no frills traveller

The Budget Airlines ‘Traveler’ Editors Actually Like Flying

By CNT Editors

As much as we love the lavish three-course meals and lie-flat beds of a good business-class cabin , sometimes you just need a cheap, no-frills flight from A to B. But finding a trustworthy low-cost carrier—one that doesn’t surprise with expensive add-on fees or knee-mashing seat pitch—can prove more than a little tricky. Below are seven budget airlines that Condé Nast Traveler editors actually enjoy flying. All are reliable, convenient, inexpensive—and some actually offer free perks to fliers.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Play Airlines

In recent years, Icelandic low-cost carrier Play Airlines has had a growing presence in the U.S., and as of April 2023, it will expand its cheap flights to four major U.S. airports, operating cheap flights to Reykjavik and onward to 22 popular destinations throughout Europe. Passengers continuing on to another city can also request a stopover to spend some time in Iceland .

“Flying with Play Airlines was straightforward and affordable, and I’d definitely book again in the future for the perks of its competitive pricing,” writes  Traveler contributor Kristin Braswell, who  flew Play to Reykjavik in November 2022. The planes have friendly staff and typical legroom pitch of 29 to 30 inches—an inch or two more than the industry nadir.

Like many low-cost carriers, there are fees for most services, like carry-on bags and priority boarding ($34 each), a checked bag ($44), and seat assignments (between $6 and $48 for U.S. flights). “But even with all the extra fees, flying with Play was still the most economical option for my trip,” writes Braswell.

JetBlue Airways

While JetBlue ’s revamped Mint business-class suites have been making headlines for their spacious and luxe amenities, at its core, the New York-based carrier is still a budget airline. Its cheapest fare class, Blue Basic, routinely offers nonstop cross-country flights for less than $200 round-trip. While it is the airline’s version of basic economy (meaning it comes with restrictions like no seat selection or free carry-on bag), Blue Basic passengers still get access to the airline’s beloved onboard perks: free in-flight Wi-Fi and live TV at every seat. Plus, the airline’s newest all-economy planes, the Airbus A220-300 jets , have wider seats measuring more than 18 inches across, more knee space, and power outlets at each seat—and even the overhead bins are bigger. And as for those basic economy baggage fees? Destinations Editor Shannon McMahon, a frequent JetBlue passenger, has found a way around them. “I sprang for the JetBlue Plus card, which has a $99 annual fee. The main attraction is that it comes with free checked bags for me and up to four travel companions on every flight, regardless of our fare class,” she says. “I've saved myself—and my partner—a lot of money in bag fees and have already gotten a free flight out of it, thanks to a statement credit.”

Based out of Paris’s Orly airport, French Bee is another European budget carrier that’s expanding in the U.S. In 2022, it launched operations in Los Angeles and Miami. It’s a solid option for flights to France that are historically expensive, especially on the New York to Paris route . Outside of Europe, the carrier flies to French Polynesia (Papeete, Tahiti) from L.A., Chicago, and Seattle, as well as to Réunion Island and the Dominican Republic from Paris.

French Bee flies a modern fleet of six Airbus A350 planes, which are 25 percent more fuel efficient and have a 40 percent quieter cabin than older Airbus aircraft. On board, you’ll find two fare classes: economy and premium. The economy section of the plane is packed pretty full—seats are laid out in a 3-4-3 configuration—but you’ll get respectable legroom of 32-inch pitch. The premium cabin is more spacious, with cushier seats in a 2-4-2 layout that have 36 inches of legroom pitch and are 18 inches wide (two more inches of width than economy). There’s also a foot and leg rest for maximum comfort.

Southwest Airlines

“For me, it's not just the low fares that are the draw—though being able to fly across the country for under $300 round-trip sure does sweeten the deal,” says former editor Meredith Carey, of Dallas-based Southwest . “It's that you don't have to factor in any other fees when booking. Two bags fly free—a rarity for U.S. domestic travel on pretty much every airline, not just low-cost ones—you get complimentary snacks and drinks, and there's in-flight entertainment, including live TV, available on your own devices while you're up in the air.” Those perks, plus a growing list of desirable destinations like the Hawaiian islands , have earned Southwest a loyal following of fliers. “There are always fare sales that drop prices even lower, and the staff on the ground and in the air are some of the kindest (and peppiest) around,” Carey says. “While not having assigned seats can be a little chaotic, it never poses a trip-altering issue. Basically, you're getting much more than what you pay for—a sentence I wouldn't say about most other low-cost airlines.”

Jessica Puckett

Scott Laird

Lucy Bruton

Jahnavi Bhatt

Avelo Airlines

Newcomer Avelo, which launched in April 2021, is also quickly becoming a go-to for low-cost flights. The airline operates a fleet of used Boeing 737 jets for its regional flights on both the west and east coasts. “My flight was on a 14-year-old Boeing 737-700, and I found much to like about the experience, on top of the $29 introductory fare,” Traveler contributor William McGee said of his recent flight on board the airline . Although the seats are tight—typical for a low-cost airline—passengers are given a complimentary eight-ounce water and cookie. Add-on fees are also transparent and inexpensive, with seat selection, priority boarding, and checked and carry-on bags starting at $5 or $10. An added bonus? Avelo only flies into smaller airports instead of busy hubs (think Burbank, California, instead of LAX), which removes much of the stress that comes along with navigating a crowded airport .

TAP Air Portugal

Although based in Portugal, TAP Air has an extensive destination network around the globe, offering cheap flights to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Round-trip flights to Europe are often available for under $500. All flights connect through Lisbon or Porto . It has four economy fare classes: discount, basic, classic, and plus, each offering a different set of inclusions at a range of price points. For international flights, all of TAP’s economy fares include a free carry-on bag and personal item, as well as complimentary in-flight snacks and drinks.

Discount, basic, and classic economy fares have seats with 31 inches of pitch and a four- to five-inch recline. Plus offers an additional one to three inches of legroom. All seats have power outlets.

To get the most value out of the fares, consider booking TAP’s stopover program—one of the most competitive stopover offers out there. Add in a stay in either Porto or Lisbon for up to 10 days at no extra cost. Booking a stopover also entitles you to discounts on hotel stays and a 25 percent discount on TAP’s flights within Portugal, should you want to explore the nation’s outer islands like the Azores or Madeira.

Breeze Airways

Debuting in May 2021 , Breeze Airways is another low-cost carrier on our radar. Breeze’s one-way tickets have dipped as low as $39 during fare sales; its cheapest non-sale prices usually clock-in at about $65 one-way. The cheapest fare class is called Nice, and it comes with the usual basic economy restrictions like extra charges to choose a seat (starting at $10), and carry-on or checked bags ($20 for either). Passengers wanting to eschew the a la carte nature of ancillary fees can upgrade their ticket to the Nicer fare class, which includes a free checked bag, a carry-on bag, priority boarding, complimentary drink and snack, as well as extra legroom. All seats have access to free in-flight TV and games streamed through personal devices. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 13 all-economy, single-aisle Embraer jets to 18 U.S. cities in the east and southeastern U.S. In 2022, it will be putting new Airbus A220 planes into service, outfitted with plush business class seats (called the Nicest fare), as well as free in-flight Wi-Fi for all passengers.

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Worlds Best No Frill Airlines

Rebecca Anne Nguyen

What Budget Airline Should You Fly?

Would you be willing to live without cabin service on your next flight if it meant paying hundreds less in airfare?

More and more Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) around the world are betting your answer is a big, fat “Yes!”

From the United States to Thailand, from Europe to Australia, ‘No Frills’ airlines are offering bare bones flights without in-flight services like food, drinks, or entertainment. What they lack in amenities they make up for in low costs, which are often 50-70% cheaper than traditional airfare.

Here are some of the world’s top LCCs, including which frills they’ve stripped away and how much you can expect to save:

Even though JetBlue is the fifth largest airline in the U.S., it’s an LCC of the highest degree. This low-cost carrier boasts in-flight DirectTV, cushy seats, and lots of legroom, and is still able to offer astoundingly low fares. I’m talking $99 from NYC to Houston, or Chicago to New York for $58 one-way.

