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Airfarewatchblog
AirTran Sale for travel through late May
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Tuesday, January 26, 2010
AirTran's newest sale is valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays through May 26. Fares require a 10-day advance purchase. Blackout dates are April 2, 3, 10, and 11.
All travel to/from Florida, Aruba, Cancun, Montego Bay, Nassau, and San Juan must be complete by March 10.
Fares must be booked by 11:59pm ET, February 9.
Fares include:
Atlantic City to Ft Lauderdale $148 round-trip
Atlanta to San Antonio $188 round-trip
Branson to Tampa $158 round-trip
Boston to Jacksonville $128 round-trip
Buffalo to Richmond $128 round-trip
Baltimore to Kansas City $138 round-trip
Charlotte to Orlando $128 round-trip
Washington DC to Los Angeles $178 round-trip
Dallas to Orlando $148 round-trip
Detroit to Miami $138 round-trip
New York to Key West $298 round-trip
Houston to Philadelphia $168 round-trip
Jacksonville to Rochester $128 round-trip
New York to San Francisco $178 round-trip
Milwaukee to Richmond $148 round-trip
Categories: Domestic US Fares, Caribbean/Mexico/Latin America Airfares
Fare of the Day: Washington DC to Denver
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Monday, January 25, 2010
Washington DC to Denver $121 round-trip, incl. all taxes
This fare is available for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday travel, with a 330 travel period.
Categories: Airfare Tips
Checked bag fees for airlines flying internationally
Posted by A Tam on Monday, January 25, 2010
If you think baggage fees on domestic US flights are high, you might be surprised what some international airlines are charging these days. Some airlines charge by the pound (or kilogram) after your bag weighs over a certain limit, and the fees can be quite high. For example, flying on Cathay Pacific from non-Americas destinations, you'll pay 1.5% of the adult economy class fare for each 2.2 lbs (1 kg) that a third checked bag weighs. If the fare is $2000, you'll pay $30 per kg, so if your third bag weighs 22 lbs (10 kg) it will cost $300 each way!
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1st checked Bag |
2nd checked bag |
3 and up |
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US to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe: €12-15 online €18 @ airport
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US to Europe: $50 up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags between 23kg-32kgs (50lbs-70lbs): $50
Within Europe: €12-15 online. € 18 @ airport
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US to Europe: $50 up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe: €12-15 online. € 18 @ airport |
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Within Mexico: Free up to 30KG(66LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit 165 pesos per KG will be charged.
US to Mexico: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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Within Mexico: 165 pesos per KG.
US to Mexico: $40
Overweight bag fee: $40-120 depending on weight and destination. |
From: US to Mexico: 3rd-5th $140 6th-7th $200 each. Up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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US to Europe: Free up to 50LBS
All other flights: Free up to20KG (44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US to Europe: Free up to 50LBS. Overweight bag fees $50 23 to 32 KG(50 to 70 LBS) $200 up to 45KG(99LBS). |
From US to Europe: $150 each up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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US to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Short Haul: Free up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags
Long Haul (3000+ miles): Free up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags.
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US to Europe: $40 up to 23KG(50LBS). Overweight bag fee $65
If over limit: Short Haul: €10 per KG If over limit: Long Haul: €20 per KG |
US to Europe: $150 each up to 32KG(70LBS). More than 32KG $450 will be charged.
