

5. Checking in early ensures that you get your seat of choice.

If you arrive late, not only will you lose your seating privilege, you may even miss your flight altogether.

6. It doesn’t hurt to ask if new seats have opened up.

Usually, when passengers upgrade to business class or fail to show up, their seats are up for grabs. Asking may get you in for these choice seats.

7. Being specific helps.

Knowing the exact seat that you want can get you the seat of your choice. If you aren’t specific in your seat preference, you may encounter trouble with subjectivity.

8. Coordinate with your agent.

Accommodations can be arranged if you have a medical condition needing special concessions.

9. Using a polite approach also helps you get your way.

Airline staff are people, too. Speaking to them in an even and polite tone may get you on their good side and you may be able to pull a favor or two from them.

10. Be patient.

You are but one of many passengers on a flight, especially at peak season. Extending your patience quite a bit during all of the security checks and hassles can help alleviate the crush and make your flight a convenience instead of a headache.

As you can see, traveling by air is still something you can have control over. By following the guidelines and tips above, you can find the most comfortable and roomiest seat on the airplane.

Tipping has always been one of the most confusing actions, especially when you travel to another country. Sometimes, you are not sure whom to tip, when, how much to give, or whether you should tip at all. Fret not! This uncertainty is normal; you are in a place with different practices, culture, and traditions. To make things easier for you, we will provide you with the top five situations in which you need to observe tipping etiquette at all times, regardless of your location.

Airport and Train Station Tipping Etiquette

Regardless of the country you are visiting, you must observe tipping etiquette in airports and train stations. If you have luggage, giving the porter $1 for helping you carry your luggage is standard. If you have very heavy luggage, it makes sense to give more. Giving a $1 tip to the doorman for hailing a taxi for you is also appropriate.

Hotel Tipping Etiquette

Again, no matter where you are, the right thing to do is to observe tipping etiquette in your hotel. Tipping your limo or taxi driver for driving you safe and sound to your hotel is appropriate. A reasonable tip is 10% to 15% of your taxi or limo fare. Giving a $1 or $2 tip to the hotel’s valet parking attendant if you drive your own car is also appropriate, while a $2 tip for the driver is reasonable if you take a bus or a shuttle van.

Tour Tipping Etiquette

Some tour fees already include a tip for the local tour guide, while others do not. If this is the case, giving a $1 tip per guide for a half-day tour and a $2 tip for a full-day tour is appropriate. Tour tipping etiquette dictates a $3 to $8 tip per person if you are with a tour manager on a multiday tour. And remember to give the bus driver a $2 tip.

Cruise Tipping Etiquette

When you are traveling on a cruise, you may tip proportionate to the comfort that you experienced while on the cruise; thus, you should only tip on your last day or evening of the cruise. As a general rule in cruise tipping etiquette, the following are appropriate: a $3.50 tip per person per day for dining room waiters, a $2 tip per person per day for assistant waiters, a $3.50 tip per person per day for the dining room maître d, a $3.50 tip per person per day for the room steward, and a $1.50 tip per person per day for the dining room manager.

Restaurant Tipping Etiquette

Excellent service always calls for a tip. In most countries, 20% of the total bill is a reasonable tip for restaurant staff; however, in most U.S. restaurants, a 15% tip is standard. It is also proper to give a 15% to 20% tip to bartenders. Restaurant tipping etiquette says that you should never leave without a tip, even if the service or food was not good. In this case, inform the manager about the problem. It is also important to remember that some restaurants in Asia and Europe include the tip on their bill; thus, you are not expected to tip.

Different countries may have different tipping rates. The best tipping etiquette that you should remember is to always give tip as a token of appreciation for a job well done or a service well rendered.

Losing baggage is not a rare occurrence at an airport. On a typical day at the airport, you are sure to find at least one person watching an empty conveyer belt for his or her bag, wondering when it would come out. And slowly, the conveyer belt halts. Most likely, this person has lost his or her baggage.

According to the US Department of Tourism, in the first nine months of 2007 alone 3.45 million people reportedly lost their baggage. Now, think about how many bags that would be every year. And that’s just in the US alone. SITA, the IT service that tracks baggage information for airlines in 220 countries and territories, states that about 30 million bags are lost each year for almost every two billion people who go through airports. That’s a very high statistic. Lost baggage costs the air transport industry about $2.5 billion annually.

Many causes exist for losing baggage. More and more people fly every year and that increase, coupled with tightening security measures, and tight turnaround times, there is no doubt that it gets harder and harder for bags to make their way safely to their owners after a flight.

