20% Off La Quinta Hotels Through June 30th

From the Fatwallet forums comes this 20% off discount coupon for La Quinta Hotels. According to the post, the promo is valid for hotel stays through June 30, 2009.

For example, I tried a rate search for the La Quinta in Reno, Nevada, and found the standard rate of $59.00/night dropped to $47.20 after applying the discount code. This discount even beat out AAA and AARP discounts for this property. Head on over to La Quinta, and enter promo code: ******** to take advantage of this offer.

*Update: promotion code removed at the request of LaQuinta. Please visit the fatwallet.com forum (link above) for future promotions at this chain of quality hotels

Delta Airlines Offers 500 Bonus Miles for Online Reservations

Delta Airlines is offering its frequent flyer members 500 bonus miles when booking a round-trip airline reservation at delta.com between April 28 and May 31, 2009. Delta began offering online booking bonuses in the 1990's as a way to encourage Internet bookings, but ended the incentive in 2007.

Travel Alert Issued for Mexico-Bound Travelers

Due to health risks related to Swine Flu, the State Department issued a travel alert for U.S. residents planning travel into Mexico. In a statement issued April 27th, the notice recommends citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. For those who must travel to Mexico, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended several measures one can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico. 

Read more: Understanding Swine Flu Spread: Questions and Answers (Bloomberg.com)

New Routes Coming to Greater Bay Area Airports This Summer

Despite a sluggish airline industry, several airlines will launch new service to and from the San Francisco Bay Area this summer. Here's what we are following so far:

Oakland to/from:

Nashville - Southwest Airlines - launches May 9

Eugene - Allegiant Airlines - launches June 8

San Francisco to/from:

Santa Ana/Orange County - Virgin America - April 30th

Santa Ana/Orange County - Southwest Airlines - May 9

Calgary - WestJet - returns June 2

Toronto, Canada - United Airlines - returns June 4

Minneapolis - United Airlines - June 4

Pasco - United Airlines - June 4

Spokane - United Airlines - June 4

Delhi, India - India Airlines - late Summer

Monterey to/from:

Los Angeles - Allegiant Airlines - May 3

San Diego - Allegiant Airlines - May 3

Today Only 50% Off Flights to/from Bay Area

HOT!  Southwest has slashed fares to/from the San Francisco Bay Area and cities throughout the United States. You must purchase tickets today for travel through June 10, 2009. Here are some examples of fares we found:

Oakland to Baltimore: $70 each way

Oakland to Jacksonville: $85 each way

San Jose to Buffalo: $87 each way

San Jose to Phoenix: $50 each way

San Francisco to Los Angeles: $35 each way

San Francisco to Pittsburgh: $80 each way

Click here for more information on this offer (don't forget to use the promo codes listed on this page) and to make a reservation. 

Prague's Franz Kafka Int'l Named World's Most Alienating Airport

Good laughs from The Onion:


Prague's Franz Kafka International Named World's Most Alienating Airport

Register Now for 'A Taste of New Zealand' Sweepstakes

Register now for chance to win an exclusive wine experience including 6 nights hotel, round-trip flights for two, 7-day rental car, and a wine tour of the best wineries New Zealand has to offer. Entries must be received by May 24, 2009. This offer brought to you by Orbitz and Air New Zealand.

World's Most Bizarre Sculptures In Public Places

Check out a gallery of fascinating (ok, a few are quite bizarre) sculptures on display around the world, courtesy of 13 Above.

Today Only: JetBlue Sample Sale, Fares from $29 Each Way

Today only, JetBlue is offering highly discounted airfares nationwide. For example, $59 each way from San Francisco to Boston, $79 from Oakland to New York/JFK, $29 Oakland to Long Beach, and many other city combinations. Valid for travel Tuesday and Wednesday, between May 5-June 10, 2009 only. Click here for more information. Offer ends at Midnight MST today. 

Delta Promo: Earn Up To 25,000 Miles for Utilizing SkyMiles Partners

In Delta SkyMiles members' email boxes this week comes an offer to earn up to 25,000 bonus SkyMiles for utilizing some of the many partnerships the airline has. You can earn these miles without ever taking a flight!

