Flying With Fish

Flying With Fish Has Moved To BoardingArea.com!

2008-11-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

Web: www.comeflywithfish.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

25/11/2008 – Flying With Fish Has Moved To BoardingArea.com!

For the past two years Flying With Fish has floated along on Blogger. Blogger has been a good home, however today as the tide rolls in Flying With Fish has moved to swim among a new school of flyers.

As of today Flying With Fish has swum over to BoardingArea. Don't worry; you'll still be able to float on by at www.flyingwithfish.com

The old links to posts will remain available on the old blog, so no need to change anything. For those of you who have Flying With Fish bookmarked, or on an RSS Feed, please change the direct URL to : http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/

How does moving Flying With Fish over to BoardingArea improve your experience as a reader? You'll have easy access many other fantastic blogs focused on commercial air travel. While Flying With Fish is the only blog frequently discussing topics relevant to travelling photographers, the other blogs are well written, interesting and helpful to anyone flying for work or pleasure.

As a traveler, I personally enjoy reading The Cranky Flier blog.

Thanks for your support of Flying With Fish as it grew in its old home and thank you for your continued support as we move to a new home at BoardingArea.

I hope to get all settled in shortly, and look forward to continuing to write Flying With Fish from its new home.

Happy Flying!

-Fish

Are Americans The Most Annoying Travelers? Recent Survey Says Yes!

2008-11-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

Web: www.stevenfrischling.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

24/11/2008 – Are Americans The Most Annoying Travelers? Recent Survey Says Yes!

Having just read a recent survey of 8,931 travelers, by TripAdvisor.com, that says 18% of those surveyed see Americans as the most annoying travellers in the word, I’m not sure if I am offended, or if I agree.

I tend to want to agree, having watched Americans around the world, however I am an American traveller so I want to be offended.

Putting my personal opinions aside, I found the survey quite interesting. I happen to agree with much of the survey, although I can't fathom how Emiratees even made the Top 10 list. Of all the travelers around the world I have watched, while traveling around the world, I can think of quite a few nationalities of travellers who far surpass Emiratee travellers for the Top 10 List.

Below is the break down TripAdvisor.com 's Top 10 Most Annoying Travellers

#01 - Americans @ 18%
#02 - French @ 12%
#03 - Germans @ 10%
#04 - British @ 6%
#05 - Chinese @ 6%
#06 - Russians @ 5%
#07 - Japanese @ 5%
#08 - Italians @ 5%
#09 - Indians @ 2%
#10 - Emiratees @1%

If you find this list accurate let me know. If you find this list offensive, e-mail TripAdvisor.com directly.....I hate nothing to do with this survey.

Happy Flying!

Taking To The Skies For Thanksgiving? Checkout AeroChannel.com

2008-11-24T18:18:00.000-08:00

Web: www.stevenfrischling.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

24/11/2008 – Taking To The Skies For Thanksgiving? Checkout AeroChannel.com

Will you be one of the 4,500,000 people taking to the skies this coming Thanksgiving Weekend? If you are, be sure to track your travel with AeroChannel.com

AeroChannel's complete airport information, including traffic, parking, check-in times, security wait times and gate information, creates a simple web site solution for travelers throughout the United States. When traveling most travelers must check multiple web sites to access this information, while AeroChannel keeps all the info in one user-friendly location online.

Away from your laptop and searching AeroChannel from your mobile phone? No problem, visit www.aero2go.com

For travelers who'd like simple updates being sent to their mobile devices, AeroChannel also offers user-friendly options such "Keep Me Updated." This feature allows you to look up information and have updated information sent to you as it becomes available.

So before you hear out to the airport to catch your flight, or pick up people up at the airport head on over to www.aerochannel.com from your computer or www.aero2go.com from your mobile phone.

Have A Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Flying!

Canadian Supreme Court Rules 'Obese' Passengers Entitled To Two Seats For A Single Fare

2008-11-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

20/11/2008 – Canadian Supreme Court Rules 'Obese' Passengers Entitled To Two Seats For A Single Fare

Canada's Supreme Court has ruled that obese passengers are entitled to two seats, rather than a single seat, for the cost of a single seat. This ruling set forth by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), and upheld by the Canadian Supreme Court, states that the two seats must be provided for those who are 'functionally disabled by obesity."

The ruling by the Canadian Supreme Court, and the CTA, fails to address a significant concern, the airlines' loss of a revenue seat. Airlines run on very thin margins, and on high yield routes, the forfeiting of a revenue seat can cost the airline can be costly.

If the ruling that 'functionally obese passengers' are entitled to two seats is to be enforced, a series of guidelines must be put into place. These guidelines must dictate either a height-to-weight ratio, or some guideline stating the circumference of the passenger to qualify as 'functionally disabled by obesity.' If hard guidelines are not in place, anyone is free to state they are obese, and in turn airline are free to deny this newly upheld passengers right in Canada.

The ruling by Canada's Supreme Court does not address how this ruling will affect passengers flying on connecting code-share flights.

When booking a flight, will passengers be required to declare that they are obese at the time of booking? What protocol will be established for granting a second seat to obese passengers on full and oversold flights? Will the obese passenger be bumped? Will another passenger be forced to be bumped? Airlines needs to establish a protocol for passengers flying on Embraer 135/145, or other aircraft with 1-and-2 seating when their seating rights disrupts parties traveling together, seeking the two seats together.

Additionally, this ruling does not take into account passengers who are unable to fit into business class seats. Of course the arm rests in business class seats do not go up, confining passengers to a single seat. Since this is not addressed in the CTA ruling, or the ruling upheld by Canadian Supreme Court, it is something that may still be demanded by those who qualify as 'functionally disabled by obesity.'

Overall I think this ruling will eventually be heard in the courts again, despite the Court's decision to not hear the new appeal. The Canadian Federal Court of Appeal has already previously rejected by the Canadian Federal Court of Appeal.

Until concrete guidelines are set in place, this topic will come up and be challenged regularly by the airlines in Canada and by the passengers who fly to, and through, Canada.

Happy Flying!

iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Packing

2008-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

Web: www.stevenfrischling.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

20/11/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Packing

Packing for a one day trip or a one-week trip is the same for me. I am slow, methodical and spent a considerable amount of time compiling what I need. Once I have assembled everything in front of me I spent an hour mumbling incoherently to myself as I remove items, add items and pack everything in my bag(s).

Departing is somewhat easy; it is the return that can be stressful. At the end of a short business trip, an assignment or a long vacation, travelers tend to pack at the last minute. Last minute packing often causes people to be forgetful and leave items behind.....this is where the iPhone 'App' Of The Week "Packing" comes in very handy.

Packing is simple to use. You set up a packing list for yourself. You add items to the list. As you pack those items you place a check mark next to them. Could it get any simpler?

Since downloading Packing I have used it to track a variety of packing situation. Since entering my 'Day Pack - Run Kit' I have chosen to permanently leave this packing list in my iPhone, as it is a fairly constant kit.

Packing allows you to view pre-created Sample Packing Lists, as well as create a list from a template, or creates lists from scratch. As a photographer, none of my packing set ups match any sample lists or templates, so I have been creating lists from scratch simply and quickly.

Using Packing is simple in practice. As I begin to put my gear and personal items away I take out my iPhone, open Packing, and scroll down my list checking off everything I have stowed away

Best of all for all travelers, the Packing 'App' is easy, functional, hard to lose (unless you lose your iPhone), not prone to bad handwriting, and can be easily edited.

Next time you sit down to print out your print-at-home boarding pass also take a moment to download Packing from the iTunes App Store.

Below are five screen shots of Packing (typos and all...)

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge--

Contest Winner Of The Mountainsmith Amp

2008-11-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Web: www.comeflywithfish.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

20/11/2008 – Contest Winner Of The Mountainsmith Amp

On Monday, the 17th of November, Flying With Fish began a three-day contest to win a Mountainsmith Amp mobile phone holster.

This contest was in two parts.

The first part asked those who entered to answer what the Acronym 'Qantas' stood for. Nearly everyone who answered got this question correct, however six people did manage to find the incorrect answer through using search engines.

The correct answer is: Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd.

The second part of the contest was a Bonus Question. This Bonus Question allowed for the first person to properly answer what colours Pan Am used to print the airline's Clipper Cargo 'Press Luggage' tags would automatically win the contest.

Not one person got the Bonus Question correct. Some people were in the ballpark. Most people responded with 'blue & white' and one person answered the following.

"My guess is that the Clipper Cargo tags used some of the following colors, blue, white, black, green, yellow, orange, red, purple"

While this answer was tossed out, the answer did have the three colours used to make up the Pan Am tags.

So what is the correct answer? The Pan Am Cargo Clipper 'Press Luggage' tags are Red, Black & White.

..........so who wins the Mountainsmith Amp mobile phone holster?

The winner is Michael Kramer of the Red Tail Arabian's horse farm. Michael won by a random drawing, however as chance would have it, Michael had the closest answer for the Pan Am tags.

Below is a photo of my Pan Am Clipper Cargo "Press" tag for luggage. The tag is circa September 1965.

Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--

New TSA Public Service Push To Educate Travelers

2008-11-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

19/11/2008 – New TSA Public Service Push To Educate Travelers

This morning I received an e-mail from the Ad Council and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding the agency's new "Why?" Campaign. Normally I skip these e-mails, however this was not only addressed to me personally, but the people at the TSA and the Ad Council have clearly read Flying With Fish, so I gave it a read.

Once I finished the e-mail I spent some time speaking with both the Ad Council and the TSA regarding the new campaign, and while I may disagree with a reasoning behind a number of the TSA's policies, I do see the value in the "Why?" Campaign. Why do I see the value in the "Why?" Campaign? Because at its core it is centered around educating inexperienced flyers navigate the TSA airport security checkpoint process. When passenger are informed and ready they flow more easily through the checkpoint with less stress, more efficiency and this speeds up the process for everyone.

So once I decided that participating in the "Why?" Campaign was a good idea, I fired off the information to the folks at AeroChannel.com, watched the three TSA supplied videos and decided I'd go about promoting the education of passengers in my own way.

The "Why?" Campaign focuses on three important areas
- Why ID?
- Why Shoes?
- Why 3oz liquid limit?

Having spent a significant amount of time studying airport security I do not agree with the actual reasoning behind the three "Why?" questions, however once you have arrived at the airport, this is not the time to disagree. Once you have entered the TSA screening checkpoint you either follow the established rules or you do not fly. If you do disagree with the policy in place, you need to contact the TSA Chief Kip Hawley at Kip.Hawley@dhs.gov, or your representatives in the House & Senate.

.......anyway, what are the basics everyone needs to know? Here they are

1) When flying, all adult passengers must present a valid government issued photo identification. This ID may is usually your drivers license or your passport (If you have a "Passport Card" some TSA check points are know to reject this as a form of ID for some reason). Having your identification out and ready with your boarding card as you approach the TSA ID Checker podium will allow you to continue moving quickly rather than being forced to stop and retrieve your ID

2) When you approach the walk through metal detector (WTMD) you need to remove your shoes and place them through the X-Ray. Ideally you want to remove your shoes at the start of the baggage table as you pick up the bins to place your personal items through the X-Ray. I often remove my shoes when I am 2 or 3 people away from the bin table, then place my shoes in the first bin through the X-Raw along with my jacket/vest/sweat shirt. Having your shoes off and ready speeds up the process for you, the while line, and eliminates the delay of a TSA screener forcing you to get a bin and holding up the whole line.

3) The TSA requirement for liquids is "3-1-1." The "3-1-1" stands for 3oz maximum per liquid (100ml is also acceptable), placed in a single 1-quart clear plastic bag, per 1 passenger. Once you approach the X-Ray make sure your 3-1-1 bag is out and visible. I place mine on top of my shoes or jacket when I push my first bin through the x-ray.

Not on the TSA "Why?" Campaign list is your laptop and other select large electronics being required to be out and placed separately in a bin at the X-Ray. If you are flying with a laptop computer, CPAP breathing machine, full-size DVD player, full-size video game console (this does include a Wii) or a video camera that uses video cassettes, you must have these items out of their bags and placed individually in a bin for screening at the X-Ray machine.

Should you be in an airport that is employing the TSA Self-Select "Diamond Lanes" be sure to pick the lane appropriate to your skill level as a traveler. If you are a novice do not enter the expert lane because it looks shorter. If you are traveling with kids, please use the lane designated for use by families, rather than entering another lane. Using the proper lanes designed for various skill levels of travelers will reduce everyone's stress and allow the security checkpoint lanes to flow smoothly.

If you are unfamiliar with the TSA Self Select 'Diamond Lanes' please read here:8/05/2008 - New TSA "Self Select" Security Lanes - The Good & The Bad

For travelers who are completely unfamiliar with transitioning through airport security, I encourage you to read the following entry on Flying With Fish :2/07/2008 - Anatomy Of An Airport Security Checkpoint

.....and lastly, because thieves love travelers flying during the holidays please read this before heading to the airport: 21/05/2008 - Airport Security Screening System : Get Through Security With Ease & Safety

You can also watch me demonstrate some techniques for minimizing becoming the target of an airport thief here: Fish On Good Morning America

Following the above information will make your trip through airport security, quicker, easier and stress free.

……..on a side note, the TSA has chosen to have these three videos played on the CNN Airport Network televisions in airports throughout the United States. This is an interesting choice, given that CNN Airport Network TVs exist exclusively ‘post-security,’ usually in the gate area. This means that the three informational videos on proper procedures for crossing a TSA security checkpoint will be shown after passengers have already crossed through the TSA security checkpoint.

Below are the three TSA public service announcement videos.

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Begin Each Video--

TSA - Why You Must Show ID

TSA - Why You Must Remove Your Shoes

TSA - Why Your Liquids Must Be 3oz Or Less

GreenerPhotography.org : Photographers Working To Preserve The Environment

2008-11-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Web: www.stevenfrischling.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

18/11/2008 – GreenerPhotography.org : Photographers Working To Preserve The Environment

A topic frequently discussed on Flying With Fish is reducing your carbon footprint. This site has discussed the purchasing or carbon offsets, the choice to 'downgrade' rental cars on the road to save fuel, and the use of bags made from recycled materials.

This morning I was introduced to Greener Photography (www.greenerphotography.org), a new forming organization that should be visited, and supported in its goals. Greener Photography's goals are to encourage photographers to 'Consider. Conserve. Connect.' By taking steps to operate in a more environmentally friendly way as a photographers, business, people in our daily lives, we can help the one world we share and all live in.

If you're a photographer and you'd like to help support the preservation of our environment, the only global environment we'll ever have.........go visit www.greenerphotography.org

Happy Flying!

Euro-Hop Travel Photography Boot Camp Details Announced!

2008-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Web: www.comeflywithfish.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

17/11/2008 – Euro-Hop Travel Photography Boot Camp Details Announced!

Photographers dream of seeing the world through their lens. Being a photographer on the road is exciting, it is an adventure. Traveling as a photographer is also a challenge!

The Euro-Hop Boot Camp transforms your excitement and sense of adventure as a photographer into a hand on, in-the-field, learning experience. This Boot Camp will maximize your knowledge, and further your skills as both a photographer and a traveller on the road.

Few places on Earth can rival Europe's history, architecture and proximity of world class cities. Europe is the perfect location to learn how to travel effectively, moving through a new historic city, in five different countries, in five consecutive days.

The Euro-Hop Boot Camp is designed to teach photographers of all skill levels a wide range of skills for traveling as a photographer. Going into this Boot Camp there will be significant challenges to overcome.

Due to the pace of travel,participants may only bring what they can carry on their back while shooting. There will be no checked luggage, and immediately upon arrival in each city we'll head straight into the city to begin shooting. While working on the ground there will be language barriers and jet lag issues that must be overcome. Throughout the Boot Camp everyone will learn to work outside of their personal comfort zone, to relax, open their eyes, and embrace the challenges that await them.

Your instruction will begin long before we board the first flight. Prior to our departure each participant will receive personal instruction on packing, gear selection, and overcoming the obstacles that wait for them during the Euro-Hop Boot Camp.

All participants in the Get Up & Fly Boot Camp will receive a Mountainsmith bag, selected by Fish, courtesy of Mountainsmith.

-- When is the Boot Camp?

The Euro-Hop Boot Camp is scheduled to depart the evening of February 7th and return on the afternoon of February 13th.

-- Where does the Euro-Hop Boot Camp depart from and return to?

The Euro-Hop Boot Camp will depart from and return to New York’s JFK International Airport

-- Where are we headed? Is there an itinerary?

The following is the current scheduled travel & shooting itinerary:

February 7th - Depart New York's JFK International Airport for Amsterdam
February 8th - Amsterdam
February 9th - Stockholm
February 10th - Frankfurt
February 11th - Prague
February 12th - Paris
February 13th - Depart Paris for New York's JFK International Airport
(any city may be swapped for a different city due to airline schedule changes)

-- What does the Euro-Hop Boot Camp cost?

The cost of the Euro-Hop Boot Camp is US$3,500.

The US$3,500 cost includes round trip airfare between New York-&-Amsterdam/Paris-&-New York; all intra-Europe flights, additionally all taxes associated with air travel are included this fee. Travel is expected to be on SkyTeam Alliance airlines, however this is subject to change due to flight schedules.

-- Are food and lodging covered in this cost?

Lodging is not covered and food are not covered. Once there is a final head count, tourist class hotels will be booked and split between 2 or 3 participants per room. A rough estimate will be US$100 per night for lodging.

Any questions? Drop me an e-mail at fish@flyingwithfish.com
Please Do Not Leave Answers In The Comments Section!

To visit the other Flying With Fish Travel Photography Boot Camps visit: www.comeflywithfish.com

Happy Flying!

CONTEST! : Win A Free Mountainsmith Amp

2008-11-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

17/11/2008 – CONTEST! : Win A Free Mountainsmith Amp

A little less than two weeks ago I wrote about the Mountainsmith Amp mobile phone holster. In this post on Flying With Fish I also mentioned my plans to stockpile a few Amps, because they are scheduled to be removed from the product line in the near future.

Since I have loved using the Mountainsmith Amp with both my iPhone and my Motorola Razr, I've decided to give a brand spanking new Amp away. This give away is from Flying With Fish, not Mountainsmith (although they are welcome to kick in a few extras if they feel like it). Why am I giving one of mine away? Because I'm sure whoever gets the Amp will love it also both at home and on the road.

The contest to receive the Mountainsmith Amp is simple.....in two parts

Part 1: You must correctly answer this question - What is the name 'Qantas' an acronym for? (Careful, two websites that pop up when you Google this answer have the incorrect answer). Those who have submitted the correct answer will have their names entered into random drawing two days from now, on the evening of Wednesday November 19th.

Part 2: As a bonus question, the first reader of Flying With Fish who can correctly tell me the colours that Pan Am used to print their "Press Luggage" tags in the 1950 and 1960s, you'll jump the line and automatically win the Mountainsmith Amp.

.....here is a hint, the 'Press Luggage' tags were marked as "Clipper Cargo"

Have the answers? Drop me an e-mail at fish@flyingwithfish.com

For more info on the Mountainsmith Amp, read this post :
6/11/2008 – Mountainsmith Amp : A Phone Holster For People On The Run

Happy Flying!

16/11/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Travel Photography Boot Camps : Gura Gear Kiboko Photo Backpack : Backing Up On The Road 101 : InsideTrip.com

2008-11-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

16/11/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Travel Photography Boot Camps : Gura Gear Kiboko Photo Backpack : Backing Up On The Road 101 : InsideTrip.com

This is has been a somewhat short week on Flying With Fish. I've been tied with other projects. Some that will hopefully be useful to photographers and others that should be useful for frequent flyers.........if your frequent flying photographer you may benefit all around.

For those of you looking for an whirlwind educational adventure shooting photos in five wonderful European cities, be sure to check www.comeflywithfish.com, then details for the Euro-Hop Boot Camp are released.

Looking for regularly updated information related to traveling as a photographer or just traveling in general? Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish

So where did this week begin? It began with the relaunch of the Flying With Fish No-Jet-Lag Travel Photography Boot Camps, at www.comeflywithfish.com. Currently there are two Boot Camps on the site with the third one being posted tomorrow, the 17th of November. For more information visit : 10/11/2008 – New Travel Photography Boot Camps Released On Come Fly With Fish!

Photographers are always searching for the ideal camera bag. While there is never an ideal camera bag, as different situations require different bags, this week I was one of the first people to receive the new Gura Gear Kiboko backpack. Having taken the Gura Gear Backpack apart a few times, stocking it with a few potential sets ups, and hauling it around for the week, I can only say "WOW!" While this backpack does not hold a laptop like many others, the bag is wonderfully designed, ergonomic, extremely light and well planned out. To read more about the Gura Gear Kiboko and see detailed photos of the backpack check out this post: 11/11/2008 – Gura Gear Kiboko Photo Backpack : A First Look At A Fantastic Bag

Working on the road poses many logistical problems. One of these problems is backing up date while on the road. Laptops and external hard drives are prone to impact damage and water damage. So what do you do to keep your data secure? Find out here: 12/11/2008 – Backing Data Up On The Road 101 : Part 1

Have you ever wanted to easily book your flights based on on-time statistics? Traveling can be stressful and knowing the likelihood you'll arrive on-time can be an important part of your travel logistics. InsideTrip.com, while in the Beta Stage, is turning into a fantastic online booking tool for those seeking detailed information on flights before they book them. For more information on what InsideTrip.com can offer business travelers searching for flights, click here: 13/11/2008 – InsideTrip.com : Booking Your Flights Based On On-Time Statistics

...............and for those of you looking to make an impulse vacation purchase, Qantas is offering a very limited 2-for-1 special on select flights! This sale ends 12:midnight on the 17th of November 'your local time' (their web site reads your IP and knows where you are). For more details visit www.qantas.com

Happy Flying!

InsideTrip.com : Booking Your Flights Based On On-Time Statistics

2008-11-13T22:45:00.000-08:00

Web: www.comeflywithfish.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

13/11/2008 – InsideTrip.com : Booking Your Flights Based On On-Time Statistics

Very often when I choose my flight schedule I try and find out a flight's on-time performance. In the past finding much of this information required me to use two or three web sites. While gathering this information is important, it could be cumbersome.

