When is the best time to purchase flights for summer travel to Switzerland?
My family and I (two adults; two kids, ages 5 and 7) travel to Switzerland every summer to visit the grandparents. Because of school schedules, summer is the only time we can go; naturally the tickets cost a ton. Has anybody any tips for when to buy flights? Any websites better than others? And so on. We typically fly from Washington-Dulles, but have also flown from Baltimore/BWI. We're happy to land anywhere in Switzerland (thanks to the good rail system). Would prefer 0 to 1 transfer en route. Thanks in advance for any advice/help!
Air Travel - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The best is to book it early (at least 3 months before the departure date) those rates are one of the cheapest for any companies. The worse time to book is 1-2 weeks to 1 day before the departure date. (They know you have some type of emergency/plans so they are going to make you pay for it..lol). The other cheap one is the "last-minute" flights, not the "I have to go there now!" last-minute but the "I want to travel to anywhere~ as long as it's cheap.." For the 1st one you will pay up to 3 times the usual price but for the second one usually pay a lot less it's like a sale ticket, unfortunately they have, most of the time, a lot of transfers and awful timing (wait over 5 hours in a terminal). For a real-life example: my friend comes over from time to time, he paid a ticket for about 680 ish USD when he booked 2months pre-depart, and paid 1400$ for 2 weeks before the departure date (both tickets from the same company, departure airport, arrival airport and around the same period of the year). Last tip would be to find an airplane company that you liked (food/service etc..) and stick to it to earn points/miles and use these to upgrade your flight to first-class or for a free flight! :D
2 :
While your at the counter - I tried doing it three munutes before I got there and a) the guy couldn't hear me b) people in the queue started getting annoyed and c) there was no C just a and b
3 :
try: http://airfarehawk.com/ http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/ http://www.sidestep.com/ http://www.airgorilla.com/ http://www.cheapair.com/ http://www.cheapoair.com/ http://www.farecompare.com/ http://www.kayak.com/ http://farecast.com/ http://farechase.yahoo.com/ http://www.bookingwiz.com/default.asp?mic=5ruwex6&prod=air&gclid=CIi2xd3HmIoCFSHsPgodDg7Qjg http://www.orbitz.com/ http://www.expedia.com/default.asp http://www.travelocity.com/ http://www.hotwire.com/ http://www.priceline.com/ http://www.travelzoo.com/ http://www.shermanstravel.com/ http://www.placestostay.com/
Friday, December 21, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
If I buy 2 plane tickets then I cancel my flight is there anyway I can get my refund back
If I buy 2 plane tickets then I cancel my flight is there anyway I can get my refund back?
I was just talking to someone that was suppose to fly out to Baltimore to pick his stuff up but then he found out that his job renewal got declined so he cancelled his flight and walked away from the airport with $700 dollars less because he couldn't get his refund back. Is there anyway he would be able to get his money back? Please help. This is a good friend of mine and he doesnt really know how to ask for things back. He just kinda excepts what happens. He really doesn't care but between me and you, wouldn't you want your $700 back?
Air Travel - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You should check the terms of your tickets and buy Travel Insurance , in case you can't get a refund from the airlines. If you went through a brokerage site like Expedia.com or Travelocity, or similar, then check with their refund policies 90% of the time, no you can't get a refund, unless you specifically ASK for a ticket that allows you to get a refund. Travel insurance can cover unexepect travel problems, by allowing you to get the cost of your tickets back
2 :
Yes, but the problem witht hat is is that you can only get about 75% of your money back because they have to unreserve the seats. But the main thing is you can get your money back but not your full refund.
3 :
If he bought a nonrefundable ticket, then it is not refundable. These tickets are normally refundable only if the traveler or an immediate family member dies. Be prepared to provide a death certificate if you try to claim this. Your friend can still apply the $700 towards another trip within one year of the date of purchase. He'll have to pay any difference in airfare and a change fee (usually $75-$100 depending on airline.)
