http://www.flyertalk.com/forum Enjoy discussing low-cost travel (hostels, pensiones, camping, bus and train transport, LCCs, charter flights, inexpensive restaurants, etc.) en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:54:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.flyertalk.com/forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1018276-i-thought-i-pretty-good-not.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:53:37 GMT I wish I could post this in the MR discussion forum, where the brainiacs seem to hang out. I always considered myself a fairly good travel planner in terms of $$$$. I use PL, Hotwire, the bidding sites, alternitive airports for better fares... I wish I could post this in the MR discussion forum, where the brainiacs seem to hang out.

I always considered myself a fairly good travel planner in terms of $$$$. I use PL, Hotwire, the bidding sites, alternitive airports for better fares etc.. Friends often ask me for help with their travel plans.

If someone had not taken the time to explain how the "bidding" help sites work, and "free re-bidding", I would not have that "tool" and information to help me.

After reading the fares that are listed in the MR deals and discussions, I realized, I stink. Which gets me really wondering. What should the process really be in finding these fares. DO the finders of these fares write programs that are constantly searching for errors and deals? How, for instance, does a "freak" come accross someones radar.

Currently I'm looking at MEM to CUN or MEM to Kona or Hilo in March. For one MEM stinks as a departure airport. We are certainly willing to fly out of ATL. Where would these MR experts start???? DO they automatically know which airlines serve what routes the cheapest? Do they do a search using the Flexible lLyer tool and search North America to Mexico and see what city has the cheapest fare, and try and route through there?? Also, how does one know if adding a FD is worth doing? I also go to ITAsoftware and search too. One thing I cant figure out is the KVS tool.

I dont mind spending a lot of time doing the work, if I only knew a better way to search or hints or suggetions that I am missing. Any help would be great! ]]> Budget Travel stan1162 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1018276-i-thought-i-pretty-good-not.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1018204-sleeping-chennai-maa-airport.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:24:19 GMT Dear all,

I have a layover from midnight until around 10am the next day at Chennai airport. Are there any convenient places to sleep at the airport without having to leave the transit area? Also, I did a quick search but didn't find any transit or airport hotels directly on site. Are there any?

Thanks! ]]> Budget Travel crimson2k6 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1018204-sleeping-chennai-maa-airport.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017759-plan-advance-vs-book-i-go.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:10:09 GMT I planning some extended world travel and keep wavering back and forth between booking multiple flights in advance or just booking one way tickets as I go. I like the freedom that the latter option gives me, but want to end up paying top dollar. ... I planning some extended world travel and keep wavering back and forth between booking multiple flights in advance or just booking one way tickets as I go. I like the freedom that the latter option gives me, but want to end up paying top dollar. Any thoughts or personal experiences on this subject to share? I appreciate any and all input.

Also, has anyone ever worked with a travel agency that specializes in long term/multi-stop travel (such as airtreks.com)? They promise huge savings over doing the booking myself. Any truth to this, or is it just a sales pitch?

So much info out there. My head is kinda spinning...

Thanks,

DS ]]> Budget Travel ds2387 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017759-plan-advance-vs-book-i-go.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017719-ot-ryan-air-hassle-trouble-ltn.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:27:39 GMT Mods: I've cleared this topic with Prospero before posting it here.

Folks,

I seek your advice and perspective on an issue that was told to me by a friend of mine last evening while also serving as a stern reminder to ANYONE considering flying with Ryan Air.

My friend had a booking from LTN to somewhere in Morocco via Ryan Air. She holds a Canadian passport however she was traveling along with a friend holding an EU passport. As some might know already, Ryan Air requires all non-EU pax to present themselves at the check in counter for a documentation check before proceeding to the gate which is fair enough.

Problem is, they do not really go out of their way to warn the affected pax to the situation. They still allow them to check in online and there really is no warning on the online boarding pass to say so. There is however notice under NEWS UPDATES that does warn of the procedure.

Long story short, she and her companion arrive at LTN 2 hours early. Go through security, reach the gate and sit until called up for boarding about 30 minutes out and of course lo and behold, she is denied boarding! They do not even bother telling her of the shortcut from the gate to the check in area and send her dragging her carry on all the way through the maze that LTN is back to check in desk however by the time she gets the stupid stamp and goes through security again, they both lose their flight. The kicker? They were not the only ones! Apparently 5 just on that specific flight fell through the same crack and based on the statements by some LTN airport security folks it appears this is a fairly common occurrence and I quote " [it] happens every other day!".

