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!
08 May 2008
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!
Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
23/04/2008 - Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
After posting about the Ultrapod II in mid-February, on Flying With Fish, I received quite a few messages asking me if I had tried the Manfrotto 3007 tabletop tripod. In the weeks following my post the folks at Bogen/Manfrotto sent me the complete Manfrotto 3007 kit, including the 3007 Tabletop Tripod, 482 Mini-Ballhead, 3007x Extension Post and Bogen 345 Bag to test out and take on the road.
Since late March I have been using my Manfrotto 3007 kit extensively on trips throughout the United States and around the world. I initially used the 3007 as a hidden light stand on engagement sessions shoots in Philadelphia, San Francisco and later a bridal session in Hong Kong; and I also used the 3007 for a series of industrial architecture shoots in in the past few weeks in Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Incheon and New York City. I have to say that I love this pocket sized tripod!
The Manfrotto 3007 is very different than the Ultrapod II and they seem to do two very different jobs in my kit set up. I have been able to find unique uses for both tripods, but overall the Manfrotto 3007 is extremely versatile, very compact, exceedingly easy to travel with and able to withstand a significant weight load stably at unusual angles.
Any compact tripod can double as a compact light stand, this is fairly easy. I often place a small light behind my subjects for some added backlight, and the Manfrotto 3007's unique auxiliary extension post, that adds approximately 6-to-10 inches is great for fine tuning the secondary back light in tight spaces.
The real test of any compact tripod is to be able to stably hold the weight of a full-size camera with a heavy lens. Throughout my projects I have used the Manfrotto 3007 and the 482 mini-ballhead to hold a Canon 5D, with BG-E4 grip, with some heavy lenses, including the Canon 14f2.8,16-35f2.8, 24f1.4 and 24f3.5 tilt-shift at some very precise angles for some long exposures. Some shots were made with the 3007x extension post, others without, either way the tripod and the head held these heavy camera/lens combinations flawlessly.
I don't think I could have ever imagined using such a compact, lightweight, tripod for such precise work with the sets ups I was using in the past. The full range ball-head gives top notch profession precision and flexibility, while the overall kit can be disassembled and easily carried in your back pocket (not that I suggest trying to sit down with a disassembled tripod in your back pocket).
While the supplied carry-case is not my ideal design, it does it's job. Two individual slots hold the tripod with head and the extension post separately. This makes the ultra-quick set up and tear down easy. The belt loop on the back is perfect for attaching to any belt system,or lashing it onto a bag such as the Mountainsmith Tour or the Newswear belt system.
At approximately US$80 for the complete kit, I can't see why anyone wouldn't add the Manfrotto 3007 to their kit!
Below are two photos of my Canon 5D w/24f1.4 attached to the Manfrotto 3007 while shooting the Incheon Transportation Center, in Incheon, South Korea. Along with these two photos is a photo shot from this set up.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
23/04/2008 - Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
After posting about the Ultrapod II in mid-February, on Flying With Fish, I received quite a few messages asking me if I had tried the Manfrotto 3007 tabletop tripod. In the weeks following my post the folks at Bogen/Manfrotto sent me the complete Manfrotto 3007 kit, including the 3007 Tabletop Tripod, 482 Mini-Ballhead, 3007x Extension Post and Bogen 345 Bag to test out and take on the road.
Since late March I have been using my Manfrotto 3007 kit extensively on trips throughout the United States and around the world. I initially used the 3007 as a hidden light stand on engagement sessions shoots in Philadelphia, San Francisco and later a bridal session in Hong Kong; and I also used the 3007 for a series of industrial architecture shoots in in the past few weeks in Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Incheon and New York City. I have to say that I love this pocket sized tripod!
The Manfrotto 3007 is very different than the Ultrapod II and they seem to do two very different jobs in my kit set up. I have been able to find unique uses for both tripods, but overall the Manfrotto 3007 is extremely versatile, very compact, exceedingly easy to travel with and able to withstand a significant weight load stably at unusual angles.
Any compact tripod can double as a compact light stand, this is fairly easy. I often place a small light behind my subjects for some added backlight, and the Manfrotto 3007's unique auxiliary extension post, that adds approximately 6-to-10 inches is great for fine tuning the secondary back light in tight spaces.
The real test of any compact tripod is to be able to stably hold the weight of a full-size camera with a heavy lens. Throughout my projects I have used the Manfrotto 3007 and the 482 mini-ballhead to hold a Canon 5D, with BG-E4 grip, with some heavy lenses, including the Canon 14f2.8,16-35f2.8, 24f1.4 and 24f3.5 tilt-shift at some very precise angles for some long exposures. Some shots were made with the 3007x extension post, others without, either way the tripod and the head held these heavy camera/lens combinations flawlessly.
I don't think I could have ever imagined using such a compact, lightweight, tripod for such precise work with the sets ups I was using in the past. The full range ball-head gives top notch profession precision and flexibility, while the overall kit can be disassembled and easily carried in your back pocket (not that I suggest trying to sit down with a disassembled tripod in your back pocket).