Even travelers with a lot of experience dread losing their baggage. The fear of losing baggage provokes people to avoid checking in any luggage, and they try to fit everything into their carry-on luggage. If they bring goods home from their trip, they opt to ship them separately. You do not really have to resort to such measures. Here are a few tips to help you keep your checked-in baggage safe.

First of all, getting to your flight early is a must. The more time the airline has to load your baggage, the better. Checking in at the last minute may mean that your bag won’t have time to be loaded into the plane. You may end up losing your baggage in the process. And if your flight requires moving to another plane, book your transfer flight to give your baggage ample time to be transferred. Staying with the same carrier may help.

Next, when you check your baggage, make sure that the agent puts a destination tag on your bags and gives you a claim check. Don’t forget to remove tags from your old trips to avoid confusion. Also make sure that the destination tags on your bags have the correct three-letter codes for your destination airports.

Speaking of tags, putting a distinctive tag or ribbon on your bag also helps. The more your bag stands out, the better, as it will help you identify it after your flight. It would also deter people who may run off with your bag. Don’t forget to label your luggage with your information as well, including your name and mobile number. To be more secure, you can use your business address instead of your home address. And be sure to also label the inside of your bag, as well as outside, in case the outside tag goes missing. If in case you do lose your baggage while in transit, then this information will help whoever finds it to return it to you. Putting locks on your baggage just in case someone tries to open it is also useful.

Now, if you are carrying very important items during your travel, like medications and family heirlooms or even your business suit if you are traveling for business, put these items in your carry-on luggage. In case you end up losing your baggage or someone takes it, you won’t be left helpless as you wait.

Finally, there are companies that offer travel insurance. Applying for it is useful, especially if your trip is very important. In case you lose your baggage, you may be reimbursed. Travel insurance can also cover many other things like travel visas, delayed baggage and other important documents or items that you carry with you.

Therefore, the next time you fly, keep these ideas in mind to avoid losing your baggage and relieving some stress during your trip. Happy flying!

Losing baggage is a scary scenario for every traveler. Imagine yourself at the airport, waiting for your bag to come around the baggage carousel. The people around you slowly empty the conveyer belt, yet yours seems nowhere to be found. Now, the conveyer belt is empty and your heart begins to flutter. Your brows furrow, worried, and you feel frustrated waiting for your bag to arrive. The conveyer belt begins to slow down, and you sense that the inevitable has happened.

And then it stops. Your baggage is lost.

This is not a rare occurrence. You may even be familiar with this situation. According to SITA, the IT service that tracks baggage information for airlines in 220 countries and territories, for almost every two billion people who go through airports almost thirty million bags are lost. In the US alone, in the first nine months of 2007, there were 3.45 million reports of people losing their baggage, according to the US Department of Tourism. This also creates significant losses for the air transport industry, at $2.5 billion annually.

There are many ways that you can lose your baggage. So many people fly every year, and security measures at airports have become tighter. With such high passenger numbers, it is easy for many bags to get lost in the confusion during a busy day at an airport.

The fear of losing baggage affects even the most seasoned traveler. The risk of losing your baggage is to the point that people pack everything they need into carry-on luggage to avoid checking in any luggage. They even ship their luggage or things purchased on their trip. However, there are ways to keep your valuables safe without resorting to these means:

1. Pack the most important things.

Pack medications and family heirlooms. If you are flying on business, pack your business suit into your carry-on luggage as a precaution. If you do lose your baggage during transit or someone else takes it by mistake, you won’t be left helpless.

2. Get insured.

Companies exist that offer travel insurance, which is worth applying for if you want your baggage fully covered in case of damage or loss. Travel insurance means that you may be reimbursed if your baggage is damaged or lost, and it can cover other things like your travel visa, delayed baggage, and other important documents or items that you have with you.

3. Mark your baggage.

Your chances of losing your baggage are reduced if you attach tags, ribbons, and knickknacks to your bags, to make them more distinct. You have an easier time picking out your bags from the baggage carousel, and the decorations also deter anyone from mistaking your baggage as his or her own. And while you make your bags stand out, don’t forget to label them both outside and inside with personal information, such as your name and mobile number. For additional security, use your business address instead of your home address. Therefore, if someone takes your bags by accident, chances are that they will be returned quickly.

4. Check your claim stub.

When you check in your baggage, make sure that the agent gives you a claim check and that your bag is labeled with a destination tag. On that destination tag, make sure that the correct three-letter codes for your airport of destination are printed. Removing old tags from previous trips also helps avoid confusion.