I was just talking to someone that was suppose to fly out to Baltimore to pick his stuff up but then he found out that his job renewal got declined so he cancelled his flight and walked away from the airport with $700 dollars less because he couldn't get his refund back. Is there anyway he would be able to get his money back? Please help. This is a good friend of mine and he doesnt really know how to ask for things back. He just kinda excepts what happens. He really doesn't care but between me and you, wouldn't you want your $700 back?
Air Travel - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You should check the terms of your tickets and buy Travel Insurance , in case you can't get a refund from the airlines. If you went through a brokerage site like Expedia.com or Travelocity, or similar, then check with their refund policies 90% of the time, no you can't get a refund, unless you specifically ASK for a ticket that allows you to get a refund. Travel insurance can cover unexepect travel problems, by allowing you to get the cost of your tickets back
2 :
Yes, but the problem witht hat is is that you can only get about 75% of your money back because they have to unreserve the seats. But the main thing is you can get your money back but not your full refund.
3 :
If he bought a nonrefundable ticket, then it is not refundable. These tickets are normally refundable only if the traveler or an immediate family member dies. Be prepared to provide a death certificate if you try to claim this. Your friend can still apply the $700 towards another trip within one year of the date of purchase. He'll have to pay any difference in airfare and a change fee (usually $75-$100 depending on airline.)
Friday, December 7, 2012
How dangerous is it to get on a flight in 33 mph plus winds? Please help, I am horrified of flying
How dangerous is it to get on a flight in 33 mph plus winds? Please help, I am horrified of flying.?
I am scheduled to fly back to San Diego tomorrow from Baltimore (BWI) with a stop at Midway in Chicago. I am horrified of flying but live across the country from my family and have been home for the holidays. Because of my fear, I made the mistake of closely monitoring the weather conditions. The winds are supposed to reach at least 33 mph in Baltimore, and 20 mph in Chicago. I have the option of paying about 200 bucks more to rush and take a flight tonight (when the winds are at least a little calmer). Any suggestions on my best course of action? Also, any suggestions on calming my fear? I fly back and forth alone a lot but can't seem to shake my fear. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!
Air Travel - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
not a big deal,any pilot can managed that.
2 :
Chicago is windy a lot. I dont know about baltimore. I often fly out of dulles personally. But the pilots know what they are doing. You will be fine. I would advise you to go to the doctor and get some pills. I recomend Xanex for flying. I can't fly without some type of downer. I hate it too.
3 :
Relax. 33 mph winds are of no concern. The pilots know the limits of the aircraft they fly and would not take a risk. Leave the weather to them as they are required to check it before flying. Happy Holidays and landings!
4 :
I've flown with wind gusts up to 60 mph and the planes have taken off and landed just fine. Next time, I suggest a non-stop flight for you so you won't have so many take offs and landings to deal with. If you have turbulence, think of it as being on a rollercoaster ride. You're not going to die on a rollercoaster and it's fun. Try to think positive. Take some deep breaths. Listen to some soothing music. Here's a link to how safe flying is: http://boeing.com/commercial/safety/pf/pf_howsafe.html Good luck and hope you have a good trip! Flying can be fun!
5 :
Not particularly dangerous at all, in a large commercial aircraft. Similar to boats, the large crafts are less affected by winds than small crafts. Additionally, the winds you are talking about are surface winds and only affect take-off, and the only affect there is the possibility of a slight delay to get a runway without cross-winds. After take-off, the aircraft will be above the surface winds and then if you have headwinds, you may arrival a few minutes late, and if tailwinds, a few minutes early. Either way, for your pilot it is an everyday occurrence. You are actually safer in an aircraft than you are on the ground.
6 :
Stay on your original flight....the pilots have families and holiday plans too. They won't take off if they don't believe it's safe for them. Stop monitoring the wind conditions, go out and have a good dinner tonight. Try not to get too much sleep....then maybe you'll be too tired on the plane to get too anxious.