While the supplied carry-case is not my ideal design, it does it's job. Two individual slots hold the tripod with head and the extension post separately. This makes the ultra-quick set up and tear down easy. The belt loop on the back is perfect for attaching to any belt system,or lashing it onto a bag such as the Mountainsmith Tour or the Newswear belt system.
At approximately US$80 for the complete kit, I can't see why anyone wouldn't add the Manfrotto 3007 to their kit!
Below are two photos of my Canon 5D w/24f1.4 attached to the Manfrotto 3007 while shooting the Incheon Transportation Center, in Incheon, South Korea. Along with these two photos is a photo shot from this set up.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
22 April 2008
Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
22/04/2008 - Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
It's Earth Day, the day we remember Mother Earth and everything she does for us! Travel can have a significant footprint on the environment. You can offset your personal travel footprint by purchasing a carbon offset!
What exactly is a carbon offset? Well a carbon offset is a credit you can purchase to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. While there are different types of carbon offsets they are all based on a metric-tonne of the carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) of what you are adding to the environment.
Generally for travel the carbon offset you purchase is a tree, or foliage, that will replace the oxygen into the ecosystem we all live in on planet Earth. These carbon offset projects generally are involved in the reforestation and soil management efforts. We really can't have to many trees being planted can we?
For travelers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, I suggest visiting Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org). This site has a lot of good info and resources for those interested in moving towards a more "carbon neutral" lifestyle while on the road.
You can also check your carbon footprint for your travels and directly purchase your carbon offsets from Sustainable Travel International at:
www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_carboncalcs.html
STI's pledge is that 80% of your carbon offset purchase is allocated to the projects that STI offers to reduce carbon emissions! This is considerably better than many other carbon offset providers I have looked into.
Come on.......you know you want to help save the planet!
Happy Flying!
22/04/2008 - Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
It's Earth Day, the day we remember Mother Earth and everything she does for us! Travel can have a significant footprint on the environment. You can offset your personal travel footprint by purchasing a carbon offset!
What exactly is a carbon offset? Well a carbon offset is a credit you can purchase to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. While there are different types of carbon offsets they are all based on a metric-tonne of the carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) of what you are adding to the environment.
Generally for travel the carbon offset you purchase is a tree, or foliage, that will replace the oxygen into the ecosystem we all live in on planet Earth. These carbon offset projects generally are involved in the reforestation and soil management efforts. We really can't have to many trees being planted can we?
For travelers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, I suggest visiting Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org). This site has a lot of good info and resources for those interested in moving towards a more "carbon neutral" lifestyle while on the road.
You can also check your carbon footprint for your travels and directly purchase your carbon offsets from Sustainable Travel International at:
www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_carboncalcs.html
STI's pledge is that 80% of your carbon offset purchase is allocated to the projects that STI offers to reduce carbon emissions! This is considerably better than many other carbon offset providers I have looked into.
Come on.......you know you want to help save the planet!
Happy Flying!
Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
22/04/2008 - Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
I have received more than a hundred responses from readers of Flying With Fish with their packing tips and their chance to win a PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera strap. Having read each and every response in detail I had the hard task of choosing just three that really stood out. After reducing my potential winners down to 25 packing tips I had really buckle down and start doing "blind reviews." For each of these potential 25, I copied and pasted the answers that interested me into a text file without the name of the person who submitted it. From here I re-read each answer twice and got my potential winners down to 13. From that 13, I finally selected the 3 that stood out and that deserved the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera straps!
Some of the packing tips I received were funny (don't pack a sub-automatic machine gun in your carry on if you are in a hurry); others bordered on down right strange (I don't like to travel, but if I did, I'd use Pelican cases so my stuff wasn't destroyed); quite a few were great common sense answers, and shockingly more than a dozen replies were direct copy-and-paste answers directly from the archives of Flying With Fish (hey folks, I know my own text!). From these it was really difficult to find the three that stood out but I did it and here they are........in alphabetical order of the folks who sent them in.
Submitted By - Anna Kuperberg, San Francisco, California :
If you have to fly to shoot a wedding, and don't want to get your nice suit rumpled, just pack it dirty and wrinkled. Have it dry cleaned at the hotel when you get there, they will do it overnight. This makes more sense than cleaning it and pressing it before you fly, just to rumple it up in your suitcase!
--This is a great suggestion! This can apply to anyone, not just a photog. Business travelers and those on their way to a formal affair should keep this info in the back of their head. Hotel in-house laundry is not always low-cost, but in a pinch it is well worth it and certainly better than having to carry a garment bag.
Submitted By - Jonathan Adams, Jackson, Wyoming :
A simple idea that started doing back in 1998 while traveling around the world and still one of my favorite. Scan all of your important documents...ie driver license, passport, and store those files in your online email host. Everyplace where I needed my passport always seem to have an internet connection so if you do get everything stolen, you can always have access to a copy at any consulate or embassy.
--This is a fantastic idea. I have traveled with copies of my documents in a second bag, or in the front pocket of my fleece jacket or vest, but I never kept them online! Having them online is a brilliant way to quickly access your important information in a worst-case scenario when out of the country!
