Flights

FlightStats (www.FlightStats.com) – Developed by the programmers who helped create online ticket-booking for the airlines. Rated “excellent” last year by the Wall Street Journal, the site offers real-time updates and alerts on departure, takeoffs and landings (including code-shares) for more than 420 airlines and more 900 airports worldwide. Alert service available for phones and pagers. The Airport Scorecard feature is also useful for getting information on weather or airport security delays.

FlyClear (www.flyclear.com) — For $100/year plus an annual TSA vetting fee of $28, members are given expedited clearance through security lines at 18 US airports.

The Travel Insider (www.thetravelinsider.com) — In addition to posting airline reviews and travel-industry commentary, the site outlines baggage policies for 15 domestic policies: how many bags you can check free and how much you’ll pay for extra bags.