July 10, 2018: Donut fries — yup — one of America’s iconic food companies, DUNKIN DONUTS, has crossed the food line with a taste new item — donut fries — gotta be the best of the fried fast food world! Only item better would be a Big Mac — with a donut inside instead of a burger — Keep our American fast food great?
July 9, 2018: The FAA has turned down a request from consumer action groups to regulate the size — and width — of airplane seats. Over the years, airplane seat size has shrunk from 18.5 inches to 17 inches — with a few carriers talking about taking away another inch. And yes, Americans bottoms are expanding along with their weight: The average man now weights 196 pounds and sports a 40 inch waist —and to give women equal rights, various health groups say the average women is about the same weight with a-waist size of 38 inches. Seat pitch — how far the back of the seat in front of you is has gone from 35 to 31 inches. The FAA says airplane seat size is something that should be worked out between the airlines and passengers — so, travelers, take some action!!!
June 6, 2018: Additional airline service and airport expansion coming STS!
July 5, 2018: Yup – airlines are taking advantage of the popular “pop up” food truck or stand concept with their own version— pop up airfares — fares show up, usually late at night or early am via email, and offer some great discounts if you can move quickly and have flexible travel dates. With fuel prices going up — so will airline fares — pop up sales offer airlines the ability to quickly discount remaining seats from their computer managed inventories. Alaska has taken the pop up lead so far — but watch for others, including a few European carriers to “pop into” the game!!!
July 3, 2018: Tourist and visitor clogged Palma has tossed out Airbnb in an effort to get control of rowdy visitors who come looking (mostly Britson cheap airfare holidays) for inexpensive rooms, night clubs and cheap booze. Officials have also requested hotels and apartment rental agencies “enclose” all balconies to keep guests from from jumping into pools or where ever! Amsterdam and Paris are also adding length of stay restrictions to airbnb rentals —with many US cities adding similar restrictions. Airbnb has brought new meaning to low cost-low class tourism!
July 2, 2018: Good news for Uber users in London Towne — Uber is back in legal operation with a British judge granting the popular ride share non-taxi taxi-like service 15 months to get its act together and become a better British citizen. While this ride hailing service has upended the taxi industry worldwide, Uber service and attitude has been especially bad in London (its most lucrative European market) where they have made a big “dent” in the British black cab business. Uber’s growth in any cost business style is showing signs of change as more local governments cast a watchful eye on their operations. The TC finds Uber service great from London Airports to city destinations but “horrible” with in the city as most drivers not anywhere as knowledgeable as traditional Black Cab drivers when finding well-known destinations. By the way, the traditional British black cab can also be found in a variety of colors — pink, white, purple and lazy lagoon blue!
June 29, 2018: Fourth of July Rush is on at STS — Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport!
June 28, 2018: Hotels in California and other states — are now offering joints with room service food and beverage options — pot friendly hotels might scare away some family travelers — but cannabis friendly lodging will make up the revenue loss with increased room rates. Desert Hot Springs and other desert destinations are the places to go in the Golden State for vaping under the stars!
June 27, 2018: European Airlines are exploring putting limits on liquor sold on flights — and on the ground? Alcohol has long been a complaint from air carriers as the main cause of “air rage” incidents — especially in Europe on low cost carriers like Ryan Air. Carriers are asking airport locations that sell drinks to limit their hours of service and number of pre-flight drinks to thirsty passengers — drinkers might be required to log the number of airport drinks and present the card prior to boarding!!!
June 26, 2018: Norway, home to some of the busiest air routes in the world (that must include airline traffic that fly over the country to other world wide destinations?) is going electric with the introduction of new electric planes serving short haul flights. First flights on electric planes recently started from Oslo Airport — unfortunately the new electric planes carry only one passenger. The TC isn’t sure if this new concept in air travel is “ready for take off” yet ? The country’s tourism folks are onboard with a new slogan — “Powered by Nature!”