Ryanair is Europe’s top LCC, offering dirt cheap fares between major European travel destinations: Dublin to Bristol for 10 euros, or Paris to Barcelona for 9.79 euros. Yes, it’s basically like taking a bus in the air, but Ryanair lets you add extras if you want ‘em. Reserve your seat for an additional 15 euros, or take advantage of mobile check-in with their smartphone app.

You may also want to read Airlines With The Best In Flight Entertainment

Based in London, EasyJET offers super cheap fares all over Europe, as well as a smattering of destinations in Africa and the Middle East. You only get one carry-on bag included in your fare, but it’s easy to upgrade using their EasyJet Plus, FLEXI far, and Extra Legroom options.

Bangkok Air

LCCs in Asia, like Bangkok Airways, VietJet, Jetstar, and Cebu Pacific, regularly offer one-way flights for under $30. You can fly Bangkok Air from Bangkok to Siem Reap for $28, or Vietjet from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang for $59. Most Asian LCCs offer in-flight snacks and meals for purchase, and allow one carry-on bag for free.

Jet Airways

LCCs don’t just operate within individual countries or continents, either. Indian airline Jet Airways offers midrange and low-cost flights between Toronto and New Delhi, Mumbai and Newark, and New York and Chennai. Other LCCs are expanding services between Europe and Africa, Europe and Asia, and North America and Asia.

The best part about flying an LCC is that you almost always have the option to pay for the amenities you miss the most. At the same time, you can pass on the extras you don’t want and keep the fare as low as possible.

This type of highly individualized, customized travel is becoming the norm throughout every area of the industry, and is reflective of the budget sharing economy that is beginning to dominate hotels (AirBnB), transportation (Uber), and now airfare.

With Low Cost Carriers giving big, expensive, corporate airlines a serious run (er, fly?) for their money, it’s only a matter of time before air travel between the world’s most distant destinations becomes affordable for all.

Before you know it, we’ll be having breakfast in Chicago, popping over to Paris for dinner, and spending the night in Singapore, all for under $300.

Rebecca Anne Nguyen is a freelance writer and the Founder of TheHappyPassport.com , an inspiration site for solo female travellers.

Categories: Travel

Tags: Stay Relaxed Airlines Flying Budget Travel Leisure Travel

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What is meant by a “no-frills” airline?

June 30, 2023

By Erica Silverstein

What is a "no-frills" airline?

A "no-frills" airline is a type of airline that offers low-cost air travel by cutting down on various amenities and services that are typically provided by mainstream airlines. These airlines are also commonly referred to as budget airlines, low-cost carriers, or no-frills carriers. The primary focus of these airlines is to offer affordable air travel to passengers who are willing to compromise on certain aspects of air travel such as in-flight meals, seat selection, and baggage allowances.

Origin of the term "no-frills" in airline industry

The term "no-frills" originated in the airline industry in the 1970s, when Southwest Airlines introduced the concept of low-cost air travel. The airline offered point-to-point travel, meaning they flew between two destinations without any connecting flights, and eliminated various services such as first-class seating, in-flight meals, and reserved seating. This allowed Southwest to lower their operating costs and offer low fares to passengers. The concept was soon adopted by other airlines, and the term "no-frills" became synonymous with low-cost air travel.

Characteristics of a "no-frills" airline

The following are some of the key characteristics of a "no-frills" airline:

Limited services and amenities provided

"No-frills" airlines typically provide limited services and amenities to passengers. This means that passengers may have to pay extra for things like in-flight meals, seat selection, and checked baggage. Additionally, "no-frills" airlines often do not provide amenities such as blankets, pillows, or headphones.

Focus on cost-cutting measures

"No-frills" airlines focus on cutting costs in various aspects of their operations. This includes using smaller airports that charge lower fees, flying newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft, and reducing the number of staff on board the plane.

Basic seating arrangements and no assigned seats

"No-frills" airlines typically have basic seating arrangements with no assigned seats. This means that passengers can choose their seats on a first-come, first-served basis when boarding the plane.

No in-flight meals or complimentary drinks

"No-frills" airlines usually do not provide in-flight meals or complimentary drinks to passengers. Instead, passengers can purchase food and beverages on board the plane.

Baggage allowance and additional fees

"No-frills" airlines often have strict baggage allowances and charge additional fees for checked baggage, overweight baggage, and carry-on luggage.

Point-to-point travel with no connecting flights

"No-frills" airlines typically offer point-to-point travel, which means that they fly between two destinations without any connecting flights. This allows them to keep their costs low and offer affordable fares to passengers.

Low fares and transparency in pricing

"No-frills" airlines are known for offering low fares and being transparent in their pricing. This means that passengers can see exactly what they are paying for and can choose to pay for only the services they need.

"No-frills" airline examples

Some examples of "no-frills" airlines include Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines.

Conclusion: Pros and cons of flying with a "no-frills" airline

Flying with a "no-frills" airline can be a good option for passengers who are looking for affordable air travel and are willing to make a few compromises in terms of amenities and services. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of flying with these airlines, such as limited baggage allowances, no in-flight meals or complimentary drinks, and basic seating arrangements. Additionally, some passengers may prefer to pay more for a mainstream airline that offers more amenities and services. Ultimately, it is up to each individual passenger to decide whether a "no-frills" airline is the right choice for their travel needs.

Erica Silverstein

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20 Stereotypical Travellers We'll All Meet At Some Point (Which One Are You?)

From the hopeless romantic to the 'been there done that', find out which one of these categories you fall into.

When visiting a new country or continent for the first (or even second and third) time, it's hard not to immediately reference all the stereotypes we've heard before visiting and inadvertently compare notes to the common conceptions of a culture, food, and of course, its people. Do Italians talk with their hands? Ya, Germans are very organized! The French really do put butter in everything!

But what about us, the travellers? How to we factor into the stereotypes?

In fact it's not even a new concept as Swiss psychologist Carl G. Jung first developed what we call the 4 archetypes or 4 stages of life that he believes every human goes through during their lifetime. There's the The Athlete , The Warrior , The Statemen t and The Spirit stages which he believes all we move through almost systematically to achieve what could be considered as a form of enlightenment.

Meeting people while travelling is one of the major benefits of setting off on a trip and these new relationships can be incredibly revealing about life itself as they mirror back to us the things that we admire in others or hope to change in ourselves. As Anaïs Nin once famously said we don't see things as they are, we see them as we are . So what if the archetype travellers we spot on our travels are just meant to represent something that reminds us of ourselves?

It's something to think about while we go ahead and flush out the 20 most commonly found travellers below.

Who sounds like you?

20 The Hopeless Romantic

This traveller will be easy to spot because they're usually floating past you smiling to themselves and can often be found putting flowers in their hair and/or swooning over the acoustic crooner at the wine bar. A hopeless romantic makes visiting places like Bali, Verona, or Paris a priority on their travel bucket list. If you catch a glimpse of a fellow traveller deep into Nicholas Sparks or Rumi book or have noticed that their latest playlist boasts Billie Holiday or Ben Howard - these are key clues that you may have stumbled across a hopeless romantic . They won't be as into backpacker hookup culture but will probably hold eye contact a little longer than most...

19 The Adrenaline Junky

Have you met someone on your travels with leather tan skin and seemingly always a bit of dirt on them? But in that attractive, I've just wrestled a bear and won, kind of way? Are they super fit and seemingly unbothered about it, as if it just happened naturally? Did you meet them somewhere with a high altitude like a mountain, rooftop or, mid sky-dive?

Other clues of the adrenaline junkie are proclivities for spelunking, giving impromptu live performances, stock trading, climbing stuff, energy drinks, Go Pro and/or waterproof cameras, bungee cord, and high-tech footwear. Bonus points if they're rocking a bandana and blasting Speedcore jams 24/7.

