Full Body Scanners -- Second Annual Air Travel Survey Released by TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor releases its Second Annual Air Travel Survey where they asked more than 3,200 U.S. respondents dozens of questions about their air travel preferences. The topics ranged from airline fees to in-flight WiFi.

Here is what topped the charts:
-- Limited legroom and the need for more roomier seats
-- Fees, please no more! 55% of travelers said that checked
baggage fees where the most annoying current airline fee.
31% stated that seat fees would be added in 2010 and
peak date surcharges for additional top travel dates.
-- 74% feel that passengers of size should be required to
purchase tickets for two seats on their flights.
-- 30% would like in-flight WiFi but 61% would not be willing
to pay for it. 27% would be willing to pay $5 or less.
-- What about inappropriate web content access? 45% said
they would do nothing if the person sitting next to them on
the flight were accessing inappropriate content.
-- To avoid extra charges with luggage, 58% always or often
carry on their bag.
-- What about the Full Body Scanners? 79% of
travelers said they are comfortable with U.S. airports
using full body scanners that can see through clothes.
-- Small Talk- 73% of travelers said a little small talk with
seatmates is fine, but that they prefer to keep to
themselves for most of the flight.

Who's Busy on Turkey Day?

Orbitz Reveals the Busiest Airports for Thanksgiving

Reports are showing that despite the down economy travelers are still flying. Orbitz released the Insider Index of the busiest airports for Thanksgiving. They also released information on time-saving tips for those of us navigating our way through a bustling airport during the holiday season.

The Insider Index reviewed the top 50 U.S. airports based on flight bookings, identifying which will be the most and least busy the week of Thanksgiving.

Chicago O'Hare International takes the honor of the busiest airport this Thanksgiving. Rounding out the top three are Los Angeles and Denver international airports. New York-area airports occupy three of the 10 spots on the list, which makes the Big Apple a hot spot for Thanksgiving travelers.

1 Chicago, IL - Chicago O'Hare International

2 Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles International

3 Denver, CO - Denver International

4 San Francisco, CA - San Francisco International

5 Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Hartsfield International

6 Boston, MA - Boston Logan International

7 New York, NY - New York LaGuardia

8 New York, NY - New York John F. Kennedy International

9 Newark, NJ - Newark Liberty International

10 Seattle, WA - Seattle Tacoma International

In reviewing what was the busiest airport during the Thanksgiving holiday, Orbitz also reveals the least busy airports. Orbitz reports that these airports may see a lift in traffic but overall will be easier for travelers to make their way through the airport.

1 San Jose, CA - San Jose International

2 Nashville, TN - Nashville International

3 Richmond, VA - Richmond International

4 Sacramento, CA - Sacramento International

5 Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville International

6 West Palm Beach, FL - Palm Beach International

7 Hartford, CT - Bradley International

8 Orange County, CA - John Wayne International

9 Cincinnati, OH - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International

10 Fort Myers, FL - Southwest Florida Regional

Orbitz Insider's Top Five Tips to Save You Time at the Airport this Holiday

Choose Alternate airports: If you haven't booked your Thanksgiving travel -- or if your're looking ahead to Christmas or New Year's -- consider using alternative smaller airports.

Flexibility is key: If your travel plans are flexible, investigate flying on days that Orbitz predicts will be less busy during the Thanksgiving period. The best bet would be to depart on Nov. 23, 2009 and return on Nov. 30, 2009

Online check-in is your friend: Where possible take advantage of online check-in and print boarding passes before arriving at the airport.

Know your flight status: Always check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.

Security smarts: Keep anything you need to show airport security such as ID, boarding passes, liquids in a zip-top bag, or medication, in a separate compartment of your carry-on bag.

Travel Assistance offered to Delta Customers -- Because of Hurrican Ida

Delta Offers Travel Assistance to Customers

Affected by Hurricane Ida

For those who are traveling Delta Airlines and their flight plans may have or will be affected by Hurricane Ida, may have a one-time change to their travel schedule without fee if tickets are changed by November 11, 2009. (See following areas of destination below)

-- Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

-- Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.

-- Mobile, Ala.

-- Panama City, Fla.

-- Pensacola, Fla.

-- Tallahassee, Fla.

Delta will be thinning flight schedules to and from affected airports in hopes that delays are minimized during the storm. However, customers may wish to consider postponing to rerouting their trip without penalty to avoid possible inconvenience.

