Archive for the ‘Travel News’ Category
Phoenix Travel Companion Reveals Spirit’s Carry-On Bag Fees And Pending Senate Legislation.
Airlines have begun charging for checked bags on flights. Some start at $20 for the first bag and $30 for the next bag. Southwest is still free for checked and carry on bags. Most passengers don’t like the extra charges added at the airport and would rather just have the ticket price be the total price for the flight.
Now Spirit Airlines has started a new high in lows! They want to charge $45 for a carry on bag. Doesn’t everyone take bags on a trip? Of course they do. These added fees are just a rip off and an annoyance to the traveling public.
The following article appeared in Business week.
Click here to see how a Travel Companion from CareToGoTravel.com can help you navigate through these charges.
(Adds Spirit’s response in ninth paragraph, Hawaiian Airlines chief starting in 13th.)
By Jeff Plungis
April 13 (Bloomberg) — Two Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation that would ban airlines from charging fees for bags carried aboard planes one week after Spirit Airlines Inc. became the first carrier to announce a charge.
The legislation by Senators Benjamin Cardin of Maryland and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana would assure that items essential to people’s health, work and safety can be carried on board without extra fees, according to a statement today. The bill also would require advance notice of special fees for checked items, according to the statement.
“Only one airline has announced plans to charge for carry- on item fees, but we cannot allow these flood gates to open,” Landrieu said in the statement.
Carrying a bag onto a Spirit flight will cost passengers $45 at the gate, or $30 if paid in advance, starting in August, the Miramar, Florida-based discount carrier said in an April 6 statement. Customers paying the fee will board first and all travelers can carry, without charge, small personal items such as a purse or briefcase that fit under the seat.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in an April 8 interview with travel writer Christopher Elliott, said he would hold Spirit’s “feet to the fire” over fees, especially in efforts to ensure consumers understand what they’re paying.
“I think it’s a bit outrageous that an airline is going to charge someone to carry on a bag and put it in the overhead,” LaHood said. “I’ve told our people to try and figure out a way to mitigate that. I think it’s ridiculous.”
Fares Stagnating
Carriers are seeking revenue beyond tickets sales as fares last year stagnated at 1998 levels amid the recession, according to U.S. statistics. The five largest U.S. airlines will collect $1.76 billion for checking first and second bags, a $117 million increase from last year, according to a Jan. 20 report by Ideaworks, a Shorewoods, Wisconsin, consulting firm.
UAL Corp.’s United Airlines was the first major U.S. carrier to impose a fee in 2008 when it began charging for a second checked bag. Most major airlines charge at least $20 to check one bag and $30 for a second, and permit carry-on bags and personal items for free.
Spirit Airlines adjusted fares and fees to help speed up security lines, make boarding quicker and end a “carry-on bag crisis,” spokeswoman Misty Pinson said in an e-mail.
“Spirit is even further lowering fares, lowering checked bag fees, giving customers the option to carry-on a bag for a fee that includes priority boarding, and personal items are still free,” Pinson said.
Discount Club
Spirit said passengers signing up for its discount fare club, at a cost of $39.95 a year, will pay $20 for carry-on bags when they prepay using the Internet. The carrier is lowering fees for prepaid checked bags for club members, to $15 for the first and second bags from $19 for one and $25 for the second.
Cardin and Landrieu failed in a bid to add their bill as an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that passed the Senate last month, the statement said.
Congress should avoid legislating fees as airline deregulation helped the industry lower fares and add flights, said Mark Dunkerley, chief executive officer of Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent of Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines. “You ought to allow all kinds of airlines to try new and innovative things to attract customers,” Dunkerley said in a telephone interview. “It’s important that legislation stay away from directing airlines what they can and cannot charge for.”
Watching Spirit
Hawaiian has “no plans” to add a carry-on bag fee as it watches developments at Spirit “very closely,” he said.
Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, yesterday asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to use his power to declare carry-on luggage as a necessary part of air travel, which would subject the fees to a federal excise tax. The decision would discourage airlines from charging fees for bags, he said. If the Treasury Department doesn’t act, Schumer said he’d introduce legislation to have the same effect.
“Airline passengers have always had the right to bring a carry-on bag without having to worry about getting nickel and dimed by an airline company,” Schumer said. “The Treasury Department needs to close the loophole that encourages this abusive practice and rein in these fees.”
–With assistance from Mary Jane Credeur in Atlanta and John Hughes in Washington. Editors: Steve Geimann, Romaine Bostick.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jeff Plungis in Washington at jplungis@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Larry Liebert at lliebert@bloomberg.net
Phoenix Area Travel Companions Report Airport Security Changes
The Security check procedures at the airport change often and a Personal Travel Assistant can assist Senior travelers get through easily.