Here's how it works: Register first. Then, do business with four SkyMiles partners (such as car rentals, hotel stays, ordering flowers) and earn 4,000 bonus miles. Use six partners, earn 6,000 miles, and so on - up to 25 partners to earn 25,000 miles. Qualifying partner activities must occur between April 22 and June 22, 2009. Be sure to read the full (and lengthy) terms and conditions.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro $571 RT, Tax Included

It's not too often you find discounted airfares to South America, but indeed, we found one for you today. Some of the major carriers have been slowly dropping fares down to Rio. Right now you can fares from SFO to Rio de Janeiro for just $571 round-trip, including all taxes and fees. Travel is valid through September 30th on these fares. For example, we found SFO-GIG (Rio) September 10-16, connecting in Miami on American Airlines for just $571.70 "all in." Click here and search availability using the flexible dates option. 

Rent With Dollar, Pay with AMEX, Earn Discount and Travel Magazine

Now through June 30th, receive a 10% discount and 1-year free subscription to Travel and Leisure magazine with a paid Dollar rent-a-car reservation. In order to receive the promo and magazine, you must rent from a Dollar location within the United States and use American Express as your form of payment. Use promo code: AXMG when making your reservation at dollar.com. 

Delta Adds New Bag Fee For International Travel

Hit with huge Q1 losses, Delta Airlines announced they will immediately begin charging a $50 fee for most passengers when checking a second bag for international flights commencing on or after July 1, 2009. The fee is expected to generate $100 million in new revenue to the airline annually. This compares to the $794 million loss the airline took in the 1st quarter of this year. Both elite flyers and active military are exempt from the new baggage fee. In addition, all passengers can continue to check the first piece of luggage fee-free on international flights. 

Register Today for Starwood's Free Weekend Nights Promo

Hats off to Tommy at *wood for letting us know about this latest Starwood Hotels latest stay promotion. 

Here's how it works: You earn a complimentary weekend night after you stay just two times at any of the Starwood properties worldwide between May 1 and July 31, 2009. Added bonuses: There is no limit to the number of free nights you can earn with this promotion, and you can redeem the free room at many of the luxury properties around the world. The complimentary night is redeemable through September 30, 2009. Click here to register for this exciting SPG promotion. 

Not Just a Plain Suite; It's a Plane Suite

Welcome aboard the 727 Fuselage Suite at the Hotel Costa Verde inside the Costa Rican rainforest. The Boeing 727 has been refurbished into a gigantic master suite with air-conditioned bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and hardwood decks built over the wings. The plane rests atop a cliff offering beautiful views of the nearby Pacific.

Click here for more information and photos on the 727 Fuselage Suite

inFLIGHTout Travel Tip: Online Check-In

By Mike Grasso

Most airlines allow customers to check-in for their upcoming flight up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. With online check-in, also known as e-check-in, passengers can print their boarding pass remotely, then proceed directly to the security check point upon arriving at the airport, or with bags to check, utilize dedicated bag drop off lines, then head over to security. 

Other benefits of checking in online include reconfirming your seat assignments, checking on any flight delays or irregularly operations, and it alerts the airline you are planning to travel, even if you show up at the gate a little late. (Keep in mind airlines have cut off times when you must be at the gate, otherwise risk looking your seat). Certain airlines still offer bonus frequent flyer miles for e-check in, and others provide discounts on checked bag fees if you declare bags in advance, using web check-in. 

Here are some tips about using online check-in:

-If you are traveling, ask the hotel concierge to print boarding passes for you, or to use the hotel's business center to do so. 

-A growing number of hotels offers airline check-in machines in their lobby, allowing you to print your airline boarding pass, just as you are checking out of your hotel. 

-Even when you don't have a printer nearby, you can check-in for your flights using a mobile device, then opt to print the boarding passes using airport e-check-in machines. 

-Don't have access to the Internet at all? No problem. Call a friend or co-worker and have them check you in for your flight, then print boarding passes at the airport. 

-If you are unable to catch your flight you've already checked-in for, contact the airline immediately to preserve any remaining value or discuss flight alternatives.

-Keep tuned to exciting changes coming to the check-in process, as some airlines have begun testing paperless boarding passes, where you simply display your smartphone and electronic boarding pass to proceed through airport security checkpoints. 

Allegiant Air to Launch Oakland to Eugene Flights

According to the Allegiant Air website, new nonstop service will be introduced between Oakland and Eugene, Oregon, starting June 8, 2009. Currently the route is scheduled for twice weekly service, operating on Monday's and Friday's. Introductory fares of $39 each way are currently available on the allegiantair.com website. 

