New TSA Security Regulations

Here is an excellent article from Frommers.com that details the changes in play this week including what to expect, new TSA procedures, and tips for getting through security with the least delay.

Important note:  Although the news media have been reporting that all passengers must remain in their seats for the last hour of a flight (with nothing in their laps and no access to overhead bins), this new procedure is for international flights only. When flying within the USA, regulations have remained pretty much unchanged.

New IRS Mileage Rate for 2010

Usually at this time of year everyone anticipates a hike in the IRS mileage rate.  Surprise!!  In 2010 the rate is going down – the 55 cent allowance for 2009 is being lowered to 50 cents per mile.  The IRS predicts a generally lower transportation cost for the coming year than for last year.  Let’s hope they’re right.

At Last – New Aviation Regulations For Flight Delays

In the midst of all the noise about health care reform and the crush of preparing for the holidays, you may have missed the good news about the new federal aviation regulations that limit the time airline passengers can be delayed on tarmacs to 3 hours.  No longer will you risk being held hostage on a cramped plane filled with crying babies and overflowing restrooms for untold hours with no access to adequate facilities.

Under the new regulations, aircraft are permitted to stay on the tarmac waiting for clearence to take off for up to 3 hours and then must return to the terminal so passengers have access to bathrooms, food, phones and other services.  After 2 hours ‘on the tarmac’ passengers must be provided with food and drink, and medical attention if required.  While airline representatives claim these new regulations will lead to further delays, passengers are breathing a giant sigh of relief.  I was shocked to read that during the first 6 months of 2009, 613 planes were delayed on tarmacs for more than 3 hours.  The new regulations also carry some teeth – fines of $27,500 per passenger for each violation over the 3 hour limit.

Will there be unintended consequenses?  Perhaps.  But at least airline passengers won’t be held captive with no control and no one to look after their physical well-being any longer.  To me this is definitely a step in the right direction at last!

Romantic Rome For The Weekend $399!

This sale from Alitalia really grabbed our attention!  Imagine spending a romantic weekend strolling the cobbled streets and lanes of Rome with your heart’s desire. Stop for a cappuccino here, pick up a chic leather handbag there, oh new butter soft leather gloves? – well of course!…, and then let’s meander into a gelaterie to indulge our inner childhood cravings – I’m ready to start packing right now, aren’t you?!  Alitalia is offering this package departing from New York on February 4th (early Valentine’s Day surpise anyone?) with 3 nights hotel, breakfast daily, and airline fuel charges included.  (Note, the airport taxes are not included).  Departures from other cities and dates are available at somewhat higher prices.  Jump right on this deal – the available seats won’t last long!!!

5Nt Disney World Family Vacation Only $699pp From JetBlue

JetBlue has some fantastic vacation deals out there for travel this winter.  One of the best is a family vacation to Disney World Florida for the low price of $699 per person. The “Magic Your Way” package”  includes air from New York (other cities available), 5 nights Disney All Star Movie Resort hotel (Quad occupancy), 5 day Magic Your Way base tickets, plus a $300 Disney Gift Card.  The package will be offered through March 27, 2010, and travel be completed by June 3, 2010.  They even take the job worries away, by promising if you purchase this package and then involuntarily lose your full-time job, you can apply for a refund.  Visit JetBlue Vacations for all the fun details!

A Holiday Gift From British Airways – We’re On Strike!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday – just not with us, seems to be the message from British Airways. A union vote yesterday authorized a strike to begin on December 22nd and run through January 2, 2010. If you have booked flights on British Airways during those dates, we would strongly recommend contacting British Airways to see if your flights can be moved to another carrier.

12/17 Update – A British court has issued an injunction against the strike.  British Air says it will be flying as usual during the holidays.  Maybe… let’s hope so.

Don’t Book A Resort Hotel Without Checking Oyster.com First!

