The travel tips, deals, and news weekly feature is brought to us thanks to Mike at InFlightOut. He is always on the look out for great deals and sharing them with us. Follow him on Twitter @inflightout.
In this post, you will find travel deals for Seattle and Las Vegas as well way to save on flights if you have an AMEX. Learn about registering with your embassy before you leave for a trip abroad. Read about the very interesting subject of sleeping in airports.
TRAVEL DEALS
San Francisco to Seattle or Vegas for $99 RT "All In"
Virgin America just dropped fares from San Francisco to Seattle and Las Vegas to $78 roundtrip + taxes, which comes to $99 "all in." Valid for purchase now, travel between September 16 (today!) and November 18, 2009. Peak travel days (Friday and Sunday) seem to be about $10 more each way. These are some great fares for these markets. Click here to book travel.
15% Off JetBlue Flights When Purchasing With AMEX
Use your American Express card to purchase your next JetBlue flight and save 15% off the fare.
Book by September 20th for travel now through December 16, 2009. Travel valid from select markets, including Oakland. Click here for more details on the offer.
TRAVEL TIPS
inFLIGHTout Travel Tip: Register Your Trip
In light of the unfortunate events in Mumbai and Bangkok fairly recently, it is a good idea to let the State Department know your international travel plans. U.S Embassies located throughout the world can aid you in the event of civil unrest, terrorism or natural disaster. Additionally, U.S Embassies and Consulates can assist if you are a victim of a crime, become ill, or are involved in a car accident.
Registering your trip is voluntary and free.
Click here to read additional information from the U.S State Department and to register.
Recommendations for Sleeping in an Airport
By Mike Grasso
For most travelers, the idea of spending any unnecessary time in an airport makes them cringe. So the thought of sleeping in an airport would probably beyond the possibilities of imagination. That's what I said too, until I discovered a website appropriately titled, "The guide to sleeping in airports." and gave it a shot. On this site, travelers passing through a particular airport can read the stories of past travelers - super troopers if you will, who've scouted out the best spots to cuddle up for a few hours nappie.
Reviews often describe the atmosphere of the airport in the overnight hours, when few, if any, flights are operating. Key themes in the reviews often relate to the frequency of announcements in airport P.A system (think- "this is a security advisory, keep luggage with you at all times) as well as comfort and versatility of sleeping areas (i.e., post-security, away from rift raft coming in off the street, whether armrests move up so you can lay down on a set of seats). My personal experience of sleeping in airports has been pleasant, and never have I had airport personnel question me (yes, even post 9-11), or my sleeping arrangement. Of course if someone did come by, I'd kindly ask them for a pillow. =)
The novelty of sleeping in an airport probably isn't sufficient for most people to try this out. So, why do it in the first place you ask? Experienced airport nappers often cite a long connection - such as 4 or 6 hours, as the principal reason. The hassle of locating a nearby hotel, transportation, and the struggle of waking up early then re-clear security seemed a bit much, when one could simply take a nap next to the boarding gate.
Not all airports are created alike, and there are several to avoid at all costs. Few U.S., airports make the top 10 world list, yielding instead to newer, and spacious airports within Asia and Curious where San Francisco fits on the list? How about checking the ratings of your hometown airport? See all the reviews at sleepinginairports.com.