Earlier this year, the point-to-point carrier added flights between Oakland and Bellingham, Washington, and has recently announced additional operations from Monterey airport. 

$19 Intro Fares Monterey to Los Angeles, San Diego

Be sure to let your friends and family in the South Bay know of this great offer

Allegiant Airlines, planning to launch nonstop flights between Monterey and L.A and San Diego in early May, is offering $19 one-way introductory fares between the city pairs. Simply go to www.allegiantair.com (click on the "flight only" button) and search for travel dates between May 3 and June 14th. Fares after this date climb to $59+ each way (still quite a bargain!). 

Keep in mind that although the round-trip fare is just $38, Allegiant adds a $13.50 "convenience fee" for each ticket purchased. 

Come Join inFLIGHTout on Twitter

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Add inFLIGHTout to your Twitter account and stay connected with the latest travel news, frequent flyer deals, airfare sales and MUCH more. Get mini "tweets" on your mobile device on the go, while still continuing to enjoy full-length content on the original inFLIGHTout blog.

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United Express To Start San Francisco to Pasco/Tri-Cities Service

Beginning June 4th, United Airlines/United Express will launch nonstop flights between San Francisco and Pasco/Tri-Cities Airport (PSC). Two daily flights will be offered on the route, utilizing a 50-seat, CRJ-200 jet aircraft, as shown below. 

Pasco is a small city located in Southeast Washington. The Tri-Cities region, which includes Pasco, Kennewick and Richland has a combined population of about 250,000 people. 

Schedule:

SFO-PSC  dp 08:54  ar 10:54

                  dp 19:00 ar 21:00

PSC-SFO  dp 06:31 ar 08:27

                  dp 16:35 ar 18:31

San Francisco to Dublin $402 RT Tax Included - Thru May

If you haven't finalized late Spring travel plans, consider this great deal over to Dublin, Ireland. 

Fly from SFO to Dublin for about $402 round-trip, tax included. 

International airfares have dropped substantially in the past few months, but this fare is particularly attractive since it is available on most carriers, including U.S. Airways, Air Canada, Air France, Aer Lingus and Delta, and valid for travel through May 26th - leading up to the busy travel season. A Saturday night stay is required for this discounted rate. Click here to check availability using the "flexible dates" option. 

Earn 900 Northwest Frequent Flyer Miles In Ten Minutes

Special thanks to Andy for this timely reminder.

In the past we reported on earning 400 easy frequent flyer miles for completing WorldPerks University online quizzes, which consist of answering a few multiple choice questions about the Northwest Airlines frequent flyer program. If you haven't completed the quizzes yet, now is a great time to do so. 

In addition, with the Delta/Northwest merger already in progress, you can earn 500 Delta miles for linking both your Delta and Northwest accounts together - then, turn right around and transfer those miles back to your Northwest account, fee free. The linking bonus runs through April 30. 

These combined activities will net you 900 Northwest Miles. Not too shabby for 10 minutes of work! 

$50 Gift Card, Bonus Points for Best Western Stays

Now through June 14, 2009, earn a $50 gift card after two qualifying stays at Best Western Hotels worldwide. You must pre-register for this promotion. The gift card can be used for future Summer travel. In addition, earn 250 points per night, up to 500 points per stay, for booking travel at the Best Western website. 

Join Zipcar and Earn 500 Amtrak Points + $50 Driving Credit

Now through July 31, 2009, get 500 Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points and a $50 free driving credit when you join Zipcar.

Imagine a car right outside your door that can be yours at a moment's notice for a few hours or the entire day. Imagine a Zipcard that's your key to thousands of cars worldwide, including hundreds right here in the Bay Area. Imagine saving more than $500/month and still getting to enjoy all the benefits of having a car, plus bonus points added to your account. With Zipcar you have access to hybrids, MINIs, pickup trucks and more. All with gas, insurance and 180 miles per day included. And once you’re registered, you start earning points with every driving dollar you spend. Click here to sign up and enter promotion code ZipAGR2009 when you apply.

