Frequent Flier Miles For Free Via US Mint

Since the inception of frequent flier miles programs people have always looked for ways to rack up the miles as quickly as possible to earn free travel. While the programs were initially limited to earning miles by flying on that specific airline, the credit card companies eventually got into the mix. The number of credit cards with some form of frequent flier program has sky rocketed over the last 10 years or so, with each having a slightly different method for calculating how miles are earned and redeemed. Most offer a simple formula of 1 mile for every $1 purchased on the credit card and no miles for cash advances or balance transfers. Also, when you sign up most cards give you a bonus of anywhere from 500 to 10,000 miles. Many individuals will use these cards for everyday purchases, paying it off and earning the miles while not paying any interest. While this is a great way to earn miles quickly there is a better method that is currently legal, as of 7-15-2011, but slightly unethical.

This method involves an unlikely partner, which is the US Mint, and takes advantage of the fact that the $1 coins that have been produced over the last few years have not been popular among the public. How it works is that the US Mint has an offer on their website where you can purchase these $1 coins for face value and free shipping. So what you do is buy a quantity of these coins using your frequent flier mile credit card, thus earning you the miles, and when received you simply cash them in at your bank and pay off your credit card bill. Since there is no shipping cost this costs you nothing, all while earning those precious frequent flier miles. This is not a new scheme by any means, as it has been going on for over a year now but it is still allowed by credit card companies.

The US Mint is aware of the problem and they have now put a limit in place which caps the amount you can buy at $1,000 every ten days. While this does somewhat limit the amount of miles you can earn, 3,000 free miles every month adds up to a free ticket fairly quickly. It will probably only be a matter of time before the credit card companies prohibit this practice but until then this is completely legal. While it is slightly unethical many individuals feel such anger towards the big banks in the US that they have no problem in participating in this scheme. Since the $1 coins have been a complete flop at least someone is benefiting from the poor decision to put these into production. So when you earn enough miles to take that trip to Florida be sure to write a quick thank you to the US Mint, they would probably love to hear from you!

Newly Proposed US Air Traffic Control System Faces Funding Problems

The newly proposed updates to the existing US air traffic control system are facing budgetary concerns from all angles. All sides generally agree that the system needs to be updated to a GPS based system but the problem comes from the fact that funding will be hard to come by. The new system will replace the radar based configuration that is currently in use and has been so for over 50 years, with little change in the fundamental operations. There have been many technological developments since radar was first used by air traffic controllers in the 1950s, but few of these new technologies have been used to help improve operations. With a system that relies upon radar there are many limitations which result in the inefficient operation of aircraft as well as potentially unsafe situations.

One of the biggest downfalls of using radar, from the airline operators perspective, is that when landing aircraft are forced to descend, level off and repeat the process several times before finally landing. This method not only takes a long time but it is quite inefficient and uses a lot of fuel when compared to newly developed methods. The new system for air traffic controllers will utilize GPS and allow aircraft in the above situation to descend in a more natural, continuous fashion. This will allow for shorter flight times along with a substantial amount of fuel savings and reduced emissions. Also, aircraft currently fly fairly indirect routes to stay within range of ground radar stations and with the new system they would be able to fly direct routes as the exact position of the aircraft is constantly updated through the GPS. Some experts estimate that this will reduce fuel costs for each airline by billions, of dollars every year. This is naturally going to appeal to the airlines and make them want to get on board with the new system as quickly as possible.

The new GPS based system will require new equipment in air traffic control centers as well as in all aircraft being operated. While the airlines are reluctant to agree to install costly new systems on all aircraft, the upside is the reduced fuel consumption mentioned above. All new aircraft will be built with the GPS equipment, but the most costly factor for airlines will be retrofitting any aircraft already in operation. The real challenge in getting the GPS based system into operation is on the air traffic control end of things, or more specifically the government controlled entity.

With all of the economic and budgetary concerns currently playing out in the US government it may be difficult for the FAA to get approval for the necessary funding. The FAA will need to demonstrate to lawmakers that the newly proposed system will be of great benefit and cost effective. Even if they are able to make a strong case for the funding it may prove to be difficult to receive final approval. With air traffic controllers directing over 50,000 flights daily a more efficient system would definitely make a huge impact and likely result in substantially reduced operating costs for the FAA.

