Passengers on one flight headed to Mount Hope, Ontario, were asked by a virtual Santa-as they were checking in- what they wanted for Christmas. Kids and adults alike asked for everything from socks and underwear to a big TV. When they arrived at their destination, they were surprised with everything they had wanted.
Yes, this is an ad, and a marketing ploy, but what a great one.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Airlines Could Ban Carry-On Baggage Due To Terror Threat Over Christmas
Due to a viable threat by Islamic terrorists to blow up 5 Europe-bound passenger planes over Christmas time, there is talk that carry-on baggage and/or electronic devices in the cabin might be banned during that time period.
This might not happen, but if it does, all those I-pads, cell phones, cameras, laptops etc will have to be placed in checked luggage. All those thieves in TSA and baggage handling will be very happy.
More here.
NPR's Dina Temple-Raston writes, "One remedy under consideration is to ban all carry-on baggage, though there is some question as to whether airlines would push back against such a draconian provision." To be sure, it is highly unlikely we would see a full ban on carry-on luggage across the U.S. around the holidays. The logistics of this kind of action would be very tough to see through in a short amount of time, especially on full flights during the busy Christmas travel week. So don't get distressed about your holiday travel plans just yet.
This might not happen, but if it does, all those I-pads, cell phones, cameras, laptops etc will have to be placed in checked luggage. All those thieves in TSA and baggage handling will be very happy.
More here.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Scrooge Spirit Airlines To Raise Baggage Fees For Holidays
Spirit Airlines is an airline I refuse to travel with ever since they started charging for carry-on AND checked baggage. They are the only company that charges for carry on luggage, as far as I know, and now they have decided to tack on an extra fee for travel during the upcoming holiday season.
If you travel Spirit from December 18th through January 5th, you can expect to pay an additional $2.00 per bag for checked baggage. That's each way. Above and beyond your carry-on baggage fee and the checked baggage fees.
This is what they had to say about the temporary increase:
The cheapest options you have are if you happen to be a $9.00 Fare Club member and you book and pay on-line, before online check-in, for tickets purchased after December 31st..
$26.00 for one carry-on bag
$21.00 for first checked bag
$31.00 for second checked bag
$76.00 for the third, fourth and fifth checked bag. Each.
You will pay the most if you check them at the gate. A whopping $100.00 per bag.
Here's the list of prices that vary depending on when you purchase your bags, be it on-line, or at the reservation center.
Bah Humbug.
Source: CS Monitor
If you travel Spirit from December 18th through January 5th, you can expect to pay an additional $2.00 per bag for checked baggage. That's each way. Above and beyond your carry-on baggage fee and the checked baggage fees.
This is what they had to say about the temporary increase:
"Winter is coming and that means holidays, which means more people than ever will be traveling with Spirit to visit their loved ones. To make sure we have room for everyone's bags, we're encouraging customers to pack a bit lighter."
The cheapest options you have are if you happen to be a $9.00 Fare Club member and you book and pay on-line, before online check-in, for tickets purchased after December 31st..
$26.00 for one carry-on bag
$21.00 for first checked bag
$31.00 for second checked bag
$76.00 for the third, fourth and fifth checked bag. Each.
You will pay the most if you check them at the gate. A whopping $100.00 per bag.
Here's the list of prices that vary depending on when you purchase your bags, be it on-line, or at the reservation center.
Bah Humbug.
Source: CS Monitor
Friday, September 12, 2014
Nickel and Diming Us To Death- Mad TV Airline Safety Video
Although this an oldie from 2007, the video produced by MAD TV is still relevant today. Airlines are still nickel and diming us to death.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Airbus To Patent Bicycle Seats For Airlines
Think that air travel couldn't get any worse than it already is, what with being packed onto airlines like sardines? Well, the people who manufacture the Airbus are contemplating doing just that. They have applied for a patent in Europe that would have you sitting on a bicycle seat. No joke.
Imagine traveling from N.Y. to Beijing seated on one of these things.
I have no clue why they would even think this a viable option for travel, but it's seen as a way to
..cut down on bulk, which in turn allows for more sardined passengers and ostensibly, more money.
“In effect, to increase the number of cabin seats, the space allotted to each passenger must be reduced,” the patent application states.
Not that they're really serious about trying to get these on planes. Not really. They're just protecting their posteriors.