When elderly travelers pass through an airport it is important for them to know all of the ins and outs of baggage rules, check –in procedures, getting through the TSA security checkpoint and locating the correct departure gate. This can be very confusing if traveling without assistance. With the hearing loss, eyesight loss, and some poor judgment, the airport can be confusing.
A Travel Companion could assist an elderly traveler from the beginning of a trip, to the destination assuring a smooth and rewarding experience. Traveling is supposed to be fun and even exciting. So, getting through the starting airport and arrival airport easily should be an important part of the process.
One Travel Companion company starting trips anywhere nationally can be found at CareToGoTravel.com. Here you will find experienced travel experts and caregivers to make your trip a success.
To read a complete article on security changes, click here.
An awesome Vacation Deal For Adventurous Elders
Every so often a great deal is passed along by a Care-To-Go Phoenix Travel Companion
Southern Caribbean Cruise ship trip 8-Nights for only $299
Here is an opportunity to go on a one way cruise ship vacation expedition from Panama and terminating in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
From as little as $299 each — only about $37 per night — our seniors go on board the Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas. On April 11th, you can sail from Colon, Panama, and seing ports in Costa Rica, Colombia and Aruba in the Caribbean. In Puerto Limon seniors could consider reserving a rainforest side trip –almost a fourth of this town’s landmass is national park territory, and it houses around 8,000 plant species in addition to 10 per cent of the world’s butterflies. Seniors should to keep in mind, you will have to arrange one-way air fare to Colon and from Fort Lauderdale back to your home.
The airline ticket will cost, however this seems like a famous once-in-a lifetime trip. If you have airline non-rev passes or can fly on frequent flyer miles, this trip is a no brainer.
The Royal Caribbean’s “Enchantment of the Seas” has all the standard cruise ship features including:
· Jazzy Bolero’s lounge is one of the most fun hot spots at sea
· The stunning sun deck is one of the most beautiful anywhere
· Features Chop’s Grill alternative restaurant
· Handicap-friendly cabins available in varying categories
If you need assistance along the way, consider a Personal Travel Assistant to help you along the way. You can find a Travel Companion at http://CareToGoTravel.com.
Amtrak Discount to Seniors reported by Phoenix Home Care CareGiver
Amtrak Discount to Seniors reported by Phoenix Home Care CareGiver and Care-To-Go.com
Travel Companions from Scottsdale and Phoenix point to discounts available to elderly travelers on Amtrak.
Seniors Save 15% Amtrak if over 62 years of age and elderly travelers over 60 can count on a 10% discount.
The train is still one of the most popular ways to travel among seniors. The fairs are low, and bedroom cars include food too.
Care-To-Go is receiving more requests for a Travel Companion for train travel.
Contact Care-To-Go at 800-818-0407 and on the web at www.caretogotravel.com
Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ Travel Companions Help With Med Tourism
Seniors are discovering Medical Travel (Tourism) to other countries for medical surgeries.
For a many of reasons, the elderly are going overseas for many types of necessary procedures and surgeries .
While the United States medical costs go up and health insurance provide less funds it is important to go to a more cost effective place.
Med Tourism agencies could arrange what ever services you need to get to and from another country, which Dr., clinic and transportation needed.
Care-To-Go Travel Companions are ready to escort you to and/or from the place for the surgeries or procedures.
For complete information on Med Tours and Travel Companions contact Care-To-Go at 1-800-818-0407 and see www.CareToGoTravel.com
Phoenix Home Care Caregiver Reports Evidence Shows Flu Shots May Not Be Effective For Elderly
Phoenix Care-To-Go CareGiver points to article on Flue Shots
A recent comprehensive review of clinical trials suggests that there has been LITTLE evidence to demonstrate the flu vaccines used in the past 40 years are safe to use to prevent flu effectively in people aged 65 years and over.
Ironically, elderly people are among the most vulnerable and they are in the priority group to receive flu vaccine as the medical industry and government health agencies keep telling them that flu vaccine is the best preventative against flu.
Tom Jefferson of the Cochrane Collaboration in Rome, Italy and colleagues conducted a thorough search of studies based on previous vaccine trials. Of the 75 studies reviewed, the researchers were able to identify only one recent randomized controlled trial with "real" outcomes. All the other studies in the review except one were considered of low quality and open to bias, Wiley-Blackwell, the journal publisher says in a press release.
Contact Care-To-Go for Phoenix Home Care CareGivers and Phoenix Travel Companions for Seniors 800-818-0407
Baby Boomers Entering Care Industry reported by Scottsdale Home Care CareGiver
Phoenix based Care-To-Go reports on increase of Boomers and the need for more home care and CareGivers
Care-To-Go serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Sun City can be reached at 800-818-0407 and on the web at www.Care-To-Go.com
The elderly care industry looks to be prosperous for years to come thanks to America’s aging population. But, before it can experience that growth, it first has changing customer dynamics and a recession to deal with.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects a 147% increase in the senior population over the next 40 years to a total of 86.7 million.