In the world of  websites that provide hotel information and customer reviews, Oyster.com stands out like a gleaming gem! If you haven’t found Oyster.com yet…. you’re going to love it.  Oyster.com provides what sites like Trip Advisor have been missing – a consistent, trusted and candid voice.  When you read an Oyster review, you know it hasn’t been written by the property’s PR firm, someone who rarely travels, or a cranky and unrealistic traveler.  All of Oyster’s in-depth reviews are written by trained journalists who take hundreds of photos during their stay.  Hotels cannot pay to be reviewed, offer compensation to the journalist, or influence the review in any way.

Oyster.com has a team of experienced travelers who stay at hotel properties (unannounced and anonymous), to bring you an unbiased assessment of the resort.  I love their feature, Fakeouts Revealed!  In Fakeouts, you’ll see the fancy brochure or website photo, accompanied by an undoctored photo of the REAL property.  Take a look at this Jamaica resort gym.  Instead of being oceanside, it looks like you’ll be pumping iron in the windowless basement!  If you want to know if that resort pool is really glamorous, or just a cement plunge pool, be sure to visit Oyster.com before booking your reservation.  Read more

Power Up A Snowcat And Take It For A Spin At Crested Butte Colorado

Have you loved big brawny machines since childhood and always wished you could climb behind the wheel and power it up?  Well the folks at Crested Butte Colorado understand completely and are ready to make your big hauling dreams come true with their Snowcat Driving Experience. Started in March 2009, the Snowcat Experience teams vacationers with an experienced Cat Driver/Groomer for in-depth instruction on the basics of driving snowcats, grooming, pushing snow and experiencing the trill of running a big snow machine.

The session begins with classroom safety and operational instruction.  Then it’s off to meet the Cat with a complete walk around introduction to the parts and functions of the machine.  Time to hop behind the controls for the driving fun you’ve been waiting for – an hour of snowcat drive time with your personal instructor.

The Snowcat Driving Experience is offered twice at day (at 10am and 2pm) on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday during the ski season at the cost of $275, which includes transportation from the Lodge at Mountaineer Square.  Families are welcome to watch the driving experience from an on-site tent.  And this excitement is for adults only – participants must be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license.

For the friend or family member “who has everyting”, this may be the winter thrill they’ve been waiting for!

Sports and Entertainment Tickets At HUGE Discounts

Have you seen the latest Nationwide Sale alert from Travel Zoo.com?  WOW!

How does up to 80% off NBA tickets sound?  You could see the Utah Jazz for $25 for two tickets, plus a $10 Fanzz Gift Card.  Or the Golden State Warriors play the Phoenix Suns on 12/26 for $15, a 60% discount!! Or perhaps the Chicago Bulls play the Lakers at 50% off?   Have a look at the full list – your team is sure to be included.    For everyone who loves and misses Baseball, you can purchase advance Baseball tickets at up to 50% off.  Amazing!

Theater lovers rejoice -  there are popular Broadway Shows at 30-50% off.  Bring the kids to Shrek The Musical for just $41.50 per ticket.  There’s Stomp at 40% off or Finian’s Rainbow at a 50% discount.  Or jump out to Las Vegas  for shows and event tickets (over 20 of them) at up to 50% off.  Theater companies clearly just want to fill those seats!!

And for just about everyone and anyone on your Christmas List – here’s a true GEM from Restaurants.com – Gift Cards at up to 80% off!! Here’s the breakdown – buy a $25 card for only $10, or $50 for $20, $75 for 30, or $100 for just $40.  The cards are accepted at over 13,000 restaurants nationwide.  Maybe your stocks are in the tank and gas is through the roof, but at least you’re getting a very big bang for your dining dollars!  Get all the gift card details at Restaurants.com

So fill those stockings with lots and lots of half-priced tickets this year!!

Kayak Launches New Tool To Keep All Your Travel Organized

The folks at Kayak.com have added a great new service to help keep all your travel reservations and information in one place. Kayak’s free itinerary magagement tool lets you consolidate all your travel elements in one file by forwarding reservation confirmations to your Kayak account.  Kayak Trips will keep track of your airline hotel & car rental reservations, as well as maps, events and other information in one single document.  It also offers one-click itinerary sharing, calendar integration and travel alerts.  iPhone and other mobile apps will be launching soon.  This is definitely one more reason to love Kayak.com!

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