Using a new web site InsideTrip (www.insidetrip.com), which is still in its 'Beta Stage,' I am now able to have this information easily at my fingertips. Not only does InsideTrip show display the on-time statistics, it also displays the average security wait times for the flight, the load factor of the flight, and other valuable information.

Why is knowing the on-time statistics of flights so important to me? This information allows me to make educated decisions on the creation of complex itineraries, with minimal unnecessary time on the ground.

Obviously there are many unexpected factors that can come into play, such as weather, accidents, the occasional Union going on strike in Europe, but what I am looking for is the overall performance of the flight.

While looking up an itinerary for a business traveler in New York, who only needs 2 hours in Central London, this information allows me to quickly create a very short trip for this flyer. This business traveler will be flying between New York's JFK to London Heathrow (LHR) on November 24th, returning on the afternoon of November 25th. The following is the information gathered for this trip on InsideTrip in just under 45 seconds:

--OUT-BOUND--
Date: 11/24/2008
Flight: Virgin Atlantic/VS 4
Depart: New York/JFK (JFK)@ 6:10pm EST
Arrive: London/Heathrow (LHR) @ 6:20am GMT
Travel Time: 7hrs 10min
On-time States: Fairly Reliable / 70% On-Time
Security Wait: 8 minutes average
Aircraft: Airbus A340-600 (346)
Legroom: 55" (Business Class)
Average Age of Fleet: 3 Years
Load Factor: Fairly Full / 82%

--IN-BOUND--
Date: 11/25/2008
Flight: Virgin Atlantic/VS 45
Depart: London/Heathrow (LHR) @ 2:00pm GMT
Arrive: New York/JFK (JFK) @ 5:05pm EST
Travel Time: 8hrs 05min
On-time States: Less Reliable / 49% On-Time
Security Wait: n/a
Aircraft: Airbus A340-600 (346)
Legroom: 55" (Business Class)
Average Age of Fleet: 3 Years
Load Factor: Fairly Full / 82%

With this information found on InsideTrip, in under 45 seconds, I am fairly certain my client can get into Central London by 8:30am via the Heathrow Express and get back to Heathrow by 11:30am to check in, via the Heathrow Express.

While the return flight is only on-time 49% of the time, for this itinerary, what is most important is that the JFK-LHR flight is on-time 70% of the time (using other resources to view the last 10 days of actual departure/arrival times I can see that even if the flight is an hour late, this flyer should still be safe to get to their meeting by 8:30am GMT)

So, next time you're checking your flights, why not head over to www.insidetrip.com and check out this information for yourself.

Happy Flying!

Backing Data Up On The Road 101 : Part 1

2008-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

12/11/2008 – Backing Data Up On The Road 101 : Part 1

Working on the road has many challenges. One challenge is backing up your critical data as it is produced. When on the road the unexpected can happen and sometimes the unexpected can be devastating to your work and your data.

When on the road I generally employ two different back-ups to my work daily (or when the opportunity presents its self). In this entry of "Backing Up On the Road 101” I am only going to discuss the simplest, least expensive and most secure way to ensure your data survives disaster.

What is this "magic solution?" Simple, it is using solid-state USB Flash Drives. The capacity of the USB Flash Drives is increasing while the prices have been steadily dropping over the last few years. With 16gb USB Flash Drives now readily available for under US$50.00, and 32gb USB Flash Drives coming in at under US$100.00, backing up critical data on the road is pocket sized and cost effective.

So what makes USB Flash Drives ideal for secure data backup?

For starters the drive is sold-state. Unlike your laptop (well most laptops) and external hard drive, a USB Flash Drive has no moving parts. By using solid-state memory if your flash drives suffers an impact, there is a very minimal chance you'll lose any data. It is actually difficult to break most USB Flash-Drives through normal use (and even dropping them from two floors up while bored at 2:00am in an airport to see if the USB Flash-Drive can survive the impact).

USB Flash-Drives are sub-pocket sized. These drives are often called 'thumb drives' because they are about the same size an adult's thumb. When packing it is very easy to toss half-a-dozen USB Flash Drives in your bag without taking up any space. I toss mine in a small pouch that carries my CF Card reader, USB cords and some other travel-technology basics.

Since USB Flash-Drives are solid-state, and have no moving parts, they require no external power. When you want to transfer your data you can do it anywhere. You just plug the Flash-Drive in and transfer your data. As an added bonus, USB Flash-Drives also requires very little power from your computer to power them. This makes life easy when working in an area with limited electrical outlet access.

The real security of storing data in a USB Flash-Drive is noticed when working in potentially adverse conditions that involve equipment getting wet, such as sitting at the bar in the airport (I don't drink, but I do like buffalo wings & salad, which can usually be found at any airport bar)........or covering a hurricane. It is nice to know that it is virtually impossible to drown a USB Flash-Drive. I have accidentally dropped a USB Flash-Drive into water and fun my Compact Flash Cards through the washer and never lost any data. Should your hard drive get drenched, chances are you killed your hard drive. Should you get your USB Flash-Drive wet, you simply (carefully) dry it out. Once dried out, you insert it into the USB port and recover your data.

There is a downside to USB Flash-Drives. USB Flash-Drives are much slower than mechanical hard drives. You will experience this speed difference when uploading and downloading data. While the speed difference is significant, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives, and the security of using a USB Flash-Drive is ideal on the road.

Below is a photo of one of my USB Flash-Drives working with my Apple 13" MacBook

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge Them--

Gura Gear Kiboko Photo Backpack : A First Look At A Fantastic Bag

2008-11-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

11/11/2008 – Gura Gear Kiboko Photo Backpack : A First Look At A Fantastic Bag

If you're a photographer you've had at least one day you can recall waiting by the door for the FedEx/UPS/DHL truck to arrive at your door. You spend your morning checking your tracking number online and when the box arrives it feels like the First Night of Chanukah (or Christmas, or your birthday morning, etc etc, etc).

Yesterday was one of those days of anticipation as I awaited the arrival of the Gura Gear Kiboko photo backpack. The Gura Gear web site was just launched a mere 7 days before the bag arrived, on the 7th of November, so if you're reading this scratching your head saying "What's Gura Gear?" I'm not surprised.

Gura Gear is the creation of wildlife and safari photographer Andy Biggs. The genesis of this bag was simple: to create a highly functional, extremely comfortable, international airline carry-on compliant and extremely light weight bag to carry Andy's long glass for travel to and from safaris in Africa.

The weight and size of this bag were really my primary draw to the bag. Weighing in at just under 4-pounds (1.8kg), while still having the maximum international carry-on size dimensions, this bag is more than half-the-weight of the Think Tank Airport Addicted, which is roughly the same dimensions as the Kiboko.

Picking the Kiboko up empty I could immediately feel the difference in weight between it, and my much loved, used, traveled and abused, Think Tank Airport Addicted (which has logged at least 300,000 flying miles with me on three continents). This bag is almost like lifting air.

When you receive a Gura Gear Kiboko bag the first think you notice is that there are no straps. The second think you'll probably notice is a full-page sheet of instructions telling you were to find the straps and how to use them. They are easy to locate, simple to set up in a few seconds and the bags ingenious design for stowing the straps when not in use is brilliant. The ability to secure the straps in the fashion designed for the Kiboko is great when placing a bag under the seat in front of you, in the overhead, or when tossing it on the baggage trolley walking through the airports.

Once you have the bag open you'll notice there are two separate main compartments to the bag, rather than one large compartment. For my purposes, this is a great design to separate my gear. Andy designed this bag for use with long lenses in mind, as he places a Canon 500f4, with a body in on compartment, and a handful of other lenses and two bodies in the other compartment. This set up is great for not only wildlife shooters, but also sports photographers.

My use, and interest, in the Kiboko backpack has nothing to do with long lenses, sports or nature. My interest was in having a lightweight bag to pack my cameras/lenses along side a full compact lighting kit that was self-contained. In my set up of the Kiboko bag, the left side contains two bodies, 7 lenses and a set of lens hoods; the right side contains two flashes, two light stands, four Pocket Wizards, a small soft box and other accessories.

The complete break down of how set this bag up, and how I plan to take it on the road is below:

LEFT SIDE
2 - Canon EOS 1D series bodies
4 - Detached/Stacked lens hoods (85f1.2, 50f1.4, 24f1.4, 16-35f2.8)
1 - Canon 28-70f2.8 (with reversed lens hood attached)
1 - Canon 85f1.2 (stacked under 14f2.8)
1 - Canon 14f2.8 (stacked on top of 85f1.2)
1 - Canon 16-25f2.8
1 - Canon 50f1.4 (stacked on top of 70-200f2.8)
1 - Canon EF-12II 12mm extension tub (stacked on top of 70-200f2.8)
1 - Canon 24f1.4 (stacked on top of 70-200f2.8)
1 - Canon 70-200f2.8 (stacked under 50f1.4, 24f1.4, EF12 II)

RIGHT SIDE
2 - Manfrotto 3373 compact light stands
4 - Pocket Wizard sender/receiver
2 - Nikon SB-28dx speedlights
1 - Photoflex Q39 small soft box
1 - Photoflex small speed ring
1 - Bogen 3007 mini tripod w/3007 extension pole
1 - 1qt bag containing small part accessories & PC cords
2 - Calumet Swivel adapters

Four additional Canon 1D series batteries, and four packs of 4-AA batteries, and four sets of 2-AA batteries, small roll of Gaffers tape, were placed in the exterior left side flat pocket (not photographed). I envision using the right side flat pocket for basics such as a battery charger, a surge bar and some other basic essentials as needed.

Having placed this bag on my back fully loaded I can safely say that the Kiboko backpack is ergonomic, well thought out (even the asymetrical side carry handle is ergonomically designed to reduce carry-stress!), comfortable and extremely light! I loaded the same gear into my Think Tank Airport Addicted and the weight difference is obvious.

What makes the Gura Gear so light? The bag is manufactured from Dimension Polyant VX-21 fabric, which is roughly 1/3 the weight of other materials used in other bags on the market today . This fabric is frequently used to manufacture the sails of some of the fastest sailboats in the world! So not only is the manufacturing material extremely light it is also extremely durable.

I look forward to taking this bag out on assignments with me and putting it through its paces in the field,........but my first impressions are that the Gura Gear Kiboko bag is an absolute winner.

For more information on the bag, including it's full specs, visit www.guragear.com.

For more information on Andy Biggs, his photography and his photo safari workshops, visit www.andybiggs.com

Below are 16 photos of my Gura Gear Kiboko bag

Happy Flying!
-Click Images To Enlarge Them-

New Travel Photography Boot Camps Released On Come Fly With Fish!

2008-11-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Web: www.comeflywithfish.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

10/11/2008 – New Travel Photography Boot Camps Released On Come Fly With Fish!

Over the past few months I have been carefully retooling the Flying With Fish workshops, which can be found at www.comeflywithfish.com.

After carefully examining what I wanted to offer, I scraped the idea of a workshop and focused on what these educational journeys really are...Boot Camps! Each Flying With Fish No-Jet-Lag Boot Camp is designed to teach every participant new skills, push them outside their comfort zone, and focus on the demands of traveling as a photographer.

The new Boot Camps currently include a single day adventure...where you don't know where you're headed until you show up at the airport; 5 cities in 5 days in Europe and around the world in 10 days, shooting on 4 continents and a subcontinent.

These boot camps are scheduled for Jan, Feb & March 2009, and are designed to meet the various schedules of nearly anyone interesting in learning how to travel quick, light, effectively. No matter what travel photography boot camp you're interested in I guarantee two things.....you'll go home tired and with a new set of skills.

One boot camp not currently listed on Come Fly With Fish is the "Chinese New Year in China Boot Camp." If there is interest in this visual feast of a boot camp, and 3-to-5 people would like a real experience, I'l set it up. I have the logistics in place to arrive the morning of the New Year's Parade on the 26th of January and leave approximately 8 hours after the massive fireworks display over Victoria Harbour has ended the following night. Chinese New Year in any city is fantastic, however Chinese New Year in the streets of Hong Kong is amazing!

If anyone is interested, I need to set this up by the first week in December. Pricing should be US$3,000, including airfare, and related taxes, from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). If 3-to-5 people from Europe are interested, I can alternate SFO for a departure from Paris (CDG) for €2,550.

For more information, visit www.comeflywithfish.com

Happy Flying!

7/11/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Fish Joins Mountainsmith's Design Team : Locks : FBOweb : TSA Sells Ads Space : Mountainsmith Amp : Less Seats Fly

2008-11-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

7/11/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Fish Joins Mountainsmith's Design Team : Locks : FBOweb : TSA Sells Ads Space : Mountainsmith Amp : Less Seats Fly

This week the most discussed topic on Flying With Fish was Election Day in the United States. This topic has nothing to do with photography and even less to do with travel, but it is a topic I feel strongly about. I hope you all went out and voted. I don't care whom you voted for, as long as you let your voice be heard! The two posts on Election Day were these:
4/11/2008 – U.S. Election Day : GO VOTE!

4/11/2008 – Do You Need Some Incentive To Vote Aside From Democracy? How About Free Coffee From Starbucks?

Aside from Election Day the exciting news on Flying With Fish was being asked to join Mountainsmith's Design Board. Mountainsmith has recognized my completely unsolicited enjoyment of their gear and asked me to pitch in. I head off to Golden, Colorado, in Mid-December for the first Design Board meeting. For more info, click here :
7/11/2008 – Flying With Fish To Join Mountainsmith's Design Board

Last week kicked off discussing the advantages to using a combination lock over a key lock on your bags. It may seem trivial, but believe it or not, combination locks can provide you with some significant advantages for peace of mind. Interested in finding out why you should ditch your key locks for combination locks? Check here:
3/11/2008 – Baggage Locks : Keys vs Combination

Over the past year the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has experimented with allowing the sale of advertising on TSA security checkpoint equipment, such as security bins and the tables before the x-ray machine. I personally see this as something that needs to be discontinued. TSA checkpoints are federally controlled security area, and should be free from advertising and endorsements. Read more on this topic in this entry:
5/11/2008 – Ads At TSA Airport Security Checkpoints : Should They Be For Sale?

What can you do once you've planned your camera and lens selection, researched the perfect bag then discover the flights you researched earlier in the year no longer exist? With 59.7-million fewer seats flying in the 4th quarter of 2008 this can be tricky. For some tips on how to plan your next journey click here:
6/11/2008 – Packed To Travel But No Seats To Be Found?

This week's iPhone 'App' Of the Week, FBO Web Flight Tracker, is a fun fight-tracking tool for 'geeks.' FBO Web Flight Tracker allows you to track fights by tail number, airport, specific flight and find out where they are in the sky on a real-time map, as well as their altitude and estimated time remaining in flight. This iPhone 'App' does require slightly more than basic knowledge to use properly. Sound like a fun tool you want to explore? Check here:
6/11/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : FBO Web Flight Tracker

My quest to find the ideal mobile phone belt holster came to a stop last year on the second floor of the Kittery Trading Post, in Kittery, Maine, while shopping for a pair of pants. While browsing the store I came upon the Mountainsmith Amp mobile phone holster and I never looked back. Since I started using the Mountainsmith Amp I have never knocked my phone out, despite being banged my cameras, lenses, waist packs, belt pouches, having climbed over, on and through objects and flying around the world a few times. To read more about this durable, reliable and versatile mobile phone holster click this link:
6/11/2008 – Mountainsmith Amp : A Phone Holster For People On The Run

Next week I hope to introduce you to a whole new type of bag, this bag I should mention is NOT a Mountainsmith bag. From what I have seen this new bag looks to be a highly customizable. The bag I'll be reviewing should arrive on Monday and be packed with gear by Monday night. This bag was designed for use by wildlife photographers, and while I see incredible potential for sports photographers, for my purposes, I see this bag as a fantastic bag for traveling with a complete compact mobile lighting kit. So what is this new bag I'll be one of the first to use in the field? You'll need to check in next week to find out!

Happy Flying!

Flying With Fish To Join Mountainsmith's Design Board

2008-11-07T03:27:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

7/11/2008 – Flying With Fish To Join Mountainsmith's Design Board

Since very early on in my writing on Flying With Fish I have written about my enjoyment of using Mountainsmith's products. I have been using Mountainsmith gear for years. Along the way I have modified their gear to meet my needs, and packed their bags well beyond their intended design specifications.

Earlier in 2008 Mountainsmith recognized my completely unaffiliated, non-endorsed and unsolicited promotion of their gear and sponsored a contest on Flying With Fish. While I kept in touch with Mountainsmith over the past year, I assumed at most they would maybe sponsor another contest at some point.

Well at this time Mountainsmith is not sponsoring another contest I know of (although they are welcome to), what they have done is asked me if I'd like to join their Design Board.

It took me all of 3 seconds to accept the invitation to be a part of the process of helping design bags that make life easier for photographers. I have been involved with other companies in the past in the testing of bags, but this should be a whole different process.

So now I'll not only be a happy, long time, loyal customer of Mountainsmith products, I'll also have a hand in helping creative process of designing the bags I choose to use. It is great that Mountainsmith looks outside its own internal design team to incorporate those who use their products in the field. As my background and use of their bags is different that many of those who use their gear for hiking, climbing and working outdoors, I hope to bring a unique perspective to the table.

My joining Mountainsmith's Design Board does not prohibit me from using other bags, traveling with other bags, discussing other bags or reviewing other bags. I have many bags for many different purposes and will continue to use the other bags in my closet. I'll also continue to use whatever bag is best for each specific job.......and should the opportunity come up to work with a non-competing company, work with them as well.

My goals in working with Mountainsmith, as well as maintaining Flying With Fish, are similar. My goal is to make life easier for those who travel and put those on the road at the forefront of everything I put into these projects.

............what else may be in the future for Flying With Fish and Mountainsmith? Keep your eyes open for some retooled workshops in the near future.

Happy Flying!

Mountainsmith Amp : A Phone Holster For People On The Run

2008-11-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

6/11/2008 – Mountainsmith Amp : A Phone Holster For People On The Run

For years I had a habit of dropping, cracking and breaking phones that were on holsters on my belt. I prefer my phone be on my belt, however my camera would bang into the phone, my waist pack would open a holster flap, or the holster's Velcro was not sufficient enough to keep a phone in the case.

A little over a year ago while standing in the Kittery Trading Post, in Kittery, Maine, I found a the durable, reliable and versatile phone holster I have been searching for. This holster was the black Mountainsmith Amp, made from recycled materials. It is no secret that I like Mountainsmith's bags and packs, so when I found a mobile phone holster made by Mountainsmith I had to have one.

What separates this mobile phone holster from others is a few things
1: The Amp can be worn vertically or horizontally on your belt (I wear it horizontally)
2: The Amp has durable-&-stretchable neoprene size to allow it to fit many phones snuggly
3: The Amp has a lot of Velcro, which makes it very difficult to knock open
4: The Amp's stretchy neoprene keeps its shape, so should you knock it open you won't lose your phone.

My Amp was primarily used with a Motorola Razr V3, until I switched to the primarily using the Apple iPhone. While the Amp may appear to be too small for the iPhone, it fits it perfectly. When I travel internationally I switch back to the Razr to use local pre-paid SIM cards, and the Amp holds its shape to switch between the more slender Razr and wider iPhone. Most holsters would be to wide or two narrow to accommodate both phones, while Amp is ideal for both.

Having used the Amp in some very fast paced situations, where my phone holster is constantly being brushed, pushed and banged by a waist pack, belt-pouches or my camera gear, I have never had my phone drop out of the Amp.

The fact that the Amp is manufactured with recycled materials is just an added bonus. I strongly support recycling, the purchasing of carbon offsets when traveling and supporting those who choose to help the environment. So the Amp follows other items Mountainsmith manufactures using recycled products, such as the Tour and Day packs.

...........Mountainsmith may be discontinuing the Amp at the end of this season, so priced at only around US$10 each, you may want to snap them up now while you still can (I plan on stock piling half-a-dozen).

Below are five photos of my phones with the Mountainsmith Amp

Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--

iPhone 'App' Of The Week : FBO Web Flight Tracker

2008-11-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

6/11/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : FBO Web Flight Tracker

I have written about a few iPhone 'Apps' in the past that track flights, or have the ability to track flights, and this week I'll introduce you to a unique iPhone 'App' that tracks flights, with a twist.

Recently I have been using a newly released flight tracker for the iPhone, FBO Web Flight Tracker. When I saw this flight tracker I had to download it, as I am very familiar with using FBO Web's online flight tracking at www.fboweb.com.

What sets FBO Web Flight Tracker apart from other iPhone 'Apps' that can track flights is the information it provides you. This flight tracker is not really designed for those who are waiting to pick up a friend at the airport; this tracker is really aimed at the geeks who like to know exactly what is happening with a flight.

In order to use FBO Web you need to have some knowledge of how to search for specific codes and how to read them. An example of this is searching for flights from Kansas City (MCI) to Reagan National Airport in DC (DCA) you can't search for US Airways Flight 3430; you need to search for RPA3430. Why RPA3430 and not US3430? Because this flight is operated by Republic Airways (RPA) for US Airways. You can however search the flight by airport.

When using most flight trackers you need to enter an airlines two-character code, KL = KLM, B6 = Jet Blue, CX = Cathay Pacific, AC = Air Canada, etc etc etc. This is common. When using FBO Web you need to enter the airline identifier.

Using FBO Web on the iPhone to find the flight location for today's KLM Flight #605 (KLM605) from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) the 'App' provides me with some very detailed information. In a few seconds I am above to see a real-time map visual of where the aircraft is, find out the aircraft is a Boeing 777-200 (772/Q), the flight is at 36,000 feet, and it is due to arrive in 1hr 10min, at 12:29pm EST or 20:29-zulu time.

For personal interest I like seeing the aircraft used on certain routes. Seeing the aircraft allows me to make some adjustments when helping others plan their flights. On the AMS-SFO route KLM uses the Boeing 777-200, 747-400 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11. So matching up certain schedules, with different flying times associated and seating configurations can be valuable information for me.

