Cheap International Airfares by Less2Fly

Surviving A Long Layover In Paris

2006-04-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the lowest international airfares are only found with flight schedules that do not have the best connections. This could mean connecting more than once or having a long layover at the connecting airport.

So what can you do if you arrive early in the morning, which is common in Europe, and your onward flight is not until the late afternoon or evening?

Take Paris Charles De Gaulle airport (CDG) for example. If you have 8 to 12 hours to spare you could sit in the airport on a plastic chair watching other passengers, or you could visit the Louvre, Notre Dame or have lunch on the Right or Left Bank of the River Seine.

But how can you do this and still be back at CDG in time for your connecting flight?

There is a very efficient and regular train (RER) service between CDG and the center of Paris. Once in Paris, the metro train system is a fantastic and extensive network under and around the city. You may choose to connect from the RER to the metro, or take a taxi from the RER station to where you disembark. Once free of baggage, the metro is the best form of transportation around the city.

In 8 hours you can catch the train (metro) from the airport to the center of Paris (Gare du Nord) spend 3 or 4 hours in Paris and easily return to catch your connecting flight. You would catch the free shuttle bus from his arrival terminal to the RER station (metro). The current cost for the RER ride is 8 Euros (about $10 USD) one-way.

Details are:

The RER B rail line (regional metro system) serves airport terminals 1, 2, and 3 (formerly T9). It runs from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight, departing every 10-15 minutes on weekdays. To reach the RER station at Roissy/CDG, the airport authority offers a free shuttle from the terminals, which stops at the following locations:

Aérogare/Terminal 1: exit door #28 on the arrivals level
Aérogare/Terminal 2A: exit door #5 on the departures level
Aérogare/Terminal 2B: exit door #6 on the departures level
Aérogare/Terminal 2C: exit door #9 on the departures level
Aérogare/Terminal 2D: exit door #2 on the departures level
Aérogare/Terminal 2F: exit door F on the departures level

The journey takes about 25 minutes to the Gare du Nord train station (10e arrondissement),

From the Gare Du Nord you can catch the metro to almost any of the city tourist sights. For the Louvre, check out the Mona Lisa, you can walk right in almost all the time down inside in the mall-like entrance (Carousel du Louvre) just off the Palais Royal Musee du Louvre metro stop. The museum is usually open from 9am to 6pm except on Tuesdays and certain public holidays when it is closed.

Remember to carry your passport with you at all times; not just your driver's license. It is a legal requirement to have identification with you when traveling in France.

This information is correct at the time of publishing, but please check it is still valid before setting off to explore Paris.

Passengers Be Warned! Reduced Baggage Allowance on International Flights

2006-04-21T16:28:00.000-04:00

Most airlines have recently reduced the free baggage allowance for passengers traveling in Economy Class on International flights.

The previous allowance was 2 bags each weighing up to 70 pounds or 32 kilograms. This has been changed to 2 bags each weighing up to 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. There is also a size limit for each bag. The maximum size of each checked bag is 62 inches/158cm (length + width + height).

The baggage allowance to Brazil, Japan and the Philippines remains at 2 bags each weighing up to 70 pounds or 32 kilograms due to local regulations.

Most airlines give passengers traveling in Business or first Class and the top tier of frequent fliers a more generous baggage allowance, to see details of this please check individual airline websites.

If you exceed the 50-pound limit, the airline will charge up to $50 per bag. In order to save this fee it is advisable to weigh your bags before leaving for the airport and also to leave space in one of your checked bags so you can redistribute the contents to ensure you are below the limit for all your bags.

Airlines also have a carry on allowance in addition to checked bags. This varies by airline but normally the carry-on luggage must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in overhead compartments or underneath the seat in front of you. As examples, Northwest Airlines allows a carry bag to weigh up to 40 pounds whereas Lufthansa German Airlines only allow 8 kilograms or approximately 17 pounds.

For travel with an origin and destination outside the U.S./Canada (i.e. within Asia or within Europe), the weight concept applies. The weight concept allows a maximum weight for baggage, per person, that can be checked free of charge. The free weight applies to the total weight of all bags checked by an individual.

If you are planning to travel wholly within or between Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is:

Coach Class: 44 pounds (20 kg)
Business Class: 66 pounds (30 kg)
Infants not occupying a passenger seat: 22 pounds (10 kg)

To avoid having to unexpectedly pay fees or check a bag you were intending to carry it is advisable to check the limits posted on the website of the airline or airlines on which you are traveling.

Enhancing the Customer Experience at Washington Dulles International Airport

2006-04-21T10:49:00.000-04:00

On April 19th, United Express® flights at Dulles International Airport will transition from Concourse G to begin arriving and departing from the larger and more convenient Concourse A*. During the transition period, April 19 through April 30, be sure to check departure boards for correct gate information. Customer Service Representatives and special signage will help
direct customers through the airport.