5. Come in early.

Arrive early for your flight to give the carrier more time to load your baggage. Many people lose their baggage because they do not check in on time. And if you are taking a transfer flight, book the transfer to give yourself ample time for your bags to be transferred. Staying with the same carrier may help.

With these tips in mind, you can avoid losing your baggage, minimizing a lot of unnecessary stress and hassle while you travel. And, you’ll have a better flying experience.

The idiom, “When it rains, it pours,” perfectly governs the airline industry. If you are a frequent traveler, you must be very lucky if you have not experienced delayed flights, lost tickets, missing information, bad weather, and other problems. Regardless of how lucky you are, you will eventually run into problems. Fret not, because you can counteract this idiom with a simple motto: Be prepared. Knowing and understanding the rules, and having the right attitude will help you get through any trouble that arises at the airport.

1. Know the rules and know your rights

Different airlines have their own sets of policies and rules. These rules cover all aspects of flights, including ticket requirements, security, check-in, and baggage check. These rules do not take away your rights as a customer and as an air traveler. Knowing all of these rules is basic to airport survival and will help you get through any problem that may arise as you prepare to board your flight.

2. Be an early bird

To ensure airport survival, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least two and a half hours before your international flight. Two- and three-hour waits are common, particularly for mid-morning and mid-afternoon flights.

3. Bring a valid identification card

A valid identification card can be your ID card with a photo, your passport, or a state-issued license. Always have these cards with you for personal security and because you are always required to show a valid ID.

4. Avoid bringing anything with a sharp or pointed edge on the plane

Your penknife, Swiss army knife, and even sharp tweezers and manicure scissors must be placed in your checked baggage and must not be taken to the plane cabin. Do not put them in your pockets or in your carry-on bag.

5. Rule 240 still applies

Rule 240 states what your airline may do in the event that your flight is delayed or your plane gets stranded. Rule 240 has been observed as an airline regulation for many decades. While technically not a regulation or rule that airline companies must conform to, most carriers use it for good customer service and most travelers use it for airport survival. This rule applies to mechanical and other problems that are within the airline’s control.

6. Remember: the airline staff is at your service

No matter how big or small your problem, the airline staff is at your service. Since it is their job to help people like you, when things go wrong do not blame them. Instead, trust them to help you solve your problem.

7. Take a deep breath and relax

This is perhaps the hardest and the most impossible thing to do when you are faced with a big problem concerning your flight. However, since panicking does not help, why bother when you can just take a deep breath, relax, and believe that everything will work out fine.

Flying with your children can be either a great family adventure or a miserable and disappointing experience for the whole family. Of course, preparation is key to avoid a miserable and disappointing holiday with your children. To help you free your trip from misery, here are some important steps that you can take when flying with children.

1. Before you leave:

• Traveling and flying with children is more stressful when more people are around. If possible, book your flights for less-crowded and off-peak travel times: at midday or in the evening on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays.
• Make sure that you have plenty of entertainment for your flight, including snacks and drinks and children’s activities. Pack activities such as activity/coloring books, playing cards, travel-sized board games, and CD players.
• Get your child ready for the trip. Tell him or her how to behave and what to expect at the airport and while on the plane.

2. In the airport:

• Allot extra time for airport transactions. Remember, everything takes longer when traveling with children.
• Make sure that you give your child some basic safety rules, such as what he or she should do in case you become separated.
• Since kids are impatient by nature, give your child some “airport allowance.” Visiting different shops or stopping by a snack stall can keep children busy for extended periods.
• Even if a child tether is not appealing to you, consider using one while you are in the airport. Remember, checking in and claiming your luggage can be distracting at times and you cannot avoid situations that you may have to let go of your kid’s hand.

3. On the Plane:

• Take-offs and landings can be very uncomfortable for children and painful for their little ears. This is one reason why flying with children can be very difficult. To avoid this, take ear filters with you. Ear filters shield the eardrums from rapidly changing air pressure. You may also ask your child to swallow or drink beverages, chew gum, or eat hard candy to keep him or her comfortable during take-off or landing.
• To maximize entertainment value while flying with your children, bring your child’s toys out one at a time, and remember to put away the first toy before introducing the next.
• Give your child the seat beside the window and he or she will surely find the view fascinating.
• Remember that not all passengers understand the joy of children. To prevent your child from making noise, keep him or her entertained. You may also choose to sit in the back of the plane, where engine noise can muffle your child’s piping voice.
Safety Note When Flying with Children
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly imposes a policy that smaller children must sit in a Child Restraint System (CRS) or a child’s car booster or seat. Here are the weight guidelines regarding safety seats for children:
• A rear-facing car seat must be used for babies weighing less than 20 lbs.
• A forward-facing car booster must be used for children weighing 20–40 lbs.
• The airplane seat belt must be used for children weighing more than 40 lbs.

