Uncategorized – Page 113 – The Travel Curmudgeon

HI HO HI HO It’s Off to Cuba We Go!

December 29, 2015: Several US airlines have announced plans, pending approvals from both the US and Cuban governments, to start scheduled service to Cuba. This would be the first time in more than a half a century that both countries will share scheduled service — although several US airlines have been offering charter service for years. American Airlines wants approval for 20 flights a day to Havana and ten daily to other cities in Cuba; JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines are also in line for new services to Cuba. Flights are planned for key travel hubs around the country and could include Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Newark and JFK. One trip to travelers — Cuba’s tourism infrastructure (hotels, airport support services, etc.) is way behind the expected rush — so plan to rough it some!

Bump and Grind With Southwest?

December 24, 2015: Rapidly expanding Southwest Airlines, adding several international destinations to its schedule in 2016, has had its share of aircraft “bump and lumps” of late. One aircraft mysteriously slid of the runway after landing in Nashville, requiring emergency passenger evacuation; and another mishap at Burbank when two planes touched wing tips when backing out of their respective gates. And if you’re keeping track of Southwest ticket pricing, the once industry leader in low price tickets is no more — their $39 one way fare deals are long gone. Hopefully their flight attendants still share some fun onboard?

Somewhere Above it All?

December 22, 2015: Looking for something new to take the boredom out of flying? Well, an enterprising company called Windspeed has — maybe — come up with just the idea to solve the problem and offer something even better than a window seat. The concept, called SkyDeck, puts seats above the airplane — with a clear view dome observation deck. Passengers would access the view deck via an interior elevator from the aircrafts main cabin. Not sure the FAA will “sign off” on this — and no doubt fee-hungry airlines would up charge for the view. Might also bring new meaning to the “mile high club” experience?

December 20, 2015: In the wake of China’s red alert on air pollution, some brilliant entrepreneurs have begun selling bottled air — yes, bottled AIR — to Chinese consumers looking for a breath of fresh air. Bottled from the freshest source of air in the Rocky Mountains, Canada’s Vitality Air promises their customers a breath as fresh as the Rockies — for a measly $14 to $20 a bottle! It feels like it was only a few years ago people were joking about how bottled water makes as much sense as bottled air. Now, the punchline has become a reality, with the first batch of 500 bottles selling out almost instantly once it hit the market.

Now Where Did I Leave That 747?

December 18, 2015: Now here’s a new one for even the TRAVEL CURMUDGEON: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLA) reported recently that someone had abandoned not one but three Boeing 747 aircraft. The local press and airport officials are asking the owner(s) to please come forward and remove their planes. They are giving them 14 days or the airport claims the right to sell off the “orphaned” jets — no doubt a hefty discount if someone purchases all three? If your interested in color — two white and one off white. Only downside might be that KLA will require the new owner(s) to pay a parking fee prior to take off — more than a year!!!

Starwood-Marriott Merger May Not Be Such a Good Deal for Consumers?

December 16, 2015: Marriott International is now the world’s largest hotel group after buying Starwood for $12 billion plus. The new consolidation now represents 5,500 properties worldwide and over 1 million rooms — dozens of different brands from Ritz-Carlton to Westin and Sheraton (Marriott alone has 30 brands). Marriott has a well establish track record for substantial guest add on fees from resort property mandatory service and facility charges to a confusing array of in room internet charges — some of which have result in numerous lawsuits and FTC intervention. Add to all this combining guest loyalty programs — Starwood users will give up the most — and you’ll have a real mess that most likely will bring higher rates and even more fees. Pretty neat for Marriott, who’s founding family started it all with a simple roadside stand selling root beer for a nickel!

Does Southwest Luv Frontier or JetBlue?

December 14, 2015: There’s an interesting rumor “flying about” — that Southwest Airlines, in a bold effort to expand its presence and revenue in the highly profitable business travel market, is looking at “pathetic” Frontier Airlines as a merger partner. Really? Not much compatibility here with Frontier’s poor reputation and completely different aircraft. And another rumor — more logical merger fit is Southwest taking hold of JetBlue Airways — although aircraft compatibility here also a concern, this combination offers good route additions, an existing business class following and a “culture” that could fit Southwest’s “LUV You All” attitude. Best “pick up partner” for Southwest would be Alaska Airlines, but they seem to be doing fine on their own, even with their ongoing battle involving Delta. Stay tuned!!!

Rick Steves End of Model Year Fire Sale Continues!!!

December 11, 2015: Really Rick — a branded discounted t-shirt with the Eiffel Tower as part of the shirt logo? And, guess now he refers to his followers as “Rick-niks”? Please Please Please — stick with what you do well — the travel guide books!!!!!

Rudolf’s Cousin Taken Out By Alaska-Horizon Air?

December 9, 2015: It happened this past weekend at Snoopy’s home airport — Charles M. Schultz Airport in Santa Rosa, California (STS) — it was sad but quick. A Horizon Air flight, in bound from Seattle, clipped a deer passing on the runway as it landed. Antler contact blew out a tire but the plane went on to the terminal and off loaded passengers — claim they never heard or felt anything. No passenger confusion, evacuation or reported damage to the aircraft. Unfortunately, the deer did not walk away — and rumor has it that there was fresh venison stew on the terminal restaurant menu the next day.

More Travel Tidbits

December 5, 2015:

* Not a fan of Airbnb? The Curmudgeon isn’t because there are too many requirements and multiple fees (including cash on scene damage deposits instead of a one price covers all damage insurance policy)— so take a look at VRBO®- Vacation Rentals By Owner® they’re easier and usually turn the rental transaction over to a local representative.

* US carriers say that lost luggage numbers are declining — mainly thanks to improved electronic tracking once a bag is checked — lets see how the numbers hold up during the upcoming heavy holiday travel circus? The downside is off-loading bags to baggage claim is taking much longer for most carriers — only carrier that’s got it right is Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air with their under 20 minute delivery guarantee.

* Monthly “Subscription Flights?” Yup — being rolled out in various cities around the US — range in price from $1650 to $3000 a month for unlimited travel — usually on small aircraft (8 seats or fewer) and fly in and out of smaller private air terminals.