Sean's Posts
May 16, 2008, 11:26 AM
Here are some stories that have caught our eyes:
May 14, 2008, 10:58 AM
Ever search for hotel and activity ideas by "theme" and "location"? Now you can. Uptake.com scours more than 1,000 travel sites and produces edited lists of travel recommendations.
May 13, 2008, 9:03 AM
Artist Olafur Eliasson is installing four waterfalls along the East River. The 90- to 120-foot waterfalls will run from late June through mid-October on most days from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
May 12, 2008, 2:53 PM
Signspotting.com features a new sign daily. Travelers who submit photos can earn $50 if their photo is picked as a winner by other users--thanks to a redesigned format.
May 12, 2008, 10:10 AM
At major airports, you'll soon see advertisements beamed onto terminal floors. Step on the screens, and you'll make the ads change shape. (See a video of cute puppy that shows what we mean.)
May 12, 2008, 9:08 AM
How many singles are willing to travel with someone after only dating the person for one month? Roughly one in four. And the Fairmont hotel chain plans to cash in...
May 9, 2008, 11:40 AM
For checked or carry-on luggage, try using zip ties instead of costly metal locks. Our TSA tipster says that these are long plastic ties that lock and can't be opened unless cut.
May 7, 2008, 2:13 PM
How many victims are there? Who's to blame for all the lost items? What's the best strategy for avoiding robbery? We ask the TSA and a former baggage systems manager for Midwest.
May 7, 2008, 10:54 AM
We asked the TSA to respond to the many questions that readers posted to our recent item. Has the TSA stolen from you? Read the TSA responses.
May 5, 2008, 9:33 AM
A survey of American travelers by AAA and GlobalInsight has some interesting findings.
May 5, 2008, 9:15 AM
The EU will allow Alitalia to sell some of its airport slots. Plus, the well-capitalized German airline Lufthansa might be willing to help the Italian government fully privatize the airline.
May 1, 2008, 3:01 PM
It's not too late to visit Churchill Downs to catch the run for the roses. And we also have tips for traveling to Louisville, Ky., year-round.
April 29, 2008, 9:33 AM
Disney Cruise Lines will charge the first two passengers in a stateroom $8 a person per day up to a maximum of $112 per person per vacation.
April 28, 2008, 3:38 PM
Europe is sponsoring a contest for anyone who comes back from Europe with video and a story.
April 28, 2008, 12:17 PM
This weekend, road food experts Jane and Michael Stern announced that they've launched a new blog, RoadFoodDigest.com. Published experts on roadside eateries weigh in daily on the latest news, opening, and trip ideas.
April 28, 2008, 9:11 AM
Continental has decided not to merge with United. The airline's directors announced on Sunday that they felt that United's financial problem could put their company at peril. A marriage between United and US Airways now seems imminent.
April 28, 2008, 8:26 AM
Eos Airlines shut down yesterday and entered bankruptcy. It was an all-business class airline that began flying its route between New York JFK and London Stansted in October 2005.
April 25, 2008, 10:44 AM
What is the book (or audiobook, or podcast series) that you often—or always—bring with you on vacations?
April 24, 2008, 10:23 AM
The Power of Travel is a new website that lets you quickly look up your state or congressional district and see how much spending is done by tourists, with the estimated effect on tax revenues and job creation.
April 23, 2008, 11:44 AM
One reporter argues that luggage inspectors are too often thieves. But is the threat exaggerated?
April 23, 2008, 9:19 AM
Peak summer fares may jump by up to 20 percent in the near future, even before an expected merger plan between United and Continental is announced by mid-May. Book your flights now to beat the increases.
April 22, 2008, 10:28 AM
The billionaire is optimistic that budget travelers will be still enjoying affordable, comfortable flights in the next few years.
April 21, 2008, 10:41 AM
Virgin America is selling tickets through April 25 for travel between April 26 and June 11, 2008.