In the wake of the events of 9/11, the Transportation Security Administration has issued guidelines on permitted and prohibited items for flights. These safety guidelines were issued as a deterrent for attempts to bring dangerous materials on board. Here are some of the guidelines issued that require compliance. Should there be any issue regarding materials brought on board, airline security has the right to refuse carriage of such materials or even refuse the boarding of the passenger in possession of prohibited items.

• The 3-1-1 Carry On Rule. Liquids in the toiletries in your carry-on case or in your checked-in luggage must not exceed 3 liquid oz. You are also required to place all of these toiletries in a single quart-size zip-top bag weighing no more than 3 oz. This is important, as it allows you to simply open up the zip-top for ease of inspection when security personnel inquire about any declaration that you make.
• Wrapped gifts. It is best not to wrap items that you are giving as gifts in your carry on or checked-in baggage. Should you bring wrapped presents, airport security personnel are mandated to unwrap the gifts to check their contents. The best way to avoid the hassle is to ship wrapped presents ahead or just wrap your presents when you reach your destination.
• Food items on board. Food in liquid form, in aerosol cans or in gel containers should be placed in your checked-in baggage. Pies and cakes can be declared as carry-on items although they are still subject to screening.

Prohibited Items on Carry-on Luggage

Carry-on luggage includes bags or cases that you bring into the passenger area of the plane. This luggage must be stowed in the overhead compartment of your seat. The articles identified below are not allowed in your carry-on luggage.

• Make-up and toiletries. All creams and lotions, including first-aid creams, ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions and moisturizers, should be packed in checked-in luggage. Bug sprays, deodorants in spray or gel form, bubble bath gels or bath balls, bath oils and moisturizers also need to be packed in checked-in luggage. Medication of all types needs to be packed in checked-in luggage. Hair styling gels, hair sprays of all types, hair tools such as detanglers or straighteners, lip gels, gloss or liquids, liquid foundations and soaps, facial cleansers and makeup removers, mascara, nail polish and removers, perfumes, colognes and toothpaste need to be packed in your checked-in luggage in the luggage compartment of the plane.
• Food and drinks. All types of beverages must be included in your checked-in baggage. Gel-based sports supplements, jellos, puddings and other gel-like food substances such as yogurts also need to be checked in you’re your luggage. An exception is made for medications, baby formula, baby food, breast milk and juice in reasonable quantities. These items are separate from your zip-top bag and must be declared and inspected by security personnel.
• Other personal Items. Baby items with gel or liquids, toys with gels inside, gel candles, and gel shoe inserts may be carried in through checked-in baggage.
• Other objects. Box cutters, ice axes or picks, knives, meat cleavers, razor type blades, sabers and swords, and scissors with blades measuring over four inches need to be declared and packed in checked-in luggage. Do note that these sharp objects need to be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
• Sporting goods. Bats, clubs, bow and arrows, hockey, lacrosse and pool sticks, ski poles and spear guns need to be included in checked-in baggage.
• Guns and ammunition. BB guns, pellet guns and compressed air guns, firearms and its accessory parts, realistic replicas and starter pistols need to be checked in with the airline. These items need to be unloaded, fully declared, packed in locked, hard-sided gun cases and duly accompanied by ownership paperwork.
• Tools and other equipment. Axes and hatchets, cattle prods, crowbars and hammers are to be contained in checked-in luggage. Power or hand-driven saws and drills, and tools more than seven inches in length are to be included in checked-in luggage.
• Self-defense paraphernalia. Billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, kubatons, night sticks, nunchakus, stun guns and throwing stars are allowed on the plane as long as they are contained in checked-in luggage and duly declared by the passenger.

Prohibited Materials on the Plane

Based on existing Transportation Security Association guidelines, the following items are prohibited from being carried onto the plane. If airport security personnel finds such items, the said items will be confiscated immediately and the passenger is subject to severe sanctions for attempting to bring prohibited material into a commercial airplane.