Ryan Air's solution for the stranded pax? Simple! Not only they would NOT refund the original ticket even though at least part of the fault lies with their idiotic system and arrangement, but they also force them to pay up another €100 each, be stranded and arrange accommodations at one's expense. Needless to say, the documentation on all of the pax was fine and they were allowed to board the next day for the same destination.

Now, I've never flown with Ryan Air, however I have flown extensively all over the world and even in the most chaotic airports (such as IKA or IST) when there is an issue as such, the airline tries to accommodate the passenger and does its best for them NOT lose their flight but in this case it appears as if Ryan Air is going out of their way to make sure some people DO miss their flights. The requirement to make sure all non EU pax can ONLY be cleared by one person only holding a magic stamp is just comical. That very same person (or similarly trained) could easily be doing just that at the gate, so this really makes me question Ryan Air's motives specially when they allow non-EU pax to go through the online check in process.

Furthermore, it is generally my understanding that (at least in North America) the airline usually re-books the pax at the next available flight when such technicalities do arise.

I am going to conclude based on all the evidence and research I did on this matter (a couple of similar complaints regarding a missing stamp/yellow slip on FT) that Ryan Air is obviously fully aware of the ramifications of this security requirement ruse and in fact it is intentionally creating and using a loophole for the sole purpose of making extra profit off stranded pax.

Question to all members familiar with the UK aviation laws:

A- Where can my friend file a complaint regarding the issue? Specifically which government body in the UK and/or in the EU oversees air line regulations and deals th such problems?

B- Can they refuse a pax who showed up on time for boarding and used the airlines online check-in system boarding, not refund the ticket AND further require a new ticket to rebook to the same destination? ]]> Budget Travel payam81 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017719-ot-ryan-air-hassle-trouble-ltn.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017711-chicago-san-diego-jan-buy-now-wait.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:59:12 GMT Hello, all. I don't post here much (though I enjoy reading), but I'm looking for some advice. I want to go from Chicago (either ORD or MDW) to San Diego during the first week of January, hopefully leaving Jan 1 or 2, and coming back Jan 7 or 8. I've been looking around and the best I can see is around $330 or so... at the moment.

Talking to people, some say I should buy ASAP, while others say it might be worth waiting until after Thanksgiving. Bing Travel says prices will come down, but I'm not sure if I trust that.

I guess its about six weeks before the potential trip, which is right around when I usually buy. But I'm hoping to get some advice to sway me in either direction.

Thanks very much!!! ^ ]]> Budget Travel Achtung http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017711-chicago-san-diego-jan-buy-now-wait.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017487-any-cheap-flights-san-kwi.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:38:59 GMT I am looking for cheap flights from SAN-KWI and back for 05-24-2010 and back on 07-10-2010. Any ideas? I am looking for cheap flights from SAN-KWI and back for 05-24-2010 and back on 07-10-2010. Any ideas? ]]> Budget Travel mohammad034 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017487-any-cheap-flights-san-kwi.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017350-relocating-used-cars-west-europe-east-russia.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:05:09 GMT I've heard a number of stories about how in the past people would be paid to drive a used car from West Europe (typically Germany) to East Europe/Russia.

Does anyone know if this is still possible and whether there's demand for this? I'd quite like to spend a few months in Europe, and this seems like it could be a cost-effective way to see it, especially as I prefer driving myself to public transport. ]]> Budget Travel michaelta http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017350-relocating-used-cars-west-europe-east-russia.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017065-last-minute-holiday-indecision.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:13:57 GMT Hello,

We have a 2-3 week vacation coming up over the upcoming new year's holiday (between 19/12 and 10/1), and have yet to figure out where to go without breaking the bank.

We are leaving from Paris. With the cold days now upon us, we would like to be able to get to a warm destination, while at the same time trying to escape the European holiday crowds.

We have a preference for SE Asia (with Cambodia and Laos being two favourites), but as fares to the local gateways (BKK, SIN, KUL) have been going through the roof, we would be open to other options.

Any suggestions or ideas on where to go and how to keep our costs down ?

Thanks in advance,
Yann ]]> Budget Travel yann http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1017065-last-minute-holiday-indecision.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1016222-cost-checked-baggage.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:33:21 GMT sorry guys, this is probably a silly question for you Americans, but coming for Europe, where most airlines allow each person a free checked bag (unless the very low cost ones) i need to know about the airlines in the US. as i understand most of... sorry guys, this is probably a silly question for you Americans, but coming for Europe, where most airlines allow each person a free checked bag (unless the very low cost ones) i need to know about the airlines in the US.

as i understand most of the US airlines charge the checked in baggage fees (for domestic destinations), except for Jetblue.

