5 common airline ticket myths debunked

By Rick SeaneyPublished May 14, 2014, FOX

Somewhere I'm sure there are folks who won't mind spending $42,000 for a round-trip flight on Etihad's new super-duper first class –which comes with a shower and butler.

If you’re not that person, then let's bust some myths so you can find the cheapest tickets possible. 

1. Myth #1 - One airline always has the cheapest fares

FALSE. No airline has a lock on the cheapest fares every time, everywhere because airlines match prices of competitors.  Even ultra-discounter Spirit sometimes costs more than, say, Virgin America, if you add in the cost of a single carry-on and the fee for choosing a seat. This is why you must compare prices. Always.

2. Myth #2 - Buy your tickets super early and you'll save a bundle

FALSE. Airlines don't begin actively managing their fares for domestic flights until about three to three-and-a-half months ahead (for international flights, about five months). If you buy before that window opens, you'll likely pay a mid-range price. It may not be the most expensive fare but it probably won't be the cheapest, either. Exception: For holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can buy earlier.

3. Myth #3 - Wait until the last minute and airlines practically give tickets away

FALSE: Once upon a time, this used to be true but not since airlines became capacity experts. Now they know when people want to fly and where, so they can fill up planes without a single empty middle seat (or at least very few). This means there are no more last-minute steals.

4. Myth #4 - If you take the long way to your destination, you'll always save

FALSE. While it is true that adding a stop (or two) to a flight can often save you money, it isn't always the case. This is just one more reason why you must always compare airfare prices including prices for various routes.

5. Myth #5 - Overweight and oversize fees do not apply to carry-on bags

FALSE: Almost every airline specifies size limits for carry-ons, and an increasing number are adding weight limits. Hawaiian Airlines, for example, allows up to 25 pounds. Ditto for Allegiant. Europe's Ryanair allows a mere 22 pounds. Anything over may cost you an overweight fee and if the airline sends your bag to the cargo hold, you could wind up paying the checked-bag fee.

Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for us

Tekton Ministries

www.tektonministries.org

(317) 574-4191

Each year thousands upon thousands turn out for the annual process of the statue that represents the Church-approved apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. Below is a sample itinerary of a Tekton pilgrimage that traveled to both Fatima, Salamanca and Madrid.  

Pilgrimages are tailored to the desires of each priest leading the pilgrimage and can be customized to fit the group's needs. Please contact us if you have questions or would like to book a pilgrimage to Fatima or any other Catholic destinations. 

Day 1: Depart U.S.A.
Our spiritual journey begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight to Lisbon.

Day 2: Arrive Lisbon
Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our tour escort and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 3: Lisbon / Santarem / Fatima
Today we will explore Lisbon including visits to the ancient Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jerónimos Monastery, the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua (the patron saint of Portugal), Lisbon Cathedral, the Tower of Belém, Black Horse Square, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Then depart Lisbon and drive north to Santarem for Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, famous for its venerated relic, "the Bleeding Host". Continue our drive north to Fatima. 

Day 4: Fatima
Today, celebrate Mass on the spot where Our Lady appeared at the Chapel of Apparitions. Visit the Basilica to see the site of Francisco and Jacinta's graves and then on to the hamlet of Aljustrel where the three children who witnessed the Apparitions lived at the time. Continue to Valinhos, the site where Our Lady appeared following the children's release from prison. This evening participate in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacre, site of the first Apparition. 

Day 5: Fatima / Salamanca 
This morning leave Portugal for Spain. En route we will stop in Coimbra, a famous university town, to visit the Convent of Santa Clara La Nova where sister Lucia resided until her death in 2005.  Continue on across the Portuguese-Spanish border to Salamanca, one of Spain's foremost cultural centers, a great university city and a showcase of intricately sculpted Renaissance architecture in golden stone. 

Day 6: Salamanca / Madrid 
After breakfast depart Salamanca for Alba de Tormes to visit the Carmelite Convent which contains St. Teresa's incorrupt arm and heart. Continue to the walled city of Avila, the birthplace of St. Theresa. Visit the Monastery of the Incarnation where St. Teresa spent many years of her life, then to the Monastery of St. Joseph, her first foundation. Continue to Segovia whose cathedral is considered the last great Gothic church in Spain. Here we will pay our respects to another great Carmelite, St. John of the Cross who served as spiritual director to St. Theresa of Avila. Drive on to Spain's capital, Madrid.

Day 7: Madrid 
This morning's city tour of Madrid will show some of the history and tradition of Spain, including the Prado Museum - with its masterpieces of El Greco, Goya, and Velasquez, the Royal Palace, the University with Cervantes' monument, Puerta del Sol and the Retiro Park. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 8: Madrid / U.S.A.
Transfer to the airport for our return flight home.