Here are some of the enhancements United’s customers will now experience on Concourse A:

• A much improved travel experience, including more pleasant and relaxing waiting areas near the gates.

• More restaurants, larger restroom facilities, and a dedicated Customer Service Counter, among other amenities.

• Convenient travel between Concourse A and the main terminal, as well as the C and D Concourses, via mobile lounges. With service every five to ten minutes, customers can connect with ease.

• Improved baggage and delivery times since Concourse A is closer to the baggage claim area.

• With six boarding areas serving multiple flights simultaneously, customers will experience better on time departure performance.

With more destinations from Washington, D.C. than any other carrier – 89 cities, including 18 international destinations – United is committed to Washington, D.C.

*Note: Certain United Express flights will continue to depart from, and arrive at, the C and D Concourses.

Swiss International Air Lines News Updated

2006-03-29T09:39:00.000-05:00

SWISS takes up membership in Star Alliance

SWISS celebrates a major milestone on April 1, when it officially becomes a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network. The addition of SWISS and, later in the month, South African Airways will increase the alliance’s global coverage to 842 destinations in 152 countries, with over 15,500 flights daily.

New frequent flyer program: Miles & More

Miles & More becomes the new SWISS frequent flyer program on April 1. As the most extensive program of its kind in Europe, Miles & More offers members the opportunity to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by all Star Alliance members and 20 additional affiliated airlines. Mileage benefits are also available through hotel accommodation, car rental and credit card purchases, as well as various other channels. The mileage balance on March 31 of former Swiss Travel Club members transferring to Miles & More will be credited to their new accounts in the first half of April. The new membership cards were mailed to the Miles & More members in mid-March. http://www.miles-and-more.com

Lufthansa Adds Flights to Astana, Kazakhstan

2006-03-27T09:32:00.000-05:00

Lufthansa continues to expand its global network eastward with the addition of new flights to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

As of March 26th Lufthansa will begin non-stop flights to Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana (TSE). Scheduled to depart from, and return to Frankfurt on Mondays and Thursdays, these non-stop flights will be operated by an Airbus A330.

And with the start of the summer timetable, Lufthansa will add two more flights a week from its hub in Frankfurt, to Kazakhstan’s second largest city, Almaty. These additional flights will provide your clients with daily non-stop service to Almaty. And expanded schedules to Astana and Almaty will give your clients the perfect opportunity to explore and experience a truly unique destination in Eastern Europe.

Kazakhstan, centrally located on the Asian continent, is the second largest state in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Rich in natural resources, Kazakhstan is a vibrant, flourishing country with above-average economic growth. The largest of the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union, Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest nation in geographic area. However, with a population of just 15 million people, Kazakhstan’s population density is among the lowest in the world.

Swiss International Air Lines News

2006-03-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

New 2nd JFK-ZRH Flight Starts May 1st 2006

As of May 1st, SWISS will introduce additional service between New York's JFK and Zurich. The new flight will be operated with Airbus A330-200 equipment, and will depart from JFK at 9pm, arriving in Zurich the next day at 10.55am. The return flight from Zurich will depart at 1pm and arrive at JFK at 3.40pm. With the introduction of this flight SWISS also introduces United Airlines as a new code share partner on all New York routes. This flight will operate six days a week with the exception of Sundays and offer Swiss First, Business and Swiss Economy seats.

SWISS Getting Ready for Star Alliance Membership

SWISS plans to celebrate a major milestone when it officially becomes a Star Alliance member during the first half of this year. For SWISS customers, this will mean access to a vast network of flights, routes and coordinated connections to more than 790 destinations in 138 countries plus the opportunity to relax in more than 620 lounges around the world. Look for the latest on www.swiss.com.

Search for international flights from JFK to Zurich

US Airways Announces New Flights to Europe

2006-02-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

Today, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) customers have more ways to jet off to Europe thanks to new service from Philadelphia to Milan, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Stockholm, Sweden. With this new service -- starting in May and June -- US Airways offers 19 daily flights to 16 cities in 10 countries throughout Europe.

"Our international presence is a key element that sets the new US Airways apart from other low-cost carriers, and we are thrilled to grow that presence through today's announcement," said US Airways President and CEO Doug Parker. "We are extremely grateful to Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and Philadelphia Airport Director Charles J. Isdell, who played crucial roles in ensuring our commitment to offer more international destinations to the citizens of Philadelphia and surrounding areas becomes a reality. On behalf of the new US Airways' 35,000 aviation professionals, we also extend our thanks to the Philadelphia community for continuing to believe in and fly with us."

The new European service, subject to foreign-government approval, is scheduled as follows.

