Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
19/05/2008 - Are Some Seats On The Plane Safer Than Others?
Over the past few months the question of "which are the safest seats on the plane" has come up a few times when helping people plan their flights. I always stop and wonder about this question, because there is no real answer to this question.
Should there be an incident involving the plane your safety depends on many factors. Every seat meets the same strict safety regulations, from the lay-flat first class seats in the front of a long-haul international airliner to the cramped seats in the rear of a small regional jet.
Your seat selection does no makes you safer should there be a problem. If your aircraft sustain significant damage, the likelihood of injury or death depends entirely on many facts that will not be "decided" until the impact or event occurs.
Statistically you're more likely to be killed by accidentally falling than in a commercial airline mishap.
On average their approximately 17,999,975 commercial flights per year (compiled by averaging data from various aviation sources) and only 169 commercial airline fatalities a year. Compare the commercial airline fatality numbers to these numbers: 28,658 deaths by the Flu and Pneumonia; 41,616 by motor vehicle accident and 16, 274 deaths by accidentally falling (most in their own home)...this means that on average 16,105 more people die in an accidental fall than by flying.
Don't plan for something to go wrong. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.
Happy Flying!
16 May 2008
16/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Flying With Fish On ABC News! ; A New Web Site; Network With Flyers; Fare Wars? ; Passenger Etiquette; Flying With Babies
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
16/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Flying With Fish On ABC News! ; A New Web Site; Network With Flyers; Fare Wars? ; Passenger Etiquette; Flying With Babies
I'm starting this week's 'Weekly Round Up' at the end of the week, rather than the beginning of the week. Yesterday, Thursday the 15th of May, I flew down to Washington DC to film an on air segment for Good Morning America on how to avoid being a target of theft while going through airport security check points. The segment takes the viewers through the process of getting through a checkpoint quickly and effectively. There are some other tid-bits thrown in. I don't have a date it should air yet, but when I do I'll post. To read more about Flying With Fish on national television check out this post:
15/05/2008 - Mr. Fish Goes To Washington - Good Morning America To Feature Flying With Fish!
This week kicked off with the introduction of AeroChannel's web site to the readers of Flying With Fish. AeroChannel is a do-it-all site for day of travel logistics. While only in its beta phase, this site has already grabbed my attention and proved to be a fantastic day-of-travel tool. To read more about AeroChannel check out:
12/05/2008 - AeroChannel, The New One Stop Website For Your Day Of Flight Logistics
Have you ever wondered what your airline could offer you besides a cramped seat, warm soda and stale pretzels? How about using your airline to network within your business or other social groups? See if there is something out there for you in this post:
13/05/2008 - Can You Use Your Airlines To Network & Grow Your Business? Yes!
With fuel costs rising faster than you can change your underwear, and airfares having gone up across the board nearly a dozen times this year, is it possible for a summer fare war to level the playing field? It seems like it may happen! Read up on this here:
13/05/2008 - Summer Airfare Deals Amid Skyrocketing Fuel Cost? Maybe!
I have been watching simple etiquette go out the window recently. Boarding a plane can be a race to the jetway, but on some of my last flights the passengers’ behaviours resembled the animals stampeding from the barn. For some basic flyer etiquette please visit the following link for some required reading:
14/05/2008 - Passenger Etiquette - The Basics Of Being A Courteous Flyer
Been on a flight with a screaming baby? Had angry thoughts towards the parents and the child? Don't! To learn why you need to just deal with it read this post:
15/05/2008 - Flying With Babies, For Those Of You Sitting Near A Crying Baby......Deal With It!
That's it for this week
Happy Flying!
16/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Flying With Fish On ABC News! ; A New Web Site; Network With Flyers; Fare Wars? ; Passenger Etiquette; Flying With Babies
I'm starting this week's 'Weekly Round Up' at the end of the week, rather than the beginning of the week. Yesterday, Thursday the 15th of May, I flew down to Washington DC to film an on air segment for Good Morning America on how to avoid being a target of theft while going through airport security check points. The segment takes the viewers through the process of getting through a checkpoint quickly and effectively. There are some other tid-bits thrown in. I don't have a date it should air yet, but when I do I'll post. To read more about Flying With Fish on national television check out this post:
15/05/2008 - Mr. Fish Goes To Washington - Good Morning America To Feature Flying With Fish!
This week kicked off with the introduction of AeroChannel's web site to the readers of Flying With Fish. AeroChannel is a do-it-all site for day of travel logistics. While only in its beta phase, this site has already grabbed my attention and proved to be a fantastic day-of-travel tool. To read more about AeroChannel check out:
12/05/2008 - AeroChannel, The New One Stop Website For Your Day Of Flight Logistics
Have you ever wondered what your airline could offer you besides a cramped seat, warm soda and stale pretzels? How about using your airline to network within your business or other social groups? See if there is something out there for you in this post:
13/05/2008 - Can You Use Your Airlines To Network & Grow Your Business? Yes!
With fuel costs rising faster than you can change your underwear, and airfares having gone up across the board nearly a dozen times this year, is it possible for a summer fare war to level the playing field? It seems like it may happen! Read up on this here:
13/05/2008 - Summer Airfare Deals Amid Skyrocketing Fuel Cost? Maybe!
I have been watching simple etiquette go out the window recently. Boarding a plane can be a race to the jetway, but on some of my last flights the passengers’ behaviours resembled the animals stampeding from the barn. For some basic flyer etiquette please visit the following link for some required reading:
14/05/2008 - Passenger Etiquette - The Basics Of Being A Courteous Flyer
Been on a flight with a screaming baby? Had angry thoughts towards the parents and the child? Don't! To learn why you need to just deal with it read this post:
15/05/2008 - Flying With Babies, For Those Of You Sitting Near A Crying Baby......Deal With It!
That's it for this week
Happy Flying!
15 May 2008
Mr. Fish Goes To Washington - Good Morning America To Feature Flying With Fish!
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
15/05/2008 - Mr. Fish Goes To Washington - Good Morning America To Feature Flying With Fish!
This afternoon was spent at Washington DC's Reagan National Airport being taping a piece for Good Morning America for a story on passenger security, while in TSA screening checkpoints. It was an interesting experience to walk correspondent Elisabeth Leamy through the process of how I prepare for an airport security checkpoint and my methodology for placing my bins-and-bags through the x-ray scanner. While I know exactly how I go through security, and I do the same things over and over again, I had never quite explained my process in such detail.
I am not sure how long the total piece will be, and the air date is not yet set, but when it runs I'll let you readers of Flying With Fish know! Hopefully my piece will help less experienced flyers learn to go through the process of an airport security checkpoint more calmly, as well as quickly, efficiently and safely.
Below is a photo of me explaining the process of going through an airport security-screening checkpoint to Good Morning America correspondent Elisabeth Leamy.
Happy Flying!
--Click Image Below To Enlarge It--
15/05/2008 - Mr. Fish Goes To Washington - Good Morning America To Feature Flying With Fish!
This afternoon was spent at Washington DC's Reagan National Airport being taping a piece for Good Morning America for a story on passenger security, while in TSA screening checkpoints. It was an interesting experience to walk correspondent Elisabeth Leamy through the process of how I prepare for an airport security checkpoint and my methodology for placing my bins-and-bags through the x-ray scanner. While I know exactly how I go through security, and I do the same things over and over again, I had never quite explained my process in such detail.
I am not sure how long the total piece will be, and the air date is not yet set, but when it runs I'll let you readers of Flying With Fish know! Hopefully my piece will help less experienced flyers learn to go through the process of an airport security checkpoint more calmly, as well as quickly, efficiently and safely.
Below is a photo of me explaining the process of going through an airport security-screening checkpoint to Good Morning America correspondent Elisabeth Leamy.
Happy Flying!
--Click Image Below To Enlarge It--
Flying With Babies, For Those Of You Sitting Near A Crying Baby......Deal With It!
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
15/05/2008 - Flying With Babies, For Those Of You Sitting Near A Crying Baby......Deal With It!
As I sit on my early morning Southwest Airlines flight from Providence (PVD) to Baltimore (BWI) I am inspired to write this while listening to a screaming baby slowly calming down and (hopefully) falling asleep. I can see this little boy's face red and puffing, he's been upset since the aircraft door closed; his discomfort grew as we accelerated down the runway and went into full-blown uncontrollable screaming a few seconds after our Boeing 737-700 went wheels up. What catches my attention really is not that the front of his Lightning McQueen shirt looks damp from his tears, but that there are dozens of adult passengers looking at the parents of this child with an intense sense of distain, a look of fueled anger.........but why?
We all know that babies do what they do when they want to do it. The baby is not seeking to anger the roughly 130 people on this flight, however babies don't know how to deal with the air pressure and the pain it causes. We've all had our ears pop and it hurts, now try and remember what it was like to be a little baby and unable to express your discomfort, your natural reaction was to cry. Ever flown with a mild sinus infection? Do you know the pain that causes an adult? No be a baby and deal with this massive head pressure pain.
I am sure every single adult on this plane cried so loud at some point in their life that they nearly cleared out a plane/train/bus/movie theater/restaurant/grocery store. Outside of this pressurized metal tube, flying at 500+ mph (800+ kph) at 30,000 feet, you can pick up your screaming child and rock them to comfort them. In most situations you can pick your child up and walk outside, but let's be real here, we're sitting in a plane with the fasten seat-belt sign on, somewhere around 30,000 feet flying out over the Atlantic Ocean, crossing Long Island Sound, then back over the Atlantic Ocean. Where do these angry adults expect the parents to take this upset child?
If you're on a plane and a baby is screaming I understand being frustrated. Before you start giving the 'death stare' towards the upset baby and the parents think about this........ Don’t you think the parents are more frustrated? Don't you think the parents are trying to calm the baby down? Don't you think if the parents could comfort the baby they would? Can you envision being in their place knowing that you have a planeload of passengers all staring at you in anger?
If the sounds of a baby on a plane bother you, and understandably they are irritating to listen to, go out and buy yourself a pair of decent noise canceling headsets. If they baby gets louder just adjust the volume on your iPod. Having distain for the baby and the parents gets you now where.
So my advice for all of you flyers out there when you hear a crying baby is this......DEAL WITH IT!
Happy Flying..........and I'm watching the little guy sitting in seat 8F on his Dad's shoulder doze off, so hopefully he'll sleep through our arrival at BWI in 20 minutes.
15/05/2008 - Flying With Babies, For Those Of You Sitting Near A Crying Baby......Deal With It!
As I sit on my early morning Southwest Airlines flight from Providence (PVD) to Baltimore (BWI) I am inspired to write this while listening to a screaming baby slowly calming down and (hopefully) falling asleep. I can see this little boy's face red and puffing, he's been upset since the aircraft door closed; his discomfort grew as we accelerated down the runway and went into full-blown uncontrollable screaming a few seconds after our Boeing 737-700 went wheels up. What catches my attention really is not that the front of his Lightning McQueen shirt looks damp from his tears, but that there are dozens of adult passengers looking at the parents of this child with an intense sense of distain, a look of fueled anger.........but why?
We all know that babies do what they do when they want to do it. The baby is not seeking to anger the roughly 130 people on this flight, however babies don't know how to deal with the air pressure and the pain it causes. We've all had our ears pop and it hurts, now try and remember what it was like to be a little baby and unable to express your discomfort, your natural reaction was to cry. Ever flown with a mild sinus infection? Do you know the pain that causes an adult? No be a baby and deal with this massive head pressure pain.
I am sure every single adult on this plane cried so loud at some point in their life that they nearly cleared out a plane/train/bus/movie theater/restaurant/grocery store. Outside of this pressurized metal tube, flying at 500+ mph (800+ kph) at 30,000 feet, you can pick up your screaming child and rock them to comfort them. In most situations you can pick your child up and walk outside, but let's be real here, we're sitting in a plane with the fasten seat-belt sign on, somewhere around 30,000 feet flying out over the Atlantic Ocean, crossing Long Island Sound, then back over the Atlantic Ocean. Where do these angry adults expect the parents to take this upset child?
If you're on a plane and a baby is screaming I understand being frustrated. Before you start giving the 'death stare' towards the upset baby and the parents think about this........ Don’t you think the parents are more frustrated? Don't you think the parents are trying to calm the baby down? Don't you think if the parents could comfort the baby they would? Can you envision being in their place knowing that you have a planeload of passengers all staring at you in anger?
If the sounds of a baby on a plane bother you, and understandably they are irritating to listen to, go out and buy yourself a pair of decent noise canceling headsets. If they baby gets louder just adjust the volume on your iPod. Having distain for the baby and the parents gets you now where.
So my advice for all of you flyers out there when you hear a crying baby is this......DEAL WITH IT!
Happy Flying..........and I'm watching the little guy sitting in seat 8F on his Dad's shoulder doze off, so hopefully he'll sleep through our arrival at BWI in 20 minutes.
14 May 2008
Passenger Etiquette - The Basics Of Being A Courteous Flyer
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
14/05/2008 - Passenger Etiquette - The Basics Of Being A Courteous Flyer
Is there such as a thing as airline passenger etiquette? There is a grey area when we board a cramped flight, departing late, and squeeze ourselves into a narrow seat. We jockey for position at the boarding gate; there is the sprint to board first, even when our seats are aisle or middle seats (my preferred seat is the A-side window); there is the race to place our items in the overhead bins first, and all of this happens in a confined space we cannot escape (no matter how much we may want to) until we land at our destination.
