Sherman's Travel

Timing, as they say, is everything. It’s true of romance, successfully poaching eggs and, of course, booking travel. That’s why it’s important to know that it’s currently shoulder season in the Caribbean. The interim period between peak winter and low summer travel months, shoulder season is the perfect time to visit the region without counting dollars or dodging crowds.

Better still, a number of major carriers are celebrating new routes to hot Caribbean locales with killer fares. From unstoppable rates to Colombia’s sexy seaside city, to the first-ever direct flights to Martinique, here are the season’s best new ways to save. Read more

If you’re looking to take an exotic vacation this season, we’ve got deals for you from all over the world; from Africa to Europe to the Caribbean islands. Stray outside of your comfort zone and take the journey you’ve always dreamed of; with these fantastic deals, you’ve got few excuses not to. Read more

Around this time of the year, people throw around the word “bundle” a lot. (“It’s nippy, bundle up to the point you can’t put your arms down!”) As the holiday season winds down, some companies are putting together “gift baskets” for customers. Some corporations have begun combining services in the name of costs-savings, and the travel industry is no exception. American Airlines is launching a new program to “bundle” some of its fees intended to save customers, well, bundles.

The airline’s program offers two options – Choice Essential and Choice Plus – but both allow customers to book ancillary fees as a package. There are a few catches, however: the packages are only eligible for flights within the U.S., excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Not to mention, depending on whether or not you expect to make a last-minute flight change, the savings may not be as much as it seems. Though designed as a cost-saving measure, the initiative mostly benefits travelers who anticipate that their itineraries will shift.
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Major airlines have a gift for Florida fliers, special delivered just in time for the holiday season – fare increases.

Travelers flying to and from the Sunshine State will see a price hike across a handful of major carriers. United has raised one-way ticket prices on all Florida markets $10, while Delta, Southwest, and American followed suit with increases on most of their Florida routes. US Airways endeavored to push through a $10 spike on a larger portion of its domestic network but balked, limiting the increase to just the Florida region.

This is the 15th attempt by airlines to bump up domestic fare prices in 2012, seven of which have gotten the green light; last year, nine of the 22 proposed increases were successful.
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Unlike Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and, well, pretty much most of the world, really, the United States lacks for small airlines that include medium-haul international routes. For decades, medium- and long-haul international flights were solely the domain of legacy carriers such as Delta, American, and United. Now, however, more and more smaller airlines are helping Americans go beyond our borders for work, pleasure, and simple winter escapes. A piece in the New York Times illustrates just how prevalent this trend has become, and customers are the obvious beneficiaries. In an industry quick to create new fees, alienate customers, and downsize, this is a rare piece of good news for travelers. Read more

American Airlines has revealed details of the cabin interiors for some of the 460 new planes currently on order, and boy do they look snazzy. It seems AA is finally on track to catch up with the rest of the U.S. domestic carriers with seatback entertainment screens in every seat, in-flight Wi-Fi fleetwide, and power outlets and USB ports at every seat.

The new fleet will also feature more Main Cabin Extra seating – with extra legroom and priority boarding – which American began introducing earlier this year. In a first for domestic carriers, jets flying AA’s transcontinental routes will allow for three classes of seating and lie-flat seats in Business and First Classes. The new planes are set to roll out starting next summer.

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When we set out to document the Top 10 Airline Incidents of 2011, we had no idea some of the biggest newsmakers were still to come.

Obviously, the snafu with the highest exposure and level of absurdity has been Alec Baldwin’s removal from an American Airlines flight last week for refusing to turn off his phone once the cabin door was closed and subsequently slamming a lavatory door. (Hey, Words With Friends is important!) In the aftermath of the incident, Baldwin went on SNL to issue himself an apology (while portraying an AA pilot on the Weekend Update segment). Now American is trying to find a way to cancel “30 Rock” from its in-flight programming line-up. Next up: Airlines ban celebrities altogether!

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Save big on flights to London when you book them last minute through American Airlines. Starting from $266, you can fly one-way to the capital of England and travel any time between now and March 2012. Once in London, discover the mix of historic charm and cutting-edge modernity that makes it one of the most acclaimed cities in the world. From the edgy art and music scenes to the world-class cuisine and nightlife, you’ll find no shortage of excitement during your stay. Also visit some of London’s most famous historical sites, including Westminster Abbey, the Tower Bridge, and Big Ben.

Sample One-Way Round-Trip Fares to London:

• Hartford, CT: $266
• Boston: $291
• Baltimore: $291
• Washington, D.C.: $295
• Raleigh/Durham: $305
• Dallas: $315
• Chicago: $316
• Los Angeles: $331
• Albuquerque: $341
• Atlanta: $355

THE VALUE: Save up to 35% on similar flights during the same travel period.

THE CATCH: Hurry – you have to act fast to snag these last-minute deals!

THE DETAILS: Visit American Airlines to book this deal.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our London Travel Guide for more trip-planning information.

Make the most of the waning days of summer or beautiful early fall with this European air sale from American Airlines. Book by June 27 and travel August 14 through October 27 to get this deal. Depart from your choice of cities across the United States, including New York, Boston, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Orlando, Chicago, Houston and Albuquerque, and fly to a number of great European destinations including London, Brussels, Helsinki, Madrid, and more. Finish summer with a bang by spending it in Paris, or fly to Frankfurt and take a train to Munich for Oktoberfest — this sale is flexible on dates and locations.

THE VALUE: The same routes cost over $1,000 in summer on other airlines, so this deal saves over $400 on round-trip tickets.

THE CATCH: Travel must be completed by November 24, and taxes and fees of up to $190 are not included.

THE DETAILS: Click here to book online with American Airlines.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Find the best place to stay in Europe with our Travel Search tool, or check out what to do when you get there with our European Travel Guides.

Hot weather and long weekends are fast approaching, and gasoline prices are climbing just as quickly. Don’t worry, you can still plan a quick U.S. getaway for cheaper than a road-trip this summer, with nationwide fares from American Airline as low as $39 each way.  This sale covers cities across the country, so you can avoid Memorial Day traffic by jetting off to the west to try your luck in Las Vegas or sun yourself on the beaches of California. Or, experience a real American 4th of July in the south, eating barbecue in Dallas or watching fireworks in Miami.  Sale ends May 12, and is good for travel through October 5.

Sample Fares (O/W):

• Dallas – Oklahoma City: $39
• Las Vegas – Los Angeles: $49
• San Diego – Monterey: $59
• Chicago – Louisville: $74
• Miami – Baltimore: $89
• Jacksonville – New Orleans: $94
• New York – Pittsburgh: $116

THE VALUE: Depending on how far you fly, this sale saves you over $100 on peak summer ticket prices.

THE CATCH: Blackout dates apply, and taxes and fees are not included.

THE DETAILS: Click here to book your flight online with American Airlines.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the best hotel deals in the north, east, south or west. Can’t decide which city to fly to? Check out our Travel Guides for inspiration.