I Want a Visual International Flight Tracker

There are a lot of reasons why someone, might want to track an international flight. Maybe they have to make an airport run to pick up a loved one and they don’t want to get stuck waiting for delays, or maybe they just like to see what where different planes are coming from. Either way, if you want to track the international flights coming into your nearest airport you may be saying to yourself. I want a visual international flights tracker. If that’s the case, there are several websites that you just have to check out:

• www.futerastudios.com/flight-tracker
• www.wisegeek.com
• www.flytecomm.com
• www.airtravelcenter.com/flight-tracker
• www.thirtythousandfeet.com/tracker

Just remember when telling someone that I want a visual international flight tracker, to specify the types of information you want to glean. Are you just interested in watching planes coming in, or do you want more detailed information regarding their departure time, arrival times, passenger lists, etc? If so, you may need a more sophisticated tracker.

How To Become An Airport Screener

If you have ever considered a job in security now is the time to become an airport screener. With airport security at an all-time high, screening staff opportunities are opening up every day. Luckily, the requirements to become a airport screener are fairly easy:

• applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• applicants must have a high school or equivalent diploma
• although no prior experience or training is necessary, those with some sort of security training are in a better position to land a job
• good communication skills a must – fluency in speaking and understanding English a must
• the ability to handle people courteously no matter what the situation

In the event you do become a airport screener you will have to be ready to handle a variety of duties including:

• checking carry-on luggage
• the use of hand held metal detectors
• recognizing suspicious passengers
• the ability to work closely with authorized police personnel

In today’s world of beefed up security, it is easier than ever to land a job at an airport and become a airport screener. All you have to do is go online to fill out an application or head to your local airport to apply.

What Can I Bring On An Airplane?

With security being tightened at the world’s airports due to increased terror threats worldwide, you have probably heard about all of the things that you can’t take on an airplane right now. That may leave you wondering, “What can I bring on an airplane?” Here are a few of the basics:

• All prescription medications. Of course, you will need to store them in a clear plastic bag (along with the original packaging), and check them in at airport security upon arrival at the airport.
• Over-the-counter medications: while you can bring non-prescription drugs on board most planes, they must be carried in clear containers and weight less than three ounces.
• Any liquid or gel item that is purchased at the airport after passing security. While you may not carry and liquid or gel item onto a plane from home, you may purchase it in the airport since it has already been screened by security
• Baby formula and breast milk: it does, however, need to in containers less than three ounces and must be checked at the security checkpoint prior to boarding.
• Solid cosmetics and personal care items such as deodorant, Chap Stick and lipstick. No gels or aerosols though
• Batteries: most batteries are allowed as long as they are already installed in some sort of electronic device. No spares allowed.

Of course the best way to answer the question, “what can I bring on an airplane” is to contact the airline the day you plan to fly to see if there have been any policy changes since you booked your flight.

Arrival Times Flights Arriving Gatwick Airport

The busiest single-run airport in the world, keeping track of arrival times flights arriving Gatwick airport can seem difficult. But, thanks to a myriad of new information services, it has just gotten a whole lot easier to track arrival times of flights arriving at Gatwick Airport. Here are a few to check out:

• The Gatwick Website. You can find out arrival times flights arriving Gatwick airport as well as other airport information on their website at www.gatwickairport.com.
• Subscribe to their newsletter and get the latest information from Gatwick sent straight to your inbox.
• Register for Flying Messenger, an electronic update that can be sent to whatever handheld devices you use.
• Call for flight times. Although the most tedious of all of the options listed, calling the airport directly and speaking with a customer service representative can supply you with the information you seek.

Whether you want to check on a friend’s arrival, or simply do not want to get stuck waiting at the airport through a long delay, it is important top keep track of arrival times flights arriving Gatwick airport. So, use the services listed above to keep abreast of the latest flight information the airport has to offer.

Airport Arrivals Palma

If you are looking for a perfect European travel vacation spot, consider Palma, the capital of the Spanish Island Majorca. Extremely affordable and easy to get to, airport arrivals Palma style feature incoming planes from all over Europe; loads of transportation services and some of the best lodging available at any vacation spot.

