Airlines Want You to Fly with Them!

Airlines are now pulling all stops to get your business. They are coming up with creative marketing campaigns to get your business and create some buzz.

A few weeks ago we had Ryanair announce that they were considering charging passengers for using restrooms on their planes. It definitely got people talking. In the end it turned out that it was a ‘joke’ and Ryanair launched a competition via their website offering people 1000 euros for the most creative ‘extra charge.’ So far people have suggested charging for toilet paper and charging people for the luxury of reading safety cards.

Another Irish airline Aer Lingus created some buzz about it’s no hidden extras by offering 999 people two free flights if they were willing to bare all. Another sign of the times they promoted this via Twitter and Facebook on a first come, first served basis. Over 2000 people registered.

Asian carrier AirAsia have launched So You Wanna be a Pilot? campaign. They are offering a wannabe pilot the chance to work for them. All you have to do is log onto their blog and write about why you should be given the opportunity to work for them.  The aim of these campaigns is to get people talking and this is what it is doing! Check out this blog entry! that talks about the Air Asia campaign.

Well it certainly got us talking! Mission accomplished airlines! I wonder what they will come up with next. Better keep my eye on the latest airline news!

Gotta Fly? Now’s the Best Time to Book

For travelers looking forward to take flight in the coming months now is the time for you to book that flight. Airfares for many routes haven’t been this low for at least a year. Some fares have even dropped less than half as compared to prices last winter. Also, they are far less than they were last summer.

As the airlines are more eager to fill their seats during recession, now is the best time for bargain-hunters to grab the lowest fares they have been looking for. The question, however, is how long the discounts will last or whether cash-strapped consumers have enough money to take advantage of them. According to Aviation consultant Michael Boyd, since airlines are cutting flights, travelers will be able to get best bargains if they “book now and book quick”.

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Airlines Say Holiday Season Bookings Still Strong

Many airlines expect that this holiday-season, the planes will be as full or fuller as last year. The reason for this is not the increase in the number of bookings but rather it’s the capacity cuts by the airlines, a decision that was made when fuel prices were soaring. In fact, travelers who haven’t reserved their seats for the holidays could find it more difficult and expensive than usual to find the flights they want, when they want them.

As opposed to earlier, fuller planes does not mean the rise in the number of passengers flying. Although several hotels are making lucrative offers to holiday travelers, it seems that it may be a real challenge for ski resorts and sunny vacation destinations to attract travelers who have now turned more budget-conscious because of the uncertain economy.

According to Arne Haak, chief financial officer of AirTran Airways, ‘AirTran Holdings Inc. — has not seen a slowdown in bookings over the holidays’. The situation is much similar with the Atlanta-based Delta whose domestic advance bookings for the holidays show stronger occupancy rates on a year-over-year basis.

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Domestic Airfares Likely to Drop in ‘09

The American Express Co annual business travel forecast for 2009 predicted that a weaker economy may lead to slower growth in demand for air travel in North America, making a slight decrease in air fares possible. The weakening demand and the occupancy rates along with restrictions on business travel by companies may also lead to a hike in the hotel rates.

American Express predicts that short-haul economy-class air fares in North America in 2009 could fall up to 3 percent or rise by no more than 5 percent, and that international business class fares will rise by between 1 and 6 percent. The forecast expects mid-range hotel rates in North America to rise by no more than 6 percent or fall by up to 1 percent.

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Choosing a Good Travel Luggage

Choosing the Right Luggage

Choosing a quality luggage is a quite a tedious task. Isn’t it? Well, like many other who travel frequently, getting a good carry-on is highly desirable. Getting quickly through the security check or traveling lightly can only be possible if you have a right luggage, one which is easier to carry. Another, important consideration is that your bag should have the exact dimensions prescribed in the airline policies.

Before selecting any kind of bag, take a little time to find about the most popular luggage choice. What defines a quality luggage is its strength and durability to last longer, at least for several years. It is better to shell out a little extra on a durable luggage than to get a poorly made luggage for cheap.

Another thing that you might consider is whether to opt for a wheeled- luggage or to go in for a backpack. A wheeled luggage is usually meant for long trips, they also have a luggage handles that helps you to easily carry your luggage over long distances. On the other hand, a the biggest advantage of backpack is that it leaves your hands free and allows you to carry other luggage.

Always keep in mind that you choose a luggage that carter to your travel needs. Besides this, what’s even more important is the warranty and repair (or replacement) policy offered by the seller. If you come across brands offering repair or replacement for the damage caused by an accident, do not hesitate to buy their products.