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Tagged With "fuel costs"

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Re: Europe's cost-of-living has wide range

PortMoresby ·
There are websites devoted to helping people sort out the possibilities worldwide. This is one I've found useful: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp
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Re: Ferry Service to Cuba Approved by US

GarryRF ·
The Ferry from Liverpool. UK to Ireland takes 8 hours. That will cost $300. For a car and 2 passengers. Only $60 (£40) for a foot passenger. And that's return too. No baggage charges. The high speed catamaran often gets stuck in port when the weather turns stormy. The Catamaran may be stuck in Havana for a few days with 200 passengers on board. Expensive. SEACAT arriving in Liverpool.
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Re: Ferry Service to Cuba Approved by US

Paul Heymont ·
I see that there are actually some fares quite a bit cheaper on that ferry, but I'm surprised it should be so busy when it's clearly more than the cost of Ryanair+car rental for a few days...so who is the "audience" for that route? I actually wondered the same thing about Havana...are there enough people who want to go but don't want to fly?
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Re: Airlines defend holding onto fuel surcharges

GarryRF ·
There is no excuse for collecting money for fuel surcharges. That's not what it is being used for. That's just dishonest and fraudulent. Which is what we expect from people who think they have a better use for other peoples money. It's just like taking unemployment benefit after you've gone back to work. Just not acceptable.
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Re: Airlines defend holding onto fuel surcharges

DrFumblefinger ·
I agree with Garry. It is dishonest to call something a "fuel surcharge" when it's not used for that purpose. They should just make it part of the fare.
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Re: Airlines defend holding onto fuel surcharges

Paul Heymont ·
Or, alternately, if it’s a time-limited charge to pay for specific capital costs of improvement, call it that—and take it off when the work is done. Although those of us who live with bridges and tunnels that were supposed to become free after they were paid off…good luck!
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Re: Visiting Cuba.

GarryRF ·
Hi HistoryDigger. We always get the leader of the Animation Team - he organises the shows and dancing inside the hotel. He knows all the local places of interest. Obviously It depends on which region you'll be visiting. He'll organise a 12 seat Hyundai van for the day 8 - 4pm. Including gas and driver it costs us around $200 equivalent. (Divide that by 10 in the group) Lunch in a restaurant another $15 each. Nice tip for the driver when you start off and he'll be your friend for ever ! The...
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Re: Airlines defend holding onto fuel surcharges

GarryRF ·
Yes Paul. We've been paying for the 3 mile tunnel under the River Mersey for 50 years. It was supposed to be free 2 years ago - fully paid for. We're still paying now - with an increase to subsidise better public transport. Again - I smell a rat in the kitchen. A greedy one as well
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Re: Germans Reflect on Reunification

DrFumblefinger ·
I was in Berlin on Saturday, the day of the 25th anniversary of reunification. There were tons of people in the city, as crowded as I've ever seen any major city. The main activities were in the Tiergarten, especially around the Brandenburg gate. By the time we made our way there, the police had closed down the area and were not allowing more people in because it was overcrowded. Still, everyone seemed well behaved and having a nice time. I think most Germans feel reunification was a good...
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Re: Do Airlines offer the Best Loyalty Rewards Programs?

Paul Heymont ·
A very interesting interview...and one of the points that comes clear from it is the one I've always made: What are you looking for? He gives examples, for instance, of how younger people may want low-cost rewards (dinner, say) that they can get immediately. Others may be mainly interested in the free wifi, lounges and upgrades some hotels offer. And others, like I, who seldom stay in hotels (Airbnb, thank you!) are interested mainly in convertibility to air travel. For those in my...
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Re: More airlines join PreCheck; total is now 72

Paul Heymont ·
Room for one more! The total is now up to 73, with Brazilian low-cost carrier Azul joining the crowd.
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Re: A Complete Guide to Buy Travel Insurance for your upcoming vacations

Dan Carter ·
Just to add a personal note to these recommendations. I traveled for years without travel insurance, thinking that I could cover or recover lost reservations, luggage, etc. but friends' experiences made me realize that the medical and evacuation coverage is the real key. And then, a few years later we had an unexpected three-week hospitalization in Europe that ended with a medevac flight back to the U.S. The hospital bill was over $30,000 (much less than it would have been at home), and half...
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Re: Museum find: GE's 'missing' electric car

DrFumblefinger ·
I have some friends with a Prius, and their greatest fuel efficiency comes when driving in the city, not on the highway. Paradoxical, but it shows how good the braking is at building up a charge. Good to know there is a backup generator. While the hybrids save on fuel, they also cost thousands of dollars more than their non hybrid counterparts. For an average consumer, it takes many years to recapture that extra cost for the hybrid on fuel savings, if they ever will. And there's the issue of...
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Re: Campaigners ask: Can the QE2 be saved?