Submitted By - Petra Hall, Pitea. Sweden :
When you travel around for a few days and need to keep track of your dirty and clean clothes, turn the dirty ones inside out, and you can spot them right away and go for the clean ones (plus you don't have to sniff dirty old socks - a plus).
--This is a very simple of easy to implement packing tip. It requires no excess packing, it takes the same space you departed with and keeps it even throughout your travels. I'm sure your travel-mates will appreciate your separation of clean and dirty laundry clothes throughout your journey.
I'd like to thank the folks at PacSafe for sponsoring this first contest on Flying With Fish with the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 straps. I hope to have some more in the future!
If you readers of Flying With Fish are looking for some great items to keep your equipment and bags safe while traveling, and want to support a company that supports this site, check out PacSafe's products at www.pacsafe.com
Happy Flying!
22/04/2008 - Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
I have received more than a hundred responses from readers of Flying With Fish with their packing tips and their chance to win a PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera strap. Having read each and every response in detail I had the hard task of choosing just three that really stood out. After reducing my potential winners down to 25 packing tips I had really buckle down and start doing "blind reviews." For each of these potential 25, I copied and pasted the answers that interested me into a text file without the name of the person who submitted it. From here I re-read each answer twice and got my potential winners down to 13. From that 13, I finally selected the 3 that stood out and that deserved the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera straps!
Some of the packing tips I received were funny (don't pack a sub-automatic machine gun in your carry on if you are in a hurry); others bordered on down right strange (I don't like to travel, but if I did, I'd use Pelican cases so my stuff wasn't destroyed); quite a few were great common sense answers, and shockingly more than a dozen replies were direct copy-and-paste answers directly from the archives of Flying With Fish (hey folks, I know my own text!). From these it was really difficult to find the three that stood out but I did it and here they are........in alphabetical order of the folks who sent them in.
Submitted By - Anna Kuperberg, San Francisco, California :
If you have to fly to shoot a wedding, and don't want to get your nice suit rumpled, just pack it dirty and wrinkled. Have it dry cleaned at the hotel when you get there, they will do it overnight. This makes more sense than cleaning it and pressing it before you fly, just to rumple it up in your suitcase!
--This is a great suggestion! This can apply to anyone, not just a photog. Business travelers and those on their way to a formal affair should keep this info in the back of their head. Hotel in-house laundry is not always low-cost, but in a pinch it is well worth it and certainly better than having to carry a garment bag.
Submitted By - Jonathan Adams, Jackson, Wyoming :
A simple idea that started doing back in 1998 while traveling around the world and still one of my favorite. Scan all of your important documents...ie driver license, passport, and store those files in your online email host. Everyplace where I needed my passport always seem to have an internet connection so if you do get everything stolen, you can always have access to a copy at any consulate or embassy.
--This is a fantastic idea. I have traveled with copies of my documents in a second bag, or in the front pocket of my fleece jacket or vest, but I never kept them online! Having them online is a brilliant way to quickly access your important information in a worst-case scenario when out of the country!
Submitted By - Petra Hall, Pitea. Sweden :
When you travel around for a few days and need to keep track of your dirty and clean clothes, turn the dirty ones inside out, and you can spot them right away and go for the clean ones (plus you don't have to sniff dirty old socks - a plus).
--This is a very simple of easy to implement packing tip. It requires no excess packing, it takes the same space you departed with and keeps it even throughout your travels. I'm sure your travel-mates will appreciate your separation of clean and dirty laundry clothes throughout your journey.
I'd like to thank the folks at PacSafe for sponsoring this first contest on Flying With Fish with the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 straps. I hope to have some more in the future!
If you readers of Flying With Fish are looking for some great items to keep your equipment and bags safe while traveling, and want to support a company that supports this site, check out PacSafe's products at www.pacsafe.com
Happy Flying!
21 April 2008
Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
21/04/2008 - Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Starting in May, 2008, airlines operating in the United States will have more incentive to reduce their over booking policy and there will be further compensation for passengers who are denied boarding on their flights.
Last week the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) finally changed the rules as they pertain to passengers who are "involuntarily denied boarding," aka "IDB" or "bumped." Under the old rules, which were set in place way back in 1978, when I was 3 years old, passengers who were " "involuntarily bumped" (IDB'd)" and who arrived at their destination within 2 hours of their original arrival time were compensated with between $200 and $400. Generally these passengers also received a round trip voucher good within the continental United States. This compensation was valid for passengers "IDB'd" from a flight on planes that carried more than 60 passengers only.
Under the new US DOT rules, which they are calling the "Bumping Rule," passengers who are "IDB'd" and arrive at their destination within 2 hours of their original schedule arrival time. will be compensated up to $400. For those passengers flying internationally this time frame is extended to four hours. Passengers who arrive more than 2 hours past their original scheduled arrival time will receive up to $800. Under the new rules this compensation is now available to passengers flying on aircraft that carry more than 30 passengers.