“Many, if not most, of these concepts will never be developed, but in case the future of commercial aviation makes one of our patents relevant, our work is protected,” an Airbus spokeswoman explained. “Right now these patent filings are simply conceptual.”
As if anyone would want to steal that idea. Oh wait, maybe Spirit Airlines would.
Source: Consumerist
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Southwest Flight Attendant Turns Safety Announcement Into Comedy Routine
Southwest is one of the best airlines to fly- some of the lowest baggage fees, and then you've got the uber friendly flight attendants. On this particular flight to Salt Lake City, Utah, the passengers were treated to a very funny safety announcement by Martha "Marty" Cobb.
A great way to get people to listen to those boring, routine safety instructions that most well-traveled individuals tune out.
More on the story and Marty.
A great way to get people to listen to those boring, routine safety instructions that most well-traveled individuals tune out.
More on the story and Marty.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Ways To Prevent Loss, Damage, Delay and Theft Of Your Baggage
ABC News has 8 tips on how to make sure your baggage arrives safe and sound. I last wrote about the rampant theft that occurs at airports across the nation, but it's not just thievery that one has to contend with, it's damaged and delayed and lost luggage as well.
According to ABC there's a 99% chance your bags will arrive at your destination, but what a pain for that 1%, and believe me it's a pain.
Looking out my airplane window I have witnessed baggage handlers roughly throwing bags onto the conveyor belt. William Henry, a baggage handler himself, who wrote "The American-Made Baggage Handler" told 20/20:
According to Tim Cigelske, another former baggage handler:
And forget special priority and handling of first class passengers. They are more likely to be targeted for theft. Henry said:
There are ways to circumvent the potential for loss, damage and delay, and unfortunately I've experience the latter two. The obvious one is don't check any bags, as both Henry and Cigelske suggest. But that's not always possible. The other 8 suggestions are worth a try.
1. Buy a four-wheeled bag.
With a four-wheeled bag, the only time your luggage will be airborne is after takeoff.
"When we load a plane, we have to slide that bag along ... the cargo floor," Henry said.
"With four wheels, they can just roll that bag," he continued. "Now if it doesn't have the wheels, they'll throw it, kick it, toss it."
2. Pack your items in a sturdy bag.
Make sure your bag won't crumble under pressure.
When shopping for luggage, look for bags made out of strong material. There are even bags available for purchase made out of the same material that the NFL uses for its shoulder pads.
"You should assume that this bag is going to be handled in the worst way," Henry said.
3. Don't check in for your flight too early.
Ironically, to ensure your bag's on-time arrival, don't check in too early.
"If you do it more than two hours early, they don't even have things set up for your flight yet," Cigelske said.
Your bag could get lost in the shuffle if it's set aside.
4. Skip the curbside check-in.
Even if you're rushing to catch your flight, avoid checking in at the curb.
"It does add one more layer to the process, more people to the equation," Cigelske said. "More hands, more things, means more things could go wrong."
Instead, head to the ticket counter, especially if you're past the cutoff time to check your bag in.
"You can ask the ticket-taker to have the baggage handlers come and make one more run," Cigelske said.
Read the rest of the suggestions on ABC News.
According to ABC there's a 99% chance your bags will arrive at your destination, but what a pain for that 1%, and believe me it's a pain.
Looking out my airplane window I have witnessed baggage handlers roughly throwing bags onto the conveyor belt. William Henry, a baggage handler himself, who wrote "The American-Made Baggage Handler" told 20/20:
"If you ask a guy not to sit on the bag, he looks at you like you're the enemy."
"Bags can fall ... out of the cart onto the ground" [snip] "Some of these passengers might not get their bag because the bag is lying ... on the tarmac."
According to Tim Cigelske, another former baggage handler:
"You can have, you know, priority on there or fragile on there, but that's, again, really hard to see. And pretty much, a bag is a bag is a bag."
And forget special priority and handling of first class passengers. They are more likely to be targeted for theft. Henry said:
"They lift it up and may feel that there's something in there of value>" "As long as they got that bag in [an] area that's undisclosed, unmonitored, unsupervised, they can do what they want with that bag."
There are ways to circumvent the potential for loss, damage and delay, and unfortunately I've experience the latter two. The obvious one is don't check any bags, as both Henry and Cigelske suggest. But that's not always possible. The other 8 suggestions are worth a try.