Paul Heymont ·
I read some years ago of extensive ship-breaking on the Bangladesh coast, where labor is cheap and regulations scanty...an immense amount of dangerous work, but because the labor is cheap, the scrap profits are high, or higher than they would be if the cost of recovery were high. Which leads me to wonder: what would be the economic value of that long tow to Brownsville as opposed to scrapping the ship on the West Coast? Ideas, anyone?
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Re: U.S. taxes on flying among world's highest

PortMoresby ·
Oh, darn. I thought this was about paying a fee to sit in a section with our fellow stoned passengers.
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Re: U.S. taxes on flying among world's highest

Paul Heymont ·
That comes free with a stopover in Denver...
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Re: easyJet's founder launches cut-rate food store

GarryRF ·
Stelios is a clever man. Lots of free advertising for a new cut price food store. Many basic items such as sugar - tea - canned drinks - bottled water - beer - vegetables and milk can be found below 25 pence / 35 cents in lo-cost stores in the UK already. And next month when it all goes to 50 pence he'll once again be on a winner !
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Re: Cost of Japan flights to plummet in 2016

GarryRF ·
With fuel charges at a 12 year low all the Air carriers should stop gouging the public and give us all a refund.
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Re: American to drop seatback entertainment

DrFumblefinger ·
Now that I can download Netflix features to my tablet, this is not an important feature for me on a domestic flight. But I would think the incremental cost for a flight's passenger is rather small and it seems pretty small of American to do this.
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Re: American to drop seatback entertainment

Jonathan L ·
Most people were interested in having the wifi entertainment, especially if there were some levels that came at no extra cost. BTW this did not include wifi connections that extended off of the train. only to give passengers access to entertainment
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Re: It's not a train, it's not a plane, but it's superfast!

DrFumblefinger ·
If not cost prohibitive, it would be an excellent way to travel around Europe.
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Re: NYC's Laguardia gets builder for new terminal

Paul Heymont ·
So you're taking the low end of the pool? LOL! Actually, there is a smallish incentive to keep the cost low as possible, because the consortium's $2.5 billion share is meant to be made back out of operating profits once the terminal is open. So, if they run the cost up, it will take them longer to get their money back. On the other hand, my guess at the scenario is that they'll have arranged for most of any overrun to come from PA or state funds...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park

DrFumblefinger ·
Costs for the existing parks is mostly maintenance and salary. In the face of a broke federal government, I would favor increased user fees. $10-20 for a family to visit a national park for a week is the greatest bargain out there. People who love the parks would happily pay twice as much and I don't think the extra cost would be a deterent. Also, it's reasonable for those with concessions to pay up more than they are. They are given a monopoly and some of those profits should go back to the...
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Re: Still Seats at this Price ! Philadelphia-Dallas $94 RT

Travel Rob ·
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE A few seats at those prices left.I just checked and Jan.22 -Jan 28 is still $94. Hurry if u need it. Trip cost Flight Airline Ticket( 1 ) $94.00 (Adult: 1) Total due at booking $94.00 Taxes and fees included
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Re: The least loved airline fee is...

Paul Heymont ·
I think you're right that unavoidability is a big factor in the hatred of bag fees. As you point out, not everyone cancels or bothers to pay a seat fee, and many people carry their own food. The other factor is the sheer size of the fee. A couple with two suitcases, round-trip, have added $100 to their cost (regardless of distance). If they decide to take a bigger case and share it, they save $50, but are now condemned to drag an oversize bag as they go. No wonder some of the loyalty credit...
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Re: Check Your Statement! A Big Hotel Credit Card Breach...

