Category: Uncategorized

Yup — after much criticism from both renters and property owners, airbnb is trying to clean up.

Come this October, flyers around the US must have a Real ID — usually part of your drivers license — to board a flight — unless you have a passport as that will also serve as a Real ID.  The problem in California is very few folks have accomplished the time consuming task that must be completed through the Department of Motor Vehicles — meaning an in-person visit either with a drivers license renewal or to get the new drivers license that includes the Real ID designation.  Only 25% of those eligible (about 27 million plus are eligible) have done this so far. To obtain the ID, you have to show up in person at a DMV office and have at least 3 forms of identification to prove who you are — and all must match with your full correct name. In some cases you can make an appointment — usually about 4 months out — or show up in person and wait — usually an hour or more more more! The law — part of Homeland Security’s effort to maximize air travel safety — has been on the books for several years with the October pending deadline…..don’t delay, do it now now now!!!

American has been caught flying plans from DFW to Cancun without life rafts. These are older A321 planes that came from their purchase some years ago of US Air — these jets flying to and from Cancun “hug land” instead of flying over any water — so “technically” I guess they don’t need life rafts?  The flight takes about half an hour longer and burns way more fuel.  Is this a safety issue the FAA should be concerned with?

Now is the time to “cut the best deal” for a cruise later this year — cruise industry calls the first part of the year their “Wave Season” and it’s when they offer the best deals on cruises throughout 2020. And don’t be shy, negotiate and even better price once you have one to work with. Good time to catch the big cruise ship wave discounts!!!

Well you can — if you’re one of 500 people selected to participate when Los Angeles International Airport officials ask volunteers to give their new mid field terminal a try.  The new terminal, called the “Mid-Field Concourse”  (not very creative) can be accessed via a 1000 sq.ft. tunnel from the Thomas Bradley terminal at LAX.  Not sure if you’re invited to test the eating and drinking establishments once you pass through TSA?

Find your way to Mongolia. A little out of the way, but if you’re in for adventure and “real” old old world culture, customs, food and sports, then find your way to both the deserts and a couple of the country’s modernized cities. Locals are warm and friendly and will enjoy the company — you might even run into the TC there this year?

Check out the New York Times for their popular travel insight highlighting the top 52 “worldwide” travel destinations for 2020.  Number one choice was Washington DC; number 2 is the British Virgin Islands (might have some disagreement with that choice?; with number 52 being Glacier National Park and Whitefish, Mont.  Lots of places to visit in between. Enjoy the journey!

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/travel/places-to-visit.html

Rumors circulating around Vegas say that within 6 months most casinos will stop serving FREE DRINKS in their properties — and if you ask “why” no one can give an answer. Must be a way to make even more easy daily revenue. No more free booze, no more free casino parking, no more .99 breakfasts — no more Vegas for the TC!!!

If travel plans have you going or consider going to Vegas the weekend of April 23-25 — stay away. The annual NFL draft will take place that weekend and last year when the draft was in Nashville, over 600,000 people showed up for the event … even though it’s not open to the public!!! Much easier to stay home and watch on tv or at your neighborhood pub.

In early February, a British Air 747 made it across the north Atlantic from New York to London in 4 hours and 56 minutes — traveling at over 825 miles per hour — a new world record. Normal flight time is 6 to 7 hours. The near supersonic tail winds were part of what the Brits called, “storm Dave” and brought high wind havoc to most of western Europe. Westbound flights took on average an extra 90 minutes plus to make their destinations.   Quite the “breeze” pushing and pulling as the Brits would say!!!