The draw back to FBO Web, aside from needing to know airline identifiers, is that some airports are referred to by 'tower codes.' Rather than displaying a route of AMS-SFO, FBO Web shows you EHAM-SFO. EHAM is the ICAO identifier for Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, the more commonly used airport identifiers are the 3-letter IATA codes. I have searched for a few flights where I found myself going over to use Google and find out where a flight was coming from, being unfamiliar with some ICAO identifiers.

The Zulu-time is a good reference. All airline use Zulu-time as a universal time. By using Zulu-time all commercial flights around the world are on the same time schedule, regardless of changes in time-zones or crossing the International Date Line.

There is certainly a learning curve associated with FBO Web's Flight Tracker. Before you decide you want to download it, you should play with it online at www.fboweb.com to become familiar with the interface.

Below are five photos of the FBO Web Flight Tracker iPhone 'App.'

Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--

Packed To Travel But No Seats To Be Found?

2008-11-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

6/11/2008 – Packed To Travel But No Seats To Be Found?

You've planned your trip, you've decided what cameras to pack and spent hours staring at National Geographic..........now its time to book your flights. As you scan the flights you looked at last month you notice something odd, many of the flights you were considering flying are no longer there. What happened?

The fourth quarter of 2008 has become somewhat of a black hole for travelers using conventional booking methods (and in many cases those using unconventional booking methods). Why has the 4th quarter of 2008 become a black hole? Because there are approximately 59,700,000 less available seats being flown by airlines in this quarter of the year.

This seat shortage is especially obvious for travelers in the United States. Of the approximately 59.7-million seats reduced this quarter, nearly 20-million of those seats are directly from the domestic market in the United States.

This shift in available seats does affect the cost of travel. As the price of fuel comes down, and some airlines reduce or eliminate their fuel surcharge fees, the issue becomes supply and demand.

How can you find seats for your journey, and at a more affordable price? It all depends on your flexibility and how you choose to travel.

Some tactics are to have flexible dates and not worry about your connections. Looking at a recent itinerary for a traveler flying between New York's JFK and Sydney, Australia (SYD), I found flights ranging from US$1873 to $8052 in economy class (travel dates 15-Dec to 22-Dec).

A common choice on the JFK-SYD route is often Qantas Airways, the Australian national flag carrier. The route flies JFK-LAX-SYD, takes 22hrs and 40min, for the above dates the fare is US$2618

A passenger tied to earning One World miles, which Qantas is a member of, can also fly on Japan Airlines (JAL) and save US$513, flying JFK-Tokyo (NRT)-SYD, flying 23hrs 45min for a fare of $US2103.

For the person I was helping find a flight down to SYD from JFK, the 1hr difference in travel time equaled them saving enough money to cover 3.82 nights at the Hilton Sydney, in the City Centre. I don't know about you, but I'll kill an hour to be able to cover nearly 4 nights in a nice hotel.

As a bonus to picking up the cost difference of 3.82 nights in a hotel, but switching from Qantas to JAL this flyer will have in-seat power for their long haul flights, something not offered on the Qantas flight. For me, in-seat power is a huge plus, allowing me to charge my batteries, watch movies and of course work.

When looking for flights to Europe, many flights to, or through, London are more expensive that flying through other European cities. The taxes for travel to London, and the expense airline endure dealing with London's Heathrow Airport keep those fares higher. Yes, London can be a convenient layover with some quality airlines, but flying through Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA) , Zurich (ZRH) can be a significant cost savings.

As the seats capacity continues to reduce you need to look at alternatives that will allow you get out and see the world, without relying on the time-honoured conventional methods.

As a flyer you need to explore regional fares, such as a 'Euro-pass', 'North America pass', or 'Asia-pass', etc etc that are offered by all three major international airline alliances. These passes can be very cost effective and reduce your overall costs.

No, go repack your camera bag, rethink your trip and start replanning your trip!

Happy Flying!

Ads At TSA Airport Security Checkpoints : Should They Be For Sale?

2008-11-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

5/11/2008 – Ads At TSA Airport Security Checkpoints : Should They Be For Sale?

Over the past year the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has experimented with selling advertising space at 14 airports through out the United States. As this year long advertising experiment concludes, and the TSA moves to roll out this option throughout the United States. I feel this program gives the impression that the United States Government's first line of defense, for the security of those traveling in the United States, is for sale.

The security of the traveling public, which is a serious and challenging task, should not have perception of corporate influence. Many look at this program as something that is not a big deal. The TSA provides ad space, through Security Point Media, on the bottom of the checkpoint personal item bins, as well as on the tops of the tables leading up to the x-ray machine. If security was a private entity, or if it was owned by the airport authority, I would not give the advertising scheme a second thought.......but its not, security is maintained by the United States Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration.

Given that security is a branch of the Federal Government, under the Department of Homeland Security, I believe there should be no mixing security with ad revenue. Under the TSA's current advertising sales scheme the advertisers purchase the bins, bin carts and tables for the TSA. In trade for purchasing these items, the company secures the advertising rights to the tables and the bins.

This may be seen as a 'donation,' such as a volunteer fire department having a small sticker on a truck that reads, "This ambulance donated by XYZ Corp." In other situations this may be seen as a way for a corporation to try and gain political leverage though their financial contribution to a specific federal agency.

The TSA has shown that it has a long way to go in making sure loop holes in security are closed up and that the agency has a genuine interest in securing the traveling public. Diverting its efforts to a program that is counter productive to its image, as well as offering no benefit to security, should be rethought and revisited once the agency has its security issues under control.

What will be next? Will we see ads on passport control stations, and Custom's inspection tables, operated by the Department of Homeland Security's Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Officers?

Security must not only be secure, but it must also give the pure appearance there is no impropriety.

Happy Flying!

Do You Need Some Incentive To Vote Aside From Democracy? How About Free Coffee From Starbucks?

2008-11-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

4/11/2008 – Do You Need Some Incentive To Vote Aside From Democracy? How About Free Coffee From Starbucks?

Are you a U.S. Citizen who needs some incentive to go vote, aside from your civic duty, democracy and the participation in electing those who govern the town, county, city, state, nation you live in................how about getting a free coffee for getting out to the polls?

I am not a coffee drinker, but I know the majority of people are, so this is an added bonus for you voting coffee drinkers. After you vote, head over to Starbucks and tell them you voted. All you need to do is walk up to the counter, tell them you voted and you'll give you a tall cup of coffee (maybe I can swap this for a hot chocolate).

Go Vote!

Happy Flying!

U.S. Election Day : GO VOTE!

2008-11-04T03:19:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

4/11/2008 – U.S. Election Day : GO VOTE!

With more than 60% of my regular readers residing in the United States I have to say the following.

Close your web browser, step away from your computer and go vote!

I am not going to make this about politics. I have my political opinion, and it is not my place to try and push my political views on anyone. By today your choice should be made, your candidate should be chosen; all you need to do is cast your vote.

Choose wisely and be proud that you let your voice be heard.

Happy Flying!

Baggage Locks : Keys vs Combination

2008-11-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

3/11/2008 – Baggage Locks : Keys vs Combination

All travelers worry about having items stolen from their bags while traveling. Having items stolen from checked baggage is just as frustrating as having items stolen from your carry on bags.

When I travel I keep locks on all my bags, even when only flying with carry-on baggage. Each zipper can be secured, especially when in certain situations, and if I am taking a nap, locks are needed for my PacSafe Anti-Theft Protector.

When you choose your locks, even working within the requirements of a TSA Sentry Approved Lock, not all locks are created equal. Yes, some locks are stronger than others, but that is not what I am addressing. What I am addressing is the security and practicality of using a combination lock instead of a key lock.

Key locks are prone to two significant security concerns.

The first security concern with key locks is key locks are somewhat easily accessible to professional thieves. Most skilled thieves do not need to pick a lock, or even cut a lock. If thieves are not picking or cutting a lock, how are they opening your lock? With a key-ring full of keys.

Open a package of most baggage locks; you'll get two or three locks with only two sets of keys. This is because one key opens all three locks. Keys for many commercial locks are not unique; they will open thousands of locks. A skilled airport, or train station, their can quickly size up the lock on your bag and know which series of potential keys will open the lock.

The second security concern with using key locks is the potential for losing the keys to your lock. Should you lose your keys in transit, you'll be unable to quickly and easily access your bags when you need to. Additionally, should you break a key off in your lock (and yes, I have heard of this happening more often than you might think) your lock will need to cut off. While getting a lock cut off isn't so hard, it is not that easy when you're standing in the airport, at the gate, awaiting an international flight to board and your boarding pass and passport are in your bag............

Combination locks offer more security and considerably more peace-of-mind. A combination is only known to you and those you've told. Given that thieves cannot easily walk through an airport with a lock cutter, and the sound of a battery powered Dremel Tool sawing your lock off next to your head will wake you up, they'll tend to move on to an easier target.

In addition to slightly more security with the use of combination locks, you cannot lose the combination to your locks. Combination baggage locks tend allow the user to set their own combination. All of my locks have the same combination, this way no matter what lock I snatch out of my drawer the combination is always the same.

Yes, TSA Approved Sentry Locks can all be opened with a set of keys that should only be available to TSA baggage screeners. Yes, these keys are available to those who are not TSA screeners. This does defeat the purpose of securing your bag, however a lock is an effective deterrent. A combination lock is a more effective deterrent.

If a professional thief really wants the contents of your bag, they may be hard to defeat.........so ALWAYS try and reduce your chances of becoming a target and be aware of your surroundings.

Happy Flying!

31/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Heathrow-on-Sea? : Perfect Travel Light Stand : Delta & Northwest Become One : Lufthansa & BMI : Lufty's Expansion

2008-10-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

31/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Heathrow-on-Sea? : Perfect Travel Light Stand : Delta & Northwest Become One : Lufthansa & BMI : Lufty's Expansion

This has been a busy week on Flying With Fish. Wednesday provided no shortage of news for those who travel by air. Wednesday saw two major airline mergers/stock takeovers, and an airline cease to exist.

Before I move onto the whole weekly round up, I'd like to start off with the last post of this past week. Adorama has invited me host a workshop for educating photographers who travel, in conjunction with their Workshops @Adorama and I accepted. While some details are still being worked out, the first workshop is scheduled for the 29th of January 2009, so mark your calendars! You can read more about this evening workshop here:
30/10/2008 – Adorama To Host Flying With Fish Workshop Jan 29th

This week kicked off with the announcement that AeroChannel has started up an update info stream on Twitter AeroChannel is an excellent growing source of info for anyone traveling, primarily in the United States, and you should check them out at www.twitter.com/aerochannel . Find out more info here: 27/10/2008 - AeroChannel On Twitter

London Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports. The airport is so busy it must operate on 'slot allotments' as the airport cannot easily handle all the traffic and seeks to use Heathrow, and London Mayor Boris Johnson has no proposed building a new Heathrow on a man-made island in the Thames Estuary. Is this idea a good idea? Is this idea possible? Find out more at this link: 27/10/2008 - Can Heathrow Be Replaced By A Man Made Island Airport ?

As a traveling photographer, flying with lights can be challenging. With checked baggage fees and the potential for lost or delayed bags, I have opted to use the Manfrotto 3373 compact light stands for the past few years. Find out why I think the Manfrotto 3373 is the perfect traveling light stand here: 28/10/2008 - The Manfrotto 3373 : The Perfect Traveling Light Stand

With the global airline industry becoming increasingly volatile it is become less shocking to hear of airlines shutting down operations with little to no notice. Iceland's Sterling Airways has been teetering on failure for sometime due to Iceland's financial crisis. This week its finances ran out and the airline was forced to cancel all its flight standing thousands of flyers. To find out more about the airline's closure check here: 29/10/2008 - Iceland's Sterling Airways Shuts Down Stranding Thousands

This week I wrote a two part series on Lufthansa's growth. The first of these two parts addresses taking over 80% of BMI/British Midland's controlling stock. This purchase of 50.1% of BMI's stock does little for Lufthansa's routes, but it does make them the owner of second largest allotment of slots at London Heathrow Airport. To find out how this might affect the 70 year old, and profitable, BMI, read this: 29/10/2008 - LH Pt 1: Lufthansa To Control BMI & Become 2nd Largest At Heathrow While Also Trimming Expansion

The second part of entries on Lufthansa this week addressed the airline's announcement they would be trimming routes and reducing spending. The reduction of routes and expenses comes with the airline taking a 45% stake in one airline, an 80% stake in another airline, all while trying to take significant stakes in two other European airlines, and setting up Lufthansa Italy SpA. You can find out more about this interesting, and potentially hazardous, business plan in this entry: 29/10/2008 - LH Pt 2 : Lufthansa Trimming Expansion While Taking Over 2 Airlines & Making A Play For 2 More

This big news this week came as no surprise. The U.S. Department of Justice approved the merger of Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines, creating the world's largest airline. Find out where we go from here in this entry: 29/10/2008 – Northwest & Delta Are One Airline……well sort of…….

After a week off, the iPhone 'App' Of The Week series returns. This week I discuss the new Google Earth iPhone 'App.' This 'App' is fantastic, and an incredibly useful tool for not only photographers working on the road, but for any traveler on the road. Learn more about Google Earth for the iPhone by clicking here: 30/10/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Google Earth

It has been a long week of posts on Flying With Fish and I plan to kick off next week with some fun exciting news. I've been working hard to help photographers, and all travelers, on the road, and in one area, these efforts have been recognized by a company I used and support.

For those of who get Flying With Fish's updates on Twitter, at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish , some of this exciting news has already been mentioned........

That's it for this week HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Happy Haunting!

Adorama To Host Flying With Fish Workshop Jan 29th

2008-10-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

30/10/2008 – Adorama To Host Flying With Fish Workshop Jan 29th

The details are still being worked out, but the 2-to-2.5 hours workshop will be on Thursday January 29th starting at 6:30pm at Adorama in New York City.

The following is the basic information for the evening workshop:

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START
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Travel Logistics For Photographers : 101

Course Description:

Traveling as a photographer can be complex and frustrating with the constant change in airline regulations and security rules. With some basic knowledge about how to plan your travel, pack your equipment and find your way around specific baggage restrictions and fees, traveling with your equipment can be simple, easy and stress free.

During this course professional photographer Steven Frischling, creator of Flying With Fish (www.flyingwithfish.com), who has flown nearly 1,000,000 miles as a photographer during the past few years, will introduce you to detailed tips on how to travel as a photographer. Steven's information is relevant for amateur photographers going on vacation and professional photographers headed halfway around the world.

This workshop will focus on some choosing your equipment to save on space and weight; choosing the right style bag for your needs; basic packing techniques to maximize your space and reduce the potential for damage to your equipment; basic paperwork for travel in foreign countries; avoiding certain carry-on baggage weight restrictions; dispelling some myths about traveling with camera equipment and basic tips for reducing your likelihood of becoming a thief's target.

As every traveler has their own specific needs, participants are encouraged to bring as many questions as they'd like. The goal of the workshop is to have everyone go out into the world better informed on how to travel easier, safer and more stress free as photographers.

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END
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The cost of the workshop (which should be around the cost of excess baggage for flying many US carriers) and the sign up details will be posted when made available by Workshops @ Adorama

If anyone has any questions drop me an e-mail.....otherwise, I hope to see you there!

Happy Flying!

iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Google Earth

2008-10-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

30/10/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Google Earth

For quite some time people have enjoyed using Google Earth on their computers to check out various locations around the world.

I have been using Google Earth in conjunction with United Airlines as a fun way to search for fares, as I detailed back in January in this post: 09/01/08 - A Fun Way To Search For Airfare Specials

Google Earth is simple, you type in a location and Google Earth shows you an image of the area shot by satellite. I have used Google Earth for quite some time as a way to scout out locations. With Google Earth's ability to show you an area as broad as the entire planet and as narrow as local road makes it an ideal tool to map out where you are, where you are headed, where you want to go.

Having Google Earth on my iPhone allows me to stand in a location and get the big picture on angles I want to explore. Standing on a street corner in a city I don't know anywhere in the world, I can type in my location and find options for locations to create images. This new information found from Google Earth, in my hand, gives me a new perspective on images I can offer my clients.

For travelers who are just interested in where they are, or photographers seeking a real life, photographic image of the map in their hand, Google Earth is an indispensable tool and a vital iPhone App.

This is an iPhone App you should be downloading right now!

Below are six photos of Google Earth for iPhone locating the Eiffel Tower in Paris (its under all the blue boxes in the final photo)

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge--

Northwest & Delta Are One Airline……well sort of…….

2008-10-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

29/10/2008 – Northwest & Delta Are One Airline……well sort of…….

I guess this is goodbye to an old friend. A few times this year I have written about the merger of Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Like many flyers, as I have mentioned before, I have had a love-hate relationship with Northwest Airlines.

I grew up next to JFK Airport, in New York, and as a kid I flew from the 'old Terminal 2’, which was home to both Delta and Northwest. I have fond memories of watching DC-10s carrying the Northwest Orient logo flying over my house. I have memories of standing on the beach watching the cross-painted Northwest/KLM DC-10 flying low over Far Rockaway, crossing over the small patch of Atlantic Beach and disappearing over the horizon headed for Amsterdam.

Back in early May I wrote about touching down at Hartford's Bradley International Airport, and the feeling of flying Northwest Airlines for my last trans-Atlantic flight with the carrier. Looking out the window of seat 1A, watching the red-winglets of the 757-200 touch down, returning home from Amsterdam, would be the last international Northwest flight for me.

I have some funny stories about flying Northwest, some annoying stories about Northwest, some happy memories from Northwest.

..............anyway, onto the real point of this post. Today the United States Justice Department approved the merger of Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. A few hours after the merger was approved by the Justice Department, Delta Airlines completed its purchase of Northwest Airlines. Given that Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines have minimal overlapping routes there was minimal objection to the marriage of the two carriers. The newly combined airline will operate nearly 800 aircraft generate an estimated US$35bil in annual revenue and employ approximately 75,000 people.

Over the next year the two airlines will gradually merge their two websites and frequent flyer programs. Until the bumps-in-the-road are worked out, the two airlines will maintain separate web sites and frequent flyer programs. Northwest Airlines' cabin crews will switch to Delta Airline uniforms on the 30th of March.

Northwest's unique partnership with KLM is somewhat unknown.

So, now we sit back and wait and see what happens. It will be exciting to see the first 747-400 rollout with Delta colours........however I will miss watching the big silver birds with their red tails flying out over the horizon.

Below is a photo of a Northwest Airlines 757-200 flying off into the distance from SFO.

Happy Flying!
--Click Image Below To Enlarge--

LH Pt 2 : Lufthansa Trimming Expansion While Taking Over 2 Airlines & Making A Play For 2 More

2008-10-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

29/10/2008 - LH Pt 2 : Lufthansa Trimming Expansion While Taking Over 2 Airlines & Making A Play For 2 More

For an airline that is reportedly trimming its expenses, is Lufthansa spreading its self to thin?

Lufthansa has recently announced that it will be trimming its routes to reduce costs. This announcement comes on the heels of Lufthansa's 2008 3rd quarter net profits falling by 75%; this loss is largely due to the significant increase in fuel costs earlier this year. To compensate for this loss, Lufthansa plans to reduce spending by €246,263,870 (US$318,000,000).

Lufthansa's reduction in spending obviously does not include their interest in acquiring additional airlines. These acquisitions allow Lufthansa to grow, while also reducing their own capacity on specific routes.

Earlier in 2008 Lufthansa purchased a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines, with the option to take over 100% of the carrier in 2011.

Today Lufthansa announced it would be purchasing a 50.1% stake in BMI. This stock purchase will give Lufthansa an 80% stake in BMI

In addition to the stake in Brussels Airlines and the 80% stake in BMI, Lufthansa is pursuing other carriers as well. Lufthansa is aggressively going head-to-head with Air France-KLM for a stake in the soon to be restructured Alitalia. Alitalia will merge with Lufthansa partner carrier Air One as early as the 1st of December. Should the deal to take a stake in Alitalia fall through, Lufthansa is already making contingency plans to establish a business unit registered in Italy. This new business unit is to be named Lufthansa Italia SpA.

Elsewhere in the Lufthansa's interest in taking significant stakes in foreign carriers, is the carrier interest in Austrian Airlines. Earlier this week Lufthansa forced Austrian Airlines to push its sale deadline back from October 27th to the end of the year. Lufthansa is seeking to purchase a 42.75% stake in the Austrian flag carrier, which will be operating at an approximate deficit of €125,000,000 by the end of the year. Much like the battle for a stake in Alitalia, Lufthansa is bidding against its French rival Air France-KLM.

In these volatile times for the airline industry, will Lufthansa's wide spread stakes in foreign carriers allow the airline to grow, or will it collapse under its own weight? Only time will tell.

Happy Flying!

LH Pt 1: Lufthansa To Control BMI & Become 2nd Largest At Heathrow While Also Trimming Expansion

2008-10-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

29/10/2008 - LH Pt 1: Lufthansa To Control BMI & Become 2nd Largest At Heathrow While Also Trimming Expansion

As Lufthansa's (LH) net profits fall 75% in the 3rd quarter of 2008 and it cuts it spending by US$318mil, the airline has announced it will be purchasing the controlling stock of BMI/British Midland (BD) for £320 (US$511mil).

Lufthansa currently owns a 30% (minus 1 share) and SAS owns a 20% share in BMI, while BMI Chairman Sir Michael Bishop controls 50.1% of BMI's shares. This sale will give Lufthansa not only 80% control over BMI, but it will also give Lufthansa substantial access to the highly sought after, and financially valuable Heathrow slots.

Once the deal to take over the controlling stock is completed by the 12th of January 2009, following regulatory approval, Lufthansa will control 11% of London Heathrow's landing/departure slots.

What I find most interesting about this sale of Sir Michael Bishop's shares is Airliner World's report in August of 2008 on the profitable BMI that states the following after an interview with Sir Michael Bishop " A year ago it seemed likely that the venerable knight would decide it was time to call it a day. But 12 months is a long time in the aviation business and Sir Michael may put off selling the airline for another two or three years in the hope that the economic climate will improve."