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Within Canada: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to Canada: Free up to 23KG (50 LBS)
US/Canada to Europe: Free up to 23KG (50LBS)
US/Canada to all other intl Destinations: Free up to 23KG(50 LBS)
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Within Canada: Free up to 23KG(50LBS). Overweight bags $75 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
US to Canada: $30 Overweight bags $75 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
US/Canada to Europe: $50 Overweight bags $100 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
US/Canada to all other intl destinations: Free up to 50 LBS. Overweight bags $100 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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Within Canada: $100each up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to Canada: $100 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
US/Canada to all intl destinations: $225 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to China: Free up to 50LBS
All other flights: Free up to 20KG (44LBS). If over limit, fee per KG imposed based on 1.5% of highest one way fare. |
US to China: Free up to 23KG (50 LBS)
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US to China: $165 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Europe/Africa/India: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe: 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US to Europe: $50 US to Africa/India: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Overweight bags $100 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US to Europe: $200 each, up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to Africa/India: $200 up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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US to Europe /N Africa/ C. Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe: 20 KG TOTAL for all bags. €10 per KG if overweight. |
US to Europe/N Africa: $50 Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
US to C. Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) . |
US to Europe/N Africa/C Africa: $200 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
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All intl destinations: Free up to 23KG (50LBS)
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US to Brazil/Asia: Free US to Europe/India: $50
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Varies depending on destination and weight. |
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US to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If overweight pay fee for up to certain amount of weight: ex: €35 up to 15KG
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US to EUR: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within EUR: If overweight, pay fee for up to certain amount of weight: ex: €35 up to 15KG(33LBS) €72 up to 32KG(70LBS).
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US to Europe: $200 up to 23KG(50LBS)
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All Flights: Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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All Flights: Up to 20KG TOTAL for all bags. |
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All intl flights: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to India/Nigeria/Ghana/Kenya: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
All other international flights: $48 online $60@airport. Up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
Within Europe/Domestic UK: $50 Up to 23KG(50LBS) |
US to India/Nigeria/Ghana/Kenya: $48 online $60@airport. Up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other international flights: $112 online $140@airport. Up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within EUR/Domestic UK: $50 Up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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US to Europe/Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe & Medium Haul from Europe (Tel Aviv, Moscow, Helsinki) : Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags.
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US to Europe/Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe: If over limit, €10 per KG online €12 @ airport
Medium Haul from Europe: (Tel Aviv, Moscow, Helsinki) €12 per KG online, €15 per KG @ airport. |
US to Europe/Africa: €150 up to 23KG(50LBS). €200 up to 32KG(70LBS) |
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US to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other intl destinations: Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit, fee per KG imposed based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare. |
US to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $25 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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Varies depending on destination and weight. |
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US to all intl destinations: Free up to 23KG (50LBS) |
US to MEX/Caribbean/S America: $27 online 30 @airport up to 23KG (50LBS) Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
US to Europe: $45 online 50@airport up to 23KG (50LBS) Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
All other intl flights: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US to Europe: $150 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other destinations: $100 each up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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US/ to all intl Destinations: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
US to Mexico/Caribbean/S America: S25 online $30 @ airport up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to Europe: $50 up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other intl flights: free up to 50 LBS
Overweight bags $150 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS) $175 up to 45KG(100LBS)
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All intl destinations: 3rd bag $200 4th –5th : $350 up to 23KG(50LBS)
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£9.00 per bag online £18.00@airport up 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags up to 8 bags. Excess weight £10 per KG; sports equipment charged extra |
£9.00 per bag online £18.00@airport up 20KG(44LBS); Excess weight £10 per KG |
Bags 3-8 (max. 8 allowed) £9.00 per bag online £18.00@airport up 20KG(44LBS); Excess weight £10 per KG |
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US to all intl destinations: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit, fee per KG imposed based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare. |
US to all intl destinations: Free up to 23KG(50LBS). If over limit, fee per KG imposed based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare.
