For years now, profitable foreign-based airlines have offered newer, more luxurious aircraft than their poorer U.S.-based competitors. British Airways has had sophisticated entertainment systems in all classes and lie flat seats in their premium cabins for years now. But if you flew on American, Delta, or United, it was probably...

It used to be all so simple. Back in the days when the peppy stewardess (that's what they called them back then) would pin little plastic pilot wings on you (or your kids), airfares changed so infrequently that airlines actually printed them on their schedules. You'd call your favorite travel...

Buying frequent flyer miles is usually a bad idea, because the price per mile isn't good value. But what if your airline gives you a 100% bonus? Then things become interesting.

Through May 31, 2013 for every mile you buy, US Airways will give you an additional mile...

Size does matter, as this Australian National University study showed. And as in other aspects of life, that well-worn maxim applies to hotels but not quite in the way you might think. Too small, I've found, and you won't find the amenities and services that make life on...

With all the job pressures and uncertainty in the airline industry, it's a wonder more pilots don't run afoul of the law the way Klobjorn Jarle Kristiansen did late last year. The 48-year-old American Eagle pilot showed up to work drunk, was suspended and faces both prosecution and the loss...

With apologies to HBO's Bill Maher.

I've been flying a lot lately (LA to NYC, NYC to Paris on OpenSkies, Paris to London, London to LA (oh and Angelina, I was happy to trade seats with little Maddox so you two could sit together, and I...

Whether you're an old LGA pro or planning your first trip through this aerodrome named after New York's most famous mayor, we hope you'll find this mini guide helpful.

Public transportation

Who says everything in New York is expensive? They obviously haven't seen the inside of the

As airlines squeeze rows of seats closer together so they can squeeze in more bums and add rows of more expensive economy class seats, commercial air travel becomes even less comfortable. But not all airlines (or aircraft) are the same, and if you choose carefully you can avoid the worst...

Many a traveler moves through Charlotte; fewer stick around. For some, it's just a busy hub airport, visited occasionally while taking advantage of US Airways' often reasonable fares to other places. We know it as an important financial capital, we know it's not Charleston, or Asheville, or any other popular...

Keith Pape was not in a good mood on a recent Tuesday. Who could blame him - the Los Angeles-based ad agency exec needed a fast flight out of Austin, Texas, but when he showed up at the airport early looking to fly standby on an earlier flight on American...

Got some airline miles burning a hole in your pocket? Not sure how to use them? If you're new to the rewards game, you've probably already figured out that the redemption process can be more than a little daunting.

Some people track miles like a hawk and accrue plenty...

You may already know some of these tips and strategies for stretching your travel dollar. Or maybe you don't. Even if you do, it's good to get a refresher now and then.

Getting money back when the airfare or hotel room drops in price

If your hotel...

Any savvy traveler knows that low airfare is only the beginning. The real work? That starts when you touch down in your destination. In some cities, the cost of getting in and out of town can rival what you paid for the flight that brought you there. In other destinations,...

Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé pourquoi exactement les avions baissent leur lumière au moment de l'atterrissage, vous faisant tâtonner pour trouver la lumière de secours au-dessus alors même que vous alliez finir votre Sudoku (un indice: ce n'est pas pour faire des économies d'énergie. Lisez la réponse à la fin de l'article)...

Q: What companies do you recommend for travel and health insurance for people over 75? I am 77 and my husband is 86, and we're about the sign up for a three-week volunteer program in Albania. My husband looked into the Chartis travel insurance policies and was somewhat daunted by...

Have you ever wondered exactly why airlines dim the lights upon landing, making you grope to find the overhead light just as you were about to finish your Sudoku? (Hint: It's not to save electricity. Read the answer at the end of this article.) Or why it's so important to...

It begins with the simple fact that the weather is probably a good deal warmer than where you are right now. Then there's the fact that unlike other U.S. destinations with mild winter weather, Tampa can be surprisingly affordable. Is it on the beach? No. Neither it is Orlando -...

Why is using airline vouchers so hard?

Q: On our return trip from Chicago my wife and I gave up our seats because the flight was oversold and we each received a $400 voucher for future travel. Can these vouchers be redeemed only at the United desk...

You missed your connection -- but why was your return flight cancelled?

Q: I booked a flight on Emirates Airlines from Buffalo to Manila, with connections at New York JFK and Dubai. The flight from Buffalo to New York JFK was on JetBlue, but I bought the entire trip through...

I've been reading some rather dire predictions about the fate of the U.S. airline industry as a result of the American/US Airways merger. Here are nine reasons why the merger actually might be good for consumers. Call it "silver lining" reasoning, but consider:

1. There will be real savings, which...