As stated above, travel for changed itineraries must begin by November 11th and changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds. For complete details go to: www.delta.com and www.nwa.com

Bette Midler -- The Showgirl Must Go On Comes to an End

Final Performance of The Showgirl Must Go On

Scheduled for January 31, 2010

If you have not had a chance to see Bette Midler Live in Las Vegas at The Colosseum at Ceasars, you better hurry, as this showgirl will do her last performance, January 31, 2010.

"What a fabulous two years this has been, and I thank AEG and Ceasars Palace for the best partnership a showgirl could imagine. Who knows? These legs have had such a great run in the desert --- it may be time to haul them to places with more humidity and fewer slot machines. But first I need to finish recording my album of the sexiest new love songs that only a showgirl could sing," stated Midler.

The showgirl Must Go On will perform November 7-15 and December 30 - January 31, 2010. The show is dark Monday, Thursday and occasional Fridays. Tickets for these final performances are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com, keyword "Bette Midler", by calling 1-877-7BETTEM (723-8836), or in person at The Colosseum at Ceasars Palace Box Office, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dashing through the Snow -- On a Jet Airplane

TripAdvisor Travelers Dashing to the Airports for

Holiday Flights in 2009

TripAdvisor has announced the results of its holiday air travel survey of more than 1,300 U.S. respondents. They found that of the 35 percent that are planning to travel for Thanksgiving this year, 37 percent are planning to fly to their destinations. This is nearly equal to the 38 percent one year ago. For the month of December, 40 percent of respondents are planning to travel with 57 percent planning to fly. That is up compared to the 52 percent last year.

It appears that those who booked early were able to take advantage of some great deals this year. Eighty-one percent of those traveling for Turkey Day have already booked their flights, with 55 percent saying that they were able to get a good price by booking early. It appears that most who are willing to fly are flying only if they found a great deal.

For the Christmas Holidays, 57 percent of travelers surveyed are planning to fly and 47 percent of them said they have yet to book their flights. For travelers not currently planning to fly, 39 percent said they would consider flying if they found a great price.

Due to the changes with baggage fees, 33 percent of travelers planning to fly during the holidays this year are planning to take only carry-on bags, 55 percent are planning to check one bag and only 12 percent plan to check two bags. This is quite different as in the past, 12 percent said they just took carry-ons, 61 percent checked one bag, and 26 percent checked two bags.

When surveyors were asked if the economy was affecting their holiday flight plans, 67 percent said not at all, 33 percent said they are factoring it in, 19 percent are planning to drive, and 14 percent are flying on off-peak days. Eleven percent of travelers also said they're planning to fly on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year's Day to get a cheaper flight.

"Over the past few weeks we've had millions of travelers shopping for their holiday flights on TripAdvisor," said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. "This survey shows that travelers are still flying for the holidays despite the shaky economy and that many are finding great deals. We also found that travelers are adjusting their behavior as airlines implement new fees, including those for checking first and second bags."

Top 10 Destinations Shopped on TripAdvisor Flights in October for November and December Travel Dates

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
5. Atlanta, Georgia
6. New York, New York
7. Miami, Florida
8. San Francisco, California
9. Phoenix, Arizonia

10.Honolulu, Hawaii

JetBlue Airways and DJ Mark -- Silent Disco at John F. Kennedy International Airport

DJ Mark of Vhs or Beta Spin with JetBlue gives Silent Disco at T5 on the Eve of Halloween

If you are a customer of JetBlue Airways and are passing through Terminal 5 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 30th, then you will have a chance to show your moves at the first-ever Silent Disco. Customers will have the chance to wear wireless headsets to listen to the DJ's music.

The event will be held from 5p.m. to 6:30p.m., Friday, October 30th. Those who participate will wear high-end wireless headphones while everyone else in the terminal will see a dance party but won't hear the music. Of course, Halloween costumes are welcome and encouraged!

"Our Silent Disco is about giving customers and crewmembers the chance to tune in to some great music, to burn some energy before getting on a flight or to shake out the stress of the week," said Kim Ruvolo, brand manager for JetBlue Airways. "That's been the goal of our Live from T5 series: to give everyone at the terminal unique and entertaining experiences."