April 18, 2008, 1:46 PM
If governments begin to tax airplane travel because of its damage to the environment, and if oil prices continue to stay sky-high, airfares may spike dramatically.
April 18, 2008, 12:37 PM
The free service helps travelers decide whether they should buy a ticket now or wait and hope that the price drops.
April 18, 2008, 12:25 PM
New body scanners installed yesterday at airports in New York City and Los Angeles allow security screeners to peek under passengers' clothing to detect hidden weapons.
April 18, 2008, 10:14 AM
It takes longer to fly the typical airplane route today than at any other time in two decades.
April 17, 2008, 12:58 PM
The airlines will now typically have to pay $400 for short delays for rebooking (meaning two hours) and $800 for long delays (meaning more than four hours).
April 16, 2008, 2:54 PM
The service is called "Choice Seat." You'll be able to select one of these seats during online check-in at an airport kiosk or on usairways.com from 24 hours and up to 90 minutes before departure.
April 16, 2008, 8:37 AM
If there's a public bus or light rail option on the trip you're planning, Google Maps will now suggest it. See a video with a full explanation.
April 15, 2008, 2:07 PM
Sometime between now and June, Italy's largest airline may be forced to ground all of its planes due to financial mismanagement and other factors.
April 15, 2008, 9:49 AM
The new airline, to be called Delta, will have a nearly 18 percent share of the domestic market, the largest share of any airline.
April 14, 2008, 4:06 PM
Science and exploration travel is often overlooked by the major magazines. Luckily, Discover magazine has published a roundup of nine...
April 11, 2008, 8:51 AM
Frontier will keep flying for now, but we have a tip on how to hedge your bets when booking travel on this airline.
April 10, 2008, 3:34 PM
More inspections are on the way for other airlines. Here's how to be prepared...
April 10, 2008, 2:27 PM
The chief of American Airlines answers questions about the disruptions to the airlines.
April 8, 2008, 6:00 PM
Today, the photo-sharing website Flickr began to offer video uploads from cameraphones, digital cameras, and videocameras.
April 8, 2008, 1:10 PM
New laptops costing less than $600 and featuring Microsoft Windows have became available. They offer lightweight solutions for travelers.
April 8, 2008, 8:37 AM
A new website brings together about 60 leading travel blogs and puts their latest posts all on one page.
April 7, 2008, 3:00 PM
Cell phones are now permitted during flights within Europe, thanks to a new regulation announced today. Air France is first to offer the service...
April 7, 2008, 9:37 AM
The Skybus airline bankruptcy came surprisingly fast. Here are some answers to some key questions.
April 4, 2008, 1:18 PM
Air Canada has debuted a new service for travelers inconvenienced by delays or travel disruptions while flying in Canada or between Canada and the U.S.
April 4, 2008, 1:02 PM
Ian Chandler responded to our recent post about a new site describing the various European low-cost airlines, and we wanted to make sure you saw his tip.
April 4, 2008, 11:38 AM
About 44 percent of families take at least one trip a year with their grandparents, according to a new survey.
April 3, 2008, 8:58 AM
Ticketholders can learn how to receive a partial refund by visiting ata.com for instructions.
April 2, 2008, 5:06 PM
Delta has announced plans for a revolutionary new seat design to be used on its international Boeing 777 and 767 fleet, beginning in 2010.
April 2, 2008, 3:19 PM
About 9,500 commercial pilots have legal permission to carry .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols in-flight.
April 1, 2008, 12:13 PM
As we anticipated in an earlier blog post, a new airline under the Virgin brand will be launching in December.
April 1, 2008, 11:36 AM
Fly the friendly skies without debt—American Airlines has introduced an option to pay through your checking or savings account when buying tickets online.
March 31, 2008, 1:40 PM
Europe has its own versions of JetBlue and Southwest, and these discount airlines can save you money when you want to hop around the Continent.