There is no "Emily Post Etiquette" book to guide us through being a courteous flyer, but there are some basic rules, that if followed, might make the journey more pleasant from start to finish. With this in mind, my etiquette basics are in the chronological order of flying.
-When waiting for your flight to board, if the airline you are traveling with uses "boarding zones," please wait for your zone to be called. If you are in Zone 3 and the gate agent is calling Zone 1, you will slow down the boarding process and simply be turned away by the gate agent. I know we're all anxious to get on the plane, but if you're waiting at the gate with a boarding pass you have a seat waiting for you once you get on board.
-Once on-board we all have a tendency to shove as much of our "stuff" in the overhead bins as we can. No one likes having their legs cramped on a flight, especially smaller regional jets, but if you can place your larger bag in the overhead and your smaller bag under the seat in front of you then everyone should have some space in the overhead. The bag under the seat in front of you can be removed from under the seat in front of you and generally positioned behind your legs to increase your legroom while in flight. I know there are always exceptions to this rule, but it generally works for most backpacks and briefcases.
-When placing your bags in the overhead compartment use common sense. Nearly all overhead bins are designed to accommodate a "legal" sized roll-aboard bag. These bags should be placed in the overhead wheels first, not sideways which takes up considerably more space. When placing an item such as a brief case in the overhead try and stand it up so it takes up as little space as possible in the overhead. If you have a coat that needs to go up, wait until the bags have been loaded into the overhead then lay your coat over the top, a coat will often be able to slip in-between some of the gaps allowing more of the overhead bin space to be used. Being a space hog can lead to 'bad flyer karma.'
-Once settled in your seat and the "turn off your phone" announcement comes on when the main cabin door shuts, please turn off your phone. I have been on more than one flight that was delayed pushing back from the gate because a passenger would not hang up the phone. Not only is using a phone while in-flight illegal, but it is really annoying to your fellow passengers. If you are on a flight that has in-flight phones and you really want to speak with someone pull out your credit card and be prepared to pay the $10 connect fee and the exorbitant per-minute usage fees.
-When reclining in your seat be mindful of the person behind you. You should not push the recline button and slam your seat back as quickly as possible. You are welcome to adjust your seat, but watch the speed of your recline. Getting hit in the knees (or in some limited cases the head) with a seat coming back and full speed is not comfortable!
-If the seat in front you is reclined and you have your knees up don't kick the seat in front of you. I often keep my knees in a position that touches the seat in front of me, but I pay attention to not kick my fellow flyer in the seat in front of me. If you are flying with kids please do not let them kick the seat in front of them, no matter how entertaining it is to them.
-When getting up from your seat pay attention to the person in front of you. No one likes having their hair pulled or their seat jerked backwards behind them. This rule of etiquette is especially important on overnight flights when the person in front of you is likely sleeping or completely zoning out.
-If the person in the middle or window seat needs to get up and use the bathroom or walk around don't get angry with them. On a long flight people need to get up and move for comfort and health reasons, as well as lavatory runs. If you are in the middle or window seat try and use the lavatory at the same time as your seatmates on long flights. By 'going before you have to go' you cut down on making your seatmates get up and down repeatedly.
-On an overnight flight if you are in the middle or window seat and need to use the lavatory.......make sure you really need to go. It is not easy to get comfortable and sleep on planes so make sure you really need to get up before you wake up your seat mate from their sound slumber. If you are able to get up and maneuver around your seatmate without waking them it is advisable to do so.
-When watching a moving on a flight make sure the content of your movie is appropriate for those who may be able to view your screen. Watching a movie like Boogie Nights may not be the best choice with kids sitting behind you who can look through the seats. I have been shocked at times while walking a plane at night to see what some people are watching on their screens in an open public area! I am all for making your seat your personal and private space on a plane, but there are limits to this. Use common sense when making your viewing selection.
-Upon arriving at the gate if the flight attendants announce that you should remain seated to let delayed passengers making a tight connection off the plane first please sit down. Let these people who need to make a connection get off the flight first; they will appreciate it, even if you don't know it. The 'good flyer karma' may come back to help you when you need to make a tight connection in the future.
-When taking your items out of the overhead bin upon arrival never take someone else's items out. If someone asks you to help that is one thing, but taking someone else's bag and leaving it out is just flat out rude. I have heard of a number of passengers thinking someone had walked off with their bag only to find out another passenger had removed their bag and tossed it on a seat or placed it on the floor between seats. Keep in mind how you would feel if you went to the overhead bin to find your bag trampled or missing!
-When the plane arrives at the gate and you hear the "ping" that signals it is OK to get up feel free to get up and collect your belongings, but don't trample people. Your fellow passengers have been seated in their seats just as long as you have, they are just as eager to get off the plane. If you are in the back of the plane standing swaying back and forth in the aisle nervously twitching isn't going to get you off the plane any faster. The airline wants you off the plane just as much as you want to get off the plane.
With these simple common sense etiquette rules you can safely consider yourself a courteous flyer.
Happy Flying!
14/05/2008 - Passenger Etiquette - The Basics Of Being A Courteous Flyer
Is there such as a thing as airline passenger etiquette? There is a grey area when we board a cramped flight, departing late, and squeeze ourselves into a narrow seat. We jockey for position at the boarding gate; there is the sprint to board first, even when our seats are aisle or middle seats (my preferred seat is the A-side window); there is the race to place our items in the overhead bins first, and all of this happens in a confined space we cannot escape (no matter how much we may want to) until we land at our destination.
There is no "Emily Post Etiquette" book to guide us through being a courteous flyer, but there are some basic rules, that if followed, might make the journey more pleasant from start to finish. With this in mind, my etiquette basics are in the chronological order of flying.
-When waiting for your flight to board, if the airline you are traveling with uses "boarding zones," please wait for your zone to be called. If you are in Zone 3 and the gate agent is calling Zone 1, you will slow down the boarding process and simply be turned away by the gate agent. I know we're all anxious to get on the plane, but if you're waiting at the gate with a boarding pass you have a seat waiting for you once you get on board.
-Once on-board we all have a tendency to shove as much of our "stuff" in the overhead bins as we can. No one likes having their legs cramped on a flight, especially smaller regional jets, but if you can place your larger bag in the overhead and your smaller bag under the seat in front of you then everyone should have some space in the overhead. The bag under the seat in front of you can be removed from under the seat in front of you and generally positioned behind your legs to increase your legroom while in flight. I know there are always exceptions to this rule, but it generally works for most backpacks and briefcases.
-When placing your bags in the overhead compartment use common sense. Nearly all overhead bins are designed to accommodate a "legal" sized roll-aboard bag. These bags should be placed in the overhead wheels first, not sideways which takes up considerably more space. When placing an item such as a brief case in the overhead try and stand it up so it takes up as little space as possible in the overhead. If you have a coat that needs to go up, wait until the bags have been loaded into the overhead then lay your coat over the top, a coat will often be able to slip in-between some of the gaps allowing more of the overhead bin space to be used. Being a space hog can lead to 'bad flyer karma.'
-Once settled in your seat and the "turn off your phone" announcement comes on when the main cabin door shuts, please turn off your phone. I have been on more than one flight that was delayed pushing back from the gate because a passenger would not hang up the phone. Not only is using a phone while in-flight illegal, but it is really annoying to your fellow passengers. If you are on a flight that has in-flight phones and you really want to speak with someone pull out your credit card and be prepared to pay the $10 connect fee and the exorbitant per-minute usage fees.
-When reclining in your seat be mindful of the person behind you. You should not push the recline button and slam your seat back as quickly as possible. You are welcome to adjust your seat, but watch the speed of your recline. Getting hit in the knees (or in some limited cases the head) with a seat coming back and full speed is not comfortable!
-If the seat in front you is reclined and you have your knees up don't kick the seat in front of you. I often keep my knees in a position that touches the seat in front of me, but I pay attention to not kick my fellow flyer in the seat in front of me. If you are flying with kids please do not let them kick the seat in front of them, no matter how entertaining it is to them.
-When getting up from your seat pay attention to the person in front of you. No one likes having their hair pulled or their seat jerked backwards behind them. This rule of etiquette is especially important on overnight flights when the person in front of you is likely sleeping or completely zoning out.
-If the person in the middle or window seat needs to get up and use the bathroom or walk around don't get angry with them. On a long flight people need to get up and move for comfort and health reasons, as well as lavatory runs. If you are in the middle or window seat try and use the lavatory at the same time as your seatmates on long flights. By 'going before you have to go' you cut down on making your seatmates get up and down repeatedly.
-On an overnight flight if you are in the middle or window seat and need to use the lavatory.......make sure you really need to go. It is not easy to get comfortable and sleep on planes so make sure you really need to get up before you wake up your seat mate from their sound slumber. If you are able to get up and maneuver around your seatmate without waking them it is advisable to do so.
-When watching a moving on a flight make sure the content of your movie is appropriate for those who may be able to view your screen. Watching a movie like Boogie Nights may not be the best choice with kids sitting behind you who can look through the seats. I have been shocked at times while walking a plane at night to see what some people are watching on their screens in an open public area! I am all for making your seat your personal and private space on a plane, but there are limits to this. Use common sense when making your viewing selection.
-Upon arriving at the gate if the flight attendants announce that you should remain seated to let delayed passengers making a tight connection off the plane first please sit down. Let these people who need to make a connection get off the flight first; they will appreciate it, even if you don't know it. The 'good flyer karma' may come back to help you when you need to make a tight connection in the future.
-When taking your items out of the overhead bin upon arrival never take someone else's items out. If someone asks you to help that is one thing, but taking someone else's bag and leaving it out is just flat out rude. I have heard of a number of passengers thinking someone had walked off with their bag only to find out another passenger had removed their bag and tossed it on a seat or placed it on the floor between seats. Keep in mind how you would feel if you went to the overhead bin to find your bag trampled or missing!
-When the plane arrives at the gate and you hear the "ping" that signals it is OK to get up feel free to get up and collect your belongings, but don't trample people. Your fellow passengers have been seated in their seats just as long as you have, they are just as eager to get off the plane. If you are in the back of the plane standing swaying back and forth in the aisle nervously twitching isn't going to get you off the plane any faster. The airline wants you off the plane just as much as you want to get off the plane.
With these simple common sense etiquette rules you can safely consider yourself a courteous flyer.
Happy Flying!
13 May 2008
Summer Airfare Deals Amid Skyrocketing Fuel Cost? Maybe!
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
13/05/2008 - Summer Airfare Deals Amid Skyrocketing Fuel Cost? Maybe!
In the last few months the price of Type A Jet Fuel, much like the cost of the fuel for your car, has sky rocketed. In the wake of these escalating fuel costs we have also witnessed the collapse of multiple airlines and watched the airline industry raise it's airfares industry wide nearly a dozen times this year.
Despite the fact that most airlines have been flying at record capacity due to the reduction of certain routes, the swapping of larger aircraft to smaller aircraft and the consolidation of routes, the backlash against the increasing airfares is now beginning to affect seat sales. As airfares continue to rise, pleasure travelers are shifting their travel plans and business travelers that are the bread-and-butter of airlines are curtailing their travel.
What does this all mean? How is this good for you?
Well, it means that some airlines are starting to ramp up the summer fare sales. In the past few days United Airlines appears to have increased the number of it's 'e-fares' for this week; Delta Airlines has started to push it's 'summer fares'; Air France is offering some great 'last minute' fare specials from the East Coast of the United States to Europe; BMI has some very attractive fares from London Heathrow to the Middle East and Manchester to Las Vegas; JetBlue has lowered some of it’s last minute fares and is offering a “$50 off future travel” promo.
With U.S. 'legacy airlines' seeking to fill their domestic capacity, while simultaneously scaling back their domestic capacity to compete with domestic 'low cost carriers' (LCC) the fare war should heat up this summer to the benefit of the flying publics wallet............at least it's starting to look that way.
Happy Flying!
13/05/2008 - Summer Airfare Deals Amid Skyrocketing Fuel Cost? Maybe!
In the last few months the price of Type A Jet Fuel, much like the cost of the fuel for your car, has sky rocketed. In the wake of these escalating fuel costs we have also witnessed the collapse of multiple airlines and watched the airline industry raise it's airfares industry wide nearly a dozen times this year.
Despite the fact that most airlines have been flying at record capacity due to the reduction of certain routes, the swapping of larger aircraft to smaller aircraft and the consolidation of routes, the backlash against the increasing airfares is now beginning to affect seat sales. As airfares continue to rise, pleasure travelers are shifting their travel plans and business travelers that are the bread-and-butter of airlines are curtailing their travel.
What does this all mean? How is this good for you?
Well, it means that some airlines are starting to ramp up the summer fare sales. In the past few days United Airlines appears to have increased the number of it's 'e-fares' for this week; Delta Airlines has started to push it's 'summer fares'; Air France is offering some great 'last minute' fare specials from the East Coast of the United States to Europe; BMI has some very attractive fares from London Heathrow to the Middle East and Manchester to Las Vegas; JetBlue has lowered some of it’s last minute fares and is offering a “$50 off future travel” promo.
With U.S. 'legacy airlines' seeking to fill their domestic capacity, while simultaneously scaling back their domestic capacity to compete with domestic 'low cost carriers' (LCC) the fare war should heat up this summer to the benefit of the flying publics wallet............at least it's starting to look that way.
Happy Flying!
Can You Use Your Airlines To Network & Grow Your Business? Yes!
