Business Travel Tips

In times where airlines are continuously introducing new fees to offset fuel costs, getting informed on the carry-on baggage policy could be helpful to avoid unexpected expenses when checking-in.

RickSeaney.com published a chart comparing carry-on baggage policies — max dimensions, weight etc…. for most of the popular airlines in the world.

Here below is the chart (more…)

British Airways announced that it agreed to purchase French all business class airline L’Avion which flies between Paris and New York City’s Newark airport.

BA said it will integrate L’Avion with its new subsidiary OpenSkies which launched in June daily flights between Paris Orly Airport and New York JFK.

The deal — 54 million pounds (68 million euros, 107 million dollars), will allow OpenSkies to expand its service to Newark offering up to three daily flights between Paris Orly and the New York area.
(source)

Delta Air Lines announced it will add a fuel surcharge to SkyMiles Award Tickets originating from the U.S. and Canada, starting August 15.

The SkyMiles® program will add:
a $25 surcharge for flights to domestic destinations and Canada;
a $50 surcharge for flights between the 50 states/Canada and all international destinations.

The airline expalins that this fuel surcharge will not apply to passengers who have existing ticketed award itineraries or award tickets issued prior to August 15, 2008, regardless of the date of travel. (source)

Early June a similar move was announced by US Airways. Beginning August 6, US Airways will add $25 to redeem frequent flier miles for flights to domestic destinations and Canada, $35 for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean, $50 for flights to international destinations.

On June 17, 2008, Continental Airlines updated its policy regarding same-day flight changes for restricted tickets.

According to the new policy, flyers holding restricted tickets can change to another Continental flight departing within 12 hours from when the request is made — previously it was three hours.

The fee for same day changes will be $50, or $25 for OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members. These charges will apply to standby travel, but will not be charged until a seat assignment is cleared. (see Continental’s Same-Day Flight Changes).

Those who are flying on an unrestricted ticket, can make changes free of charge so long as there are seats available.

Southwest Airlines initiated the 20th fare increase of 2008, raising by $10 to $20 roundtrip for travel starting 2-Nov-08.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines followed Southwest later in the day.
Delta increased fares by $20 - $30 roundtrip and United raised prices by $20 - $40 roundtrip. (source: FareCompare.com)