The cost of Bermuda flights has gone up

If you think airline prices went up about $100 in February, you’re right.

Starting February 1, American, Delta, US Airways and JetBlue added a fuel surcharge of $45 each way on its Bermuda flights. That’s an extra $90 per round trip ticket.

So far Continental and Air Tran have not added any fuel surcharges.

By comparison, Air Canada’s roundtrip fuel tax is $14.90 while British Airways roundtrip fuel tax varies from $252 for economy tax to $352 for it’s Club World and First Class tickets.

Cruise prices

I’ve never purchased a car in Bermuda but if it’s like the U.S., you never ever pay sticker price on the vehicle unless you’re some yokel just off the farm.

The same is true for cruises.

You should never ever pay the brochure price.

Cruise companies put out their glossy guides with what their “suggested” price is on a particular itinerary.

If it’s your first cruise, your travel agent should be able to land you a deal at a much lower price with a either a level or two upgrade or some sort of room cash bonus for you to be spend on the ship.

Europe car travel

A good web site that gives deal on car rentals in Europe is www.economybookings.com

While it is also good for other destinations around the globe, it is a good starting point in looking for a vehicle to use for your ­continental travels as it deals with a multitude of car companies from Hertz and Avis to Europcar and Sixt.

Featured offers on the site include a Chevy Spark in Italy for €13.78 a day to a Volkswagen Polo in Switzerland for €16.59 or an Opel Corsa in Austria at €16.87.

Sweet deals

Valentine’s Day is a great way to rack up some air miles without leaving the ground.

All the airlines, through their gift partners, are offering bonus air miles for ordering flowers.

The two keys are picking ones that deliver to Bermuda — or if your Sweetie lives overseas, to his or her country — and find the one that will give you the most points per dollar spent.

Right now it’s standard to get 25 air miles per dollar spent, but you can do much better than that.

Several are offering 45 and 50 miles per dollar spent.

So a $100 bouquet of roses can net you 5,000 air miles and, for airlines like Delta or US Airways, it helps keep your account active.

Andriod App

American Airlines announced this week they now have an app for the Android phone.

They already have a similar app for the iPhone and iPad.

All of their mobile travel apps allow you to check in for your flight, obtain a mobile boarding pass, get the latest flight status information, monitor your place on the standby list and more.

It’s a handy way to keep track of all your travel information.

I’ve used the Air Canada travel app and if it’s anything similar to that, then it’s a worthwhile download.