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!
Showing posts with label airline passenger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label airline passenger. Show all posts
20 November 2008
Canadian Supreme Court Rules 'Obese' Passengers Entitled To Two Seats For A Single Fare
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!
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!
19 November 2008
New TSA Public Service Push To Educate Travelers
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
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
06 November 2008
Packed To Travel But No Seats To Be Found?
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!
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!
03 November 2008
Baggage Locks : Keys vs Combination
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!
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 October 2008
31/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Heathrow-on-Sea? : Perfect Travel Light Stand : Delta & Northwest Become One : Lufthansa & BMI : Lufty's Expansion
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!
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!
29 October 2008
Iceland's Sterling Airways Shuts Down Stranding Thousands
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!
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!
27 October 2008
Can Heathrow Be Replaced By A Man Made Island Airport?
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!
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
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!
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!
23 October 2008
Airport Etiquette : Gate Agents Are Not There For Your Verbal Abuse
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!
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!
21 October 2008
Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles
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!
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!
20 October 2008
TSA Rolls Out PDA Based Boarding Pass : A Security Double Standard
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!
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 October 2008
17/10/2008 – The Weekly Round Up : Fuel Surcharges; Booking To Soon? : Baggage Theft Blame Game : TSA Approves Jewish Holiday! : etc etc etc
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!
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?
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!
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!
16 October 2008
iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Airport Status
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--
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
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!
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!
15 October 2008
Can A 'Classified' Military Radio Tower Bring Down A Plane? : I Almost Has.....Twice
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!
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!
14 October 2008
Missing Items From Checked Baggage : Who Do You Contact?
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!
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!
06 October 2008
Save Money By Being A Loyal Frequent Flyer
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!
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!
02 October 2008
iPhone 'Apps' Of The Week : BA Flights & Qantas Mobile (yes, there are two this week)
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--
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--
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