18 The Curious George

The curious george's o f the world are excellent conversationalists because they usually have great stories and yet, also want to learn all about you too! And I mean ALL about you, who was your first love? What kind of food would you refuse to eat for $1000? When's your mom's birthday? This is also the person who will jump to your rescue if you have a problem to solve and more than likely bust out an incredibly unusual solution.

They're probably enrolled in at least 2 online courses, carry at least 5 books with them at all times, and will probably be the first to reach out when they eventually visit your hometown. And they will, because they want to visit everyone they meet on the road.

With high energy and a generally open vibe - nothing is off the table in terms of what you can ask them but be forewarned, they will want to uncover all your secrets as well! It's only natural since they want to know about everything, ever.

17 The No Strings Attached

Smiley, well-liked, and charming these folk tend to attract a crowd like honey does bees. The world is but a stage to the no strings traveler, and they are writing the story page by page. Their presences can often feel exhilarating because they are fun and flirty. In fact, if you're not aware of their policy ahead of time, they can also be dubbed as the heartbreaker. Often abstaining from serious relationships for reasons ranging from low-key practicing Buddhism to just out for a bit of naughty fun on their travels! Buyer beware: this traveller isn't going to be your next partner but they might barter charms in exchange for being your next bunkmate.

16 The Tourist

Itineraries! Selfie Sticks! Contiki tours! The tourist , has an agenda and it's to catalogue everything on social media to make their followers jealous. Travel goals may include: eating pizza in Napoli, a hike through Machu Picchu, and/or sailing the Whitsundays. The beaten path? Nah, it's more like  *double peace signs*  #wanderlust #blessed #doyoutravel which are their mantra hashtags that will inevitably be littered throughout their next Insta story of sunsets and full moon parties.

Bonus points if they're staying at an all-inclusive, or wearing a 'friendship bracelet' from a local but still can't figure out when it got on their wrist.

15 The Foodie

This is the type of traveller that can rattle off the top 5 best restaurants ranked by proximity to your accommodations. They don't just study the specialty dishes of every place they visit, they make it their personal mission to try them all (and then probably post pictures of it with tantalizing descriptions on their blog). They don't have a weak stomach and won't back down from trying bbq'd eel in Japan, Haggis in Scotland or chicken's feet in South America, but they'll be sure to go to the top-rated spots to do so.

In their bag you'll probably find a pack of Tums, because a little heartburn never stopped them from a hearty meal. Bonus points if they ask for off-menu options.

14 The Yogi

You will know this one because they will have mentioned Yoga to you moments after you've met. Likely while they are balancing on their head and reading a book on Siddharta. These long and lean travellers are often soft-spoken and sporting mala beads bracelets. When they walk past you, you may catch a whiff of Amber or Patchouli but more often than not, you won't even notice them at all because they are likely still floating from their last yoga high.

Bonus points: if they invite you to do yoga on the beach or sign your address book with namaste.

13 The Chatty Kathy

This traveller is probably an archetype you've come across in your daily life as well. The chatty Kathy can talk forever and prefers to over what would feel like offensively deafening silence. They're often the first person to introduce themselves to new people and give you the lay of the land that they've uncovered so far. They will want to sign your address book moments within meeting you.

Often the chatty Kathy is also quite an open book and will share just about any info you request. Long-winded rants that usually end with "but enough about me" and then continue on anyways are clear markers that you've uncovered a chatty Kathy on your travels.

12 The New Grad

Two words: absolutely buzzing. The new grad has a hopeful glow, hunger for experience and try anything once attitude. Indicators of this traveller type can mostly point to the fact that they are usually travelling with 2-3 other cohorts who are equally as giddy and optimistic. They probably have planned to teach english while abroad. Often more budget conscious then other travellers you might meet, they are often seeking out street food spots and enjoying the free walking tours at every given opportunity. Bonus points if they are boasting a class sweatshirt and/or talking about changing the world.

11 The Peter Pan

The Peter Pan  is defined as a a person who does not want to or is unable to grow up or people with the body of an adult but the mind of a child or adolescent. Signs of the Peter Pan  traveler may include an older traveller who loves the idea of adventures. They are dreamers with little follow through. They are also usually quite sociable, cool and pretty openly rebellious. Their motto for travel is YOLO and that means that they are doing everything from the lens of immediate gratification with little concern for the consequences. They will often be dressed in the latest trends and appear much younger than they really are.

10 The Digital Nomad

They're gunna need the WiFi password and quick cause they're working on a deadline. The digital nomad s are the kind of travellers who have figured out the key to life.  After they hit send on their report for the day, they're taking a beachside siesta or maybe an impromptu surf lesson at sunset. Their virtual office (read: laptop and headphones) allows them to get through any meetings via Skype which usually means business up top and bikini on the bottom. This new trend in work has inspired hundreds of people to ditch their 9-5 gig for a more travel-centric digital lifestyle which means you're sure to cross paths with the digital nomad on your travels.

9 The Seeker

Often clad with a backpack that has some form of tin cook-wear dangling from it, the seeker tends to project a minimalist vibe despite having their home on their back. These are the travellers you meet who tell you that they've just backpacked through the Himalayas and that they find true solace in unknownness. Most of their clothing have are likely made from recycled eco-friendly materials. You know you've found a seeker  once your convo over tea takes a turn into mystic territory. Travel spots on their bucket list probably include places like Egypt, India, or Peru. Not always an introvert, yet this traveller is sure to make 'me time' a priority. A hyper aware human, they will be the first to pick up if you're having a bad day. They make them excellent companion travellers.

8 The No Frills

What's in their bag? A toothbrush, a bather and not much else. The resourceful, low maintenance no frills traveller prefers to pack light because it means they can go to more places and double their budget. Their travel motto is probably something like "I haven't been everywhere yet but it's on my list" and if you invite them to join you on a trip, they're most likely to say why not!  They are an inherently adventurous and trusting type of traveller who will gladly try new things. The most expensive thing they're wearing will be their Birkenstocks or shoes made specially for their journeying.

7 The Artist

Oftentimes spotted scribbling furiously into a plain notebook or toting a musical instrument case covered in stickers from the countries where they've played in the streets, the artist likely sees travel as a calling card to their muse. Their travel mission is to drink up all the beauty around them and be free. Perhaps they're on a pilgrimage to Frida Kahlo in Mexico City or Monet near Paris. Or maybe they just took the first train they could find. They will invite you to share a bottle of red wine while they tell you of their past lovers with dancing eyes.

Bonus points for mid convo jam sessions or gifting you a pastel portrait.

6 The Couple

Generally speaking, this can be one of the most popular types of travellers to encounter. It's easy to spot them because well, there's two of them and they're usually together! There are two distinct types of couple travellers , the kind that want to keep to their party of two or on the other end of the spectrum, there is the sociable duet who wants to drum up double dates and group hangs with other travellers while they expand their horizons abroad.

Bonus points for pro travelling couples who have a hashtag or Instagram account with both their names so you can keep track of their travels long after.

5 The Anxious Traveller

The anxious traveller  has plans for their trip which have likely been captured on an Excel spreadsheet or list that they carry around ticking each box as they go. Sometimes stemming from being a first-time traveller, they find it nerve racking to take a total leap of faith. They prefer to read the reviews before booking to make sure everything is up to code. If you have plans to meet for dinner, they will likely request modifications involving but not limited to the placement of their salad dressing. When these travellers are lucky enough to find the been there done that or yogi  it can help them channel some of their fears positively so they can relax a bit and have the time of their life.

4 The Been There Done That

They are likely on their 5th Passport, not because they've expired but simply because each booklet is overflowing full with stamps! The  been there done that  traveller was probably born in an exotic place or has a cool accent and/or owns homes in multiple countries. Or maybe they work in the import/export business as a way to fuel their passion for exploring. Any way you slice it, they are an encyclopedia of travel knowledge and usually over the moon to help others plan their next trip! It gives them joy to share with others since travel is very much their life. If you want to be entertained, ask them to tell you one of their anecdotal stories as it's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. After you part ways, you will likely get impromptu invites to international gatherings and they will often be too tempting to turn down.

