Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
10-February-2007 : Book Now....Book Later....Book Now....Book Later....
We all want the best deal for our airline tickets. Travel is not inexpensive, but most of us have the urge to want to book our travel "right now." You get a job in a cool location, you just want to know your tickets are there and waiting. Most people assume the lowest fares are booked the furthest number of days away from the date of travel.......well it just ain't true.
I recently found a new web site FareCast : www.farecast.com , which is only in it's Beta stage, that not only shows you fares for select city pairs, but it also predicts if the fares will go up or down!
Airlines hold seats back at various fare classes. A flight can have have 10 Q class seats, 10 T class seats and 10 W class seats, however on the day you are booking the airline may have only released 6 Q class seats, 7 T class seats and 5 W class seats,which leaves the airline open to release the other fare buckets (seats) at a later date. I have found the accuracy of FareCast's Beta version to be quite reliable over the past few weeks I have been playing with it.
Of course if you are concerned about your booking class (Y, B, Q, T, W, etc) then this probably isn't the best site for you. Then again if you know what a Y, B, Q, T, W, booking class is you probably don't need FareCast
One a side note, one fare class you will never find again in all it's grandness is the "R" class. This code was reserved for seats sold on The Concorde. While some airlines now offer an "R" class ticket it is now a discounted economy fare. What a major step down from the Grand Daddy of all luxury aircraft.
Happy Flying
09 February 2007
9-February-2007 : Kicking Back Wondering Where You've Been........For No Particular Reason
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
9-February-2007 : Kicking Back Wondering Where You've Been........For No Particular Reason
Have you ever wondered what your travels look like?
There is a fun site online called the Great Circle Mapper. Using the Great Circle Mapper you type in your point-to-point flights (using airport codes) you can create a map of your flying.
You can find the Great Circle Mapper here : http://gc.kls2.com
I took 10 minutes to rack my brain and entered the routes I have flown over the past two years or three years (some trips blur from one year to the next and some trips I make a few times a month). I am sure some routes are entered twice, I tried not to enter the route trip route (such as JFK-SFO , so I don't enter SFO-JFK), I am sure I messed up and entered a few a few round trips and duplicated some routes, but this isn't scientific. This web site is just a fun place to see where you have been
This is a link to my Great Circle Mapper for the past two years (could be three years for some routes) : http://FlyingWithFish.notlong.com
Darn it, now that I look at the routes I know I left quite a few out......oh well, too late......Have Fun!
Happy Flying
9-February-2007 : Kicking Back Wondering Where You've Been........For No Particular Reason
Have you ever wondered what your travels look like?
There is a fun site online called the Great Circle Mapper. Using the Great Circle Mapper you type in your point-to-point flights (using airport codes) you can create a map of your flying.
You can find the Great Circle Mapper here : http://gc.kls2.com
I took 10 minutes to rack my brain and entered the routes I have flown over the past two years or three years (some trips blur from one year to the next and some trips I make a few times a month). I am sure some routes are entered twice, I tried not to enter the route trip route (such as JFK-SFO , so I don't enter SFO-JFK), I am sure I messed up and entered a few a few round trips and duplicated some routes, but this isn't scientific. This web site is just a fun place to see where you have been
This is a link to my Great Circle Mapper for the past two years (could be three years for some routes) : http://FlyingWithFish.notlong.com
Darn it, now that I look at the routes I know I left quite a few out......oh well, too late......Have Fun!
Happy Flying
08 February 2007
8-February-2007 : A Case You Can Torture And Have Your Gear Be Just Fine (And It's A Carry On!)
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
8-February-2007 : A Case You Can Torture And Have Your Gear Be Just Fine (And It's A Carry On!)
An area of frequent concern for photographers traveling is how to carry their equipment with them and not have it get wrecked by the 'Ramp Apes' (also known as the Airline Ramp Agents). I'll admit, I go between bags depending on my needs or at times my mood, but some bags and cases are used regardless of my mood.
My needs and mood were heavily affected this past summer when a suspected terrorist cell was stopped in the United Kingdom and a ban on cabin baggage went into affect for travel on flights departing the U.K. I was never a fan of rolling cases until I had three trips coming up to the U.K., or via the U.K., knowing my equipment would have to be checked.....No Ifs, Ands Or Buts about it. This caused me to shift gears and start exploring my options. ..........
.......it turns out I had only one real option, the Pelican 1514. The Pelican 1514 is the same as the 1510, except it comes with interior dividers for storing equipment in a neat and orderly fashion. The set up is MUCH more convenient and easier to work with than the foam. Foam uses to much space and once you cut it you cannot reconfigure it. Being able to reconfigure a cases interior to meet your job-to-job needs is very important and often overlooked by many photographers. You kit will change, your lens selection may vary, your style of packing needs to be able to quickly adapt to your needs.