I know that 3 months is a long time in the airline industry, that that quote following the interview leaves a lot of room for question, however BMI has remained profitable and expanding as an airline. In the face of British Airways slashing UK domestic service, most notably service in Scotland, BMI has remained solid in providing domestic service to 10 significant airports within the United Kingdom.

As a member of BMI's Diamond Club, one of the most generous frequent flyer programs available within the Star Alliance, I have to wonder how long it will take for Diamond Club to become Lufthansa's Miles & More frequent flyer program.

Lufthansa's Miles & More frequent flyer program is currently used by not only Lufthansa, but also Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish, Air One, Croatia Airlines, Adria Airways and Air Dolomiti.

This take over of BMI's controlling stock will be interesting to watch. It is likely that Lufthansa will reallocate a number of landing slots to Lufthansa flights to maximize their potential usage of the Open Skies agreement.

Hopefully BMI will remain BMI, flying BMI colours, and continue to expand. The airline has seen significant growth in the past few years and has been building its route structure with the acquisition of B-Med from British Airways. It would be shame to see this airline lose its identity and fade fully into Lufthansa.

Happy Flying!

Iceland's Sterling Airways Shuts Down Stranding Thousands

2008-10-29T04:53:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

29/10/2008 - Iceland's Sterling Airways Shuts Down Stranding Thousands

This is a story we have read about more times in 2008 than I'd like to recall. Airlines folding one after another have spread panic and fear through the minds of holiday travelers around the world.

This morning Icelandic airline Sterling Airways, which is based in Denmark, has canceled all its flights. With the Iceland's once flourishing financial sector has crumbled under the weight of the worldwide credit crisis, leaving the Icelandic Government on the brink of bankruptcy. These financial impacts have heavily affecting the airline industry and it became impossible for low cost carrier Sterling Airways to remain solvent.

A company spokesperson is quoted as saying, “Over a three to four week period, the whole financial system melted down, and that resulted in our shareholder being unable to continue his support to the company.” "Sadly, this has not had a positive outcome, and we have therefore decided to file for bankruptcy which will be done later today,"

Sterling Airways, who is owned by Northern Travel Holdings, primarily operated from hubs in Stockholm (ARN), Copenhagen (CPH) and Oslo (OSL) serviced 40 cities through out Europe. The airline has stated that Sterling Airways will issue no refunds. Passengers who paid by credit card are encouraged to contact their credit card company directly, and those who booked through an independent tour operator should contact that tour operator.

Multi-national Scandinavian airline SAS, or Norway based Norwegian Airlines, are assisting in arranging travel for a few thousand flyers stranded by Sterling Airways by offer space-available seats to those who have been affected by these flight cancellations.

Remember to always book your flights with a credit card when possible. Also, when looking to book your future travel, take 5 minutes and look around at the airline you are seeking to fly. Check the airline in the news; see if they are likely to collapse. There are many stable and solvent airlines flying today that can provide reasonable reliability for holiday travelers.

Happy Flying!

The Manfrotto 3373 : The Perfect Traveling Light Stand

2008-10-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

28/10/2008 - The Manfrotto 3373 : The Perfect Traveling Light Stand

Traveling with lighting equipment can be challenging. While it is easy to swap out large studio lights for small strobes and there are many lighting accessories for small strobes, there is still the need to travel with light stands. Light stands tend to be long and difficult to pack, with very few options available to be transported as carry-on baggage.

For the past four years I have happily carried my light stands on-board flights with me. My light stands are sometimes in the bag I am using, and more often than not attached to the outside of the backpack I am wearing. These rugged, compact-yet-full-sized, light stands are the Manfrotto 3373.

What makes the Manfrotto 3373 light stand ideal for the traveling photographer? For starters the 5-section light stand folds down to a compact 19.3", yet extends up to a maximum high of 6ft 2". At a lightweight of 2lbs the light stand can comfortably hold 4lbs. Working in right spaces with compact lights is easy with the 3373 having a maximum footprint of 3ft 3".

Each of my lighting kits has it's own set of Manfrotto 3373 light stands. I keep three in my LowePro Pro Roller II case that contains two Lumedyne heads, a Nikon SB-28dx, power pack, two batteries, set of Pocket Wizards, cables, soft-boxes, grids, etc etc. This full-size studio kit fits in a single checked bag that weighs a mere 48lbs. For the rest of my lighting needs, I keep an additional three Manfrotto 3373 light stands.

The three Manfrotto 3373 light stands that are not packed with my Lumedyne kit are used in a variety of set ups depending on my needs. The compact size of these light stands allows me to insert them in the outside pocket of most backpacks and secure them using the backpack's compression straps. While I frequently travel with a single light stand for many shoots, the design and size of the Manfrotto 3373 allows me to easily stack two together and travel with me inserted in a backpack's external pocket, secured by the bag's compression straps.

I have frequently stocked an entire mobile studio kit inside the compact Mountainsmith Parallax backpack, thrown two light stands on the outside of the bag and hopped on a flight. Earlier this year in 3.5 days I flew through 5 countries (shooting in 4 of them) on three continents, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with a Manfrotto 3373 attached to the outside of my North Face Surge backpack. Quick shoot down in Philadelphia? Pack up a Mountainsmith Day pack and attach the light stands to the securing straps to the bottom of the bag, or in the side pocket and use a carabineer to secure the stands to the shoulder strap.

Fearful of the lightweight light stand tipping over with some wind while shooting outside? There is a simple solution, I often stop by a shop such as Home Depot and pick up a few US$2.00 cinder blocks to toss on the legs when using full-size lights. When using small strobes, such as the Nikon SB-28dx Speedlights I simply place my bag on one of the legs to weigh it down.

As for flying with the Manfrotto 3373, the ultra compact size of the light stands draws virtually no attention to its self. As the light stand is smaller then international carry on restrictions, airport security almost never questions the light stand being attached to the exterior of the bag. The light stand attached to my bag has only once been questions by an airline........and that was a United Airlines flight attendant whose hobby was photography. She wanted to know what light stand I had attached to my bag.

The more I travel, the more I shoot environmental portraits on the road, the more I grow fond of the Manfrotto 3373.

Below are a few photos of the Manfrotto 3373 at work and packed as carry-on for work.
Photo #1 : 3373 set up with a Photoflex Q39 softbox for a corporate shoot
Photo #2 : Two 3373s attached to the outside of my Mountainsmith Parallax
Photo #3 : A single 3373 attached to my North Face Surge backpack
Photo #4 : A single 3373 light stands attached to my Mountainsmith Day pack.
Photo #5 : A single 3373 lashed to the bottom of my Mountainsmith Tour.
Photo #6 : Two 3373s set up in a tight space on a location shoot

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge--

Can Heathrow Be Replaced By A Man Made Island Airport?

2008-10-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

27/10/2008 - Can Heathrow Be Replaced By A Man Made Island Airport?

For those of you who have read Flying With Fish regularly since its inception, you may be aware of my affinity for London Heathrow Airport (LHR). I have slept at Heathrow more than any other airport, due to a combination of missed connections, weather cancellations and my being to cheap to pay for a hotel room.

I think if I sleep in LHR's Terminal 3 one more night the BAA might have a plaque with my name on it made up and placed on a bench near the Air Canada check-in counter.

Today's edition of The Independent reports that the Mayor of London Boris Johnson is reviving the idea of constructing an airport on a man made island off the Isle of Sheppey in the Thames Estuary. Under Johnson's concept the airport would be constructed in waters 10-to-13 feet deep and be expanded to include six runways.

The cost of replacing the 62-year-old Heathrow, which is a major established international hub? An estimated £40bil (US$61,854,790,607)

Should the British Government go ahead and choose to move London Heathrow to the Thames Estuary there will be some significant hurdles. Having read, and reread, this story a few times today I came up with a few things that the planning commission will need to keep in mind off the top of my head.

First and most importantly they need to remember the problems associated with the construction of, and sinking of, Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX), which opened in 1994. While KIX was built on reclaimed land in much deeper water, engineers misjudged the actual rate of settling/sinking of the island. The man made island KIX is built on has already settled far below the estimated 20 year sinking estimate. The island KIX is on is now at 15 feet above sea level, and continues to sink at 4cm per year, or 33 feet over 20 a year span (keep in mind the island is now only feet above sea level).

As the island sinks, it is drops at a rate faster than that of the 5,577 foot long terminal. This disparity in sinking rates requires that the terminal be jacked up off the foundation. The jacking of the terminal allows the terminal to stay level and not crack and separate in specific areas.

Given the traffic Heathrow receives compared to KIX, the island would need to be much larger than the one for KIX. Heathrow moves an average of 67.5million passengers annually, while KIX only moves an average of 17.5 million passengers per year. For comparison, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) 'only' moves approximately 44 million passenger a year, still 23.5 million less than Heathrow (London Standsted alone moves an average of 23.7 million passengers per year)

The sheer size of an island to be created, placed over bedrock, and constructed would be a massive undertaking. This undertaking needs to factor in that five international airports serve London. While the idea of phasing out Heathrow may seem logical, the airport cannot easily be replaced. The passenger traffic can be moved, in part, to another London area airport.

While London Gatwick (LGW) is semi-convenient to London, the airport is restricted to a single runway. While there have been studies to add a second runway to Gatwick, the additional runway cannot be constructed prior to 2019.

Despite LGW being confined to a single runway for both departures and arrival, the airport moves an average of 263,363 aircraft annually, or 721.5 aircraft daily, or 30 aircraft per hour. For a single runway airport LGW does moves an incredible amount of traffic, but the airport is at capacity and cannot be used to reduce Heathrow's traffic.

Like Gatwick, London Stansted (STN) is a single runway airport, but it has room for two additional runways. The plans are currently being reviewed, despite some opposition to expand Stansted's boundary. This expansion would allow fro runway #2 (and potentially #3). Stansted could have a 2nd runway as early as 2011.

I have long since voice my opinion that STN could be an alternative use for Heathrow airport. Although STN could never replace LHR or handle the traffic LHR moves. With a second runway Stansted could potentially handle up to 10mil more passengers than it handles now, reducing some traffic from Heathrow. This reduction in traffic can allow more slots to be opened at LHR.

Heathrow has aggressively been campaigning for a 3rth runway that would be significantly shorter than the two current runways. This third runway could ease congestion with the constant stream of regional narrow body flights and regional traffic. This new third runway Heathrow would be able to accommodate 720,000 movements annually or 1,972 flights per day.

So could London Heathrow be moved to an Island that could offer six runways? I am sure it could be done. The Egyptians constructed the Pyramids and a blind Chinese monk named Haitong started construction of the world largest Buddha in Leshan, China, in 713AD. With these massive accomplishments in mind, I am sure London could relocate Heathrow to a man made island.

Happy Flying!

AeroChannel On Twitter

2008-10-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

27/10/2008 - AeroChannel On Twitter

Over the past few months I have referred to AeroChannel.com as an excellent and growing source of information for flyers.

AeroChannel's dedicated team provides not only valuable information for your day of travel, but also a consistent source of commentary on the airline travel industry. I have even had the pleasure of contributing some information to AeroChannel and am happy to see the site grow. As AeroChannel grows they have begun to exploring using Twitter as a source for providing relevant information to those seeking regularly updated travel and airline info.

I am confident that as "AeroTwitters" followers grow their stream of updates will grow to match the audience.

To follow AeroChannel on Twitter visit: www.twitter.com/aerochannel

..............still here? You should be on Twitter signing up to follow AeroChannel.

Happy Flying!

26/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : PDA Boarding Passes : Miles Scam : Mountainsmith Parallax : Airport Etiquette : New TSA Rules , etc, etc

2008-10-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

26/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : PDA Boarding Passes : Miles Scam : Mountainsmith Parallax : Airport Etiquette : New TSA Rules , etc, etc

I'll kick this week's Weekly Round Up off with exciting news regarding the future of Flying With Fish. In the near future Flying With Fish will be packing up its posts, heading over to the counter to check-in and then fly on over to BoardingArea.com Boarding Area is home to some of the blogs I regularly read. To find out more about where Flying With Fish is headed check out : 23/10/2008 - Flying With Fish Is Flying Over To Boarding Area

..........as Flying With Fish flies over to its new home I plan on creating a somewhat regular schedule of updated airline and travel related posts on Twitter. You can find sign up for the travel snippets at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish

This week started and ended with the discussion of the gaping security flaws in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) policies and systems. Both entries involving the TSA address the same issue, the lack of any true security in the verification of paper boarding passes.

The first of the two TSA-boarding pass related entries discusses the new allowance of Mobile Phone/PDA based boarding passes. With this new system flyers can download their boarding pass, with an encrypted bar code, and present it at the TSA security checkpoint and again at the gate. This system is now in place at 8 security checkpoints (yes, 8 airline specific check points, not 8 airports) throughout the United States. While this new system allows for secure verification of PDA based boarding passes, it does not address the significant problems related to forged paper based boarding passes. For more information, click here: 20/10/2008 – TSA Rolls Out PDA Based Boarding Pass : A Security Double Standard

The second of two TSA-boarding pass related entries points out the significant flaws in the new Department of Homeland Security & Transportation Security Administration's new policy requiring that all passengers in the U.S., or traveling to the U.S., will be required to supply their full name and date of birth before being issues a boarding pass. This new system may sound effective, but it does nothing to address how easy it is to purchase a boarding pass using someone else's information then forge the paper-boarding pass when checking in online. To learn more about how ineffective these new security policy is read this: 24/10/2008 - U.S. Flyers Required To Provide Full Name & Date-of-Birth In 2009

Everyday criminals devise new scams. This week I became aware of a new scam when I received an envelope in the mail containing my flight itinerary for six flights throughout Europe in early December. All the flights were marked as 'confirmed' and I was excited for this trip........until I realized it was not my trip! A phone call to United Airlines lead me to find out that there is a new scam to steal frequent flyer miles. Interested in how this came works? Check here: 21/10/2008 – Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles

While packing to head out on the road for a few days I reached into my closet full of camera bags and pulled out a favourite do-it-all bag. I have come to describe the Parallax as a "clown car" bag because is compact in size yet never ending in what I can pack in it. To see how I packed this bag visit this entry here: 22/10/2008 – The Mountainsmith Parallax Photo Backpack : Revisited

This week I revisited a topic I like to discuss on Flying With Fish...etiquette. While I might not know which fork to use at a 5-star restaurant, and I have no idea how to properly greet members of the British Royal Family, I do know the basics of travel etiquette. One thing I see often that I cannot stand is flyers verbally abusing airline representatives at the airport. Airline representatives can have a very stressful job due to circumstances well outside their control...and you shouldn't make their job any more stressful. To read more on airport etiquette click here: 23/10/2008 - Airport Etiquette : Gate Agents Are Not There For Your Verbal Abuse

That wraps up this past week.

Happy Flying!

U.S. Flyers Required To Provide Full Name & Date-of-Birth In 2009

2008-10-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

24/10/2008 - U.S. Flyers Required To Provide Full Name & Date-of-Birth In 2009

As a flyer I am very much in favour of security.

Let me clarify the above statement.........As a flyer I am very much in favour of effective security.

What I am not in favour of as a flyer, as a US Citizen and as a U.S tax payer, is an ineffective security system that increasingly reminds me of George Orwell’s classic novel "1984," that in return offers the traveling public no additional effective security measures.

Beginning in 2009 flyers in the United States will be required to provide airlines with their full name and date of birth. Currently you can purchase tickets with your first two initials and your last name, and no other information is required, now you'll need to provide first, middle, last name in your reservation.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has stated that the new rules will dramatically reduce the number of flyers who are mistaken for those on the "No Fly List," which includes those on the terrorist watch list. Given that the "No Fly List" has never caught a terrorist, or come close to catching a terrorist, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may want to revamp its security measures in a less invasive manner to those traveling in the United States.

Flyers who fail to provide their full name and date of birth will be unable to print boarding passes at home, or at the airport, for any flight originating or terminating in the United States, as of July 2009. If you fail to provide this information you will be required to check in with an airline's counter agent and provide them with the information.

I do not believe these new security rules will in any way deter a terrorist from purchasing an airline ticket. The new security measures will it certainly not prevent a terrorist from boarding a flight.

As discussed in this post, 20/10/2008 – TSA Rolls Out PDA Based Boarding Pass : A Security Double Standard, anyone with a credit card or debit card can purchase a ticket online with anyone's name on it. Airline tickets can even be purchased with 'Gift Cards’ with a Visa/MasterCard/Amex logo, or an airline's gift card, these cards are not traceable back to the person using them. When the person who intends to use the ticket checks in online they simply create a PDF file of the boarding pass, then save it and import it into Photoshop. Once the PDF is open in Photoshop any name can be entered on the boarding pass. All anyone needs to do is to show proper identification and a boarding pass to get through security.

The Department of Homeland Security should begin the process of making encrypted scan-bars on boarding passes a high priority. An encrypted scan-bar would be virtually impossible to forge and change the name of the passenger using that boarding pass.

Requiring a full name and date of birth of a passenger may reduce the name of false-positives on the 'No Fly List,' but it will not reduce a determined person's ability to do harm should they choose to. There needs to be a more secure system in place......and this new one simply isn't it.

This new system is an attempt to demonstrate security to the public by creating something that sounds viable, but in reality offers nothing. This is the Transportation Security Administration's way of saying "we are focused on security,' when in reality the security loop holes are wide open and glaring.

TSA Chief Kip Hawley is quoted as saying "You have to give this information." I'd like to reply to Mr. Hawley’s quote and say "You have to provide us with valid and well planned out security measures for the flying public."

Happy Flying!

Flying With Fish Is Flying Over To Boarding Area

2008-10-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

23/10/2008 - Flying With Fish Is Flying Over To Boarding Area

For the past two years Flying With Fish has called Blogger.com home. While Blogger has been good to Flying With Fish, I have recently been invited to move the Flying With Fish over to BoardingArea.com

In the near future when you type in www.flyingwithfish.com you'll still end up at Flying With Fish, but you'll find me somewhere else online. BoardingArea.com is home to some of the best air travel related blogs online and was created by the folks who created Flyer Talk (www.flyertalk.com) and Inside Flyer (www.insideflyer.com). This move should allow the readers of Flying With Fish to explore some other excellent, intelligent, well written, blogs.

I am excited for the move and look forward to having Flying With Fish along side some other blogs I regularly read. I am sure you'll find something of interest on BoardingArea.com when I move over there as well.

Thanks for reading.......and Happy Flying!
--Click Image Below To Enlarge--

Airport Etiquette : Gate Agents Are Not There For Your Verbal Abuse

2008-10-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

23/10/2008 - Airport Etiquette : Gate Agents Are Not There For Your Verbal Abuse

As flyers we'd like the airlines we fly, and those representing them, to see our point of view every time. There have been times when I have arrived at the airport to late to be allowed to check in. I can try and sweet talk my way into a boarding pass, but when I am told "NO!" I simply ask to be placed on stand-by for the next flight.

When this has happened to me I have never stamped my foot. I have never shouted. I have never stormed off. I have certainly never shout 'do you know how often I fly your airline?' Why not? Well for starters, I accept that missing the cut off time is my fault. Secondly, airport counter agents and gate agents are people too!

I can't count the number of times I have watched a flyer shoot off the handle at an airline representative. There are times when an agent can be indifferent. There are some airlines that seem to employ more than their fair share of agents who just don't care. Overall, however, I find the majority of airline representatives at airports are helpful if given the chance.

Your flight is delayed and you'll miss the connection......it is not the fault of the airline ground staff in Denver (DEN) that the flight from San Diego (SAN) was delayed. You can express your frustration, but then also politely ask they try and reroute you before your departure. This makes everything easier for you as the traveler. As a bonus, you'll be one less person the airline rep goes home grumbling about.

Weather has you grounded in Chicago (ORD)? Do you think yelling at an airline representative will cause the airport to open up again just because you think that ‘its not that windy out?’ Weather delays happen, It is a fact of travel. Airlines don’t like being grounded either. Not only does a weather delay or closure force airline representatives to deal with angry passengers, but airlines only make money when their planes are flying. Grounded and delayed flights cost the airline money. Keep this in mind next time you feel like taking out your weather related frustration on a gate agent.

Your baggage didn't make the flight? This is extremely frustrating, but chances are the airline representative in Seattle (SEA) didn't forget to load your bags onto the flight in Orange County (SNA). You can express your irritation. I have expressed my frustration many times when my bags on one specific US Airways flight between Philadelphia (PHL) and Providence (PVD) failed to make my flight home 14 times in a single year (yes, fourteen.... as in a bakers dozen, plus one!). My frustration however is never aimed at the baggage counter agent. That person has nothing to do with my bags arriving. Being polite and nice goes a long way for getting what I need, rather than ranting.

One significant area of airport etiquette when dealing with an airline agent has to do with upgrades. If you have 'status' you know you need to be on 'the list' to wait for an upgrade. If you do not have 'status' and you ask for an upgrade you should know that it probably won't happen and if you denied you should not rant at the gate agent.

Recently I watched a woman demand an upgrade. She was denied. The flyer launched into the all to often heard "do you know how often I fly your airline?" The airline agent had a fantastic reply "clearly not even 25,000 miles a year." This of course outraged the flyer, but let a number of us in the gate area have a nice laugh.

Upgrades are a perk. If you don't get your upgrade relax, and don't raise your voice. Yelling at the one person who could possibly get you an upgrade, or pass you over for an upgrade is never a good idea. I missed more than a dozen upgrades in a row while flying United at once point. Eventually it just became funny to me. In fact, with my current frequent flyer programs, nearly 90% of my US domestic travel is done in economy. I know how cramped and uncomfortable economy seats can be.

However when I don't get my upgrade I simply thank the agent for looking, smile and walk off. This tactic has actually landed me a few upgrades (at least three I know I did not deserve)

Didn't your Mom ever tell you that you catch more Bees with Honey than with Vinegar?

Just remember that the airline representatives you are working with are people too.

Happy Flying!

The Mountainsmith Parallax Photo Backpack : Revisited

2008-10-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

22/10/2008 – The Mountainsmith Parallax Photo Backpack : Revisited

There are some photo assignments that require a wide range of equipment, for a wide range of shooting scenarios. At times these assignments also require a photographer to be able to work quickly and deal with the reality of working in confined spaces.

