The Easter Bunny and other (travel) myths

There is no such thing as the Easter Bunny, not all flight attendants are attractive and we hate to dispel the myth, but there are no lowest price airfare guarantees either. So, let’s set the record straight about common misconceptions in the airfare market. We won’t sugarcoat it or promise you things that nobody can deliver.

Here is a list of some common travel myths and why they just aren’t true:

1. Lowest price guarantees No one Web site will always have the cheapest airfares. Certain travel agents, destination specialists or consolidators may be privy to discounts and incentives, meaning that even the airlines themselves can’t offer you a flight at a cheaper rate. It is important to shop around and never settle for the first airfare you find.

2. Low-cost carriers are no frills The terms “low-cost” carrier and “no frills” airline are often used interchangeably, but in reality, often the low-cost carriers are the ones with the most frills. Who gives you tasty snacks, leather seats and individual television screens? Low-cost carriers. And who still has blankets and pillows? You may want to think twice before calling them “no frills” again.

3. It is always more expensive to fly on weekends You’d think this one has to be true. Alas, no. Airlines often sell off their extra inventory at the last minute and can offer incredible deals for last-minute flights on weekends. Web sites like delta.com and aa.com have dedicated weekend travel sections and special deals for travel this weekend or next.

4. All airline food is inedible We know you’re not flying “for the food”, but if you think all airline food is inedible, think again. Obviously we are talking about international flying. Certain airlines really go the extra mile to provide nutritious and, dare I say, delicious meals. Notable examples in economy class include Thai Airways, Austrian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Gulf Air, SN Brussels Airlines, and Swiss Airlines. A good tip can be to pre-order a “special” meal type in advance on the web.

5. Travel during high season/holidays always costs more Travel during peak seasons can be expensive, but flying on holiday dates, like Good Friday, December 25, July 4, Thanksgiving, or January 1 can be inexpensive and, more importantly, available. It seems that most people who travel during the holidays want to be at their destination already on those days, but if you are flexible, the savings can be considerable.

6. Advance purchase tickets are always cheaper Although you usually secure a good deal if you purchase airfare in advance, it is still possible to snag a great deal with little or no notice – mainly with charter airlines. Cheapflights.com always includes the advance purchase requirements for all of its deals and sometimes there isn’t one. Ok, it may be rare but it can happen!

7. Flight check-in is time consuming and can be stressful You still have to check-in for your flight two hours ahead of time, but if you are travel savvy, you’ll check-in online rather than at the airport. Many airlines will allow check-in ahead of time (including Southwest, JetBlue, and America Airlines) and the facility to print out your boarding pass. This can save time and frustration, especially if you don’t have any luggage to check. Even with luggage, the process is simplified because you can just show your boarding pass to a check-in agent and still avoid the long lines.

8. The Saturday night stay rule doesn’t exist anymore The past couple of years have seen the relaxation of standardized airline rules that had once reserved discounted flights for those who stayed at their destination for a Saturday night. This rule had disadvantaged business travelers for years, penalizing them for midweek or same day travel. Many low-fare carriers, like Southwest, JetBlue, and AirTran, never had the Saturday-night rule. Unfortunately, some airlines still impose this rule especially in the markets they dominate. For short midweek trips, always check the fine print and shop around to find an airline that doesn’t.

Happy Easter everyone!

The Easter Bunny