Posts tagged as:

family travel

British Airways to start charging for all advance seat assignments

by Janice Hough on September 25, 2009

Most major airlines have figured out the cash cow of selling some of their better seat assignments. Now British Airways is going them one better, by in most cases charging for all pre-assigned seating

As usual, this change is being announced as “giving you more control.” For the general public, British Airways has only pre-assigned seats for full fare tickets. All passengers travelling on discounted tickets, even discounted business class tickets, must wait until 24 hours in advance. And that option has been only available to passengers who check in online.

Starting October 7, 2009, any passenger can get a pre-assigned seat at any time, up until the online check-on opens. If they pay for it. The cost for a transatlantic flight in economy (World Traveller) or premiim economy (World Travel USD $30 each way. Passengers on discounted business class tickets will pay $90.

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4 advantages of flying with summer “amateur” travelers

by Janice Hough on September 4, 2009

For frequent travelers, Labor Day generally seems brings a little more sanity back to the flying experience. Families are largely gone, along with the teenagers flying on their own, and the once-or-twice-a-year vacation travelers. Actually, traveling with these “amateurs” does have its advantages. Seriously.

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Minimum connecting time and other dreams

by Janice Hough on August 24, 2009

Someone once said that “Minimum Connecting Time” is the amount of time it takes an Olympic sprinter to get between gates with no luggage.

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Top 10 cruise ships for children

by Anita Dunham-Potter on July 3, 2009

Anita Dunham-Potter A cruise vacation is a great way to travel as a family since many elements of the trip are conveniently wrapped up into one stress-free package. The value aspect is precisely why cruising continues to attract more families and keep them coming back for more. It’s no surprise then that cruise lines are investing heavily in more family-friendly features and innovations in their youth programs. Here are the top 10 ships kids love.

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Embassy Suites joins the not-so-suite club

by Janice Hough on May 21, 2009

Who doesn’t like a suite in a hotel room? It’s not just the space, but the ability to close a door and separate the bedroom from the rest of the room can make a huge difference.

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Should airlines create a new “Family class” section?

by Peggy Shinn on March 3, 2009

rockpillowsPeggy dreams of Family Class. On these planes, the rear third would be a wide-open bouncy-castle-type space. No seats, no seat belts, no luggage racks. Nothing but four walls, a floor, and a ceiling full of soft, poofy air. Turbulence? All the more fun as it helps kids bounce higher.

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10 tips for traveling with kids

by Karen Fawcett on March 2, 2009

Family travel is on the ascent and there are more package deals targeting all ages than ever before. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be prepared. It can make or break a trip.

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Flying with family? 7 holiday tips

by Janice Hough on November 24, 2008

Holidays can be stressful, and air travel doesn’t make them any easier. Here are seven things to consider before leaving for the airport.

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The FAA and the sound of silence on family travel

by Janice Hough on August 5, 2008

Back in 1996, the FAA, after much research and discussion, announced that it would NOT require the use of child safety seats for children under two on airplanes because of the minimal safety risk to families, saying, “the risk for fatalities and injuries to families is significantly greater on the roads than in airplanes.”

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Families get their own security lane

by Jon Surmacz on March 3, 2008

The Transportation Security Administration, roundly mocked (fairly or unfairly) for its security procedures, may be on to a good one this time. As part of an experiment at select airports, the TSA has designated checkpoint lanes for families.

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