Tagged: united-airlines

Miles and Money Now Needed to Reach "Elite" Status on United Airlines

Delta did it first, back in January, when it sent a note to its loyalty program members stating that now it would not just award "Silver" status based on the amount of miles flown,…

Wanna Save That $25 Baggage Charge? Avoid the 3% Foreign Transaction Fee? Get Admission to a Comfy Lounge? Enjoy Priority Boarding? We Know How!

At the risk of being accused of touting a particular credit card (in which I have no interest whatever), it's important to alert all cost-conscious travelers about the new (and…

Plan Ahead or Do It On the Spot: The Conundrum of Modern Vacations

United Airlines caused a stir two days ago when it announced that travelers could now “subscribe” to its fees. Pay one lump sum in advance—$349, so that’s one big lump sum…

United Jacks its Change fee to $200. What's the Real Cost?

Is the $200 change fee coming? No, it's already here.United is the first airline to jack up the fee it charges to passengers who need to amend their domestic travel plans. Now…

How to Use Social Media to Share Vacation Photos

Everyone gets a little snap-happy on vacation, some people more than others. On our recent Alaska Inside Passage cruise with InnerSea Discoveries, my husband and I took nearly 2,000…

Frequent-Flier Tips: How to Earn Elite Status More Quickly

To make air travel more enjoyable, and even less costly, Airfarewatchdog (www.airfarewatchdog.com) strongly recommends attaining elite status with a single airline -- and its…

Mileage Run: How to Score Free Upgrades and the Best Coach Seats

These days it's tougher and tougher to get a free upgrade. I should know -- in the 1990s I used to fly coast to coast (LAX-JFK) every other week for three years to see my ailing…

Five Nights in Spain's Costa del Sol from $729, With Air

I had to look at this one several times before I realized I was, indeed, reading it correctly. Gate 1 Travel (tel. 800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) is offering a five-night trip to…

Photo Slideshow: New Zealand Highlights From the Cover Contest

Click to view slideshowTop reader shots of New Zealand from our Cover Photo Contest.

The Able Traveler: San Francisco's Cultural Treats for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

At first glance, San Francisco doesn't appear to be the best choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers; after all, wheelchairs and hills just don't mix. But appearances can de…

Helping Out in Blue Ridge and Yosemite National Parks

No matter how wonderful you think the National Park Service is, the agency can always use a helping hand. And, thankfully, there are groups ready to extend that helping hand. For…

Travel Troubleshooter: No Refund for Canceled Vegas Vacation

Ethel Schweitzer's husband falls ill before a trip to Las Vegas, and the couple cancels their vacation. Now US Airways wants to keep their money. Why can't it offer them a…

Travel Troubleshooter: Socked for My Friend's Single Supplement

When Sue Koopman cancels her vacation, her friend is presented with a bill for a $375 single supplement. If she doesn't pay it immediately, the tour operator threatens to cancel her…

Park Notes: Playing Politics & Preparing to Get Burns-ed

Waiting Game on Director Appointment Here we are, nearly nine months into the Obama administration, and we still don't have a new National Park Service director.Why not? Political…

London and Sochi Ready for Their Olympic Moment

The next two Olympic competitions seek to set the tone for the next century of global competition. London, U.K. 2012 London 2012 aspires to host the "most sustainable" games including…

Fake Travel Insurance? 6 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Policy

George Fredrickson never suspected the travel insurance he bought for his transatlantic cruise last year was fake.When he paid nearly $8,000 for a Christmastime sailing on the…

Slope Spec: Engelberg, Switzerland

Just reaching Engelberg (tel. +41 (0) 41 639 77 77; www.engelberg.ch), a beguiling resort in the heart of Switzerland, is a totally Alpine experience. Trains depart every hour from…

The Painters Path: Artist Haunts Outside of Paris

If you want to explore Paris beyond the 20th arrondisement, this artists' haunts itinerary is for you. All of these sights are within an hour of Paris either by Metro (subway), RER…

Verboten Vacations: 9 Reasons Forbidden is "In" This Year

When it comes to travel, forbidden is in.Cuba, Iran and North Korea -- long off-limits to most American visitors -- might be added to the "allowed" list under an Obama…

"Green" Travel is Dead -- and That's a Good Thing

Green travel is dead.I arrived at this unlikely conclusion while talking with Mike Ragsdale, the "town evangelist" for a seaside community in Northwest Florida called Alys Beach.…

Travel Troubleshooter: Charged for Movies I Never Watched

There's a $24 charge for two movies on Keeley Hozjan's hotel bill. Movies that were never ordered or watched. Although the hotel promises an investigation, the charge shows up on…

Travel Troubleshooter: Insurance is Extra on This "Hot" Mexican Car

Tom Gainor pays for a rental car through Hotwire.com (www.hotwire.com), but when he gets to the car rental counter in Mexico, an agent strong-arms him into buying insurance that…

See Africa Through Festivals, Photo Safaris, Bushwalks and More

Africa continues to grow in popularity as at travel destination, but usually what you see are just safari trips to the usual destinations, city breaks to places like Johannesburg, or…

Olympics Then and Now: Mexico City, Mexico, Summer Olympic Games 1968

In the late 1960s, Mexico City was immersed in a cultural renaissance. The city's art, music, performers, and cuisine were drawing world attention, and tourism -- especially from the…

The Best National Parks for a Family Vacation

Approaching a cross-country, or even regional, family vacation to a national park can be daunting if your family includes finicky toddlers, demanding "tweens," or seemingly…