DrFumblefinger ·
You would think the cost of all this fraud would be more than enough to validate new chip and PIN rollout in the USA. Can't quite understand why the US banks are so resistent to this PHeymont. Have you an understanding of what their reasons are?
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Re: Aviation Museums: Another good reason to fly

arion ·
The Aviation Museum in Bourget, outside of Paris, can be very easily reached, by the way, on Bus No. 350 from Gare de l'Est. This same bus also goes to CDG at a cost of 3 metro/bus tickets. Norma
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Re: Would You Walk to Mexico to Save 100s on Airfare?

PortMoresby ·
Having already walked across the Mexican border for less reason than reduced airfares, I'd certainly do it, providing the cost of parking at the proposed lot didn't wipe out the savings. Businessmen have a way of ruining good ideas that way.
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Re: Would You Walk to Mexico to Save 100s on Airfare?

Paul Heymont ·
The plan is to charge about $13 for use of the bridge (about the cost of a taxi from the other crossings to the airport...didn't say what the parking was, although I assume you could also be dropped off at the lot without a car. The article cited a family of 4 that was saving $250 each on the cost of tickets, which makes the savings sizable. If they end up setting the rate too high, of course, they'll end up with what they have now: an empty lot.
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Re: Biltmore-House A Place of Fairy Tales & Magic – The Biltmore Estate

Travel Rob ·
Excellent write up! I love historic homes but haven't seen the Biltmore yet. The admission price has always seemed high to me but, factoring in the size of the place and the cost of upkeep, i'm sure it's well worth the cost.
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Re: Iceland's Keflavik airport aims to become major global stopover

DrFumblefinger ·
Traffic at the airport has about doubled in the past 10 years. Who would have guessed that the UAE airports would be so successful. After all, very few people actually get out there, We'll see what happens. Iceland is beautiful and unique. I'm fond of Icelandair's deal where you can stop at the Island for up to a week without extra cost enroute between Europe and North America. If they keep expanding their routes, that alone will cause significant increase in traffic.
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Re: Ryanair changes its tune: Plans for future growth tied to better customer service

GarryRF ·
He is a smart business man : "20 May 2013 - Ryanair , Europe's only ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) today (May 20) announced (record) annual profits of €569m, up 13% on last year" Its only Americans who hate Ryanair because they take the bait every time Michael O'Leary throws a wild punch ! He's great ! Like Travel Rob, we've used the carrier many times and never been disappointed.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark

GarryRF ·
You're both right of course. No one has the moral high ground on delays. When you transit an airport with several terminals you do need to enter the country first. But hub airports like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bahrain have all been so polite and helpful it makes you realise that there is a better way. I use Philadelphia airport now to enter the US. It rates alongside Orlando as a pleasant experience. Last year I went through passport control in Philly. When asked, I told the officer that...
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Re: Visitor Totals: The "Ears" Eat the "Apple"

Paul Heymont ·
I think Orlando is a big pull for overseas travelers as well, which bodes well for them. Length of stay is an issue, especially, for New York; I think we get people on a shorter stay because of the cost. For overseas travelers, I think NY and Orlando are often both on the agenda, based on the questions I used to see on other boards!
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Re: Sequoia National Park: Hiking to Pear Lake (The Lakes Trail)

DrFumblefinger ·
I've never hiked in the Catskills, though would like to some day. My suggestion: 1) Go to your local library. They definitely will have hiking books on areas of interest (or request them in advance so they can be delivered from other branches). Check out some trails that are convenient and look doable. Most hiking books give great details. 2) If you find a great book, it's worth buying to have as a reference at home and take with you on the trail. For example, though I haven't read it, this...
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Re: Ryanair cuts fees??!