3 The Historian

Do you crave to know more about the ancient ruins you visited in Greece? Hear historical accounts of the Viking invasions of Ireland or hope to be able to distinguish architectural differences between a Medieval and Renaissance churches? Then you'll be lucky to meet the historian . Their travel style is almost a form of 'time travel' since they want to transcend themselves through the historical ruins that they've read about. They often have the most fascinating fun facts and can lead a world class tour at the drop of a hat.

2 The Shepherd

This type of traveller is often en route to a new adventure and wants you to come too. In fact everyone (they meet along the way) is invited! Their travel motto is definitely "the more, the merrier" and they will be the ones organizing beach bonfires or group boat tours to nearby islands for everyone who's interested. The shepherd has a positive disposition which naturally attracts people of all kinds who want 'in' on the fun.

This traveller type is the equivalent to an 'influencer' and they might even be paid by popular brands to take trips and then make recommendations on their first-rate travel blog. You'll know you've met the sheppard by their magnetizing ability to create a travel community.

1 The Glamour-Puss

You'll know the glamour puss when you see one because they usually brought an obscene amount of luggage and it's probably designer. They will appear to be wearing pristine clothing at all time (bonus points if it's white or 100% Italian linen) and probably asking where the valet is. Their toiletry bag alone will be a carry on, with wheels and will contain every styling tool they can fit to keep them looking fab.

Their jeans will cost more than your rent and they will probably tell you the brand, which is undoubtedly someone's name.  If you choose to dine with a glamour-puss , be prepared to dole out serious dollars and hit only the trendiest beachside patios. They will ask what is in everything before they order and will almost always start with a cocktail ( shaken, not stirred thank you very much!). Their travel motto is "if I were you, I'd want to be me too," which is also bedazzled on their beach bag.

References: ScienceDaily, Psychology Today

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The complete guide to No-Frills Flying

The cheap and cheerful flight is now an established alternative for travellers and the preferred option for some. it is not without its pitfalls however, and the wise will have all the facts before going for the cut-cost opportunity, article bookmarked.

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Five years ago this month, the first proper "no-frills" air tickets went on sale. Or rather, they didn't. There were no tickets. Nowadays, ticketless flights are an established part of the travel landscape. From a couple of borrowed planes shuttling between Luton and Scotland, no-frills flying has evolved at a phenomenal rate. British travellers can now choose from around 100 no-frills routes, at fares usually lower than those charged by the "full service" airlines - so long as they don't mind getting the flight from Luton or Stansted. Europe has been opened up, but no-frills flying is not without its pitfalls. This Complete Guide gives you the inside story on how to make the most of the opportunities that are available - and what happens when things go wrong.

What are these frills that i am surrendering? Not much that most travellers will notice: a "free" newspaper, snack and drink. You need not be an especially adroit shopper to buy all these things before you board the plane. Behind the scenes, you are giving up all kinds of expensive-to-provide services, from pre-assigned seating to baggage transfer systems. But if you regard being able to buy through a travel agent as a frill, you will probably lose that too.

One survey after another shows travellers value reliability next to safety. And, usually, no-frills flights are on time.

Why do they fly from small and inconvenient airports? An ideal airport for full-service airlines is somewhere like Heathrow, which can offer the traveller all the sophisticated facilities, such as city-centre check-in, fast access and executive lounges.

An ideal airport for no-frills airlines? A shed. A no-frills flight needs little more than a check-in desk, a trolley and an X-ray machine. So places like Lubeck in Germany and Lamezia Terme in Italy are perfect. They are cheap to run and cheap to fly to. Gatwick and Heathrow charge the airlines around £8 for each passenger, while Luton and Stansted charge less and, until no-frills flying really took off, had plenty of slots.

Why don't they fly to europe from other British airports? They do. Well, easyJet has an operation at Liverpool, and Ryanair serves a couple of continental destinations from Prestwick in southwest Scotland. But almost all the no-frills flights are concentrated in South-east England. That's partly because there's a big, affluent population base. It's also because London is where almost all inbound passengers want to fly.

How do the airlines compare for routes? Each airline has its own area of expertise: easyJet has strong links from Luton

to Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Palma), Switzerland (Geneva and Zurich), plus Amsterdam and Nice, and an excellent domestic network in the UK.

From Liverpool, you can reach Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Madrid, Malaga, Nice and Palma. Oh, and Luton.

Go, based at Stansted, operates a number of seasonal routes (Reykjavik in the summer for example, Lyon in the winter) It is about to strengthen its domestic network: Belfast and Glasgow are the latest, with Stansted-Edinburgh now flying eight times a day. Go also flies to Copenhagen and Munich and to popular cities in Italy, Bologna, Milan, Naples and Rome.

Ryanair is well on the way to becoming the top UK-Italy carrier, with flights from its Stansted hub to Genoa, Turin and a whole string of airports you may not have heard of. It also does well to quite obscure bits of France (Beauvais, Biarritz, Carcassonne, Dinard, Nimes, Perpignan and St Etienne), and some airports in Scandinavia that are vaguely convenient for big cities.Ryanair's biggest strength, though, remains links to Ireland from airports all over the UK.

Also from Stansted, Buzz specialises, in contrast, in flights to places you have heard of: Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Paris, Vienna, plus less frequent services to southern France. Virgin Express is based in Brussels, and offers connections from Heathrow and Stansted to a range of destinations. From Stansted, its main routes are to Shannon, Berlin and Brussels.

What are the new destinations most likely to be? If I knew the answer to that question, I wouldn't spend my days writing Complete Guides to No-frills Flying.

The only certainty is that there will be plenty of new services, because the Boeing factory in Seattle is turning out dozens of new 737s for the no-frills airlines. Some of these will be used to increase frequency on existing routes (Stelios told The Independent that he would like to fly between Luton and Glasgow 30 times a day). But there are bound to be more destinations.

The black art of choosing new routes depends on the size of the market at each end, the extent of existing and future competition, and the deal the airline can strike with the airport. In the UK, the Midlands, the North East, Wales and the West Country are notably absent from the no-frills schedules. My bet is that Bristol, East Midlands and Newcastle will soon see some no-frills action (but watch also for Cardiff, Birmingham and Teesside).

Across in Europe, the biggest market is Germany. So far the country has been under-served by no-frills airlines.

Stuttgart, Dresden and/or Leipzig are likely targets. In France, watch for the motley selection of Ajaccio (Corsica), Le Touquet, and Strasbourg. Thanks to Go and Ryanair, Italy looks pretty sewn up, though Sicily is an obvious omission and, since Debonair's demise, Perugia (Umbria) is available. On the Iberian peninsula, the gaps are mostly in the north: Oporto, Santiago and Vittoria. And Holland needs an alternative to congested Schiphol: the main candidates are Eindhoven and Maastricht (which, older readers may recall, was temporarily on the Virgin Atlantic flight map in the mid-Eighties).

Those are all in the European Union. Is that coincidence? No. Two reasons: EU competition rules mean anyone can fly anywhere they want in Europe, if slots are available (and that is a big "if"). It is tougher outside Europe, and Air Passenger Duty is twice as high.

Are no-frills flights always cheaper than the more traditional airlines? No. Everyone from British Airways to SAS has been hit by the competition, and they have struck back hard. Look for especially good deals on Alitalia to Italy, Lufthansa to Germany and British Midland's new routes from Heathrow to Barcelona, Madrid and Milan.

Charter airlines are trying to claw back some lost ground, too. One place to try if you want to see all possibilities is Thomson's new website, www.skydeals.co.uk, which claims to list availability on all scheduled, no-frills and charter flights.

Why can't I book no-frills flights through a high street travel agent? You can, but it will probably cost you more. An essential part of the low-cost proposition is that "distribution" - the business of selling someone an aircraft seat - is low. Overwhelmingly, they sell direct to the customer. There is little room for paying a third party a percentage on the deal. Ryanair sells through agents that are prepared to do the work for minuscule commission, while Go modestly rewards agents who book through its website.

There is nothing to stop an agent buying a no-frills flight on your behalf and adding its own charge - though, so far, few have shown much inclination to do so.