I am trying to choose my tickets from FLL to LAS and then to NYC, and was wondering.. if i buy a one way ticket FLL to LAS (with a stopover in some other city) with AA for example, will i have to pay for each checked in bag once i hope ??

thanks in advance ]]> Budget Travel zik013 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1016222-cost-checked-baggage.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1016033-air-asia-free-seats-promotion-pay-taxes-only.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:36:30 GMT Air asia is having another one of those free seats promotions. Pay only the taxes. FREE SEATS PROMO (http://www.airasia.com/site/sg/en/page.jsp?reference=fs) Their site is hammered at the moment. Air asia is having another one of those free seats promotions. Pay only the taxes. FREE SEATS PROMO Their site is hammered at the moment. ]]> Budget Travel aaron1262 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1016033-air-asia-free-seats-promotion-pay-taxes-only.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1016010-need-cheap-ticket-bos-las.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:30:56 GMT Didn't want this deal to go to waste.

I'll be traveling to Las Vegas Dec 10 - 13th, and as part of the USAirways promotion I can get up to two extra tickets for only $99. A friend will be using one ticket, but if you (or a friend) is up for a Vegas adventure, I can buy you a ticket. However, in order to get the deal you have to fly my exact itinerary.

Things you can look forward to:
- Blinky lights
- That lion that mauled Roy
- Champagne in/around your mouth
- Various sinful activities

I need to know if you can go in the next couple days. Cost of the (non-stop) ticket is $99 round-trip plus tax. My ticket costs ~$400 and the other ticket is $99, so dividing the cost evenly you will pay $200 in total. Cheapest on kayak is between $300-400 with stops, so you are saving about 50% for a faster flight.

Depart: BOS Thursday @ 6PM
Return: LAS Sunday @ 8AM ]]> Budget Travel gleitz http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1016010-need-cheap-ticket-bos-las.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015868-bye-bye-basel.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:49:55 GMT Just heard on local radio that Ryanair are pulling out of Basel airport from 2 December 2009. Just heard on local radio that Ryanair are pulling out of Basel airport from 2 December 2009. ]]> Budget Travel Alsacienne http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015868-bye-bye-basel.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015417-ws-yyj-cun-210-i.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:42:54 GMT on usually a very expensive route. Rules: Victoria, BC (YYJ) to Cancun, MX (CUN) XCRNBND: One way instant purchase fares X, for one way fares Category 4: Flights from/to CANADA for -RNBND type fares Ws flight 2153 ws flight 2803 ws... on usually a very expensive route. Rules:

Victoria, BC (YYJ) to Cancun, MX (CUN)


XCRNBND: One way instant purchase fares X, for one way fares

Category 4: Flights
from/to CANADA for -RNBND type fares Ws flight 2153 ws flight 2803 ws flight 2175 ws flight 2581 ws flight 2801 ws flight 2313 ws flight 2511 ws flight 2639 ws flight 2041 ws flight 2409 ws flight 2501 ws flight 2205 ws flight 2411 ws flight 2811 ws flight 2201 ws flight 2405 ws flight 2207 ws flight 2161 ws flight 2453 ws flight 2289 ws flight 2403 ws flight 2755 ws flight 2653 ws flight 2407 ws flight 2669 ws flight 2509 ws flight 2821 ws flight 2617 ws flight 2303 ws flight 1875 ws flight 2805 ws flight 2163 ws flight 2903 ws flight 2813 ws flight 2413 ws flight 2831 ws flight 2057 ws flight 2507 ws flight 2451 ws flight 2165 ws flight 2419.

Category 5: ReservationsTicketing
Unless otherwise specified Reservations are required for all sectors. Standby permitted for earlier/later same day flights otherwise waitlist and standby not permitted. Ticketing must be completed by 1159PM on the day reservations are made or the minute of departure whichever is earlier. Note - Guests will be permitted to standby on an earlier flight at the airport to the same destination and on the same calendar day for a fee if the guest has already checked-in baggage for their original flight they will not be permitted to early show -------------------------------------------------- A guest will be handled as a late show guest if they present themselves at the airport or call the westjet call centre within two hours of the time their original flight departed. A late show guest will be listed standby on the next available flight to their original destination and charged the applicable fee. The next available flight may be the next day or later

Category 14: TravelRestrictions
Unless otherwise specified Valid for travel commencing on/after 06DEC 09 and on/ before 12DEC 09. All travel must be completed by midnight on 12DEC 09.