GarryRF ·
To improve its brand and profits Ryanair is now selling package vacations. With it's previous rule of just "carry on" baggage it wasn't much use. To take a checked bag cost more than the Flight Ticket. So its competitors were singing their own praises over Ryanair. So its catch up time for Michael O'Leary the CEO of Irish Company Ryanair ! Its only for off-season flights. Many Summer flights are often fully booked in advance.
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Re: Paris Looking Down: A View from the Eiffel

rbciao ·
Great pics. We were there this past August and were very impressed with the Eiffel Tower. It was truly fantastic accomplishment and the views are spectacular. The day we were there we had pre-purchased our tickets online, but did not use them. The morning of our scheduled day it was pouring down rain and we were tired, so we stayed in bed. Later in the morning the skies cleared and we went over to the tower. Since we missed our time we had to purchase another two tickets. it was still worth...
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Re: Delta: Cheap inflight WiFi for Smartphones

DrFumblefinger ·
I do think currently there are some band-width limitations to the wi-fi on planes. For example, there's not enough capability to support 200 people being on their mobile devices at any given time (remember this requires two way connectivity). So the cost may be just a barrier to limit access to the technology. But I like the idea. Costs will come down, technology will improve bandwidth, and offering it free will be a perk that may help people favor one airline over another.
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Re: Airfare bill would roll back consumer protection

DrFumblefinger ·
With the continuing unbundling of fares, it's important that people get some idea of what their flight will actually cost. I don't understand the airlines opposition to it. Most of them use the same tactics and it's unlikely someone won't fly because their true fare is revealed (though a few might not). People need clarity to make well-informed choices.
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Copenhagen: More Than Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid

Caroline Coupe ·
  Copenhagen is an incredible city, a place where a rich history meets modern culture. The Danish capital boasts historic palaces and churches, sprawling gardens and parks, canals, and world-renowned fine dining. In preparing for my move here...
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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge – The Creepy and the Miraculous

GutterPup ·
  If you follow Interstate 275 south through the city of St. Petersburg, Florida until you run out of land, you’ll be greeted by a gentle slope of road that seemingly rises from the waters of the Tampa Bay. This...
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Airbus A380. No new customers in 2014

DrFumblefinger ·
Apparently the massive two level Airbus A380, capable of passenger loads in excess of 600 passengers, failed to generate a single new customer in 2014, according to this story by Bloomberg Businessweek.   The only buyer so far this year was a...
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Erasmus Hall, Brooklyn, NY: Where Gumbo Was (#81)

Paul Heymont ·
As my fellow New Yorker Jonathan L recognized right away, Gumbo was at Erasmus Hall High School, the oldest public school in New York, and certainly one of the most beautiful.     The exterior seen in the puzzle picture, in "Collegiate...
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$240 NY-London, LA $320: Norwegian Air

Paul Heymont ·
Norwegian Air Shuttle, a low-cost carrier that has begun flying trans-Atlantic from Oslo now plans to offer service by this summer to NYC and LA from London Gatwick. The announced fares are $240 each way to NY and $320 to LA--less than half the cost...
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Allegiant Air Rapidly Expanding Routes in The Northeast

Travel Rob ·
Allegiant Air is rapidly adding 18 new routes in the Northeast.   HERE is one new route between Burlington ,Vermont and Orlando, Florida. Allegiant Air  now serves more cities than low cost Southwest Airlines.  While one...
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Allegiant Rapidly Expanding Routes in the Northeast

Travel Rob ·
Allegiant Air is rapidly adding routes in the Northeast. Such as this route from Burlington ,Vermont to Orlando just announced today. http://www.burlingtonfreepress...05/NEWS07/311050019/ In fact ,it now serves more cities than any other low cost US...
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Washington State’s Long Beach Peninsula

DrFumblefinger ·
 For most travelers, the southwestern corner of Washington state is easy to bypass.  It lies well over an hour’s drive from the busy I-5 Interstate Freeway.  The broad mouth of the Columbia River limits access from the Oregon...
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United's Award Chart: Premium Award Cost Goes UP

Paul Heymont ·
United Airlines has released a new award chart that bumps up the miles required for nearly all business and first-class awards, and (for the first time) makes flights on its Star Alliance partner airlines cost more miles than on United. Details HERE
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Lisbon: Cheap, but Steep!

Paul Heymont ·
That’s my short take on Lisbon after two weeks there last summer. A variety of economic factors, not all connected with the Euro crisis of the past few years, have made Portugal incredibly cheap for foreign travelers—but you have to be...
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A Visit to Ireland: Part 2) the Rock of Cashel

DrFumblefinger ·
 There are few places in Ireland with a richer history than the  Rock of Cashel .   Situated at the edge of the town of Cashel, the rock is a huge outcropping on top of which rests a complex of old buildings situated some 60m (200ft)...
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