Ask Endora


Dear Endora,

With all the upheaval with the airlines, if I buy an airline ticket and that company goes bankrupt what are my options?

Vince - Santa Rosa, California


Dear Vince,

The only type of bankruptcy that means an end to the airline such as what happened with ATA and Aloha Airlines recently, is chapter 7. If an airline files chapter 11 then they will still be in operation and protected by the bankruptcy court.

But with chapter 7 an airline actually gets liquidated. There is a new law that requires other airlines to honor your tickets on the bankrupt airline within 60 days for a $50 p/flight fee.

I know that air purchased through our wholesalers were not charged any change fees, the only added costs were if the price of the bankrupt ticket were less than the ticket on the new airline.

I would advise being cautious on who you fly on as more of the smaller airlines will probably not make it due to the increase in crude oil.

Best of luck traveling,
   Endora



Dear Endora,

I have always wanted to visit Italy, and with the declining dollar want to get the most value for my money. What areas in Italy do you think offer the greatest value, but still offer incredible historic flavor and beautiful sites?

Daniel - Tampa, Florida


Dear Daniel,

Last year one of our agents visited Italy with her aunts. During this journey through Italy she found that the best kept secret is Sicily and the Calabria coast. Not only are these areas more "authentic" as they are NOT overrun with tourism, the prices were literally 2/3’s less than visiting the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence or Venice.

The sites and history of this region are stupendous. The best time to visit is September when the weather is cooler and less humid and the Tyrrenian Sea is at its warmest.

For instance a four star two bedroom suite with kitchen and daily breakfast for two days was just over $200! Right on the beach, with fabulous ocean views of Stromboli, an amazing place and incredible value to say the least.

If you would like more information on traveling to this region you can contact Joyce Craddock, jc@incrediblejourney.net.

Have fun in Italy,
   Endora



Endora,

I am forever getting confused on how much time prior to my flight I should allow for check in at the airport, what say you?

Abigail - Wisconsin


Dear Abigail,

I agree it can get mind boggling trying to plan the ever stressful day of travel, but here is a simple rule of thumb.

For domestic flights (in the United States) you should allow ninety minutes to two hours prior to your flight departure for check in and security.

If traveling internationally you should allow two to three hours prior to your departure for flight check in and security.

However, in either scenario if you are arranging for flights from one airport to another and your flights are not on one ticket I highly recommend no less than two hours for domestic flights, and no less than three hours for international flights.

Finally you should check with your travel advisor and the airlines if you have any questions.

Take care,
   Endora