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
13/05/2008 - Can You Use Your Airlines To Network & Grow Your Business? Yes!
Most flyers, casual or business flyers, see the airlines as a way to get from Point A to Point B. In fact the main purpose of an airline is simply to transport you from point to point, this is of course why we fly. As flyers we line up, take our laptops out, walk to our gate, sit in our seat and zone out from anywhere from 30 minutes to 30 hours, to get to our destination.
An interesting service by a limited number of airlines is often overlooked; this is a service of networking flyers with other flyers. In an age of being nickeled and dimed at every turn many frequent flyers are anxious to take advantage of any service offered by their airline, and this one can make you money.
I know of six networking schemes for frequent flyers that seem to be widely used a variety of the airlines customers. These range from direct networking, to social groups, to business options, but they all lead to networking opportunities for those who use them.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) offers a detailed business networking community for it's flyers that live in Africa and do business in Africa. KLM's Club Africa can benefit any businessperson involved in the business and economy on the African Continent. You do not need to fly KLM to access KLM Club Africa, but you do need to sign up for a free KLM Flying Blue account (which you can do on the KLM Club Africa site). For more info on this program visit www.klmclubafrica.com
KLM's Club China, much like Club Africa, allows it's members and grow their business networks through this unique online networking scheme. A service of KLM's Club China is off-line networking meetings to allow members to get to know each other face to face, and hear featured speaking discussing a variety of topics as they relate to doing business in China. You do need a KLM Flying Blue account to join, which is free and take less than 3 minutes to create. If you do business in China visit www.klmclubchina.com
American Airlines (AA) offers two programs unique to their airline. The first business and social networking gaining popularity with American Airlines is their "Women Travelers Connected" website. AA's 'women' web site is dedicated to creating a networking community for women in both business and social environments. You can visit AA's Women Travelers Connected site at www.aa.com/women
AA's second networking community is the 'Rainbow Community,' which is the only airline site dedicated to serving the gay & lesbian (LGBT) community. While this site is not intended for direct person-to-person networking like other networks, it offers an excellent source of information for LGBT travel, and has created a dedicated community with FaceBook. AA also offers its 'Rainbow Network' newsletter and through the 'Rainbow Network' AA supports excellent organizations such as the Matthew Shepard Foundation. You can check out AA's 'Rainbow Network' at www.aa.com/rainbow
Air France (AF) has a unique social networking set up through its frequent flyer program, Flying Blue (same as KLM's Flying Blue) for golfers. Golf has long since been a game for business deals to be discussed and ironed out while walking the course. Flying Blue Golf is a unique blend of social and business networking. Flying Blue Golf allows it's members to discuss travel and golf experiences with others around the world. This site offers discounts and other user benefits, aside from the networking ability. If you golf and fly visit Flying Blue Golf at www.flyingbluegolf.com
For business travelers who set up meetings and events around the world Air France (AF) makes bringing your participants together easier with 'Air France Global Meetings.' AF's Global Meetings has a dedicated site to both set up meetings and to give your participants an event ID that lets them log in and access special discounted fares to travel to and from these events. While this is not really a face-to-face networking system, it is an easy way to bring all your attendees together in one place through a site facilitated by a major global airline with multiple global partners. You can find out if AF's Global Meetings will work for you at: www.AirFranceGlobalMeetings.notlong.com
If you know of another airline business networking program let me know by dropping me an e-mail at fish@flyingwithfish.com
Happy Flying!
13/05/2008 - Can You Use Your Airlines To Network & Grow Your Business? Yes!
Most flyers, casual or business flyers, see the airlines as a way to get from Point A to Point B. In fact the main purpose of an airline is simply to transport you from point to point, this is of course why we fly. As flyers we line up, take our laptops out, walk to our gate, sit in our seat and zone out from anywhere from 30 minutes to 30 hours, to get to our destination.
An interesting service by a limited number of airlines is often overlooked; this is a service of networking flyers with other flyers. In an age of being nickeled and dimed at every turn many frequent flyers are anxious to take advantage of any service offered by their airline, and this one can make you money.
I know of six networking schemes for frequent flyers that seem to be widely used a variety of the airlines customers. These range from direct networking, to social groups, to business options, but they all lead to networking opportunities for those who use them.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) offers a detailed business networking community for it's flyers that live in Africa and do business in Africa. KLM's Club Africa can benefit any businessperson involved in the business and economy on the African Continent. You do not need to fly KLM to access KLM Club Africa, but you do need to sign up for a free KLM Flying Blue account (which you can do on the KLM Club Africa site). For more info on this program visit www.klmclubafrica.com
KLM's Club China, much like Club Africa, allows it's members and grow their business networks through this unique online networking scheme. A service of KLM's Club China is off-line networking meetings to allow members to get to know each other face to face, and hear featured speaking discussing a variety of topics as they relate to doing business in China. You do need a KLM Flying Blue account to join, which is free and take less than 3 minutes to create. If you do business in China visit www.klmclubchina.com
American Airlines (AA) offers two programs unique to their airline. The first business and social networking gaining popularity with American Airlines is their "Women Travelers Connected" website. AA's 'women' web site is dedicated to creating a networking community for women in both business and social environments. You can visit AA's Women Travelers Connected site at www.aa.com/women
AA's second networking community is the 'Rainbow Community,' which is the only airline site dedicated to serving the gay & lesbian (LGBT) community. While this site is not intended for direct person-to-person networking like other networks, it offers an excellent source of information for LGBT travel, and has created a dedicated community with FaceBook. AA also offers its 'Rainbow Network' newsletter and through the 'Rainbow Network' AA supports excellent organizations such as the Matthew Shepard Foundation. You can check out AA's 'Rainbow Network' at www.aa.com/rainbow
Air France (AF) has a unique social networking set up through its frequent flyer program, Flying Blue (same as KLM's Flying Blue) for golfers. Golf has long since been a game for business deals to be discussed and ironed out while walking the course. Flying Blue Golf is a unique blend of social and business networking. Flying Blue Golf allows it's members to discuss travel and golf experiences with others around the world. This site offers discounts and other user benefits, aside from the networking ability. If you golf and fly visit Flying Blue Golf at www.flyingbluegolf.com
For business travelers who set up meetings and events around the world Air France (AF) makes bringing your participants together easier with 'Air France Global Meetings.' AF's Global Meetings has a dedicated site to both set up meetings and to give your participants an event ID that lets them log in and access special discounted fares to travel to and from these events. While this is not really a face-to-face networking system, it is an easy way to bring all your attendees together in one place through a site facilitated by a major global airline with multiple global partners. You can find out if AF's Global Meetings will work for you at: www.AirFranceGlobalMeetings.notlong.com
If you know of another airline business networking program let me know by dropping me an e-mail at fish@flyingwithfish.com
Happy Flying!
12 May 2008
AeroChannel, The New One Stop Website For Your Day Of Flight Logistics
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
12/05/2008 - AeroChannel, The New One Stop Website For Your Day Of Flight Logistics
Before I head to the airport I tend to use a few web sites to check airline delays, another site to check mass transit and traffic delays, sometimes I go to the airport web site to check security times if they list it. With the recent 'beta launch' of AeroChannel (www.aerochannel.com) I can skip most of these web sites and get the information I am seeking in one very user friendly and central location online.
AeroChannel lists logistical information in a way no other website does. Rather than just listing flight delays this site lists information such as traffic, parking, mass-transit, check-in times, security times and flight delays. Not all airports seem to have the same information, but I chalk this up to being in the 'beta phase', however AeroChannel appears to be functional with the info I find most critical, which is flight delays and gate information.
You can search AeroChannel by either entering your airport's three letter code (ie: Newark Liberty International Airport = EWR) , or specific airline/flight information, then choose your information by arriving or departing airport.
For checking info while on the road you can also visit AeroChannel's mobile site at www.aero2go.com . For consistent updates AeroChannel offers e-mail alerts and should have SMS/Text message alerts coming online shortly.
In the "beta" phase AeroChannel's live coverage is comes in daily from JFK, LAX, PHX and LAS, with some other daily live airports that seem to change from day to day for testing purposes. Even without the live parking, traffic and security information, I foresee AeroChannel as a site I'll visit consistently while traveling and planning travel. I have very high hopes for this site!
I'd like to thanks David McIntyre (www.davidpix.com), of the Black Star photo agency, and the staff photographer for Cathay Pacific Airways for introducing me to AeroChannel.
Happy Flying!
12/05/2008 - AeroChannel, The New One Stop Website For Your Day Of Flight Logistics
Before I head to the airport I tend to use a few web sites to check airline delays, another site to check mass transit and traffic delays, sometimes I go to the airport web site to check security times if they list it. With the recent 'beta launch' of AeroChannel (www.aerochannel.com) I can skip most of these web sites and get the information I am seeking in one very user friendly and central location online.
AeroChannel lists logistical information in a way no other website does. Rather than just listing flight delays this site lists information such as traffic, parking, mass-transit, check-in times, security times and flight delays. Not all airports seem to have the same information, but I chalk this up to being in the 'beta phase', however AeroChannel appears to be functional with the info I find most critical, which is flight delays and gate information.
You can search AeroChannel by either entering your airport's three letter code (ie: Newark Liberty International Airport = EWR) , or specific airline/flight information, then choose your information by arriving or departing airport.
For checking info while on the road you can also visit AeroChannel's mobile site at www.aero2go.com . For consistent updates AeroChannel offers e-mail alerts and should have SMS/Text message alerts coming online shortly.
In the "beta" phase AeroChannel's live coverage is comes in daily from JFK, LAX, PHX and LAS, with some other daily live airports that seem to change from day to day for testing purposes. Even without the live parking, traffic and security information, I foresee AeroChannel as a site I'll visit consistently while traveling and planning travel. I have very high hopes for this site!
I'd like to thanks David McIntyre (www.davidpix.com), of the Black Star photo agency, and the staff photographer for Cathay Pacific Airways for introducing me to AeroChannel.
Happy Flying!
09 May 2008
9/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Protecting Your Bags In Airports; The TSA's New Security Line Scheme; The North Face Surge Backpack
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
9/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Protecting Your Bags In Airports; The TSA's New Security Line Scheme; The North Face Surge Backpack
This week started for me at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) where I would take off probably for the last Trans-Atlantic flight of my life on an airline I have had a long standing love/hate relationship with. This is not because I am quitting flying, nor am I dying, it is not even because the airline is going away. My flight on Northwest Airlines (NW)Flight 97, from AMS to BDL, is probably my last over-the-water flight on NW because they will soon become part of Delta Airlines. In a few short months, as Northwest and Delta navigate the business and political maze of airline mergers this flight (if it survives the route restructuring) will be on a white plane with a red-white-blue tail rather than on a silver plane with the easy to spot red tail.
It is unclear to me whether the long standing Northwest-KLM partnership will become the Delta-KLM partnership. I used to love watching the rare sight of Northwest/KLM DC-10 fly over my parents house that was painted in Northwest colours on the body and the KLM logo on tail on one side, and the KLM colours on the body and the Northwest logo on the tail on the other side. The partnership between the two airlines is deep, unique and I'm not sure how it will continue under the new Delta merger.
On what I believe to be my final Northwest Airlines Trans-Atlantic flight I chose to sit in seat 1A at the front of the plane. I sat back and worked for the 7+ hour flight, but upon our approach into BDL I watched the red-winglets of Northwest 757-200 touch down for probably the last time in my life as a passenger. Goodbye Northwest Airlines.
Flying With Fish kicked off the week with a two part entry on keeping your bags safe while in transit and in the airport. Both entries are simple and basic ways to secure your bags to keep unwanted hands from either entering your bags or walking off with your bags. You can get tips on securing your bags at the following entries
6/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 1
7/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
After many years of flying around with the North Face Borealis backpack I have been using the newer North Face Surge backpack for the last month. After flying with this backpack for nearly 30,000 miles in the last month, taking it over the Atlantic 3 times, over the Pacific once and crossing through 7 countries with it on my back I have learned that I really enjoy the North Face Surge backpack. You can read my full review of this fantastic bag here: 8/05/2008 - The North Face Surge Backpack - An Updated Version Of An Old Favourite
The last entry on Flying With Fish this week addresses the TSA's new innovative way to try and shorten security line times in the United States. The new concept is interesting, it has some great potential, while it also has the potential also slow up the process as well. How is it possibly fantastic and terrible at the same time? The new system depends on passengers self governing themselves to accurately know their skills as a traveler. I hope it works, I hope people are honest when they enter the new "Self Select" lines, because this new system can make everyone's life easier. Read the details on the TSA's Self Select System here: 8/05/2008 - New TSA "Self Select" Security Lanes - The Good & The Bad
Below is an old promo photo of the old Northwest-KLM DC-10-30 that I used to enjoy watching fly over my parents house in New York.
Happy Flying!
--Click Image Below To Enlarge--
9/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Protecting Your Bags In Airports; The TSA's New Security Line Scheme; The North Face Surge Backpack
This week started for me at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) where I would take off probably for the last Trans-Atlantic flight of my life on an airline I have had a long standing love/hate relationship with. This is not because I am quitting flying, nor am I dying, it is not even because the airline is going away. My flight on Northwest Airlines (NW)Flight 97, from AMS to BDL, is probably my last over-the-water flight on NW because they will soon become part of Delta Airlines. In a few short months, as Northwest and Delta navigate the business and political maze of airline mergers this flight (if it survives the route restructuring) will be on a white plane with a red-white-blue tail rather than on a silver plane with the easy to spot red tail.
