Looking for a spa service different than the usual massage, facial, or wrap? These three treatments, available in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area in Arizona, are just that. Each appeals to those willing to consider that the universe offers truths and powers that can be enlisted and drawn upon, if we’re open to it. With me so far? Okay, cue the New Age music, and I’ll tell you more.
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No one said that merging two of the biggest U.S. carriers was going to be easy; it isn’t. Frequent travelers who live near Northwest and Delta hubs might be excused for smiling as United and Continental travelers deal with some of the issues they dealt with a couple years ago.

The biggest issue right now is which airline’s equipment and crew is actually operating any given flight. The two airlines have been code-sharing for some time. Last year United began putting an asterisk on Continental-operated flights with United flight numbers. Anyone booking such a flight should have in theory seen a line underneath saying “operated by Continental.”

This year, many more flights have United flight numbers, but no asterisk. These flight displays say “Operated by United Airlines,” but still say in fine print, “check in with Continental.”
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SFO Opens First of Its Kind “Yoga Room” in T2

Going through airport security can be stressful, especially if you have been picked for secondary screening. If you are at San Francisco International’s terminal 2, you can unwind before your flight by stopping in the new Yoga Room,

“When we began to remodel Terminal 2, one of our goals was not just to bring the glamour back to air travel, but to also make the entire experience less stressful and more enjoyable,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “With the opening of the Yoga Room, SFO has taken another giant leap forward in providing our travelers the opportunity and space to relax and decompress on their own terms.”

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We’ve all seen that “great deal” airline ad, only to discover that with surcharges, taxes and fees, the great deal is not-so-great. Starting today, when airline consumers see an advertised price of $500 that will be the price they pay. (Of course, there will still be some additional irritating “optional” fees like baggage charges, seat reservations, etc.)

Here is a synopsis of new rule changes that came into effect in phases this Tuesday and today affecting airfares and airline fees.
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What we’re reading: Airliner automation, Iberia pilots to strike again, airlines cuts in usage due to fuel costs

Airliner automation — the good and bad, Iberia pilots to strike again, airlines cuts in fuel usage due to costs

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International travelers: Watch for a check in the mail!

If you used a US-issued VISA or MasterCard, or a VISA or MasterCard-branded ATM card, to make purchases or withdraw cash in foreign currency between 1996 and 2006, look for a check like the one below in your mail this week. Mine was delivered yesterday, so yours might have been delivered a few days ago, [...]

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Spirit twists the truth — when is telling the truth deceptive?

There is a new regulation coming into effect, “Don’t mislead passengers.” Let’s call it the “truth in advertising” rule. Understandably, the airlines are incensed. Spirit Airlines is leading the charge. How dare the government mandate that they tell the truth. After decades of being allowed to mislead the public and bury taxes and fees in the fine print, being forced to be honest doesn’t come easily.

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Costa Concordia sinking leaves other cruise ship passengers alarmed — and out of luck

“I’m 82, and I couldn’t have made it off the ship without help,” she says. Reading about the Concordia crew’s alleged unpreparedness for disaster has made her nervous about her February cruise to the Bahamas on the Carnival Magic. Can she cancel her trip now that she is fearful?

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What we’re reading: Air Transat disinfected after Cuba flight, ANA 787 service, Delta diverts polar flights

Air Transat disinfected after Cuba flight where passengers became ill, ANA begins 787 long-haul service, Delta diverts polar flights to avoid solar storms

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6 questions to ponder before booking a Hawaiian vacation

Six questions travelers should ask themselves before they get started with booking a trip to Hawaii, either when booking themselves with an online booking site or working with a travel agent.

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