March 31, 2008, 11:17 AM
European bargains are elusive these days. Luckily, the blog Cheapest Destinations knows how not to go broke while traveling in Europe this summer.
March 28, 2008, 6:48 AM
BoltBus, a new discount express service operated by Greyhound, has launched. We take a test ride.
March 27, 2008, 2:52 PM
We're always being told how much cheaper it is to fly today than in the past. But do official statistics exaggerate the savings?
March 27, 2008, 1:27 PM
All the latest travel news (and even a little gossip) with our blog roundup, including traveling to Amsterdam with kids.
March 27, 2008, 10:36 AM
David Neeleman is busy launching a new discount airline—in Brazil.
March 27, 2008, 9:13 AM
New rules make for good news: Open Skies will allow U.S. and EU airlines to operate transatlantic flights between any cities they like.
March 26, 2008, 4:37 PM
News on India's Jet Airways and "Deltalina," all in today's roundup.
March 25, 2008, 4:59 PM
The law required airlines to provide adequate food and water to passengers stuck on planes for over three hours before takeoff.
March 20, 2008, 2:46 PM
It's a little bit "Choose Your Own Adventure"—you're encouraged to flip back and forth through different pages, discovering boutique shops, foodie havens, and similar venues.
March 19, 2008, 1:43 PM
When you think of hostels, you probably imagine a hangout for twenty-something backpackers. But many hostels are surprisingly well-suited for families.
March 19, 2008, 12:07 PM
Starting in April 2008, JetBlue will offer passengers a chance to sit in seats that have 38 inches of legroom for a fee.
March 19, 2008, 7:57 AM
Feel as though airfares today are emptying your pockets? You're not alone—and it might not all get reported.
March 17, 2008, 11:38 AM
Brewmasters and industry insiders weigh in on how to pour, store, and judge a fine beer—and survive a long night at the pub—in our Web-only story.
March 14, 2008, 4:17 PM
Long fly the Queen! Hopefully, the new terminal will allow her to do just that.
March 14, 2008, 12:00 PM
It's not Mission:Impossible to find a cool place to stay in DC. This message will self-destruct ...
March 11, 2008, 11:50 AM
US Airways is trying to cash in on the boredom of its passengers by inviting companies to slap advertisements on its airplane tray tables.
March 11, 2008, 11:18 AM
We all know that we ought to digitize our most precious photo prints, but who has the time? A great deal on a photo service might be the answer.
March 7, 2008, 8:10 AM
Neil Mandt traveled the world to shoot his latest film, debuting in March 2008, on a budget of $50,000.
March 6, 2008, 2:29 PM
The airport's content filters are set aggressively to prevent anything that might be construed as objectionable content.
March 6, 2008, 2:00 PM
It's weird but true—you can now rest comfortably at 10,000 leagues under the sea. But will it be a trend?
March 6, 2008, 9:14 AM
As you may know, many countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa expect you to pay a departure tax when you check in at their airports.
March 5, 2008, 11:08 AM
Anyone in Rome used to be able to wander among the city's most famous ancient ruins for free. But starting March 8, entrance tickets will be required.
March 4, 2008, 11:22 AM
Attention fellow cheapskates: Greyhound has launched a low-fare spin-off service, BoltBus.
March 3, 2008, 1:01 PM
If you live to cheat the carry-on rule, Delta knows who you are—and will catch you.
February 29, 2008, 9:32 AM
In preparation for the Olympics, the city has made lots of changes—and this one could prove controversial.
February 27, 2008, 9:05 AM
About 20 to 26 percent of TSA workers leave their jobs—or are let go—each year.
February 26, 2008, 12:57 PM
Start packing light—news on the latest airline to charge for luggage.
February 21, 2008, 12:48 PM
You might have to get a little Saturday night fever and stay in town (if only to save a little money).
February 20, 2008, 4:38 PM
A new agreement will make it easier to fly to Australia. But prices aren't likely to drop anytime soon.
