Walt Disney World’s new MyMagic+ system promises to cut down on wait times at park rides and attractions. Could that be a bad thing for guests’ pocketbooks?
Travel
Does Selling Out to Avis Represent Success for ZipCar? Failure? Something Else?
ZipCar’s business model has been heralded as a game changer, potentially disrupting car sales and traditional car rentals alike. So what does it mean now that ZipCar has been purchased by a traditional rental car company?
American Airlines: Forget About Fees, These Are ‘Enhancements’
Struggling American Airlines, which has been forced to enter bankruptcy protection and recently suffered high-profile black eyes such as seats coming loose on planes in mid-flight, is hoping that customers will like the idea of paying more fees upfront—so that they won’t have to pay these fees down the line.
Is Airline-Style Variable Pricing Coming to Theme Park Tickets?
At the start of last summer, Walt Disney World raised the ticket prices at its theme parks to $89. There’s a case to be made that, at least on certain days, Disney should be charging a whole lot more.
New Low for Flying? Standing-Room-Only Flights Possible
The term jet-setter is still applied to travelers heading to chic, exciting places. But by now, after years of enduring countless fees, painfully long airport waits and humiliation by way of clothing removal and body scans, travelers should know that the era when flying equated to glamour is long gone.
While Airlines Add More Fees, One Travel Freebie Becomes Standard
Travelers will pay all-time high fees to hotels and airlines this year. In this atmosphere, it’s a surprise when any part of the travel experience is granted for free.
PayPal Ups Ante in Holiday Season Price-Matching Wars
The battle for holiday shopper dollars continues with the launch of the most impressive-sounding price-matching policy offered yet. As it turns out, the policy isn’t being offered by a retailer, but the payment processor PayPal.
The Best Ski Deals You’ll Find This Season
Yes, skiing can be an incredibly expensive sport. (See: one-day lift passes in excess of $100.) No, skiing doesn’t have to be an incredibly expensive sport. (See: cheap and freebie promotions below.)
As Airline Fees Top $36 Billion, Is Relief in Sight for Fee-Weary Travelers?
A new study estimates that airlines around the globe will charge $36.1 billion in fees for things like checked luggage, seat reservations, and in-flight meals this year. That’s an all-time high, and an 11% increase over the 2011 total.
Why an Airline That Travelers Love Is Failing
Virgin America is the equivalent of a TV show that’s a hit with critics but risks being canceled because of failing to attract enough viewers. The San Francisco–based carrier is regularly voted to the top of “best airline” …
Coming Soon? Airline Tickets That Cost Extra After You Purchase Them
It’s become common for airlines to add fuel surcharges onto flight prices. Passengers pay these mandatory charges when they book tickets, which is sometimes months before they fly. During the time between purchase and travel, …
Airline Introduces Perk Passengers Actually Want — And It’s Free
JetBlue is responding to the popular sentiment of passengers by introducing free Internet service on aircraft starting in early 2013