San Francisco to Washington D.C - $199 RT "all in"

Fly SFO to Washington, D.C for just $199 roundtrip, including all taxes and fees. Valid for flights through through Spring 2011. Outbound flights: Must depart Friday or Saturday after 7pm. Return flights: Must return on Monday or Tuesday. 4-day maximum stay. Click here and search using the "my dates are flexible" option.

Japan Airlines to Drop SFO-Narita Flights, Add Haneda

As part of a larger reorganization of the company, Japan Airlines announced today the reduction or elimination of several routes around the world. The airline's international passenger operations will shrink by 40% compared to just two years ago. One route being trimmed is San Francisco to Tokyo - Narita airport. However, the airline plans to replace the route with flights directly into Haneda, which is actually much closer to metropolitan Toyko. The swap of routes is expected around October 31, 2010.

(Even More) Important Items for Your Carry-On

By Mike Grasso

What's inside your carry on bag? You've got light scooby snacks and water (post-security purchase or refilled water bottle) packed - just in case you get stuck on the plane longer than expected. You remembered to pack toiletries - to freshen up during long layovers. And surely you packed a change of clothes - in the event you arrive in a city but your checked bags don't. What else needs to go in the checked back? More essentials! House keys; mobile phone, and important documents such as hotel/car rental information.

Common sense? Yes. But, sometimes travel plays tricks with common sense. For instance, I just returned from a flight where a woman was rerouted to Dallas, instead of Los Angeles, due to a missed connection. She will make it home tonight, but her house keys - which she later realized were stored inside her luggage, will not. Lesson learned: Think through all the important items you might need in your carry-on luggage, both during regular and irregular flight operations, and pack accordingly.

More Consolidation as Hertz To Buy Dollar Thrifty

The consolidation of the car rental industry continues as Hertz is reportedly planning to buy Dollar Thrifty for nearly $1.2 Billion. The combined company (count'em, 3 rental car agencies) offers a more global presence, with Dollar and Thrifty focusing on U.S. markets, while Hertz operates rental offices throughout the world. What's left among the big agencies? Avis, who just happens to own Budget. With less competition, this may mean car rental fees will start hiking up.

Earn 1500 Bonus Miles By Joining U.S. Airways FF Program

For a limited time earn 1500 bonus miles by signing up for U.S. Airways frequent flyer program - Dividend Miles. Simply click here, complete the form, and you're set. Miles will appear within 48-hours. Free miles here folks - what are you waiting for? =)

Horizon Airlines Picks up San Jose to Los Angeles Route

Parent company Alaska Airlines said in a press release today they will launch new service between San Jose and Los Angeles beginning August 23, 2010. The airline will operate 4 daily flights between the cities, utilizing 74-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop planes. Initial fares start at $61 each way. The airline is apparently hoping to connect Silicon Valley travelers to International flights offered by the airlines' alliance partners in L.A.

Special offer: Earn double MileagePlan miles for flights between San Jose and Los Angeles through November 23rd.

San Francisco to Bogota $334 "all in"

American Airlines has filed a $210 roundtrip fare between San Francisco and Bogota, Colombia. Total cost comes to $334, including all taxes and fees. Routing is via Miami (no stopovers allowed at this fare), and is valid for travel any day of the week through June 30, 2010. Click here and search the "my dates are flexible" option.

U.S. Airways: We Have Discontinued Merger Talks With United

The Wall Street Journal is reporting U.S. Airways has discontinued talks with United Airlines about a possible merger. "After an extensive review and careful consideration, our board of directors has decided to discontinue those discussions," U.S. Airways Chairman and Chief Executive Doug Parker said in a statement. Attention now turns to ongoing speculation that another Star Alliance Member - Continental Airlines, may be in merger talks with United.

Starwood 4-day California Sale Ends Friday

Check out Starwood Hotel's California sale - going on now, for just three more days. Book by Friday, April 23rd and stay before June 16th to enjoy some fabulous rates at Starwood properties throughout the Golden State. For example: Westin Bonaventure in L.A is available for just $99/night; W San Diego for $149; and the Westin St. Francis San Francisco for $149/night. Click here to check other available rates and to book.

