Better Read The Fine Print...

Have you received a promotion from an airline that sounds too good to be true? If you have, you better read the fine print or you might get upset.

Many people were thrilled to receive a promotion from United Airlines in February of last year that offered frequent fliers the chance to bring along a companion free whenever they bought a United ticket. One passenger we heard of called her travel agent who found a round trip to London for about $400, she had visions of a British adventure with a friend; all for the one low price.

But there was a hitch: the travel agent discovered that the free companion fare didn't apply to United's cheap tickets.

The airline's fine print specified that travelers could take along a companion at no additional cost only if they purchased a higher-class fare. In this case, the ticket to London would have been $900. The passenger's thrill turned to anger, and needless to say, she didn't buy the "special".

United's senior vice president of marketing, Scott Praven, defended the airline's restrictions on the fares.

"We felt we had to have a minimum amount of revenue for the two tickets," he said.

Other airlines have followed United, rolling out their own summer deals. American, Continental, Delta, US Airways and Northwest are promoting a similar buy-three-and-get-a-fourth-free deal.

Northwest sweetened it's offer by allowing travelers to book tickets with Saturday night stays, a feature that especially appeals to vacationers. Continental extended the qualifying time through Oct. 7 and required a Saturday-night stay and a 14-day advance purchase.

My advice: Better read the fine print on any "specials" before you get too excited.

The airlines are still struggling to fill seats since 9/11 and the economic downturn. However, contrary to their slick advertising, airlines aren't giving those seats away.

David Tinney, an expert in the travel industry, is the owner of Adventure Travel Service and author of the best selling e-guide, Why Not Fly Free?

Here's what you'll learn... Strategy creates free travel Fly anywhere in the world, just pay the taxes Learn to be a savvy passenger Find out secrets from a travel agent Click to learn more.