The new "Bumping Rule" compensation is based on the value of the passenger ticket and the length of the delay. This new compensation in addition to the value of each passengers ticket and may be used towards alternate transportation, if required, or it may be directly refunded if not used for alternated transportation.
For those who have an extended delay, you should also demand meal vouchers for your unexpected time in the airport, for those delayed overnight you should demand to be put up in a hotel for the evening and transportation to that hotel if none is available. As with all bumps, voluntary (VDB) and involuntary (IDB) you should always strongly request a voucher good for a round trip journey within the continental United States.
What is the difference in IDB and VDB? Simple. When you are Involuntarily Denied Boarding (IDB) you are not given the option to board the plane. This can happen for a variety of reasons, oversold flight, change of equipment (aircraft swap), late connection and a gate agent who makes the decision not to board you (even if you legally have enough time to board the flight!). When you are "voluntarily denied boarding" (VDB) you have offered yourself up to be bumped at the request of the airline.
To learn more on the benefits of getting "VDB'd" visit my post from the 16th of November at: "We Need A Volunteer To Give Up Their Seat In Exchange For A Free Flight" - The Ups & Downs Of Being Bumped"
Hopefully this explains a somewhat confusing change in the US DOT rules and your rights as a passenger flying in the US (or flying from the US).
Happy Flying!
21/04/2008 - Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Starting in May, 2008, airlines operating in the United States will have more incentive to reduce their over booking policy and there will be further compensation for passengers who are denied boarding on their flights.
Last week the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) finally changed the rules as they pertain to passengers who are "involuntarily denied boarding," aka "IDB" or "bumped." Under the old rules, which were set in place way back in 1978, when I was 3 years old, passengers who were " "involuntarily bumped" (IDB'd)" and who arrived at their destination within 2 hours of their original arrival time were compensated with between $200 and $400. Generally these passengers also received a round trip voucher good within the continental United States. This compensation was valid for passengers "IDB'd" from a flight on planes that carried more than 60 passengers only.
Under the new US DOT rules, which they are calling the "Bumping Rule," passengers who are "IDB'd" and arrive at their destination within 2 hours of their original schedule arrival time. will be compensated up to $400. For those passengers flying internationally this time frame is extended to four hours. Passengers who arrive more than 2 hours past their original scheduled arrival time will receive up to $800. Under the new rules this compensation is now available to passengers flying on aircraft that carry more than 30 passengers.
The new "Bumping Rule" compensation is based on the value of the passenger ticket and the length of the delay. This new compensation in addition to the value of each passengers ticket and may be used towards alternate transportation, if required, or it may be directly refunded if not used for alternated transportation.
For those who have an extended delay, you should also demand meal vouchers for your unexpected time in the airport, for those delayed overnight you should demand to be put up in a hotel for the evening and transportation to that hotel if none is available. As with all bumps, voluntary (VDB) and involuntary (IDB) you should always strongly request a voucher good for a round trip journey within the continental United States.
What is the difference in IDB and VDB? Simple. When you are Involuntarily Denied Boarding (IDB) you are not given the option to board the plane. This can happen for a variety of reasons, oversold flight, change of equipment (aircraft swap), late connection and a gate agent who makes the decision not to board you (even if you legally have enough time to board the flight!). When you are "voluntarily denied boarding" (VDB) you have offered yourself up to be bumped at the request of the airline.
To learn more on the benefits of getting "VDB'd" visit my post from the 16th of November at: "We Need A Volunteer To Give Up Their Seat In Exchange For A Free Flight" - The Ups & Downs Of Being Bumped"
Hopefully this explains a somewhat confusing change in the US DOT rules and your rights as a passenger flying in the US (or flying from the US).
Happy Flying!
18 April 2008
Weekly Roundup : Free PacSafe Camera Straps, Funny Comments Heard In Transit, Come Fly With Fish, Flying With Fish Has A New Look!
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
18/04/2008 - Weekly Roundup : Free PacSafe Camera Straps, Funny Comments Heard In Transit, Come Fly With Fish, Flying With Fish Has A New Look!
Starting today I am going to start trying to do a weekly round up of each week. This is where I'll post things that don't fit in other posts and round up the week in review.
This past week I discussed staying sane and entertained while flying on long haul flights. The four main ways I keep myself sane and entertained when stuck in an airplane sear for a dozen hours is to listen to music, watch movies, read and or course sleep. If you can sleep for 6 hours of a 12-hour flight, you only need to stay entertained for 6 hours! I will be adding one or two more long haul sanity tips to Flying With Fish in the next week. If you have any long haul sanity tips drop me an e-mail at traveltips@flyingwithfish.com
For those of you seeking a new camera strap I am giving away three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 camera straps! the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 strap is a theft resistant strap that has a metal cable running through it so it cannot be slashed making it more secure not only when on your shoulder, but also when you sit down and loop it onto something. I recently switched to the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 straps in February after more than 15 years of using the Domke 1" Gripper straps. You can find out how to win one of these PacSafe straps here: 14/04/2008 - Tell Me Your Best Packing Tips & Win A PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Camera Strap!
