Travel stuff

[Sam]

Hi guys

Like a lot of people I've been hunting around for the best deals around and wondered if this could help anyone else...

Cheap flights - company called Canadian Affair

and insurance

Avanti Insurance

(A smile for you is that the person I was chatting to about the insurance with asked me if the Castiel in my email was from Supernatural and it seems that he's a massive fan of all that and SG.. small world)

[awmoore]

Don't forget the best time to buy airline tickets is generally 1 month to 3 months before a trip.

From CheapAir.com the following Graphs Outline 2013, 2014, and 2015's generally-best-time to buy:



From the CheapAir.com article The Best Time to Buy a Flight is 54 Days Out…Or Is It?:

(…) we’ve divided the typical booking window of a flight into 5 booking “zones” which we are labeling “First Dibs” (6 ½ – 11 months out); “Peace of Mind” (3 ½ – 6 ½ months out); the “Prime Booking Window” (3 weeks – 3 ½ months out); the “Push Your Luck” (14 – 20 days out); and “Hail Mary” (0 – 13 days out).

I'd think we have some time yet to book our trips. I for one am still on the fence on whether to use points or to drive.

[gatetraveler]

Yea, the closer to departure date the more expensive the ticket. Best day to book flights is mid-week. I was checking on some travel insurance since certain financial institutions dropped automatic travel coverage for credit cards after 2009. I was reading in the contract clause that if trip was interrupted, or other hold ups, that the inconvenience wouldn't be covered. This determination was based on using a travel agency or not booking the flight directly with the airline. I still have to check for Amtrak because I know Greyhound doesn't offer any insurance.

[PamK1950]

I just booked my flight from Chicago.  I was going to wait, but when I checked United Airlines I found out I could by an economy class ticket and for a small fee I could get a premium seat.  I have bad circulation in my legs and need to be able to strecht them out.  I was able to get aisle seats in the first row.  (non-first class area). 

I actually booked through Travelocity as they had travel protection for $36.  However, I had to go to United to get my seats. 

[gatetraveler]

Just out of curiosity for people who've had to USE their travel insurance, how long did it take to get reimbursement for unexpected incidents? Hours, days, weeks?

[gatetraveler]

Wasn't sure where to post this. In the US news outlets today, it was reported that Canada had begun the process of no longer accepting Visa credit cards. It will continue to take Mastercard credit cards. I do think it goes for the debit cards also since there's a fee to use the Visa name. I can't attend Gatecon so I don't have to worry about this at this time. Many banks here in the US use the Visa brand on debit cards and credit cards.

[jchu100]

Wasn't sure where to post this. In the US news outlets today, it was reported that Canada had begun the process of no longer accepting Visa credit cards. It will continue to take Mastercard credit cards. I do think it goes for the debit cards also since there's a fee to use the Visa name. I can't attend Gatecon so I don't have to worry about this at this time. Many banks here in the US use the Visa brand on debit cards and credit cards.

The only article I read in The Wall Street Journal was that Walmart Canada will stop accepting Visa - I haven't seen anything in the news beside that.

[A.R.]

Wasn't sure where to post this. In the US news outlets today, it was reported that Canada had begun the process of no longer accepting Visa credit cards. It will continue to take Mastercard credit cards. I do think it goes for the debit cards also since there's a fee to use the Visa name. I can't attend Gatecon so I don't have to worry about this at this time. Many banks here in the US use the Visa brand on debit cards and credit cards.

The only article I read in The Wall Street Journal was that Walmart Canada will stop accepting Visa - I haven't seen anything in the news beside that.

Yes, Walmart Canada will be phasing out Visa payment option in the coming months due to high fees. Not the whole country of Canada.

[gatetraveler]

I don't think it will stop with just Walmart.

[schulzmk]

Lucky for me I also have a MasterCard, and American Express.  You never know who is going to turn up their nose at which card.

[Krisz]

Good thing I don't shop in Walmart then! I sure hope this doesn't spread as I have a Visa card and don't see why I would have to go through with having to apply for a Mastercard to shop at the store I usually do.  Those with Visa cards will be ok as every place we go to in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland take Visa cards and all restaurants, hotels and tourist spots definitely do! There are very few places that don't, if anything it would be the American Express card that more places may not accept.

[StargateGazer]

I know this is somewhat late, but I haven't finalized my travel plans, and im sure there are a few of you that haven't either! Before you buy trip insurance, check with your airline's credit cards. For instance, I have the AA Advantage card which gives you 2 free checked bags, PLUS gives you free trip insurance. All you have to do is pay for the trip on the card. Plus, they give you a pretty great mileage bonus if you aren't already a member. Just thought I'd post as an FYI! I never have to buy trip insurance again! And quite frankly, they cover better anyways through the card!

[StargateGazer]

I know this is somewhat late, but I haven't finalized my travel plans, and im sure there are a few of you that haven't either! Before you buy trip insurance, check with your airline's credit cards. For instance, I have the AA Advantage card which gives you 2 free checked bags, PLUS gives you free trip insurance. All you have to do is pay for the trip on the card. Plus, they give you a pretty great mileage bonus if you aren't already a member. Just thought I'd post as an FYI! I never have to buy trip insurance again! And quite frankly, they cover better anyways through the card!

PS! Also- for those of you from other countries or US- most airline cards offer no foreign transaction fees!!!!!! Because I don't plan on bringing hardly any cash with me!