It is unclear to me whether the long standing Northwest-KLM partnership will become the Delta-KLM partnership. I used to love watching the rare sight of Northwest/KLM DC-10 fly over my parents house that was painted in Northwest colours on the body and the KLM logo on tail on one side, and the KLM colours on the body and the Northwest logo on the tail on the other side. The partnership between the two airlines is deep, unique and I'm not sure how it will continue under the new Delta merger.
On what I believe to be my final Northwest Airlines Trans-Atlantic flight I chose to sit in seat 1A at the front of the plane. I sat back and worked for the 7+ hour flight, but upon our approach into BDL I watched the red-winglets of Northwest 757-200 touch down for probably the last time in my life as a passenger. Goodbye Northwest Airlines.
Flying With Fish kicked off the week with a two part entry on keeping your bags safe while in transit and in the airport. Both entries are simple and basic ways to secure your bags to keep unwanted hands from either entering your bags or walking off with your bags. You can get tips on securing your bags at the following entries
6/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 1
7/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
After many years of flying around with the North Face Borealis backpack I have been using the newer North Face Surge backpack for the last month. After flying with this backpack for nearly 30,000 miles in the last month, taking it over the Atlantic 3 times, over the Pacific once and crossing through 7 countries with it on my back I have learned that I really enjoy the North Face Surge backpack. You can read my full review of this fantastic bag here: 8/05/2008 - The North Face Surge Backpack - An Updated Version Of An Old Favourite
The last entry on Flying With Fish this week addresses the TSA's new innovative way to try and shorten security line times in the United States. The new concept is interesting, it has some great potential, while it also has the potential also slow up the process as well. How is it possibly fantastic and terrible at the same time? The new system depends on passengers self governing themselves to accurately know their skills as a traveler. I hope it works, I hope people are honest when they enter the new "Self Select" lines, because this new system can make everyone's life easier. Read the details on the TSA's Self Select System here: 8/05/2008 - New TSA "Self Select" Security Lanes - The Good & The Bad
Below is an old promo photo of the old Northwest-KLM DC-10-30 that I used to enjoy watching fly over my parents house in New York.
Happy Flying!
--Click Image Below To Enlarge--
08 May 2008
New TSA "Self Select" Security Lanes - The Good & The Bad
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
8/05/2008 - New TSA "Self Select" Security Lanes - The Good & The Bad
The U.S Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) started a new experiment to speed up security line at some airports; this new idea comes from the trail designation on ski trails. The Circle/Novices. The Square/Intermediate; The Diamond/Expert
Officially the new the TSA is known as Self Select Lines. It allows flyers to choose their own security lane based on their own knowledge of how they travel. The breaks down of the lanes are as follows
-- Green-Circle is for families and those who need special assistance. This is for those flying with kids, strollers, in large groups, those who need assistance and those totally unfamiliar with the TSA screening process (which is more people than you'd think).
-- Blue-Square is for flyers that are somewhat familiar with the TSA check point procedures. It is also intended for those flying with multiple bags, however with a limit of one carry on and one personal item, how many bags can someone be carrying (even the experienced flyers generally fly with 1+1 bags).
-- Black-Diamond is the lane intended for the Expert Flyer. This lane should be used only by the who know the TSA procedures inside and out; those who don't fumble at what they need to leave what they can take; those traveling light (I don't travel light, but I can get my stuff ready for the screening in about 30 seconds or less).
I recently encountered this new system that is in a limited number of airports, at Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) and see the good and the bad in this system.
Rather than tear the new system apart, as I have seen in a few online forums, I'm going to start off by saying that I think this new system can have some significant advantages. If flyers are honest about their skill of navigating an airport, and enter the lane that accurately represents their knowledge of passing through a TSA checkpoint, this system can speed up security lines. Self governing can be a great way to weed people out of the line, and gives the TSA a better chance of sizing up that they are dealing with and who they need to help.
The downsides to these Self Select Lines are when people enter the wrong line. At Boston Logan Airport's Terminal A I entered the "expert" and stood not moving for around 9 minutes. I saw people in line with their shoes on, no laptops out, and one person arguing that they were flying in first-class so they should be entitled to use the "expert" line. Flying in first class does not make you an expert, it just means you paid more or got upgraded. I quickly moved to the "novice" line, behind a family with two small children and one very inexperienced flyer. I was through the checkpoint in less than 3 minutes. If people enter the wrong line thinking the "expert" line will move faster, when they are not a experienced in passing through the check points, they just slow down the line for everyone.
If inexperienced flyers think they were getting dirty looks at a standard TSA check point by going slowly (and I have no problem with people going their own speed, especially those who don't fly often) they should check out the dirty looks they get when they slow up the "expert" line to a crawl.
Overall if flyers are honest and choose the right lanes I think this new "Self Select Lines" can be a great way to speed up the time it takes to get through security. It is nice to see the TSA using some ingenuity in finding new ways to make the travel experience smoother and easier under an increasingly more difficult environment.
Happy Flying!
8/05/2008 - New TSA "Self Select" Security Lanes - The Good & The Bad
The U.S Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) started a new experiment to speed up security line at some airports; this new idea comes from the trail designation on ski trails. The Circle/Novices. The Square/Intermediate; The Diamond/Expert
Officially the new the TSA is known as Self Select Lines. It allows flyers to choose their own security lane based on their own knowledge of how they travel. The breaks down of the lanes are as follows
-- Green-Circle is for families and those who need special assistance. This is for those flying with kids, strollers, in large groups, those who need assistance and those totally unfamiliar with the TSA screening process (which is more people than you'd think).
-- Blue-Square is for flyers that are somewhat familiar with the TSA check point procedures. It is also intended for those flying with multiple bags, however with a limit of one carry on and one personal item, how many bags can someone be carrying (even the experienced flyers generally fly with 1+1 bags).
-- Black-Diamond is the lane intended for the Expert Flyer. This lane should be used only by the who know the TSA procedures inside and out; those who don't fumble at what they need to leave what they can take; those traveling light (I don't travel light, but I can get my stuff ready for the screening in about 30 seconds or less).
I recently encountered this new system that is in a limited number of airports, at Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) and see the good and the bad in this system.
Rather than tear the new system apart, as I have seen in a few online forums, I'm going to start off by saying that I think this new system can have some significant advantages. If flyers are honest about their skill of navigating an airport, and enter the lane that accurately represents their knowledge of passing through a TSA checkpoint, this system can speed up security lines. Self governing can be a great way to weed people out of the line, and gives the TSA a better chance of sizing up that they are dealing with and who they need to help.
The downsides to these Self Select Lines are when people enter the wrong line. At Boston Logan Airport's Terminal A I entered the "expert" and stood not moving for around 9 minutes. I saw people in line with their shoes on, no laptops out, and one person arguing that they were flying in first-class so they should be entitled to use the "expert" line. Flying in first class does not make you an expert, it just means you paid more or got upgraded. I quickly moved to the "novice" line, behind a family with two small children and one very inexperienced flyer. I was through the checkpoint in less than 3 minutes. If people enter the wrong line thinking the "expert" line will move faster, when they are not a experienced in passing through the check points, they just slow down the line for everyone.
If inexperienced flyers think they were getting dirty looks at a standard TSA check point by going slowly (and I have no problem with people going their own speed, especially those who don't fly often) they should check out the dirty looks they get when they slow up the "expert" line to a crawl.
Overall if flyers are honest and choose the right lanes I think this new "Self Select Lines" can be a great way to speed up the time it takes to get through security. It is nice to see the TSA using some ingenuity in finding new ways to make the travel experience smoother and easier under an increasingly more difficult environment.
Happy Flying!
The North Face Surge Backpack - An Updated Version Of An Old Favourite
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
8/05/2008 - The North Face Surge Backpack - An Updated Version Of An Old Favourite
For years I have used, abused, schleped and lived out of my North Face Borealis backpack. The North Face Borealis backpack has met the vast majority of my needs when traveling quick and light. The only design flaw I found in the Borealis over the years was my need to open the main compartment to access my laptop without maneuvering around the contents of the bag's main compartment.
Depending on how I pack my bag, reaching in to remove my laptop at a security check point can be a significant hassle; the solution to this design need is the North Face Surge backpack. The North Face Surge has a very similar design to the North Face Borealis, with the notable difference being the addition of a separate top loading slot that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop. This top loading laptop slot makes traveling through airport security very easy, additionally it makes generally accessing your laptop while on a plane or a train very easy.
My North Face Surge's first trip was a significant test of it's abilities as a multi-purpose backpack. The Surge's first test was having it haul nearly everything I needed to photograph four shoots, in four cities, in four countries, on three continents around the would in less than four days. Every nook-and-cranny of the North Face Surge backpack was used, from the "hidden pocket" at the base of the bag loaded with my laptop power supply, security cables & locks and a few empty zip-lock bags to the left side mesh-pocket that was used to carry a Manfrotto 3373 compact light stand, even the bottom lash-straps were used to carry my sweater when I was not wearing it.
Overall my Surge backpack held inside it's compartments (other gear was carried in a Newswear belt sysem, cameras were carried out on my shoulders)
4 - pairs of underwear
4- pairs of socks3
3 - button up shirts
1 - sweater
1 - Nikon SB-28dx flashes
1 - Pocket Wizard transmitters
2 - Pocket Wizard receivers
1 - Calumet Swivel adapter
1 - PhotoFlex 22" white/gold reflector
2 - Pocket Wizard PC cables,
1 - Ilford Anti-Stat cloth
1 - Apple 15" PowerBook
1 - Apple AC power supply
1 - Case Logic neoprene laptop protector sleeve
1 - Sony PSP & Power Supply
1 - Case of 4 UMD (PSP) Disks
1 - Apple 60gb iPod
1 - Sony MDR-NC22 Noise Canceling Headsets
1 - APC emPower in-seat power inverter
1 - Canon BP-511 Battery Charger
1 - Three-way outlet splitter
1 - 12 slot DVD holder
1 - Motorola USB phone charger (for Motorola Razr & Blackberry 8700)
1 - Stick of Right Guard (alpine scent)1 - Toothbrush/Toothpaste kit
1 - hair brush
2 - packs of sani-wipes
1 - US to Euro power-tip adapter
1 - US to UK (for Hong Kong) power-tip adapter
1 - Pair of Oakley sunglasses
2 - Packs of Kleenex tissues
4 - Sentry combination locks
1 - Eagle Creek locking cable
3 - Pens / Sharpie Markers
2 - Spare sets of 4 "AA" batteries
2 - Spare "AAA" batteries
1 - Lonely Planet "Encounters" Guide
For a bag measuring only 21"x12"x9" (52cmx30cmx22cm), the well planned out and extremely versatile interior design, allows the North Face Surge bag to carry a significant amount of "stuff" inside it's low profile design.
Having worn this back pack now on two long trips, around-the-world in under 4 days, as well as this past week using the Surge backpack while shooting a three day wedding in Paris (again traveling with no checked baggage!) I find the bag easy to wear. The ergonomics of the shoulder straps, the ease of getting the bag on and off,and the side compression straps make the bag comfortable hour after hour on your back. As a photographer I find the bag very easy to wear while shooting, even when using a Newswear belt with pouches of a ThinkTank Skin kit (belt/shoulder system with pouches).
With the North Face Surge being part of my kit for a month, and having flown with this bag for nearly 30,000 miles in this short span of time, on a dozen flights, through 7 countries, on three continents, I can safely say this bag is fantastic. I envision using the North Face Surge as my "go-to" backpack for the foreseeable future.
Below are a few photos of my North Face Surge Bag shot in the last month. The first photo is on the ramp at Providence's TF Green Airport (PVD) after a United Airlines flight; the second photo is at Gate E3 at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS); the 3rd photo is in my seat on board a trans-atlantic Northwest Airlines.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
8/05/2008 - The North Face Surge Backpack - An Updated Version Of An Old Favourite
For years I have used, abused, schleped and lived out of my North Face Borealis backpack. The North Face Borealis backpack has met the vast majority of my needs when traveling quick and light. The only design flaw I found in the Borealis over the years was my need to open the main compartment to access my laptop without maneuvering around the contents of the bag's main compartment.
Depending on how I pack my bag, reaching in to remove my laptop at a security check point can be a significant hassle; the solution to this design need is the North Face Surge backpack. The North Face Surge has a very similar design to the North Face Borealis, with the notable difference being the addition of a separate top loading slot that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop. This top loading laptop slot makes traveling through airport security very easy, additionally it makes generally accessing your laptop while on a plane or a train very easy.
My North Face Surge's first trip was a significant test of it's abilities as a multi-purpose backpack. The Surge's first test was having it haul nearly everything I needed to photograph four shoots, in four cities, in four countries, on three continents around the would in less than four days. Every nook-and-cranny of the North Face Surge backpack was used, from the "hidden pocket" at the base of the bag loaded with my laptop power supply, security cables & locks and a few empty zip-lock bags to the left side mesh-pocket that was used to carry a Manfrotto 3373 compact light stand, even the bottom lash-straps were used to carry my sweater when I was not wearing it.
