Boston bound? Save a bundle from Louisville

Live in Kentucky and got to get to Boston (BOS)? Hop on Interstate 65 to Louisville (SDF) and catch a nonstop Delta Connection flight to Logan – for less. Delta Air Lines is running a sale on the segment, with a one-way discount airfare of $99.

This one-way discount airfare is predicated on a round-trip purchase, and neither taxes nor fees are included in the deal. You’ll have to purchase your ticket by November 19. Then, complete the trip by February 13, 2008.

There’s a 21-day advance purchase attached to this rate, and either a three-night, or Saturday-night stay, whichever comes first. That makes the discount less attractive to there-and-back business travelers, who have to change plans on a dime. If you’re visiting family or friends, or on vacation, this is a very decent deal.

Holiday travel – quantifying the stress

Seems lots of travelers are stressed these days especially during holiday periods. That’s the conclusion of a survey of some 1,500 travelers conducted by Europ Assistance USA, a medical assistance company.

Among the firm’s findings: nearly a third of travelers polled said they didn’t know how to locate medical help, or other assistance while out on the road. As for pressure, 42 percent compared the stress of holiday travel to that of a minor automobile accident, and 46 percent found it as stressful as a fight with a friend or loved one.

Ouch.

Gas pains: world’s largest airline hikes ticket prices

With world crude oil prices hovering abound $94 per barrel, and showing no signs of stopping, the world’s largest airline is raising ticket prices.

American Airlines says it has filed fare increases of $10 one-way, and $20 round-trip “in an effort to recover some of the costs associated with recent large increases in the price of crude oil and jet fuel”. Not all of the airline’s ticket fares will be affected by the move, just those for travel within the continental United States.

AA is concerned that the average spot prices for crude oil have risen by almost $14 per barrel since August. That translates into more than $1 billion per year in extra costs for American.

More Mexican connections could be in offing for Austin

For a city so rich in Latino influence, it’s interesting that Austin (AUS) has been so sparsely stocked with nonstop flights to Mexico.

That’s could change, as soon as spring 2008.

That’s when discount airline vivaaerobus proposes to begin nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to six destinations south of the border. Should the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) give the go-ahead, there will be flights to Cancun (CUN), Guadalajara (GDL), Puebla (PBC), Monterrey (MTY), Queretaro (QRO), and León (BJX).

Book really quick, Continental’s weekend rates

Seems the current slate of Continental Airlines’ enormously popular weekend discount airfares is being snapped up fast. Many of the city pairs are already sold out. Some are still open, however.

To grab one of these weekend discount airfares, CO says to book and buy no later than 11:59pm (Central Time) on Friday, November 2, but if you wait much longer, the deals outlined below could well be gone.

Fly out on these fares on Saturday, November 3.Then, return on Monday, November 5, or Tuesday, November 6. All the discount airfares quoted here are round-trip, non-refundable, and non-changeable. Neither taxes nor fees are included. You’ve got to purchase them online.

Alaska's self-service kiosks cut check-in times

Alaska Airlines hopes to limit the amount of time passengers spend at check-in by launching self-service kiosks at check-in desks.

The carrier's plans to install new kiosks and bag-drop stations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will make it easier for flyers to pass through check-in, the airline has said.

Fifty kiosks and 56 bag-drop stations are planned for the airport. The trial facility of eight kiosks and 16 bag stations already cut waiting times, reports The Ledger.

Austin to LAX - soon, triple competition

There’s about to be triple competition between Austin (AUS) and Los Angeles (LAX). When United Express launches once-daily regional jet service on the route on February 13, 2008, the carrier will join discount airline Southwest and American Airlines.

With the move, Austin-Bergstrom International will be linked to all five of United’s hubs: San Francisco (SFO), Denver (DEN), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Washington Dulles (IAD), and Los Angeles (LAX).

What’s the advantage in another LAX linkage for Austin? From Los Angeles, flyers can make good connections to Sydney (SYD) and South Pacific destinations.

Emirates lands in Toronto

Dubai-based airline Emirates has launched its new Dubai to Toronto service.

This is the first nonstop service between the two cities and the inaugural flight was marked by dignitaries from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of the airline, traveled on the first flight alongside Sara Hradecky, Canadian Ambassador to the UAE. He said: "Responding to market demand, the new route will provide a first direct link between Canada's largest city and Dubai, providing also convenient, ongoing access to the Middle East, Africa and the South Asian Subcontinent."

Allegiant celebrates first Phoenix-Mesa Gateway flight

The first Allegiant Air flight from the recently renamed Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport took off late last week.

Leaving at 8am on Thursday and touching down at Cedar Rapids in Iowa, the first flight was followed 20 minutes later by a second service to Sioux City.

Maurice J Gallagher Jr, Allegiant Travel Company President and Chief Executive, said: "We're extremely pleased to celebrate our first flights from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and add Arizona to our roster of world-class leisure destinations."

Delta considers Atlanta-Aspen flight

Delta Air Lines is considering a direct flight from Atlanta to Aspen. According to reports, the carrier is in preliminary talks with airport officials in Aspen regarding a new service.

Jim Elwood, Director of Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, met with representatives from Delta earlier this month to discuss the possibility of a new route. Bill Tomchich, President of Stay Aspen Snowmass, also attended the meeting and told the Aspen Times that if the move went ahead passengers in Aspen would be able to connect with international destinations.

"It's a logical next step for Delta to make it easier for international travelers to get to Aspen," he said. "This would open Aspen to international markets. We pitched them on that possibility, and they are looking at the feasibility."