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Posts Tagged ‘Fee’

Not All Cheap Flights Are Good

September 26th, 2010

Oddly enough, some of the same things that enable you to travel cost-effectively can be quite problematic. To begin with, establishing a baseline ticket cost means you may want to call the major airlines. This will enable you to do some comparative shopping, but it does take time, and you need to keep careful records.

The availability of Internet sites promising cheap airfares has made flying more assessable, and much more affordable. However, there are some definite downsides. The biggest problem for many seems to be that they do not know where to start. With so many options available, it is hard to know which one will give you what you need at the best possible price. Each travel company runs things a little differently, and you cannot assume the stipulations that govern one, will apply to all the others. The only answer is to search until you find the package that works for you, but again, this can be a long, drawn-out process, and there is no guarantee you will end up with a significant savings.

Some travel sites won’t confirm which airline you will travel with, or even your traveling times, until after you have made the purchase of a ticket. If your travel plans are flexible, then this will not be problematic. If they are not, you could be looking at significant inconvenience.

Most flights purchased through a cheap-fare site, are non-refundable. You can reduce the cost of your ticket by booking the flight early, but that also means you are more vulnerable to unexpected changes in plans. If this happens, you may have to eat the cost of that ‘cheap’ ticket, not to mention the fee most sites will charge for a cancellation.

Remember that flights purchased on low-fare sites are usually non-refundable. Booking your flight fourteen to twenty-one days in advance will save you money, but if your plans change, you could be in a bind. Many of the cheap booking sites can and will charge a cancellation fee, not to mention you may be out the price of your ticket. Hidden costs like this can make a cheap flight quite expensive.

It is very common for travel deals to have a number of restrictions attached. Do not count on using your frequent flyer miles or a standby option. You need to familiarize yourself with all the pertinent information available, but this isn’t always easy. It is not that the information isn’t out there, the problem is that it’s often hidden in pockets all over the site. You may need to dig a little.

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Tags: cancellation fee careful records cheap airfares Fee Flight site

When You Need A New U S Passport Expedited

September 23rd, 2010

If you are new to traveling abroad, you might not know what travel documents are required for your destination. It is important that this be one of the first things you learn as you plan your trip. If the trip is sudden, or there is limited time for planning, you might find that you need to obtain an expedited new American passport.

When applying for the first time, there are some basic application and document requirements that should be understood, in order to make the process smooth and error-free. The traveler must complete the official application and submit it to the appropriate agency. The supporting documentation that goes with the application includes a piece of personal identification matching the applicants name, and a photocopy of that same piece of identification. In addition, proof of citizenship must be presented, as well as two color photos of the applicant that meet the size specifications. Also, a fee must be paid at the time of application.

If a short window of time exists in which to complete the application process, there are ways to accelerate acquisition of the passport. There are private companies that are in business for this very reason. They will assist in walking the paperwork through to completion. There is also the option of paying a higher fee to the issuing agency in order to obtain priority in getting through the process.

As a first time applicant, you must appear in person at a Passport Agency office or an Acceptance Facility with your american passport application form and supporting documents. An Acceptance Facility is likely to be more convenient, as these are usually located in a post office or other government office. If normal lead times for the issuing agency are not adequate for your travel needs, you must bypass the normal processing sequence by making an appointment with an agent at a Regional Passport Agency. At this appointment you would request faster service, prove the need for it, and then present your application paperwork to the agent. There is a higher fee to use this faster service.

Another option is to hire a private company to assist you with the application process. Since this is their business, they know how to get it done efficiently, which might be just what you need to ease your mind about getting it completed in time. The company would provide you with detailed instructions of what you need to send them and then they would complete the application process for you. But, dont get the idea that they can do everything for you. Even when using one of these companies, the applicant still must start the application process by appearing at an Acceptance Facility with the completed paperwork.