Over the next two days I will be shooting landscapes, architecture, environmental portraits and unscripted situations for a corporate client. Each day will involve shooting in approximately 10 locations over a 9 hour period. As I planned out my equipment I once again found myself turning towards a small photo backpack that can appear to be a 'clown car' when you pack and unpack it. This backpack is the Mountainsmith Parallax.

I first introduced the readers of Flying With Fish to the Mountainsmith Parallax back in August of 2007. Back in August 2007 I selected the Parallax to be the only bag to accompany me on my journey around the world one-and-a-half times in (flying roughly 34,000 miles) in a four-day period. You can revisit my initial thoughts on this bag here : 3-August-2007 : Going Around The World For A Few Days? You'll Need To Pack Ulta-Light

Now, more than a year later, this bag has continued to be one of the 'go-to' bags for challenging packing scenarios. For this two day corporate project the Parallax was the obvious front-runner to make the trip. The Parallax is small, so it can stay out of the way. The bag is ergonomic making it comfortable to wear when fully loaded. The bag is easy to configure and reconfigure allowing me to set up the inserts to meet my needs. The bag is deep allowing me to stack lenses, flashes and other items. The bag has tremendous and durable mesh side pockets and lash-straps allowing me to secure two Manfrotto 3373 compact light stands.

So what is being packed in this easy to carry, unassuming, fully legal for carry-on baggage backpack? Let me tell you:
1 - Canon 5D w/grip
1 - Canon 20D w/grip
1- Canon 14f2.8L
1 - Canon 24f3.5L tilt-shift
1 - Canon 50f1.4
1 - Canon 85f1.2L
1 - Canon 70-200f2.8L
1 - Canon EF 12mm Extension Tube II
2 - Nikon SB-28dx Speedlights
2 - Pocket Wizard transmitters
2 - Pocket Wizard receivers
2 - Manfrotto 3373 compact light stands
1 - Manfrotto 3007 compact tripod w/extension post
1 - Think Tank PeeWee Pocket Rocket
1 - 1-quart Hefty Bag with extra batteries, PC cord, random accessories
1 - mini roll of black Gaffers tape
1 - PhotoFlex mini Speed Ring
1 - PhotoFlex Q39 soft boxes
2 - Calumet Swivel Adapters
1 - Think Tank Cable Management 10 (with CF card reader, power supply etc)
1 - 15" Apple PowerBook
1 - PhotoFlex 22" white/white LiteDisc (Not Pictured)
2 - Canon BP511 battery chargers (Not Pictured, they were charging batteries)
4 - Sets of spare "AA" batteries (Not Pictures, they were on the chargers)

Overall, the amount this bag can haul, for its compact size is amazing. Most bags that are able to handle the size of this load have a much larger 'footprint.' Working with a larger bag is not only uncomfortable most of the time, but it also makes wearing the bag while shooting more challenging.

You can view the specs for the Mountainsmith Parallax on Mountainsmith's website at: www.mountainsmith.com

Below are 5 photos of the Parallax depicting the bag externally, internally, with all the packed gear (both packed and unpacked) and a 15" PowerBook with the bag to give you a sense of how compact the bag is.

Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--

Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles

2008-10-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

21/10/2008 – Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles

This morning I went to my PO Box to pick up my mail. My mail had the usual bills, a few catalogs and an envelope from United Airlines.

Inside the envelope was a single piece of paper with only the following information, in addition to my name and address

Frischling/Steven Mr.

03 Dec 08
Swiss 345 Coach Class
Lv: Lon / Heathrow 600a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Zurich 835a
Snack

04 Dec 08
Swiss 1248 Coach Class
Lv: Zurich 650a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Stkhlm/Arlanda 915a
Snack

05 Dec 08
Lufthansa 3001 Coach Class
Lv: Stkhlm/Arlanda 1005a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Frankfurt 1215p
Snack

06 Dec 08
Lufthansa 3258 Coach Class
Lv: Frankfurt 820a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Prague 925a
Snack

07 Dec 08
Swiss 1485 Coach Class Operated By-Helvetic Airways
Lv: Prague 950a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Zurich 1110a
Snack

07 Dec 08
Swiss 638 Coach Class
Lv: Zurich 1235p nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Paris/DeGaulle 155p
Snack

I read this over and at first I said "Great!" Then of course reality set in when I noticed three glaring problems with receiving this itinerary in the mail.

Problem #1 : My frequent flyer number was no where to be found in the info

Problem #2: The itinerary showed no flights getting me to London or home from Paris

Problem #3: This was NOT my itinerary.

Of course the fact that this was not my itinerary should have been "Problem #1" and eliminated problems #2 and #3, but sometimes you have to just say "Hey, maybe they made a mistake and this is mine!"

After a 15-minute call with United Airlines I learned that this reservation was made on the 15th of October. The person who made the reservation had my old address, with a business phone number I have listed in various places online.

When the reservation was made, who ever made it gave incorrect billing information. Despite the incorrect billing information the seats remain "confirmed" without the tickets being issued.

So what is the point in all this? This appears to have been someone's attempt to steal my frequent flyer miles.

By creating a detailed itinerary and having a 'billing problem' whoever made the reservation would then call back in an attempt to get my frequent flyer information. Once they have my frequent flyer information they would call back and attempt to book the flights using my frequent flyer miles.

Anyone doing this would need to travel with my passport right? Wrong!

Flying on a forged boarding pass is not that risky. A flyer can check-in online, create PDFs of the boarding pass, and then insert 'their name' on the boarding pass using Photoshop. To be caught doing this would require someone visually scanning the boarding pass to actually read the name on the boarding pass while also reading the name that pops up on the screen to see if they match at the gate.

How often do gate agents read the name on the boarding pass while also looking at the name that pops up on the boarding pass scanner? Almost never.

Luckily for me, while I fly United Airlines often, nearly all my miles are credited to a Europe based Star Alliance airline. Should the person who made this reservation have pressed forward in an attempt to steal my miles they would not have gotten very far. I have used nearly all my United Mileage Plus miles and only have roughly 21,000 miles in my account.

FYI: 21,000 miles won't even get you an award seat between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

I have been in contact with United Airlines. The reservation is cancelled, my information has been flagged and unfortunately I am not spending four days bouncing around Europe.

New scams are created daily, and I am glad United Airlines sent me off this envelope with this itinerary. Without this letter in the mail I would have had no idea someone was created travel itineraries in my name.

For those of you who are known to fly often and rack up a lot of miles, check your accounts once in a while. Make sure all your miles are in your account and no one is trying to take vacations with your hard earned mileage!

Happy Flying!

TSA Rolls Out PDA Based Boarding Pass : A Security Double Standard

2008-10-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

20/10/2008 – TSA Rolls Out PDA Based Boarding Pass : A Security Double Standard

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begin a beta program that allows flyers to download their boarding pass to the Blackberry/iPhone/PDA and skip printing out a paper boarding pass.

When a flyer downloads the boarding pass to their PDA, the electronic boarding pass displays an encrypted bar code that contains the passengers basic travel information. This information includes the passenger’s name and flight information. When the flyer approaches the TSA travel document checker (TDC) the PDA based boarding pass is electronically scanned by a hand-held scanner. The information displayed on the hand-held scanner is then verified against the flyers valid photo identification.

With the ability to create, and alter, boarding passes printed at home (or at the hotel), changing a passengers name to bypass security measures is very easy to accomplish. Shouldn't all boarding passes have this 2-dimensional encrypted barcode?

If a potential flyer is on the 'No Fly' list, who is a legitimate threat to national security, really wants to fly, they will purchase a ticket in the name of someone who is not on the 'No Fly' list.

Once this ‘threat’ has purchased the ticket they will check in online, and get to the print page. Once at the print page they'll create a PDF and import the PDF into Photoshop. In Photoshop they will change the name on the boarding pass to their name. With their name on the boarding pass they can walk up to the TSA's TDC with their legal legitimate photo identification and the forged boarding pass. The names will match and they'll be on their way. Once at the gate they use a non-forged boarding pass and they board the plane.

..........no I am not giving away national security secrets here. What I am discussing is information that the Department of Homeland Security is well aware of.

By implementing a bar-code scanning system through the TSA's travel document checking system it would be extremely difficult to bypass the security measures in place. The system of checking encrypted boarding passes should not be limited to the use of PDA boarding passes at a total of 8 airport checkpoints.

This system is not at 8 airports, but at 8 airport checkpoints, specific to certain airlines. New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for example has approximately 9 TSA check points. The PDA boarding pass program however is only available at one single checkpoint. You can only use the PDA boarding pass in the Delta/Northwest Terminal, and only if you are flying on Delta Airlines (not Northwest Airlines).

We need a secure system to keep a nation in transit safe. A system of positively checking boarding passes should be in place not only in the United States by around the world. A secure system of boarding pass verification should be in place not only at major airports, but at minor airports as well.

Why minor airports? Because if you seek to do harm and strike fear into the hearts and minds of the flying public, you won't risk dealing with security at a major airport such as Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). To make your job easier, you'll board your flight at a small regional airport such as New Haven (HVN), which is easier to pass through and connect to a full-loaded transcontinental or transatlantic flight out of PHL.

Checking photo identification against a piece of paper that cannot be verified is a waste of resources. Dealing with 21st century threats with mid-20th century technology is not staying one-step ahead of the threat. Current security measures react to past threats rather than looking forward towards new threats.

Having encrypted bar codes on all boarding passes is a 21st century answer to a 21st century threat and it should not be limited to an extremely small number of travelers who chose to use their PDA rather than a paper boarding pass.

Happy Flying!

17/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Fuel Surcharges; Booking To Soon? : Baggage Theft Blame Game : TSA Approves Jewish Holiday! : etc etc etc

2008-10-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

17/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Fuel Surcharges; Booking To Soon? : Baggage Theft Blame Game : TSA Approves Jewish Holiday! : etc etc etc

The leaves are turning, the air is cooling and when I look up in the sky I see long while contrails sweeping across the sky as flight pass by headed out over the Atlantic Ocean. This is the season when many begin to plan their winter vacation travel and long for their summer vacation.

This week I addressed the question of how far out is to far out to book flights with the instability of airlines these days. I also questioned when airlines might lower their fuel surcharges as the cost of fuel continues to drop. These issues are important when planning your winter and summer vacation plans.

Interested in my random short thoughts and insights on travel? Feel free to join me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish . You don't need to post, join up and sign up to 'follow me.' No personal blather, no social commentary, just small travel tidbits....never longer than 140 characters in length.

My question of airline fuel surcharges just couldn't wait for Monday, so I kicked off this week on Saturday. After reading up on cost of fuel, the following airlines dropping fuel surcharges and others adding fuel surcharges, I started to crunch the numbers associated with Northwest Airlines' Cargo reducing its fuel surcharge. By the time I was done I decided I needed to write about it......so around 5:30am I got up and wrote the following post: 11/10/2008 – Some Airlines Reduce Fuel Surcharges : Will US Passenger Airlines Follow?

The airline industry is currently in flux is it wise to book your summer flights far in advance? British airlines Air Southwest is better on passengers booking their summer flights now,however I am cautious when booking flights so far in advance. For more info check out: 13/10/2008 – Book Early For The Best Prices? : Maybe Not The Best Idea

Theft from baggage is not only mentally upsetting , but it also frustrating when you try and fill out of claim. The airline blames the TSA, the TSA blames the airlines, at worst they both blame a third party contractor. To find out who you should contact if there is theft from your bag check here: 14/10/2008 – Missing Items From Checked Baggage : Who Do You Contact?

This week Verified Identity Pass (VIP) announced that they would be significantly raising the cost of using their Registered Traveler "Clear" card. As the costs of Clear go up, my confidence in the system has been going down. Find out why I think 'Clear' is not worth the costs: 15/10/2008 – Registered Traveler 'Clear' Card Fee Goes Up To US$199: Is This Worth It? I Think Not

What happens when two planes experience the nearly identical computer anomalies over a remote section of Australia? You look into some unusual potential causes.....such as looking at the electro-magnetic interference caused by a classified military radio tower that stands 20 feet taller than the Empire State Building. Interested? Read more here: 15/10/2008 – Can A 'Classified' Military Radio Tower Bring Down A Plane? : I Almost Has.....Twice

One of my favourite holidays as always been Sukkot. The Jewish holiday follows the 'high holy' holidays and it is a fun and happy festival. Last week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration publicly stated that they do not believe the fruits and branches used while celebrating Sukkot posed security risk to commercial aviation. I have to tell you, I was worried that I might get busted for flying with a lulav branch and a ripe etrog.........OK, no I wasn't. For a good laugh read here: 16/10/2008 – The Jewish Holiday Of Sukkot Is Not A Threat To Airline Security According To The Department Of Homeland Security

Running late? Find out if your flight is as well with this week's iPhone 'App' Of The Week "Airport Status." The 'App' is easy to use and very reliable. Check Airport Status out here: 16/10/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Airport Status

An airlines' primary responsibility is safety. The airline must operate its aircraft safely and make sure their passengers arrive safely. The FAA's job is to oversee the airlines and make sure they operate safely and their aircraft are safe. The NTSB's job is to investigate accidents and incidents. Well this week the NTSB has suggest that the FAA begin detailed inspections of one of the most widely used engines on Boeing 757-200/757-300 aircraft.....which is one of the most popular passenger planes operated in the United States. Find out what caused the NTSB to make its recommendation to the TSA in this entry: 16/10/2008 – NTSB Finds Missing Parts In Multiple 757 Engines

Virgin America was rated #1 by Conde Nast Traveler readers. There are many factors that lead me to question this ranking. Find out why I question this by clicking here: 17/10/2008 – Virgin America Top U.S. Airline According To Conde Nast......but how?

The seasons are changing so go grab your camera and explore the world around you.

Happy Flying!

Virgin America Top U.S. Airline According To Conde Nast......but how?

2008-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

17/10/2008 – Virgin America Top U.S. Airline According To Conde Nast......but how?

Every year Conde Nast Traveler surveys travelers to pick their top airline. This year Conde Nast Traveler readers placed Virgin America in the #1 slot.

On one hand I agree, Virgin America is a good airline. I have regularly chosen to fly Virgin Atlantic over all other airline combined over the years when flying certain Trans Atlantic routes. Virgin's brand of airlines has a long history of being top-notch carriers.

My problem with Virgin America taking the #1 slot is that the airline only services a total of seven cities, in a total of five states. Virgin America only currently offers a total of 18 non-stop routes nationwide, which are really 9 non-stop routes since I am counting the 'return leg' as a valid non-stop route (ie: I am counting IAD-LAX as two routes instead of one, since there is also obviously LAX-IAD).

The way I see airline travel, even the most top notch airline cannot rank as #1 if it fails to service the overwhelming majority of the flying public. Yes, Virgin America goes head to head with the 'legacy' airlines on the highly competitive, JFK-SFO/JFK-LAX routes. Virgin America launched these routes first to compete with United Airlines' P.S. service, American Airlines’ Flagship Service, and Delta Airlines who are go head to head daily competing for passengers on these two specific routes.

Virgin America is extremely popular on these two routes. I know at least half-a-dozen flyers who travel this route constantly who have left United and American Airlines to fly Virgin America as their primary carrier.

While these routes are popular, and are gaining the attention of frequent flyers on these routes, what about flyers from the remaining 45 states? Clearly Conde Nast's survey was not handed to those who do not fly Virgin America routes? What about the heavy amount of frequent flyers out of Chicago? Dallas? Minneapolis? The frequent business travelers who depart Appleton, WI, Rochester, NY? Sacramento, CA?

I'm not saying I fully question the validity of the survey, however I am saying a huge portion of the flying public was missed with the survey.

Yes, I think Virgin America offers a great product. Yes, I often fly out of JFK. Yes, my most commonly traveled to (and through) airport in San Francisco.........but for my 200,000 air miles flown last year and this year, I have primarily departed from Providence, RI or New Haven, CT, flying to at least 35 airport (by quickly flipping through my records and taking a quick count) that are not services by Virgin America. I'd bet that at least 95% of the frequent flyers in the United States have a similar scenario that does not allow Virgin America to be their top airline either (it's probably more than 95%).

Conde Nast's poll also placed Virgin Atlantic in the #3 slot for international airlines. No shock they'd be in the top 10, and certainly no surprise that Singapore Airlines took the #1 slot. Singapore Airlines has been voted #1 by Conde Nast readers 20 times in the past 21 years.

Happy Flying!

NTSB Finds Missing Parts In Multiple 757 Engines

2008-10-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

16/10/2008 – NTSB Finds Missing Parts In Multiple 757 Engines

Today the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration begin detailed inspections of certain Boeing 757-200 (752) engines. This urgent recommendation comes after an NTSB inspection of a Pratt & Whitney PW2037 revealed multiple missing lugs and cracks in the turbine hub of a Delta 752 engine. An Unrelated inspection of an American Airlines' 752 with the PW2037 engine also revealed the engine had been flying with cracks in its turbine hub.

These inspections were initially prompted when Delta Flight 624 was forced to abort its take off from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, when the 757-232, powered by the PW2037, experienced power problems and was unable to lift off, on the 6th of August.

With additional similar problems found in the PW2037 engines that are operated and maintained by unrelated airlines, the NTSB ha suggested these engines be removed from service until further inspections and maintenance can be performed on each engine.

Currently there are 725 PW2037 engines in service for use with Boeing 757-200/757-300 aircraft around the globe.

With the FAA's recent record of aircraft inspection errors, could these problems have been found with closer inspection?

Recently both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have been forced to ground aircraft due to FAA errors in aircraft inspections. In March of this year American Airlines was forced to temporarily ground its fleet of 133 MD-80 and MD-90 aircraft when the FAA inspections failed to uncover problems with the aircraft's wiring bundles.

Hopefully the PW2037 engine issues are minor manufacturing problems that are quickly located, repaired and dealt with, rather than an on going issue that should have been found during FAA inspections of the aircraft.

Happy Flying!

iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Airport Status

2008-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

16/10/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Airport Status

No one likes delays at the airport. Delays are not only annoying, but also potentially disastrous when flying on a tight schedule.

Over the past few months I have used a variety of iPhone 'Apps' that are designed to keep travelers updated on airport delays. I have previously written about the iPhone 'App' FAA Wait in this post : 11/09/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : FAA Wait, now I am introducing your to "Airport Status."

Having used half-a-dozen iPhone 'Apps' I have found only FAA Wait and Airport Status to be reliable and timely on a consistent basis.

Airport Status breaks out delays by Ground Delays, Ground Stop Programs, General Delays and Airport Closures.

Each section breaks out delays by airport, reason for delay and average length of delays.

If you are flying out of Newark (EWR) and there is weather Airport Status will display "WX: TSTMS" which stands for Thunder Storms, with a minimum delay time.

Having tested Airport Status side by side with live delay information I find it to be updated in a manner that is

I have found Airport Status' information extremely helpful when travel to or from an area experiencing severe weather, as well as through airports known for significant delays, such as New York's JFK International Airport (JFK ) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

If you travel at all I suggest going to the iTunes App Store and downloading Airport Status before heading out to catch your next flight.

Below are two screen shots of the FAA Wait 'App" on my iPhone.

Happy Flying!

--Click Images To Enlarge--

The Jewish Holiday Of Sukkot Is Not A Threat To Airline Security According To The Department Of Homeland Security

2008-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

16/10/2008 – The Jewish Holiday Of Sukkot Is Not A Threat To Airline Security According To The Department Of Homeland Security

Three days ago at Sunset, on the evening of the 13th of October, the Jewish festival of Sukkot began. Sukkot is the joyous holiday essentially celebrating the harvest.

With the holiday of Sukkot approaching the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) put out the following press release a few days before the start of this holiday.

Religious Events of Sukkot

TSA recognizes that the travel period for Sukkot, a significant event for persons of the Jewish faith, begins approximately on October 14, 2008, and ends approximately on October 20, 2008.

TSA’s standard operating procedures do not prohibit the carrying of the four plants – which include a palm branch, myrtle twigs, willow twigs, and a citron through the airport or the security checkpoints, or on aircraft. These plants are not on TSA’s Prohibited Items List.

TSA understands that this is a significant religious event for the Jewish faith and has reminded its security workforce that members of the Jewish faith may be observed engaging in religious practices or meditations and carrying the four plants.

I have read this press release and reread this press release, and for the life of me I cannot fathom why someone at the DHS or TSA though they needed to announce you could travel with the items customarily found in a Sukkah while celebrating Sukkot. None of these items are banned from carry-on baggage at any time during the year.

..............so with the TSA's blessing (so to speak).........To all the Jewish readers of Flying With Fish, L'shanah tovah, and happy and a healthy 5769!

Happy Flying!

Can A 'Classified' Military Radio Tower Bring Down A Plane? : I Almost Has.....Twice

2008-10-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

15/10/2008 – Can A 'Classified' Military Radio Tower Bring Down A Plane? : I Almost Has.....Twice

Last Tuesday, the 7th of October, Qantas Flight 72, an Airbus A330-300, flying between Singapore (SIN) and Perth (PER) experienced a computer malfunction that caused the aircraft to unexpectedly climb before plunging twice.

Normally this could be written off as a run-of-the-mill computer problem, however a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777-200 experienced a similar computer malfunction in nearly the identical location in 2005.

What do these two reported potentially deadly incidents have in common? They both occurred while flying over a 'classified' United States military installation, 3 miles north of Exmouth, in Western Australia (FYI: The amount of info I can find on this classified radio tower online is extensive!). This military installation is home to a signal tower nicknamed "Tower Zero" that is taller than the Empire State Building. Tower Zero is 1,270 feet, while the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet. Tower Zero, and the additional 12 surrounding towers (six are 1,194 feet and six are 997 feet) were constructed to primarily handle naval communications for US and Australian submarines in the Southern Hemisphere.

This cluster of 13 radio towers is one of the powerful of its kind in the world, and it is known to cause electro-magnetic interference

The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) believes both the Qantas Airbus A330 and Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 incidents centered on the aircrafts on-board 'Air Data Inertial Reference Unit' (ADIRU) computer. The chances of two unrelated aircraft, produced by two difference manufacturers, flown and maintained by two different airlines, having nearly identical mishaps in the same vicinity of the of Tower Zero is practically 'nil.'

