4 Airlines Extend, Raise Surcharges for Peak Travel Times

At first it was just an extra $10 or $20 added to your Thanksgiving flight, but the airlines have raked in so much additional revenue from the surcharges they're extending -- and increasing -- the surcharges through peak travel times in 2010.

United, Delta, and Northwest are increasing their peak travel time flights by $50 in some cases through Memorial Day 2010. US Airways took another approach and is adding a surcharge equal to 5% of the fare price on all domestic flights starting May 8.

The $50 surcharge applies to flights on Feb. 8, the day after the Super Bowl. The other surcharges range between $10 and $30 and coincide with peak travel times in the Spring, which will affect Spring Break travelers.

United, Continental Partner on Upgrades

Good news frequent fliers: If you’re a United Airlines elite-level traveler, you’ll be entitled to unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades on Continental Airlines flights, beginning in mid-2010.

The new benefits, which are also available for Continental frequent fliers traveling on United flights, are thanks to the global partnership the two airlines created 2008. Additional benefits currently include the option for travelers on either airline to accrue and redeem miles on the other airline when traveling.

Starting in 2010, United elite-level customers will get access to Continental’s Premium Seating area for upcoming flights, and vice-versa for Continental customers.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer

United Airlines Economy Plus Holiday Deals: Upgrades from $5/flight

There are holiday sales with cheap flights and there are holiday sales with cheap upgrades. And, who doesn’t want to stretch their legs a little more, especially during the busy holiday season?

United Airlines has reduced their rates on Economy Plus upgrades for domestic and international flights, so travelers get five extra inches of legroom for $5 per flight and up.

We didn’t see any restrictions on travel dates or routes, however, to get this Economy Plus discount, you must book by Nov. 13.

United’s Holiday Fare Sale

If holiday travel stressing you out, relax. United’s Holiday Fare Sale is offering cheap flights all over the United States and Canada.

Book through united.com by Nov. 12, and travel between Nov. 19 and Jan. 4. Taxes and fees are excluded, and may vary based on travel dates. A 14-day purchase is required, and you must book at least a three-night stay, including either a Friday or a Saturday.

Blackout dates do apply, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.

United Airlines Retires its Last 737

The first carrier to make the Boeing 737, United Airlines retired its last of these planes. Pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation buffs were sad to see it go, in the wave of what has been the removal of 94 Boeing 737s since September 2008.

A staple 41 years ago when United Airlines first brought them into service, 737s are said to have revolutionized air travel because it was relatively lightweight, could seat 120 passengers, and required only two pilots to fly it, rather than the standard three at the time.

United's Hawaiian Mele Sale

We don’t know why anyone would want to leave Hawaii, but sometimes it has to be done. If you need to travel off the islands this winter, make sure to check out United’s Hawaiian Mele Sale.

The sale includes flights to select cities in the continental U.S., including Chicago and Los Angeles, and departures from several Hawaiian locations. To take advantage of the fares starting from $269, you must book a flight by Nov. 15.

Pay attention to travel restrictions with this sale. Eastbound travel is permitted between Dec. 7 and Dec. 26, while westbound travel is valid between Dec. 28 and Jan. 14. These fares are also only good Monday through Thursday.

United Announces New Flights to Madrid from Washington D.C.

Earlier this year, United announced new service to Madrid from Washington/Dulles. Now the airline is promoting fares for this international route in spring and summer 2010.

When you book flights between March 26, 2010 and May 13, 2010, fares begin at $214 each way, taxes not included. Fly between May 14, 2010 and Aug. 29, 2010 and fares start at $264 each way, taxes not included.

Be mindful of your travel dates when booking, since these fares are only valid Monday through Thursday and a Saturday night stay is required.  Tickets must be booked by Oct. 31.

Get 5,000 Reward Miles Free with United Airlines When You Book by Monday

If you’re a frequent flier of United Airlines, your rewards are about to get a lot sweeter. Mileage Plus Miles used to go into effect after 25,000 miles, but now the carrier has cut 5,000 of them to make it easier to gain rewards.

This mileage cut is only temporary though, so act fast and take advantage of these airfare savings.

If you book travel before Monday, Oct. 19, and travel from Jan. 10-April 30, 2010, you can fly between any of the states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada. Blackout dates include April 1, 2, and 5. Prices and rewards are based on round-trip purchases.

You must fly with United or United Express, and code share partners are excluded.

© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney

United Airlines Offering Wi-Fi on Select Flights

United Airlines will offer Wi-Fi service on flights between New York and California, with more flights to follow by mid-November.

The in-flight WiFi access, provided by Aircell's Gogo service, will allow passengers to surf the Web on their laptops and mobile devices for a fee. 

The WiFi fees on the United flights between New York and California cost travelers $12.95 for laptops and $7.95 for mobile devices, such as Blackberry's or PDAs.

United “Savings Across the Country” Sale from $48 OW

With a flight sale name like “Savings Across America,” you know you’re bound to get a good fare. Find flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and other great places in the States when you book with United.

Although travelers have the option of choosing from dozens of routes, there are a handful of restrictions to pay attention to. The lowest fares can be found Monday through Thursday and Saturday and travel must be completed by Feb. 11, 2010.  Blackout dates exist around the holidays. There is no specified book-by date, but United rotates their sales frequently so it’s best to purchase tickets as soon as possible.

Book a flight and see the snow fall in Denver or warm up in Los Angeles. The hardest part about this sale will be deciding where to visit, not how much to spend.