Overall my Surge backpack held inside it's compartments (other gear was carried in a Newswear belt sysem, cameras were carried out on my shoulders)
4 - pairs of underwear
4- pairs of socks3
3 - button up shirts
1 - sweater
1 - Nikon SB-28dx flashes
1 - Pocket Wizard transmitters
2 - Pocket Wizard receivers
1 - Calumet Swivel adapter
1 - PhotoFlex 22" white/gold reflector
2 - Pocket Wizard PC cables,
1 - Ilford Anti-Stat cloth
1 - Apple 15" PowerBook
1 - Apple AC power supply
1 - Case Logic neoprene laptop protector sleeve
1 - Sony PSP & Power Supply
1 - Case of 4 UMD (PSP) Disks
1 - Apple 60gb iPod
1 - Sony MDR-NC22 Noise Canceling Headsets
1 - APC emPower in-seat power inverter
1 - Canon BP-511 Battery Charger
1 - Three-way outlet splitter
1 - 12 slot DVD holder
1 - Motorola USB phone charger (for Motorola Razr & Blackberry 8700)
1 - Stick of Right Guard (alpine scent)1 - Toothbrush/Toothpaste kit
1 - hair brush
2 - packs of sani-wipes
1 - US to Euro power-tip adapter
1 - US to UK (for Hong Kong) power-tip adapter
1 - Pair of Oakley sunglasses
2 - Packs of Kleenex tissues
4 - Sentry combination locks
1 - Eagle Creek locking cable
3 - Pens / Sharpie Markers
2 - Spare sets of 4 "AA" batteries
2 - Spare "AAA" batteries
1 - Lonely Planet "Encounters" Guide
For a bag measuring only 21"x12"x9" (52cmx30cmx22cm), the well planned out and extremely versatile interior design, allows the North Face Surge bag to carry a significant amount of "stuff" inside it's low profile design.
Having worn this back pack now on two long trips, around-the-world in under 4 days, as well as this past week using the Surge backpack while shooting a three day wedding in Paris (again traveling with no checked baggage!) I find the bag easy to wear. The ergonomics of the shoulder straps, the ease of getting the bag on and off,and the side compression straps make the bag comfortable hour after hour on your back. As a photographer I find the bag very easy to wear while shooting, even when using a Newswear belt with pouches of a ThinkTank Skin kit (belt/shoulder system with pouches).
With the North Face Surge being part of my kit for a month, and having flown with this bag for nearly 30,000 miles in this short span of time, on a dozen flights, through 7 countries, on three continents, I can safely say this bag is fantastic. I envision using the North Face Surge as my "go-to" backpack for the foreseeable future.
Below are a few photos of my North Face Surge Bag shot in the last month. The first photo is on the ramp at Providence's TF Green Airport (PVD) after a United Airlines flight; the second photo is at Gate E3 at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS); the 3rd photo is in my seat on board a trans-atlantic Northwest Airlines.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
07 May 2008
Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
7/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
Traveling with bags can be a challenge in any environment. An experienced traveler knows the safer locations to rest and can sense when a location is not ideal. At times we all end up in the "not ideal" situation. I have ended up overnight in New York's Penn Station waiting for a train and I have overnighted in airports that I felt unsafe in. I have also had moments were I was sure someone was trying to set me up to rob me in places where I normally felt very safe and comfortable. While a location and its environment can remain stable, the change of people in that environment can alter its sense of security very quickly.
For many quick situations I use three or four small "Sentry Locks" with a short cable to secure my bags to an immovable object. While the lock & cable combination works often, there are times I want a nearly impenetrable security system to protect my bags and my equipment. When I want significant security of my bags, such as when sleeping in airports, I use the PacSafe line of Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is an ingenious, compact, light weight, way to not only prevent a thief from entering your bags or leaving with your bags, but it is an outstanding on-sight deterrent. PacSafe's design uses its "eXomesh" system to create a complete barrier between the outside world and your bag, while also securing your bags to an immovable object with an integrated locking cable. This design blocks nearly any chance a thief could have to unzip your bag and remove items through the eXomesh exterior, especially if you lock the zippers within the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector and lock the zipper lock to the eXomesh it's self.
Using the Anti-Theft Protector is simple, you open the case, you slide out the Anti-Theft Protector, you slide it over your bag, secure it tightly, use the integrated cable to secure your bag to any immovable object. The sheer sight of the Anti-Theft Protector should deter nearly any thief. While you should never get up and walk away from your bags in an airport or a train station, having your bags enveloped in this simple item should allow you to put your head back and sleep soundly knowing that your bags next to you are not going anywhere.
When staying in a hotel you can also use the Backpack & Bag Protector to secure your camera equipment, computer or other valuables. What I like to do is place anything of value in a single bag, often a North Face Offsite bag, secure the bag inside the Backpack & Bag Protector, lock the bag zippers shut, place part of the eXomesh inside the lock it's self, then lock the Backpack & Bag Protector to the bed frame or the desk. By securing my bag in this manner, unless someone enters my room with a bolt cutter, I can go out and do my job without worrying about what I left behind in my room.
For those of you trekking through a high-risk area, you can also place the Anti-Theft Protector around your bag, loop your shoulder straps through it, and wear your bag while it is inside this protection system. I don't personally travel this way, but I have tried it out, and if you are wearing a shirt you'd never feel a difference between carrying your backpack without the Backpack & Bag Protector.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate everything from a smaller backpack to a large duffle bag. The lightweight compact design of he Anti-Theft Protectors makes them simple to use and extremely easy to travel with. With basic packing skills these Anti-Theft Protectors, made from PacSafe's eXomesh, take up virtually no space in your bag.
For me this item is a must have for all travelers.
You can check out the PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector, in sizes 55, 85, 120 and 140 on PacSafe's web site at www.pacsafe.com
Below are four photos of my PacSafe 55 with the Mountainsmith Parallax (it's a very tight fit) and with my North Face Surge Backpack. The PacSafe 55 and North Face Surge bag show my bag secured to a bench I was napping on at Amsterdam-Schiphol Int'l Airport (AMS) two nights ago.
**As a slight disclaimer to the photos below, the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector normally fits on my bag in a MUCH more snug manner, I threw mine on after being awake more than 24hrs, on only 2 hours sleep, and just wanted to secure my bag quickly while sitting down for a few minutes. When I am going to sleep I make sure the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is on completely correctly and as snuggly as possible.**
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
7/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
Traveling with bags can be a challenge in any environment. An experienced traveler knows the safer locations to rest and can sense when a location is not ideal. At times we all end up in the "not ideal" situation. I have ended up overnight in New York's Penn Station waiting for a train and I have overnighted in airports that I felt unsafe in. I have also had moments were I was sure someone was trying to set me up to rob me in places where I normally felt very safe and comfortable. While a location and its environment can remain stable, the change of people in that environment can alter its sense of security very quickly.
For many quick situations I use three or four small "Sentry Locks" with a short cable to secure my bags to an immovable object. While the lock & cable combination works often, there are times I want a nearly impenetrable security system to protect my bags and my equipment. When I want significant security of my bags, such as when sleeping in airports, I use the PacSafe line of Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is an ingenious, compact, light weight, way to not only prevent a thief from entering your bags or leaving with your bags, but it is an outstanding on-sight deterrent. PacSafe's design uses its "eXomesh" system to create a complete barrier between the outside world and your bag, while also securing your bags to an immovable object with an integrated locking cable. This design blocks nearly any chance a thief could have to unzip your bag and remove items through the eXomesh exterior, especially if you lock the zippers within the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector and lock the zipper lock to the eXomesh it's self.
Using the Anti-Theft Protector is simple, you open the case, you slide out the Anti-Theft Protector, you slide it over your bag, secure it tightly, use the integrated cable to secure your bag to any immovable object. The sheer sight of the Anti-Theft Protector should deter nearly any thief. While you should never get up and walk away from your bags in an airport or a train station, having your bags enveloped in this simple item should allow you to put your head back and sleep soundly knowing that your bags next to you are not going anywhere.
When staying in a hotel you can also use the Backpack & Bag Protector to secure your camera equipment, computer or other valuables. What I like to do is place anything of value in a single bag, often a North Face Offsite bag, secure the bag inside the Backpack & Bag Protector, lock the bag zippers shut, place part of the eXomesh inside the lock it's self, then lock the Backpack & Bag Protector to the bed frame or the desk. By securing my bag in this manner, unless someone enters my room with a bolt cutter, I can go out and do my job without worrying about what I left behind in my room.
For those of you trekking through a high-risk area, you can also place the Anti-Theft Protector around your bag, loop your shoulder straps through it, and wear your bag while it is inside this protection system. I don't personally travel this way, but I have tried it out, and if you are wearing a shirt you'd never feel a difference between carrying your backpack without the Backpack & Bag Protector.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate everything from a smaller backpack to a large duffle bag. The lightweight compact design of he Anti-Theft Protectors makes them simple to use and extremely easy to travel with. With basic packing skills these Anti-Theft Protectors, made from PacSafe's eXomesh, take up virtually no space in your bag.
For me this item is a must have for all travelers.
You can check out the PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector, in sizes 55, 85, 120 and 140 on PacSafe's web site at www.pacsafe.com
Below are four photos of my PacSafe 55 with the Mountainsmith Parallax (it's a very tight fit) and with my North Face Surge Backpack. The PacSafe 55 and North Face Surge bag show my bag secured to a bench I was napping on at Amsterdam-Schiphol Int'l Airport (AMS) two nights ago.
**As a slight disclaimer to the photos below, the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector normally fits on my bag in a MUCH more snug manner, I threw mine on after being awake more than 24hrs, on only 2 hours sleep, and just wanted to secure my bag quickly while sitting down for a few minutes. When I am going to sleep I make sure the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is on completely correctly and as snuggly as possible.**
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
06 May 2008
Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 1
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
6/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 1
When traveling through an airport or train station there are simple ways to protect your bags against theft.
The simplest way to secure your bags is a compact combination lock and short cable. These two items, that are between US$7 and US$15 will generally deter a thief before they even put any effort into devising a way to steal from you. A thief must be quick and quiet, and it is very difficult to be quick and quiet when breaking into a locked bag.
When walking through the streets, a train station or an airport, I lock the zippers of my bag. By making sure my zippers are locked, and pulled all the way down to one side it makes it extremely difficult for a thief to get into my bag without me noticing it. On the street, or in a train station, a skilled thief can use a sharp knife to slice into a bag, which is why it's always best to use a bag of a thicker material, such as ballistic nylon. When looking for a bag, I like to find bags that have some additional internal padding on the bottom that would make a quick "slice and dice" more challenging. Inside an airport a knife is much less likely, but a lock keeping your zippers shut keeps fast hands out of your possessions.
When I spend any time in a single spot for more than five minutes while in a train station, an airport, or even when riding on a train, I use a lock and cable combination to keep hands out of my bag and to keep my bag exactly where I left it. Most bags look alike and can be easy to walk away with. I often travel with a backpack and either a waist pack or belt system. Both can be very easy to snatch, so to prevent this I use a short cable from Eagle Creek with a three-dial combination lock.
To secure my bag I run the short cable through two points in the backpack, generally the top handle and another secure point in the backpack. For the waist pack or belt system I loop the cable through two secure points in that system, then wrap my cable around a metal post in a bench, along the floor or through an arm rest or seat back two or three times. The looping of the cable through a bag more than once makes it tighter and harder to pull away at first tug. If there is no easy 'snatch' most thieves will move onto the next target. A thief can't stand next to a bag's owner and struggle trying to walk off with a bag.
You can find the cable and lock set at www.eaglecreek.com , or at REI, EMS or other travel shops. A combination travel lock can be found nearly anywhere and are made by a variety of companies.
Below are a few photos of my bags and how I secure them. The first photo is of the Eagle Creek lock & cable kit; the second photo is of how I use a single lock to secure four zippers on my North Face Borealis backpack; the third photo is of my Newswear belt system and North Face Borealis backpack secured to a bench at Hartford/Springfield Bradley Int'l Airport.
Happy Flying!
--Click The Images Below To Enlarge Them--
6/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 1
When traveling through an airport or train station there are simple ways to protect your bags against theft.
The simplest way to secure your bags is a compact combination lock and short cable. These two items, that are between US$7 and US$15 will generally deter a thief before they even put any effort into devising a way to steal from you. A thief must be quick and quiet, and it is very difficult to be quick and quiet when breaking into a locked bag.
When walking through the streets, a train station or an airport, I lock the zippers of my bag. By making sure my zippers are locked, and pulled all the way down to one side it makes it extremely difficult for a thief to get into my bag without me noticing it. On the street, or in a train station, a skilled thief can use a sharp knife to slice into a bag, which is why it's always best to use a bag of a thicker material, such as ballistic nylon. When looking for a bag, I like to find bags that have some additional internal padding on the bottom that would make a quick "slice and dice" more challenging. Inside an airport a knife is much less likely, but a lock keeping your zippers shut keeps fast hands out of your possessions.
When I spend any time in a single spot for more than five minutes while in a train station, an airport, or even when riding on a train, I use a lock and cable combination to keep hands out of my bag and to keep my bag exactly where I left it. Most bags look alike and can be easy to walk away with. I often travel with a backpack and either a waist pack or belt system. Both can be very easy to snatch, so to prevent this I use a short cable from Eagle Creek with a three-dial combination lock.
To secure my bag I run the short cable through two points in the backpack, generally the top handle and another secure point in the backpack. For the waist pack or belt system I loop the cable through two secure points in that system, then wrap my cable around a metal post in a bench, along the floor or through an arm rest or seat back two or three times. The looping of the cable through a bag more than once makes it tighter and harder to pull away at first tug. If there is no easy 'snatch' most thieves will move onto the next target. A thief can't stand next to a bag's owner and struggle trying to walk off with a bag.