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US(east coast) to all intl destinations: $115 up to 23KG(50LBS)
US(west coast) to all intl destinations: $125 up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Middle East: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
US to Middle East: Free up to 23KG(50LBS). Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US to Middle East: $175 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination |
US to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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Varies depending on destination. |
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Finnair |
US to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit, fee per KG based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare. |
US to EUR: Free up to 23KG(50LBS). If over limit, fee per KG based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare. |
US to EUR- $90-110 each depending on destination. |
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US/Canada/Guam to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Brazil to Asia: Free up to 32KG(70LBS)
All other flights: Up to 20 KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit, fee per KG based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare. |
US/Canada/Guam to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Brazil to Asia: free up to 32KG(70LBS)
If over limit, fee per KG based on 1.5% of highest one-way fare. |
Piece concept: Depends on destination $80-350
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US to Europe/Mid East/Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: 23KG TOTAL for all bags. If over limit € 5 p. 5 KG
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US to Europe/Mid East/Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Europe/Mid East/Africa: €150 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Europe/ Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
US/All other destinations: 23 KG TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination |
US to Europe/ Africa: $50 up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to EUR/ Africa: €200 up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
US to Asia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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Varies depending on route. |
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All intl routes: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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All intl routes: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
$10-90 depending on route. |
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US to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to all other intl Destinations: Free up to 23KG
Within Europe/ Mid East/ Asia/Africa: Up to 20KG TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination |
US to Europe: $50 up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $150 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS). 32KG and up $350
US to all other intl destinations: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $150 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS) 32KG and up $400
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Varies depending on route. |
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Domestic Mexico: Free up to 32KG(70LBS)
US to Mexico: Free up to 25KG(55LBS)
To Sao Paulo: Free up to 64KG(140LBS) TOTAL. Max 2 bags.
To Buenos Aires: Free up to 32KG(70LBS) TOTAL. Max 2 bags.
To London: Free up to 46KG(101LBS) TOTAL Max 2 bags.
To C. America: Free up to 46KG(101LBS) TOTAL Max 2 bags. |
Domestic Mexico: 400 Pesos
US to Mexico: $40
To Sao Paulo: Free up to 64KG(140LBS) TOTAL. Max 2 bags.
To Buenos Aires: Free up to 32KG(70LBS) TOTAL Max 2 bags.
To London: Free up to 46KG(101LBS) TOTAL Max 2 bags.
To C. America: Free up to 46KG(101LBS) TOTAL Max 2 bags. |
Domestic Mexico: 3rd –5th bags 1500 Pesos Each
US to Mexico: 3rd –5th bags $150 Each up to 25KG(55LBS)
To Sao Paulo: 3rd –5th bags $150 Each
To Buenos Aires:: 3rd –5th bags $150 Each
To London: 3rd –5th bags $150 Each
To C. America: 3rd –5th bags $150 Each
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Air New Zealand |
Within NZ: Free up to 25KG(55LBS)
NZ To Australia, Asia, and London (Via Hong Kong): Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags.
NZ To Tahiti, US, London(Via LA): Free up to 46 KG(100LBS)TOTAL up to 2 bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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Within NZ: $15NZD
To Tahiti, US, London (Via LA): Free up to 46KG(100LBS) TOTAL up to 2 bags.
Overweight charges will depend on destination and how many bags you check-in. |
Within NZ: $50NZD |
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Within Australia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
US/Australia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other intl Flights: Up to 23KG(50LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination |
US to Australia: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) If bags are overweight, per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US to Australia: $150 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
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Departing from US: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other intl destinations: Up to 20KG(50LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination |
Departing from US: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $100 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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Departing from US: 3rd bag $175 4th-5th bag: $250 each 6th and over: $400 each Up to 23KG(50LBS) each
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€15 online €35 @airport up to 15KG(33LBS); €20 Per KG in excess |
€35 online €70 @airport up to 15KG(33LBS); €20 Per KG in exces |
€20 Per KG payable @airport only |
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US/Canada to all destinations: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US/Canada to all destinations: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $150 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US/Canada to all destinations: $200 each up to 23KG(50LBS) each. Overweight bags $350 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US/Canada to Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other destinations: Up to 20-30 KG TOTAL for all bags depending on destination. If over limit charge will be 1.5% of normal one-way fare per KG. Some exceptions apply.
