Having enjoyed my share of jet travel both locally and across the globe for the last couple of decades I was surprised last week on an interstate Qantas flight at the persistent use of the word "customer" in the inflight communications rather than the usual "passenger". [more inside]
posted by l'esprit d'escalier on Aug 11, 2009 - 7 answers

Please help me find the cheapest way to return to New York from Europe. [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog on Jun 29, 2009 - 14 answers

What is your experience using an iPhone in Airplane Mode, on an airplane? Have you gotten flack from the crew for trying to do this, or is it normal enough now that no one bats an eye? [more inside]
posted by MsElaineous on May 24, 2009 - 19 answers

As a way to visit a friend during my travels in Europe this summer, I'm looking to obtain a days-long layover - ideally at least 2-3 days, but the longer the better. I have no idea how to go about getting such a thing, but I'm relatively sure the possibility exists. What are my best options for getting a layover like this, while still keeping my overall flight cost low? [more inside]
posted by AthenaPolias on May 24, 2009 - 9 answers

In a little over two weeks, I'll be vacationing in the Italian Riviera with a group of friends. There's just one problem: my debilitating fear of flying. [more inside]
posted by zembla3 on Mar 2, 2009 - 22 answers

Is there a fear of flying class that operates out of LaGuardia, Kennedy or Newark airports (or someplace nearby?) I'm ideally looking for a class that involves taking a short "graduation" flight to somewhere like Boston or Washington.
posted by zembla3 on Feb 17, 2009 - 4 answers

I'm flying from the east coast to southern California via San Francisco in a few weeks. I've decided that for the return trip, I'd like to drive up to San Francisco a few days early, skip the first leg of my return flight (SoCal to SFO), and just catch the second leg. (I would just rebook my ticket but the change fee is ludicrous -- well in excess of the entire ticket cost.) Is this a dumb idea? [more inside]
posted by myeviltwin on Feb 15, 2009 - 7 answers

I might have made a gross error. Is there something that I can do to speed up my Visa application? [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart on Dec 18, 2008 - 8 answers

Air travel search engine filter: what's the best website to use to book a flight these days? I know this has surely been asked before, but this is the freaking internet -- things change, rapidly, and I want to know what's "up and coming" and worth checking out or which formerly reliable sites have gone downhill. So -- what do you use and what makes it better than the alternatives? For this upcoming flight, I mostly care about getting cheap tickets, but I'm interested in any info you care to share. Thanks!
posted by odragul on Oct 5, 2008 - 15 answers

I want to travel, but I think doing so by airplane is unethical because of the associated carbon emissions and the inadequacy of 'offset' schemes. Is it still possible to travel by sea from North America to Europe or Asia? If so, how long does it take, and what are the associated costs?
posted by sindark on Sep 29, 2008 - 32 answers

What are the best carbon-offsetting schemes out there? [more inside]
posted by greytape on Aug 27, 2008 - 9 answers

Will airport security/Virgin America let me get on my domestic US flight if I only have a photocopy of my photo ID? [more inside]
posted by agenais on Jul 20, 2008 - 10 answers

Will I be able to board a plane if the name on my boarding pass is slightly different from my legal name? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 11, 2008 - 25 answers

Will a bunny survive a 5 hour airplane trip? [more inside]
posted by travosaurus on Apr 15, 2008 - 13 answers

So just how bad is the TSA these days? [more inside]
posted by Mutant on Mar 4, 2008 - 35 answers

Help me figure out an air travel fiasco. [more inside]
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew on Dec 24, 2007 - 10 answers

I need a good, creative Christmas gift idea for my dad. He's really into travel by air and rail--not the vehicles themselves so much, but their schedules, the logic behind putting a particular model on a particular flight, etc. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco on Dec 10, 2007 - 21 answers

After an awful flight from Denver to Seattle last night, my ears still feel plugged. Any suggestions on how to get them to pop? [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath on Oct 23, 2007 - 20 answers

Do airport x-ray machines damage external hard drives? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Aug 28, 2007 - 7 answers

4.5 hours between Gatwick arrival and Heathrow departure. U.S. citizen, experienced traveler, only a carryon bag -- but first time transferring Gatwick to Heathrow. Help me plan as precisely as I can to maximize my chances of making this work. [more inside]
posted by allterrainbrain on Jul 5, 2007 - 23 answers

Dear seasoned travelers of MeFi, help me plan for my trip to PDX. I haven't flown in a while and am a bit nervous about the whole airport security thing. I want to avoid issues with the TSA and airline workers, so if you would, please give me suggestions on packing. [more inside]
posted by Lynsey on Jun 23, 2007 - 18 answers

They tell us that future travelers in high-speed spaceships will have their perception of the passage of time distorted by relativity effects, but what about the more mundane problem of earth-bound time zones? I can't figure out when my birthday is... [more inside]
posted by woodblock100 on Jun 20, 2007 - 16 answers