February 15, 2008, 11:23 AM
As you may have heard, plans are in the works for Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines to merge, making it the nation's largest airline in passenger volume.
February 14, 2008, 1:38 PM
Indiana Jones, merger preditions, airline news, and more in today's roundup.
February 13, 2008, 10:36 AM
Recently, the European Commission proposed mandatory fingerprinting for all foreign visitors to most states in the European Union.
February 12, 2008, 10:44 AM
If you plan ahead, you can afford a great summer vacation without going into debt or raiding your long-term savings.
February 8, 2008, 10:02 AM
Farecast has begun to forecast ticket prices for 200 international routes for flights departing within the next six months.
February 7, 2008, 9:46 AM
The presidential candidates spent the most on hotels in 2007, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission filings by Holiday Inn Express.
February 6, 2008, 2:29 PM
For years, I've had mixed feelings about money belts, which aren't really belts but are instead pouches that you loop into your belt line.
February 5, 2008, 8:17 AM
Meet Bob, Ethel, Jay, Chance, and Jim —your friendly, blogging TSA officials. But will they be able to answer your questions?
February 4, 2008, 5:02 PM
Like a scene out of a sci-fi movie, the London airport is requiring some connecting passengers to undergo iris scans and get a thumbprint scan.
February 4, 2008, 3:41 PM
The airline will charge passengers on domestic flights $25 for a second piece of checked luggage, starting May 5.
February 1, 2008, 4:49 PM
The film icon is set to star in an adaptation—our hearts are all aflutter.
February 1, 2008, 2:40 PM
This March, Canada's Porter Airlines will launch its first flights in the U.S.
January 31, 2008, 4:13 PM
It's a rare U.S.- Ireland partnership between two discount airlines.
January 30, 2008, 7:59 AM
Ithaca has come up with a clever idea that other cities should copy.
January 25, 2008, 11:12 AM
Schmap mashes up local listings with zoomable city maps—bookmark your faves for printing later.
January 24, 2008, 9:47 AM
This commonly-invoked justification for reimbursement doesn't exist, according to one travel expert.
January 23, 2008, 5:18 PM
Southwest Airlines announced today that it plans to begin trials of satellite-to-airplane broadband Internet service sometime on four airplanes this summer.
January 22, 2008, 2:32 PM
What about reject hotels, the dregs? What about the hotels at the very bottom of TripAdvisor's proprietary lists?
January 22, 2008, 10:36 AM
Authorities worry that study-abroad companies may have negotiated backroom deals with colleges and universities, making students pay in the long run.
January 22, 2008, 7:49 AM
Passengers can buy tickets and make no payments for 90 days, no credit card required.
January 17, 2008, 11:48 AM
Let's say that your flight is delayed or canceled. And let's say an airline official explains that the delay is due to "bad weather."
January 17, 2008, 8:54 AM
Visitors to a main terminal at Moscow's Domodedovo airport now see a full-sized Mercedes-Benz E-Class—or at least an uncannily convincing model of the car—nailed to the ceiling.
January 16, 2008, 3:53 PM
Airplane Instrument Coasters!
January 15, 2008, 4:53 PM
The discount airlines' business plans aren't so hot—and they're facing termination.
January 15, 2008, 2:26 PM
President George W. Bush is on a tour of the Mideast, and his advisers have created a travel blog to highlight some impressions from the trip.
January 15, 2008, 8:50 AM
The next time you're too embarrassed to ask a local about how to say "bathroom," this website could help.
January 14, 2008, 5:04 PM
That long Times article you've been meaning to read? You can download it for on-the-go perusal.
January 14, 2008, 8:33 AM
A new budget hotel chain in Britain is debuting, with rates going for $108 to $167 a night per room at locations outside of London.
January 10, 2008, 8:34 AM
On the bright side, the airline is also adding 40 round-trip flights in markets it expects will grow this summer.