With the military base technically being classified, and of significant interest to both the U.S. and Australian militaries, investigators are still unsure of the specific cause of the two incidents. Neither the U.S. military or Australian military is willing to discuss specifics which may aid the ATSB's investigation of the cause of Qantas Flight 72's recent incident.

The incident left more than 60 people injured.

Happy Flying!

Registered Traveler 'Clear' Card Fee Goes Up To US$199: Is This Worth It? I Think Not

2008-10-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

15/10/2008 – Registered Traveler 'Clear' Card Fee Goes Up To US$199: Is This Worth It? I Think Not

A few days ago Verified Identity Pass (VIP) announced that it would be increasing the fee for registering for a "Clear" card

VIP issues the Clear Card in accordance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Registered Traveler Program. The idea of the Registered Traveler is to perform background checks on applicants for the program, speed up their airport security process.

Having looked over the Clear program, and the Registered Traveler program in general, I see only one distinct advantage to holding a Clear card. This advantage is facing shorter airport security wait times, at a limited number of airports.

Back in December 2007 I discussed Clear, and explained that I did not see the value in spending $100 for a Clear card in this entry : 18-December-2007 : To Register Or Not To Register That Is The Question! Should You Be A Registered Traveler?

Now as we are nearing the end of 2008, and Clear raises it’s cost to US$199, I see less value for Clear on a number of levels.

For the US$199 fee a Clear flyer must submit to a lengthy and invasive background check. In this check you must disclose a significant amount of personal information. In addition to this information you must also submit your fingerprints and retina scan. Back in December 2007 I said that I did not believe in a conspiracy theory, I didn't think there were black helicopters circling my house. Although I am my conspiracy theorist, I like to keep my private information private.

In the past year VIP has proven that it is not ready to secure personal and sensitive data. The most notable glitch in VIP's Clear security was in August of 2008 (which I wrote about here: 5/08/2008 - 'Clear' Registered Traveler User Information Stolen) . A laptop, containing the personal information of more than 33,000 Clear applicants and users was stolen from an office at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). To make matters worse, the data on this computer was not encrypted. All the information was available for the taking. The laptop was mysteriously returned to the same office it as stolen from a few days later, with no explanation. VIP claims the computer was not tampered with, however it would be hard to tell if a non-encrypted computer's hard drive was cloned or not.

So with all this in mind what does paying US$199 to Clear get you as a Registered Traveler?

- You are still subject to TSA searches
- Your laptop must still be removed from your bag
- You still may not bring liquids through security
- You are still subject to random secondary searches
- You may still have "SSSS" printed on your boarding pass for secondary screening

......you will however be escorted to a machine that will scan your fingerprints and your retina; you will cut the entire security line; you may (in some airports) leave your shoes on.

Since Registered Travelers are subject to all the same security restrictions of every other traveler what is the benefit of being a registered traveler? That you can leave your shoes on?

Personally I don't mind taking my shoes off. I'd rather be able to leave my laptop in my bag. I am able to leave my laptop in my bag in many other countries. If I have submitted to an intensive background check and offered up a scan of my fingers and my eye, why can't I bring a bottle of Canada Dry ginger ale from home through security with me?

Given that companies that administer the Registered Traveler program are responsible for researching and carrying out the security background checks, rather than the Federal Government, how secure is this system? Since airport security was Federalized to create a uniform system of airport security (except the few airports, such as SFO that are private airport security) shifting the responsibility to a private company is detrimental to the overall security of commercial aviation.

The installation of the Registered Traveler program is profitable to the Department of Homeland Security, but should ‘Security Theater’ be acceptable? Should allowing companies that are not proven in handling secure personal data to determine who is and is not a potential threat?

With the way the Registered Traveler companies operate, can we just have a system in place where we pay US$100 and simply get to skip the line?

.......come on, the background check does NOTHING to alter our security screening anyway when we get to the TSA checkpoint.

Happy Flying!

Missing Items From Checked Baggage : Who Do You Contact?

2008-10-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

14/10/2008 – Missing Items From Checked Baggage : Who Do You Contact?

It is all too common that I hear stories of people missing items from their checked baggage. I hear this more often from U.S. travelers than flyers from anywhere else in the world on a regular basis (then again, I don't know anyone who travels through Lagos on a regular basis).

When an item is missing from your checked baggage, whom do you contact? This is a very confusing question. This question leads to the round-robin finger-pointing extravaganza. Once you check your baggage, your bag passes through multiple hands before getting on the plane.

At most U.S. airports there are primarily two scenarios for checking your baggage with an airline to be placed in the aircraft's baggage hold for your journey.

Scenario #1: You check in you hand your bags to the airline counter agent. The counter agent tags your bag then takes your bag. From the counter the bag goes down a belt and passes into an area where the TSA has control of your bag for inspection. Following TSA inspection the bag is passed back to the airline for sorting to your flight.

Scenario #2: You check in and the airline counter agent tags your bag. Once your bag is tagged, you then take your bag to a TSA screening checkpoint. You personally deliver the bag to the TSA for inspection, and then wait for the TSA to screen your bag (in some airports you drop the bag off then walk away). Once your bag is inspected, the TSA hands the bag to a contractor who delivers the bags to a baggage-sorting belt, or back to your airline. Once the bags are dropped off they are then often screened a second time by the TSA while being sorted and delivered to your airline's ramp services. Following this secondary TSA screening, the bags are then returned to your airline for sorting to your flight.

Since checked baggage passes through the TSA and the airline, as well as a 3rd party at times, it is hard to pin-point who may have accessed your bag. Once you report it to your airlines chances are they will immediately inform you that you must contact the TSA. Upon contacting the TSA chances are they will tell you to fill out some forms, then deny your claim.

You can lock your bags using TSA Approved 'Sentry Locks." The problem with Sentry Locks is that not only do TSA agents have access to the Sentry Lock keys, but also others in the airport can somewhat easily gain access to these keys.

If you are traveling with anything of value in your checked baggage your best bet is to insure your bag and the contents. Should anything go missing, the cold hard truth is that you should contact your insurance company.

Until there is some sort of oversight in place for baggage screening, both the airlines and the TSA will continue to send travelers in long frustrating circles. I have a number of ideas for creating a security oversight system for checked baggage, however I'm sure the TSA is not interested in my opinions.

Check with you insurance carrier regarding your coverage and make sure you're covered.

Happy Flying!

Book Early For The Best Prices? : Maybe Not The Best Idea

2008-10-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

13/10/2008 – Book Early For The Best Prices? : Maybe Not The Best Idea

This morning Mike Coombes, the Deputy Chief Executive of British regional carrier Air Southwest began urging flyers to book early for the best possible airfares. Coombes' urging came with the release of Air Southwest's 2009 summer flight schedule, and Air Southwest’s prediction that British travels with choose to take their holiday vacations domestically next summer.

I understand Coombes' desire to have passengers purchase their flights now. Air Southwests' fares are fairly straightforward and simple. The further out you purchase your ticket the better chance you have for picking up a good airfare. The cash in the door 'now' from future flyers will help fund the airline immediately.

While purchasing your flights so far in the future may seem like a good idea to pick up the lowest airfares, however it may not be that good if you are unsure of the airline's financial future. While Air Southwest looks like it will survive financially through the year into the summer of 2009, I prefer to not book my flights so far in the future.

I don't expect most travelers to stop and read an airlines' financial news, cruise the forums on FlyerTalk or follow the headlines on Air Transport World's web site. However with airlines ceasing operations in record numbers, booking flights 60 days out may be a more cautious plan for vacation planning.

The airline industry is currently volatile on a global level. I have watched some airlines crumble for a long time; predicted the catastrophic failure of a Nation's flag carrier only to watch it survive; and seen airlines cease operations that I thought would be able to continue to fly. With the knowledge that I can be left out in the cold I generally purchase my seats 30-45 days away from the date of travel for the best fares. More often than not the lowest fares are available in the time frame.

I don't discourage travelers from flying. In fact I strongly encourage travelers to fly. I also encourage travelers to use well thought out travel plans.

When I was a kid my family flew from New York's JFK to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Int'l Airport every February to visit my Grandmother. Almost every year we flew on Delta Airlines (occasionally on National Airlines and Eastern Airlines.....and where are they now?). Often within a few days of return from our annual trip to Grandma my Mom would pick up the phone and book our flights for the next year. The flights on the JFK-FLL route rarely changed, the aircraft was a Lockheed L-1011 every year, so booking flights and choosing the seat selection was a safe bet.

Currently most airlines load their inventory no longer than 330 days from the date of departure, so my Mom could have never come home and booked next year's flights the way she did when I was growing up.

The fact that airlines are dropping like flies is why I mentioned that as a kid we sometimes flew National Airlines and Eastern Airlines. My Mom was lucky she chose to book with Delta Airlines so far in advance, year after year. Delta Airlines has remained constant while National Airlines and Eastern Airlines are no longer flying (in fact, National Airlines merged with commercial airline Goliath Pan Am, and Pan Am folded on the 4th of December 1991......selling most of its operations to Delta Airlines)

Given the current instability of the airline industry is it wise to book your flights 8-to-10 months in advance? I'd strongly advise against it................unless you're booking your flights on Delta Airlines, which is about to merge with Northwest Airlines and create the single largest airline on the planet.

Happy Flying!

Some Airlines Reduce Fuel Surcharges : Will US Passenger Airlines Follow?

2008-10-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

11/10/2008 – Some Airlines Reduce Fuel Surcharges : Will US Passenger Airlines Follow?

With the global cost of fuel reaching record highs during 2008 airlines were forced to add fuel surcharges to airline tickets. The cost of fuel has significantly altered every airlines cost of doing business. In some cases airlines were forced to completely reevaluate their business model and in more extreme cases many airlines completely collapsed due to the soaring cost of fuel.

As the cost of fuel continues to drop in recent weeks, the cost of jet fuel has also begun to come down. Jet-A fuel sold for US$181.85 per barrel as of 3-July-2008, while it now trades at US$94.35 as of 8-October-2008. Will the lowered cost of aviation fuel be passed onto the flyers?

Historically airlines have been hesitant to reduce or remove additional fees associated with fares. If an additional fee has becomes outdated, the airline can still collect the fee and use that fee as additional revenue to the airline.

Air Canada, instituted a fuel surcharge in May 2008 and has chosen to remove their fuel surcharge as of late September 2008 to adjust for the declining cost of fuel. Fellow Canadian carrier WestJet also removed their fuel surcharge fee at the same time. Airlines in the United States have neither removed their fuel surcharge nor indicated that these fees will be reduced either.

There is however a glimmer of hope for those who fly U.S. airlines. On the 20th of October Northwest Airlines Cargo will begin to reduce their fuel surcharge. Northwest Airlines operates a fleet of fourteen Boeing 747-200F aircraft for dedicated cargo operations. Northwest Cargo will reduce its fuel surcharge from US46¢ per pound to US42¢ per pound.

While 4¢ per pound may not seem like a lot of money, but adding up to the cargo capacity of a Boeing 747-200F, the reduction in costs can be significant. The maximum cargo capacity of a 747-200F is approximately 249,122.35lbs. A reduction of 4¢ per pound eliminates US$13,964.89 in fuel surcharges per loaded flight. On a daily basis, with a fleet of 15 747-200F in operation, this is at minimum a reduction of US$209,473.35 in fuel surcharges for Northwest Cargo's clients (based on aircraft only flying a single flight, many aircraft will fly two flights per day).

With airlines seeking additional revenue stream with the 'unbundling' of airfares hopefully they will reduce or remove the fuel surcharge. It is likely that the Northwest cargo fuel surcharge reduction will trickle over to the airlines passenger operations.

Northwest Airlines is currently bringing in an additional average of US$370,000 daily for the newly instated checked baggage fees for an estimated new revenue stream of US$150mil-to-US$200mil annually.

The new unbundled fees in place should help northwest, and other airlines that have instituted these fees, make up for their losses. As the current cost of Jet-A fuel is approximately 51.88% lower than it was in early July 2008, airlines should reduce or eliminate their fuel surcharges that are rapidly becoming outdated.

Happy Flying!

10/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Loyalty Can Save You Money : Stay Safe In New Places : TSA Thief Busted : Securing Checked Bags :Meals Goes Green

2008-10-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

10/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Loyalty Can Save You Money : Stay Safe In New Places : TSA Thief Busted : Securing Checked Bags :Meals Goes Green

This week Flying With Fish has significantly been dedicated to staying safe while traveling. The common thread between Tuesday and Wednesday was not intentional; however with the single largest bust of a TSA Screener for theft lead me to stay on this topic.

Traveling with valuable items can be challenging and my goal this week has been to keep the readers of Flying With Fish informed on how to stay safe. These topics included working in an unfamiliar environment, staying informed on a TSA screener creating a one-man crime spree, and how to ensure your locked baggage stays locked when traveling with valuable items. Just be aware that the Lightsaber iPhone 'App' is not a viable option for protecting yourself on the road.

Before diving into this weeks weekly round up, I like to stick a reminder in that the Get Up & Fly Single Day Boot Camps scheduled for November 7th, departing early in the morning from JFK Airport and November 13th late in the evening from LAX, both still have space available. The cost of the Boot Camp is $1250 and includes all airfare expenses, an over priced airline snack box on the daytime flight, and a Mountainsmith Tour waist pack (which you'll receive before the Boot Camp to pack it up and bring it with you). For more detailed information please visit www.comeflywithfish.com

Not addressed this week on Flying With Fish is why I think American Airlines' new 'unbundled' fare structure will ultimately work against the airline. You can read excepts of my opinion exclusively on AeroChannel in this article a: http://aerochannel.com/features/4891678

..............now onto the week in review!

This week kicked off with a suggestion for flyers to choose a frequent flyer program and stick with it. With the rising cost of travel, loyalty to an airlines frequent flyer program can save you as much as 5%-to-7%. You don't even need to fly the airline of your frequent flyer program; you can fly any airline within the alliance and gain miles, and in the process reduce your travel expenses. To learn more about saving money through frequent flyer loyalty check out: 6/10/2008 - Save Money By Being A Loyal Frequent Flyer

Working in new and unfamiliar places is fun and exciting. The world is out there for you to explore and you should pack up and go! Working in an unfamiliar place can also cause you to stop paying attention and put you at risk for becoming the target of a thief. You can pick up some tips on ways to stay focused and reduce your chances of being the object of a thief's attention in this post: 7/10/2008 - Staying Safe In An Unfamiliar Environment: Don't Be A Lost Tourist

The big news this week on Flying With Fish was the reporting of the US Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General making the single largest theft bust in the Transportation Security Administration's six-year history. My reporting of this story has been picked up and reproduced in a number outlets, both travel and photography. Including Popular Photography and AeroChannel. To find out how many cameras were found in the TSA screeners house when it was raided visit : 7/10/2008 - Airport TSA Security Screener Busted For One-Man Theft Ring

Following the single largest theft bust in the TSA's history, surprisingly allegedly carried out by a single TSA screener, I detailed a last resort tactic for travelers (ONLY when traveling domestically within the United States) to securely lock their valuables in checked baggage when the need arises. You can find out what you can do here: 8/10/2008 - Protecting Your Sensitive Valuables In Checked Baggage: A Last Resort

This week's iPhone 'App' Of The Week is just pure whimsy. The 'App' Of The Week is Lightsaber. What does this iPhone 'App' do? Turns your iPhone into a Lightsaber. This may not be great for protecting your baggage, it probably won't help you be more productive while traveling, but so what? This 'App' will help you pass the time, and have some fun. Check it out in this post (you know you want to!): 9/10/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week: Lightsaber

What can China Airlines do to help reduce its carbon emissions and create a smaller carbon footprint for its self? It can change its in-flight menu! This alternative thinking is brilliant. Curious how a changed menu can reduce China Airlines carbon footprint? Check here: 10/10/2008 – China Airlines Reduces Its Carbon Footprint In A Unique Way

Remember; for random updates on travel-photography, and travel in general, related information follow my Twitter. There is no social networking and new personal updates on Flying With Fish's Twitter. For my purposes, only snippets of information relevant to the topics discussed on Flying With Fish are sent out via Twitter. You can join in at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish

Thats it for this week!

Happy Flying!

China Airlines Reduces Its Carbon Footprint In A Unique Way

2008-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

10/10/2008 – China Airlines Reduces Its Carbon Footprint In A Unique Way

Flying With Fish has frequently discussed ways for travelers to reduce their carbon footprint. From purchasing carbon offsets to choosing smaller rental cars, Flying With Fish is an avid supporter of the reduction of a traveler’s carbon footprint.

So what has China Airlines to reduce their carbon footprint? China Airlines has partnered with MOS Burger to create an in-flight menu containing hamburgers comprised of rice, rather than beef. These new burgers include the Burdock Chicken Rice Burger, Pork Rice Burger and the Vegetarian Burdock Rice Burger.

The new rice based burgers reduce the overall carbon footprint in a number of ways. The largest factor is the reduction in beef, with beef cattle producing a significant amount of the world’s methane (methane is a leading problem with the effects of green house gases). In addition to the reduction of a dependence on beef cattle, the harvesting and delivery of rice requires a reduced use of trucking & transport. With the rice often being delivered over a shorter distance than the beef, requiring less vehicle emissions.

This new in-flight menu was design specifically for China Airlines by MOS Burger to work with the Airlines to not only promote their global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but also allow the Airline to work with natural ingredients and local agricultural resources. By working with natural ingredients the Airline can both offer its passengers a healthier in-flight dining choice and support its local economy.

The new menu should be taking flight in the near future and will be available on selected long-haul routes.

Overall this is a smartly executed concept that will hopefully prompt other airlines to follow China Airlines' lead.

Happy Flying!

iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Lightsaber

2008-10-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

9/10/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Lightsaber

This week's iPhone 'App' Of The Week comes from a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away………and it has absolutely nothing to do with photography or travel. In fact if I was pressed to come up with a useful application for this 'App' I could only say that it will bring a little joy to your life and that it might quench some boredom during long layovers.

Lightsaber is just what you think it is. This iPhone 'App' turns your iPhone into a Star Wars lightsaber. Five of the six Star Wars films have kept me company through countless flights (I am not a fan of one of the movies). I have watched Star Wars DVDs during long layovers on three continents, one sub-continent.

At one point in my office at my former magazine, where I served as the Director of Photography, I had six senior editors and my daughter crammed in my office (that at best should only accommodate two people) watching the original Star Wars film in its entirety.

.............maybe there is a tie between travel, photography and Star Wars for me!

What can Lightsaber do for you? You can pick your Star Wars character (this 'App' only primarily has unknown characters), flip on some 'App' supplied Star Wars theme music, fire up your lightsaber and have a lightsaber dual with a fellow iPhone user (or if you are really tired and delirious from jet lagged you can battle with no one..... who am I kidding I battle with no one all the time). As you move your lightsaber your iPhone gives off the familiar humming sound of a Star Wars light saber, when you strike something your iPhone emits the familiar clashing sound of a lightsaber.

My lightsaber never comes off of Darth Vader. Let's face it; there are few characters in the history of cinema that are nearly as cool of Darth Vader.

I think everyone should download Lightsaber. Even if you're not a Star Wars fanatic this is just a fun ‘App.’ Have two iPhones in your house? Friends have iPhones? Have them download Lightsaber as well and enjoy a friendly dual.

Below are five photos of the Lightsaber 'App' on my iPhone.

Happy Flying (in a galaxy far far away.........)!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--

Protecting Your Sensitive Valuables In Checked Baggage : A Last Resort

2008-10-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

8/10/2008 - Protecting Your Sensitive Valuables In Checked Baggage : A Last Resort

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING LAST RESORT SUGGESTION IS ONLY VALID FOR DOMESTIC TRAVEL WITHIN THE UNITED STATES

With the recent news of a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screener being caught and confessing to the theft of hundreds of expensive cameras, lenses, laptops, video equipment and other items at Newark Liberty International Airport (as I reported here on Flying With Fish : 7/10/2008 - Airport TSA Security Screener Busted For One-Man Theft Ring) I have received dozens of e-mails today asking how photographers can securely checked their equipment.

The subject of checking photographic equipment securely is one I have discussed in various online forums for quite some time. The bad news is that if someone wants to steal from you they will. The complex issue is that the most secure checked baggage scenario I am aware of is only available for travel domestically within the United States. The troubling issue is that in order to verify that your gear is securely checked you must travel with a firearm.

I have weighed the positives and negatives on discussing the last resort options to ensure a checked bag is locked upon check in and remains locked upon arrival. Ultimately I have decided that it is the best interest of photographers, and others traveling with sensitive valuables that must be checked, to know the one 'trick up the sleeve' that will ensure a bag can be visually checked, locked, never opened again by the TSA or anyone else while in transit, and be delivered via 'special handling' at your destination.

There is a little known rule in place by the TSA that allows a passenger to check an unloaded firearm in a securely locked hard-sided case. This rule applies to something as simple as a 'starter pistol' that requires no permit. If you slip a simple $30 starter pistol into your Pelican Case with your checked camera equipment, your camera case is now a 'gun case.'

How does this work? Let me explain

1) When you check in for your flight you declare that your checked case contains a firearm to the airline counter representative.

2) Once you have declared the weapon to the airline counter agent you must prove to them that the firearm has an empty chamber and is not loaded with any ammo.

3) Once you have satisfied the airline requirements you must present your hard-sided case, containing the firearm, to a TSA Agent.

4) The TSA screener will then visually inspect the contents of your case in front of you. By law you MUST be present as your case is inspected by the TSA Agent.

5) Following the inspection you must lock your case with a non-TSA Sentry Lock. This means that the lock you use will in no way be accessible to any TSA agents, or ramp agents, who have access to TSA Sentry Lock keys. Both key and combination locks are acceptable, however a combination lock is suggested, as is using two locks instead of one

6) Once the TSA accepts your hard-sided case, locked with two non-TSA Sentry Locks, it is identified in such a way that it will not be opened again until it delivered to your destination and is back in your hands, and you choose to unlock it.

You CANNOT check the case containing the firearm at curbside check-in. You should check with the airline you will be flying on to check what rules and regulations that may have for checking a firearm on their flights.

