Consumer Traveler

Jaca — Spanish portal onto the Camino de Santiago

Charlie Leocha — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:00:51 +0000

Jaca, on the southern side of the Pyrenees, has for centuries been one of the first Spanish cities pilgrims reached after crossing the forbidding mountains. The coming year, 2010, is a jubilee year for the Camino de Santiago, when St James's day (July 25th) falls on a Sunday.

WeatherUnderground and Google maps mashup provides directions and weather for roadtrips

Charlie Leocha — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:21:23 +0000

WeatherUnderground.com has just launched a new mashup of Goggle Maps with their weather information. The directions will now include weather-related information as well as directions.

Airfares vary by distance – why don’t baggage fees?

Janice Hough — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:33 +0000

As a United elite status flier, I long ago decided to do what many frequent fliers do: Make your peace with putting up with one airline on a regular basis, in order to get miles and occasional perks. And one of the biggest perks these days is not paying basic checked luggage fees.

Life is a Dream on Carnival’s newest ship

Anita Dunham-Potter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:04:08 +0000

Last week, Carnival Cruise Lines christened its newest, largest ship the 3,646-passenger, 130,000-ton Carnival Dream. It boasts such features largest water park at sea, new family cabins with two bathrooms, a nighttime poolside laser show, and what the line is calling "the most elaborate" children's facilities at sea.

What we’re reading: Vegas expects holiday boost, Delta offers JAL $1 billion package, bill seeks ban on electronic devices in cockpit

Steve Surjaputra — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:58:36 +0000

Las Vegas will likely see an increase in drive-in traffic, mostly from Southern California.

Holiday travel forecasts: “Cautious optimism” — or billion-dollar bloodbath?

Christopher Elliott — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:04:06 +0000

There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.

How ’bout a bun warmer with that ginger ale? In-flight retail takes off

Janice Hough — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:15:31 +0000

We've all been there. Most of us anyway. You're on a plane and you are tired of work, or bored with your book, or you've seen the airline movie more times that you can count. So, you pick up the SkyMall catalog. If nothing else the hot dog/bun steamers and pet costumes and the like are good for a smile.

At last, government clarifies airline seat pocket rules

Charlie Leocha — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:15:33 +0000

The FAA has released a clarification of their policy on what can be stowed in seat pockets on aircraft. The wording of the current policy stated, "the only items allowed in seat back pockets should be magazines and passenger information cards." The clarification notes that items up to three pounds in weight can be safely stowed in these seat pockets.

Help! My car rental company is taking me to court

Christopher Elliott — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:43:44 +0000

Tracey Brown Osborne finds a mysterious charge on her American Express bill that turns out to be a repair bill for a rental car tire -- a tire she says she never damaged. When her charge card sides with her in the dispute, her car rental company threatens to take her to court. What should she do?

What we’re reading: OAG turns 80, no-frills A380 takes to the skies, AirTran to put ads on seatbacks

Steve Surjaputra — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:55 +0000

The Official Airline Guide turns 80 this year. Not content to rest on its laurels, parent company United Business Media Ltd. vows to "reinvigorate the company."