You can find the cable and lock set at www.eaglecreek.com , or at REI, EMS or other travel shops. A combination travel lock can be found nearly anywhere and are made by a variety of companies.
Below are a few photos of my bags and how I secure them. The first photo is of the Eagle Creek lock & cable kit; the second photo is of how I use a single lock to secure four zippers on my North Face Borealis backpack; the third photo is of my Newswear belt system and North Face Borealis backpack secured to a bench at Hartford/Springfield Bradley Int'l Airport.
Happy Flying!
--Click The Images Below To Enlarge Them--
02 May 2008
2/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Foreign Currency Exchange Tips; London Heathrow Isn't That Bad; Resources For Traveling Photogs
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
2/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Foreign Currency Exchange Tips; London Heathrow Isn't That Bad; Resources For Traveling Photogs
This week's weekly round up is being written from the Air France Arrivals Lounge at Paris's Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), in Terminal 2C. I always love the way each terminal at CDG is named, there is a Terminal 1 and a Terminal 3, however there are also Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F. Each is it's own free standing terminal.....yet they are all numbered "2." I love checking in for a flight online and at times it will simply say "Terminal 2" which narrows it down to six potential terminals. Easy, eh?
Enough about CDG and onto the week in review. This week was a light week, but here goes the quick recap.
For those of you traveling internationally, you can learn how to maximize your currency exchange in this past Monday's post : 28/04/2008 - Foreign Currency Exchange : Get The Most Value For Your Money
At the start of the week an American Airline's European customer service chief, Don Langford, stated that London Heathrow (LHR) is the worst airport in Europe, and referred to this popular international hub as a 'bit of a dump.' While I agree with some of what Mr. Langford is saying, I also respectfully disagree and actually enjoy LHR. You can read my comments on Mr. Langford's statement here: 29/04/2008 - London Heathrow Branded As "Worst Airport In Europe," I Think Not!
Finally I rounded out the light week with some information that can help a photographer on the road. In fact most of the information in Thursday's entry on Flying With Fish will help any traveler on he road, not just the photographers. You can see some of my most used resources in this entry: 1/05/2008 - Resources For The Traveling Photographer : Some Quick Links
I am off to shoot an assignment in the City of Lights for the next three days.
Happy Flying!
2/05/2008 - Weekly Roundup: Foreign Currency Exchange Tips; London Heathrow Isn't That Bad; Resources For Traveling Photogs
This week's weekly round up is being written from the Air France Arrivals Lounge at Paris's Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), in Terminal 2C. I always love the way each terminal at CDG is named, there is a Terminal 1 and a Terminal 3, however there are also Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F. Each is it's own free standing terminal.....yet they are all numbered "2." I love checking in for a flight online and at times it will simply say "Terminal 2" which narrows it down to six potential terminals. Easy, eh?
Enough about CDG and onto the week in review. This week was a light week, but here goes the quick recap.
For those of you traveling internationally, you can learn how to maximize your currency exchange in this past Monday's post : 28/04/2008 - Foreign Currency Exchange : Get The Most Value For Your Money
At the start of the week an American Airline's European customer service chief, Don Langford, stated that London Heathrow (LHR) is the worst airport in Europe, and referred to this popular international hub as a 'bit of a dump.' While I agree with some of what Mr. Langford is saying, I also respectfully disagree and actually enjoy LHR. You can read my comments on Mr. Langford's statement here: 29/04/2008 - London Heathrow Branded As "Worst Airport In Europe," I Think Not!
Finally I rounded out the light week with some information that can help a photographer on the road. In fact most of the information in Thursday's entry on Flying With Fish will help any traveler on he road, not just the photographers. You can see some of my most used resources in this entry: 1/05/2008 - Resources For The Traveling Photographer : Some Quick Links
I am off to shoot an assignment in the City of Lights for the next three days.
Happy Flying!
01 May 2008
Resources For The Traveling Photographer : Some Quick Links
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
1/05/2008 - Resources For The Traveling Photographer : Some Quick Links
This post is not really about one topic, but quite a few. I wanted to put some of my frequently used resources into one place. When I work on the road I and I need certain things, be it information, repairs or last minute equipment I don't have time to start looking around. I like quick, reliable, and effective to make my life easier.
So, without dragging this on any further here are a few of my most used resources. Some I have mentioned before, some I have not, but they all make my life easier.
- For quick travel references, when I need to know where an airlines flies, or how I'll be able to use my preferred airlines, or airline alliance I use Airline Route Maps at www.airlineroutemaps.com
- When planning my logistics on a tight schedule there is only one place to find out the first flight in and the last flight out (as well as all non-stop flights into a specific airport), the OAG Guide. The OAG Guide has long since been The Bible of frequent international business travelers. Some of the site is a paid subscription site, other areas of the site, the parts of the site I find most important to my needs are free. Who doesn't like free? You can visit the OAG Guide at www.oag.org
- Want a fun way to keep a detailed log of your travel? Know your exact flights, miles, hours flown, even most common type of aircraft you've flown in? Then visit My Flight Memory, part of the site is paid, but the most important parts of the site is free. You can start your detailed travel log at http://my.flightmemory.com
- Have you damaged your equipment on the road? There is only one repair shop I trust and frequent, Midstate Camera Repair, in Warwick, Rhode Island. Midstate Camera Repair is run by brother's Keith and Mark, they are certified by Nikon, Canon to work on their gear (as well as by quite a few other manufacturers). While I live an hour from Midstate Camera Repair, I have shipped them bodies and lenses from all over the place, and in turn Mark & Keith have shipped my repairs gear back to me all over the map. I have never found a better repair shop, they are quicker than both Nikon and Canon, more competitively priced than Nikon and Canon and they seem to find ways to fix gear that manufacturers have determined to be beyond-repair and or no longer make parts for. On the road, or at home, this is the place to send your gear in need of service. You can visit Midstate Camera Repair at www.midstatecamerarepair.com
- I prefer to keep my business with a person rather than with a particular shop. I find service and information is better served with an individual than a shop. For years much of my business has been with with Jeff Snyder. Jeff used to be with a pro-shop outside Washington DC and after 20 years moved to a position with Adorama in New York (he is still based outside DC). Jeff is knowledgeable, not pushy and us an excellent source or information. From purchasing an entire remote lighting kit and multiple bodies to simply needing a replacement eye piece for a camera his level of service remains the same. Jeff has managed to save me in a pinch a few times, even when what I needed wasn't in stock at his shop. You can e-mail Jeff at jsnyder@adorama.com or find him on AOL's AIM at: jsnyderadorama
Happy Flying!
1/05/2008 - Resources For The Traveling Photographer : Some Quick Links
This post is not really about one topic, but quite a few. I wanted to put some of my frequently used resources into one place. When I work on the road I and I need certain things, be it information, repairs or last minute equipment I don't have time to start looking around. I like quick, reliable, and effective to make my life easier.
So, without dragging this on any further here are a few of my most used resources. Some I have mentioned before, some I have not, but they all make my life easier.
- For quick travel references, when I need to know where an airlines flies, or how I'll be able to use my preferred airlines, or airline alliance I use Airline Route Maps at www.airlineroutemaps.com
- When planning my logistics on a tight schedule there is only one place to find out the first flight in and the last flight out (as well as all non-stop flights into a specific airport), the OAG Guide. The OAG Guide has long since been The Bible of frequent international business travelers. Some of the site is a paid subscription site, other areas of the site, the parts of the site I find most important to my needs are free. Who doesn't like free? You can visit the OAG Guide at www.oag.org
- Want a fun way to keep a detailed log of your travel? Know your exact flights, miles, hours flown, even most common type of aircraft you've flown in? Then visit My Flight Memory, part of the site is paid, but the most important parts of the site is free. You can start your detailed travel log at http://my.flightmemory.com
- Have you damaged your equipment on the road? There is only one repair shop I trust and frequent, Midstate Camera Repair, in Warwick, Rhode Island. Midstate Camera Repair is run by brother's Keith and Mark, they are certified by Nikon, Canon to work on their gear (as well as by quite a few other manufacturers). While I live an hour from Midstate Camera Repair, I have shipped them bodies and lenses from all over the place, and in turn Mark & Keith have shipped my repairs gear back to me all over the map. I have never found a better repair shop, they are quicker than both Nikon and Canon, more competitively priced than Nikon and Canon and they seem to find ways to fix gear that manufacturers have determined to be beyond-repair and or no longer make parts for. On the road, or at home, this is the place to send your gear in need of service. You can visit Midstate Camera Repair at www.midstatecamerarepair.com
- I prefer to keep my business with a person rather than with a particular shop. I find service and information is better served with an individual than a shop. For years much of my business has been with with Jeff Snyder. Jeff used to be with a pro-shop outside Washington DC and after 20 years moved to a position with Adorama in New York (he is still based outside DC). Jeff is knowledgeable, not pushy and us an excellent source or information. From purchasing an entire remote lighting kit and multiple bodies to simply needing a replacement eye piece for a camera his level of service remains the same. Jeff has managed to save me in a pinch a few times, even when what I needed wasn't in stock at his shop. You can e-mail Jeff at jsnyder@adorama.com or find him on AOL's AIM at: jsnyderadorama
Happy Flying!
29 April 2008
London Heathrow Branded As "Worst Airport In Europe," I Think Not!
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
29/04/2008 - London Heathrow Branded As "Worst Airport In Europe," I Think Not!
Can a bad airport also be good? This is a tricky question, but in regard to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) I think an airport that has recently been referred to as "The Worst In Europe" (have they been to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport, aka: FCO?) can also be a good airport.
I see the downside of London Heathrow. The airport is a bit run down; it has high delays; it could use a 3rd runway to reduce congestion; the opening of the new Terminal 5 was a disaster; immigrations takes longer than some flights (unless you are in business/first class on an airline that pays for the Fast Track); there is a significant homeless population who live in Heathrow; the cost of transiting Heathrow is more expensive that transiting through other European hubs............ and the top "downside" to Heathrow is probably that Immigrations Officers always seem so grumpy with the asking of questions, as if every foreign traveler is seeking to enter the country under false pretenses.
With the downsides of Heathrow out of the way, I am going to buck the trend, go out on a limb and also say that I also see the airport's upside. For starters, I like Heathrow. Overall I find Heathrow to be one of my five favourite airports to be stuck in, have a long layover in and even to sleep in when I have a "missed connection." I know most people don't view airports this way, but I have slept in Heathrow more than any other airport, with the exception of San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Despite a large, and growing, homeless population Heathrow is a safe airport. Those who are homeless and stay in Heathrow tend to try and act like travelers so they will no be thrown out by the police. The homeless in other airports tend to not blend in, and from my experience tend to be more prone to criminal activity than those at Heathrow. I have been approached by people begging at London Gatwick (LGW); been solicited for drugs at Newark's Liberty Int'l Airport (EWR); woken up to find a homeless man peeing on the wall a few feet from my head at Paris' Roissy Charles de Gaulle Int'l Airport (CDG); watched a clearly homeless and mentally ill woman picking through the trash at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), but at London's Heathrow there is none of that.
For very long layovers the Heathrow Express is a convenient way to get into the city for a few hours. To lighten your load if you misconnect and have to spend the night, Heathrow has very convenient "Left Luggage" operations to store you bags for a few hours, or overnight. To go plane-spotting to kill time the parking garages have quite a few good vantage points for the operations. For long walks, to kill time, most terminals are connected via underground passage ways which makes walking between terminals a breeze.
Overall I have had some of the best long conversations in the middle of the night on topics ranging from foreign policy and economics to choice of computer operating system while sitting in Heathrow. People in airports tend to either be a "pack mentality" or open and welcoming in conversation. In general conversations at Heathrow tend to be more in depth, more intellectual. I am sure it is a fluke this happens at one airport more than another, but it does......and I have extensive experience sleeping in airports all over the world for various reasons.
From a business stand point, Heathrow is the airport all the airlines want to fly into. Yes, London has five commercial airports, yes four of them can handle long-haul international traffic, yes two of them handle a significant amount of international traffic, but overall Heathrow is the one that business travelers tend to use. It is probably because of the train that departs for Central London every 15 minutes. It could be the considerable number of international airlines that fly into Heathrow, it may be that you can fly nearly anywhere in the world from Heathrow (many of those places non-stop) , it could also be that many long-haul airlines have "arrivals lounges" that allow passengers to freshen up upon arrival before heading out to meetings, or it may be that many airlines that call Heathrow home have top-notch departures lounges for their frequent flyers that have significant amenities over those offered at Gatwick.
I think that anyone who calls Heathrow the 'worst airport in Europe' needs to check out the facilities at Paris' Roissy Charles de Gaulle Int'l Airport (CDG), Rome's Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) in terms of not only on-time arrival/departure but also ease of transit to the city, safety of delayed passengers, access to electrical outlets and ability to sleep before branding Heathrow as the worst.
So, can an airport that is being referred to as the 'worst airport in Europe' be good? I think it certainly can be.
Happy Flying!
29/04/2008 - London Heathrow Branded As "Worst Airport In Europe," I Think Not!
Can a bad airport also be good? This is a tricky question, but in regard to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) I think an airport that has recently been referred to as "The Worst In Europe" (have they been to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport, aka: FCO?) can also be a good airport.
