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Southwest Air: Less Legroom = More Passenger$


Remember those crazy days a half-century ago, when students crammed as many bodies as possible into phone booths or Volksbugs? It seems SW is following the same tack now to make more money.

SW is one of our favorite airlines, and we’ve been flying it for years because of the economical ticket prices, on-time record and friendly crews. However, rising fuel and other costs are forcing SW to join other airlines to dig wherever possible to make money. It was charging extra for boarding first, then added baggage fees and now squeezed seating.

SW seating has never been roomy, but some company beancounters deduced that by moving the rows a mere inch closer, from 33 to 32, they could jam in another six seats per flight. Some computations indicate that the space subtraction could bring an addition of nearly $800 million a year in increased SW revenues.

We long-time SW flyers can manage the short flights while jammed into the smaller spaces, but could have problems with those four- to eight-hour hops. Way to go, SW! Now, if someone could redesign the single-commode toilets into four-seaters...

Senior Discounts: Ya Gotta Ask Or Ya Won’t Get ‘Em! PDF Print E-mail


When traveling, whether to a local restaurant, Parisian hotel or gift shop in Tokyo, prices may be lower just because of your advanced age. Sometimes the signs tell you about the deal, but often they don’t, and you must speak up with the simple question: Is there a senior discount on that price?

Additionally, members of AAA, AARP, active military and veterans’ groups can receive discounts at restaurants, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, National Parks, tour sponsors and car rental agencies. Therefore, seasoned world wanderers: If you want to bring your travel costs down, you gotta speak up!

 
Voluntourism: Help Others On Your Next Vacation PDF Print E-mail


Enjoy those senior travels by helping to repair housing in Africa, clearing a beachfront in Asia or many interesting ways to make your visit meaningful. The trips are not free, but they’ll reward you in other ways.

Many U.S. and international opportunities are always available. Consider some offers from REI Adventures, American Hiking Society, Discover Corps, Global Volunteers, Earth Watch and many others. After your next volunteer vacation, you may go home tired, but with the satisfaction that you’ve helped people to better lives.

 
Seniors: Try A Hostel To Enjoy Time With Young Travelers PDF Print E-mail


Book an inexpensive night or more in a hostel, to have informal chats among the bunks with those who can learn from you, a seasoned wanderer. They benefit from your travel and worldly knowledge, as well as feel free to ask questions. Then, when you’re on your way in the morning, you’ll be satisfied that you’ve passed on some of your mature thoughts and helpful suggestions to those who can profit from them.

 
Moody Los Angeles CA Metro Rail Station PDF Print E-mail


Candid shot by your travel4seniors.com editor. If wanderings take you to the City of Angels, you may find The Rail transportation system the most convenient and least expensive to get around the sprawling city.

It includes six lines, two rapid transit subway (B and D) and four light rail lines (A, C, L and E lines), totaling 93 stations. Fares are $1.50 per ride and $5 for an all-day pass.

 
Plan National Park Visit: Buy An America The Beautiful Pass PDF Print E-mail


As winter warms into springtime, many senior travelers’ thoughts turn to those glorious destinations. Consider buying an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass. Visitors 62 and up can buy a lifetime pass for $80 or annual pass for $20.

The pass gives you and traveling companions lifetime entrance into more than 100 US National Parks that charge entry fees. It also provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by the federal government. The pass includes discounts on parking, camping sites, boat launching, guided tours and other park services. Buy a pass at any federal recreation site with entry fees. For more info: www.usparkpass.com

 
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