Cover Up, Buttercup

You may have heard that come May 1, American Airlines will no longer provide blankets in the coach cabin on flights less than two hours long, and will begin charging passengers $8 for a blanket+ pillow combo on flights longer than two hours. The new policy applies not only to travel in the US and Canada but to Mexico and the Caribbean as well. So what's a comfort-craving, penny-pinching coach-class flier to do?

Here are three travel blankets you might consider making part of your travel kit. Sure, they cost more than AA's $8 version, but if you're one of those people who really feels the frigid in-cabin temps, we think the convenience of having your own in-flight cover-up is worth it.

The Lug Life Nap Sac Blanket + Pillow (pictured above) set is made of supersoft fleece. Fold the blanket, put it in the zip-up pouch/pillow case and use it as a pillow, or for firmer support, use the included inflatable pillow insert. The cozy comforter comes in 10 colors and features a handy-dandy pocket for your glasses or iPod. $22-$30 (depending on the color) from Amazon.

For full-on, full-body coverage, how 'bout the Cabin Cuddler (left)? Wrap yourself up burrito-like in the folds of this oversize microfleece, which looks kinda like a giant Snuggie with "wings" that cover each arm and a pocket for your feet. It also comes with an inflatable pillow and a bag that attaches to your carry-on. $28 from here.

Westin hotels are famous for their comfy Heavenly Bed, and now you can duplicate the experience on the go (or at least come close to it) with their Heavenly Travel Blanket. Fold the plush, washable full-size blanket into its hidden pocket and use it as a pillow, or just snuggle up and make the other people in your row jealous. $60 from Westin At Home.

Cover Up, Buttercup

Taking Flight

This summer, airline announcements have been taking over our inboxes; we can’t seem to go a week without posting about new routes and reduced fares. But that’s great news for Caribbean vacationers, as more and better flights to our favorite destinations continue to pop up by the day — and at unbelievably low prices.

Delta and American are both planning to increase their regular service to the USVI by the end of the year. Delta will be adding flights from its Atlanta hub to St. Thomas for a total of four nonstop flights per day, with an additional twice-weekly service out of New York’s JFK; and American will be increasing service to St. Croix from its usual seven flights per week to ten out of Miami, beginning December 19.

Air Jamaica has also announced a new twice-weekly service between JFK and Barbados for the summer, beginning July 2 and running through August 30. To simplify your travel planning, the airline is even offering a special Bajan Invasion vacation package starting at $500 per person that includes round-trip airfare, three nights double occupancy at the Rostrevor Hotel, round-trip airport transfers, and a complimentary Gourmet Card that gives you 25-percent off at some of the island’s finest restaurants.

Airfares are forecasted to remain low at least through the summer, and there are more flights than ever from major US hubs to tons of our favorite Caribbean islands, so what are you waiting for?

Taking Flight