Bob’s View of Travel

Long accustomed to cosseting travelers in the lap of luxury, Cunard has for some time extended its expertise to the four-legged friends of its Queen Mary 2 passengers. Recognizing the growing trend toward traveling with pets, the cruise line has made noteworthy enhancements to its “Pets on Deck” program, including adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logo coat. There is a cost, book very early as the kennel reservations sell out very quickly.

Ok Here’s United’s policy.

United charges each passenger $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second when using United.com. Other check-ins require an additional $5/bag. Oversize bags (beyond 50 lbs.) incur a fee of $175, and overweight bags are assessed $125. The schedule of charges and conditions is complicated, so read carefully. All the fees you see on the United page linked here apply to one-way travel, so double them for a round trip. Also note United’s advance check-in requirements, which vary by airport. United’s fee for a second checked bag on international flights is $50 ($45 if paid online). United has also rolled out a “Premier Baggage Fee” of $249 that allows free first- and second-checked bags for one year.

Ok Here’s Southwest’s policy.
First two bags free.

This is not a multiple choice test for best luggage policy. You chose. Comments appreciated.

I hope you all welcome our new photographer Dusty Lens. We look to some very clear and outstanding photos on the site soon. Has anyone ever seen Dusty’s work?

On a flight from Dallas to New York American is now peddling cookies for $3.00 each. And credit card only for payments. Cookies, baggage, premium seats and other costs will soon be higher than the airfare. If this is not Bait and Switch airline advertising then nothing is.

What have you been charged for on your last flight?

As a result of the recession, many lines lowered their prices. The three named as “best for budget cruises” are Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line in that order. When asked how the economy has affected their cruising, 47% say they’re looking for better values, while 23% report cruising less. Surveyors report these alternate ways to be cost-conscious: 20% are limiting their excursions, 19% are choosing cruises that depart closer to home, 15% cut back on what’s included in their packages, 10% choose less expensive rooms and 5% take shorter cruises. A lucky 18% say the recession hasn’t affected their cruising habits, while an unlucky 19% say they “don’t cruise enough to have habits yet.”

What cruise lines would you nominate as Best Budget Cruises? Let us know as I got to save a few bucks….