Consumer Traveler Today:April 16

Consumer Traveler Today: Worst European travel day ever?
 
 
Worst European travel day ever?
Is that cruise line free airfare deal really free?
What we’re reading: China Eastern to join SkyTeam, hotels plan growth, Las Vegas Walk of Stars
Credit card snafu triggers airfare refund trouble
UA/US/CO merger madness
Unruly babies and children on planes — how far should we go?
Worst European travel day ever?
Posted: 16 Apr 2010 05:55 AM PDT
At the time of writing this post, an erupting volcano in Iceland is spreading a cloud of volcanic ash over much of Europe that has grounded most transatlantic flights. The list of cities with closed airports includes London (all airports), Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich...the list goes. It just about covers the hubs of all major European carriers.
       

Is that cruise line free airfare deal really free?
Posted: 16 Apr 2010 03:42 AM PDT
You’ve seen the ads in the fancy travel magazines or perhaps you received a mailing or even a phone call encouraging you to choose a cruise line because it’s offering free airfare. Is that free airfare for your cruise really free? Maybe not.
       

What we’re reading: China Eastern to join SkyTeam, hotels plan growth, Las Vegas Walk of Stars
Posted: 16 Apr 2010 03:41 AM PDT
China Eastern Air said to join Air France-led SkyTeam, Hotels plan growth as global economy recovers, What is the Las Vegas Walk of Stars?
       

Credit card snafu triggers airfare refund trouble
Posted: 15 Apr 2010 08:30 AM PDT
A year ago, Böcker booked a flight from Munich to Miami via Madrid on Iberia. But the airline changed the flight three times, and let’s just say the third time wasn’t a charm for Böcker. It left him with just over an hour to connect to his overseas flight, which wasn’t enough.
       

UA/US/CO merger madness
Posted: 15 Apr 2010 07:39 AM PDT
Why can't we just let a big airline go out of business? I can't understand the ability of giant corporations that seem to keep levitating, defying gravity, defying red ink and billions and billions of dollars in losses. Case in point: United Airlines.
       

Unruly babies and children on planes — how far should we go?
Posted: 15 Apr 2010 06:30 AM PDT
What, if any, rights do passengers have regarding other passenger's children? Especially if the parents seem to be neglecting their duties.