FAA Shutdown = Get Airfare Tax Free

As of 12 O'Clock EST, the FAA has shutdown.  Congress could not figure out how to fund the FAA, leaving a few thousand people out of work temporarily.  Maybe they can get a job at the US Mint, dusting off the $1 coins.

What does this mean?
Cheaper Airfares!  If you are planning to go anywhere anytime soon, you might want to start looking for flights.  Right now.  I have no idea how long this will last for, my guess is not long at all.  Airfare taxes eat up a huge portion of your budget.  Because the FAA is shut down, they cannot collect some of the various taxes on your ticket.

Aren't taxes just a small amount?
On a pack of gum yeah, but on airfare no!  On your average flight within the USA, expect to pay about 15%  in taxes.  Now might be time to consider that trip to Hawaii or Alaska.  Book now, ask questions later.  People reporting success with Delta and United airlines, so give them a shot.  Virgin, Frontier, and Alaska are also having reported success.

As a side note, you can transfer AMEX points to some frequent flyer accounts tax free!  Act quick!

Deals come in all shapes and sizes for TWiBT readers!  This is one of those deals!  Hurry up, book some flights!

Remember TWiBT reader, book your flights with a mileage earning credit card.  Also, make sure you are earning miles on the flight itself!

-Jason of TWiBT

TWiBT Airfare Alert - Fly to Turkey for $274

TWiBT CHEAP AIRFARE ALERT!!!

Destination:  Turkey

Although smuggling drugs is never advisable, Turkey has come a long way from the days of Midnight Express.  As exotic as it may sound to some, rest assured countless Americans and European tourists flock to Turkey every year to see their breathtaking architecture, try a Turkish bath, or gobble up some Turkish food such as Balik Elmek (fish sandwich), Döner (meat), or Dondurma (ice cream).  The capital city, Istanbul is a unique cultural hub of the world.  It is also the perfect place to either spend your entire trip in or to branch out from and explore other parts of the country.

What to do in Istanbul?
Due to its geographical position, Turkey has an interesting mix of European and Central Asian culture.  In Istanbul, the must-see site is the Hagia Sofia.  This former Church, turned Mosque, turned museum dates back to Constantinople and has architecture unlike any other in the world.  When in Istanbul, if you feel the need to shop, be sure to check out the Grand Bazaar.  This massive market is completely covered to escape the sun.  It is an interesting historical site, as it opened in 1461.  Be warned though, merchants are known to be extremely pushy.  The simple “I’m just looking” that works in American stores, may not work to well in the Grand Bazaar.  Haggling is key in this region of the world, aim to get the item for 50-60% of listed price.  Like most European cities you’ll find a variety of nightlife in Istanbul, with something to suit everyone’s taste.  Consider a short evening cruise on the Bosphorus River, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

Is Turkey expensive?
Turkey does not use the Euro, they use the Turkish Lira.  You will find that food is cheaper when decent meals can usually always be had for under $10.  For the backpacker, Turkey has many cheap hostels with dorms starting as low as $6.  Decent 3-4 star hotels are in the $30-$60 range.  Luxury travelers can get the most value here as 5 star hotels start as low as $85.  While there is a large disparity in the levels of luxury offered by many of the hotels rated 5 stars on Kayak.com, you can rest assured that you will be very comfortable in all of them.  No matter what your budget is, visiting Turkey does not really need to be an expensive endeavor.

Watch this short video for a taste of Turkey!


Airfare Example * from New York:
$274 NYC-Istanbul
Travel September-December
Fare Located HERE

Be sure to book your flight with a mileage earning credit card, also make sure you are earning miles for the actual flight, even if it is on an airline you don't think you'll ever fly again!  Remember, airline alliances.

Happy Budget Travels!

-Jason of TWiBT

*Example was found July 21st, 2011 at 11:23pm EST.