Related: Starwood has a promotion starting May 1st where every 3 hotel stays earns you 1 free weekend night at nearly any Starwood property in the world.

Free Lonely Planet City Guides for iPhone Users

To assist those stuck in Europe due to the Iceland volcano, Lonely Planet is giving away 13 city editions of its iPhone European guides. A message from Lonely Planet Travel Editor posted on the LP blog said: "Travelers stuck in unfamiliar places need access to practical information as well as suggestions on what to do whilst stranded...that's why we're giving away iPhone city guides to major affected destinations." The free download is available (to everyone...) until April 22nd. Click here to see the list of cities available.

Flight Delayed, When Should I Leave for the Airport?

By Mike Grasso

Anyone who has travelled with any sort of regularity knows flight delays happen. They happen for many reasons; mechanical, operations, customer service issues, and weather - either at the airport, destination airport, or somewhere in between. So when your flight is delayed, a logical question to ask is: "When should I leave for the airport?" Answer: In most cases, you should arrive as if departing during the initially scheduled departure time.

The reason is pretty simple: Delays can un-happen. A last minute plane swap or an alternate flight path during inclement weather are ways to reverse anticipated flight delays. For instance, a flight I was on last year was expected to be nearly two hours late for departure due to building thunderstorms. Suddenly, the airline began paging all passengers in the terminal to immediately board the flight - it was leaving 15 minutes early, to avoid the storms. (Way to go Southwest Airlines!)

Too often of course, when the airline says the flight is delayed... it will be delayed. But occasionally there are instances where they can "fix" the problem and leave on time. Therefore, it is highly recommended you arrive at the airport ready during the initial time of departure - unless of course the airline recommends otherwise.

Seasonal Service Resumes San Francisco to Milwaukee

Frontier Airlines resumes seasonal non-stop service between San Francisco and Milwaukee today. The flight, still branded under the Midwest Airlines name, is a "red-eye" flight departing at 11:45 PM each night, arriving into MKE at 5:45 AM the next day. Service will discontinue in mid-November.

Alamo Car Rentals $15/Day - Weekends Only

HOT! A few times a year Alamo comes out with this great promotion where rentals at most U.S. cities are just $15/day (compact) - weekends only. It's that time again. Similar rules as before: Weekend's start from 9am Thursday, and run thru Monday. You must keep the car at least thru Saturday night. Valid for rentals April 15-May 24th, airport locations only. Anything larger than a compact costs just a few bucks more.

Tried a few cities at random - Dallas, Seattle and San Francisco. Works like a charm!

Have friends flying into town? Let them know about this great deal.

Click here for the details and to book.

Happening Now: Volcanic Ash Shuts Down N. Europe Air Traffic

NY Times: The shutdown, among the most sweeping ever ordered in peacetime, forced the cancellation of thousands of flights and left airplanes stranded on the tarmac at some of the world's busiest airports as the rolling cloud - made of of minute particles of silicate that can severely damage airplane engines- spread over Britain and toward continental Europe. Read more from the New York Times.

Midwest + Frontier = Frontier Airlines

In a live web feed today, Midwest and Frontier Airlines announced the two combined brands will become one: Frontier Airlines. The combined airline will, "keep the best of both what is Frontier and Midwest," said Bryan Bedford, Chairman of the parent company, Republic Airlines. Republic purchased both airlines last year, but until now had not announced which airline brand would be scrapped. Frontier currently operates nonstop flights between SFO and Denver, and seasonal flights SFO to Milwaukee. Meanwhile Midwest offers a daily flight between SFO and Kansas City.

The integration of two airlines is expected to take 12-18 months.

More information, including FAQ's on the combined airlines can be found here.