I see the downside of London Heathrow. The airport is a bit run down; it has high delays; it could use a 3rd runway to reduce congestion; the opening of the new Terminal 5 was a disaster; immigrations takes longer than some flights (unless you are in business/first class on an airline that pays for the Fast Track); there is a significant homeless population who live in Heathrow; the cost of transiting Heathrow is more expensive that transiting through other European hubs............ and the top "downside" to Heathrow is probably that Immigrations Officers always seem so grumpy with the asking of questions, as if every foreign traveler is seeking to enter the country under false pretenses.
With the downsides of Heathrow out of the way, I am going to buck the trend, go out on a limb and also say that I also see the airport's upside. For starters, I like Heathrow. Overall I find Heathrow to be one of my five favourite airports to be stuck in, have a long layover in and even to sleep in when I have a "missed connection." I know most people don't view airports this way, but I have slept in Heathrow more than any other airport, with the exception of San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Despite a large, and growing, homeless population Heathrow is a safe airport. Those who are homeless and stay in Heathrow tend to try and act like travelers so they will no be thrown out by the police. The homeless in other airports tend to not blend in, and from my experience tend to be more prone to criminal activity than those at Heathrow. I have been approached by people begging at London Gatwick (LGW); been solicited for drugs at Newark's Liberty Int'l Airport (EWR); woken up to find a homeless man peeing on the wall a few feet from my head at Paris' Roissy Charles de Gaulle Int'l Airport (CDG); watched a clearly homeless and mentally ill woman picking through the trash at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), but at London's Heathrow there is none of that.
For very long layovers the Heathrow Express is a convenient way to get into the city for a few hours. To lighten your load if you misconnect and have to spend the night, Heathrow has very convenient "Left Luggage" operations to store you bags for a few hours, or overnight. To go plane-spotting to kill time the parking garages have quite a few good vantage points for the operations. For long walks, to kill time, most terminals are connected via underground passage ways which makes walking between terminals a breeze.
Overall I have had some of the best long conversations in the middle of the night on topics ranging from foreign policy and economics to choice of computer operating system while sitting in Heathrow. People in airports tend to either be a "pack mentality" or open and welcoming in conversation. In general conversations at Heathrow tend to be more in depth, more intellectual. I am sure it is a fluke this happens at one airport more than another, but it does......and I have extensive experience sleeping in airports all over the world for various reasons.
From a business stand point, Heathrow is the airport all the airlines want to fly into. Yes, London has five commercial airports, yes four of them can handle long-haul international traffic, yes two of them handle a significant amount of international traffic, but overall Heathrow is the one that business travelers tend to use. It is probably because of the train that departs for Central London every 15 minutes. It could be the considerable number of international airlines that fly into Heathrow, it may be that you can fly nearly anywhere in the world from Heathrow (many of those places non-stop) , it could also be that many long-haul airlines have "arrivals lounges" that allow passengers to freshen up upon arrival before heading out to meetings, or it may be that many airlines that call Heathrow home have top-notch departures lounges for their frequent flyers that have significant amenities over those offered at Gatwick.
I think that anyone who calls Heathrow the 'worst airport in Europe' needs to check out the facilities at Paris' Roissy Charles de Gaulle Int'l Airport (CDG), Rome's Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) in terms of not only on-time arrival/departure but also ease of transit to the city, safety of delayed passengers, access to electrical outlets and ability to sleep before branding Heathrow as the worst.
So, can an airport that is being referred to as the 'worst airport in Europe' be good? I think it certainly can be.
Happy Flying!
28 April 2008
Foreign Currency Exchange : Get The Most Value For Your Money
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
28/04/2008 - Foreign Currency Exchange : Get The Most Value For Your Money
When traveling internationally every traveler would ideally like to maximize their currency exchange. No one wants to lose money, and depending on where you exchange your currency, the value of what you are exchanging can vary significantly.
Overall the best exchange rate is often found with purchases made by credit cards. Some cards offer a "foreign currency fee," many do not. These fees can generally be between 1.5% & 3%. Consult with your credit card company before using your card overseas. Also contact your credit card company before using your card internationally, some cards are blocked from overseas usage without prior authorization.
In my experience using American Express overseas provides the most protection and service for international travelers, however I have found that Visa is the most commonly accepted card internationally. For U.S. and Canadian Discover/Novus card users, leave your card at home. Except for limited use in Mainland China (not Taiwan or Hong Kong) you'll be hard pressed for find any place that accepts your card outside of the US and Canada.
For the exchange of actual cash, you'll find the best exchange rate at a large international commercial bank, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), HSBC, etc etc. By visiting these banks in a city (and not all branches will do currency exchange) you can get a much better exchange rate than visiting a currency exchange booth at the airport. Often visiting the "national bank" of the country you are visiting, such as the Deutsche Bank when seeking Euros (€), or HSBC when seeking Hong Kong Dollars (HK$).
If you have the time to wait, you can also get excellent exchange rates purchasing your foreign currency prior to your travel. In the United States check out Wells Fargo's Exchange Services or Travelex Worldwide Money. These two services have very competitive rates for those who have a few days to wait before they depart for their journey. Using these services are easy, order your foreign currency and it arrives via FedEx.
If you must exchange your currency at the airport, and it happens, it is best to find a currency exchange at your departure airport, and often prior to security, to get the best rates. After security the rates are less in your favour. Upon arrival in your destination country, before you exit custom/immigrations, even less in your favour and in your destination airport after you exit customs/immigrations..........the worst exchange rate for travelers when exchanging currency in an airport.
Happy Flying!
28/04/2008 - Foreign Currency Exchange : Get The Most Value For Your Money
When traveling internationally every traveler would ideally like to maximize their currency exchange. No one wants to lose money, and depending on where you exchange your currency, the value of what you are exchanging can vary significantly.
Overall the best exchange rate is often found with purchases made by credit cards. Some cards offer a "foreign currency fee," many do not. These fees can generally be between 1.5% & 3%. Consult with your credit card company before using your card overseas. Also contact your credit card company before using your card internationally, some cards are blocked from overseas usage without prior authorization.
In my experience using American Express overseas provides the most protection and service for international travelers, however I have found that Visa is the most commonly accepted card internationally. For U.S. and Canadian Discover/Novus card users, leave your card at home. Except for limited use in Mainland China (not Taiwan or Hong Kong) you'll be hard pressed for find any place that accepts your card outside of the US and Canada.
For the exchange of actual cash, you'll find the best exchange rate at a large international commercial bank, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), HSBC, etc etc. By visiting these banks in a city (and not all branches will do currency exchange) you can get a much better exchange rate than visiting a currency exchange booth at the airport. Often visiting the "national bank" of the country you are visiting, such as the Deutsche Bank when seeking Euros (€), or HSBC when seeking Hong Kong Dollars (HK$).
If you have the time to wait, you can also get excellent exchange rates purchasing your foreign currency prior to your travel. In the United States check out Wells Fargo's Exchange Services or Travelex Worldwide Money. These two services have very competitive rates for those who have a few days to wait before they depart for their journey. Using these services are easy, order your foreign currency and it arrives via FedEx.
If you must exchange your currency at the airport, and it happens, it is best to find a currency exchange at your departure airport, and often prior to security, to get the best rates. After security the rates are less in your favour. Upon arrival in your destination country, before you exit custom/immigrations, even less in your favour and in your destination airport after you exit customs/immigrations..........the worst exchange rate for travelers when exchanging currency in an airport.
Happy Flying!
25 April 2008
Weekly Roundup: New Passenger Bumping Rules, & Other Travel, News, Earth Day!, A Pocket Sized Tripod, Flying With Fish On The Radio
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
25/04/2008 - Weekly Roundup: New Passenger Bumping Rules, & Other Travel, News, Earth Day!, A Pocket Sized Tripod, Flying With Fish On The Radio
To kick off the Weekly Roundup, I have been asked to be a featured guest on the talk radio show Inside Digital Photo (www.insidedigitalphoto.com). Inside Digital Photo airs weekly in a number of U.S. metro markets, and can be found on iTunes following the broadcast. I'll be taping my segment this evening and will post an update when I have a broadcast/air date or when I find out where you can download the Podcast.
Elsewhere in the world of Flying With Fish, we had a busy week in news with two stories that affect all travelers in the United States. One works in your favour with new "passenger bumping rules," the other works against you if you are a foreign visitor to the United States with the new "US DHS foreign visitor proposal."
The new rules for passenger compensation kicked off the week and details the new compensation allowances for those passengers who have been 'involuntarily denied boarding,' from their flights. The new rules finally update the previous rules that were instituted in 1978. Read more on this topic here: 21/04/2008 - Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Recently the US Department of Homeland Security proposed a new "security measure" to positively identify foreign travelers as they depart the United States. Not only is this proposal full of considerable flaws in terms of implementation and effectiveness, but also it places the financial burden of US$2.7 billion on the airlines and cruise industry (with the majority of the financial burden falling on the already financially strapped airlines). To find more information on this subject check here: 23/04/2008 - Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
This week was Earth Day, and Flying With Fish reminded you that you could help equalize your environmental footprint when traveling by purchasing Carbon Offsets. We only have one Earth and we need to protect it! To find out how you can help preserve our environment while traveling click here: 22/04/2008 - Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
To meet our gadget needs, Flying With Fish reviewed the incredible pocket sized Manfrotto 3007 tripod kit. I was completely blown away with this "table top" tripod. The Manfrotto 3007's strength, size and versatility was well beyond what I expected. Even better is that this little wonder if outstanding for not only professional use, but also point-and-shoot use while on family vacations. You can learn more about the Manfrotto 3007 in this posting: 23/04/2008 - Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
Finally this week I published the top three packing tips submitted by the readers of Flying With Fish. With nearly 200 submitted tips (194 to be exact) it was hard to select the three most effective tips and award them the three PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera straps. The winners of the straps were Anna Kuperberg, Petra Hall and Jonathan Adams. I'd like to thank everyone who submitted their tips (i'll do a follow up with 10 more in the next few weeks) and I'd like to thank PacSafe for supporting the readers of Flying With Fish. To read the Top Three Packing Tips, click here: 22/04/2008 - Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
Finally, we round out the week with five hidden airline fee that really tick me off! I know the airlines are in financial trouble. I know the cost of fuel is going up and there are other factors contributing to these financial troubles. With all of these financial issues airlines need to generate additional revenue, however some of these hidden fees are just aimed at angering their customers and making it more difficult work with these companies. To find out the five hidden fees that irritate me check here: 24/04/2008 - Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
Happy Flying!
25/04/2008 - Weekly Roundup: New Passenger Bumping Rules, & Other Travel, News, Earth Day!, A Pocket Sized Tripod, Flying With Fish On The Radio
To kick off the Weekly Roundup, I have been asked to be a featured guest on the talk radio show Inside Digital Photo (www.insidedigitalphoto.com). Inside Digital Photo airs weekly in a number of U.S. metro markets, and can be found on iTunes following the broadcast. I'll be taping my segment this evening and will post an update when I have a broadcast/air date or when I find out where you can download the Podcast.
Elsewhere in the world of Flying With Fish, we had a busy week in news with two stories that affect all travelers in the United States. One works in your favour with new "passenger bumping rules," the other works against you if you are a foreign visitor to the United States with the new "US DHS foreign visitor proposal."
The new rules for passenger compensation kicked off the week and details the new compensation allowances for those passengers who have been 'involuntarily denied boarding,' from their flights. The new rules finally update the previous rules that were instituted in 1978. Read more on this topic here: 21/04/2008 - Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Recently the US Department of Homeland Security proposed a new "security measure" to positively identify foreign travelers as they depart the United States. Not only is this proposal full of considerable flaws in terms of implementation and effectiveness, but also it places the financial burden of US$2.7 billion on the airlines and cruise industry (with the majority of the financial burden falling on the already financially strapped airlines). To find more information on this subject check here: 23/04/2008 - Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
This week was Earth Day, and Flying With Fish reminded you that you could help equalize your environmental footprint when traveling by purchasing Carbon Offsets. We only have one Earth and we need to protect it! To find out how you can help preserve our environment while traveling click here: 22/04/2008 - Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
To meet our gadget needs, Flying With Fish reviewed the incredible pocket sized Manfrotto 3007 tripod kit. I was completely blown away with this "table top" tripod. The Manfrotto 3007's strength, size and versatility was well beyond what I expected. Even better is that this little wonder if outstanding for not only professional use, but also point-and-shoot use while on family vacations. You can learn more about the Manfrotto 3007 in this posting: 23/04/2008 - Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
Finally this week I published the top three packing tips submitted by the readers of Flying With Fish. With nearly 200 submitted tips (194 to be exact) it was hard to select the three most effective tips and award them the three PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera straps. The winners of the straps were Anna Kuperberg, Petra Hall and Jonathan Adams. I'd like to thank everyone who submitted their tips (i'll do a follow up with 10 more in the next few weeks) and I'd like to thank PacSafe for supporting the readers of Flying With Fish. To read the Top Three Packing Tips, click here: 22/04/2008 - Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
Finally, we round out the week with five hidden airline fee that really tick me off! I know the airlines are in financial trouble. I know the cost of fuel is going up and there are other factors contributing to these financial troubles. With all of these financial issues airlines need to generate additional revenue, however some of these hidden fees are just aimed at angering their customers and making it more difficult work with these companies. To find out the five hidden fees that irritate me check here: 24/04/2008 - Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
Happy Flying!
24 April 2008
Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
24/04/2008 - Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
The nickel and diming of passengers grows worse each and every day. Airlines scramble to make more money and deal with the rising costs of fuel, and along the way some of their hidden fees have just become absurd. From checked baggage to choosing seats, to simply buying a ticket, the fees can all add up. When one airline adds a fee you can rest assured a few more airlines will soon follow close behind.