While these companies can be of assistance to you in the application process, keep in mind that they do not work for free. Their fees are generally based on a sliding scale, meaning that the faster you need the passport, the more you are going to pay. However, if speed is your motive, then the cost may be worth the service provided. Many of these providers advertise that they can get your passport to you in 24 to 48 hours, and no more than two weeks.

When selecting a private company, there are several factors to consider. The first is the location of the company in relation to the individuals completion of the application. Since your documents will be shared between the two parties, close proximity can be an advantage. The fees charged are another consideration. Generally, there is a sliding scale based on how quickly the passport is required. Be sure to learn if there are cancellation fees, should the services of the company be terminated. The reputation of the company should be evaluated to ensure that it is reputable and has a history of meeting their clients needs.

If the trip of a lifetime comes up with short notice, dont let the lack of a passport inhibit you from traveling. Obtaining an expedited new pasport is fairly routine in the world of today. You can choose to do everything yourself through the issuing agency, or opt to pay more and let a specialized company do the legwork for you. Either way, you will get your passport and be ready to enjoy the trip.

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Tags: american passport Fee Passport passport agency passport application form process

The Unique Allegiant Name Change Option

August 10th, 2010

I was supposed to be winging my way north on my first trip on Allegiant to Bellingham this weekend for a short visit with some family. Unfortunately, a lot came up for them and they called the trip off. On most airlines, I would just have to take my losses (the ticket cost less than the change fee), but on Allegiant, there is the unique option for a name change.

In fact, if you’re interested in using these tickets (from Long Beach to Bellingham on Thursday, back Sunday), send me a note at cf@crankyflier.com.

As you know, almost no airline allows you to change your name. Allegiant, however, is different. Its business model means that name changes make sense. For me, this means that my absurdly cheap $40 ticket won’t necessarily go to waste, despite the fact that the $50 change fee costs more than the ticket itself.

So why is it that this works for Allegiant and not others? It’s all about the nature of the people onboard. Allegiant is a pure leisure airline and it sells nearly all of its seats (usually over 90% filled each month). By nature, most of these leisure travelers show up for their flights, so Allegiant can’t gain a ton by overbooking. With most people booking further in advance, Allegiant also doesn’t see a big spread in airfare. Allegiant also makes a ton of money via ancillary revenue. So, if Allegiant lets someone else take over a ticket for $50, it’s probably worth another $30 or so in ancillary revenue that it wouldn’t get if the original traveler just didn’t show up.

For the traditional airlines, it’s a different story. The business traveler is more likely to no-show (or change plans at the last minute) than most, so those airlines with a biz traveler focus can consistently overbook more. Those last minute tickets on traditional carriers cost a lot more than a mere $50 name change fee, so for them to allow it would be a revenue-negative move.

The biggest concern for airlines is, of course, that a secondary market gets created and the airlines won’t be able to take a cut. Think about it. The scalper business could be huge. You buy a bunch of cheap tickets for Thanksgiving the day they go on sale and then resell them at 5 times the price once flights start filling up. It would require some pretty serious process work to make sure that the system doesn’t get taken advantage of. For most, it’s easier to just not allow it at all.

From Allegiant’s perspective, they’ve spelled things out in their terms and conditions:

The purchase and resale of any or all Allegiant Air products including, but not limited to, travel, hotel, auto, activities or services, packages, promotions, convenience fees and taxes, baggage fees and/or seat fees by any individual, entity or company is strictly prohibited unless you are an authorized agent of Allegiant Air.

In other words, I can’t charge anyone who might want my ticket. I can have them pay the name change fee, I think, but that’s it. (Maybe I can encourage a donation to Equitas Academy. I sit on the board and our big fundraiser is coming up.) But I can’t make any money off this. The hard part for Allegiant and anyone else, however, is that this is likely to be incredibly hard to enforce.

I remain convinced that there’s a way to make something like this work on a wider scale, but I don’t have access to the internal data you’d need to really figure out if it could work or not. At least for Allegiant, it seems like a much easier case to make.