Why, with fares being advertised as cheap as "£5 plus taxes", am i being quoted £200-plus for the flights i really want? Two words: yield management, or squeezing the maximum you can out of every seat. For Luton-Amsterdam on a Monday morning, or Stansted-Barcelona on a Friday evening, that's a small fortune. At other times, such as a wet Wednesday in November, it's the square root of not much at all. To fill these so-called "dog flights", no-frills airlines sell at a pittance. But they keep a few seats back for last-minute sales to people who just have to be on a particular flight, and will pay for the privilege.

In general, the early booker catches the bargains - but that is not guaranteed.

Top marks for easyJet's website, which shows all the flights for a day either side of your travel date. Also, the length of stay can affect the price. All the airlines except easyJet and Virgin Atlantic penalise passengers who stay less than two nights.

Can it be a problem if i don't have a ticket? Not on a no-frills flight. A paper ticket starts to have advantages when you are on a complicated itinerary, or you wish to change airlines. With no frills, both are unlikely.

What about collecting frequent-flyer points? No chance. They cost too much. Debonair (which went bust a year ago) tried to offer these. The US carrier Frontier Airlines has a deal where customers get Continental OnePass miles, but Frontier isn't a real no-frills airline, and it doesn't go anywhere near Britain. The only other attempt here was by easyJet, which for a while gave a bottle of Scotch to anyone paying its top fare between Luton and Aberdeen - with the strict admonition that, if the passenger was travelling on business, the whisky had to be donated to the office party. Strangely, perhaps, you can redeem (but not earn) Air Miles on Go flights.

What happens if i change, cancel or even miss my flight? That often depends on how much you paid for your seat. The top prices on Buzz, Go or Ryanair will enable you to cancel without penalty (although Buzz or Go will issue a credit note rather than an actual cash refund), or change your departure.

At easyJet, you can switch flights for £10, but if the lowest fare on the new flight is higher then you must also pay the difference. For cheap fares on other airlines, you lose your money - or most of it. You are theoretically entitled to claim back Air Passenger Duty, but the last time I successfully did this was back in the days of Debonair; the airline went bust a week later.

What if my flight is late and i miss a connecting train or plane? Tough. Unfortunately for the majority of British travellers, no-frills flying is concentrated in the south-east of England. Many therefore use a connecting flight or train to catch a no-frills flight to the Continent. If a flight connection on the same airline goes adrift, for example easyJet via Luton or Ryanair, or Go via Stansted, they will probably allow you, in those circumstances, to switch to another flight. Otherwise, they have no liability at all, and all you can do to recoup the money you have spent is to claim on that annual travel insurance policy that you so wisely took out. But you'll definitely need a letter from the airline clearly confirming the delay.

Incidentally, easyRentacar specifically excludes any liability if your easyJet flight is late and you fail to pick up the car on time.

Can I bring food and drink on board? Food, yes (though for the sake of your fellow passengers and your own popularity, make sure that it's not too pungent, with very strong odours, or messy, offering a good chance of spilling it all over your neighbour).

Drink, both yes, and no: you can buy booze at the departure airport and bring it with you on board the plane, but you are not allowed to consume any alcohol while on the plane that is not served to you by a member of cabin crew.

That's a Civil Aviation Authority rule, not a cunning plan to boost profits (though with a small can of lager costing £2 on Go, the airlines are obviously able to cash in on it).

They almost all fly the same kind of plane. is that a deliberate policy? Yes, they all use the Boeing 737 (though Buzz also has a few BAe 146s handed over by KLM UK).

For airlines, having only one type of plane is essential for keeping costs as low as possible; maintenance is much cheaper, and all flying crew can then work on all flights.

The Boeing 737 has become the standard, partly because it is the right size (130-180 seats) for many no-frills routes, and partly because Southwest started with a couple of these jets in 1971.

It now has 332 of the Boeings, and has never flown anything else, while at the same time becoming the most successful airline in the world.

Does low-cost also mean low-safety? The law says "no": all airlines operating passenger flights from UK airports have to meet the same rigorous safety standards.

Mostly, and happily, the reality says "no", as well. None of the no-frills airlines flying from Britain has ever suffered a fatal accident.

Notoriously however, all 110 passengers and crew died when a DC-9 belonging to the no-frills airline ValuJet caught fire and plunged into the Florida Everglades in 1996.

In contrast, Southwest Airlines has never had a fatal crash.

Why aren't there no-frills flights to America, or elsewhere in the world?

Because they don't work for long-haul flights, where economy passengers have grown to expect frills - and lots of them, from decent meals - offering choices, to seat-back videos - enabling individual viewing. Laker Airways and PeopleXpress both tried and failed to offer cut cost travel across the Atlantic.

I do have another suggestion however. If you really want to experience long-haul, no-frills flying, allow me to recommend the Cuban national airline, Cubana (which also happens to be the most accident-prone airline in the world).

The present limit for no-frills airlines is about four hours, on the easyJet run to Athens and the new Go route to Tenerife.

How long will fares stay so low?

Forever, or until governments find an effective way of taxing air travel.

So how do I book? Ideally on the Internet, to save a few pounds on your flight. But the telephone works just fine, too.

Buzz: 0870 240 7070, www.buzzaway.com

easyJet: 0870 6 000 000, www.easyJet.com

Go: 0845 60 54321, www.go-fly.com

Ryanair: 08701 569 569, www.ryanair.com

Virgin Express: 0800 891199, www.virgin-express.com

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Business traveller? No-frills hotels are good enough

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Michael Skapinker

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I have never lost the sense of anticipation when I press my entry card into the slot, the little light turns green and I push open the door to see what hotel room I have this time.

My room at the QBic Amsterdam, where I stayed last week, did not have much. A raised box in the middle containing a bed, with a television set on the wall at its foot. A shower and toilet unit with no door. A rack to hang clothes. A couple of chairs against a raised desk that had been fashioned out of the mid-room bedhead. A wall decorated with Amsterdam themes.

But then what, for an overnight stay, or even a couple of nights, does a business traveller need?

I have stayed at some of the world’s finest hotels: the Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg, the Palace Hotel in Tokyo. In every case I was a guest because I was chairing a Financial Times conference at these hotels, or because the FT had negotiated a special deal.

They were all wonderfully comfortable, but I cannot pretend I needed the deep armchairs, the indoor and outdoor pools, the chocolate on the pillow, the slip of paper with the next day’s weather, or, most ludicrous of all, the edge of my sheet turned down in the early evening. (Who does this at home?)

A no-frills hotel, done properly, is good enough for a business trip . How long are you going to spend in it anyway? If you are in your room for more than a shower and change before dinner and a quick look at the news before going to bed, your company is probably sending you away for too long.

The no-frills hotel is not just a shabbier version of a more expensive one — although there are still plenty of those, with worn carpets, scuffed bedsteads and brown-themed decor

It was in the late-1980s that I heard Paul Dubrule, the co-founder of Accor , the French group which owns a range of brands from the most luxurious to the cheapest , explain the thinking behind the no-frills hotel. It was all about stripping out cost while leaving travellers with what they really needed.

And there was cost everywhere: in 24-hour reception desks and business centres; in small bottles of body lotion and conditioner; in ear buds and shoeshine pads; in people standing at the door to say hello and goodbye.

Mr Dubrule explained that the company could find savings in building the hotels too, replicating the same rooms and formats wherever they were located.

As a 1995 article in the Tourism Management journal argued, the then-developing style of budget hotel “represents a new concept of hospitality provision”, with “carefully designed product/service concepts for more sophisticated and demanding customers”.

Seen this way, the no-frills hotel was not just a shabbier version of a more expensive one — although there are still plenty of those, with worn carpets, scuffed bedsteads and brown-themed decor.

What do the acceptable no-frills hotels have? First, absolute spotlessness. The spare furnishings mean they can be thoroughly cleaned. The bed linen in good low-cost hotels is glacier-white.