Market	Plane	Flight #	Departs	Arrives
Philadelphia-Milan	Boeing 767	164	4:10 p.m.	6:35 a.m.
Milan-Philadelphia	Boeing 767	49	9:45 a.m.	1:20 p.m.
Philadelphia-Stockholm	Boeing 767	326	5:55 p.m.	8:20 a.m.
Stockholm-Philadelphia	Boeing 767	327	10:20 a.m.	1:35 p.m.
Philadelphia-Lisbon	Boeing 757	48	8:10 p.m.	8:15 a.m.
Lisbon-Philadelphia	Boeing 757	49	10:15 a.m.	1:15 p.m.

Air India plans non-stop US flights

2006-01-30T14:05:00.000-05:00

Air India may launch a non-stop service to the United States in early 2007, when the national carrier takes delivery of its first 3 B777-200LR aircraft from Boeing Company.

"The service is likely to start by February 2007. Air India is exploring the option of starting non-stop service from New Delhi or Mumbai to New York or Chicago," a source said.

Air India is acquiring 8 777-200LR Worldliners as part of its proposed acquisition of 68 aircraft from Boeing for an estimated $8.1 billion.

The planes are scheduled for delivery beginning November 2006. Currently, Air India is operating 28 flights a week to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Newyark connecting via European destinations including London, Frankfurt and Paris.

"The proposed non-stop flights from India to the US will do away with the UK visa requirements for US passengers, though they are not stopping in London. Passengers will prefer non-stop flights," an industry analyst said.

The non-stop service India-US is seeing over 80 per cent load factor and will be a boon to Air India, they observed.

Currently, Continental Airlines and American Airlines are operating seven flights a week each with 777-200 ER aircraft.

The world's largest airline firm American Airlines is operating its daily transatlantic flight non-stop between New Delhi and Chicago, while Continental Airlines is operating daily non-stop between New Delhi and New York.

Sources in Air India said the airline is in the process of finalising the route details, however, it would continue with existing stop-over services.

The deployment of 777-200LR would offer Air India operational cost savings and the flexibility to serve new, ultra long range non-stop routes.

Air India's order of 68 aircraft comprise 23 777s including 8 777-200LR Worldliners and 15 777-300ERs and 27 787-8 Dreamliners. Air India Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, will receive 18 next generation 737-800s.

Traveling on International Flights With Infants

2006-01-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

Traveling with infants is always a challenge, more so on long international flights. Some parents in order to keep their infant safe and secure during take off and landing will spend extra money to purchase a child’s fare and therefore a seat for their baby so he or she can be secured in a car seat on the aircraft. A child’s fare typically costs 65 or 75 percent of an adult ticket, whereas an infant ticket costs only 10 percent.

However, not all airlines will allow parents to use a car seat on board. This depends upon the regulations of the country in which the airline is registered.

Alitalia is one such airline. Italian regulations do not allow them to secure infants in a car seat on board their aircraft. Passengers who purchased a child’s fare expecting to use a car seat will be required to purchase a new infant’s ticket at check in and then attempt to refund the child’s ticket through the original agency that issued it. This is not always successful as ticket rules have changed and most tickets are non-refundable.

As Alitalia is a member of the Sky Team Alliance you may purchase a ticket which shows a flight number of one of the other team members but which is actually operated by Alitalia. If this is the case the Alitalia regulations take precedence.

Other members of the Sky Team are Air France, Aero Mexico, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air Lines and Czech Airlines. As Alitalia only flies across the Atlantic from the USA this potential problem would not arise to Korean Air Lines or Aero Mexico destinations.

On Alitalia The passenger traveling with an infant will be allowed to have a stroller or car seat to hold the infant until actual flight boarding. At that point, the stroller/car seat will be tagged and checked in at the gate.

On all other Sky Team flights the passenger traveling with an infant will be allowed to have a stroller for the infant until actual flight boarding. At that point, the stroller will be tagged and checked in at the gate. Only a car seat will be allowed on the aircraft if a seat has been purchased for the infant.

At this time we are not aware of any of the other Alliances, Star or One World, not permitting a child’s fare and a seat to be purchased for an infant. However, we recommend that you check with the airline before purchasing in order to avoid problems at check in – after all it is stressful enough traveling with children without adding to it.

South African Airways Starts Code-Share with United Airlines

2006-01-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

JOHANNESBURG. 14 January 2006. South African Airways (SAA) today introduced a code-share agreement with United Airlines, its Star Alliance partner to the Americas.

Customers of both airlines can now purchase airline tickets and earn miles to even more destinations in Africa and Europe when booking travel on code-share flights between SAA and United.

SAA is the only carrier to provide a direct service from North America to South Africa, with daily departures from New York (JFK) and Atlanta and four flights weekly from Washington Dulles that offer convenient connections to the airline's unsurpassed Africa network.

