I took an around-the-world trip in 7½ days flying first class on Qantas, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific, Nov. 6-14, ’04. I used One World’s ’round-the-world fare. The ticket cost $9,100. I paid full price — no breaks. The fare was deeply discounted from the price I would have paid buying point-to-point first-class segments.
ITN printed a letter of mine about my going through Frankfurt Airport in 2003 and having a security screener insist that my wallet and passport be x-rayed (Nov. ’04, pg. 18). I expressed concern that they could have been stolen while they were at the other end of the conveyor belt and out of my sight.
To help you in choosing a tour, the United States Tour Operators Association, or USTOA (342 Madison Ave., Ste. 1522, New York, NY 10173), suggests a number of questions to ask and points to consider.
• What is and is not included in the price? Find out if airport transfers, service charges and airport and hotel taxes are included. Also, find out what sightseeing and meals are built into the price.
Many years ago I took my first trip with a travel company (which shall remained unnamed) and learned some hard lessons. It was a frustrating and expensive process, but it did pave the way for many other successful trips with very few unpleasant surprises.
As a single female traveler, I initially ask the tour operator questions on three subjects.
In response to William Hollifield’s letter “Valuables Put in Peril” (Nov. ’04, pg.18), the security procedures at the Frankfurt, Germany, airport are still a nightmare. I passed through there on Oct. 17, ’04, on my way home from Italy. Flights had to be held because the security line was so backed up.
They were using an electronic scanner on everyone boarding U.S.-bound flights, and items were backing up on the conveyor belt while passengers were being scanned and/or redonning shoes, belts and other items that had to be removed.
I’m writing in response to a reader’s inquiry regarding flights that allow smoking (Oct. ’04, pg. 84).
We are using our frequent-flyer miles for the first time for a trip to Antarctica in January 2005. We had enough miles with both Delta and United. I started calling more than a year early to book our flights and learned that you can’t book more than 11 months out.
Delta would not allow us to use our miles to fly into Santiago, Chile. They kept wanting to sell us seats. I finally gave up on Delta.
A couple mailed to ITN a copy of their letter to Grand Circle Travel, as follows.
by Jay Brunhouse
I read the reader’s letter “Wildly Varying Cruise Fares Irksome” in the January ’04 issue. I have been on 39 cruises with various lines. As Bill Bennett put it (page 27), “cruise lines vary their prices according to demand.” I agree that is true. I have booked both early and late, and even though I am a past passenger with various lines I must be there at the right time to get the deals. I believe you just luck out unless you are in the know.