On Monday, the 14th of April, the long anticipated merger between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines was announced. Pending U.S. Government approval this merged airline will create the world's largest airline. Personally I don't know if I like this merger, because it will lead to other mergers. The more airlines merge, the less seating capacity exists and in turn the higher airfares will be driven. You can find more on this merger in this post: 14/04/2008 - Airline Merger Creates The World's Largest Airline : Saying Goodbye To An Airline I've Had A Love/Hate Relationship With
Are you interested in learning a whole new way to travel as a photographer? Want adventure and challenges that will not only change how you travel but also give you a once in a lifetime experience? Check out the No Jet Lag Photo Workshop to Europe and the Round The World No Jet Lag Workshop! These two hands on workshops will teach you a whole new way to explore the world! These workshops are open to both beginners and professionals, as the small groups allow me to tweak my information to each individual participant. For more information, please visit www.comeflywithfish.com
To round up this Weekly Roundup, I'd like to share to funny comments I heard last Saturday while traveling.
#1) While departing the United Airlines Red Carpet Club at Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) a woman flying to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on my flight was at the desk demanding to know why she had to walk so far to get to the gate. The customer service agent explained "because that is where the plane is." This woman's response? "There is an empty gate next to lounge, why can't you just move the plane there?"
Apparently she is not aware that planes are assigned gates, and they don't just get towed gate-to-gate picked up passengers throughout the terminal.
#2) On my flight from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Providence (PVD) the United Airlines Express (GoJet Airlines) flight attendant announced that all liquids must be placed in a plastic bag then placed on the floor. My seat-mate was drinking a bottle of water and placed it in the seat back, I was drinking from a paper cup with a straw from a fast food restaurant. When the flight attendant reached both of us we questioned her as we had never heard this rule before (which is not a real rule and given the laws of physics is more dangerous than having your bottle of water in the seat back) she confiscated our drinks! I would love to know why a paper cup with straw needs to placed in a plastic bag and then placed on the floor under the seat in front of you for safety reasons? The drink would not spill in my hand, but it would certainly spill standing up under a seat upon take off!
Finally, you may have noticed that as of today, Flying With Fish has a new look. The new look is designed to make the site easier to read and reflect the colours of the fish in my logo. Hopefully you folks like the new look, I know I do.
Happy Flying!
18/04/2008 - Weekly Roundup : Free PacSafe Camera Straps, Funny Comments Heard In Transit, Come Fly With Fish, Flying With Fish Has A New Look!
Starting today I am going to start trying to do a weekly round up of each week. This is where I'll post things that don't fit in other posts and round up the week in review.
This past week I discussed staying sane and entertained while flying on long haul flights. The four main ways I keep myself sane and entertained when stuck in an airplane sear for a dozen hours is to listen to music, watch movies, read and or course sleep. If you can sleep for 6 hours of a 12-hour flight, you only need to stay entertained for 6 hours! I will be adding one or two more long haul sanity tips to Flying With Fish in the next week. If you have any long haul sanity tips drop me an e-mail at traveltips@flyingwithfish.com
For those of you seeking a new camera strap I am giving away three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 camera straps! the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 strap is a theft resistant strap that has a metal cable running through it so it cannot be slashed making it more secure not only when on your shoulder, but also when you sit down and loop it onto something. I recently switched to the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 straps in February after more than 15 years of using the Domke 1" Gripper straps. You can find out how to win one of these PacSafe straps here: 14/04/2008 - Tell Me Your Best Packing Tips & Win A PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Camera Strap!
On Monday, the 14th of April, the long anticipated merger between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines was announced. Pending U.S. Government approval this merged airline will create the world's largest airline. Personally I don't know if I like this merger, because it will lead to other mergers. The more airlines merge, the less seating capacity exists and in turn the higher airfares will be driven. You can find more on this merger in this post: 14/04/2008 - Airline Merger Creates The World's Largest Airline : Saying Goodbye To An Airline I've Had A Love/Hate Relationship With
Are you interested in learning a whole new way to travel as a photographer? Want adventure and challenges that will not only change how you travel but also give you a once in a lifetime experience? Check out the No Jet Lag Photo Workshop to Europe and the Round The World No Jet Lag Workshop! These two hands on workshops will teach you a whole new way to explore the world! These workshops are open to both beginners and professionals, as the small groups allow me to tweak my information to each individual participant. For more information, please visit www.comeflywithfish.com
To round up this Weekly Roundup, I'd like to share to funny comments I heard last Saturday while traveling.
#1) While departing the United Airlines Red Carpet Club at Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) a woman flying to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on my flight was at the desk demanding to know why she had to walk so far to get to the gate. The customer service agent explained "because that is where the plane is." This woman's response? "There is an empty gate next to lounge, why can't you just move the plane there?"
Apparently she is not aware that planes are assigned gates, and they don't just get towed gate-to-gate picked up passengers throughout the terminal.
