Suzy's Travel Babble
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I read well over a dozen travel publications each week and I
am overloaded with good travel tips. Here are a few of the
better tips that may interest you.
-- On foreign purchases, watch your credit card bill for new
currency conversion fees. Visa and Mastercard now charge 1
to 3% extra! Studies now show that Capital One absorbs 1%
and charges no fees.
-- Most cell phones work globally but roaming charges can
vary greatly depending on your carrier. Be sure to call
your provider to check your rate. Never use your cell phone
of a cruise ship. Wait until you get on shore. Roaming
charges on ships can run as high as $5 to $10 per minute!
-- A new website designed by air traffic controllers helps
you avoid delays.
www.avoiddelays.com. (Bookmark if you fly a lot
domestically.) It lists tips and top airports that have the
most delays: Newark, JFK, Philadelphia, Wash Dulles,
Atlanta, Chicago and more. Good suggestions: Fly non-stop
if possible, book morning departures to avoid weather
delays, fly mid-week when traffic is lighter, monitor
weather changes day of departure and sign up for airline
email/text notifications.
-- On international flights, keep your window shade down
when flying during daylight hours. Flying in the upper
atmosphere there is little to filter out the suns dangerous
ultraviolet rays.
-- Lost bags. The Association of European Airlines reported
that British Airways has the highest rate of mishandled
bags, 28 per 1000. That's 75% higher than 16 per 1000 for
27 other carriers.
-- Good news, if an airline looses your bag in the USA, its
max liability to you is a whopping $3000. Bad news, if your
bag is lost internationally including the US
connecting portion, you only get a fraction at $450
per bag or $1500 per passenger depending on the country you
happen to be in at that time, different exchange rates
apply. In addition to travelers insurance always check with
your homeowners insurance policy and your credit card
company you used to buy your air ticket, sometimes they can
help augment your claim. Insurance.