Live from T5 is a six-month, 12-date live music concert series featuring performances by hand-selected emerging artists from around the U.S. on select Fridays throughout the year. Performances have included Dan Dyer, Nicole Atkins, American Princes, Alberta Cross, Justin Townes Earle and Madi Diaz. More information can be found at www.jetblue.com/t5

Southwest's 72-Hour Sale! - Getaway for as Low as $25 to Select Destinations

Don't Procrastinate - Check out Southwest's 72-Hour Sale!

Southwest Airlines just announced its latest fare sale as customers can purchase one-way travel for $25, $50, $75 or $100 based on length of trip. The fares are broken down by miles. For travel up to 375 miles, fares are $25 one-way. Fore travel between 375 and 549 miles, fares are $50 one-way. For travel between 550 and 999 miles, fares are $75 one-way. For travel more than 1,000 miles, fares are just $100 one-way.

These fares are available through 11:59 pm PST October 29, 2009, for travel between December 2, 2009, and December 16, 2009, or travel between January 5, 2010, and February 10, 2010. For a list of prices and markets go to: www.southwest.com

One cool thing about Southwest Airlines is that your bags always fly free and they never charge for a pillow or blanket. It is actually a no nonsense kind of flight. I travel a lot for business and Southwest seems to fit my pocket book and schedule, so I love it when they have great deals like the one above.

Be sure to review the fare rules prior to purchase.

The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas Onboard -- Added to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Welcomes

The Venetian and The Palazzo

Las Vegas Onboard

The Venetian and The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino properties are new preferred partners of Southwest Airlines frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards. Rapid Rewards Members now have the option to earn Rapid Rewards credit for each qualifying stay at both hotel properties. As a bonus, Members who book their hotel stays on southwest.com by Nov. 5, 2009, can earn double credit for stays through Dec. 31, 2009.

"Southwest is the largest airline serving Las Vegas, and this new partnership with The Venetian and The Palazzo brings added value to the millions of Customers we transport to Las Vegas each year," said Ryan Green, Southwest's director of customer loyalty.

"We are pleased to be the first and only Las Vegas Resort-Hotel-Casino property to partner with Southwest Airlines on their renowned Rapid Rewards Program," stated Manny Olaiz, senior vice president of leisure sales for The Venetian and The Palazzo. "Consumers who participate in this program and stay at one of our Las Vegas properties will enjoy luxurious amenities and excellent service while earning Rapid Reward credits towards their next flight on Southwest Airlines. This is a great benefit and added value for our guests."

Need a Deal for the Holidays -- Try New York City as "New York Times" Reports

New York City -- An Enchanting place to spend the Holidays!

Ever since I watched the movie "Home Alone" I have always wanted to spend Christmas in New York City with my family.  It just seems like the perfect place to take in Holiday Spirit and Cheer even if it is only a once in a lifetime trip (that is getting the entire family together would be really a once in a lifetime occasion).  I know, many of you are wondering why New York?  Yes, it is considered a busy city with its problems that most large cities have; however, I have been told that it is a wonderful place during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Allison Busacca  of the New York Times, reports, some travel deals for New York city during the holidays.  Please see the information below:

• GEM HOTELS:  A collection of moderately-priced hotels in SOHO, Chelsea, and Midtown West, these hotels are normally priced at $219.00 a night; however, from November 20 to 29 and December 13 to 29, they are offering $139.00.  This hot deal is being called the Cool Yule deal.  For more information and to book a room go to:  www.thegemhotel.com/coolyule

A True New York Holiday:  Lots of People, Traffic and Christmas Spirit

by parrot201

Want a Little Fall Foliage?- National Park Foundation offers Top Ten Parks for Fall Foliage 09

National Park Foundation Releases Top Ten Parks for Fall Foliage 09'

The list is sponsored by Olympus giving photographers a chance to enter a photo contest, Share the Experience, for best photo of the 391 national parks.

The 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage:

-- Acadia National Park, ME - Peak colors are expected now through October 15th.

-- Cyahoga Valley National Park, OH - Peak colors expected the third and fourth weeks of October.

-- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA - Peak colors are expected the weekend of October 17th

-- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN - Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.

-- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN - Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.

-- Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, MN - Leaves are already turning; the peak is expected in the next ten days.

-- Mount Rainier National Park, WA - Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.

-- New River Gorge National River, WV - Peak colors are expected during the third week of October, starting around the weekend of the 17th.

-- Saratogoa National Historic Park, NY - Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.

-- Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA - Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.

To enter the photo contest go to: Share the Experience