Rick Seaney, co-founder of FareCompare.com - is a world-class air travel expert.
FareCompare.com presides over a kingdom of sophisticated software that searches out fares and destinations at a billion combinations per query - while keeping track of 500 airlines serving more than 270,000 markets around the globe.
And all of Rick's data is updated continuously - in real-time.
No wonder he's the media's go-to guy for all things air travel. He's got the answers. And he loves to share his knowledge.
That's why Rick and the team created FareCompare.com - to help everyone become an air travel expert, and get the best deals first -- every time they fly.
However, on the whole the news is pretty good on that front – for example, the gentleman I wrote about – the Brit stranded in Vegas – finally got back home this past weekend (on SAS – paid for out of his pocket) – but his extra parking fees in London were waived.
His biggest problem, according to his latest email to us, is his airline: “Only Virgin Atlantic let us down and or tried to milk extra cash out of us. Let’s see how forthcoming they are at picking up our hotel receipts!”
I bet you’ve parked in one of the lots owned by Parking Co. of America.
It’s the largest operator of “off-site” airport parking in the U.S. – handling all those parking spaces at O’Hare, Denver,Atlanta and the “big three” in New York.
But in recent years, fewer fliers means fewer people taking up those 40,000 parking spaces in lots called SkyPark, FastTrack and Avistar — and the company has filed for bankruptcy and will be sold.
It all trickles down – from hurting airlines to empty lots to half-filled coffee shops to tipless Sky Caps. I know things will get better – but the waiting can be wearisome.
I don’t usually pass along sweepstakes or contest news, but this one just sounded heavenly to me, so I couldn’t resist.
Woman’s Day magazine will sent 4 people on a 6-day, 5-night trip to the world’s first National Park – yes, Yellowstone – and it includes airfare, hotel, rental car, and even $500 in spending money.
It’s pretty simple – you fill out a form, and send it in – one a day, if you like, up until Jan. 30. The random drawing for the winner takes place Feb. 6.
What makes Yellowstone so special? Everything – from the stunning scenery to the wandering moose and elk. And bison. Lots of bison.
And what if you don’t win? We can help – just check out our “When to Fly” Flight Finder – for the best deals available, to your favorite destinations.
Well, somebody doesn’t know, because the lots are half empty – and since parking is the airport’s number one revenue stream, KC officials spent about $120K to make a TV commercial as a reminder.
It’s very amusing – a bunch of goofballs clowning around – take a look:
Every now and then I notice a cool or unusual “destination nugget” which I then pass along to you – like the awesome Manta ride or thefree National Parks weekends. Here’s the latest:
Believe it or not, airline magazines often do have interesting articles – and one that caught my eye recently was US Airways “Take the Long Way” – about the world’s most beautiful routes.
And part of the point is you can hop right on these cool drives, right from the airport.
I have traveled some of these roads, and can attest to the magnificent scenery. The list includes:
The Old West Skyway to Durango, Colorado – ruggedly breathtaking
The Road to Hana on Maui – drive into a tropical rainforest
The circular drive from Shannon that dips down into Limerick – green and gorgeous
There are others on the list – but I think a couple of amazing drives are missing. Keep reading for my $.02
Just saw this from the BBC: rental car prices are zooming in Europe – when you can find any cars to rent. Apparently Spain is being hardest hit, and some reportedly paying twice the normal rates.
Same thing in the US: earlier this summer, the New York Times noted that rental car companies were cutting their fleets – a matter of supply and demand, much as the airlines have cut capacity – with the result that average rental car prices jumped 65% in some areas.
A friend recently tried to rent a car in Hartford, which she noted “is not exactly a hotbed of tourist activity” – and called five companies before she found one with a vehicle for rent – a huge gas guzzler that she didn’t want, but took anyway. She also noted the daily rates for compacts at some of the companies were listed at $80+.
Well, at least someone in the travel industry is making some money this summer. My advice: don’t put this off to the last minute — if you need a car, rent early.