• In the category of guns and firearms, flare guns, gun lighters and gunpowder are prohibited from being carried by a passenger onto an airplane.
• In the category of explosive materials, blasting caps, dynamites, fireworks and any form of flares, hand grenades, plastic explosives and replicas of explosives are prohibited from being carried onto an airplane, whether in a carry-on bag or in checked-in luggage.
• In the category of flammable items, aerosols, except for personal care or as toiletries, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, lighters except when they are not fueled, strike anywhere matches, turpentine and paint thinner and realistic replicas of incendiaries are prohibited.
• As for disabling chemicals and other dangerous items, chlorine for pools and spas, compressed gas cylinders, liquid bleach, spillable batteries except for wheelchair use, spray paint and tear gas are disallowed on the plane.

Permitted List

In compliance with the guidelines laid down by the Transportation Security Association, the following items are allowed on carry-on baggage on commercial flights.

• Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk in reasonable quantities of juice can be contained in carry-on luggage.
• Empty camelbacks, backpacks and water bottles are also allowed.
• Cigar cutters, corkscrews, cuticle cutters, eyeglass repair tools, eyelash curlers, knitting and crochet needles, nail clippers, nail files, personal toiletries including aerosols in limited quantities, safety and disposable razors, scissors with blunt tips or with pointed tips no longer than four inches, toy robots and weapons, tweezers and umbrellas. Walking canes are allowed as long as they have been properly inspected and yield no concealed items underneath.
• Special needs devices such as blood sugar treatment liquids or gels up to 8 oz in quantity, Braille Note Taker with Slate and Stylus and other Augmentation Devices are allowed. Diabetes-related supplies and equipment after inspection such as insulin dispensing products, vials of insulin, jet injectors or infusers or preloaded syringes are allowed, plus an unlimited quantity of unused syringes with insulin, lancets, blood glucose meters and the test strips, insulin pump and supplies. Also allowed are nitroglycerine pills or sprays for medical use and ostomy scissors. Prescription medication should be labeled with the patient name, which should match the name on the passenger’s ticket. Prosthetic devices, together with their appliances, are also allowed as long as the proper authentication is carried along.
• Electronic devices such as camcorders and camera equipment, laptop computers and notebooks, mobile phones, pagers and personal data assistants are allowed in carry-on baggage. Do inquire as to the appropriate use of these electronic devices during the flight.

Lowball the hotels downtown and snatch a room at half the price – this is the principle of Priceline. It sounds simple; however, many customers still do not fully understand how this works. It is a lot easier if you understand initially what the successful bids are for a particular zone. Unfortunately, Priceline does not reveal successful bids. The way Priceline deals with its vendors is based on anonymity, making this complicated. Fortunately, the Internet boasts of many sites dedicated to sharing such information with you.

What You Need to Know About Priceline

Even before you place your bid, Priceline takes your credit card number. If it finds a hotel room at the rate equivalent to your bid, the transaction is automatically billed to your account: no buts, no refunds! This means that you do not get to choose a hotel because it all boils down to where Priceline can successfully match your bid.

If you are unsuccessful on your first bid, you must revise your bid amount and choose other possibilities on your next attempt. If you are not allowed to do so, you have to wait three days before trying again. With your bid, one thing is for sure: you will get a room. You may get two beds or a non-smoking room, but aside from that, the anonymous hotel has no obligation to provide you with anything beyond a bed in a room.

Web sites reveal successful bids and vendors provide free services; however, they request many details in return: amenities, price, travel dates, and other items that can help future bidders bid for similar services.

Priceline’s Take

The rule of thumb for good salesmanship is to keep the lowest price a secret. This is the basis of Priceline’s great success since its establishment in 1998. Posh hotels will not let you know they are charging you $50 per night when they normally receive three times that rate. Why does Priceline.com tolerate these Web sites revealing such secrets? This is why Priceline has constantly grown while other dot coms continuously struggle or have stopped existing. How can you take advantage of Priceline? Here are a few strategies:

1. Make a checklist. You can start by checking the hotel rates on other travel sites such as Travelocity and Expedia. You can also conduct a survey on several four-star hotels, then move down to the lowest star ratings.

2. Keep in mind that you can place only one bid per itinerary (same city, price, star level, and check-in and check-out dates) in a 24-hour period. Because of this, you have to make sure that your first offer is the best.

3. As best as you can, try to be flexible on your travel dates, areas, and hotel star levels. In case Priceline rejects your first offer, you can still change your trip details while re-bidding.

4. You can save the greatest amount on Priceline hotels when you bid on three- and four-star hotels.

Remember that you can place a bid only once every 72 hours. However, if you are flexible enough to change your preferred area, star level, or check-in and check-out dates, then Priceline will allow you to re-bid on another hotel. This is the main reason why developing a bidding strategy for saving on Priceline hotels is very important.