#2) On my flight from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Providence (PVD) the United Airlines Express (GoJet Airlines) flight attendant announced that all liquids must be placed in a plastic bag then placed on the floor. My seat-mate was drinking a bottle of water and placed it in the seat back, I was drinking from a paper cup with a straw from a fast food restaurant. When the flight attendant reached both of us we questioned her as we had never heard this rule before (which is not a real rule and given the laws of physics is more dangerous than having your bottle of water in the seat back) she confiscated our drinks! I would love to know why a paper cup with straw needs to placed in a plastic bag and then placed on the floor under the seat in front of you for safety reasons? The drink would not spill in my hand, but it would certainly spill standing up under a seat upon take off!
Finally, you may have noticed that as of today, Flying With Fish has a new look. The new look is designed to make the site easier to read and reflect the colours of the fish in my logo. Hopefully you folks like the new look, I know I do.
Happy Flying!
17 April 2008
Long Haul Flight Sanity : Music To Sooth The Mind
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
17/04/2008 - Long Haul Flight Sanity : Music To Sooth The Mind
It is amazing how much something as simple as music can make your journey more peaceful and relaxing. In this day and age you can travel with all the music you could ever want for a long trip in a 2.75" x 2" (6.9cm x 5cm), 1.7oz (49 gram) iPod Nano, and these devices are sure to get somewhat smaller and grow in data capacity.
While I am a big movie watcher while traveling I could never go anywhere without my iPod. My iPod is like heaven when I am trying to sleep. Click on some soft music, close my eyes and try and sleep. I have endured long-haul flights (14+ hours) with no on-board movies available and only 30 minutes of battery life left on my laptop. Sure I could sleep, but this flight departed at 10:50am, so I was wide-awake for the first six hours (and last four hours) of the flight. My salvation while on this flight was my iPod. An endless stream of music allowed me to stay entertained and relaxed while reading the same two magazines over and over again.
Using my iPod with noise canceling headsets (see 13/04/2008 - Long Haul Flight Sanity : Noise Canceling Headphones) is the best way to block out the world when not only on the flight but also while in transit. my iPod with noise canceling headsets have been fantastic for keeping me calm and focused when check in for a flight during the most hectic travel times of the year, people all around me are yelling and shoving and I can just listen to my music and pay attention to what I need to pay attention to.
I have a funny way of setting up my music. I have different genres of music for different period of travel. If I am driving to the airport at 5:00am I am listening to Megadeth or Van Halen to wake up; every single flight begins with Van Halen's "Top of the World" as the engines rev-up and we start down the runway; during the flight I listen to relaxing music such as James Taylor, Indigo Girls or Glenn Miller to calm down or maybe sleep; in transit on the train or walking I often have on fast paced instrumental music like Joe Satriani; and when heading home or staying up late to catch a flight I listen to "louder" music like Iron Maiden or Twisted Sister. Without an iPod carrying all these types of music would be space prohibitive.
More than any other type of "Long Haul Flight Sanity" options, music is by far the easiest, most compact and versatile.
............as an added Bonus, you can even load movies and TV shows onto your iPod! The current iPod Nano has a 24-hour battery life for music and up to 5 hours of battery life for movies, so you can take your music and movies with you on the road (although I personally use my iPod Video for music only).
Happy Flying!
17/04/2008 - Long Haul Flight Sanity : Music To Sooth The Mind
It is amazing how much something as simple as music can make your journey more peaceful and relaxing. In this day and age you can travel with all the music you could ever want for a long trip in a 2.75" x 2" (6.9cm x 5cm), 1.7oz (49 gram) iPod Nano, and these devices are sure to get somewhat smaller and grow in data capacity.
While I am a big movie watcher while traveling I could never go anywhere without my iPod. My iPod is like heaven when I am trying to sleep. Click on some soft music, close my eyes and try and sleep. I have endured long-haul flights (14+ hours) with no on-board movies available and only 30 minutes of battery life left on my laptop. Sure I could sleep, but this flight departed at 10:50am, so I was wide-awake for the first six hours (and last four hours) of the flight. My salvation while on this flight was my iPod. An endless stream of music allowed me to stay entertained and relaxed while reading the same two magazines over and over again.
Using my iPod with noise canceling headsets (see 13/04/2008 - Long Haul Flight Sanity : Noise Canceling Headphones) is the best way to block out the world when not only on the flight but also while in transit. my iPod with noise canceling headsets have been fantastic for keeping me calm and focused when check in for a flight during the most hectic travel times of the year, people all around me are yelling and shoving and I can just listen to my music and pay attention to what I need to pay attention to.
I have a funny way of setting up my music. I have different genres of music for different period of travel. If I am driving to the airport at 5:00am I am listening to Megadeth or Van Halen to wake up; every single flight begins with Van Halen's "Top of the World" as the engines rev-up and we start down the runway; during the flight I listen to relaxing music such as James Taylor, Indigo Girls or Glenn Miller to calm down or maybe sleep; in transit on the train or walking I often have on fast paced instrumental music like Joe Satriani; and when heading home or staying up late to catch a flight I listen to "louder" music like Iron Maiden or Twisted Sister. Without an iPod carrying all these types of music would be space prohibitive.
