Air Travel 2
31. Double Booking,
very effective... if you can
Save money with "Double Booking" for
travel. This is very useful if you have to go to any one place regularly but for
short stays…like what business people often do.
This is how it works. When traveling, you generally get a better
rate when you stay over a Saturday night. That's the hitch you see, because most business
people want to be back home by Friday…and end up paying full fare.
However, if you can "arrange" to stay over a Saturday
night your fare can often drop by 50% or more! You can actually make two trips for less
than the price of one. A nice saving.
This is what to do. You need to buy TWO tickets at the same time.
Be careful with the dates…write everything down and double check them twice…just
to be sure! It's maybe a little complicated…but you'll get it. (see example
next column)
This is just an example:
First ticket:
Paris / London / Paris
- Par-Lon on 13 September
- Lon-Par on 13 October
Second ticket:
London / Paris / London
- Lon-Par on 17 September
- Par-Lon on 10 October
- For the first TRIP you use 1 then 3
- For the second TRIP you use 4 then 2
As you will see, you don't spend ANY Saturday night away BUT your
two tickets include the Saturday rate!
If you KNOW you're going to a destination at least twice and you
know the dates ahead of time this is a useful little tool.
You can of course use it for domestic travel as well as
International travel.
32. Avoid the duty-free lure and trap.
Typically, all shops in airports and train stations are
expensive. It is a myth that you save money! Actually,
compare the next time you try to buy liquor or souvenirs
against reputable quality department stores. You might
find to your surprise that the prices are higher!
33. Seating arrangements on the plane can be done in
advance or at time of booking even.
Ensure you get what is comfortable for you, verify upon
check-in, and boarding that you have what you need,
requested and paid for. Who knows, you might just score
and upgrade if seats are available.
This is also important for parents traveling with
infants, special needs and pregnant passengers and
travelers alike.
Save money, avoid additional costs, ensure detail and
be SMART when you book your flights, early or late, with
specific seating requirements or without stating
preference. It is all up to you to personalize, customize,
plan and budget for your perfect vacation!
34. Always verify your luggage allowances and flight
details.
Valued advice from another frequent traveler serves us
well here to stretch our dollar: ‘Without exception,
always check in advance on the amount of luggage you may
take.
Planes, trains and motor coaches, all have regulations
regarding amount and size of luggage. It is considered
courtesy to stick to their requirements and can save you a
lot of embarrassment, added expense, aggravation, and
trouble.’
