You are more likely to be struck by lightning than have a fatal accident when flying –

Flying in a commercial airplane is still so much safer than driving a car. And when I tell you that you are almost 9 times more likely to get struck by lightning than have a fatal accident when flying, I hope you start to see how truly safe flying is. Here are the odds that will put the safety of flying in perspective:

Odds of a fatal accident when flying: 1 in 11 million
Odds of dying in a car accident: 1 in 103.
Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year: 1 in 1.2 million.
Odds of winning a $1 million lottery: 1 in 12.6 million.
Odds of becoming a U.S. President: 1 in 10 million.
Odds of being attacked by a shark: 1 in 11.5 million
Odds of being injured by a bear: 1 in 2.1 million.

Proposed travel ban on 43 countries should not create too much problems for Big Four Airlines – The Trump administration has expressed serious concerns about the screening process many third world countries are using to allow people into the United States and is considering travel restrictions for up to 43 countries, This list includes citizens from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, Russia, Belarus, Pakistan, and Haiti. As you can see most American flagged Airlines do not service most of these countries so the impact on them would be minimal.

Average cost of a business trip is now $1,484 – Recently The Cornerstone Journal released their January 2025 travel cost index which showed the cost of a business trip had increased by 6.3% to $1,484. This index is made up of airfare, hotel and car rental cost. Average airfare was $760, hotel was $541 and car rental was $184. Add it all up and it comes to $1,484. Keep in mind this does not include meals, tips and incidental expenses, mileage to the airport, parking and other cost. My rule of thumb today is that when a business traveler hits the road you are probably prudent to factor in a cost of around $2000 all-in.

BIG three airlines of American, Delta and United licking their chops as Southwest drops “Bags Fly FREE” – The big three airlines have big smiles on their faces this week as they savor the announcement last week that starting May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will no longer offer :”Bags fly FREE”. For three decades Southwest has used the FREE bags advertising to differentiate itself from their competitors. Even though the other airlines are smiling as they see a chink in the Southwest armour, Wallstreet really likes the announcement that sent Southwest stock rising as they see billions of dollars of new revenue coming into Southwest. Unfortunately, for travelers they just lost one more option for saving big bucks when checking bags.
Here is a summary of what the major airlines charge for checked luggage -​
The checked baggage fees for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines vary based on factors such as route, fare type, and membership status. Below is a general overview of the standard fees for the first and second checked bags on domestic flights within the United States:​

American Airlines – First Checked Bag: $40 ($35 if paid online)​ Second Checked Bag: $45​
CLICK HERE to see all the details of AA checked checked bag fees.

Delta Air Lines – First Checked Bag: $35​ Second Checked Bag: $45​
CLICK HERE to see all the details of DL checked bag fees.

United Airlines – First Checked Bag: $35 to $40​ – Second Checked Bag: $45 to $50​
CLICK HERE to see all the details of UA checked bag fees.

Here are the four best ways to avoid paying for baggage fees –

1. Elite Status and Co-Branded Credit Cards: Airlines often offer benefits such as free checked bags to frequent flyers with elite status or holders of co-branded credit cards. It’s advisable to check your specific benefits.​
2. Upgrade to business or first class: Usually, airlines will allow free checked bags when traveling in the front. Another good reason to book first and business class using your miles and points.
3. International Flights: Baggage allowances and fees can differ for international travel: It’s important to verify the baggage policy for your specific route.​
4. Consider Bundled Options: Some airlines offer bundled fare options or credit cards that include benefits like free checked bags, which can provide savings for frequent travelers.​

Check out our Weekly Travel Alert Podcast – The Weekly Travel Alert Video Podcast is available on YouTube, plus all your favorite podcast stations, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date with everything travel.

Need information on any of the above?
Call our friendly travel advisors…
Lincoln – 402-358-8888 Toll-free 800-737-0582