Travel iphone Apps :: Kayak First Class Flight Search

[trip style = luxury] iPhone apps are revolutionizing travel.  If only hotels would rise to the challenge and make wireless free. I get that it's a cost center, but if I have two hotel options and one has wireless, I'd for sure book the property offering free wireless.

The most recent iPhone/iTouch travel app to make drool is Kayak First Class Flight (now called Kayak Pro) Search! It used to be $3.99 and now it's been reduced to $1.99, which Kayak is hoping won't be a barrier to entry if the individual can afford the first-class fare anyway. Either way, it's nice to have all the functionality of their free app, plus the added benefit of searching only business or first-class fares.

Details

• you can exclusively search business and first-class airfare
• has all the same functionality as the FREE Kayak App (in kayak's words "it can also search for economy fares when you feel like mingling with us commoners.")
• book online with hotel or airline site you wish to reserve
• OR, call and talk to a human
• the app will even show you hotels that you can't book online

Access Airline Lounges with your Credit Card

[trip style = luxury]

Further to yesterday's post about enjoying Airline Lounge entry with a day-pass, we wanted to further expand on the topic and review which credit cards also allow access.  Generally, lounge access is a benefit for most platinum or equivalent card holders.

Credit Card Access to Airline Lounges

• American Express Platinum - $395 Annual Fee.  USA - Access to Continental, Delta and Northwest lounges. Canada - Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges plus free membership to Priority Pass, the world's largest independent lounge access program.
• Visa Signature -  Fee varies.  Cardholders get a subscription to Priority Pass.
• MasterCard Black - Fee varies. Cardholers get a subscription to Priority Pass.

Relax in an Airline Club without a Business-Class Ticket

[trip style = lux]

When travelling, there is nothing better than escaping the airport crowds and waiting for your flight in the peace and quiet of your Airline's Lounge. Yes, I would like a glass of Pinot Gris please; yes, I would like a mini chocolate mousse pick-me-up; oh and yes, I would like to watch TV and surf the internet from my plush chair. All this makes me want to get the airport well before my flight.

Are you delayed or have a long layover but lack a business or first-class ticket or status with your said airline? Most airline clubs offer a day pass for $30-$50 giving you a great place to relax in comfort and style.

Airline Clubs Allowing Day Access Air Canada - $30-$45 with same-day ticket and purchase of permissible fare class Alaska - $30 American Airlines - $50 Continental Airlines - $45 or 10-pack for $350 Delta Airlines -  $50 with same-day Delta or it's Connectors' Tickets Northwest Airlines - $55 or $85 for 60-day trial. United Airlines - $50 US Airways - $40 Find the Complete Chart here.

More tomorrow on What Travel Credit Cards allow Airline Lounge Access...

Fairmont President's Club + Great Rates

[trip style = budget + luxe]

On the first Tuesday of every month at 9pm pacific, the Fairmont posts "Great Rates" for their President Club Members. I am a big fan of Fairmont and have booked a few of my stays with the Great Rates feature.  The majority of Great Rates range from $99/night at city & resort properties to $159/night.  These price points are incredibly low given Fairmont's regular rates.

Sample of this Week's Deals

• Bermuda, from $129
• Riviera Maya, from $129
• Tremblant, from $129

Getting the most out of Fairmont's Great Rates

• plan on the potential of taking a vacation within the two months of the posted rate
• login the night the rates are posted to get your top pick
• plan on having a little flexibility to get the rate

Fairmont Great Rates Info

• most great rates are valid for select dates within the current and following month of posting
• they go quickly (we have called within 24 hours of posting and the rate was no longer available)
• they are posted the first Tues of every month at 9pm pacific and kept on the website for a week

[If you like Fairmont and have stayed with the hotel group in the past, or plan to in the future, joining is advantageous for the Great Rates alone....and a host of other reasons.  How to join.]