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US/Canada to Africa: Free up to 23 KG (50LBS) Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US to Africa: $125-150 depending on final destination
Up to 23KG(50LBS) each |
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US to Europe/Cameroon: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other intl flights: 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US to Europe/Cameroon: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $150 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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US to Europe: $200 each US to All other destinations: $250
Up to 23KG(50LBS) each |
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All flights: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
All Flights: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $55 between 23 to 31KG(50 to 70LBS)
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Bags 3-4: $175 each 5+: $200 each
Up to 23KG(50LBS) each
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US/Canada to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
Within Europe: 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US/Canada to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US/ Canada to Europe: 3+ $150 each up to 23KG(50LBS) each |
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To from US: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: Free up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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To From US: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $119 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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To from US: 3+ $119 each,
Up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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To from US: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other flights: Up to 20KG(44LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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To from US: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $80 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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To from US: $150-225 each Depending on destination. Up to 23KG(50LBS) |
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All intl flights: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
US to Europe/Russia/India: $45 online $50@airport.
US to Mexico/Caribbean: $27 online $30@airport Overweight bags $125 between 23 to 45KG(50 to 100LBS)
All other flights: free up to 23KG(50LBS) Overweight bags $150-400 depending on destination and weight. |
US to Europe/S.America/Asia/Australia: 3rd-4th: $200 each 5th-6th: $250 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to Africa/Middle East: 3+ $250 each up to 23KG(50LBS)
To Caribbean/Mexico: 3rd-4th $125 each 5th-6th : $250 up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Europe: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
US to S. America/Mid East: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
US to Europe: $50 online $55 @ airport
To S. America/Mid East: Free up to 50LBS Overweight bags $50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS) $100 between 32 and 45KG(50-100LBS)
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US to Europe: $100 @ airport up to 23KG(50LBS)
To S. America/Mid East: $100 @ airport up to 23KG(50LBS)
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US to Australia Free up to 2KG(70LBS) TOTAL up to 2 bags
All other destinations: 23KG(50LBS) TOTAL for all bags. If over limit per KG charge is imposed. Price depends on destination
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US to Australia: Free up to 32KG(70LBS) TOTAL up to 2 bags. Overweight bags $100 |
US to Australia: $100 US Each |
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All routes: Free up to 23KG(50LBS) |
All destinations to Africa: Free up to 23KG(50LBS)
All other routes: $48 online $60@airport. Overweight bags 50 between 23 to 32KG(50 to 70LBS)
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Africa: $48 online $60@airport 4+: $48 online $140@airport
All others: 3+: $48 online $140@airport |
Categories: Airfare Tips
Hawaii Sale from American Airlines
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Monday, January 25, 2010
While not the most amazing bunch of fares we've ever come across, the latest sale from American Airlines features the best deals to Hawaii currently up for grabs. This sale is valid for travel on Mondays through Thursdays, through April 30. Fares require a 3-night or Saturday night minimum stay, with an allowed maximum stay of 60 days.
Avoid blackout dates April 8 through April 12.
Fares include:
Nashville to Lihue $676 round-trip
New York to Kona $693 round-trip
New York to Kahului-Maui $685 round-trip
Categories: Domestic US Fares
Alaska Web Specials
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Sunday, January 24, 2010
Alaska Airlines has released their latest batch of Web Specials. Rules and restrictions vary by route, though most are valid for travel from February 1 through February 14. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days. Some markets may not operate daily service. All fares require immediate purchase.
Visit AlaskaAir.com for more info. Fares include:
Anchorage to Ontario $378 round-trip
Ancorage to Sacramento $398 round-trip
Ancorage to Bethel $238 round-trip
Ancorage to Victoria $601 round-trip
Anchorage to Barrow $438 round-trip
Barrow to Fairbanks $398 round-trip
Boise to St John's $338 round-trip
Categories: Domestic US Fares
Fare of the Day: Minneapolis to St. Louis
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Friday, January 22, 2010
Minneapolis to St. Louis $119 round-trip, incl. all taxes
This fare requires a 14-day advance purchase, and is available for travel Monday through Saturday.