Layover in London filter? We have an 11.5 hour layover at Heathrow airport this Sunday. Is it feasible to go somewhere for an easy walk and a nice meal without breaking the bank? [more inside]
posted by gesamtkunstwerk on Mar 7, 2007 - 29 answers

Flying on LTU == asking for trouble? [more inside]
posted by grimmelm on Mar 4, 2007 - 10 answers

Help me find a good travel agent. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area, and would love to find someone local, but I'm also open to other options. [more inside]
posted by purplefiber on Feb 11, 2007 - 3 answers

My wife and I are travelling from O'Hare to Tokyo to Bangkok next week. We don't have the ability to bring our laptop, but I was wondering if there's a way to rent a DVD player for the trip -- either a service that operates out of O'Hare and NRT or BKK, or something where I could rent it for the trip, lock it up in a BKK locker, and retrieve it for the plane rides home. [more inside]
posted by sandor on Jan 3, 2007 - 10 answers

So we know they aren't letting any liquids pass the security checkpoint now. But I can still take drinks onto the airplane, right, long as I buy them at the overpriced gift shop at the gate? And I can fill my empty flask, once beyond the TSA inspection?
posted by Rash on Aug 14, 2006 - 23 answers

Will I make my flight? [more inside]
posted by banshee on Jul 27, 2006 - 14 answers

International-Travel-Filter: How do I tell which airlines are good and which are shit? [more inside]
posted by hot soup girl on Jun 22, 2006 - 20 answers

How far in advance, or how close to the time, is the most advantageous time to purchase airline tickets in order to get the cheapest fares? For instance, if I were planning to travel in early August, and it's late April now, should I buy my ticket now, or should I wait until closer to the time (and how close is the "sweet spot")? Are there risks of the price going up substantially (more than $100)? This refers to U.S. travel (SEA-ATL in this case), traveling mid-week, with a weekend stay.
posted by matildaben on Apr 25, 2006 - 11 answers

I am moving from the West Coast to the East Coast and I'm wondering what the best way to move my beloved cat. I was originally going to bring her on my flight as a carry-on, but I'm thinking that the plane ride may be too long in a small pet carrier. There is also the option of checking her in as luggage, but most airlines don't allow this in the summer months (i.e. the time I'm moving). Any suggestions? Shipping is also an option; any suggestions on airline-friendly kennels that can attach water and food? Also, to sedate or not to sedate?
posted by Dante5Inferno on Jul 25, 2005 - 15 answers

I'm taking a snowboarding trip to Wyoming this winter break and I will be using a plane at least three times during this period. Naturally, I will be carrying a snowboard and all my other equipment on the plane. How should I go about protecting my board? Should I just use a soft case to protect from scratches or should I be more concerned? Also, are there any products anyone can specifically recommend?
posted by cyphill on Dec 1, 2004 - 6 answers

Can I fly from the United States to Canada without a passport?
posted by jjg on Oct 28, 2004 - 20 answers

HaveGuitarWillTravelFilter: Has anyone flown with a guitar lately? How did you secure the case? Any tips? What did you do with it at the hotel when you wanted to go out without it?
posted by mischief on Oct 21, 2004 - 5 answers

This may sound like a dumb question, but I can't find any basic info online. I've never used my airline miles before, and I'm trying to take a vacation to London and Ireland this xmas. But how do I try to score business or first class upgrades using the miles I have? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by mathowie on Oct 11, 2004 - 13 answers

I have about 100K FF miles on USAir and I'm wondering if I should try to use them now or sit tight. Anybody else in the same boat? If so, what are you doing?
posted by stupidsexyFlanders on Sep 20, 2004 - 6 answers

Has anyone here conquered a fear of flying (or knows someone who has)? How'd you do it? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by msacheson on Jul 12, 2004 - 15 answers

Any of you guys have experience with RTW (round the world) air travel tickets? Any particular ones to recommend? I have been looking into STA off and on, and several other options have been uncovered. But it seems all the data I can find is depressingly out of date. I tried futzing around on this webboard, but, not knowing much at all about airports, pro-level flying, and the like, I was incredibly intimidated to the point of "not knowing where to start." [more inside]
posted by oog on Jul 12, 2004 - 10 answers

What happens if you sit in the first class cabin with a coach class ticket? I got on a plane a couple of days ago, near the end of the line. First class passengers had already boarded. A nervous, but respectably dressed man in front of me sat down in a spare, first class seat. I don't know if he had a first-class ticket or not - if he was lying, what risk was he running? Does anyone, for example, check first class tickets after boarding?
posted by andrew cooke on Jun 13, 2004 - 20 answers

I'm approaching the longest flight of my life: From Los Angeles to Fiji.

I'm no stranger to intercontinental flights, but this is my first trip across the Pacific. How the heck do I bear it?
posted by o2b on Dec 13, 2003 - 18 answers