Lufthansa Begins Collecting Credit Card Fees

Effective 2 November, 2011, the Lufthansa Group airlines (made up of Austrian Airlines, bmi British Midland Airways, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss) will jointly introduce a credit card fee, called an Optional Payment Charge (OPC) that applies to tickets paid for by credit card1 for travel originating in the following countries and where the Lufthansa Group airlines are the merchant:

• Finland
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Belgium

The Lufthansa Group airlines OPC fees are applicable regardless of where the tickets are sold.  Lufthansa Group’s OPC fee applies to all sales channels, including travel agency and airline-direct transactions.  Cash/check and AirPlus UATP Debit Account are exempt from the OPC fee.

What Makes An Unruly Airline Passenger?

To be an "unruly" passenger these days likely means one of three things: exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior that could pose a security risk; engaging in confrontational behavior with the flight crew that might escalate throughout the trip; or, unwittingly signaling to the flight crew that a problem could develop en route. Read more

10 Ways to Avoid Being That Annoying Airline Passenger

Oh sure, you're a joy to be around at home (no, really, everyone says so!), but the airport is enough to frazzle the nerves of the most even-tempered traveler. Read more

The Right to Recline?

Unless an airplane seat does not have a recline position — Allegiant, Ryanair and Spirit Airlines have entire planes with non-reclining seats — passengers do indeed have "the right to recline." But issues clearly arise around if, when and how passengers choose to use the amenity. Read more

2011-2012 Seasonal Flu and Travel

Preparing for winter travel? Remember it's still flu season. It is important to take time before your trip to reduce your risk of getting sick. Vaccines are the most important tool we have for preventing the flu. Read more

Is Travel Insurance Right For You?

It’s also because protection can come from so many different sources. Credit card companies offer travel insurance. So do auto insurers, life insurers and AAA. For the average person about to set off on a trip, each type of company offers its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The first step in figuring out which type of travel insurance you need is to figure out what you’re actually worried about. Read more

MetLife Introduces International Business Travel Medical Coverage

MetLife announced the availability of international business travel medical coverage that provides assistance and coverage for emergency and urgent medical care for employees traveling on short-term assignments outside their country of residence. Read more

VIP Travel Services - Are the Perks Worth the Cash?

These services, once used mostly by the wealthy and business executives, are becoming more popular and available to a broader section of users. As security lines and flight delays get longer and on-board comforts disappear, everyone from road warriors to parents traveling with kids want quicker lines and better amenities than they can find at the airport food court. Read more

Southwest-AirTran - A Challenge of Cultural Exchange

Southwest Airlines is putting one of its most valuable assets --- a carefully cultivated offbeat culture --- on the line as it absorbs the operations of AirTran Airways and its Atlanta-centered workforce. Read more

Delta Expands Popular “Comfort Economy” Brand

Delta Air Lines today unveiled another major investment in its product offering with plans to introduce "Economy Comfort" – a premium economy cabin product launched on long-haul international flights earlier this year – to its entire mainline fleet of more than 550 aircraft, in addition to more than 250 two-class regional jets. Read more

BA Considers Passing On Emissions Trading Costs

Airlines will join the European Union emissions trading scheme (ETS) on January 1 amid claims the scheme could add up to €40 (£35) to some fares. However, the EU insists the costs “should be below €2 (£1.75) per passenger each way” on a long-haul flight – “less than most airport taxes and charges”. Read more

Lufthansa Reveals All (Fees and Taxes, That Is)

On Nov. 1, Lufthansa will begin including all government taxes and fees in its advertising and marketing materials in the U.S. Read more

United, Continental, Delta Raise Fares Again

United, Continental and Delta added up to $5 each way to ticket prices for many flights within the U.S. It's the second hike in a week after more than two months when base fares were largely unchanged. Read more

Virgin Hotel’s First Deal Announced - in Chicago

That's not just because alternative accommodations usually come with more space, free Wi-Fi, free laundry facilities and free parking, but doing so helps battle the lonesome blues while offering homey and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Read more

Business Travelers Opt for Homier Digs on the Road

Move over, room upgrades. There's a new hotel perk in town, and it might be worth more to business travelers than a bigger bed. Club, concierge or executive lounges, which typically require upgraded room bookings or frequent guest program membership, can be a lifesaver for busy business travelers. Perks include being able to take a shower before the room is ready, meeting privately with a client or enjoying free meals, concierge services and cocktails in a private setting. Read more

IPads Change Economics, and Speed, of Hotel Wi-Fi

Largely because of the broad use of iPads and other mobile tablets, which are heavy users of video streaming, the guest room Wi-Fi networks that most hotels thought they had brought up to standard just a few years ago are now often groaning under user demands. Read more