My Pelican 1514 has now become a case I travel with often. Many of my flights involve small Regional Jets or Turbo Props (considering my "home airport" is only serviced by Turbo Props) and while my gear has never damaged (knock on wood) being dropped at the stairs to be picked up again at the stairs upon landing (this is often referred to as "valet checking" your bags) in the Think Tank Airport Addicted, I feel safer with the Pelican 1514.
The Pelican 1514 conforms to carry-on bag standards for U.S./Canadian travel, although it may not fit the template for certain European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific carriers. I have used the 1514 on flights from the U.K. to the U.S. with no problem, but that is not a certainty for EU to US flights. I have little fear of checking my equipment with the Pelican Case, after all the whole reason I bought it was because I knew I'd have to check my equipment on the way from from UK to US flights during the cabin baggage restrictions.
My Pelican 1514 has probably only logged about 60,000 miles in 2006, because it was only purchased in the summer and it is not used on all my journeys, but does it's job great! I do wish the wheels were a little bit larger and softer for use when not on perfect sidewalks, airport corridors or hotel lobbies, but the case is guaranteed for life. If the wheels break, I'll just ship it back for new wheels.
The case can look small to some people, but it can hold a lot. Once I add the "Lid Organizer" at some point the case will have even more cargo space, but for now, I use it the way it came from the factory. I like the foam up on the lid for some extra cushion, and I often stick some items behind the foam, such as small Speed-Rings, papers, extra batteries, cords, etc.
I have three different "standard" configurations for the Pelican 1514, but I'll list my two common configurations below. The photos at the end of this post are of the two following configurations.
2 - Canon 1D series bodies
1 - Canon 16-35f2.8L
1 - Canon 70-200f2.8L
1 - Canon 28-70f2.8L
1 - Sigma 20f1.8 (there is no Canon version of this lens)
1 - Canon 85f1.8 USM
1 - Canon 28f1.8 USM
2 - Canon 580ex Speedlights
1 - Canon ETTL Cord
4 - Sets of Reusable "AA" batteries
1 - Stofen Omni Dome (white)
8 - Spare 1D batteries
1 - Mini Mag flashlight
1- Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket (CF Card wallett)
*I normally lay a small Domke pouch over the 70-200f2.8 with a small 3 outlet surge bar, a Canon 1D battery charger, an Energizer AA battery charger and a Canon 15f2.8L.
Under the foam in the top lid I tape three TSA approved locks for the case and a 3ft zip wire that is lockable to secure my Pelican case.
The other common configuration used with the Pelican 1514 is
3 - Canon 1D series bodies
1 - Canon 16-35f2.8L
1 - Canon 70-200f2.8L
1 - Canon 85f1.8 USM
1 - Canon 28f1.8 USM
8 - Spare 1D batterues
2 - Canon 580ex Speedlights
1 - Canon ETTL Cord
4 - Sets of reusable AA batteries
1 - Small roll of Gaffers Tape
1 - Stofen OmniDome
1 - MiniMag flashlight
1 - Pixel Pocket Rocket
Obviously what the case hauls is modified to my needs for each job, but the above lists are the two most common configurations for me when I travel with the case.
Some people want a bigger case, and I understand this, but a bigger case is larger than the maximum carry-on size which means your case will always be checked. While I am OK checking my lighting equipment, I am not OK checking my camera equipment (unless no baggage is allowed on board).
Some thing you need to know about the Pelican 1514, when loaded the handle can really hurt your hand. I have two padded wraps on my handle,which are taped into place. I use two wraps, you can get them at stores ranging from Brookstone to Target, because the shape of the pull handle is awkward and it digs into my hand. With the two wraps it is OK. The pull-up handle to roll the case is very flexible, you may see it bend and think it is going to snap, but it isn't. I stick a briefcase (The North Face Off Site : www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AE6C ) on the handle and while it ads to the weight it can handle it.
When you are having the security check your case you should always offer to snap the latches shut. I have had two TSA Agents pinch their fingers in the latches shutting it after an inspection. One was pinched so hard he was bleeding through his gloves. I now warn everyone and they just let me shut my own case.
Below are detailed shots of my two most common configurations for the Pelican 1514. Additionally I have posted six photos of my Pelican 1514 from every side so you can see what the case really looks like
Happy Flying
-Click On The Photos Below To Enlarge The Images-
8-February-2007 : A Case You Can Torture And Have Your Gear Be Just Fine (And It's A Carry On!)
An area of frequent concern for photographers traveling is how to carry their equipment with them and not have it get wrecked by the 'Ramp Apes' (also known as the Airline Ramp Agents). I'll admit, I go between bags depending on my needs or at times my mood, but some bags and cases are used regardless of my mood.
My needs and mood were heavily affected this past summer when a suspected terrorist cell was stopped in the United Kingdom and a ban on cabin baggage went into affect for travel on flights departing the U.K. I was never a fan of rolling cases until I had three trips coming up to the U.K., or via the U.K., knowing my equipment would have to be checked.....No Ifs, Ands Or Buts about it. This caused me to shift gears and start exploring my options. ..........