7 :
Getting on is not dangerous at all. It's taking off and especially landing where wind is, or can be, an issue. But wind is not necessarily bad. A steady wind, in fact, is good if you can take off or land directly into it. Landing or taking off directly across a stiff wind is not good, but that's why airports have runways on different headings. Gusts are more of an issue, and especially highly unstable weather conditions where wind direction keeps changing. But here's a thought: The airline really dislikes crashes because they're bad for business and screw up the operations schedule something awful. The air traffic controlers and weather forecasters dislike crashes, too. And most especially the pilots take a rather personal dislike to crashes. Most of them have been flying for a long time, like it, and want to keep flying for a long time. They know far better than you or I about aircraft and weather. Your plane is not taking off unless at least five or six knowledgable people ALL think it's reasonably safe.
8 :
Winds like that are routine. There is no reason to be concerned. Additionally, they are predicted to be steady and roughly aligned with the runways, which simply means that take-off will be faster and easier. The mere presence of wind is not a problem for aircraft.
I am scheduled to fly back to San Diego tomorrow from Baltimore (BWI) with a stop at Midway in Chicago. I am horrified of flying but live across the country from my family and have been home for the holidays. Because of my fear, I made the mistake of closely monitoring the weather conditions. The winds are supposed to reach at least 33 mph in Baltimore, and 20 mph in Chicago. I have the option of paying about 200 bucks more to rush and take a flight tonight (when the winds are at least a little calmer). Any suggestions on my best course of action? Also, any suggestions on calming my fear? I fly back and forth alone a lot but can't seem to shake my fear. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!
Air Travel - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
not a big deal,any pilot can managed that.
2 :
Chicago is windy a lot. I dont know about baltimore. I often fly out of dulles personally. But the pilots know what they are doing. You will be fine. I would advise you to go to the doctor and get some pills. I recomend Xanex for flying. I can't fly without some type of downer. I hate it too.
3 :
Relax. 33 mph winds are of no concern. The pilots know the limits of the aircraft they fly and would not take a risk. Leave the weather to them as they are required to check it before flying. Happy Holidays and landings!
4 :
I've flown with wind gusts up to 60 mph and the planes have taken off and landed just fine. Next time, I suggest a non-stop flight for you so you won't have so many take offs and landings to deal with. If you have turbulence, think of it as being on a rollercoaster ride. You're not going to die on a rollercoaster and it's fun. Try to think positive. Take some deep breaths. Listen to some soothing music. Here's a link to how safe flying is: http://boeing.com/commercial/safety/pf/pf_howsafe.html Good luck and hope you have a good trip! Flying can be fun!
5 :
Not particularly dangerous at all, in a large commercial aircraft. Similar to boats, the large crafts are less affected by winds than small crafts. Additionally, the winds you are talking about are surface winds and only affect take-off, and the only affect there is the possibility of a slight delay to get a runway without cross-winds. After take-off, the aircraft will be above the surface winds and then if you have headwinds, you may arrival a few minutes late, and if tailwinds, a few minutes early. Either way, for your pilot it is an everyday occurrence. You are actually safer in an aircraft than you are on the ground.
6 :
Stay on your original flight....the pilots have families and holiday plans too. They won't take off if they don't believe it's safe for them. Stop monitoring the wind conditions, go out and have a good dinner tonight. Try not to get too much sleep....then maybe you'll be too tired on the plane to get too anxious.
7 :
Getting on is not dangerous at all. It's taking off and especially landing where wind is, or can be, an issue. But wind is not necessarily bad. A steady wind, in fact, is good if you can take off or land directly into it. Landing or taking off directly across a stiff wind is not good, but that's why airports have runways on different headings. Gusts are more of an issue, and especially highly unstable weather conditions where wind direction keeps changing. But here's a thought: The airline really dislikes crashes because they're bad for business and screw up the operations schedule something awful. The air traffic controlers and weather forecasters dislike crashes, too. And most especially the pilots take a rather personal dislike to crashes. Most of them have been flying for a long time, like it, and want to keep flying for a long time. They know far better than you or I about aircraft and weather. Your plane is not taking off unless at least five or six knowledgable people ALL think it's reasonably safe.
