How to Monitor Cheap Flights

Searching the Internet to find the cheapest airfare can be a frustrating process---one that requires you to plug in flight dates and destinations into multiple booking engines several times a day. Airplane flight costs fluctuate daily, and the only way to capitalize on cheap flight fare is to do frequent Internet searches. However, you can save time and money by using a website that will do the searching and monitoring of flight fares for you---before and after you purchase your ticket.

Tips For You

1. Use your computer to navigate to the Yapta.com website.
2. Click on "Join" in the upper right-hand corner of the website.
3. Fill in account information. You will need a valid email address, which will become your sign-in name, a six character minimum password, and your first name. Joining is instant, free and a confirmation email is not required.
4. Click on the "My Trips" tab, and then "Find Flights to Track" after you sign in.
5. Choose between purchasing a round-trip, one-way, multi-city or weekend flight fare. Enter the departing city in the "From" section and the destination city in the "To" section. Select your travel dates. Click on "My Dates Are Flexible" to see airfare on different travel dates. Pick the number of travelers and the flight class desired. Click "Prefer Nonstop" if nonstop airplane travel is preferred. Click on "Compare All" and then "Search" to begin your flight search.
6. Select "Track Price Drops" from the populated flight list for airplane flights that suit your itinerary and budget.
7. Track the price fluctuations in your "My Trips" tab. Click on "Select" beside the airplane flight information to purchase a ticket. You will be redirected to the appropriate airline's website to buy your ticket.
8. Receive airline refunds after you purchase your airfare by choosing the "Airline Refunds" tab, and then click on "Start Saving Now---It's Free." Fill in your flight details, and select "Next" to begin tracking your flight. If your airline has a sale on flights before your travel date, you may be entitled to a refund.

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What Happens With Baggage When There's a Required Plane Transfer Between Flights?

Making a tight airline connection can be frustrating. Getting yourself, your family and your carry-on luggage from one plane to the next, sometimes across a crowded airport, is a daunting task. If you need to claim and re-check your checked baggage, the process can feel overwhelming. The rules on re-checking baggage vary according to circumstances, so confirm your obligations with a representative when you initially check your bags.

Staying on the Same Airline

• In most cases, if you are changing planes but staying with the same airline, you do not need to claim and re-check your bags. When you check your bags at the first airport, ask the agent to check them through to your final destination. When you arrive at the intervening airport, go on to your next gate. If you gate-checked a needed item such as a mobility scooter or baby carrier, it will be returned to you at the connecting airport, where you can gate-check it again on the next flight.

Changing to an Airline With an Interline Agreement

• If you are changing airlines, find out whether your first airline has an interline agreement with the next. Interline agreements allow both passengers and bags to travel freely among participating airlines. You can typically check your bags through to your final destination, but you must tell the check-in agent what you want to do. Agents’ computers do not typically show the full itinerary for routes that involve multiple airlines. Have your agent manually confirm that your checked bags are properly routed to your destination.

Changing Airlines With No Agreement

• Not all airlines have interline agreements. For example, Southwest Airlines does not have an interline agreement with any other airline, even AirTran, which Southwest owns. Some airlines participate in frequent flier mile partnerships but not interline agreements with some other airlines. If the airlines you are flying do not have an interline agreement with each other, you must claim your bags at the connecting airport and re-check them onto the next flight.

International Travel

• All nations set their own laws and regulations for air travel, customs and immigration. When traveling internationally, you are bound by the laws of the countries in which you travel and by the policies of the airlines. For example, you might need to check your bags in order to go through customs at your arrival airport before transferring to a domestic flight. Always check with the airlines well in advance of your trip for the most updated information.

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Can I Bring Food on Flights to Canada?

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. airport security came under the purview of the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA. During the years that followed, the TSA adjusted and reviewed its policies, tightening some restrictions and loosening others in response to changing threats. Policies are always subject to change, so check the TSA website for the latest information shortly before your flight. In addition, Canada has tight regulations on the import of food items. Visit the Canadian government’s imports website for up-to-date information.