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The US Passport Application Process – Compulsory Forms And Processing Time

August 8th, 2010

You are required to present your passport any time you travel outside the United States, even to our closest neighbors, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Mexico. Every member of your family, even children, are required to show their passport to enter a foreign country. There is a standard passport application that you will complete to obtain one for the first time or for renewing an existing or expired passport.

Finding the right application and following the necessary steps can easily be done by visiting your local library. Most but not all post offices also carry passport applications. Some will also have times when they take your photo and process the applications on-site. It is best to call or look on-line to see what options the post office nearest you has available.

You can also get an application, print it and fill it out without leaving your home. Just go to your computer, type in United States Passport on your computers internet search engine and several sites, government and non-government, will pop up. Those that are not affiliated with the U. S. Government may ask you for a fee to download a guidebook and application. It is up to you whether you feel you need additional guidance to apply. However, basic instructions and applications are free and can be downloaded easily via postal service and state department sponsored websites.

If this is the first time you have applied or are under the age of 16, you will need to submit your application in person. As part of the process you will need to bring two pictures, and valid forms of identification. Consult the instructions for a list of acceptable methods of verifying your identity. If you had a passport previously but it has expired and the original issue date is more than 15 years ago, you will also have to apply in person. If you just need to renew one not already expired, or one less than 15 years since issuance and there have been no name changes, you can send your application by mail along with your fee and original passport. A new one will be issued and mailed to you.

There are several levels of processing depending on when you will be traveling. If you dont have to travel out of the country for a month or more, you can pay the standard fee and follow the routine process. It generally takes between four to six weeks to receive your passport and possibly longer during summer when more people travel. If a trip abroad came up unexpectedly and it is less than four weeks away, apply under the expedited process. This will require an additional fee for overnight delivery with tracking capability. The passports will be sent in the mail within two or three weeks, and arrive via overnight delivery. If a family or work emergency requires you to travel even sooner, you must set up an appointment at a passport agency. These are located in most major cities.

All applications, routine or expedited, first-time or renewal, require a fee. Once issued, your passport is valid for 10 years if you are over 16 and five years if younger. Traveling has become more and more complicated today and having a passport will make things much easier. Even crossing the border to Canada or Mexico, flying to Bermuda or the Caribbean, you need a passport.

Of course expedited or direct agency processing will cost you more than the routine method so plan ahead or make sure you really have to travel on your desired dates. When you travel for work, whether it be a private company or government, you should be able to ask for reimbursement. Often your agency or company will have a person on staff with the expertise or duty to help you.

One bonus of having a passport is using it as verification of citizenship for employment. When you are hired for just about any job today, you are asked to provide two forms of identification. This requirement is reduced to one if you are using an official passport. This form of I.D. tends to trump just about any other form. This is because it is issued by the federal government and you have already produced other forms of identification for the passport application form, such as your original birth certificate, to obtain one.

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Tags: expired passport Fee Passport person united states passport us passport application

U.S. Passport Name Change: Tips On How To Execute It Successfully

July 29th, 2010

If your name has been legally changed, you are going to need a United States passport name change as well. There are different procedures for this depending on your particular situation, such as how old your prior passport is. Depending on a several factors, there may be a fee involved and you may have to make your application in person.

If the passport you currently hold was issued within the last 12 months, you can have the name changed free of charge as long as you can show legal proof of the change. In this case, you need to mail the application, current passport, and an original or certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate documenting the change of name. You will also need to supply two recent photos which are less than 6 months old.

If the passport you currently hold was acquired more than a year ago, you will need a different application form. This can also be mailed in if you have the legally accepted proof of your name change. However, in this scenario, you will also have to send in a fee along with the application, current passport, proof of name change and photos.

If you cannot show legal proof of your name change, you will need to go to a passport agency in person. In this case, you are applying as if for a brand new passport. You will need to show at least three types of public records that show your birth date and birthplace as well as your new name. These records must show that you have been using the name for no less than five years.