While there are dozens of fees that have shown up in the past few years, here are the top five that really annoy me and that exemplify the nickel and diming of passengers.
#5 - Fee To Use Frequent Flyer Miles At The "Last Minute."
I just cashed in some miles on Delta for a quick trip that I booked then than three weeks from the date of travel I was hit with a significant fee for using my miles for travel less than three weeks from the date of travel. Often more seats are available closer to the date of travel due to airlines trying to fill the seats, but now there is an administrative convenience fee. The airline is taking my miles, I am paying the taxes, I am paying the ticket fee, now I am punished for booking less than three weeks from the date of travel? I was also hit with an additional fee for using my miles on a Delta partner airline, other than Delta (although this airline is merging with Delta.....can I get my money back?)
#4 - Fee To Re-Deposit Miles Into Your Frequent Flyer Account
In the last week I had to reschedule a trip booked on miles. The obvious solution is to re-deposit the miles with the airline rather than lose the miles. The fee to put my miles back into my account? $100 in administrative costs. The airline now has my original booking fee of $75 and my $100 re-deposit fee, for a total of $175 for a flight I have not taken.
#3 - Fee To Choose Seats On Your Flight
Airlines allow their "elite" frequent flyers to choose select seats, and these flyers got preferential seat choices. After the "frequent flyers, " airlines generally used to have simple policy, first come first served for seating assignments. This policy was simple and it made sense. A while back Northwest Airlines (soon to be merged with Delta Airlines) started to charge for seat selection, this policy has been followed by other carriers. You'd expect to find this kind of policy with a "low cost carrier" (LCC), but Northwest Airlines is a "legacy" airline. Additionally this policy is also in place with Air Canada on certain fares and other "legacy" airlines.
#2 - Fee To Fly Same Day Standby
In the "old days" if you showed up at the airport early you could request a "stand-by" seat on an earlier flight , based on seat availability. This was easy, it costs the airline nothing, especially if you have no checked baggage and it made life easy. many airlines now charge heavy fees to fly stand-by on seats that will otherwise go out empty. Many U.S. airlines charge $25 to fly stand-by, while United and Delta currently charge $50. The biggest hit for flying stand-by comes from "low cost carrier" Southwest Airlines. Southwest will simply charge you the full fare difference between what you paid for your ticket and what the current walk-up fare ticket cost is of the flight you are seeking to get on. In early February I was flying from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to Providence (PVD) and got to the airport 90 minutes early. I figured "why not go home early?" Well I had paid $119 for my flight from BWI to PVD, and the walk up fare for the flight 60 minutes earlier was $383, so Southwest wanted $264 for a seat on a flight that was going out 1/2 empty! My flight? Oversold and the airline was seeking volunteers to be bumped in exchange for an overnight hotel stay and bump-vouchers. The airline would have saved money by sending me home an hour early in an empty seat.
#1 - Fee To Talk To A Human When Booking A Ticket!
U.S. Airways takes the top slot for the nickel and diming of passengers by charging $10 to book your ticket over the over phone and $20 to book your ticket at the airport! That's right, you walk up to the counter at your local airport and you'll get slapped with a $20 "in person" booking fee. The folks at the airport need to be there, they must staff the desk during flight times, and if you want to pay for your ticket in person you must pay $20 for the privilege of speaking with a human. Other airlines charge service fees to book on the on the phone, generally around $10, but I know of no other airline besides U.S. Airways that charges you to pay in person at a desk!
Happy Flying (there's no fee to be happy yet)!
24/04/2008 - Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
The nickel and diming of passengers grows worse each and every day. Airlines scramble to make more money and deal with the rising costs of fuel, and along the way some of their hidden fees have just become absurd. From checked baggage to choosing seats, to simply buying a ticket, the fees can all add up. When one airline adds a fee you can rest assured a few more airlines will soon follow close behind.
While there are dozens of fees that have shown up in the past few years, here are the top five that really annoy me and that exemplify the nickel and diming of passengers.
#5 - Fee To Use Frequent Flyer Miles At The "Last Minute."
I just cashed in some miles on Delta for a quick trip that I booked then than three weeks from the date of travel I was hit with a significant fee for using my miles for travel less than three weeks from the date of travel. Often more seats are available closer to the date of travel due to airlines trying to fill the seats, but now there is an administrative convenience fee. The airline is taking my miles, I am paying the taxes, I am paying the ticket fee, now I am punished for booking less than three weeks from the date of travel? I was also hit with an additional fee for using my miles on a Delta partner airline, other than Delta (although this airline is merging with Delta.....can I get my money back?)
#4 - Fee To Re-Deposit Miles Into Your Frequent Flyer Account
In the last week I had to reschedule a trip booked on miles. The obvious solution is to re-deposit the miles with the airline rather than lose the miles. The fee to put my miles back into my account? $100 in administrative costs. The airline now has my original booking fee of $75 and my $100 re-deposit fee, for a total of $175 for a flight I have not taken.
#3 - Fee To Choose Seats On Your Flight
Airlines allow their "elite" frequent flyers to choose select seats, and these flyers got preferential seat choices. After the "frequent flyers, " airlines generally used to have simple policy, first come first served for seating assignments. This policy was simple and it made sense. A while back Northwest Airlines (soon to be merged with Delta Airlines) started to charge for seat selection, this policy has been followed by other carriers. You'd expect to find this kind of policy with a "low cost carrier" (LCC), but Northwest Airlines is a "legacy" airline. Additionally this policy is also in place with Air Canada on certain fares and other "legacy" airlines.
#2 - Fee To Fly Same Day Standby
In the "old days" if you showed up at the airport early you could request a "stand-by" seat on an earlier flight , based on seat availability. This was easy, it costs the airline nothing, especially if you have no checked baggage and it made life easy. many airlines now charge heavy fees to fly stand-by on seats that will otherwise go out empty. Many U.S. airlines charge $25 to fly stand-by, while United and Delta currently charge $50. The biggest hit for flying stand-by comes from "low cost carrier" Southwest Airlines. Southwest will simply charge you the full fare difference between what you paid for your ticket and what the current walk-up fare ticket cost is of the flight you are seeking to get on. In early February I was flying from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to Providence (PVD) and got to the airport 90 minutes early. I figured "why not go home early?" Well I had paid $119 for my flight from BWI to PVD, and the walk up fare for the flight 60 minutes earlier was $383, so Southwest wanted $264 for a seat on a flight that was going out 1/2 empty! My flight? Oversold and the airline was seeking volunteers to be bumped in exchange for an overnight hotel stay and bump-vouchers. The airline would have saved money by sending me home an hour early in an empty seat.
#1 - Fee To Talk To A Human When Booking A Ticket!
U.S. Airways takes the top slot for the nickel and diming of passengers by charging $10 to book your ticket over the over phone and $20 to book your ticket at the airport! That's right, you walk up to the counter at your local airport and you'll get slapped with a $20 "in person" booking fee. The folks at the airport need to be there, they must staff the desk during flight times, and if you want to pay for your ticket in person you must pay $20 for the privilege of speaking with a human. Other airlines charge service fees to book on the on the phone, generally around $10, but I know of no other airline besides U.S. Airways that charges you to pay in person at a desk!
Happy Flying (there's no fee to be happy yet)!
23 April 2008
Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
23/04/2008 - Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
Last week, on Tuesday the 15th of April, The US Department of Homeland Security (US DHS) announced a proposal that would require commercial airlines, as well as cruise line operators, to collect the fingerprints of departing international travelers. The US DHS wants this information submitted to them as soon as the passengers depart the United States.
Currently commercial airlines, and cruise ship operators, are required to transmit basic passenger biographical data (name, date of birth departure point, arrival point address) to the US DHS for the US DHS to be able cross reference no-fly lists. Of course there are stories of planes departing and being turned around in the air due to "no-fly" passengers boarding the flights. Under this new proposed rule the airlines operating in the United States, both domestic and foreign, would be required to both collect and transmit international passenger biometric data to the US DHS. The idea is to track not only who is entering the United States, but also who is exiting the United States.
What's the problem with this? As I see it there are two independent problems with this new proposed ruling.
The first problem with this rule is one of civil liberties. I understand the need for Passport Control and the need for Visas to enter a country. These are ways of tracking who is entering a country. As criminals become more sophisticated (not just "terrorists," but drug runners, counterfeiter, arms dealers, those on INTERPOL lists, etc) the need to take a fingerprint that matches the name/face on the passport is a good security measure. The need to take 10 fingerprints instead of a single fingerprint seems to be all smoke-and-mirrors, but an incoming fingerprint is a good security measure.
Now the process of taking fingerprints on departure is absurd. Whoever the US DHS was seeking to keep the public safe from has already entered the country! Taking fingerprints on departure is like slamming the barn door after the horses have stampeded into the field. Furthermore, are the airline counter agents to be considered agents of the government in this process? In being required to take fingerprints, will passengers be denied boarding if they refuse a fingerprint? Where and when will the prints be taken? At the start of your journey (which for me is often a small regional airport, operating with a single airline, all flying small turbo props) or at the international departure point? In a "post-security" zone of a mixed domestic/international airport? How will this even begin to be implemented? If the data is collected at the gate it can't possibly be transmitted and reviewed prior to the flights departure.........and if the flight has departed whoever the US DHS is looking for is already long gone.
The second problem with this rule is purely financial. Airlines are flagging financially. In the past few months scores of airlines have filed for bankruptcy protection or just gone out of business. With the skyrocketing costs of fuel airlines are curtailing spending everywhere they can. Under this new US DHS security scheme the airline and cruise operators will be required to cover the financial costs of implementing this new scheme. This estimated cost? US$2.7 billion! If the US DHS wants this new procedure implemented, and they really should reconsider the usefulness of this new procedure rather than playing a game of smoke-and-mirrors, they should cover the costs. Why saddle an already struggling industry that is vital the U.S. and Global economy on multiple levels with an extreme costs that they are not able to outright pay for.
Overall these new procedures and the new homeland security scheme in general will simply keep people from seeking to visit the United States. In a time when we should be embracing foreign visitors with our rapidly devaluing dollar and the need to bring foreign business and revenue into the country we should not be scaring people away from our airports.
As for the security procedures being pressed upon the cruise industry, I have to ask one question. Do a lot of fleeing INTERPOL criminals depart the US on slow cruise ships?
Happy Flying!
23/04/2008 - Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
Last week, on Tuesday the 15th of April, The US Department of Homeland Security (US DHS) announced a proposal that would require commercial airlines, as well as cruise line operators, to collect the fingerprints of departing international travelers. The US DHS wants this information submitted to them as soon as the passengers depart the United States.
Currently commercial airlines, and cruise ship operators, are required to transmit basic passenger biographical data (name, date of birth departure point, arrival point address) to the US DHS for the US DHS to be able cross reference no-fly lists. Of course there are stories of planes departing and being turned around in the air due to "no-fly" passengers boarding the flights. Under this new proposed rule the airlines operating in the United States, both domestic and foreign, would be required to both collect and transmit international passenger biometric data to the US DHS. The idea is to track not only who is entering the United States, but also who is exiting the United States.
What's the problem with this? As I see it there are two independent problems with this new proposed ruling.
The first problem with this rule is one of civil liberties. I understand the need for Passport Control and the need for Visas to enter a country. These are ways of tracking who is entering a country. As criminals become more sophisticated (not just "terrorists," but drug runners, counterfeiter, arms dealers, those on INTERPOL lists, etc) the need to take a fingerprint that matches the name/face on the passport is a good security measure. The need to take 10 fingerprints instead of a single fingerprint seems to be all smoke-and-mirrors, but an incoming fingerprint is a good security measure.
Now the process of taking fingerprints on departure is absurd. Whoever the US DHS was seeking to keep the public safe from has already entered the country! Taking fingerprints on departure is like slamming the barn door after the horses have stampeded into the field. Furthermore, are the airline counter agents to be considered agents of the government in this process? In being required to take fingerprints, will passengers be denied boarding if they refuse a fingerprint? Where and when will the prints be taken? At the start of your journey (which for me is often a small regional airport, operating with a single airline, all flying small turbo props) or at the international departure point? In a "post-security" zone of a mixed domestic/international airport? How will this even begin to be implemented? If the data is collected at the gate it can't possibly be transmitted and reviewed prior to the flights departure.........and if the flight has departed whoever the US DHS is looking for is already long gone.
The second problem with this rule is purely financial. Airlines are flagging financially. In the past few months scores of airlines have filed for bankruptcy protection or just gone out of business. With the skyrocketing costs of fuel airlines are curtailing spending everywhere they can. Under this new US DHS security scheme the airline and cruise operators will be required to cover the financial costs of implementing this new scheme. This estimated cost? US$2.7 billion! If the US DHS wants this new procedure implemented, and they really should reconsider the usefulness of this new procedure rather than playing a game of smoke-and-mirrors, they should cover the costs. Why saddle an already struggling industry that is vital the U.S. and Global economy on multiple levels with an extreme costs that they are not able to outright pay for.
Overall these new procedures and the new homeland security scheme in general will simply keep people from seeking to visit the United States. In a time when we should be embracing foreign visitors with our rapidly devaluing dollar and the need to bring foreign business and revenue into the country we should not be scaring people away from our airports.
As for the security procedures being pressed upon the cruise industry, I have to ask one question. Do a lot of fleeing INTERPOL criminals depart the US on slow cruise ships?
Happy Flying!
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