Guest Blog: Getting the best airfare deals this holiday season!

Five Things You NEED to Pack for Your Next Overnight Flight

When you think about getting on a air plane to travel out of the continental US, that usually includes an overflight at least one way, maybe both. And let’s face it, economy cabin air travel is becoming less and less pampering. The quality and quantity of airline amenities is diminishing. What you bring on board can make your overnight trip more bearable. Here are the five products that I just can’t live without on an overnight flight!

Packing Carry-On Only for 3 Weeks Abroad: Video

Okay, okay. I’ve been inundated with emails, twitters and Facebook messages on how I pack for three-weeks in Europe with only carry-on luggage. First, let’s get the immediate questions out of the way.

Why do you only carry-on? Simple. Once, I spent 5 days in Marrakech, Morocco with only one outfit and no make-up because I checked my bags and they didn’t make it till almost the last day. I ended up wearing the traditional Moroccan outfit.

What type of carry-on do you use and how big is it? I have a 22″ Tumi Carry On . It fits in the overhead compartment on every flight I’ve been on unless you expand it (which I never do).

What do you pack?

Here’s my St. Tropez packing list:

5-7 Dresses

5-7 Casual Shirts

3-5 Dressier Shirts

3-5 Shorts & Skirts

6-8 Bikinis (I love ‘em)

4-6 Swim Cover-ups

Undergarments, Socks

1-2 Pair of Heels, 1-2 Pair of Wedges, 2 Pairs of Flip-Flops

How heavy is your carry-on after it’s packed? Seems pretty heavy. But it’s usually less the the Delta suggested 40lb limit. To make sure it’s less than the limit I use a really cool and easy to use, digital luggage scale. (FYI: if you are not carrying on, this luggage scale can come in handy with the new fees that airlines are charging!)

Do you wash your clothing while traveling? We wash/dry clean whatever needs it, when it needs it. Sending it out is still easier than ending up with no clothing at all!

Okay. That handles most of the preliminary questions. Here’s a little video to show you exactly what I brought to St. Tropez this summer and how I packed it.

Wi-Fi in the Sky!

It’s official! The airlines are finally getting with the program and offering in-flight Wi-Fi! Now, we can send email to co-workers and family, check the weather and even shop from Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, BlackBerries and iPhones at 10,000 ft! Finally, this is one change in air travel that we can be excited about. Currently Gogo is the leader in airline wifi, but rest assured, lower cost companies like Row 44 are hot on their tales and starting to match their service, cost and speed.

Here’s a break down of who’s offering Gogo. How much is costs and which flights have it.

Gogo In-flight Internet

Once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet and the captain gives the okay to turn on portable electronic devices, just log in to Gogo. Gogo’s website provides short videos that show you how to connect your laptop, iPhone or Blackberry while in-flight. I suggest signing up for this service and becoming familiar with the process before you travel to avoid any “connect problems”.

One thing that I thought was funny, is that Gogo also has a video related to your in-flight internet manners. They remind you to not view websites that could “shock your neighbor”, use headphones or shut the sound off and that making voice-calls is not allowed on flight even if connected through the internet(and let’s be honest,  it’s annoying).

How Much?

Rates vary depending on the device and the length of time.

Does my device work?

Laptops with wireless connection definitely work. Most phones that have an internet connect can use Gogo also. But consult the list to be sure!

Who’s got it?

United Airlines

Currently United is offering services from JFK to San Francisco and Los Angeles and has plans to expand it’s domestic

Virgin America

So far, Virgin is offering the service on the most flights, but still primarily the coast to coast flights.

American Airlines

American is offering Gogo on flights from JFK to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami.

FYI: There are rumors circulating that companies like Southwest will offer free wifi as part of their in-flight services. I’ll believe it when I see it. If they do, maybe they’ll be able to chat with hotel owners who still make us pay $14.95 per day to use their wifi!

Guest Blog: Flying Solo for the First Time…as a Ten-Year-Old

Demi after her first solo flight at ATL airport.

Hi, I am Demi Murgatroyd and I am ten years old. For the first time I flew on a plane by myself from Atlanta to New Hampshire. At first, I was excited, but I was also definitely scared! A couple days before the flight I was nervous about flying without my parents, but luckily I have flown on a plane before with them and I know exactly what I need to do. On the day of my flight, I arrived at the Atlanta airport and got in the Delta “unaccompanied minor” line. (I sort of felt like I wanted to throw-up and have diarrhea at the same time.) While in line, I met another ten-year-old girl who told me that she flew from Atlanta to California when she was only six years old! When I heard that, I felt a lot better about my flight. After I checked in, they gave me a wrist band and a sticker to put on my shirt. It told everyone I was an “unaccompanied minor”, something that definitely didn’t make me feel very cool! After I got my ticket, my Smother (my word for Step-Mother) took me through security. Next, we grabbed some breakfast and sat at the gate. While I was eating my breakfast, the gate-agent called for all “unaccompanied minors” to come to the desk. As an “unaccompanied minor” you get to board the plane way before anyone else, which is really cool, but I was not expecting to be called that early. I gave my Smother a big hug goodbye and… then came the waterworks. I was crying because I was going to miss my parents and also I was scared. But I had to go, so off to the plane I went. The flight attendant helped me put away my carry-on and made sure I was ready for flight. Then I began to write in my diary, here is my first entry.

“I am soooooo scared right now. I really miss my parents and friends. I really wish I could stop crying because it is getting embarrassing.”

But, I did stop crying and it actually wasn’t as bad as I thought! After a few minutes, I forgot all about it and started watching movies on my iPod. The best thing about flying is FREE REFILLS! And no one is there to tell you what you can get, so of course I had a whole can of Coke! (Keep that on the D.L. and don’t tell my parents) About two and a half hours later the flight landed. I had to wait for everyone else to get off first so the flight attendant could walk me off the plane (how BORING!). Once we got to the gate, I saw my Memere (which is French for Grandmother) waiting for me. She had to sign a paper and I was free to go! The return flight was a breeze and I can’t wait to fly alone again! So, if your a kid and you’re going to be flying by yourself, I know you’re scare but don’t worry, it’s easy! Here’s a little secret, it’s actually more fun than flying with your parents!

Demi’s tips for flying alone:

1. Bring a DVD player, iPod or MP3 player so you can watch movies, TV shows or listen to music. Make sure you bring your charger so you can have it for the return flight too!

2. Bring a couple books or magazines to read while the plane is taking off and landing because you’ll have to shut off all electronic devices.

3. Bring a comfortable neck pillow and blanket for longer flights so you can take a nap.

4. Bring a couple of snacks on board for longer flights so you don’t get hungry.

5. Remember, if you need anything, just hit the flight-attendant call button, she’ll show you where it is:-)

6. HAVE FUN! It’s easy!

If any kids reading have any questions about flying alone, just post a comment or send me an email through my parents.

B4N (“Bye for now” for those non-texters),

Demi