8 :
Winds like that are routine. There is no reason to be concerned. Additionally, they are predicted to be steady and roughly aligned with the runways, which simply means that take-off will be faster and easier. The mere presence of wind is not a problem for aircraft.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Planning a trip to Camden Yards in Baltimore
Planning a trip to Camden Yards in Baltimore?
I am planning a trip to Camden Yards in Baltimore to see the Red Sox play the Orioles. I have found a good price on a hotel, flight and rental car. The hotel is about 20 minutes from Camden Yards, so I figured that we could just drive there. Would it be crazy there with the Sox in town? Like a lot of traffic, etc.? How much is parking there? Or would we just be better off getting a taxi there and back to the hotel? Please give me your advice! Thanks! Yeah, I figured that it would be crowded with the Sox there. So I guess driving and leaving early would be the best bet. Do you know how much parking is at the park?
Other - United States - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the sox fans flock to camden yards for the cheap tickets, so it will be crowded. taxi will cost you an arm and a leg. leave early to get there and expect a long wait on the way out.
2 :
Use the public transport [train] right to Camden Yards.
3 :
There is parking by Camden, but if you don't want to take any risks consider coming down early and parking at the inner harbor. It is about a 15 minute walk, but there is a lot of things to do at the inner harbor and because it is not directly at the stadium parking should be easier to find. Keep in mind parking in that area is around $25 a day. There is a train, you would need to make sure that it would go near your hotel and that it would be running during the game times. The system is not very robust so there is a good chance you will need to drive.
4 :
There is lots of parking space available there but in my opinion don't go for taxi it will be expensive. if you hotel is 20 mins away then you can go for public transport as it will be best in crowded circumstance. But if you want to rent a good cheap car you can book it online at http://www.usacarsrental.com/ . Was nice helping.
5 :
No traffic will not be crazy. However, be EXTREMELY CAREFULL in bodymore murderland. DO NOT use the public transportation. Bodymore murderland is an extremely voilent and dangerous city with well over 350 murders a year. I am not joking, it is a warzone down here. Do not use the bus or train, there are multible parking garage's near the stadium, pay the 10 bucks to park there.
I am planning a trip to Camden Yards in Baltimore to see the Red Sox play the Orioles. I have found a good price on a hotel, flight and rental car. The hotel is about 20 minutes from Camden Yards, so I figured that we could just drive there. Would it be crazy there with the Sox in town? Like a lot of traffic, etc.? How much is parking there? Or would we just be better off getting a taxi there and back to the hotel? Please give me your advice! Thanks! Yeah, I figured that it would be crowded with the Sox there. So I guess driving and leaving early would be the best bet. Do you know how much parking is at the park?
Other - United States - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the sox fans flock to camden yards for the cheap tickets, so it will be crowded. taxi will cost you an arm and a leg. leave early to get there and expect a long wait on the way out.
2 :
Use the public transport [train] right to Camden Yards.
3 :
There is parking by Camden, but if you don't want to take any risks consider coming down early and parking at the inner harbor. It is about a 15 minute walk, but there is a lot of things to do at the inner harbor and because it is not directly at the stadium parking should be easier to find. Keep in mind parking in that area is around $25 a day. There is a train, you would need to make sure that it would go near your hotel and that it would be running during the game times. The system is not very robust so there is a good chance you will need to drive.
4 :
There is lots of parking space available there but in my opinion don't go for taxi it will be expensive. if you hotel is 20 mins away then you can go for public transport as it will be best in crowded circumstance. But if you want to rent a good cheap car you can book it online at http://www.usacarsrental.com/ . Was nice helping.
5 :
No traffic will not be crazy. However, be EXTREMELY CAREFULL in bodymore murderland. DO NOT use the public transportation. Bodymore murderland is an extremely voilent and dangerous city with well over 350 murders a year. I am not joking, it is a warzone down here. Do not use the bus or train, there are multible parking garage's near the stadium, pay the 10 bucks to park there.
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