Here are some sights that you need to have bookmarked on your computer... (US News June 18, 2007)
1. Sidestep.com
~ It searches and compares all airlines and discount websites. Then you book directly with the airline or rental car agency.
2. Seatguru.com.
~This site lists everything you need to know to choose the best seat. (including, pictch, width, legroom, placement of video monitors, and even how they serve the flight (odd number flight they could start from back to front, even number: front to back)
Other hints:
~ Always book directly through an airline so if you need to change the flight you can.
~ Wear a safari jacket. They have pockets all over, and even inside pockets for your passport.
~ Always carry your airline's 800 number with you. It could save you standing in a line of a 100 if you flight was canceled and can get onto the next flight without waiting.
~ Have an extension cord with you if you have a connecting flight. Between flights you can work on your computer, charge your cell phone, pda, or ipod. Most outlets are away from seating areas and you don't want to leave your belonging unattended.
~ The blankets on the plane rarely get washed. Bring layers.
~ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Once you clear security fill up your drinking bottle. They have bottled water on the flight, but it's just enough for a sip.
~ Supervisors can waive their policy. Always be polite, but firm. State your case with logic. (I guess not feelings or a personal situation -- they don't care)
~ Have a number for the nearest hotel incase you have to stay over night in another city.
Pack headphones
~ If you are traveling with your kids you want to try to stay together. If you are not seating near each other, you can kindly ask other people to move or change their seats. You can also try to get there early enough to change seats, but if that doesn't work, you can approach your child, and exclaim " Here's a bag, honey. Let me know when you need to throw up again." There are usually no guarantees in life, but chances are the guy next to your child will exchange seats for you.
~ Weight for luggage is a big issue. Some airports have posts outside that can check your luggage instead of waiting in a long line. Yes, you'll need to tip them $5 to $10, but it's worth it when you are boarder line a couple pounds here or there of meeting the weight requirement of 50 pounds. If you go over a pound, they can charge you up to an additional $100. The checkout lines, in most airports, don't have weighing stations. Or by the time they weight it, they think, what's an extra pound or two.
~ When flying to St. Thomas beware of the sudden plane drop before you land. I don't understand why they can't gradually land as they approach the island, but since I'm not a pilot and just a passenger, I just know to hold on and know that we won't hit the mountain next to us.
~ Clap once the plane actually lands, not while landing. A long time ago, passengers use to clap thanking the pilot. I wonder why that has stopped.
~ If you land before 6pm at STT there is a complimentary rum punch waiting for you. It's a custom to greet people in St. Thomas by saying goodmorning, or good afternoon. Having a nice rum punch isn't a bad idea to start your vacation.
~ Arrange for your own private taxi, if a friend isn't able to pick you up. It's worth the extra $10 a person.
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