Free Things On Planes

From shrinking seats to ever-dwindling in-flight amenities, the airline industry really earns its tightfisted reputation. But if you know what to ask for, you’ll find that in-flight offerings are not quite as stingy as they seem. We asked author and former flight attendant Beth Blair for her tips on the free extras and services only available to those who know to ask.

So next time you’re hit with a headache onboard or have a thirst that’s going to take more than a glorified Dixie cup of soda to quench, know you can ask for—and most likely receive—a little onboard assistance.

Find out what other free things on planes you can get!

Saving on Summer Airfare

Chaotic schedules often lead to fantasies of summer vacation. The same schedules typically result in putting off planning said getaways. Now that summer’s upon us, the question arises – is it too late to book a vacation? It’s a reasonable concern, seeing as many airlines have few seats left during the summer months, particularly for prime vacation destinations. Another daunting consideration – prices for the seats that do exist.

The good news – it’s possible to take a summer break without breaking the bank.

When compiling its summer travel research, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics focused on the period of time beginning the Thursday before Memorial Day and ending the Wednesday after Labor Day. Based on its own research, the online metasearch siteKayak has found August to be the least expensive month for summer travels.

Read the rest of the article on Saving on Summer Airfare

Pet Peaves About Air Travel

Even the most even-tempered person can get annoyed while flying in moving metal with 100+ other people. Here is a varied collection of pet peeves and wry observations — along with some polite disagreements and a handful of explanations. Many thanks to the contributors, who shall remain anonymous.

The 8 biggest gripes:

“Seatback in the upright position.” Scores of people asked, “Is a lousy two-inch pitch really going to make much of a difference during takeoff and landing?” (See answer, below.)

Security. My original column came at the height of the London bomb scare, unleashing a torrent of complaints about the new no-liquids policy and the goons rifling through your bags. And why, people asked, can duty-free shops continue to sell items that their clueless customers cannot take on the airplane?

In-flight “snacks. “Why bother to give out half-ounce packages?” asked one reader. “I counted, and there were only eight peanuts in a package. I saved mine so as not to spoil my dinner that night.”

Click here for the rest of the pet peeves about air travel

100 Things To Do Before You Die, 1-50

In a sense, this is a bucket list for traveling, so why not take a look. In fact, if you’re brave enough, maybe you’ll take on the 100 things to do before you die challenge!

Take a look for yourself here!

Airline Seats Based On Mood

Russia Warns About Volcano Eruption

Russia Warns About Volcano Eruption

Moscow – The Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) has issued an advisory to airlines, urging them to avoid flying over the Kamchatka mountains where four volcanoes have become more active.

Read the full story here!

Read Our Latest Landing Gear-February 2013 | Insurance Services of America

Read Our Latest Landing Gear-February 2013 | Insurance Services of America

Read it here!

All About Kumbh Mela (world’s biggest religious festival)

All About Kumbh Mela!

Once every 12 years, tens of millions of pilgrims stream to the small northern city of Allahabad from across India for the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Grand Pitcher Festival, at the point where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet with a third, mythical river.

Officials believe that over the next two months as many as 100 million people will pass through the temporary city that covers an area larger than Athens on a wide sandy river bank. That would make it larger even than previous festivals.

Click here for the article>>

Advice For Future Exchange Students

Temporary Visitors to the U.S.

From Travel.State.Gov

International visitors add greatly to our nation’s cultural, education and economic life. We continue the proud tradition of welcoming visitors to the United States, with secure borders and open doors.

Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the United States (U.S.) without a visa if they meet certain requirements.All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa; otherwise a U.S. visa is required. See important information about additional digital photograph and e-passport requirements for VWP travelers. Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant visa. Read More »