More than any other type of "Long Haul Flight Sanity" options, music is by far the easiest, most compact and versatile.
............as an added Bonus, you can even load movies and TV shows onto your iPod! The current iPod Nano has a 24-hour battery life for music and up to 5 hours of battery life for movies, so you can take your music and movies with you on the road (although I personally use my iPod Video for music only).
Happy Flying!
16 April 2008
Finding The Lowest Airfares : Looking Beyond The Obvious Web Sites
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
16/04/2008 - Finding The Lowest Airfares : Looking Beyond The Obvious Web Sites
When you are shopping online for your airfares there are generally three obvious web sites that come to mind, Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. Those who are seeking other alternatives often seek out Kayak, and the daring turn to Hotwire and Priceline.
I will admit, I often use Expedia for quick searches and I use Orbitz to search routes by airline alliance (a nifty feature on Orbitz). I find both Expedia and Orbitz great tools. I stay away from sites such as Kayak for a very simple reason, more often than not when you select a fare you are informed that the $397.63 fare is now "repriced" at $862.91. This is frustrating and causes me to skip Kayak entirely marking it off as an unreliable tool.
For those of you seeking alternate reliable web sites to further search airfares, I have listed a few sites that are often overlooked:
CheapOAir.com (www.cheapoair.com) - One thing that sets CheapOAir.com aside from other small independent travel sites is that they have a low fare guarantee.
SmartFares (www.smartfares.com) - SmartFares is unique in that the fares offered on the site are a mix of fares direct from the airlines and fares purchased through consolidators. Consolidators often offer fares at a significant cost savings. The sheer number of potential discounted fares found on this site often gives quite a few more options than their competitors.
JetCombo (www.jetcombo.com) - I like JetCombo because you are able to streamline your airfare search by searching not only seats in economy/business/first class in a much easier manner than other sites, but you can also search for available seats on private jets! I know when I am searching a flight from New York (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG) and see US$835 in economy,US$5,632 in Business, US$11,692 in First...........and US$226,205 on a private jet all I can think is "Wow, First Class is such a bargain!" (then I usually buy the economy fare and upgrade with frequent flyer miles). OK, lets' skip buying a seat on the private jet, however I like being able to search economy and business class so easily. At times I have found business class seats within a very close margin of economy class seats depending on the airline and route.
Vayama (www.vayama.com) - Vayama is unlike any travel web site you have ever used. You can select your departure and arrival city by using an interactive map! How cool is that? I'll tell you, it's cool! You can use the fantastic visual features to plan your point-to-point routes or even your round-the-world routes. You can also choose flights by a sliding fare scale and a sliding travel-trip time sliding scale. Even if you choose not to use this site to purchase your tickets, you have to play with it!
Have a site you think I have overlooked? Let me know at traveltips@flyingwithfish.com
Happy Flying!
16/04/2008 - Finding The Lowest Airfares : Looking Beyond The Obvious Web Sites
When you are shopping online for your airfares there are generally three obvious web sites that come to mind, Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. Those who are seeking other alternatives often seek out Kayak, and the daring turn to Hotwire and Priceline.
I will admit, I often use Expedia for quick searches and I use Orbitz to search routes by airline alliance (a nifty feature on Orbitz). I find both Expedia and Orbitz great tools. I stay away from sites such as Kayak for a very simple reason, more often than not when you select a fare you are informed that the $397.63 fare is now "repriced" at $862.91. This is frustrating and causes me to skip Kayak entirely marking it off as an unreliable tool.
For those of you seeking alternate reliable web sites to further search airfares, I have listed a few sites that are often overlooked:
CheapOAir.com (www.cheapoair.com) - One thing that sets CheapOAir.com aside from other small independent travel sites is that they have a low fare guarantee.
SmartFares (www.smartfares.com) - SmartFares is unique in that the fares offered on the site are a mix of fares direct from the airlines and fares purchased through consolidators. Consolidators often offer fares at a significant cost savings. The sheer number of potential discounted fares found on this site often gives quite a few more options than their competitors.
JetCombo (www.jetcombo.com) - I like JetCombo because you are able to streamline your airfare search by searching not only seats in economy/business/first class in a much easier manner than other sites, but you can also search for available seats on private jets! I know when I am searching a flight from New York (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG) and see US$835 in economy,US$5,632 in Business, US$11,692 in First...........and US$226,205 on a private jet all I can think is "Wow, First Class is such a bargain!" (then I usually buy the economy fare and upgrade with frequent flyer miles). OK, lets' skip buying a seat on the private jet, however I like being able to search economy and business class so easily. At times I have found business class seats within a very close margin of economy class seats depending on the airline and route.
Vayama (www.vayama.com) - Vayama is unlike any travel web site you have ever used. You can select your departure and arrival city by using an interactive map! How cool is that? I'll tell you, it's cool! You can use the fantastic visual features to plan your point-to-point routes or even your round-the-world routes. You can also choose flights by a sliding fare scale and a sliding travel-trip time sliding scale. Even if you choose not to use this site to purchase your tickets, you have to play with it!
