Blogging to Aruba

Kitesurfing in Aruba

Something different to try in Aruba...

Airline price increases may be close to hurting consumer demand

"Airline price increases may be close to hurting consumer demand

By JIM THARPE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/08/08
Some airline experts are beginning to ask when plane fares will become too high for financially strapped passengers, who Thursday learned that major U.S. carriers are tacking on yet another fuel surcharge.

Atlanta-based Delta, United and American have added a $20 round-trip fuel surcharge for most domestic routes, and other major carriers are expected to soon follow suit.

Jet Fuel Price Monitor

The price of jet fuel up 69.3% in one year.

Link: Jet Fuel Price Monitor.

We are all complaining about sky high airfares, but will we soon be complaining there are not many airlines still in business?

When purchasing airline tickets, make sure you pay for them with a credit card in order to dispute the charge, and hopefully receive a refund, if the airline goes out of business.

"1. Use a Credit Card (Not a Debit Card)
Buying your ticket with a credit card can give you some protection and the possibility to get a refund if an airline goes bankrupt. The Federal Fair Credit Billing Act can help you get a refund since this act states that when consumers purchase something by credit card and then fail to receive it, the consumer can contest the charge with their credit card company. To do this, the consumer must contest the charge in writing within 60 days of the billing date which shows the charge. If you meet these requirements and the airline you had tickets on goes bankrupt, you should get a refund from your credit card company for the amount you paid for the ticket."

Aruba Travel with an ATM Card

Before traveling with an ATM card, please check with your bank's policies regarding lost and stolen cards. Rules and policies are not necessarily the same as they are with credit cards where you are normally liable for only the first $50 in charges.

http://www.pirg.org/consumer/banks/debit/debitcards1.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.shtm

From Kiplinger
"Debit cards. The rules are similar for debit cards, but there are a few restrictions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. [this would probably be easy if you travel and access the internet daily to check your account balances.] Your liability could jump to $500 if you put it off. And even this cap is lifted if you wait more than 60 calendar days from the time your bank statement is mailed."

Credit cards, including American Express, are widely accepted all over the island.

5 Simple Tips To Enhance Your Beach Experience

Link: 5 Simple Tips To Enhance Your Beach Experience.