When it comes to air travel, the Internet has truly revolutionized the way things work. These days, most tickets are purchased online. Most savings can be had online, direct through the providers’ websites or third party travel brokers. You can also research every aspect of these supposed deals to make sure they’re really worth the savings.

SeatGuru.com

Not every website gives you the choice of seeing which seats are available on a plane (and not every airline gives you the choice of booking particular seats in advance.) Most allow pre-booking or pre-check in for a small per-ticket fee. It’s a good idea, particularly if you’re traveling with children.

The site gives you access to maps of more than 200 planes, showing you not only the lay out of the seats but giving you extra tips. Which seats are most desirable for you? Which seats are roomiest or have the most leg room? Which will have you trapped by the bathroom?

Flyerguide.net

Wow. Everything you ever needed to know about airports, lounges, meals, and more can be found here. With over 34 pages on lounge guides alone, travelers to this site can find a wealth of information, including which clubs offer lounges with showers, and a look through the eyes of the consumer through their user reviews.

Flatseats.com

For travelers more interested in value than particularly in savings, flatseats.com covers luxury and quality in business and first class seating. Based on consumer reviews from people traveling worldwide you’ll get a good idea of whether luxury seating is worth your while.

A recent post on American Airlines first class seating read:

>The “improved” business class contraptions are truly a horror for anyone over 6’3”.<

Followed by another ...

>The people responsible for these narrow, uncomfortable seats must all be four feet tall and weigh eighty pounds<

And another and another.

Now, because passenger numbers are down, we're going to see airlines offering more incentives, more frequent flier promotions, and more low fares. Thankfully there is a flood of resources available online to help you weed out the best deals.

[Image: Creative Commons ]

You could hear the jaws dropping as Disney Cruise Line announced their “buy one, get one for $99” cruise deal for 2009, but how many families can really take advantage? It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who can. Cross your fingers and look over the following to see if their deal is right for you.

The Basics

Per DCL’s website, travelers can now take advantage of their “Paradise Twice for an Amazing Price” cruise discount. How does it work?

* Book a 4 or 7 day cruise to take place during the following times: January 31 - March 9, March 21-28
* Book by December 15, 2008
* Must book a level 4 to 12 stateroom or rooms
* Must use special booking code, FBO

If you do all that, following your initial cruise, you will be able to book a second trip, a 3-day Bahamas sailing, for $99 per person. Your second trip must meet the following guidelines:

* Must book for the same number of travelers
* One of the original passengers must be in traveling party
* Must include same level and number of staterooms
* Must fall within certain dates, namely August 13 - December 17, 2009
* Must book between April 6 - May 30, 2009
* Other specials, offers and credits do not apply
* This offer is subject to availability

Depending on the size of your traveling party, you could save quite a lot of money. This is a great deal for families who have the vacation time and would like to take a cruise with both sides of their families. Granted you can find a room. It’s also a good option for friends who both want to sail, but neither want to pay full price. Obviously, this is an arrangement in which a travel agent could come in handy. Either a cruise or Disney specialist would be a good idea. It would also be helpful to discuss trip insurance.

Critics of the deal say most families won’t be able to take advantage of the special because the dates are too close together for most families to get away from work. There’s also the question of whether the savings are worth it. While Disney wows families, both on land and sea, Royal Caribbean is hailed for family friendly cruises and costs a portion of the price.

Sources: Disney Cruise Line

[Image: Disney Cruise Line]

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