Code-share flights can save you money

What's a code share? Put in simple terms, it's when one airline buys a bunch of seats on another airline at a contract price and then sells them for whatever they can get.

For example, Delta flies nonstop from New York JFK to Pisa, Italy, and Alitalia, which doesn't fly that route nonstop, wants to list that flight in its schedule. This makes Alitalia look like a bigger, more comprehensive airline, which supposedly is good for business. Delta and Alitalia are then said to be in a code-share agreement on that route.

Here's how you can save money: When looking for fares, check to see if there's a code-share flight on another airline. You can get this information from the airline or a travel agent usually, or you can often figure it out by looking at fare results on a site such as www.Kayak.com.

In the case of New York to Pisa, a recent search on Kayak shows that you can save more than $200 by buying the same nonstop Delta flight via Alitalia rather than on Delta itself. In fact, you could spend up to $968 round trip on various travel days for this route vs. a possible low of $645.

Nuts, no?

Save on Europe on US Airways

US Airways is offering MasterCard members two ways to save money on round-trip tickets to select European cities as well as earning bonus Dividend Miles when making a reservation on www.usairways.com using a valid MasterCard.

The first is 10 percent off a round-trip coach class ticket plus 10,000 bonus miles; and the second is 20 percent off a round trip on the Envoy business class plus 20,000 bonus miles. The cities are Brussels, Paris, London, Lisbon, Milan and Zurich, with the addition of Amsterdam for the business-class offer only.

For both offers, tickets must be purchased by Sept. 30 and travel must be by Nov. 14 with blackouts on Sept. 15, 22 and 29 and Oct. 6.

Use eCertificate MCEUROPE10 when booking in coach and MCENVOY20 when booking in business class.

You'll have to register online first to qualify at www.usairways.com/awa/content/specials/promotions/mastercard-europe-specials.aspx, where you'll also find complete rules and restrictions.

Delta drops online booking bonus

Last week we mentioned how Delta Air Lines raised its award travel fees. Now we've discovered Delta is no longer offering 500 bonus miles for online reservations.

On the plus side, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways are still offering 500 bonus miles for online reservations.

Seniors, students save on Singapore

Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com or (800) 742-3333) is offering passengers older than 62 and university students and faculty members 10 percent off published coach-class fares when they book via its Web site.

The senior discount (use code 459209031 when booking; full restrictions available at www.singaporeair.com/seniors) is available for travel through Dec. 8 and Jan. 5 to March 31. Reservations must be made by Nov. 30.

The promotion for university students and faculty (use code 837502427 when booking; full restrictions available at www.singaporeair.com/universities) is for travel through March 31 and reservations must be made by Oct. 31. You must have your student or faculty ID from an accredited college or university available during check-in or you'll lose your discount.

Or you can apply for an International Student ID card from ISECard (www.isecard.com/corporate/affiliate/singaporeair) for $25, which will get you discounts around the world on food, transportation, accommodations and more.

Keep in mind that Singapore Airlines has been known to offer a cheaper Web-only fare via its Web site, so be sure to check there first before making a reservation.

Consider pros, cons of aluminum cases

If you're thinking of investing in an aluminum suitcase such as those made by Zero Halliburton (www.zerohalliburton.com) or Germany's Rimowa (www.rimowa.de), here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons.

On the plus side, these bags provide relatively lightweight, hard-sided protection. They also draw admiring glances and comments from other travelers.

On the downside, you might find household members borrowing them (that's been our experience at least; we seldom get to use our Rimowa roller). Also, these suitcases are incredibly expensive (the Zero 21-inch roller sells for around $600 to $650, which might add to their appeal, because few people own them), and they tend to dent and scratch easily.

But again, if you need a stylish way to protect your belongings when you travel, aluminum is a valid, if pricey, choice.

Save with Hertz's Family Pack

If you're taking a late summer or early fall family vacation, Hertz (www.hertz.com or (800) 654-3131) has a Family Pack offer that's available at participating U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico locations for rentals through Oct. 31. Among the family-friendly incentives are a free tank of gas, discounted rental rates and no extra driver charges for spouses or domestic partners.

Many travelers are surprised to learn that in some locations, some rental-car companies have begun charging even spouses for the extra driver charge. This is particularly true in Florida for some reason, where the charge is typically $10 per day per extra driver.

This offer is valid on rentals of five days or longer and is available on family-sized cars classes: full-size four-door, premium and luxury vehicles, mid- and full-size SUVs and Minivans. To receive the promotional rates and benefits, renters must mention (or use) rate code FAMILY at the time of reservation, and it cannot be combined with any other promotion, offer or discount and is subject to availability.

Advance reservations are required and blackout periods may apply. For complete details, visit the link listed above or call.

Reach George Hobica at hobica@gmail.com, Kim Liang

Tan at KimLiangTan@aol.com

or visit www.airfarewatchdog.com.