Fliers Hate Airline Not Government Fees
As much as cheap travel options, such as cheap airplane tickets, discount travel packages, and cheap vacation packages can be threatened by fees being added onto base airline ticket prices, travelers are much more bothered by airline fees than by government fees.
In fact most fliers would not mind paying more government fees, if that would help reduce lines at airports. A recent survey of over 1,000 U.S. travelers found that 60 percent of leisure and business travelers said that they would support government fee increases if the money paid for improvements that would reduce delays at airports.
Government fees ranked as the least frustrating fee or tax imposed on fliers according to this survey which was commissioned by a travel industry trade group. Not surprisingly, the most frustrating fee, according to those surveyed, was the $200 charge that most airlines force passengers to pay to change flight reservations.
The top two things which travelers most dislike about flying were delays (30 percent) and airline fees (26 percent). Government taxes were ranked as the top complaint by only 1 percent of those surveyed.
The airlines industry position, articulated by Airlines for American, the trade group for the country's airlines, strongly opposes recent proposals to increase government fees on airfares. The Association claims that there is no crisis in airport funding that would necessitate a fee hike.
Any increase in government fees on airline tickets will increase ticket prices that it turn will reduce demand for travel and damage tourism, according to the airlines.
The trade group says that the federal government should instead focus its attention on installing a new satellite based tracking control system to replace the radar based system used today by air traffic controllers.
The Next Generation Air Transportation System (referred to as NextGen) is being pushed in part because it is supposed to empower controllers to place more planes on runways and in the air with greater accuracy. The Federal Aviation Administration has been lobbying Congress to pass $1 billion in funding so that the installation of this new system can commence.
http://www.cheapfares.com
Smart Packing Tips
As important as cheap travel options, such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages are to planning an affordable trip, one of the easiest ways to keep your flying costs down is by packing light to avoid baggage fees.
The following are tips on how to keep your bags underweight and fee free from Budget Travel:
€ Limit the number of shoes packed to no more than two pairs: one casual pair and one a little dressier. Pack your shoes on the bottom of the bag and stuff them with socks, belts, and other small items to save space.
€ Pack early since rushed packing frequently results in overpacking. Pack efficiently and assess what you really will need and what can be left behind. Try laying out everything you want to pack and then cut it in half.
€ Leave toiletries behind since your hotel will usually provide such items and if necessary you should be able to easily pick up needed items at a convenience store at your destination. Do not pack a hair dryer, if you are staying at a decent hotel. If you are heading to an exotic destination, such as Cambodia or Cuba, then you might want to check directly with your destination hotel before assuming what will be provided.
€ Pack clothes that match so that you will be able to mix and match everything easily. For example, pack black and white clothes with one accent color. By selecting a single color scheme all your shoes, shirts, pants, and jewelry will coordinate.
€ The best way to save space when packing is to roll your clothes. Rubber bands or Velcro straps are useful in holding everything tight and keeping items from unraveling. Consider packing a small bottle of wrinkle release to smooth out creases in your clothes. Items that you cannot fold such as suits or dresses should be packed in a plastic bag from a dry cleaner since the plastic creates a layer of separation and minimizes wrinkling.
€ Pack clothing that can serve multiple purposes. Consider sleeping in your underwear to avoid packing nightgowns and pajamas. If you need to pack heavier clothing such as jeans and sweaters, be open to re-wearing them. Febreze helps keep clothes smelling fresh.
€ The most efficient way to transport bulking clothing, such as boots, jeans, and sweaters, is by wearing them in layers on the plane.
http://www.cheapfares.com
In fact most fliers would not mind paying more government fees, if that would help reduce lines at airports. A recent survey of over 1,000 U.S. travelers found that 60 percent of leisure and business travelers said that they would support government fee increases if the money paid for improvements that would reduce delays at airports.
Government fees ranked as the least frustrating fee or tax imposed on fliers according to this survey which was commissioned by a travel industry trade group. Not surprisingly, the most frustrating fee, according to those surveyed, was the $200 charge that most airlines force passengers to pay to change flight reservations.
The top two things which travelers most dislike about flying were delays (30 percent) and airline fees (26 percent). Government taxes were ranked as the top complaint by only 1 percent of those surveyed.
The airlines industry position, articulated by Airlines for American, the trade group for the country's airlines, strongly opposes recent proposals to increase government fees on airfares. The Association claims that there is no crisis in airport funding that would necessitate a fee hike.
Any increase in government fees on airline tickets will increase ticket prices that it turn will reduce demand for travel and damage tourism, according to the airlines.
The trade group says that the federal government should instead focus its attention on installing a new satellite based tracking control system to replace the radar based system used today by air traffic controllers.
The Next Generation Air Transportation System (referred to as NextGen) is being pushed in part because it is supposed to empower controllers to place more planes on runways and in the air with greater accuracy. The Federal Aviation Administration has been lobbying Congress to pass $1 billion in funding so that the installation of this new system can commence.
http://www.cheapfares.com
Smart Packing Tips
As important as cheap travel options, such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages are to planning an affordable trip, one of the easiest ways to keep your flying costs down is by packing light to avoid baggage fees.
The following are tips on how to keep your bags underweight and fee free from Budget Travel:
€ Limit the number of shoes packed to no more than two pairs: one casual pair and one a little dressier. Pack your shoes on the bottom of the bag and stuff them with socks, belts, and other small items to save space.
€ Pack early since rushed packing frequently results in overpacking. Pack efficiently and assess what you really will need and what can be left behind. Try laying out everything you want to pack and then cut it in half.
€ Leave toiletries behind since your hotel will usually provide such items and if necessary you should be able to easily pick up needed items at a convenience store at your destination. Do not pack a hair dryer, if you are staying at a decent hotel. If you are heading to an exotic destination, such as Cambodia or Cuba, then you might want to check directly with your destination hotel before assuming what will be provided.
€ Pack clothes that match so that you will be able to mix and match everything easily. For example, pack black and white clothes with one accent color. By selecting a single color scheme all your shoes, shirts, pants, and jewelry will coordinate.
€ The best way to save space when packing is to roll your clothes. Rubber bands or Velcro straps are useful in holding everything tight and keeping items from unraveling. Consider packing a small bottle of wrinkle release to smooth out creases in your clothes. Items that you cannot fold such as suits or dresses should be packed in a plastic bag from a dry cleaner since the plastic creates a layer of separation and minimizes wrinkling.
€ Pack clothing that can serve multiple purposes. Consider sleeping in your underwear to avoid packing nightgowns and pajamas. If you need to pack heavier clothing such as jeans and sweaters, be open to re-wearing them. Febreze helps keep clothes smelling fresh.
€ The most efficient way to transport bulking clothing, such as boots, jeans, and sweaters, is by wearing them in layers on the plane.
http://www.cheapfares.com
Source...