The present 65 and older population is 37.3 million, 14 million of whom are reportedly disabled. By 2050, the Bureau believes 21% of Americans will be senior citizens, a 9% increase over the present number.
There is no doubt the population is aging and that will greatly increase the demand for elderly care services, says Lauren Shaham, vice president of communications at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. She also believes the personalities and values of the baby boomers will change the way elderly care services are administered.
“This is a group of people used to defining their own terms and getting what they want,” she says. “We believe there will be more services provided at home, and those services will be very flexible and very tailored to individual needs and wants.”
Shaham says the number of patients in nursing homes has been in decline for the last two decades and will continue to decrease. She says the future role of nursing homes will likely be in providing care mostly for the very ill, but also as temporary care providers for those recovering from difficult operations who may not yet be ready to return to their homes.
Though there may be high demand for elderly care services in the future, nursing homes and home health providers are concerned about the effects of the recession right now. Read Entire Article
Memphis Business Journal – by Kyle Duck
Top Themed Cruises for 2010 Reported by Phoenix Caregiver
Care-To-Go Travel Companions are always on the lookout for interesting travel deals and ideas. The following article for travel agents reveals Top 30 Themed Cruises for 2010. Traveling Caregiver assistance can make a vacation for a senior an enjoyable and safe event.
Tapping into themed cruises that precisely match your client’s interest, hobby or passion is equivalent to adding a “must-have” ingredient to your recipe for sales success.
Themed cruises often include private onboard events or activities not open to regular cruise guests. So, “the cruise isn’t sold based on price, it’s sold on a specific experience,” stresses Susan Schaefer, independent affiliate of America’s Vacation Center, Brentwood, TN. “Your client isn’t looking for the lowest price, so you aren’t competing with pricing when selling a themed cruise.”
Care-To-Go Travel Companions can be reached at 800-818-0407 or on the web at www.CareToGoTravel.com
Phoenix Travel Companion Explains TSA Bag Security
Care-To-Go Travel Companion reveals anti-theft tip for checked bags.
Checked bags for air travel must be available for inspection by TSA after you check them. Most bags are left unlocked per airline instructions. This often results in valuable items being stolen between you checking them at departure and you retrieving them at your destination.
The following is an article from the TSA explaining locks that they can open with a master key. Hopefully, all the other baggage handlers along the way will not have access to your bags.
TSA screens every passenger’s baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While our technology allows us to electronically screen bags, there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.
Care-To-Go Travel Companions can be reached at 800-818-0407 and on the web at www.CareToGoTravel.com
Care-To-Go report Blood Pressure Worry: It’s Linked to Dementia
Blood Pressure Worry: It’s Linked to Dementia
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Caregiver reports that Blood pressure worry can be linked to dementia in the elderly.
HEALTHBEAT: Study will put to test growing evidence linking high blood pressure to dementia
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON January 25, 2010 (AP)
If the cardiologist’s warnings don’t scare you, consider this: Controlling blood pressure just might be the best protection yet known against dementia.
In a flurry of new research, scientists scanned people’s brains to show hypertension fuels a kind of scarring linked to later development of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Those scars can start building up in middle age, decades before memory problems will appear.
The evidence is strong enough that the National Institutes of Health soon will begin enrolling thousands of hypertension sufferers in a major study to see if aggressive treatment — pushing blood pressure lower than currently recommended — better protects not just their hearts but their brains.
"If you look … for things that we can prevent that lead to cognitive decline in the elderly, hypertension is at the top of the list," Dr. Walter Koroshetz, deputy director of NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, told The Associated Press.
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia that affect about one in eight people 65 or older.
Scientists have long noticed that some of the same triggers for heart disease — high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes — seem to increase the risk of dementia, too. But for years, they thought that link was with "vascular dementia," memory problems usually linked to small strokes, and not the scarier classic Alzheimer’s disease.
Now those lines are blurring as specialists realize that many if not most patients have a mix of the two dementias. Somehow, factors like hypertension — blood pressure readings of 140 over 90 or higher — that weaken arteries also seem to spur Alzheimer’s disease-like processes.
One suspect: Scarring known as white matter lesions. White matter acts as the brain’s telephone network, a system of axons, or nerve fibers, that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Even slightly elevated blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish white matter, interrupting those signals.
Care-To-Go, Phoenix, Scottsdale, home care, caregivers can be reached at Care-To-Go.com and 800-818-0407