Airport arrivals Palma style will immediately notice these great features about this sought-after destination including:

• A quant old-town atmosphere rich in historic flare including cobbled streets, a Gothic cathedral, and authentic piazzas
• Some of the most beautiful beaches found in Europe
• An assortment of swanky bars and restaurants
• Fantastic shopping
• Unbelievable lodging options. Stay in an historic European island mansion complete with majestic architectural design or a sleek modern hotel, depending on your needs and style.
• Astronomical art museums and offerings throughout the city

The one thing that new airport arrivals in Palma do not anticipate is falling in love with the city, say those who’ve been there. For most tourists, one visit is not enough and they find themselves drawn to the city again and again.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Europe?

Everyone dreams of taking a European vacation at least once in their lifetime. But, few people have the money available to make that dream a reality. If, however, you have managed to save a bit to plan that dream trip, you will want to save all you can on airfare to ensure that you can see all the sights Europe has to offer. That may leave you wondering when is the cheapest time to fly to Europe?

Travel experts know that certain times of day and certain seasons of the year can both offer deep discounts on airfare, if you are willing to be flexible with your travel plans. Let us take a look at when is the cheapest time to fly to Europe to help you get the best deal:

• Off Season: the absolute cheapest time to fly to Europe is during the off-season. That is usually after Christmas, but before Easter (mid January to mid April). While the weather may be a lot colder in Europe then, there are great deals to be had on both airfare and lodging.
• Mid-Week: The absolute cheapest time to fly is on a Wednesday when many airlines run specials to help fill plane seats. If you can not fly on a Wednesday, try booking your flight on Tuesday or Saturday instead.
• Inconvenient times of the day: the cheap flights usually take off right away in the morning (between 4-6 am); at lunchtime; or during the dinner hour. Few people want the hassle of getting through airport security and boarding during these hours, which makes flight seats cheaper.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to lesson the financial burden of a European vacation, but unless you are extremely flexible and can leave at a moment’s notice to fill an empty airline seat or are willing to plane hop throughout the trip, the three tips above are the best way to discover when is the cheapest time to fly to Europe. Happy Travels!

Airport Shuttle Transportation in San Francisco

Travelling to the Bay Area can present its own concerns when it comes to getting back and forth between the airport and your hotel. Airport Shuttle Transportation in San Francisco can range from a low-cost bus that the hotel itself runs, to a more expensive limousine that picks you up at your gate and takes you straight to your destination. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing airport shuttle transportation in San Francisco:

The Type of Shuttle Offered: Whether you want your own personal car to pick you up at the airport, or share a van or bus with other travelers depends on both your needs and the type of shuttle service you choose. Just be sure that you understand exactly the type of service you are getting when you order your shuttle.

Convenience. Again, every shuttle service works differently. Some schedule a pickup time, which can be much more convenient if you are on a tight schedule; while others simply run shuttles every 30-60 minutes to and from certain destinations. How convenient your shuttle transportation is will depend on the type you choose.

Price. Airport shuttle transportation in San Francisco can run anywhere between $10 and $35 per person (on average); depending on where the shuttle will be taking you and how many people will be travelling in it. Depending on the number of people in your party and how far away your hotel is, it can be cheaper to use a local cab service.

While it may seem like there are too many services to choose from, the good news about airport shuttle transportation in San Francisco is that with so many options, there is likely one to fit both the needs and the budget of just about every traveler.

Airport Shuttle Bay Area

Flying into the Bay Area? Then you will need some transportation information. Airport shuttle bay area offerings are best found using Bay Area Shuttles, an independent guide to transportation to and from the area’s four international airports. By using this unique shuttle directory you can rest assured that you are getting:

• The most reliable and up-to-date information available regarding shuttle companies (and their fees) that service the bay area.
• The most comprehensive listing of shuttle services available at these prominent airports: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento.
• Information on the safest shuttles offering service. Since the directory is linked to the California Public Utilities Commission, the agency which regulates and licenses airport shuttle services within the state, users can easily link onto updates about each service using the directory and view their complete operating license complaints.
• The best possible prices. The service now includes coupon offerings to ensure that users are not paying more than they need to for shuttle service.

Airport shuttle bay area service do not have to be hard or expensive to obtain. Using the airport shuttle bay area directory you can quickly and easily find just the right provider for your needs.

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