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Flight ban: Ecigarettes may become illegal

On some airlines, those new smokeless electronic cigarettes are permitted. Smokers can get their nicotine hit by puffing and breathing in a small cloud of chemicals. Allegedly they don’t bother people sitting next to them, although the jury is still out on that question.

Now, the Department of Transportation is considering a total ban on the Ecigarettes on all flights originating in the U.S. The Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association is objecting to the plan, claiming that the devices only emit water vapor and create nothing like second-hand smoke.

If the total ban goes into effect, Ecigarette users will just have to join regular smokers in those little rooms provided for them in airports. Then, whether their flights are for one or a dozen hours, they’ll have to refrain from their habit in the air, get a patch or chew some nicotine gum.

Sorry, smokers, but you may be in a losing battle. Amtrak now forbids Ecigarettes on trains, and the U.S. Navy won’t permit them on submerged submarines.
Q: Do Airlines Offer Special Discounts To Seniors? PDF Print E-mail


A: The simple answer is: Sometimes, when you do your homework before booking. If at all possible, never agree to a listed price until you’ve done thorough research with online travel sites, airline ads and your favorite hometown travel agency.

Just recently, an online agency, bookingbuddy.com, ran an ad with the headline: 80% Off Senior Flights? Note question mark. Not quite the truth. Lower down on the site, there’s a long explanation about how to get such offers. Of course, ads by airlines, hotels and just about every other type of travel business are about as honest as 19th Century snake oil hawkers, who sold fake miracle drugs from the back of their wagons. An example today is the price of $99.99. Why they won’t just list it as $100 is because the penny less will make the price seem like a bargain to the clueless buyer.

Thorough homework is the only way for a senior traveler to try for the best price. You may succeed in getting that $99.99 bargain, especially with airlines. However, expect to pay another $10, or $9.99, for local taxes, airport fees, fuel charges and other sneaky add-ons.

As for seniors seeking a wild deal of 80% off, don’t count on it. Finally, before you agree to a price, whether air, hotel or other travel cost, never fail to ask, “Does that include my senior discount?” And then, the next question: “OK on the price. Now, how much is the total out-of-pocket I have to pay?”
 
 
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