Second, security. The small number of staff should not leave you feeling unsafe. The QBic (there is another one in London) and chains like the UK’s Premier Inn (which I have used several times) keep intruders out by making you use your room entry card to gain entrance to the premises.

Third, there has to be breakfast, either in a café next door or on site. And on proper crockery, not, as sometimes happens in US hotels, on paper plates and in polystyrene bowls. Some no-frills hotels offer cereal, juice, coffee, rolls, cheese and hard-boiled eggs, which is enough for me. Others provide cooked breakfast.

If you have planned your day efficiently, you want to get going early, which means that breakfast is the only meal you need at hand.

Fourth, reliable connections. In a 2000 article, the FT reported that companies were wary of sending their staff to budget hotels because they did not have fax machines, room telephones or modem connections. Today, all we need is fast and reliable WiFi.

And if you do not remember what modems are, or never knew, google it. You can also google the best running routes around your hotel, where the local restaurants are and what is on at the theatre.

That is the other luxury-hotel facility you no longer need on a business trip: a concierge.

[email protected] Twitter: @Skapinker

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Would recommend for budget conscious... - Flair Airlines

• Flair Airlines

“Would recommend for budget conscious, no frills traveller” Review of Flair Airlines

I'm only writing this review because I feel that the majority of the reviews on this airline are probably paid and are inaccurate. I flew Flair from Toronto to Edmonton. It was a smooth experience that got me, my son and my husband from point A to B and back with little to no hiccups. We're used to the larger airlines that fly out of Pearson, but we booked Flair for $600 for 3 passengers, so we absolutely couldnt say no to that price. Note for Pearson passengers: When flying out of Pearson, bear in mind that there is a shuttle bus that takes Flair passengers(once checked in) to a seperate off-site gates - so arrive earlier to ensure time to travel off-site. Our first flight, the attendants had an issue with their manifest displaying more passengers than were on board. They started to manually check the boarding passes to verify. About 30 minutes in, they discovered the "missing passenger". We took off then a tiny bit delayed. We landed 20 minutes later than original arrival time. The plane ride was smooth and efficient. On the way back, our little guy went up front to the flight deck to see the pilots. He peeked at the controls and engaged in some conversation with the captain. They gave him a sticker. We went back to our seats and took off on time, and landed, very smoothly, 20 minutes early at Pearson. We shuttled back to the main terminal and collected our luggage. As this airline is new to us - flying out of Pearson - I would say give it a try. In my opinion, because of the small town vibe of the airline, the flight attendants were friendlier than on other airlines. With any changes, there is likely to be a few hiccups along the way but I'm sure Flair will continue to improve. When we landed in Edmonton we noticed the press conference for the flair rebrand so we expect to see some major changes soon. I would book with them again. Hoping to see more frequent travel between flair and the U.S. I was hoping to book a flight for in 2 weeks to Miami. A Note for Flair - your booking site is not as mobile responsive as it could be (doesnt display within the correct screen size) and it asks a user to login as soon as they navigate to the site.

hi there. we appreciate you taking the time to leave your detailed positive review. we are happy to hear your positive experience with our in-flight crew along with your recommendation out of Pearson. we hope to see you onboard in the future as we continue to grow!

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11,398 - 11,402 of 12,267 reviews

She refused to provide her name, threatened to take my boarding pass away and if I didn’t give the boarding pass back she’d have security not let me board. Says she’d make sure I missed my flight and there was no way she was going to let me get on my flight. All started when she was being very rude to three other passengers, last named Dhaliwal and Chan, unfortunately I couldn’t get the name of the third person. Dhaliwal was going to YVR. Chan, the other person and I were going to Abbotsford. Dhaliwal was late for his flight. Chan and the other gentleman I believe lost their boarding pass. My issue was, I checked in and saved the link thinking that’s all I needed. I didn’t know it expired. Very rudely she told Dhaliwal never to be late again and this is unacceptable. I don’t know what kind of customer service that is, but I don’t think anyone misses or is late for their flight on purpose. She then asked me and my sister what we needed by asking, “what’s your problem?” I explained, and she told me you’re supposed to take screenshots of it. I said I didn’t know, I saved the link. She again said, you need to take screenshots. I said, nowhere does it say to take screenshots. She then very rudely, in front of everyone said “you should be smarter than that” and that’s what ticked me off. Unbelievable to hear. So I let her do her thing, she was on the phone the whole time arranging for these passes to be printed. An employee came out and handed her the passes. She handed them out to everyone, my sister and I last.. no problem. I asked for her name, and she says you wanna do this right now? I’ll get you blocked off your flight. I said no problem, you do that.. give me your name. She said no, said she was calling security. I said no problem, tell them to meet me at the gate. I walked up took a photo of her, there was no other way of identifying her. She turned around. My sister was rattled. This was already an emotional weekend as we were visiting a dying family member. We walked to security at get there at 11:35 MST. She comes from behind and asked security to express check Dhaliwal, Chan and the other gentleman. Clearly trying to do whatever she could to make sure we were late. My sister and I got through, helped Dhaliwal to gate B33 while we went to B31. At the gate I’m greeted by Michelle. She asks if I’m fit for flight? I understand she has to ask, but it didn’t seem like she cared about how her colleague or employee conducted. This is the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Clearly she knew she was wrong, which is why she didn’t provide her name. I’m a banking professional, whether you did right or wrong.. you provide a name. And you stand by your actions, you don’t shy away from the consequences.

So, I booked a flight with Flair because the price was just insane for a long weekend trip to Toronto. $100 each way?! How could I decline that?! So, after I booked and told some people about my plans, I received a lot of unsolicited reviews. Apparently they were the worst and I should just take the loss and not even go on my trip. I decided to ignore the haters and take a chance on Flair. Honestly I think the people who write negative reviews probably never have anything nice to say about anything in their lives. You know what? My flights were all on time, the staff were all lovely. It’s a budget airline. If you’re seriously going to get mad about not getting a free coffee even though you’ve saved $100’s of dollars on your flight, then this isn’t the airline for you. For all of the reasonable people who like getting a damn good deal and can deal with a couple hours of no tv.... Fly Flair.

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hi Sarah, thank you very much for taking the time to leave your feedback here. we appreciate your kind words about our flight crew and your satisfaction with our low fares! we hope to see you onboard in the future as we continue to grow!

So, they didn't let into the plane the whole BUS of passengers, closing gate right in front of us, as they have received a permission to take off. The plane stood at the gate for 15 more minutes. Yes, our luggage flew away. Yes, those passengers who rebooked next flight with flair paid a fee for changing ticket plus difference of base fare, doubling the total price (+150-300$). And they don't have a lot them, so next flight is in 1-2 days. Yes, not again.

The flight we were to take arrived in Orlando on time but sat at the gate and could not de-plane passengers for 1 1/2 hours because someone did not do proper customs paperwork for the plane. They charge for everything. The boarding pass is $ 10.00 that they require....I already know I have a ticket and a seat. Options on advance check in luggage is deceiving...scammed me out of $ 35.00 and would not credit. Information is confusing and out dated. Obviously grabbing every dollar they can to survive. Maybe saved $ 50.00 when all extras paid for....not worth it. I would be cautious buying a ticket too far in advance on this airline.

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PRACTICAL TRAVELER

PRACTICAL TRAVELER; Where to Find No-Frills Facts

By Betsy Wade

• Jan. 19, 1992

THERE are a number of worthwhile travel leaflets and paperback books not often found in bookstores, usually because they are Government publications. They provide tightly focused, reliable travel information -- no pictures and no chat, but plenty of facts.

Electricity -- A notable revival is "Electric Current Abroad," which has been reprinted for the first time since 1984. It has been revised by the Department of Commerce, and is now for sale by the department and by the Government Printing Office. It is not just people new to travel who forget that all electric current is not identical, or who buy a set of plug converters and figure the problem is dealt with.