Category 15: SalesRestrictions
Unless otherwise specified Tickets must be issued on/before 12NOV 09.

Category 16: Penalties
Unless otherwise specified Cancellations Before departure ticket is non-refundable. Note - Cancellations are allowed up to 2 hours before departure. Reservations cancelled less than 2 hours before departure are not creditable or refundable. --------------------------- To cancel a booking there is a cad/usd 50.00 fee per person and the remainder of the funds are deposited into a credit file valid for travel with westjet for 1 year from the time of cancellation. Changes Before departure charge cad 50.00/usd 50.00. Note - Changes are allowed up to 2 hours before departure. Reservations changed less than 2 hours before departure are not creditable or refundable. --------------------------- Changes are subject to a cad/usd50.00 fee plus the upgrade in fare per person. --------------------------- For voluntary changes use fares currently in effect today. For unchanged fare components keep the already ticketed fare. If a residual exists after the cad/usd 50.00 fee is assessed the remaining funds are deposited into a credit file valid for travel with westjet for 1 year from the time of the change. Changes/cancellations Ticket is non-refundable in case of no-show. Changes/cancellations permitted. Note - 24 hour change / Cancel promise no charge for changes or cancellations made 24 hours after reservations are made. Guest is responsible for the cost of upgrade in fare amount if applicable. If a residual exists the full amount will be refunded to the original form of payment.

Category 31: VoluntaryChange
Unless otherwise specified In the event of changes to ticketed flights for infant without a seat anytime certain domestic reissue provisions may be overridden by those of WS international fares no charge or highest fee of any changed fare component within journey and reprice a. Changed fare components use fares in effect today b. All others use currently tktd fare provided all of the following conditions are met- 1. No change to fare breaks up to the first changed fare component 2. Fully flown fare not repriced to further point 3. Change is no later than 2 hours before original scheduled flight 4. WS fares are used 5. When same fare used - All rule and booking code provisions are met except adv res-tktg - Otherwise all provisions must be met 6. Adv res is measured from reissue date to departure of pricing unit when change results in lower fare subtract residual from the penalty then add-collect/refund - Refund via original form of payment endorsement box- higher non-ref amt and new endorsements. Or - For adult anytime certain domestic reissue provisions may be overridden by those of WS international fares charge cad 50.00/usd 50.00 or highest fee of any changed fare component within journey and reprice a. Changed fare components use fares in effect today b. All others use currently tktd fare provided all of the following conditions are met- 1. No change to fare breaks up to the first changed fare component 2. Fully flown fare not repriced to further point 3. Change is no later than 2 hours before original scheduled flight 4. WS fares are used 5. When same fare used - All rule and booking code provisions are met except adv res-tktg - Otherwise all provisions must be met 6. Adv res is measured from reissue date to departure of pricing unit when change results in lower fare subtract residual from the penalty then add-collect/refund - Refund via original form of payment endorsement box- higher non-ref amt and new endorsements. Or - For adult anytime changes not permitted. ]]> Budget Travel libuser http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015417-ws-yyj-cun-210-i.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015372-paris-hotel-suggestions.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:20:45 GMT I am looking for a low cost hotel in Paris. Flying in either Feb or March 2010. Will only consider a youth hostel if there is a private room and shower/toilet. BF thinks I can find a nice and safe place in a hotel without killing my bank account. 3... I am looking for a low cost hotel in Paris. Flying in either Feb or March 2010. Will only consider a youth hostel if there is a private room and shower/toilet. BF thinks I can find a nice and safe place in a hotel without killing my bank account. 3 or 4 night stay.

Is it possible to stay at less than $100USD a night?

I am open to all areas in the city. I am currently looking at the "Let's Go: Paris" and "Rick Steves" books.

Any other book suggestions?

The airfare is covered by OpenSkies BD contest....yippee! ]]> Budget Travel happymom2008 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015372-paris-hotel-suggestions.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015104-ryan-air-passport-check-non-eu-pax.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:11:21 GMT What is the purpose of Ryanair checking non-eu pax passports and boarding passes before security? Is it to check the passport against the boarding pass? Is it to check that the persons nationality enables them to travel to the onward destination? Or... What is the purpose of Ryanair checking non-eu pax passports and boarding passes before security? Is it to check the passport against the boarding pass? Is it to check that the persons nationality enables them to travel to the onward destination? Or is it to check the visa status of the country they are departing from? ]]> Budget Travel lililondon http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budget-travel/1015104-ryan-air-passport-check-non-eu-pax.html