July 16, 2018: TSA gets its share of criticism — but if you want to experience how airport security is done correctly and efficiently then fly through SNA. Good job team TSA John Wayne Orange County Airport!!!
Author: Travel Curmudgeon
Traveler Alert: Trump Adds to London Skyline?
July 13, 2018: Look for a big new addition to the London Skyline — a Trump inflatable hanging around London’s iconic Big Ben — all put in place to welcome the President to Great Britain on his upcoming visit? Could this be “subtle” British humor?
If You Rent Your Home Through Airbnb — Check your Homeowners Insurance
July 12, 2018: Airbnb sounds easy, but you need to check your homeowners policy to make sure you’re covered for any damage — and your rental is legal. Some cities require a permit, limit the number of days you can rent and may put a tourist or sales tax on your revenue. Allstate has a policy that offers to cover $10,000 in rental liability — for $50 a year. And, you need to pay taxes on your rental earnings. The TC is not an Airbnb fan, but if you do rent through them, cover thy self!!!
Travelers Report Interesting New Quirky Ice Cream Flavors
July 11, 2018: Ho-Chi Minh ice cream lovers can order “Artisan Gelato” — that would be a fish sauce gelato sorbet. On the West Coast, ice cream foodies can find Black Olive Brittle or Goat Cheese Avocado, or try a double scoop of Bay Leaf and Tomato Jam. The Italians have it right — they just pour vodka over their ice cream — or try blending that with a pinch of sugar and some heavy cream. Mangia!!!
What Does Dunkin Get with Crossing Fries?
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?
Thumbs Down From the FAA on Your Flying Bum Space??
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!!!
STS Poised for Growth!
June 6, 2018: Additional airline service and airport expansion coming STS!
Pop Up Airfares Look Carefully and Quickly
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!!!
Palma Majorca Bans Airbnb and Puts Hotel Balconies Off Limits!
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!
Cheerio — Uber Runs Leagally in London!
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!