The 90-page booklet is intended for companies setting up overseas, but private travelers, particularly to the third world, who want to take hair dryers, coffee makers or other plug-in devices have long relied on it. For each country and for specific cities, it specifies the type and frequency of current (60 cycle, as in the United States, or 50 cycle, which will give you slow readings on your electric clock), the nominal voltage, which may vary somewhat, the number of wires and, in a notation valuable to computer users, whether the frequency is stable enough for an electric clock. It also has drawings of plugs and specifies which are used in each country.

"Electric Current Abroad," if ordered from the Department of Commerce (publication PB-91-193383), National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Va. 22161, (703) 487-4650, costs $9.95, plus $3 for one-week delivery. From the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C., 20402, where the document number is 003-008-00203-0, the cost is $3.

To answer the logical follow-up question, there are companies that sell appliances adapted to other currents, or that use batteries. One is Appliances Overseas, 276 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10001, (212) 545-8001.

Air Travel -- Concise, basic information on plane travel is being published by the Department of Transportation as free one-page fact sheets. The titles are: "Tips on Avoiding Baggage Problems," "Tips for Defensive Flying," "Public Charter Flights," "Transporting Live Animals" and "Frequent Flier Programs." The latter two topics are not covered at all in the department's 1985 publication, a $1 leaflet called "Fly Rights."

These fact sheets take nothing for granted -- for example, always put your name and address inside your checked luggage as well as on the tag outside -- and are probably useful as check lists. Hoyte B. Decker Jr., assistant director for consumer affairs in the Transportation Department, a source of this column's sometimes discouraging data on consumer complaints and flight delays, said that the fact sheets were written to be understood by people who might not have taken a plane trip before. Two came out in 1990 and last fall, the department added three additional sheets.

The sheet on public charters, a topic also omitted from "Fly Rights," is valuable for anyone not familiar with charter rules. For example, it points out that all arrangements for public charters are subject to change but a refund may be obtained without penalty in the event of a "major" change -- if the departure or return city is changed, if the date is changed by more than 48 hours, if a new hotel is substituted or if the price rises more than 10 percent. "Baggage Problems" contains much that seems obvious, but some travelers may not know that they must lodge a claim for lost or rifled bags before they leave the airport. "Defensive Flying" offers tips for the inexperienced traveler and is printed in large type.

These may be obtained free by writing to the Consumer Affairs Office, Department of Transportation, I-25, Washington, D.C. 20590.

The department's 32-page "Fly Rights," in the 1985 edition, is available for $1 from Consumer Information Center, Department 134Y, Pueblo, Colo. 81009. This contains information on the bumping process -- denied boarding, to give it its formal name. Mr. Decker said that "Fly Rights," which is out of date but not in error, was due for revision, although it is not imminent.

A Ralph Nader group, the Aviation Consumer Action Project, publishes a similar book, "Facts and Advice for Airline Passengers," at $2; it was revised in 1991 and includes current information on smoking rules. It covers some topics such as health alerts that "Fly Rights" does not touch. Order from Aviation Consumer Action Project, Box 19029, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Health -- The Government publication on travel health, "Health Information for International Travel 1991," is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control of the Public Health Service; this edition came out in June 1991. An invaluable compilation of current research, it covers vaccination requirements around the world, Public Health Service recommendations for travelers, in what areas various diseases are found and health hints.

A 17-inch shelf of travel health books is above my desk, but when two professional photographers called to say they were cruising the Amazon and their physician had made no immunization recommendations, I took down the compact "Health Information." According to information on page 20, the C.D.C. recommended yellow fever vaccination for travelers leaving urban areas of Brazil, and said that reactions to the vaccine were generally mild, which was what the photographers needed to know. The book has a country index as well as a disease index and is easy to use, although nonprofessionals may want to supplement it with a dictionary. It is publication CDC 91-8280 and costs $5 from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington D.C. 20402, (202) 783-3238.

Hiking Trails -- Switching to publications that add to your fun, "America's Rail-Trails" is valuable to casual hikers. This 1991 sixth edition of the 138-page paperback is a directory to 360 paths created on old rail corridors. Each entry notes the types of use permitted -- generally nonmotorized, but snowmobiles are sometimes permitted.

The listing is by state, and 40 states have at least one trail; some have many, such as California with 17, and New York with 11. Pennsylvania, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin also have rich choices of trails, while some New England states have barely any. Peter Harnik of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy said this has less to do with available rights-of-wayand more to do with political structure. Where county governments are strong, a decision gets made in a single vote; where towns predominate, many governing bodies may be involved. For each state, a map is marked with a star to show the location of the trail, and each entry designates the end points of the trails, as well as the counties they cross, the length, the surface and a name and phone number for each trail manager.

Nonmembers of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy pay $8 for the directory, which may be ordered from the organization, at 1400 16th Street, N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20036. Membership information is in the back of the booklet.

Things to Do in Monino, Russia - Monino Attractions

Things to do in monino.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Central Air Force Museum

2. Church of St. George

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Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

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Decadent Dairy-Free Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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Another easy and delicious vegan mash that’s not a traditional potato (see also my parsnip puree and my mashed cauliflower recipes!), these smokey and silky mashed sweet potatoes are so delicious that you’ll be looking for lots of excuses to eat them.

As perfect on a Thanksgiving table as they are as a weeknight side, this recipe only requires about five minutes of active time.

Packed with great flavours to complement the sweetness of this root vegetable, it also happens to be completely vegan and dairy-free, so it can suit all kinds of diets!

How to Make Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle

Many recipes for a sweet potato mash simply call for boiling the potatoes, but I’m going to skip that. Sweet potatoes particularly have the tendency to waterlog and it can throw off both the texture and the flavour of the final product.

I’ve also not added any kind of liquid to this recipe, so this mash is made without milk or milk substitutes as well.

I’ve found if you want a nice, concentrated sweet potato flavour, your best bet is to bake it. Which, fortunately, is super easy.

All you need to do is preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). While that’s happening, take a fork and prick several holes all over the potato – or potatoes depending on how many you’re using. Then, simply place the potato directly onto the oven rack.

I highly recommend placing a baking tray on the rack below the sweet potato to catch any drips – otherwise, you’re going to be scraping burnt sweet potato juices off of your oven once you’re done with this recipe.

Bake the sweet potato until it is very tender – this means that you can easily insert a skewer all the way through the potato with little to no resistance. Because we’re mashing these, don’t worry about overcooking the potato – just be careful it doesn’t burn!

Once the potato is done, carefully cut it in half and remove the peel – it should very easily separate from the flesh. Add the sweet potato flesh to a mixing bowl and discard the peels.

To the bowl, add a bit of coconut oil (use refined coconut oil if you don’t care for coconut flavour), some minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce and a bit of cumin and chili powder and a generous pinch of salt.

Use a potato masher to break up the potato and to incorporate all of these ingredients together. Then, use a whisk to further smooth out the mash and make sure everything is creamy and homogeneous.

Taste to adjust for seasoning and then serve!

Dairy-Free Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients   1x 2x 3x.

• 750 g ( 1 ½ lb ) sweet potatoes about 1-2 large potatoes
• 3 chipotle chiles in adobo finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic grated or very finely minced
• 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil (see notes)
• ¾ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin

Instructions  

• Remove the sweet potato(es) from the oven. Cut them in half and remove the skins from the flesh. Add the flesh to a large mixing bowl.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

That’s all there is to make some of the best mashed sweet potatoes of your life. Really concentrating the sweet potato by using a baked potato adds a bit to the cook time, but it’s so worth it for the final result.

Are you looking to make sweet potato mash? Have questions about this recipe? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Easy Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon & Garlic Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans, Cranberries and Maple Syrup

Carrot & Cauliflower Coleslaw Without Cabbage or Mayo

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is the creator behind No Frills Kitchen. She is a world traveller, home cook and recipe developer who loves to experiment with new cuisines and techniques at every chance she gets. No stranger to improvising and making do with the equipment and ingredients she has available, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. Read More

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Where to watch movies for free in Moscow this summer

People watching a movie in a Pioner 24-hour open-air cinema in Gorky Park.

