travel
Airline Profits Forecast to Fall as Fares Keep Rising
The International Air Transport Association has cut its 2011 profit forecast for the industry in half, and fares are on the rise. The IATA downgraded its 2011 airline industry profit forecast to $4 billion -- 54% less than its March forecast and 78% less than the industry netted in 2010.
Six Reasons the Economy Needs Memorial Day
The origins of Memorial Day date to the aftermath of the Civil War, when people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers to honor their service. The holiday still retains its reverential and patriotic spirit, but its economic consequences, though smaller than those of other holidays, cannot be overlooked.
Expedia's Game Plan for India's Travel Market
Online travel portal Expedia began doing business in India almost two years ago, and is now scaling up operations there. By forming partnerships with local suppliers, Expedia hopes to jump to fourth place in the market in less than a year. Here's how it plans to go about it.
Airfare Bargains: How You Can Land One This Summer
Airfares are still on the rise, and the experts don't expect them to descend any time soon. But if you're flexible, sociable and Web-savvy, you could still land a bargain deal on a flight this summer.
The Latest Airline Up-Sell: Direct Flights
The next time you book a flight with a connection, keep your cellphone handy with the ringer as loud as it%u2019ll go %u2014 you could get a call for a cheap up-sell on a direct fare.
The Secret to a Successful Staycation
The sluggish economy and high unemployment rate mean that many of us won't be splurging on exotic vacations this year. But a staycation doesn't have to mean a boring bout with cabin fever. The key to being a successful local tourist lies in looking at your region the way an outsider would.
Savings Experiment: How to Fly Around Pesky Airline Fees
Flying the friendly skies doesn't feel so friendly these days. What seems like a mounting list of hidden and not-so-hidden airline fees can make travelers feel like they're being taken for more than just one kind of ride. Here's a primer on how to keep fees to a minimum.
Airline Complaints Surged 28% in 2010
Airlines improved their performance last year, with fewer lost bags and bumped passengers due to overbooking and more on-time arrivals, but travelers were still dissatisfied, according to an annual study of airline quality.
10 Things You'll Be Paying More for This Year
Expect to pay more this year for many consumer goods -- from diapers to toothpaste to Big Macs. Just as the typical American family will finally have a few more dollars to spend, inflation will take a chunk of that extra cash.
Skip the Diploma? Eight Alternatives to College
Suggesting to parents that they should not send their kids to college is controversial, to say the least. But financial writer and investor James Altucher offers several alternatives, from seeing the world to starting up a business to mastering stand-up comedy. And he begins to wonder, himself, "What if...?"
Sleeping Cheap: How to Book a Hotel Room for Less
The hotel industry has emerged from its recessionary doldrums and it's getting harder to score a cheap room. But even with occupancy rates rising, if you're willing to book your stay blind on priceline.com or Hotwire, good deals can be had.
Mexico's Drug War Spurs a P.R. Battle Over Spring Break
Escalating violence related to the cross-border drug trade has caused Texas authorities to advise spring break revelers to avoid Mexico. The Mexico Tourism Board countered that traveling south of the border remains safe. At stake is a big chunk of the $12 billion that tourists spend in Mexico each year.
As Oil Prices Rise, United Grounds Its Expansion Plans
As fuel prices rise, United Continental Holdings says it is scrapping plans to add flights this year and also plans to drop unprofitable routes.
A Growing Role for Tourism in Sustainable Development
In a somewhat surprising report, The U.N. Environment Programme says one of the most promising green industries -- at least when it comes to creating economic growth, reducing poverty, fueling job creation and addressing major environmental challenges -- turns out to be tourism.
Flyers, Get Ready to Pay More to Take Off
The price of a plane ticket is heading sharply higher. That's because airlines face steeper fuel costs and continue to cut capacity to keep profits from falling. You can still find some relative bargains, but it's going to take a lot more planning ahead.
Former Northwest Employees Sue Delta Over Pay Discrepancy
A half-dozen Delta Air Lines flight attendants sued the carriers for what they say is discrimination in the form of smaller profit-sharing paychecks for former Northwest Airlines employees, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.