Personally, I strongly suggest making every effort to carry your gear on-board. Look into a combination of a backpack that can hold a significant amount of equipment. Choose a backpack that by design does not draw the attention of an airline representative and use it in conjunction with a full size roll-aboard to carry additional equipment and longer lenses.

If you cannot deal with a backpack and roll aboard for your gear, then look into the last resort and pack a starter pistol between your 400f2.8 and 600f4 inside your Pelican Case.

For the Official TSA information on traveling with a firearm check here:
www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

Happy Flying!

Airport TSA Security Screener Busted For One-Man Theft Ring

2008-10-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

7/10/2008 - Airport TSA Security Screener Busted For One-Man Theft Ring

What happens when those charged with protecting the flying public become those stealing from the flying public? This has come up time-and-time again.

Nearly 300 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Screening Officers (TSO) have been discharged and arrested in the past, however a screener at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) went further than the rest.

This week Pythias Brown, a six year veteran of the TSA, was charged with dozens of counts of theft from passengers at EWR, and faces up to 10 years in Federal Prison according to Assistant US Attorney Jenny Kramer.

What ultimately caused Brown to be caught was this theft of a camera, from an HBO crew, valued at US$47,900. What does one do with a US$47,900 camera? They place it on eBay, where someone looking for the stolen camera found it.

A camera Brown had allegedly stolen from CNN was also listed on eBay at the same time Brown had the HBO camera listed on eBay.

According to lead investigator Special Agent Thomas Adams, of the US Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General, 66 camera, 12 GPS units, 11 MP3 players, 31 laptops, 8 camera lenses, 2 DVD players, 6 video cameras, 13 pieces of jewelry and 17 electronic video games were found in Browns house when it was raided last week.

When confronted with the evidence Brown confessed to the crimes. He has been placed on administrative leave from the TSA and will be terminated shortly.

I will say what I have always said; the vast majority of TSA agents do a good job. These agents do what they can to protect the flying public, and with approximately 43,000 TSOs working throughout the TSA, the number of criminal TSA TSOs is a small percentage. However there needs to be more oversight of screeners.

How does a TSA screener leave work with a large movie production camera? How does a screener leave work with 66 camera and 31 laptops with no one noticing? What else did this TSA TSO steal from passengers over the past few years? Check out his eBay feedback here: http://EWRTSOEBay.notlong.com

I am happy that HBO and CNN have received their equipment back. I am glad the US DHS stopped this one-man theft ring. Hopefully this will lead to the TSA creating a new system to check TSOs and deter future thefts from the flying public.

Happy Flying!

Staying Safe In An Unfamiliar Environment : Don't Be A Lost Tourist

2008-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

7/10/2008 - Staying Safe In An Unfamiliar Environment : Don't Be A Lost Tourist

A significant concern of many photographers when working in unfamiliar surroundings is protecting themselves and their equipment.

When working in an unfamiliar location many photographers have a tendency to either have a false sense of security or become hyper-paranoid. Neither of these tendencies does us any good and there are safe and easy ways to protect yourself and equipment from potential predators while on the road.

As a photographer I travel often, but I learned how to keep myself, and my gear, protected while shooting a wide variety of assignments. The assignments that have taught me the most about my personal security include some of the following: spending multiple-months walking around one of the worst crime ridden and drug infested housing projects in the United States ; photographing a few dozen riots; working in a city after massive natural disaster has devastated the area; working in environments where I have clearly been in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' intentionally.

When I travel with my gear, which can be the next city over or halfway around the world, I make sure my gear is secure in a few ways. For starters, my gear is almost always out on my shoulders. I can't work if my gear is hidden away. I travel with my lenses facing inward and the of my camera facing outward. I usually keep my longer lenses in front of my body so they can't be snatched off the body, and the smaller lenses stay tucked up under my body.

When I carry my bodies I keep my thumbs inside the straps so if someone tried to snatch-and-grab my camera they'd also be grabbing my thumb. This gives me a moment to pull back and allows the thief a moment to release. This can be effective for snatch-and-grab as well as the pseudo-pickpocket.

I NEVER NEVER NEVER use the OEM straps. I don't want a huge Nikon/Canon/Leica/Contax logo on my shoulder. My gear is used and beat, and I keep it looking that way. My longer 'white' lenses are taped black. The tape minimizes the visual attraction to my lens, and while it has been beaten around, even a brand new lens wrapped in black electrical tape will look like well worn and cause many thieves to look for another target.

I don't tape over the Nikon/Canon logo, but I do have tape on the body, it minimizes the glances from would-be thieves who want the newer nicer looking cameras (although some will grab whatever they can get.)

When I walk, I walk confidently. I make sure my body language does not make me an easy target.

If I am in an unfamiliar place I never pull out a map and read it on the street. If I need to use a map I step in some place. Pulling out a map is a big red arrow to thieves. I often e-mail myself directions and read a Blackberry while walking. Everyone reads a Blackberry so it does not draw any attention, plus my directions are clear in text without orienting myself with a map.

Very often when I am in an unfamiliar area I memorize a map the best I can. Being familiar with a city you have never been to can allow you to walk clearly through a city's streets, head up, looking for images rather than stopping to read directions.

My bag selection is key in not being a target. My photo backpacks either have the access flap facing my back (ie: a thief would need to get it off my back to access it) or they are locked with small locks making it difficult to unzip the backpack without me noticing it. I choose backpacks that are not obvious 'photo backpacks.' I never travel with a Nikon or Canon backpack and choose designs that do not look like traditional photo bags.

When I am not using a backpack, which is common, I use a waist pack or belt/pouch system. With these I waits packs/belt systems I keep my gear either directly in front of my body or under my arm, towards the front of my body. By having the pack in front of you it is very difficult for someone to access your gear in stealth like manner.

As for keeping a thief from slitting your camera strap I have moved to the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 straps. These straps are slash proof. I do remove the shoulder pad, leaving me with only the thin strap, but these straps are light, easy to use, comfortable and have a safety lock so they can't even be unlatched if the thief fails to slice the strap. You can find more info on the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 strap, as well as find a link to my write up on these straps, here:
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=16

PacSafe may be releasing new versions of these straps in the future, but at US$20 a strap, pick up two!

Happy Flying!

Save Money By Being A Loyal Frequent Flyer

2008-10-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

6/10/2008 - Save Money By Being A Loyal Frequent Flyer

Did you know that loyalty to an airline, or airline alliance, can save you 5%-7% in travel expenses?

Each year there are nearly a dozen business travel forecasts I read. These annual travel forecasts vary widely and I am often left wondering if these analysts are looking at the same data to make their decisions.

This year, looking at the 2009 business travel forecast, there is one constant I am seeing. This one common cost increase is related to the 'unbundling' of services. Unbundling includes cost increases, such as the much talked about additional charges for checked baggage. The newly unbundled fees can increase the costs of airline travel by as much as much as 5%-7% (if you travel with extensive photographic equipment it can be more than a 50% cost increase on some routes).

Checked baggage fees bring significant revenue to airlines. Northwest Airlines reports a revenue of more than US$300,000 daily in checked baggage fees.

So what can loyalty to an airline, or an airline alliance, do to reduce your travel expenses? It can save you fees on your checked baggage, in some cases completely eliminating these fees.

The following are some US airline checked baggage fees, for domestic travel each way:
United Airlines : $15 - first bag / $50 - second bag / $125 - third bag
US Airways: $15 - first bag / $25 - second bag / $100 - third bag
Delta Airlines: $0 - first bag / $50 second bag
Northwest Airlines: $15 - first bag / $25 - second bag / $100 - third bag
Continental Airlines: $15 - first bag / $25 - second bag
American Airlines: $15 - first bag / $25 - second bag / $100 - third bag

For flyers who earn Star Alliance Star Silver or Star Gold ; SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus ; OneWorld Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald can have some, or all, of these baggage fees can be waived.

Elite status with the above airlines begins at only 25,000 miles.

25,000 miles is equal to five round-trips between New York and Los Angeles; two and a half round trips between Washington-Dulles and Honolulu; three and a half round trips between Boston and Amsterdam; one round trip between Newark and Tokyo via Singapore.

For those who fly often and don't sort out the value of your loyalty, you may want to look at your estimated travel for the next year and sort out what airline, or airline alliance, may be best for you to pick up your elite status.

There are other perks to being a frequent flyer, but with the cost of living rising, many flyers are more interested in saving money that catching upgrades.

Happy Flying!

3/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : SWA's new threat to UA & AA; The Smell Of Jet-A; Pilot Pensions; Tripods As Carry-on; BA & Qantas iPho

2008-10-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

3/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : SWA's new threat to UA & AA; The Smell Of Jet-A; Pilot Pensions; Tripods As Carry-on; BA & Qantas iPhone Apps

I think I'll start this weekly round up with something not covered this week on Flying With Fish. Earlier this week Southwest Airlines announced it would begin service at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Southwest usually enters a market with 4, or more, destinations, they chose to enter MSP with only one. This route is non-stop MSP-Chicago. Many people are discussing how this will affect Northwest Airlines. I have bucked the trend and believe this move is not targeting Northwest Airlines but instead targeting United Airlines and American Airlines, and their customer base at MSP. You can read my opinion on this topic exclusively on AeroChannel.com here: http://www.aerochannel.com/features/4531349

This week on Flying With Fish I launched "Flying With Fish On Twitter." Twitter is designed to be a social networking tool, which I initially found to be quite annoying. After some looking into Twitter I decided to use it for a different purpose, as an 'info source.' As relevant information becomes available to me that I think may be of interest to the readers if Flying With Fish I simply send off a short message. To read more on this visit : 1/10/2008 - Flying With Fish On Twitter (or just sign up to follow me at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish)

My first entry this week asked the question regarding what keeps me motivated to do what I do. Honestly, I love the challenges involved in traveling. For me, the point of the journey is not to arrive, and since I'll never have all the answers, I can never arrive. To read up on what keeps me motivated, and how I am working to try and work with the industry directly, visit:
29/09/2008 – I Love The Smell Of Jet A Fuel In The Morning

Last week I received a message from a reader with the user-name "walp" concerning the important topic of pilot pensions in regard to the Delta-Northwest Airlines merger. I planned to link that message to this weekly round up, but instead I decided to dedicate an entire post to it. I think this is an important piece of information and that everyone should take a moment and read it. You can find "walp"s message here: 30/09/2008 - From The Mail Bag : Pilot Pensions

What is the number one question I am asked by nature and landscape photographers? Can they get their tripod on-board as carry on? The answer is yes! For more info check here: 1/10/2008 - Can I Carry My Tripod On-board My Flight?

My iPhone 'App' of this week this week is a pair of 'Apps' from two OneWorld airlines. Both British Airways and Qantas have released proprietary iPhone 'Apps' that are excellent for their flyers. Every airline should take at look at these and explore the option of putting one out there! To read up on why I like BA Flights and Qantas Mobile read here: 2/10/2008 – iPhone 'Apps' Of The Week : BA Flights & Qantas Mobile (yes, there are two this week)

......last but not least I have relaunched Come Fly With Fish (www.comeflywithfish.com). On Come Fly With Fish I currently have two workshops up. The intense 'round-the-world' workshop, and the Single Day "Get Up & Fly" Boot Camp. The Get Up & Fly Boot Camps are scheduled for November 7th departing from New York's JFK and November 13th from Los Angeles' LAX.

As an incentive to the readers of Flying With Fish, each participant in the Get Up & Fly workshop will receive one of my favourite bags! If you read this site enough you may have a guess what bag I am talking about it. These bags will be sent out prior to our departure for you to pack up and work out of while attending the boot camp.

There has been significant interest in the Get Up & Fly Boot Camp but just a few more people are needed to meet the minimum required number to take off!

That's it for this week.

Happy Flying!

iPhone 'Apps' Of The Week : BA Flights & Qantas Mobile (yes, there are two this week)

2008-10-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

2/10/2008 – iPhone 'Apps' Of The Week : BA Flights & Qantas Mobile (yes, there are two this week)

While I do not fly either British Airways (BA) or Qantas (QF), these two OneWorld Alliance airlines make up this weeks pair of iPhone 'Apps' Of The Week. These two intertwined global airlines had the foresight to release user friendly, highly functional and reliable iPhone 'Apps' to meet the needs of their customers.

There are quite a few travel 'Apps' I have played with that show schedules and flight status, however these pair of 'Apps' offer more detail and more reliable results in some cases for their respective flights

The BA Flights 'App' offers Arrivals/Departures, Online Timetables and a direct link to ba.com to book flights off of your iPhone. I have found that checking the Arrivals/Departures schedules against live flight data; the BA Flights 'App' is often slightly more accurate than other online sources. As another resource for travelers making their travel plans at a hurried pace, the Online Timetables time-and-time again offered me a more detailed choice of BA flights than most online booking sites when looking at uncommon routes, and short-haul routes. The information available for the flights listed on the Online Timetable loads rapidly, is easy to understand and offers quite a bit of detailed info on each flight, above what you'll find on many online booking sites.

Qantas Mobile not only offers Arrival/Departure and Timetable information, it also has a very useful resource for the business traveler........a complete list and detailed information for each lounge Qantas flyers may use around the world. This took is fantastic when traveling through an airport you are unfamiliar with, or using a lounge that is available to Qantas flyers but not operated by Qantas. The information for these airports is broken down to avoid confusion (such as listing LAX T4 and LAX Tom Bradley separately). For each lounge the Qantas Mobile 'App' lists the location in the terminal, the hours it is available to Qantas flyers, the lounge phone number & fax number, the facilities available in the lounge and the name of the airline that operates the lounge.

While these 'Apps' may not be useful for those who do not fly either British Airways or Qantas, these 'Apps' certainly are a must have for anyone who flies with either carrier.

Both BA Flights and Qantas Mobile are free in the iTunes Store.

Hopefully other airlines will follow the lead from these two OneWorld airlines and release their own 'Apps.' In an ideal world, maybe an airline alliance would be forward thinking and release a similar type 'App' covering all the airlines in their alliance.

Below are a few screen shots from both BA Flights and Qantas Mobile

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge Them--

Can I Carry My Tripod On-board My Flight?

2008-10-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

1/10/2008 - Can I Carry My Tripod On-board My Flight?

What is the #1 question I am asked by nature and landscape photographers? "Can I carry my tripod on board my flight?"

There is good news for those of you who like to travel with your tripod, monopod or light-stand as carry-on, tripods are most certainly allowed as carry-on when flying within the United States, and for international travel to and from most countries.

Be aware that your tripod may be counted as a 'carry-on' item should it cause your bag to exceed the maximum carry-on size allowances set forth by your airline. Making sure that you do not exceed carry-on weight or size is very important.

Give that tripods must conform to airline specified carry-on requirements, it is best to remove the head and pack that in your carry on, and bring only the legs through security separately. For some reason tripods with the head attached cause more problems from misinformed airport security screeners than those with the head removed.

While I don't often fly with a full-size tripod, I do often fly with light-stands as carry-on. When I fly with a tripod, monppod or light-stand I generally attach them to the outside of backpack, or roll-aboard bag. I made sure the tripod stays as compact and conforming to my bag as possible. Sometimes this requires using a smaller bag to make sure I stay within the carry-on restrictions depending on my equipment needs.

In one trip earlier this year, in the span of 3.5 days, I passed through security in Providence, Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Incheon, Tokyo and Chicago with a Manfrotto 3373 light stand attached to a North Face Surge backpack and no one blinked twice at any security checkpoint.

So next time you wonder if you bring your tripod, monopod or light stand on-board, chances are your fine. Relax, make sure your bag with tripod stays under the carry-on requirements.......then go head to the airport.

Below is a photo my Manfrotto 3373 light stand attached to the outside of my North Face Surge backpack on the ramp in Providence, next to a United Express CRJ-700 regional jet.

Happy Flying
--Click Image Below To Enlarge It--

Flying With Fish On Twitter

2008-10-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

1/10/2008 - Flying With Fish On Twitter

It is a new month, and the start of the month that is home to one of my favourite holidays.....Halloween.

What does any of this have to do with Flying With Fish launching in Twitter? Well, this is the kind of information I will not be posting on Twitter. I know Twitter is a great social tool, however I am sure the readers of Flying With Fish are not interested in when I headed to Starbucks to pick up my next Izze's Sparkling Grapefruit Soda or when I am contemplating purchasing my next Red Sox t-shirt.

What is it I plan to use Twitter for? My intention is to send out quick updates on information that I believe can be of interest to travelers, photogs on the road, and general info on Flying With Fish and The Travel Strategist. My use of Twitter is not intended to be a streaming source of news, but just general information I find interesting and helpful.

The information I plan to distribute through Twitter is along the lines of:
"British Airways has announced a new two for one special on select routes!" ; "Check out this AeroChannel.com FlyGirl feature: http://aerochannel.com/features/4263521"

Sure I may do the occasional message saying, "I'm sitting here at Gate D40 at LAS and need a good movie to watch," but not very often.

Interested in Flying With Fish's Twitter updates? Feel free to sign up and follow me at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish

Happy Flying!

From The Mail Bag : Pilot Pensions

2008-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

30/09/2008 - From The Mail Bag : Pilot Pensions

The other day "walp" left a comment on my post regarding the Delta & Northwest Airlines shareholders vote on the airlines merging (25/09/2008 – The Delta Airlines & Northwest Airlines Merger : The Shareholders Vote Today). The comment left by "walp" caused me to read it, and reread it, a number of times.

I was going to post a link to the comment left by "walp" in my weekly round up, however I have chosen to simply post their comment here directly for you all to read.

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START
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It probably seems to make sense to make this deal a reality but employees need to beware. Bad things happen to airline employees and you will read one sad story below.

According to several sources, Mr. Anderson, the current leader of Delta Air Lines, does not plan to reopen the issue of Delta Retired Pilots Pensions.

When Delta entered bankruptcy a little over 3 years ago, the very first day they requested and were given permission by the court to eliminate the retired pilots pension even though they had the funds in place to continue with these pensions.

The pension funds were given to the government entity called Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation. This outfit takes over failed pensions and throws all the funds from these failed plans into one pot and uses some magic formulas to come up with some pittance for the unfortunate pensioner. They were very happy to get all the hundreds of millions from the Delta pilots pension fund since they need the money to stay solvent. Now, instead of the retired Delta pilots receiving what they worked their entire careers earning the PBGC worked their magic and decided we should receive a very small percentage of our original earned pension. Yes, earned, it was part of our compensation that was put into the fund all during our career. Now it has been stolen by delta and they do not want to reinstate it but they will pay the pensions of the retired Northwest pilots.

Can anybody explain how it will be fair for a pilot that worked his or her entire career for Delta and now has only approximately 10-12% of his or her original pension paid by the PBGC.

Now, Delta and Northwest are going merge and the new airline will be called Delta and as I noted earlier, the retired Northwest pilots will continue to get their pensions from Delta and the original REAL Delta Pilots will not be reinstated to the same pension.

Totally unfair and nothing that the Delta retired pilots had the choice or opportunity to vote on. The deal was struck between ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association - the union) and the former Delta management. Again, retired Delta pilots had no choice.

I want the news media and every blog and internet source to jump on this discussion as well as any customer of this giant bully called Delta.

Almost no current Delta passenger or customer knows what happened to the small group of retired pilots that were treated so grossly unfair.

The NEW Delta needs to do what is right and that is to include the original Delta retired pilots in the new company pilot pension plan.

It will take some undoing of past agreements and require somehow reaquiring the pension moneys that were simply given to the PBGC but if the lawyers could figure out how to take it away from this group then, they can figure out how to reaquire the funds.

Delta spent untold millions to attorneys to do the bankruptcy and try as we could, the small group of retired Delta pilots could not ever come up with enough money to combat the army of Delta attorneys, we were simply railroaded.

Any legal costs to reinstate our pensions should be born by Delta since they are the ones that did the deed. It is only the right thing to do.

Come on folks, jump in on this issue. Lets hear what you have to say. Do you agree that Delta should reinstate the retired Delta Pilots Pension Fund that was taken away? If you disagree, speak up with your reasons.

Remember, it could be your group next. No labor group is immune.

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END
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I can't say I disagree with anything "walp" has said in this comment.

Happy Flying!

I Love The Smell Of Jet-A Fuel In The Morning

2008-09-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

29/09/2008 – I Love The Smell Of Jet A Fuel In The Morning

Periodically I am asked the question of "What gets you up and motivated in the morning." The question has been asked dozens of different ways, but overall it is the same question of what motivates me to do what I do. I can give a few complex answers, some sentimental answers, but I'd prefer to leave you with the first answer that tends to pop into my head when I am asked this question...........

Robert Duvall has a famous line in the movie Apocalypse Now, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." I have not personally smelled napalm, nor do I think I'd enjoy the smell of napalm, but I can say this, "I love the smell of Jet-A Fuel in the morning."

The distinct smell of 'Jet-A' reminds me that people are moving, planes are flying, and there are places out there waiting to be visited and explored. Whether I am bouncing through the world or helping others travel around the world, I am inspired by that distinct smell of 'Jet-A.'

As I continue to work with flyers, be they photographers or corporate business travelers, I keep an eye on the airline industry. I watch trends, I follow schedule and route changes, play close attention to the stability and instability of airlines and I have recently turned my focus to a different direction with The Travel Strategist.

The newly created additional direction of The Travel Strategist is consulting directly with airlines on how they can better service their passengers. Airlines are losing money hand over fist due to a variety of reasons, the cost of 'Jet-A' topping the list. As the airlines lose money, more passengers seek out a 'race to the bottom,' in search of the lowest airfare. With the race to the bottom airlines need to pick up the slack and start aggressively seeking out how to attract their 'premium passengers,' and retain a loyal base of frequent business travelers.

Airlines have known for a long time that it is better to retain someone who flies 50+ last minute segments per year than market heavily to the couple who flies once a year from a cold destination to a warm destination during a peak travel period. Some airlines are currently shedding loyal flyers due to their 'anti-customer' tactics. These tactics may work for generating income from the infrequent traveler, but in the end will cost these airlines a steady stream of high-revenue passengers. These new practices by some are airlines are forcing many frequent business travelers to start looking for a 'new home.' With many high revenue passengers looking for 'new homes,' there is a lot of potential revenue up for grabs and the airlines shouldn't miss their potential for seeking out these potential long term frequent business flyers.

