Category: Uncategorized

July 9, 2016: Most regular Uber users know that during peak use times, they implement whats called “surge pricing,” basically rising the rate anywhere from 10-25% — you absolutely need a pick up, you pay extra. No issue with that as it leaves it up to the customer — but, they haven’t been upfront in telling users what the new fee will be. Now, Uber will tell customers the full cost of the ride before they book. Some customers refer to the surge pricing as price gouging — and, just so you know, Uber takes a 20% cut off the fare as well as a booking fee. Potential users can also go online and find Uber estimate so you have a price reference starting point. The TC has used Uber both for domestic and international rides — no complaints — so far!

July 8, 2016: Found this “notification” at SFO in the United Airlines check in area — wonder if the “author” saw the Simpson movie and how the term was use?

July 7, 2016: Well, you can now, thanks to Abu Dhabi (UAE) based Etihad. Super car fans — know as “carparazzi” — can have their cars, some valued at more than US$5 million — transported via Etihad Air Cargo to more than a dozen European and Middle East destinations — the most popular being London. Cars travel in the belly of the massive Airbus double deck A380, and of course, delivered right to your second home or hotel doorstep. Tough to miss those “life essentials” from home when traveling!

July 6, 2016: Expect to see some international travel bargains, especially to Britain, in the coming months, so make sure your passport is in order. If you have less than six months before expiration, then you need to apply for a new one ASAP — many countries will refuse travelers entrance with 6 months or less remaining. Most US post offices now offer passport application services — you’ll need an appointment and can call your local PO directly or 877-487-2778 — remember, it’s the Post Office so don’t expect efficiency, but it does work.

Renewing a passport is $110 and a applying for a new one — even if your current one has expired — is $170.  If you have less than 3 weeks before international travel, the US Passport service does offer an expedited service — that can take 8 days to 3 weeks. At this time of the year, allow a minimum of 6 weeks for delivery without the expedited service. Visas can take longer — you can hire a “travel concierge” service, who for a fee — usually a minimum of $500 + $170 the US Government will charge for expediting — can speed the process up. Some tour operators, like those offering 3 and 4 day programs from Finland and Estonia to St. Petersburg, will include a Visa into Russia as part of the tour fee — and do all the work for you!

July 5, 2016: Thanks United Airlines — like you all haven’t done enough over the past 2 years in providing bad customer service (on and off the ground) and inconsistent inflight services — now you’re going to add even more bodies on your planes by squeezing in thiner seats in economy. Called “slimline,” these seats have thinner back cushions making it easier to put more seats in the already uncomfortable economy section. But fear not, UAL is adding a new “super economy” section (called Polaris) on international flights — with a nice surcharge of-course. These moves will generate more than $3 billion a year in new revenue — United continues leading the way in offering “the best” in uncomfortable expensive travel?

July 2, 2016: Istanbul’s’ Ataturk International Airport, the site of recent terrorists bombings, was the third largest passenger airport on the European continent — just behind London and France’s confusing Charles de Gaulle. The reason; Turkish Air has the lowest air fares to just about anywhere in Europe and the middle east — and is, or was, a huge transit point for travelers going elsewhere. Too much confusion and inconsistent security in Istanbul these days, so use Britain, Amsterdam or Frankfurt as your travel transit point — and allow minimum of 2 hours for connections as numerous security check points to transit.

July 1, 2016: The Anaheim City Council has tossed Airbnb out of town — some short term rentals can still operate but with proper and current permits — or face having their water and power cut off. More cities around the country and world are looking at similar restrictions.

June 28, 2016: Airbus, a European aircraft builder (#2 in the world to Boeing), is looking to get into the Drone building and sales business — to capitalize on fast growing market for both commercial and military use. The $4 billion market is expected to grow to over $93 billion in the next ten years — and this excludes the small drone hobby market. Solar powered drones, new to the market, can fly extremely low and stay in the air for 90 days. Airbus already has the “unequaled” reputation for building the most uncomfortable commercial aircraft in the world — hopefully their drone program won’t fly people?