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 ]

There are few things more nerve wracking than sending your child on an airplane alone. All the dangers apparent on the ground combine with terrorists and airplane crashers, and parents can’t do anything about them from the ground. Add to that bustling airports, unreliable airlines and the childlike tendency to sometimes do the wrong thing? It’s very hard to trust an airline to keep your child safe, but an estimated 7 Million children travel alone every year. That’s nearly 20,000 a day!

Airport Options

Most airlines have what is called an “Unaccompanied Minor” program. For a fee, the airline ###### your child to an attendant who walks them through security, helps them find their seat on the plane and checks on them throughout the trip. Programs vary by airline. If your child is between the ages of 5 and 14, chances are they are eligible for the program. One some airlines, you must register a child traveling alone and pay extra fees.

Third Party Services

Companies like Trusted Traveler will give your child personal attention, traveling with them if need be. Many parents will cringe at the cost, starting at $900 for a round-trip but if you find a good deal on airfare, it could absorb some of the costs.

Finding “Good Deals”

You don’t have as many options to save on a ticket for a child traveling solo. Aim for flights with fewer stops, during hours that your unaccompanied minor is more likely to stay away. However, you can use some of our tips to get a good price:

* Try to travel in off-seasons and during the middle of the week. Flights with fewer passengers will sell their cheats for cheaper prices.

* Compare costs between airports. You can often save, for instance, by flying into Tampa instead of Orlando.

* Compare costs between one-way and round-trip. It’s very likely the round-trip ticket will be less, and there’s no law saying you have to use it.

Covering the Basics

Safety isn’t the only issue to worry about when your children go off on their own. Natural curiosities can get them into just as much trouble. Make sure they understand what they are (and aren’t) allowed to take on the plane. Give them things to do to keep from getting bored. Lay down rules and consequences for if they misbehave, and encourage them to speak up if something feels wrong.

It’s tough sending your kids off into the big, wide world without you at their side, but airlines have worked hard to make the process go smoothly. With a little preparation, your unaccompanied minors will be travel experts in no time.

Sources: Trusted Traveler , How to Find Cheap Flights Anywhere in the World

Image: Creative Commons

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