1. Buy a four-wheeled bag.
With a four-wheeled bag, the only time your luggage will be airborne is after takeoff.
"When we load a plane, we have to slide that bag along ... the cargo floor," Henry said.
"With four wheels, they can just roll that bag," he continued. "Now if it doesn't have the wheels, they'll throw it, kick it, toss it."
2. Pack your items in a sturdy bag.
Make sure your bag won't crumble under pressure.
When shopping for luggage, look for bags made out of strong material. There are even bags available for purchase made out of the same material that the NFL uses for its shoulder pads.
"You should assume that this bag is going to be handled in the worst way," Henry said.
3. Don't check in for your flight too early.
Ironically, to ensure your bag's on-time arrival, don't check in too early.
"If you do it more than two hours early, they don't even have things set up for your flight yet," Cigelske said.
Your bag could get lost in the shuffle if it's set aside.
4. Skip the curbside check-in.
Even if you're rushing to catch your flight, avoid checking in at the curb.
"It does add one more layer to the process, more people to the equation," Cigelske said. "More hands, more things, means more things could go wrong."
Instead, head to the ticket counter, especially if you're past the cutoff time to check your bag in.
"You can ask the ticket-taker to have the baggage handlers come and make one more run," Cigelske said.
Read the rest of the suggestions on ABC News.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Police Nab LAX Baggage Handlers For Theft- How To Keep Your Bags Safe
Though I've yet to have anything stolen from my suitcase, many people have. I learned long ago not to put anything in my checked baggage that I don't mind parting with, so perhaps that's why they've left my luggage alone. But in spite of numerous stories about TSA and baggage handlers pilfering from travelers, people still put items of value inside their suitcases. I had a friend who lost his laptop that way.
The latest case is out of Los Angeles' LAX, the third worst airport for luggage theft. After too many complaints about theft, LAPD went undercover to nab the thieves. After months of undercover work, they have detained a slew of baggage handlers. They were stealing from bags in all areas of the airport, from the planes, to runways, to the terminals themselves. The police focused mostly on the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 4, home of American Airlines, and a few Qantas flights.
According to ABC News, there were 25 search warrants, six arrests and 14 people detained.
As of 2012, Miami International Airport topped the list of 20 worst airports for luggage theft, followed by New York's JFK International Airport. Then comes LAX in the number 3 spot. The rest:
Although you will never totally prevent theft, there are ways to make sure you minimize the possibility:
A. Put anything of value (jewelry, cash, camera, laptop, iPad) in your carry-on bag, and keep a close eye on the bag as it goes through security. TSA employees have been caught stealing, too.
B. Lock your carry-on bag while on the plane. How often does your bag wind up in an overhead bin seats away from where you are. And you can't trust flight attendants either, they've been known to pocket items left on board.
C. Those TSA locks won't help, so don't think it's safe to stash valuables in checked baggage.
D. Right before you are told to fasten seat belts, and prepare for landing, make sure you have put away all your possessions. Check again in the seat pocket in front of you, under your chair, and in the overhead bins before you de-board.
E. ABC News advises to take photos of your packed bag before you zip it shut, and buy insurance. This will add to the average $3,400 the airlines will reimburse you for delayed, damaged or lost luggage. Not sure how photographing the packed suitcase prior to zipping is proof enough of everything you've packed layers down, but it can't hurt. I would also suggest taking a photo of the zipped up bag in case of damage. I've had many bags damaged along the way. And no proof they were not damaged pre-flight. If you've ever seen baggage handlers, they're pretty rough with other people's property.
Sources: Yahoo News, ABC News,
The latest case is out of Los Angeles' LAX, the third worst airport for luggage theft. After too many complaints about theft, LAPD went undercover to nab the thieves. After months of undercover work, they have detained a slew of baggage handlers. They were stealing from bags in all areas of the airport, from the planes, to runways, to the terminals themselves. The police focused mostly on the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 4, home of American Airlines, and a few Qantas flights.
Police captain Ray Maltez told local station KABC-TV: "We believe that there has been a culture of being able to take property that wasn't theirs, and that's what we want to be able to put a stop to."
It was not clear exactly how many have been arrested.
Police said they had served warrants, raided airport terminals and seized property at 25 different locations in Los Angeles-area cities.
Those arrested were primarily employees or ex-employees of contracting companies hired to handle luggage and do not work for the airport itself, police said.
