Hong Bao

I've been looking for some Hong Bao to use for cash gifts while in China. Do any of you know if one of the options shown below is a better choice than the others?

I want something that's appropriate for everyday use (i.e. not CNY specific). Otherwise, I could just pick up some regular envelopes that are red. I just don't want to offend anyone by using the wrong kind envelope!

Jennifer K

New Airline Fees, What's next!!!

I just read all this stuff online today about AIRLINE FEES!!

US Airways, United Airlines match American Airlines' $15 bag fee.

It's been reported that for US Airways the bag fee will be waived for frequent-flier passengers in Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman's Preferred programs, and first- and envoy-class passengers, as well as some other passengers, including military passengers and unaccompanied children.

US Airways to charge $2 for soda.

US Airways Inc. said Thursday that it will begin charging its coach passengers $2 for sodas and fruit juices on domestic flights, and raise the $5 charge for alcoholic drinks to $7.

In addition, US Airways and United Airlines Inc. both announced they're adopting the $15 charge for the first bag checked, following American Airlines Inc.'s May 21 lead

Many United Airlines customers buying tickets on or after June 13 will pay a $15 fee to check their first bag, and $25 for second bags.

In early February, United started an industry movement for charging for the second checked bag, with many carriers, including American, matching its $25 fee.

USAir also announced other fee increases, including a $25 fee for domestic tickets bought by phone and $35 for international tickets. The previous charge was $15.

Expected are legacy carriers to follow the lead of discount carrier Spirit Airlines, which now charges extra for seat reservations — $5 for middle seats, $10 for window and aisle seats and $15 for exit-row seats. Other airlines also have begun charging for window or aisle seats.

A Chicago-based carrier also is increasing the fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling to $125 from $100, or to $250 from $200, depending on the item.

United estimates the potential revenue from baggage handling service fees at about $275 million a year. It expects the new $15 service fee to apply to one in every three customers.

For some airlines...Travelers who use Dividend Miles travel awards to get tickets for flights will pay a processing fee: $25 for domestic flights, $25 for tickets to Mexico and the Caribbean, and $50 for Hawaii and international flights

On Aug. 6, US Airways is eliminating its bonus-miles program for Preferred Status Dividend Miles customers, who currently get mileage bonuses based on their status level. Travelers after that will be credited one point for each mile flown, and no bonus points.

It might even come to this...
New fees could include charging passengers "by the pound," he said, as well as extra for seating selection, riding on a roomier plane, preferential treatment while boarding, cleaning the seat pockets, and a no-loss baggage guarantee, to name a few.


Below came from USA Today.

New airline fees since January 1, 2008:

Air Canada: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.

AirTran: $10 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.

American Airlines: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 12; $3 for snacks, $5 for "fresh light meals" on domestic flights (sandwiches or wraps, no vegetarian options); eliminated online booking bonus of 500 miles for round-trip first- or business-class tickets, and 250 miles for round-trip coach fares.

Continental: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5.

Delta: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5; airline provides complimentary snacks, but some snacks and meals cost an extra $1 to $8, depending on the item.

JetBlue: $10 for extra legroom, and $20 each way for a second checked bag starting June 1.

Northwest: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 5.

Spirit: $10 fee for checked luggage reserved online, and a $20 fee for luggage checked at the airport.

Southwest: $25 each way for a third checked bag, and $50 for the fourth through ninth bags.

United: $25 each way for a second checked bag; $5 for snack boxes, with sandwiches and salads available at varying prices; increased ticket change fee; Saturday night stays are now required for tickets in 65% of the markets it serves.

US Airways: $25 each way for a second checked bag; eliminated the 500-mile minimum mileage award granted for short-haul flights; will charge between $5 and $30 each way for aisle and window seats starting May 7, matching other carriers.

Virgin America: $25 each way for a second checked bag starting May 15.