.......it turns out I had only one real option, the Pelican 1514. The Pelican 1514 is the same as the 1510, except it comes with interior dividers for storing equipment in a neat and orderly fashion. The set up is MUCH more convenient and easier to work with than the foam. Foam uses to much space and once you cut it you cannot reconfigure it. Being able to reconfigure a cases interior to meet your job-to-job needs is very important and often overlooked by many photographers. You kit will change, your lens selection may vary, your style of packing needs to be able to quickly adapt to your needs.
My Pelican 1514 has now become a case I travel with often. Many of my flights involve small Regional Jets or Turbo Props (considering my "home airport" is only serviced by Turbo Props) and while my gear has never damaged (knock on wood) being dropped at the stairs to be picked up again at the stairs upon landing (this is often referred to as "valet checking" your bags) in the Think Tank Airport Addicted, I feel safer with the Pelican 1514.
The Pelican 1514 conforms to carry-on bag standards for U.S./Canadian travel, although it may not fit the template for certain European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific carriers. I have used the 1514 on flights from the U.K. to the U.S. with no problem, but that is not a certainty for EU to US flights. I have little fear of checking my equipment with the Pelican Case, after all the whole reason I bought it was because I knew I'd have to check my equipment on the way from from UK to US flights during the cabin baggage restrictions.
My Pelican 1514 has probably only logged about 60,000 miles in 2006, because it was only purchased in the summer and it is not used on all my journeys, but does it's job great! I do wish the wheels were a little bit larger and softer for use when not on perfect sidewalks, airport corridors or hotel lobbies, but the case is guaranteed for life. If the wheels break, I'll just ship it back for new wheels.
The case can look small to some people, but it can hold a lot. Once I add the "Lid Organizer" at some point the case will have even more cargo space, but for now, I use it the way it came from the factory. I like the foam up on the lid for some extra cushion, and I often stick some items behind the foam, such as small Speed-Rings, papers, extra batteries, cords, etc.
I have three different "standard" configurations for the Pelican 1514, but I'll list my two common configurations below. The photos at the end of this post are of the two following configurations.
2 - Canon 1D series bodies
1 - Canon 16-35f2.8L
1 - Canon 70-200f2.8L
1 - Canon 28-70f2.8L
1 - Sigma 20f1.8 (there is no Canon version of this lens)
1 - Canon 85f1.8 USM
1 - Canon 28f1.8 USM
2 - Canon 580ex Speedlights
1 - Canon ETTL Cord
4 - Sets of Reusable "AA" batteries
1 - Stofen Omni Dome (white)
8 - Spare 1D batteries
1 - Mini Mag flashlight
1- Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket (CF Card wallett)
*I normally lay a small Domke pouch over the 70-200f2.8 with a small 3 outlet surge bar, a Canon 1D battery charger, an Energizer AA battery charger and a Canon 15f2.8L.
Under the foam in the top lid I tape three TSA approved locks for the case and a 3ft zip wire that is lockable to secure my Pelican case.
The other common configuration used with the Pelican 1514 is
3 - Canon 1D series bodies
1 - Canon 16-35f2.8L
1 - Canon 70-200f2.8L
1 - Canon 85f1.8 USM
1 - Canon 28f1.8 USM
8 - Spare 1D batterues
2 - Canon 580ex Speedlights
1 - Canon ETTL Cord
4 - Sets of reusable AA batteries
1 - Small roll of Gaffers Tape
1 - Stofen OmniDome
1 - MiniMag flashlight
1 - Pixel Pocket Rocket
Obviously what the case hauls is modified to my needs for each job, but the above lists are the two most common configurations for me when I travel with the case.
Some people want a bigger case, and I understand this, but a bigger case is larger than the maximum carry-on size which means your case will always be checked. While I am OK checking my lighting equipment, I am not OK checking my camera equipment (unless no baggage is allowed on board).
Some thing you need to know about the Pelican 1514, when loaded the handle can really hurt your hand. I have two padded wraps on my handle,which are taped into place. I use two wraps, you can get them at stores ranging from Brookstone to Target, because the shape of the pull handle is awkward and it digs into my hand. With the two wraps it is OK. The pull-up handle to roll the case is very flexible, you may see it bend and think it is going to snap, but it isn't. I stick a briefcase (The North Face Off Site : www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AE6C ) on the handle and while it ads to the weight it can handle it.
When you are having the security check your case you should always offer to snap the latches shut. I have had two TSA Agents pinch their fingers in the latches shutting it after an inspection. One was pinched so hard he was bleeding through his gloves. I now warn everyone and they just let me shut my own case.
Below are detailed shots of my two most common configurations for the Pelican 1514. Additionally I have posted six photos of my Pelican 1514 from every side so you can see what the case really looks like
Happy Flying
-Click On The Photos Below To Enlarge The Images-
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