According to ABC News, there were 25 search warrants, six arrests and 14 people detained.
As of 2012, Miami International Airport topped the list of 20 worst airports for luggage theft, followed by New York's JFK International Airport. Then comes LAX in the number 3 spot. The rest:
4. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
5. Las Vegas-McCarren International Airport
6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and New York-Laguardia Airport
8. Newark Liberty, Philadelphia International, and Seattle-Tacoma International airports
11. Orlando International Airport
12. Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport
14. Washington Dulles International Airport
15. Detroit Metro Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
17. Boston-Logan International, Denver International and San Diego International airports
20. Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Although you will never totally prevent theft, there are ways to make sure you minimize the possibility:
A. Put anything of value (jewelry, cash, camera, laptop, iPad) in your carry-on bag, and keep a close eye on the bag as it goes through security. TSA employees have been caught stealing, too.
B. Lock your carry-on bag while on the plane. How often does your bag wind up in an overhead bin seats away from where you are. And you can't trust flight attendants either, they've been known to pocket items left on board.
C. Those TSA locks won't help, so don't think it's safe to stash valuables in checked baggage.
D. Right before you are told to fasten seat belts, and prepare for landing, make sure you have put away all your possessions. Check again in the seat pocket in front of you, under your chair, and in the overhead bins before you de-board.
E. ABC News advises to take photos of your packed bag before you zip it shut, and buy insurance. This will add to the average $3,400 the airlines will reimburse you for delayed, damaged or lost luggage. Not sure how photographing the packed suitcase prior to zipping is proof enough of everything you've packed layers down, but it can't hurt. I would also suggest taking a photo of the zipped up bag in case of damage. I've had many bags damaged along the way. And no proof they were not damaged pre-flight. If you've ever seen baggage handlers, they're pretty rough with other people's property.
Sources: Yahoo News, ABC News,
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Compare Fees and Perks On Major U.S. Airlines
For years the airlines have been nickel and diming us to death. You never really know until you've booked the flight and you realize all the extras you'll wind up paying, above and beyond the air fare itself.
We used to be able to check our first bag free. That has all changed
Bankrate has put together a comparison list of additional fees that some of the major airlines charge, so you can make an educated choice.
The first choice you have is to compare baggage fees. Most of the airlines charge about the same for checked baggage and nothing for carry on, except for Spirit Airlines which wins top award for best price gouger. Spirit charges a whopping $35.00 for a carry-on, $30.00 for the first checked bag, $40.00 for the second and $85.00 for the third. While most carriers don't charge for the 1st international bound checked bag, Spirit charges $35.00 for the carry on, $30.00 for the first checked bag and $40.00 for the second. All airlines except Spirit also start charging fees for overweight luggage at 50-lbs, whereas Spirit starts at 41-lbs. And you'd better pay those fees online or you'll pay more at the airport.
Then comes Frontier Airlines which charges $25.00 for an oversized carry on bag.
FIRST CHECKED BAG:
No Cost: Jet Blue and Southwest
$20.00: Frontier Airlines
$25.00: Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, US Airway. United Airlines charges $25.00 but it depends on the destination.
SECOND CHECKED BAG:
No Cost: Southwest
$25.00: Alaska Air
$30.00: Frontier
$35.00: American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, US Airway
$40.00: Jet Blue
THIRD CHECKED BAG:
$75.00: Alaska, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest
$100.00: Hawaiian
$125.00: Delta, United, US Airways
$150.00: American
OVERWEIGHT BAGGAGE:
Can vary widely, but ranges from $75.00 all the way up to $200.00
You can also comparison shop on fees charged for:
Credit card breaks, Menu options, Seating, Priority boarding, Entertainment, Military discounts. Children, Blanket and pillows, Loyalty programs, and pets.
Check it out here.
Looks like I'll be checking out Southwest more often. I crossed Spirit off my check list a long time ago.
Be aware, that most airlines charge less for these fees if you pay for them online.
We used to be able to check our first bag free. That has all changed
Bankrate has put together a comparison list of additional fees that some of the major airlines charge, so you can make an educated choice.
The first choice you have is to compare baggage fees. Most of the airlines charge about the same for checked baggage and nothing for carry on, except for Spirit Airlines which wins top award for best price gouger. Spirit charges a whopping $35.00 for a carry-on, $30.00 for the first checked bag, $40.00 for the second and $85.00 for the third. While most carriers don't charge for the 1st international bound checked bag, Spirit charges $35.00 for the carry on, $30.00 for the first checked bag and $40.00 for the second. All airlines except Spirit also start charging fees for overweight luggage at 50-lbs, whereas Spirit starts at 41-lbs. And you'd better pay those fees online or you'll pay more at the airport.
