Sherman's Travel

Air news lately has been a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, travelers fearing for their safety on board were relieved the TSA postponed the policy allowing knives on airplanes. On the other, staff reductions and flight delays means travelers will feel that relief – from the ground – for much, much longer.

The announcement to allow knives and various sporting goods on airplanes was a thorn in a lot of people’s sides, and those who opposed the measure have been heard. Read more

We’ve all gotten an earful of terrible advice about arriving to the airport. Just today, The Onion reported on a “father” who suggested his family arrive 14 hours early for their family vacation. Years back, my mom made me book a flight with an eight-hour layover, simply because the second leg of my flight was international…the first was a one-hour flight on the East Coast. Yeah, that was overkill. But I digress. We’re here to fill you in on what you should actually be doing to get on your flight without having to sprint through Terminal C. Read more

United Airlines announced today that they are expanding their baggage delivery service by BagsVIP. The service (launched just a month ago) allows you to skip the hassle of baggage claim and instead have your bags delivered to your home, hotel, or final destination.

The service is only available to customers departing from domestic airports and arriving in one of 36 cities. Among them are Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, and Boston. Read more

Keeping up with the ins-and-outs of Washington politics is exhausting. But one thing travelers must keep an eye on is the approaching sequester, which, barring congressional action, goes into effect this week. Though a majority of cuts will be in other federal agencies (mostly in domestic and defense programs), the airline industry is poised to take a major hit. Here’s what you need to know as you try to figure out whether or not your flight plans must be adjusted.

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People travel for plenty of reasons: business, pleasure, to start life under a new identity after faking your own death. Many travelers also plan entire trips around visiting a particular landmark that will bring them good fortune – like kissing Ireland’s Blarney Stone to gain the gift of gab. Sure, hanging off a cliff to make-out with a rock makes perfect sense, but is it silly to think you could find wealth and happiness based on where you sit on a plane? Jetstar Asia, a Singapore-based carrier, doesn’t seem to think so; they’ve become the world’s first airline to entice passengers with the benefits of feng shui, and believe finding health, friendship, and love is as easy as planting yourself in Row 14, Seat B. 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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This summer, fly to Canada on Porter Airlines with one-way flights starting from just $67. These rates slash up to half on current airline pricing and include all taxes and fees. Enjoy ideal summer temperatures in Toronto, along with restaurants, art, and nightlife in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Or, fly to Montreal, where you can experience the unique French-Canadian heritage along with the famous Montreal International Jazz Festival from June 28-July 7.

Sample one-way fares from the U.S. to Canada:

• New York City (Newark)–Toronto: $67
• Boston–Toronto: $73
• Chicago–Toronto: $89
• Washington, D.C.–Toronto: $89
• New York City (Newark)–Montreal: $125
• Boston–Montreal: $162

Book fast, because this sale ends Friday, June 1. Travel is valid from June 14-September 3. Book online at the Porter Airlines website and enter the promo code AIR.

See our Canada destination guide for more trip-planning information.