Temporary cinemas will be popping up across Moscow very soon, starting from July 16. All of the spots are brilliant examples of either constructivist or avant-garde architecture, so expect striking settings. A selection of classic Soviet films will be aired using cinematic equipment from the last century. All the screenings are free although online registration is required beforehand, while there will also be guided tours of the spaces, organized by the “Moscow through the Engineer's Eyes” company.

Registration will be open soon at mos-kino.ru

Bread factory

Following the success of former factories transformed into art spaces (VinZavod, Arma, Trekhgornaya manufacture), Khlebzavod (“bread factory”) No 9 is one newly opened joint that is attracting creative types from all over the city. The movie Time! Forward! will be screened in the building’s boiler room on July 16. It follows workers from the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works, one of the largest steel companies in Russia, and is based on a novel by Soviet writer Valentin Kataev.

What’s more, Khlebzavod is a monument to constructivist architecture. Where better to watch such a film?

Novodmitrovskaya St. 1

Roof of the Narkomfin Building

The Narkomfin Building was originally designed to house high ranking employees at the Commissariat of Finance. It was built by architects Moisei Ginsburg and Ignaty Milinis. Also a fine example of constructivism, it’s currently in a state of disrepair, locked down, and fairly difficult to get into - which is like a red flag to a bull for more adventurous types.

However, on July 30 the place will be opened up and people will be welcomed onto the roof to watch the film Faith and Truth.

Novinsky Blvrd . 25b1

Khrushchyovka courtyard

A courtyard located in the 9th experimental block of the Novye Cheremushki district will turn into an outdoor cinema this summer. Cheremushki is the first district where Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchyov decided to build the iconic Khrushchyovka apartment blocks in the 1950s. As a result, thousands of Russians were given their own pads after decades living huddled together in communal apartments known as kommunalka .

Cheremushki is the adapted film-version of Dmitry Shostakovich’s operetta and will be shown here on Aug. 6. The organizers of the multiple screenings - the Moskino cinema chain - say they will revive the Soviet tradition of neighbors meeting in courtyards for a good old tongue wag. There will also be a guided tour of the block.

Address to be confirmed at mos-kino.ru

Pioneers Palace

If you want a slice of the postwar Soviet avant-garde style, head to the Pioneers Palace at Vorobyevy Gory. Pioneers Palaces were youth centers for sport, creativity, and hobbies for Young Pioneers (a communist organization for children) during the Soviet Union. There were dance classes, martial arts, drawing, and many other activities.

To Love a Man , a movie about two young architects building a new town in Siberia, will be shown here on Aug. 22. There will also be a lecture about building experiments in the 20th century.

Kosygina St. 17b2

A secret place

The last cinema venue remains a secret. On Aug. 27 there will be a screening, but at the moment no one knows where. Information will appear on mos-kino.ru but those who attend all four screenings above will be able to guess the last location.

A talk about architecture and Soviet history also will be hosted here.

Read more: Relics of Constructivist Architecture in post-Soviet countries

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Five simple no-frills motors (without a touchscreen in sight)

T elegraph readers have simple tastes – or so it seems. One of the questions we’re most often asked in our Ask The Expert column is whether there are still any simple new cars on sale – whether you can still buy basic, four-wheeled transport, shorn of the gadgets we’ve come to expect in modern cars (and the potential for excessive repair bills that may come with them).

It’s true that such cars are getting more tricky to find in new-car showrooms. But not impossible. Even as touchscreens take over and electronic driver aids proliferate, a small but plucky group of hold-outs still celebrate bargain basement, no-frills motoring. 

If you’re the kind of person who seeks to eschew the technological advances of the modern age and values simplicity above all else, we reckon any of these will be right up your street. 

5. Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech 83 You!

This version of the C3 is the cheapest new Citroen money can buy; it’s been introduced relatively recently, to make up for the fact you can no longer buy the smaller C1 city car. 

You still get LED headlights, cruise control and air-conditioning, and there’s a lane departure warning system (although not a lane keeping assistant). But the wheels are steel, the handbrake is manual and while there is a touchscreen on the facia, it’s a black-and-white system that’s simple to use and, if it ever fails, cheap to replace.

The engine is a simple, naturally aspirated unit, too, and the C3 is astonishingly cheap – a full £5,000 less than a similarly equipped Ford Fiesta, and almost as affordable as a Dacia Sandero. 

How much: £13,995

What you get: Monochrome touchscreen, LED headlights, cruise control, electric front windows, remote locking, air-conditioning, lane departure warning

What you don’t: Colour touchscreen, electronic handbrake, electric rear windows, hybrid/turbo engine, lane keeping assistance, automatic headlights/wipers

4. Fiat Panda 1.0 Mild Hybrid

Once upon a time Fiat’s boxy little Panda was a byword for simplicity. But its technology has moved with the times – not only is there a touchscreen on board, but under the bonnet the engine is a mild hybrid, too. 

So why is it here? Well, this generation of Panda has been with us since the dawn of time (more accurately, 2011) and that means lots of its technology is incredibly basic – other than ABS anti-lock braking and stability control, there are no driver aids; the handbrake is manual, while that touchscreen is a tiny five-inch item that’s very simple.

This most basic model doesn’t even have a name – it’s simply the Panda – and it’s pretty Spartan; electric windows and air-conditioning are really the only fripperies to speak of. 

How much: £14,485

What you get: Touchscreen, hybrid engine, electric front windows, remote locking, air-conditioning

What you don’t: Electronic handbrake, driver aids, LED lights, electric door mirrors, cruise control, automatic headlights/wipers

3. SsangYong Korando 1.5 ELX

You don’t have to have a small car to have a basic one. If you crave simplicity but need to move a family, the Korando is the car for you. 

Granted, it’s the most expensive here, by a long chalk. But your money is being spent on space – the Korando is vast inside by comparison with any other car in this list, and even by the standards of its rivals. It’s also being spent on the Korando’s whopping seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty. 

The equipment list does include air-conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels and automatic headlights and wipers, but that’s about it. There’s no touchscreen, there are barely any driver aids, and you even get an old-fashioned, non-turbo petrol engine, which should be cheap to maintain. 

How much: £21,495

What you get: Cruise control, electric front windows, remote locking, air-conditioning, automatic headlights/wipers

What you don’t: Touchscreen, LED headlights, lane keeping assistance, electronic handbrake, electric door mirrors, hybrid/turbo engine

2. Dacia Duster TCe 90 Essential

The Korando isn’t the only simple SUV on the market. In fact, the go-to option for such things has long been the Dacia Duster. 

It has even fewer fripperies than the SsangYong. For starters, there’s no touchscreen. In fact, there’s no visible radio unit at all; you operate it instead using buttons on the steering wheel and a menu on the screen in the instrument binnacle. The headlights and wipers don’t have an automatic function. The handbrake is manual and while there is air-conditioning, it too is of the manual kind. Driver aids are almost non-existent, apart from the basics.

In fact, the only area where the Duster doesn’t feel quite as simple as it could be is in the engine bay: the little petrol turbo engine is great to drive, but it’s a touch more mechanically complex than it would be if it wasn’t turbocharged. 

How much: from £15,295

What you get: Cruise control, electric front windows, remote locking, air-conditioning, turbo engine

What you don’t: Touchscreen, LED headlights, lane keeping assistance, electronic handbrake, electric door mirrors, automatic headlights/wipers

1. Kia Picanto 1.0 1

This is more like it. The entry-level Picanto is truly pared back. There’s no touchscreen, for starters – just a simple digital radio with a monochrome display and two speakers. 

Electric front windows and remote central locking are about as far as the fripperies go; air-conditioning and cruise control are both notable by their absence, while power comes from a mechanically simple 1.0-litre petrol engine with no turbos or hybrid features to worry about. 

And while the Picanto is small, it’s spacious for its size. You get a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, too, for even more peace of mind – making this the perfect no-frills new car. 

How much: £13,400

What you get: Electric front windows, remote locking

What you don’t: Touchscreen, LED headlights, cruise control, electric front windows, air-conditioning, lane keeping assistance, electronic handbrake, hybrid/turbo engine, electric door mirrors, automatic headlights/wipers

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