Children who are less than 16 years of age must also apply in person for their passports and provide the same documents. They must be accompanied by their parents or guardians as well who will need to show legal proof of their relationship. The general requirements for passports for minors should be reviewed so that you have all the necessary documentation when you arrive at the agency.

Receiving your new passport can take four to six weeks or, at times, as many as ten. If you have to have it before then, you may want to have your passport application forms expedited. If you choose to do this, you will need to submit an extra fee for the rush service. It is possible to request this with any application for a passport.

Even when a passport is expedited, it can still take 2 to 3 weeks to get to you. If you are in an emergency situation in which you need the revised passport sooner, you may want to contact a passport expediting company to speed up the process.

If you are mailing your application for a passport name change, make sure that all your documentation is packaged securely. It is also best if you send it so that it can be traced. Rather than waiting until you have travel plans, do yourself a favor and send in the passport application as soon as you actually change your name.

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Tags: Fee name Passport passport name change united states passport United States passport name change

Southwest Restricts Unused Tickets, I’d Rather See a Change Fee

July 20th, 2010

It looks like the good folks at Southwest have slipped in a little change to your ability to use ticketless travel funds. As with any change, that has some people unhappy. Instead of being able to use your funds for anyone to travel, you’ll only be able to use it for yourself. I’m not a fan of this move.

A friend of mine sent me the news when he saw the story on FlyerTalk. Beginning January 28, 2011, funds that are in your name can only be used when you travel on Southwest. The way it is today, if you have a credit, you can use it for anyone.

Let’s say you booked a ticket to Birmingham, Alabama (not sure why you’d do that, but ok) and then found you couldn’t go at the last minute. We all know that Southwest has no change fees, so the amount you paid for that ticket goes into a credit that you can use on Southwest within one year of ticketing. The beauty of those credits is that you can use them for other travelers and not just you. So if I don’t have a reason to use it, I can offer it to my dad or to a friend. I’ve actually done that before where an expiring credit would have simply disappeared so I gave it up to someone else.

That luxury is going the way of free airline meals. Now you have to be the one traveling to use the credit. That sucks. I think we all understand why Southwest would do this. Without being able to transfer the credit, more people won’t be able to use it and Southwest will get to keep the money. It also eliminates any black market that may have been out there to get some cash for credits that would have gone unused. So this is a revenue-generating move, but I think there are better ones out there than this.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I think Southwest should have a change fee. Just put a reasonable $25 fee on there and the airline can start raking in the dough. It can also eliminate a lot of the uncertainty out there. If someone really needs to make a change, that person would pay $25. It would hurt those who just book for the sake of booking a cheap flight and then bank the credits later if they don’t take the flight.

Why do I like this better? I think it’s more flexible and useful. I know there is always an outcry when I mention a Southwest change fee, but if you could share your credit with someone else for only a $25 fee, then it would be better than not being able to share it at all. I know Southwest hates change fees, but there are only so many messages that an airline can promote. It’s been almost entirely about bags flying free lately and that’s a good campaign. Why not keep the focus on that. It’s not a conflict because a $25 fee would be fair.

This, however, isn’t happening anytime soon. And that’s too bad, because I find a change fee to be more palatable than a restriction on credit use.

[Original photo via Flickr user flygraphix]

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‘Carry-on Baggage Fee’ calls for displeasure from all quarters

June 11th, 2010

Spirit Airlines’ decision to start charging passengers for carry – on bags is “outrageous ” and”ridiculous,I don’t think they care about their customers.”said few travellers. This maybe the beginning and other airlines are watching and waiting to follow this revenue generation strategy.

Baldanza, Spirit Airlines M.D, said that the fee was an attempt to eliminate delays, after the airline identified excessive carry-on baggage as the No. 1 controllable reason that our planes were being delayed at the gate. It’s not about bringing in more money, given that the airline lowered base fares by the amount of the fee or more He also said that no one pays more, some pay less, and those with carry-on bags get to board first.