Have a site you think I have overlooked? Let me know at traveltips@flyingwithfish.com
Happy Flying!
15 April 2008
Long Haul Flight Sanity : Hand Held Movies
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
15/04/2008 - Long Haul Flight Sanity : Hand Held Movies
I love to watch movies in transit. Movies can be intense to keep my attention or mindless to let me watch in happy bliss as I doze off. Movies make long haul flight tolerable to stimulate your mind visually and through audio. I find movies more than anything else allow me to block out the cramped world around me and stay in my own little world.
I have always watched movies on planes. I use my laptop, a portable DVD player (we'll get to that in another post) and most recently I added the Sony Play Station Portable (PSP) Slim to my movie-watching arsenal. I had the pleasure of really giving my PSP a good in-the-field test last week on a 20,000 miles, 3.5 day journey and loved it.
The Sony PSP fits in the palm of my hand, it fits in my shirt pocket and has a battery life of around 5 hours (when using headsets) while watching movies. The battery is a little bigger than a Blackberry battery, so I can carry an extra 5 hours of movie watching in my bag without taking up any space (with an extended battery, that requires a "bulging" battery plate, you can get about 8 hours of movie watching). The compact design makes the PSP Slim ideal for travel.
The first eye-catching feature is the bright 4.3" widescreen design. This compact screen allows for full size movie display, not a cropped viewing experience. This design was intended for gaming, as was the entire device, but as I don't play games, I find it brilliant to watch movies in tight spaces. I found the Sony PSP Slim fantastic not only in my seat on the plane, but also while flying on a regional jet, sitting on a commuter train, riding the subway and a tiny tram. With my intense travel schedule I was trying to stay awake and alert the best I could at all times and the movies on the PSP helped me stay alert.
The Sony PSP uses Universal Media Disks (UMD). While there are not nearly as many movies on UMD as there are on DVDs, you can also download movies to Memory Sticks Duo and watch movies on this media. Watching a movie on the Memory Stick Duo also increases the battery life of the PSP. By downloading movies you can greatly increase your movie collection and also cut down on the already minimal space required by the PSP.
If you like games, the PSP has a massive catalogue of games. I don't play video games, but I have seen the games available and there is something for everyone (in triplicate).
I wish I had found the PSP earlier. This is an excellent way to bring my entertainment everywhere I go.
Below are a few photos I shot of my limited edition Star Wars Sony PSP (including one of me using my PSP on a flight from Hong Kong to Incheon). There is also a photo of a UMD disk with a Canon rear-lens cap to show the compact size of these disks, and a photo of my PSP in it's Manhattan Portage case.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
15/04/2008 - Long Haul Flight Sanity : Hand Held Movies
I love to watch movies in transit. Movies can be intense to keep my attention or mindless to let me watch in happy bliss as I doze off. Movies make long haul flight tolerable to stimulate your mind visually and through audio. I find movies more than anything else allow me to block out the cramped world around me and stay in my own little world.
I have always watched movies on planes. I use my laptop, a portable DVD player (we'll get to that in another post) and most recently I added the Sony Play Station Portable (PSP) Slim to my movie-watching arsenal. I had the pleasure of really giving my PSP a good in-the-field test last week on a 20,000 miles, 3.5 day journey and loved it.
The Sony PSP fits in the palm of my hand, it fits in my shirt pocket and has a battery life of around 5 hours (when using headsets) while watching movies. The battery is a little bigger than a Blackberry battery, so I can carry an extra 5 hours of movie watching in my bag without taking up any space (with an extended battery, that requires a "bulging" battery plate, you can get about 8 hours of movie watching). The compact design makes the PSP Slim ideal for travel.
The first eye-catching feature is the bright 4.3" widescreen design. This compact screen allows for full size movie display, not a cropped viewing experience. This design was intended for gaming, as was the entire device, but as I don't play games, I find it brilliant to watch movies in tight spaces. I found the Sony PSP Slim fantastic not only in my seat on the plane, but also while flying on a regional jet, sitting on a commuter train, riding the subway and a tiny tram. With my intense travel schedule I was trying to stay awake and alert the best I could at all times and the movies on the PSP helped me stay alert.
The Sony PSP uses Universal Media Disks (UMD). While there are not nearly as many movies on UMD as there are on DVDs, you can also download movies to Memory Sticks Duo and watch movies on this media. Watching a movie on the Memory Stick Duo also increases the battery life of the PSP. By downloading movies you can greatly increase your movie collection and also cut down on the already minimal space required by the PSP.
If you like games, the PSP has a massive catalogue of games. I don't play video games, but I have seen the games available and there is something for everyone (in triplicate).
I wish I had found the PSP earlier. This is an excellent way to bring my entertainment everywhere I go.
Below are a few photos I shot of my limited edition Star Wars Sony PSP (including one of me using my PSP on a flight from Hong Kong to Incheon). There is also a photo of a UMD disk with a Canon rear-lens cap to show the compact size of these disks, and a photo of my PSP in it's Manhattan Portage case.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
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