Consumer Traveler Today: Jan 29

 
 
High-speed half-truths from Washington
What we’re reading: JAL joins Skyteam, Boeing considers 737 redesign, IRS says fees aren’t taxable
Haiti: All hands on deck, not business as usual
Gate-check your luggage and avoid baggage fees
The Winter Olympics are coming. Torch passes through Banff/Lake Louise, Canada
Changing an upgraded ticket? Beware a co-pay nightmare
High-speed half-truths from Washington
Posted: 29 Jan 2010 03:47 AM PST
If you ask anyone with any experience in railroad administration, railcar construction or laying railroad tracks, the current administration hoopla about starting to move toward constructing high-speed rail and putting people to work, is just that — hoopla. $8 billion is not enough to construct even one high-speed rail line, let along grants to 31 states for 13 rail projects.
       

What we’re reading: JAL joins Skyteam, Boeing considers 737 redesign, IRS says fees aren’t taxable
Posted: 29 Jan 2010 03:00 AM PST
JAL joins Skyteam, Boeing considers 737 redesign and new engines, IRS says airline fees aren't taxable
       

Haiti: All hands on deck, not business as usual
Posted: 28 Jan 2010 01:36 PM PST
Editor's note: We have had plenty of comments about Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ (RCCL) decision to go forward on schedule with visits to Labadee. Ned Levi came forward with a story supporting the efforts. Janice Hough offered her thoughts on the issue. Now, we hear from a non-profit the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), that disagrees with RCCL's decision to go forward with their stops in Labadee.
       

Gate-check your luggage and avoid baggage fees
Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:15 AM PST
Baggage bins above airline seats are getting more and more crowded. As baggage fees go up, passengers are carrying more on board aircraft. But more and more travelers are starting to gate-check luggage as well. It seems to be a loophole in the airline baggage check fee system. Just this month, Continental, Delta, United and American [...]
       

The Winter Olympics are coming. Torch passes through Banff/Lake Louise, Canada
Posted: 28 Jan 2010 07:15 AM PST
The Vancouver Winter Olympics will be taking place from February 12 through the 28th. Hotels are filling up, packages are being offered and leading up to the event, the Olympic Torch is crossing Canada.
       

Changing an upgraded ticket? Beware a co-pay nightmare
Posted: 28 Jan 2010 06:15 AM PST
Sometimes booking a trip is an invitation to a potential nightmare, especially, when trying to use frequent flier miles, either with a free ticket or an upgrade. United Airlines’ new cash-and-miles frequent-flier upgrade rules are making the process fraught with questions. In this case, things start out very smoothly and upgrades fell into place without a [...]