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The ups and downs of travel

September 27th, 2012 at 12:49 am

DD1, DD3 and I are flying down to So Cali for our girls trip tomorrow. Our airport is tiny and only serves a few airlines. One of those is a no frills type (although arent they all becoming no frills lately).

The basic fare is relatively inexpensive..and then there are options- want to choose your seat? Sit by a window or on an aisle? Check or carry on a bag? (and it needs to be under 40lbs if you do or you pay even more) Get 'preferred' boarding? Have a soda?...everything is extra.

But, the base fare was good. So..the girls and I will pack really lite and take one larger suitcase that will be under 40lbs. (We can take one personal item (bag) if it fits easily under the seat)..so we are each taking a small bag too.

When I went to check in online, we did end up with seats in the same row. Otherwise, it would have cost to rearrange.

So all in all, we are pulling this inexpensive leg of our journey off without issue so far. (whew) I booked the flight as a package with a rental car so that we can get around. The only thing I dont like about it is the whole making sure the tank is topped off when you return the car...but I am sure we will figure it out.

It will be interesting when we get to LA...we land at about 5pm...and will get to experience rush hour traffic to my friends home about 45 miles away. Here in Oregon, that would be about a 35-40 min drive...she said to plan for an hour and a half..or more.

Friday, Sat and most of Sunday will be relaxing and visiting and just having girl time.

The hub took advantage of his time this weekend to head over to the coast with his dad to go quadding. He cashed in cans, cashed in his coin jar, sold a little more wood, and traded in some scrap metal to pay for his trip.

Well...time to get packin....funs awaitin!

7 Responses to “The ups and downs of travel”

  1. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1348711717

    I admire you ability to shop wisely for this trip. And what I wouldn't give to have a resourceful hubby like yours! Have a great trip.

  2. Wino Says:
    1348711785

    I fly a lot, but I've never been on one of the no-frills flights. Your post makes me wonder if it would be worth it. I hate being nickel and dimed for every little thing. Most of my travel is business travel, though, so I don't actually pay for it.

    One interesting item, though, is a round trip ticket from Dubai to Houston and back is about 60% of the cost of a round trip ticket from Houston to Dubai and back. Same flights, just a different one first.

    Strange, huh?

  3. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1348714794

    Wiawl- He isnt always this resourceful..but we are trying to stick to a budget and get debt and mortgage paid down. He is starting to follow my lead..which is good!!

    Wino- Since the hub works in Alaska, he racks up lots of frequent flyer miles and we usually fly Alaska Airlines. We went the no frills because the flight is under 2 hours and my girls are both on tight budgets. If the flight was longer, we may have chose differently. Smile Dubai...Ive never been so far from home...that must be one long flight!!

  4. snafu Says:
    1348718018

    As a long time flier, I'm loathe to pay for items that don't add to operational costs like seat selection. Last flight I asked the flight attendant if she could facilitate having DS exchange seat with someone sitting nearby. It was easily arranged. More and more travelers are packing a small lunch like bagel & cheese with a small packet of trail mix or dried fruit, buying a drink after clearing security zones.

    As more airlines are charging for even one checked bag, we've nipped it in the bud by shoving my empty handbag in the bottom of my backpack along with MacBook, make-up pack,prescription meds, a couple of outfits, sweater & pashmani shawl. Careful selection of clothes allows each of us to fold items into 3 'Space' vacuum bags, add shoes, allowable liquids & misc. into rollerboards that meet cabin rules. Those bins are now jammed full! It's a big advantage to be able to manage our own luggage easily through airports and to particular accommodations. Our rule is if you didn't use the item on the previous trip, leave it at home next trip. Our 1st Aid box is a miniature of previous. Even in 3rd world countries you can get Tylenol at the pharmacy!

  5. Ima saver Says:
    1348768406

    Have a great time!

  6. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1348797467

    Have fun!

  7. Jerry Says:
    1349048125

    It's true, flying leads to more frustration and extra expense now than it used to. With the longer carriers, and the overseas carriers, you often have the insurance of things being nice and not being charged for everything. It is spreading, though, no doubt about it.
    Jerry

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