TSA Food Restrictions

• In general, the TSA does not restrict the transportation of hard, solid food items. Unless the food is an unpeeled natural item such as a piece of fruit, it must be wrapped or placed in a container. All food items that you bring to the airport or purchase before you undergo security screening must go through the X-ray machines located at the security checkpoint. Not all foods are treated the same in the eyes of the TSA. Slushy or partially liquid foods such as soup, peanut butter, sauce, jelly, salad dressing and cranberry sauce fall under the TSA’s liquid restrictions. Cakes and pies are acceptable but undergo enhanced security screening. Food and beverages sold after the security checkpoint are allowed on board the plane, and are not subject to additional screening. When you arrive in Canada, you are allowed to carry your food off the plane and into the country, provided it does not exceed maximum allowable quantities. You must declare all food items on the declaration form you present to Customs and Immigration officials at the Canadian airport.

TSA Liquid Restrictions

• The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to all liquids except those that are medically required, including foods that fall under the liquid restrictions. The 3-1-1 rule allows travelers to carry liquids in 3.4 ounce containers. You may carry as many containers as you can fit into one quart-sized zip top baggie. One baggie is allowed per person. Breast milk, baby formula and liquid medications are exempt, but you must present them separately at the TSA checkpoint for inspection.

Canada Import Restrictions

• Canada sets specific restrictions on food items that are imported into the country. The Canadian government notes on its website that because pest and disease situations change rapidly, policies are subject to change at any time. As of August 2013, travelers were allowed to import up to 20 kilograms per person of prepared meat products such as jerky or sausage and another 20 kilograms of fresh or frozen meats. You must show proof of the country of origin and display a product label that identifies the meat. You are allowed to import 15 packages per person of fresh fruits and vegetables, an equal number of frozen or canned and an equal number of dried. You may also import 20 kilograms per person of dairy products, seafood and meatless baked goods. Infant formula must be sealed and is limited to 20 kilograms per person.

Special Considerations

• If you want to carry more liquids or slushy foods to Canada than are allowed in your carry-on bag, pack them carefully in your checked luggage. Choose sealed containers and consider using zip-top baggies for an extra layer of protection. In addition, the TSA allows unlimited quantities of liquids and slushy foods that are purchased in the sterile area of the airport, after the security screening.

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Combining Car Rental and Flights

The practice of combining a flight and rental car has become so commonplace that most travel sites now offer the option to do so on their home page. Combining two travel services can and often does provide overall savings, but it may not always be the best option for your trip. When you plan to travel, your booking date and even where you pick up the rental car can have a significant impact on the price you pay.

Advantages

• Booking a flight and rental car together offers the convenience of having your travel reservations stored on one website or with one company. Although you will likely receive separate confirmations from the airline and rental car company, you will be able to access your entire reservation in one place. Also, combining your bookings often means that travel companies can pass on preferential rates from third-party vendors and save you a substantial amount of money. If your travel preferences are flexible, check with several different airlines to get the best car-and-flight deal.

Disadvantages

• Rental cars booked with a flight are almost always drawn from the inventory at the car company's airport location. If you are traveling during peak times, you risk arriving at the desk to find that your chosen car has been rented. You may also be subject to airport taxes and fees in addition to your agreed-upon daily rate. Additionally, since most budget airlines and smaller car-rental companies don't list their rates on major travel sites or with travel agents, you may not be getting the best available deal.

Booking Early or Late

• If you book your flight and rental car well in advance, you'll have your pick of seats and cars in addition to access to low rates. You'll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your reservations are complete. The closer your travel dates -- the later you wait to book -- the more reservations will have already been made with both your airline and car company of choice. Therefore, prices are likely to be higher for the remaining inventory.

Things to Beware

• Make sure that any savings you expect really are savings. For example, you may book a car rental with your flight at a substantially lower rate than a car by itself, but those savings may be erased if you find yourself responsible for extras like satellite radio, GPS services or additional insurance fees. Also, clarify the booking company's policy on changing your reservation. If you need to change your travel dates or reserve a larger car, for example, you may incur penalties.

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