January 10, 2016: American and Alaska are in the midst of introducing new flight crew uniforms — and both program are making flight crews unhappy and itchy. American has logged over 2,000 complaints from their flight crews who complain the uncomfortable wool-based outfits are not only uncomfortable but cause hives, wheezing, coughing and headaches. Employees not only want the uniforms replaced but are also demanding they be reimbursed for the cost of their medical bills. An uncomfortable situation for the airlines, flight crews and maybe even passengers?
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TC Says, “Don’t Fly Mexican Carrier InterJet”
January 9, 2016: The Mexican Government has issued a warming to travelers not to fly on the air carrier Interjet — they cite serious safety issues. The government says many of Interjets Russian-built Sukhoi Super jets are showing cracks on the exterior of their planes. Think safety — find another airline!
When Airlines Fly Over a Foreign Country They Owe Airspace Rent
January 6, 2016: Any time an airline flies over a foreign country, they owe their host country rent for using their airspace. This worldwide service is governed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and includes the airlines right to land, refuel or repair — with additional fees if the plane has to make an unscheduled stop. The foreign air space fee in the US is around $57 a nautical mile. Airlines worldwide might alter their flight route based on the most cost efficient route to their destination.
Ten Weird Things TSA Found in Your Bags in 2016
- A full size replica of the Lucille bat from AMC’s Walking Dead
- Five small endangered sea horses inside a liquor bottle
- Two floggers with metal blades
- A gun made with a 3-D printer (with real bullets)
- Live smoke grenades (neatly stuffed in a small carry on)
- 12 inch machete
- Two fully loaded spear guns
- A blowtorch
- An ax
- Over 2600 firearms
( I don’t know about you, but I’m glad they’re checking!)
New Super Economy Fare From United — But Watch for Add Ons!
January 4, 2016: United plans to introduce a new limited availability super low economy fare — but what’s the catch? Extra fees for just about everything — including any items (brief case, computer case, hand bag, etc.) passengers carry on the flight. Maybe a way to fill a few extra seats but certainly not customer friendly.
TC’s Travel Tips for the New Year
January 2, 2016: Here are a few Travel Curmudgeon Travel Tips for the New Year:
- Pack lighter and downsize
- Take fewer but better pictures
- Stop putting travel off
- Learn to “unplug” when you travel
- Go for a walk without GPS or a map
- Use your time wisely and enjoy the adventure
- Don’t be a travel snob — get into local culture and people
- Take a step or three out of your normal comfort zone
- Leave work at home when you travel
- Take time and explore your own backyard
- Be a good traveler — travel responsibly
Where Else to Drop the Ball on New Years?
December 30, 2016: Time Square is the cliche travel destination to celebrate the new year — and while it might be something worth doing once, the densely overcrowded streets of New York aren’t as glamorous as they seem. For a more unique and create destination to celebrate the new year, check out some of these locations recommended by Lonely Planet, from New Orleans to Sydney, Australia.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/where-to-expand-your-horizons-this-new-years-eve
The Season of Tipping?
December 28, 2016: According to this New York Times article, the season of giving is supposed to equate to larger tips on your holiday vacation. They suggest throwing as much as double what you would usually tip your cab (or Uber) driver, your hotel bellhop, or your waitress. While it’s true that the service industry might be a little more hectic during the holiday rush, it certainly doesn’t mean you should be breaking the bank — especially when you’ve already been over spending on the holidays. The TC Tip? Tip what you feel is appropriate, and throw in a little extra if you’re really feeling the holiday spirit.
I Might Not Be Home For Christmas
December 23, 2016: … Don’t completely plan on me. Because 45.2 million people are expected to be flying for the holidays, finishing off the busiest year of air travel in American history. Flights are more than doubling in cost across the country for the holidays — in some places costing as high as 4 times more! And for those premium costs, you can expect more delays, longer security lines, and losing your seat to overbooking. How exactly is this the most wonderful time of the year?
Alaska And Virgin America Now One — Almost?
December 21, 2016: It’s official — Alaska has fully taken over Virgin America! The combined operation is now the 5th largest US carrier with over 1,200 daily departures to 118 destinations that include the United States, Canada, Costa Rica and Cuba. The newly combined carrier has more daily non-stops from the West Coast than any other carrier. Yet to be “clarified” — will the Virgin America name disappear?