January 9, 2008, 12:50 PM
A new virtual tour of ancient Rome is the latest exhibition at the Baths of Diocletian, a majestic collection of saunas and gymnasiums that are roughly 1,700 years old.
January 9, 2008, 11:14 AM
Spyland is set to open in near Saragosa, Spain, (about 170 miles northeast of Madrid) within two years.
January 9, 2008, 10:39 AM
The VeloDisco is a bicycle powered art vehicle built for Burning Man 2007.
January 9, 2008, 9:49 AM
Apparently, even the happiest place on earth needs some kid-free spots.
January 8, 2008, 10:24 AM
The mayor of Paris is proposing that the city offer about 2,000 electric vehicles for the public and tourists to use.
January 7, 2008, 4:08 PM
If you live long enough, anything can happen.
January 7, 2008, 12:55 PM
Sony announced that it has taken the technology behind noise-canceling headphones a step further with its (eloquently named) MDR-NC500D.
January 7, 2008, 8:43 AM
Here's a traffic cam for one street corner in India.
January 4, 2008, 5:17 PM
Yes, you read it right. The devices detect heat given off from a rocket, and then fire a laser beam that jams the missile's guidance system.
January 4, 2008, 1:21 PM
Y'all are the most interesting travelers we've ever heard of.
January 4, 2008, 12:36 PM
Overpackers, rejoice! Now you can carry more than one on.
January 4, 2008, 11:09 AM
You might be able to surf the web on flights in the coming years, but how will airlines handle what kind of sites you can get to?
January 4, 2008, 9:58 AM
We're getting you up-to-date on everything that's happening this week—including the new FAA restriction.
January 3, 2008, 4:21 PM
French railway tickets, a new restaurant week, and more in today's edition.
January 3, 2008, 11:30 AM
We think they're pretty neat—check out the full slideshow here.
January 3, 2008, 11:14 AM
Turns out it's just a catchy form of marketing.
January 3, 2008, 10:35 AM
The latest weird news and photos—including the first carbon-neutral airline.
January 3, 2008, 9:16 AM
There's a new ban on spare non-rechargeable lithium batteries in checked luggage.
January 2, 2008, 2:45 PM
The State Department has approved new passport cards that can be used by U.S. citizens instead of a passport when traveling to other countries in the western hemisphere.
January 2, 2008, 2:13 PM
One of the most significant finds of our time, the fighters will be touring the U.S. this year.
January 2, 2008, 12:57 PM
This year, a documentary film called 20 Seconds of Joy will race around the world's film festival circuit, telling the story of gorgeous Norwegian B.A.S.E. jumper Karina Hollekim
January 2, 2008, 8:55 AM
Friend him quick—he's got to be the most eligible bachelor on there!
December 21, 2007, 9:35 AM
It's a merging of the minds, if you will; the two searching sites will share their best features.
December 19, 2007, 2:49 PM
TripAdvisor gets a facelift, Virgin America news, and more in today's roundup.
December 19, 2007, 11:29 AM
Get a closer glimpse at a moment in the life of an air-traffic controller—it's not for the weak of heart!
December 19, 2007, 10:32 AM
In a new feature, Google invites you to type your airline name and flight number into its search box, and it will fetch the latest flight stats, such as whether your flight is delayed.
December 17, 2007, 5:15 PM
Last week, The Cranky Flier noticed that the fares offered on USAirways.com are $5 higher than available elsewhere.
December 17, 2007, 11:34 AM
The cost of getting around is probably going to keep rising.
December 17, 2007, 9:38 AM
Today, you need $1.48 to buy a euro, but within a year's time, you may only need $1.39—or roughly 6 percent less.
December 14, 2007, 11:38 AM
As an earlier blog post noted, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ceased sailing operations in September.
December 14, 2007, 8:57 AM
The most respected forecaster in the hotel industry is Bjorn Hanson of the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
December 13, 2007, 12:37 PM