The @- traveler

This section provides the @-traveler with some tips on how flexibility can assist in finding the lowest fare, obtaining flight information, how to book a flight through the internet, how to prepair for the journey, various aspects to take into account while traveling, what to do when things go wrong and links to various travel and airline sites.

The overview below is just a summary of all the topics addressed in this section. The headings for each topic also act as a link to the page(s) containing a detailed description.

Being Flexible can save on Airfares
Flexibility in selecting a departure day or even an airport to depart from can provide savings on the total airfare. Most bargains can be found on routes operated by different carriers. Also, taking into account the time of year, avoiding Holiday rushes and delays with the airline’s HUB system can positively impact the total airfare.

Avoid nasty surprises
Preparation saves you half the time and prevents you from encountering nasty surprises prior to, during and after the flight. And, if you travel with people with disabilities, children or with your pet, proper preparation is a must.

Booking a flight
Booking an airline ticket is easier than it seems, but it requires a basic understanding of the terminology used in air travel. One must understand the difference between a charter, a regular and a scheduled flight. And, when a scheduled flight is the best travel option, then one should familiarize themselves with the various carriers, airports, codes, abbreviations, classes and much more. But, do realize that booking online is not a must! There are thousands of websites with search angines for flights on the Internet. One can always visit a travel agent to book a trip.

What Fares to expect
Air transportation is subject to the fares and charges. On many trips the single biggest expense is airfare. Sure, but when are they in effect, what if the fares increase, what if the fares decrease, what route do they apply to, what airline do they apply to and what is or is not includes in the fares? What about the application of fares and discounts? How can I get a cheap, if not the cheapest, fare?

Packing smart
With a little advance planning, some common-sense packing and other precautions, you can practice safe "bag-smart" techniques to minimize your losses and your bags will probably be among the ones that arrive safely. Also, with new, tighter security measures in place, packing for air travel means using caution and good judgement.

The Day of Departure
Finally the day of your departure has arrived and you are ready to go. Are you? Did you ask yourself how to get to the airport, or what to wear? Did you check whether you have your ticket on you, whether there are any expected delays, or whether you are getting the best seat in the airplane? What are the procedures for check-in and boarding? Well, we hope to give you an answer on these and other questions you may have here.

During the Flight
You're on your way to your destination, sitting comfortably and relaxed, while having a drink and smoking a cigar after a delightful meal, or aren't you? Probably not. You must be wondering about health aspects during the flight, asking yourself whether you will be able to cope with jetlag after your arrival and how to ensure a safe trip.

At Arrival
You just arrived at your destination after a smooth, quite and enjoyable flight. And, if it was one of those long haul international or intercontinental flights, I wouldn’t be surprised that you are glad to stretch your legs and are looking forward to meet your friends or relatives. The only thing left to do, is to collect your luggage.

What about Safety
Air travel is so safe you'll probably never have to use any of the advice we're about to give you. But you need to be aware of what you can do to insure a safe journey, taking into account that anything can happen before, during and after the flight. And it all starts with airport screening procedures, which have intensified since 9-11-2001. The information we provide in this section could save your life.

How to file Complaints
You may have comments on the service provided by the airline, or on the way you were approached by the flight attendant or the airport clerk. Your luggage may be lost or damaged. Your flight may be delayed or even cancelled. Or, you feel to be intimidated or even discriminated. There may be various reasons to ask for a refund, submit a claim, or file a complaint.

Any other information that may be useful
Although we may have covered all possible aspects we feel are important to the @-traveler, there are various topics we could not classify as part of the 10 chapters with information, such as flexibility, nasty surprises, fares, booking, packing, day of departure, during the flight, etc. Therefore, we have gathered here some other aspects that we might be useful or interesting to you.