Southwest To Start NYC Flights in June, Intro Fares from $99 OW

Beginning June 28th, Southwest Airlines will launch flights into New York City's La-Guardia airport - likely to the upset of rivals. According to the airline's website, introductory one-way fares start at just $99 each way from the San Francisco Bay Area for tickets purchased by April 20th, with travel dates June 29 through August 13, 2009. 

Mainline carriers such as United and American often frown when low-cost-carriers such as Southwest enter a new market because although a higher demand for air travel increases because of discounted fares, the mainline carriers often need to lower their prices, sometimes significantly, to compete with Southwest's ongoing low fares. Click here for information on the Southwest $99 offer. 

Enter the Singapore Airlines 30th Anniversary Sweepstakes

This week Singapore Airlines celebrates their 30th anniversary of flights between Singapore and the United States. Their first USA flights were to San Francisco, via Hong Kong and Honolulu! As part of the celebration, the airline is giving away a pair of round-trip business class tickets (grand prize), four pairs of economy class tickets (first prize), and 25 Singapore Airlines Airbus 380 model airplanes (second prize). According to the rules, you may enter weekly, now through the end of April 2009.

10 Great California State Parks

Never to early to forget about the work week and think about the upcoming weekend. To get you started, check out this read, "10 Great California State Parks," where Kathryn Vercillo describes some of the state's most impressive natural beauty - much of which is close enough to the Bay Area for a weekend road trip.

Last Two Months for Alamo $10/Day Car Rental Special

Alamo Car Rental continues to offer amazing $10/day rentals to drivers throughout the United States and Canada. But the final two months of this special are upon us. 

If you have travel plans between now and the end of May 2009, definitely consider the Alamo $10/day car rental special - valid for weekend rentals up to four days in length (pick up as early as Thursday). I've personally used this deal twice, once for a local rental in San Francisco, and for a three day stay in Southern California. Works like a charm! 

San Francisco to Minneapolis $148 RT, Tax Included

Sun Country Airlines will soon return to San Francisco with seasonal service between SFO and Minneapolis, MN. Tickets are currently on sale for $118+ tax round-trip, which comes to about $148 "all in." Valid for travel April 15 through June 15, 2009. Visit Travelocity to search for availability using the "flexible dates" option.

Win 1,000,000 Continental Miles in the TripAdvisor Sweeps

Click on over to TripAdvisor for your chance to win 1,000,000 Continental miles and $5,000 cash. One winner will be chosen among all sweepstakes entries received between March 23 and May 4, 2009. Limit one entry per person, per week. 

Earn Bonus Air Miles at Radisson Hotels

Thanks to Tom at the *wood blog for bringing this new Radisson promotion to our attention. 

For a limited time, guests who stay at any Radisson property in the America's will earn 500 American or United Airlines frequent flier miles per night, up to four nights. Normally guests earn 500 miles per stay, regardless the number of nights. Valid for stays May 1-July 31, 2009. Guests must provide their frequent flier account number at time of check-in, in order to receive the bonus miles. 

$14 Bucks Each Way Bay Area to Long Beach

HOT HOT HOT! And this is no leftover from April fools day. From a JetBlue press release today, the airline is offering $14 seats each way between San Francisco (SFO) and Long Beach (available) and New York-JFK (now sold out).  You must purchase tickets today - for travel through April 8 (next week) only. Don't delay - these seats will go fast. www.jetblue.com

Just checked this weekend - and there are plenty of flights SFO-Long Beach for $14 each way - Fir example: Leave Friday return Monday.

JetBlue reminds folks that a $14 fare is less than what other airlines charge for a single checked back. 

Earn Frequent Flyer Miles for Using Super Shuttle

I'll warn you in advance...it ain't much! Still, if you use the Super Shuttle "blue van" service to/from the airport, why not earn some bonus miles? So here it is: 50 miles for each one-way trip. Not much more to add; that's it!  In addition to partnerships with U.S. Air, Frontier, Delta and Northwest, you can now earn United Mileage Plus miles for your next ride in the blue van. 

Atlantic Southeast Temporarily Grounds 40% of Fleet

Atlantic Southeast Airlines, more commonly known as Delta Connection, has grounded 60 planes - nearly 40% of its fleet, due to engine safety inspections. The 50-seat CRJ200 jets were pulled from operations after an audit revealed concerns about whether or not engines were inspected to manufacturer guidelines. The Atlanta-based airline reportedly has cancelled several flights through Friday due to the precautionary inspections.