Online and digital services are giving customers unprecedented access to cheap airplane tickets, cheap vacation packages, cheap discount hotel rooms, making travel itself more enjoyable.
For Internet savvy travelers, travel agents have largely been replaced by online Travel companies, such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Cheapfares which give their customers access to the very latest and cheapest deals available.
Once at the airport, experienced travelers are finding that airlines check-in kiosks are often crowded and have long lines. Mobile boarding passes which are sent to any email capable smartphones are increasingly popular. This service is quickly being added to more airports across the country, including Los Angeles International, New York LaGuardia, Salt Lake City and Washington Dulles. Security personnel at 48 airports now are equipped with hand held scanners for mobile boarding passes.
For those who do not have smartphones or fly out of an airport not offering this service, printing boarding passes at home the day prior to departure has become popular.
Wi-Fi service is now available from most domestic airlines. Service usually starts at $4.95 for short flights and is often $12.95 for unlimited access for 24 hours on a single carrier.
Cash is no longer accepted by many airlines for headsets, beverages and food. Travelers should be prepared to present a credit or debit card.
Using a computer or DVD player on planes is common these days. If you do not want to run out of battery power while flying, contact the airline in advance of your trip to see if an in seat power connection is available and whether a special adapter is needed. If a power outlet is not available, consider purchasing a battery extender for your device.
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