A Roundup of Entertaining Travel Reads Around the Web

-A Sneak Peak at the Renovations & Plans for San Francisco Airport's Terminal 2 (FlySFO)

-San Francisco Detours Into Reality Tourism (NY Times)

-Intercontinental becomes first hotel to trial iPad (Breaking Travel News)

-Celebrate the Golden Age of Meissen at San Francisco International Airport (SF Examiner)

-A Hotel Made of Key Cards (Places)

-Potty Policy Has Air Travelers Holding It In (AOL)

Earn 1,000 Delta Miles for $1.84

(expired)

I've been hesitant to post this deal because Delta Airlines is notorious for blocking members from redeeming miles (one of the worst in the industry), but perhaps you can salvage some value out of it.

Here's the deal: New Shutterfly members earn 1,000 Delta SkyMiles after making their first purchase. Simply buy one photo, add shipping, and the total cost comes to $1.84. Here's the link.

If you are within 1,000 miles of reaching your next "milestone" with Delta, then perhaps this is a deal worth pursuing.

(Edit: Received a note from a reader reminding us that this type of transaction automatically resets the expiration date of Delta SkyMiles another 24 months. Definitely another benefit. Thanks!)

Stay Twice at Best Western Hotels and Earn $50 Gift Card

Similar to a deal offered last fall, complete two qualified stays at Best Western hotels and earn a $50 Best Western gift card. Stays must occur between April 4 and May 30th, and you need to register here for this promotion. Be aware that some Internet rates do not count toward a "qualified stay." If you are planning a Best Western stay during this time period, best to call their toll free reservations line in advance to determine eligibility.

Southwest Airlines Announces Double Credit Promotion

This morning Southwest Airlines announced a "Double Credit Days" promotion, whereby registered Rapid Rewards members will earn double credits for all flights between now and May 26, 2010. That means after just 4 roundtrips (even the short trips to Los Angeles and San Diego) you will earn a free ticket anywhere Southwest flies. Click here to read all the details and to sign up.

Earn 2,500 Mileage Plus Miles from Red Lion Hotels

In an email last week United announced a new partnership with Red Lion Hotels whereby mileage plus members earn a whopping 2,500 miles for each qualifying stay through June 30, 2010. According to the email, MP members earn 500 miles per stay, plus an additional 2,000 during this limited time offer. Red Lion has hotels throughout the western states, including four in California. Follow these steps to earn the miles:

1. Sign up for the Red Lion R&R club
2. Select the "500 air miles per stay" and "United Mileage Plus"radial buttons and enter your Mileage Plus number while setting your Red Lion R&R settings.
3. Reserve a room and enter promo code UNITED during the booking process.

Oakland to Eugene for $29 Each Way

Allegiant Airlines, which initiated flights between Oakland and Eugene last summer, is offering some pretty good airfares over the next few months. Keep in mind, they fly only twice a week - Monday and Friday, but with airfares as low as $20 bucks each way (most are $29 bucks and up), this deal is certainly worth mentioning.

When booking this deal, proceed slowly and with caution. By default, the Allegiant Airlines website displays prices for air and hotel package for two passengers with advanced seat assignments. Select/deselect these options as appropriate. Choosing airfare only - without advance seating, you can fly to Eugene and back for under $100.

Visit Allegiant Airlines for more information.
Wikipedia`s Eugene, Oregon page.

Earn 1,000 Bonus Points for Starwood Hotel Stays in April

Excellent promotion from Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).

Earn 1,000 bonus SPG points for each stay during the month of April at any of the Starwood brands worldwide, including Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, Aloft, W and St. Regis properties. No minimum stay required, the offer can be combined with other active promotions, and is valid on current reservations booked prior to the promo start date. Best of all, the bonus can be earned multiple times throughout the month; one bonus for each stay! Click here to read more and register for the promo.

(Note: The offer is softly targeted for readers of Flyertalk, but is transferrable to friends as well).

"Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen."-Benjamin Disraeli

American Airlines Snips San Francisco - St. Louis Route

As part of a larger cutback in service at St. Louis Airport (STL), American Airlines will eliminate flights to San Francisco and 19 other airports around the country. The airline attributes a softening demand for business travel to St. Louis. The final SFO-STL flight will be Monday, April 5th.