September 5, 2018: Maybe — Zunum Aero expects to boost regional travel with new “hybrid-electric” planes — using a similar technology that run Prius and Tesla’s — and provide service from smaller under used airports. The joint Boeing-Jet Blue venture (with 100 planes in the order pipeline) will be operated by a private company called “Jet Suite” and plans to be in the air by 2022. Airport turn around times could be as little as ten minutes — with batteries changed quickly — and down time minimized. Hopefully travel prices with come down and travel convenience go up?
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Wanna Be Really Happy? Move to a Nordic Country
September 4, 2018: Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland lead the way as “happy places” to live worldwide. Although these countries have some of the highest taxes in the world, hospitals, schools and health care is universal. Elderly care, parental leave and unemployment benefits are all good — but is there pressure on folks not to work so hard and still benefit from all the government benefits?
Bored? Take Up Flower Decorating
September 3, 2018: Go to Holland and learn the art of flower decorating — surprise the neighborhood with your creations!
World’s Best Airlines an Airports — According to Travel + Leisure
August 31, 2018: Virgin America (now part of the Alaska Air Group) ranked #1 for domestic travel
Singapore Airlines was the leader for international carriers.
Best domestic airport is Portland International (when it’s not raining).
And Changi Airport-Singapore best international airport.
Best too pick your own favorites says the TC!!!
Airlines Dumping Carry-On Bag Fees?
August 30, 2018: Under pressure from travelers, most US carriers are discontinuing their carry-on bag fees for travelers in “basic economy” (basic economy being a terrible idea anyway for travelers — shoving more people into smaller seats with marginal leg room and services) — but individual US airlines say they’ve each increased revenue over $100 million with the new uncomfortable fares. Southwest still offers free checked baggage (2 bags) as well as free carry on — “carry on” Southwest!!!
Overnight in a Book Store? As long as you open and work the store in the morning
August 29, 2018: If you’re in the neighborhood of Wigtown, Scotland (Scotlands national book town), check out the Open Book store and the apartment above for an over night stay. Once you move in, the shop is yours to run. Plan ahead though, it’s currently “booked” through 2021!
New Site Predicts US Customs Waits for Air Travelers
August 28, 2018: Check out BorderWait.net when returning by air to the US. The new site, with data from US Customs and Border Protection, can predict wait times at more than 40 US airports — note your resident status and arrival time to get the latest wait time updates.
Buy Fall Air Travel Tickets Now?
Southwest 737 Nose Gear Collapse at Pushback
August 24, 2018: Odd event for Southwest during push back — maybe time to slow down the entire system and pay more attention to aircraft services and maintenance?
American on Final 500 feet to LAX — From Above!!!
August 23, 2018: Yikes — hopefully no “blue ice” falling?