Every day I receive email touting some new or improved website, app or travel service. For the most part they're obvious or frivolous -- often both. But a few sneak through that might make travel a little easier, less risky or less expensive.
Just about everybody warns you about high security risks using Wi-Fi in a hotel or cafe to access personal data or transact business. Here are two very divergent ways to lower your risks:
• Cellhire (cellhire.com) is pushing "European MiFi," a data SIM card that sets up phone, tablet or a cheap throwaway as a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of serving up to five devices. The system works through wireless phone networks, which are more secure than public Wi-Fi, and permits downloads at 3G speeds. The card costs $25 with 200 MB, $49 with 500 MB, or $69 with 1 GB; additional data costs 7 cents per MB; you can reload the card online.
• David Rowell at The Travel Insider, suggests an alternative. Log on through a public network, but use it through a VPN (virtual private network) that encrypts messages. You can set up your own network to operate through your home computer at no cost, but individual travelers might prefer an external service. PC Magazine recommends PrivateInternetAccess.com, at $6.95 per month or $39.99 per year, with unlimited bandwidth.
Clear (clearme.com) operates members-only airport security systems. As with the government's Trusted Traveler system, you must enroll, pass a thorough screening and provide fingerprint ID. At the airport, you enter your information and handprint at a kiosk and proceed to Clear's security lines. Clear membership is $179 a year for one, plus $55 per year for each additional family member over 18. Clear lanes are operating at Baltimore, Dallas-Fort Worth (Terminal E only), Denver, Houston/Hobby, Houston/Bush, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Antonio, San Jose, San Francisco and White Plains, N.Y., with Miami due to come onstream soon. Clear operates outside the TSA Trusted Traveler system. The folks at Clear say their system is faster than Trusted Traveler and that members rarely encounter lines. At a much higher cost than Trusted Traveler's $80 for five years, it's aimed at very frequent travelers.
CheapAir.com claims to be the first online travel agency to offer flights to Cuba via the Internet. Sun Country operates the flights as charters. From Miami, they cost $471 round-trip, an outrageous price for two one-hour flights. In addition, you need a visa, and you must pay a $25 departure fee from Havana. Though rules have been relaxed, you must qualify under one of the government's 12 authorized travel categories.
La Compagnie (lacompagnie.com) continues its low-cost business-class promotion for couples: Two travelers can travel round-trip Newark to Paris for $2,991 ($1,495.50 per person) and to London for $3,313.20 in mid-July. Other airlines are matching by selectively cutting business-class fares to levels lower than premium economy.
Dufl (dufl.com) provides a baggage shipping service. You set up a "virtual closet" suitcase with the clothes and accessories you prefer to wear when traveling and send it to Dufl's warehouse. When you plan a trip, notify Dufl which clothes you want out of your virtual closet and Dufl packs them and sends them to your hotel or other destination. When you return, send your stuff back -- Dufl has it picked up at your hotel -- and Dufl cleans the clothes and returns them to your closet, ready for your next trip. This system solves two problems: schlepping or checking baggage and cleaning travel clothes. The program is $9.95 a month for storage plus $99 per round-trip shipment by three-day delivery; overnight delivery is $49 extra.
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Travel on 05/17/2015