When an industry is in turmoil only the strong survive. As travelers it is on our best interest to keep as many potential options available. When airlines collapse we all lose when it comes to our potential travel options.

Maybe we'll get lucky and some airlines will think outside the box, work with some low cost high reward options and make their potential future customer base happy.......giving all of us travelers one more airline on the road to stability, ensuring more potential options exist as we make our travel plans.

Happy Flying!

26/09/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Bags-&-Regional Jets : Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program : Make Your Own Modular Bags : A Dead Airline Rises, etc

2008-09-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

26/09/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Bags-&-Regional Jets : Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program : Make Your Own Modular Bags : A Dead Airline Rises, etc etc

Wow, this week has been insane with travel news in the airline industry, particularly within the SkyTeam airline alliance. For starters Alitalia, an airline I have been watching die for more than a year appeared to be fading into the history books with the bagpipes gently growing in sound in the distance. I hoped for the best, but was sure the executioner was sharpening the blade........as of this morning it looks like Alitalia might have a ray of hope to live on and continue serving as Italy's National Flag Carrier. Alitalia has a long way to go to compete with a fierce European market, but with some strategic changes they can push forward and become a serious contender in the international and intra-Europe market.

Before I move into the week in review, I'd like mention an addition to my Get Up & Fly Photo Boot Camps. I have had some significant interest in these workshops, yet seats remain available! Just to entice those of you are interested to jump onboard I'm adding this offer.......for those photographers who join me on the New York and Los Angeles Get Up & Fly Boot Camps, I'll be supplying you with one of my favourite bags for the journey! Before we depart I'll ship you one of the bags I have discussed repeatedly on Flying With Fish so you can pack it up and bring it with you! Why am I doing this? Because I think this bag is outstanding and an excellent took for photogs to use, work out of and help dictate a stripped down minimalist kit on the road. For more information on the Get Up & Fly Boot Camps visit: www.comeflywithfish.com

For those of you who read Flying With Fish on a regular basis you'll notice my first ad went up this week. On the right hand column is now an ad from Adorama. Why Adorama? Well for starters I purchase a lot of my camera equipment from Adorama. Secondly would be Jeff Snyder, quite possibly the worlds great professional camera sales rep, I followed him from his old place of business to his current position at Adorama. Need any camera equipment, click the advertisement and a portion of your purchase will go towards supporting the maintaining of Flying With Fish. Don't want to support Flying With Fish but just want excellent service? Drop Jeff an e-mail at jsnyder@adorama.com or catch him on AIM at JSnyderAdorama

This week I kicked off Flying With Fish with an article on how do deal with leaving your bag at the stairs when boarding a regional jet or turbo prop flight. No one likes being separated from their bag, especially photographers, but there are ways to pack and minimize any risk of damage to your bag and the kit you've packed inside it. Find out more here: 22/09/2008 – Leaving Your Bag At The Stairs On Regional Flights, AKA: Valet Check, Stair Check, Planeside Check

On Monday I discussed the almost immediate demise of Alitalia. I am very happy to report that as of this morning they appear to be diverting disaster and have the possibility of continuing to fly. I have some significant concepts on what Alitalia must do to attract and retain premium passengers, and continue to reinforce passenger loyalty, in order to turn around their perception in the minds of business travelers and the flying public, but I'll keep those details to myself for the moment. To find out about Alitalia's saga, visit here: 22/09/2008 – Watching An Airline Die A Slow Death : Alitalia's Almost Certain Failure

Last week I asked the readers of Flying With Fish to suggest an ideal frequent flyer program for photographer Mark Rebilas in this post, 15/09/2008 – Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program : Help A Photographer Maximize His Miles. This week I revealed my detailed answers for what two frequent flyer programs I believe would most benefit Mark in this post: 23/09/2008 – Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program Pt-2 : Fish's Suggestions For Helping A Photographer Maximize His Miles

Who wants to go to Baghdad? It may not be a tourist destination, but now it will be serviced by Turkish Airlines' mainline flights from Istanbul. These are the first 'mainline' flights to fly to Baghdad, although Royal Jordanian flies regional jet service and Iraqi Airways flies a limited international schedule. This is a definite sign of progress for international business to progress as Iraq emerges into the global market place. Find out more here: 23/09/2008 – Baghdad Gets Scheduled Flights To Europe With Turkish Airlines

Choosing a 1-stop-shopping bag system for short trips that require minimal camera gear can be a challenge. While looking at a variety of systems I decided to make my own out of a few Mountainsmith bags. Find out what I have done to meet my needs and cut down on carrying excess weight here: 24/09/2008 – Simple Baggage Solutions : Make Your Own Modular System

Earlier this month I discussed American Airlines putting WiFi back in this sky in this entry, 2/09/2008 – American Airlines Puts WiFi In The Sky. This week I discuss American Airlines repackaging perks that have offered to their 'elite flyers' and how the new announcements of these perks make the airline appears as if they are only roughly a decade behind their competitors in offering these perks. American Airlines might want to focus on customer service (other airlines can focus on this as well) before repackaging its frequent flyer programs and muddling the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. You can read more about AA's 'new' PriorityAAccess here: 24/09/2008 – American Airlines Adds Perks For AAdvantage ‘Elites’...just a few years behind all of their competitors

On Thursday the shareholders of both Delta and Northwest voted overwhelmingly in favour of merging the two airlines. There will be some turbulence in the skies as the merger terms are smoothed out and the two giant legacy carriers move to become one. Both carriers bring significant advantages to the merger, and combined they will be a massive global powerhouse that will need to be factored in by nearly all other airlines servicing international routes into the United States. You can read up on the merger in this post: 25/09/2008 – The Delta Airlines & Northwest Airlines Merger : The Shareholders Vote Today

Looking for a fun iPhone 'App' to help you building a new doorframe at home or lining up your tripod on the edge of the ocean? This week's iPhone 'App' Of The Week is "A Free Level." Learn more about this fun took you can install in your iPhone here: 25/09/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : A Free Level

That's it for this week.......but feel free to visit www.comeflywithfish.com and join me on an upcoming journey!

Happy Flying!

iPhone 'App' Of The Week : A Free Level

2008-09-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

25/09/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : A Free Level

This week's iPhone 'App' of the week, A Free Level, may seem whimsical at first, but for a photographer in the field this 'App' can be a fantastic tool!

Many photographers use tripods or heads with a level built into them, however on the road I don't know any ultra compact tripods that have a level integrated into them. To get around my hatred of an uneven horizon in certain architecture photos I downloaded "A Free Level" for my iPhone.

A Free Level is just that....a completely free 'App' that turns your iPhone into a level! Now whenever I am struggling to line up a straight horizon, especially when working with tilt-shift lenses, I whip out my iPhone, place it against the hot-shoe of my camera and get my camera straight and level.

This tool may not be ideal for general travel use, but you can always place it on the tray table in front of you and find out what direction the plane is leaning.

Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge--

The Delta Airlines & Northwest Airlines Merger : The Shareholders Vote Today

2008-09-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

25/09/2008 – The Delta Airlines & Northwest Airlines Merger : The Shareholders Vote Today

By the time many of you read this Northwest Airlines' stockholders will have voted on the proposed merger with Delta Airlines in New York, and Delta Airlines' shareholders will have voted on the merger with Northwest Airlines in Atlanta.

The recent recalculations of the merger show a potential for the two airlines to save approximately US$2-billion. With the merger a hot topic in both Delta and Northwest Hub cities, the two airlines have promised to keep all their hubs operating if there is a merger, giving the 'new combined airline' a total of six hubs, as well as a number of significant 'focus cities' to maintain their operations.

review of the merger is pending, and will be released after the share holders vote to merge the two airlines. The merger of the to airlines will create one airline flying under the name "Delta Airlines" and the long storied history of Northwest Airlines and its bright red tails will fade into our memories.

This merger is supposed to create the world's largest airline, eclipsing American Airlines' parent company, AMR. AMR is currently the world's largest airline operating more than 900 aircraft. This information tends to look quite incorrect when you look at the actual 'in-service' fleet aircraft numbers. Even after the merger the combined Delta/Northwest fleet will still be quite a bit smaller than AMR in terms of post-merger 'Delta owned aircraft.'

Currently AMR's fleet consists of 922 aircraft. 635 are flown by American Airlines with an additional 287 operated by American Eagle. Going by the current fleet size numbers, a combined Delta Airlines & Northwest Airlines fleet will consist of 716 aircraft. Delta brings 452 aircraft to the merger and Northwest brings 264 to the merger.

So while the merger press sheets stress a larger fleet that AMR, even if you add in Delta's subsidiary carrier Comair's fleet of 138 aircraft, the total aircraft still remains at 854 aircraft for Delta and 922 for AMR.

If the shareholders vote in favour of the merger, there are many hurdles ahead for the two airlines merge. The huge hurdle is merging the combined pilots Unions. The pay rates are quite different between the carriers. The seniority between the two airlines is different. Even the aircraft and routes the airlines fly are quite different.

The different between airlines and routes is not only an issue for sorting out Union and Pay seniority; it also gets tricky when combining the fleets and route structures. Delta Airlines flies an all Boeing fleet, while Northwest flies a combined Boeing and Airbus fleet.

In creating parity between the two airlines Pilots' Unions, the 'best guess' is that a Delta 777 captain who flies long haul would be equal to a Northwest Airlines 747 captain who flies long haul. After that a Delta 767 captain who flies long haul would equal that of a Northwest A330 captain who flies long haul.......but wait....

Delta operates the 767-300 domestically and on long-haul international routes, as well as a 767-400 both domestically and internationally while Northwest Airlines only flies the A330 on long-haul international routes, including routes over the Pacific to service the Asia market. How will these line up?

In fact, the only common aircraft Delta and Northwest both operate is the Boeing 757-200 (Northwest also operates a 757 sub-fleet in Japan operating of their hub at Tokyo's Narita, as well as the Boeing 757-300).

Just to further complicate things, outside of the passenger fleet, Northwest Airlines also operates a complete fleet of 747 cargo aircraft.

The pilots Unions seem to be on-board with this merger, at least in public, so hopefully they can work these issues out.

On the operations side, Northwest Airlines has a long and intertwined history with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The history between these two airlines is so intertwined that they have often alternated aircraft on routes, chosen to fly compatible fleets over the years and designed a strikingly similar business class......that they both branded as "World Business Class."

What happens to this relationship? Will Northwest's hub in Amsterdam become Delta's hub in Amsterdam to continue to operate in complete harmony with KLM?

It is clear that the frequent flyer programs will merger and that Northwest Airlines' WorldPerks will be folded into Delta Airlines' SkyMiles program. Currently Delta's frequent flyer program offers status based only on flown miles, while Northwest's frequent flyer program operates on both flown miles and/or flown segments. With many Northwest elite’s having many short-haul 'segment elites,' will Delta adopt segments, or will Northwest elites be forced out of their status sending them to other airlines and programs?

As the two frequent flyers are merged what is to become of Northwest’s relationship with the Air France-KLM Flying Blue frequent flyer program? With reciprocal upgrades for flyers between the two programs, and Air France-KLM elites having access to the Northwest WorldClubs, will they now have access to Delta's Crown Room Club’s?

I know I am getting bogged down in the relatively minor details. The shareholders are interested in the stock swap values, the buy out packages, the executive structure and the cost reduction of combining overlapping routes...

............wait, I'm interested in the cost reduction of combining overlapping routes.

There are certain flights I have enjoyed on both airlines that are popular flights and that fly out generally full with high revenue passengers. Most of these flights are early or late morning trans-continental routes. These routes are between cities such as New York and San Francisco, and they are fiercely competitive between Delta, American, United, JetBlue and Virgin America. These flights will now be 'overlapping' when combined with a route with a stop in Minneapolis on the Northwest vs a non-stop on Delta. Other routes would be Northwest's extensive flights between North America and Asia, via Tokyo Japan. Will some of these routes, which are all high traffic routes, be eliminated to allow the combined airline to continue its daily non-stop from Delta's 'Fortress' in Atlanta?

The two airlines compliment each other well. Northwest Airlines dominates the Midwest in many markets and has a strong hold on the Pacific routes, while Delta has a strong presence along the east coast and transcontinental routes, along with a significant route structure for Europe and a growing presence in the Middle East.

Overall, while I'd love to see the airline remain independent, I fully understand the merger. In my opinion as an observer sitting on the sideline this is possibly the best matched merger of airlines we have seen in a very long time, ever since......well since Northwest Airlines merged with Republic Airlines.

.............so let's see what the shareholders say. Will we be seeing 747-400s painted up in Delta's livery in the future?

Happy Flying!

American Airlines Adds Perks For AAdvantage 'Elites'......just a few years behind all of their competitors

2008-09-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

24/09/2008 – American Airlines Adds Perks For AAdvantage 'Elites'......just a few years behind all of their competitors

Yesterday afternoon American Airlines made a bold announcement to the 'elite' members of their AAdvantage frequent flyer program and those who fly on full-fare and in premium cabin seats. The 'bold' announcement is called PriorityAAccess. What PriorityAAccess offers these flyers is a set of perks that have been enjoyed by 'elite' frequent flyers of more than 1/2 of a dozen other North American airlines for quite a few years now.

American Airlines' PriorityAAccess promises to make cruising through the airport easier and faster for 'elite' flyers and premium passengers. How does it plan on making the airport experience more streamlined? American Airlines will be opening up 'priority security lanes' for shorter lines at the TSA screening checkpoints at a number of airports. These lanes are generally available to all elite flyers of the airline and their OneWorld alliance partners.

American will be adding priority security screening at a number of airports including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). It should be noted that American Airline's primary competitor, United Airlines (with whom they share their primary hub, ORD) has offered priority screening lanes at all of these airports for many years.

Another perk of PriorityAAccess is that 'elite' flyers and premium fare passengers will now be allowed priority when boarding flights. This means that they will be called separately, ahead of general boarding. This is a nice perk, and one that has been in place for many years with nearly every other 'legacy' airline in the United States......and one that seems to already be in place with American Airlines.

What confuses me about the new PriorityAAccess' boarding structure is that flights are generally already boarded in this order:
A) First//Business Class passengers
B) Executive Platinum / Platinum passengers
C) Gold passengers

Does this new lane just group all of these passengers into a single group of "PriorityAAccess?" if everyone is grouped together, won't certain routes, such as New York's LaGuardia (LGA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) may end up with 65% of the plane boarding at the same time with PriorityAAccess?

PriorityAAccess appears to create a while new boarding lane at the gate. This new separate lane as a perk follows the lead of other airlines such as Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and Continental Airlines, who even go so far as to have a separate boarding lane at the gate with a red carpet (actual Continental's is blue) welcoming these passengers on-board.

A few years ago American Airlines spent millions of dollars building an outstanding, state of the art and beautiful Admirals Club at Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT). This lounge while wonderful was constructed to service American Airlines' five flights per day from NRT (you read that correctly, only 5 flights per day).

Since American Airlines has always claimed to be focused on the business traveler, and proven so in some respects, such as in-seat power on all 'mainline aircraft' and reintroducing in-flight WiFi (as I had written about earlier this month here : 2/09/2008 – American Airlines Puts WiFi In The Sky), why did they think that building an Admiral's Club for five flights, when their passengers have access to the JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita, rather than offering more incentives to their 'elite' flyers? An airlines most frequent flyers, those who fly 50,000+ miles per year, those who purchase full-fare economy seats (Y-fare seats) and those who purchase business class and first class seats should see significant benefits from an airline. These 'premium passengers' are the ones putting the money in American Airlines' coffers.

Looking at PriorityAAccess vs Narita's Admiral's Club, it is much less expensive to offset the costs of maintaining priority security lanes at a handful of airports than it was to construct a redundant OneWorld lounge at NRT, especially with all the OneWorld Airlines residing in Terminal 2. How did American Airlines not view the perk of elite and premium passengers boarding flights first? Priority boarding costs the American Airlines NOTHING when compared to the operational costs of maintaining a lounge that services only five flights per day (and generally less than 500 passengers per day, with only 265 premium class seats departing from NRT daily if all the first and business seats are occupied).

I'd like to commend American Airlines for offering its elite and premium passenger’s added perks for their loyalty. Many airlines are stripping out the perks offered to their best flyers. I'm just curious why American Airlines is touting these new perks when they are nearly a decade behind their competition (if not longer in some cases).

Happy Flying!

Simple Baggage Solutions : Make Your Own Modular System

2008-09-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

24/09/2008 – Simple Baggage Solutions : Make Your Own Modular System

There are dozens of modular bag systems on the market today that are used by photographers. These bags are for general packing solutions, photography specific solutions and a hybrid of both. As I have been trying to reduce the gear I travel with for 'general shooting' situations I had started to investigate a variety of bags possibilities for more than a dozen manufacturers.

While researching a variety of bags one night I started staring at a set of bags I have used, trusted, loved and preached about often on Flying With Fish, and almost everywhere else I discuss bags. These bags as you frequent readers may have already guessed are my Mountainsmith bags.

To make a simple carry on + roll-aboard that could carry everything I'd need for a 'simple kit,' I turned to the Mountainsmith Correspondent roll-aboard bag, The Day and The Tour. These three bags can be easily combined into two bags for short trips, around the corner or around The World.

When initially setting up this configuration I removed the top 'cube' from inside the Mountainsmith Correspondent and sized up the Mountainsmith Tour to see if it would easily fit inside. Once I determined that the Tour would fit into the open slot, normally filled by a 'cube,' I was off and running.

For my needs, this how I packed for travel:

-The Day : 4 magazines (Photo District News, Airliner World, National Geographic, The Economist); sleeve of 10 DVDs, Newswear pouch with my Sony PSP Survival Kit (swapping the Skullcandy headsets for the Sony MDR-NC22 headsets), Vector 100watt emPower inverter; 15" MacPowerBook, PowerBook AC power supply;

- The Tour: Domke 4-slot insert (the original non-padded chocolate brown insert, how many of you remember when the bags were only brown?); PSP power supply; Garmin GPS; GPS accessories; Think Tank Cable Management 10 pouch (for all my random photo & computer accessories, mobile phone chargers, CF card reader, thumb-drive, etc, etc), Energizer rapid "AA" battery charger

- The Correspondent
(In The 'Cube') : Canon 5D w/BG-E4 grip; Canon 20D w/BG-E2 grip; Canon 16-35f2.8L; Canon 70-200f2.8L; Canon 24f1.4L; Canon 50f1.4; Canon EF-12II extension tube; Canon 580ex; Think Tank PeeWee Pocket Rocket (CF Card Wallet) ; two spare "AA" packs of rechargeable batteries, two spare BP-511 batteries; Canon ETTL Cord; Ilford Anti-Stat cloth

(In The Pocket Intended For A Laptop & Magazines): two button down folded shirts (folded and inside the laptop sleeve), 2 pairs of a socks, 2 pairs of boxers, belt.

(In The Inside Flap Clear Pockets) Hefty 1-quart (TSA Approved) bag with toiletries, stick of deodorant , two Canon battery chargers for the BP-511 batteries.

(In The Main Compartment): one pair of folded pants (placed above 'The Cube' behind The Tour)

With all of my gear with me, set up in easy to access and configured in a way that is easy to both unpack and repack, I am able to get to work easily. Once I am ready to get to work I remove the gear I'll be shooting with and set up my Mountainsmith Tour pack. Generally I'll head out with a 16-35f2.8 attached to my 5D and a 50f1.4 on my 20D, leaving the 24f1.4 & 70-200f2.8 in The Tour, along with a Canon 580ex, spare batteries, a Think Tank PeeWee Pocket Rocket and an ETTL cord.

The items that were in The Tour get transferred to 'The Cube' and off I go.

I have now traveled with this kit of three transcontinental trips to shoot projects and weddings and the set up has been perfect. The size and weight are easy to handle, the design function of all three items are ideal for traveling fast and light, while allowing me to carry everything I need to make sure I arrive with everything I need to do my job.

Overall, as I have mentioned time-and-time again, I trust my Mountainsmith products (they even make my mobile phone belt holster for my Razr and iPhone, the Mountainsmith Amp). The products Mountainsmith makes are reliable and durable, the space is ample, the bright yellow interior of the waist packs are easy to work out of , the zippers are strong and at the end of the day I know their products will take anything I can throw at them (including being left at the stairs, loaded with my gear, when boarding a regional jet or turbo prop flight).

Next time you're looking for a complete carry-on solution think outside the box and make your own.........maybe also check out the Mountainsmith line of bags for your needs.

Below are two photos of my Mountainsmith kit

Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--

Baghdad Gets Scheduled Flights To Europe With Turkish Airlines

2008-09-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com

23/09/2008 – Baghdad Gets Scheduled Flights To Europe With Turkish Airlines

Commercial air travel is a key element to the growth of international business. Without the ability to travel creating an international network is extremely challenging. Even in this day-and-age where we can fax, email, FedEx and video chat, being able to visit locations and sit down face to face is often how business is conducted.

Today Turkish Airlines announced that it would begin regularly scheduled service between its 'hub' in Istanbul (IST) and the capital of Iraq, Baghdad (BGW). This service which is set to begin on the 26th of October, and operate on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

For a nation seeking to rebuild its self and move forward with international commerce this new route allows business travelers the ability to easily travel between Iraq and many European business centers. Turkish Airlines' hub at IST is also ideal for travel within the Middle East region as well.

While Royal Jordanian Airlines has operated regular service between its 'hub' in Amman (AMM) and BGW, and Iraqi Airways also operated service between BGW and AMM, as well as Tehran (THR), these flights limit the potential for doing business in a more efficient manner with European nations due to location and limited connecting flight schedules.

The arrival of Turkish Airlines into BGW also brings the arrival of modern 'mainline' aircraft rather than Royal Jordanian's regional jet flights and the older aircraft in service by Iraqi Airways.

Hopefully the new service into Baghdad is beneficial and allows Iraqi business to grow, expand, and help rebuild a national that is one of the original cradles of civilization.

Happy Flying!