Categories: Airfare Tips
TripAdvisor's Dirtiest Hotels for 2010
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Friday, January 22, 2010
Ah, nothing quite beats the sensation of gummed-up carpet under the feet, does it? And who doesn't enjoy staring into the wild paisley maroons and browns of a motel blanket, blissfully ignorant of whatever sick old who-knows-what stains are right in front of your face? Yes, there are some truly gnarly hotels out there, which is why we are obsessed (OBSESSED!) with checking TripAdvisor's traveler submitted photos and videos. Ok, yes, partially because we hope to score a cute place to stay, and avoid becoming a bedbug buffet. But also? We just really enjoy looking at photos of gross hotels. Just when you think you can't top the photo of a homemade doorknob constructed of dental floss and a clothes pin, you find a photo of a dead dusty mouse in the crack of a bed. Endlessly entertaining!
So naturally we look forward to this time of year, when TripAdvisor releases their list of the world's Dirtiest Hotels for 2010. What's so especially vommie about this year's winners? See for yourself. If nothing else, you'll walk away feeling like a better housekeeper.
Help us spread the word about Airfarewatchdog!
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Friday, January 22, 2010
Are you a big fan of Airfarewatchdog? Well we certainly hope so and thanks! We'd LOVE it if you could tell your friends about us. One very effective way is to hand out some of our FREE cards to friends, family, coworkers etc.
Have a store? Leave them at the counter.
Sending out wedding invites? Insert one and help guests flying to the event save money on airfare.
Going to a party? Pass 'em out.
Work in an office? Leave some in the break room
We have several thousand of these business cards, and we'd love to snail mail as many as you'd like. We just need your full mailing address (which will be used for no other purpose).
Just email us at questions@airfarewatchdog.com telling us how many you'd like, along with your address, and we'll drop them in the mail for you, all for free of course!
Categories: Airfarewatchdog News
Fare of the Day: San Francisco to Barcelona, Spain
Posted by Tracy Stewart on Thursday, January 21, 2010
San Francisco to Barcelona, Spain $554 round-trip, incl. all taxes
This is part of the previously mentioned British Airways sale, good for travel through late March. Other destinations on sale from British Airways include Madrid, Amsterdam, and Istanbul.
Categories: Airfare Tips
Did British Airways go too far to "protect" an unaccompanied minor?
Posted by David Landsel, Airfarewatchdog.com on Thursday, January 21, 2010
One passenger thinks so.
Mirko Fischer probably wasn’t expecting to be singled out as a potential pedophile on his British Airways flight out of London’s Gatwick Airport last April.
Fischer, a businessman who was heading home to Luxembourg with his pregnant wife Stephanie, took his seat on the plane – in the middle of the row, between his significant other and a 12-year-old boy he’d never met.
Just before takeoff and without warning, a flight attendant leaned in and gave Mr. Fischer the bad news: He’d need to change his seat. Refusing to do so, the attendant explained that the plane would not depart until he complied. Understandably humiliated and embarrassed, Fischer moved, but that was just the beginning – the 33-year-old hedge fund manager is now suing British Airways on grounds of sex discrimination.
“This policy is branding all men as perverts for no reason,” Fischer told London’s Daily Mail; the case will be heard next month. Fischer says he will donate any compensation he receives to the UK's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Does British Airways really have a policy that demands cabin crew arbitrarily reseat passengers it deems unfit companions for unaccompanied minors on its flights? Like all airlines, it no doubt has strict guidelines that include taking special precautions that the child is not lost in the shuffle. The most typical security measure is to seat solo-flying children as close to a galley and cabin crew as possible, in order to keep an eye on them.
JetBlue spokesperson Mateo Lleras says that the airline will generally try to keep the unaccompanied minor “somewhere close to the front of the plane” and in plain sight.
Tim Smith, a representative for American Airlines, says that the airline does “routinely place the unaccompanied minors in seating areas where our flight attendants can easily monitor and interact with the children.”
American would not, he states, “routinely move male (or female) passengers away from unaccompanied minors without cause.”
Then again, there’s always the possibility that British Airways does not do so either.
New York-based BA spokesman John Lampl couldn’t go into details due to pending litigation, but did supply an official statement from the airline saying that there was an internal investigation currently underway, and that the airline had been “looking at a potential settlement by meeting the customer's claim before this issue received any media coverage.”
But isn't it a bit late for that?
How would you react in such a situation?
Categories: Airline Industry News
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