"South African Airways is proud to partner with United Airlines in this code-share agreement as it is sure to expand our services and continue to provide our passengers with the highest standards of comfort and convenience," said Nomfanelo Magwentshu, SAA General Manager Business Development

Continental Offers Flights to Buenos Aires From Houston

2005-10-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

Continental Airlines announced the planned flight schedule for daily nonstop flights between the airline's hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Flights to Buenos Aires will begin Dec. 14, 2005, subject to foreign government approval.

Buenos Aires will be Continental's ninth destination in South America and 78th Latin American/Caribbean destination. The flight originates in New York/Newark with a stop in Houston before continuing to Buenos Aires. Continental will utilize a 174-seat Boeing 767-200ER aircraft on the flight to Buenos Aires, carrying 25 passengers in the Business First cabin and 149 in economy. The flight schedule is as follows:

Departs	Arrives	Departs	Arrives
New York/Newark	Houston	Houston	Buenos Aires
4:20pm	7:30pm	9:00pm	10:20am (next day)

Buenos Aires	Houston	Houston	New York/Newark
10:50pm	6:20am (next day)	7:55am	12:18pm

Flight times between Houston and Buenos Aires are 10 hours and 20 minutes traveling south, and 10 hours and 30 minutes traveling north.

Continental offers a number of Spanish-language services, including bilingual flight attendants on many flights to Latin America; and bilingual airport personnel, reservations agents and signage.

Delta to Become World’s Largest Transatlantic Airline

2005-10-21T09:43:00.000-04:00

Growth includes expansion at Atlanta, New York-JFK hubs ATLANTA, Oct. 18, 2005 – As part of the largest international expansion in its history, Delta Air Lines plans to begin non-stop, widebody service from its transatlantic gateways at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to 11 new markets throughout Europe and the Middle East. With this growth, Delta will become the world’s largest airline across the Atlantic. The new routes* include:

Atlanta-Tel Aviv, Israel (previously announced to begin March 27)
Atlanta-Düsseldorf, Germany (previously announced to begin April 3)
Atlanta-Copenhagen, Denmark (previously announced to begin May 1)
Atlanta-Edinburgh, Scotland (effective May 4)
New York (JFK)-Budapest, Hungary (effective May 8)
Atlanta-Nice, France (effective May 9)
Atlanta-Athens, Greece (effective May 29)
New York (JFK)-Dublin/Shannon, Ireland (effective May 15)
New York (JFK)-Manchester, England (effective May 15)
Atlanta-Venice, Italy (effective June 6)
New York (JFK)-Kiev, Ukraine

*JFK-Kiev service is subject to U.S. and foreign government approvals. All remaining routes listed except JFK-Manchester are subject to foreign government approval.

"Next summer’s increase in international flying is an integral part of our customer-focused transformation plan," said Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein. "This is a wonderful opportunity to bring Delta’s award-winning BusinessElite® service to more of our global customers. Since January, we have announced our intentions to serve more than 50 new international markets, making Delta the fastest-growing U.S. carrier to Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America."

In addition to new routes listed above, Delta will increase seasonal capacity between Atlanta and Ireland and between New York (JFK) and Rome. Other recently added transatlantic routes include New York (JFK) to Chennai, India (via Paris); New York (JFK) to Berlin; and Atlanta to Moscow.

Delta also will continue to strengthen its position as a leading airline to Latin America and the Caribbean with planned expansion to more than 28 new markets during the winter 2005-spring 2006 season. These new markets include Atlanta to: Managua, Nicaragua; Roatan and San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Flight News in Wake of Katrina

2005-09-15T09:37:00.000-04:00

Due to the incredible problems left behind by Katrina, airlines are making alternative arrangements and changing flight schedules frequently. If you are flying to or from an airport in the affected areas, always doublecheck your flight plans with the airlines before you arrive at the airport for checkin.

US Airways is waiving changes for passengers in the affected areas.

Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines have filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 but we do not expect it to disrupt their schedules.

Choose Less2fly.com for cheap international airfares.

Cheap International Airfares by Less2Fly.com

2005-07-05T13:17:00.000-04:00

Less2Fly.com offers cheap international airfares to destinations across the world. Our booking engine is connected to the central reservations systems used by 600+ airlines worldwide, so you can be certain that it will find the cheapest international airfares for you.

Our customer service representitives will be updating this blog periodically to inform you of the latest pricing available through our website, as well as travel tips to help you plan for a smoother travel experience.

Please note that prices are correct at the time of publishing, but are subject to change without notice. Pricing is also dependant upon the availability of seats priced at that class within the airplane. Airfare pricing can only be guaranteed once payment has been processed and the tickets have been issued.

This is a common disclaimer used by virtually all travel agents selling airline tickets, since pricing and the availability of seats is controlled by the airlines in real time and can change from one moment to the next.