Then comes Frontier Airlines which charges $25.00 for an oversized carry on bag.
FIRST CHECKED BAG:
No Cost: Jet Blue and Southwest
$20.00: Frontier Airlines
$25.00: Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, US Airway. United Airlines charges $25.00 but it depends on the destination.
SECOND CHECKED BAG:
No Cost: Southwest
$25.00: Alaska Air
$30.00: Frontier
$35.00: American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, US Airway
$40.00: Jet Blue
THIRD CHECKED BAG:
$75.00: Alaska, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest
$100.00: Hawaiian
$125.00: Delta, United, US Airways
$150.00: American
OVERWEIGHT BAGGAGE:
Can vary widely, but ranges from $75.00 all the way up to $200.00
You can also comparison shop on fees charged for:
Credit card breaks, Menu options, Seating, Priority boarding, Entertainment, Military discounts. Children, Blanket and pillows, Loyalty programs, and pets.
Check it out here.
Looks like I'll be checking out Southwest more often. I crossed Spirit off my check list a long time ago.
Be aware, that most airlines charge less for these fees if you pay for them online.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Worst Hotels and Motels In The U.S.
I'm on the road a lot, and finding decent accommodations can be hit or miss if you don't pre-plan. But if you're on a road trip that's not always ideal. I don't want to have to rush to get someplace because I made a reservation at a specific hotel in a specific location. However, that sometimes leaves you stuck with a potential dump. Believe me, I've stayed at plenty of those over the years. The places that smell of mildew, riddled with bugs, moldy bathrooms, where you sleep in your clothes on top of the bed. In some cases, you can't really tell what the interior will look like until you check the room out. I have, on occasion, opted not to stay, so the only alternative is to either drive to another motel or the next town up. Sometimes, though, just looking at the exterior is a major indication of what might be lying in wait for you. Only once or twice have I ever driven around a motel property and promptly left- I value my life. But most of the time I would just wind up staying in a sub-par motel.
If you have a large budget that's no problem (not that the luxury hotels can't have bed bug problems), but if you want a mid-range hotel I find sticking with the La Quintas, Hampton Inns or Holiday Inns the best choice, although I've stayed in a few duds. That's the problem with franchised ventures. But there are some you might want to stay away from, and the Fiscal Times has a list of those.
Based on surveys from Consumer Reports and J.D. Powers and Associates the 10 worst motels in the U.S. are, with photos:
Baymont Inn and Suites
Quality Inn
Clarion
Red Roof Inns
Super 8
Ramada
Days Inn
Motel 6
Econo Lodge
America's Best Value Inn
I've stayed at most of the above, and they most definitely deserve being in the top ten. I would also add Knight's Inn and Travel Lodge. I recall staying at a Travel Lodge in Montreal, Canada, the room was not inexpensive and I was treated to a room that had a bed that was more akin to an army cot with a layer of plastic covering the mattress pad, and the bathroom grout was moldy black.
If you don't care where you stay, by all means choose the above. But I know I stay away from those chains.
If you have a large budget that's no problem (not that the luxury hotels can't have bed bug problems), but if you want a mid-range hotel I find sticking with the La Quintas, Hampton Inns or Holiday Inns the best choice, although I've stayed in a few duds. That's the problem with franchised ventures. But there are some you might want to stay away from, and the Fiscal Times has a list of those.
Based on surveys from Consumer Reports and J.D. Powers and Associates the 10 worst motels in the U.S. are, with photos:
Baymont Inn and Suites
Quality Inn
Clarion
Red Roof Inns
Super 8
Ramada
Days Inn
Motel 6
Econo Lodge
America's Best Value Inn
I've stayed at most of the above, and they most definitely deserve being in the top ten. I would also add Knight's Inn and Travel Lodge. I recall staying at a Travel Lodge in Montreal, Canada, the room was not inexpensive and I was treated to a room that had a bed that was more akin to an army cot with a layer of plastic covering the mattress pad, and the bathroom grout was moldy black.
If you don't care where you stay, by all means choose the above. But I know I stay away from those chains.
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