Category: Uncategorized

August 8, 2016: Much criticized TSA for long lines and poor service, has made adjustments to add staff at some crowded airports around the country. No, not by hiring more staff — they are temporarily moving staff around from slower less crowded airports to more popular major “hub” destinations  to move travelers through security quicker. Lots of TSA overtime and lines move faster. They are also expanding, at participating airline expense, the “bin comes to you” security system that is working so well at various European airports.  Expensive system but does speed up security wait time by 30%. Downside — eventually travelers will pay for the service improvement through increased individual ticket taxes — take a good look at the cost summary on your next airline ticket and see how much of the total goes to various taxes and fees.

August 5, 2016: Trip Advisor will now post traveler reviews of flights, hotels and restaurants.  Basically, travelers who have experienced — or say they have — a flight can provide comments on service, comforts of seats, beverage selections, etc.  Same for hotels and restaurants — remember though, the real purpose of Trip Advisor is to direct you to a site they own to book  — Trip Advisor is part of a travel conglomerate that owns and operates numerous booking sites — from hotels to tours to seats in airplanes. Do your homework then make a decision!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/modobag-world-s-first-motorized-rideable-luggage-travel-technology#/

August 2, 2016: You may have noticed that if you book a trip online or through an agent, somewhere along the booking process, usually at payment time, you are offered travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover anything from lost luggage to a terrorist attack and trip disruptions. Travel insurance can usually add 5-10% to the cost of your trip and older travelers most likely will pay even more. Allianz Global Assistance is a good place to start insurance shopping, as well as Travel Guard — Travel Guard being very easy with both online and live agents work with. Another good starting resource www.insurancemytrip.com.  Read the fine print and ask questions — you don’t need travel insurance until you need it and you don’t want to be surprised!

August 1, 2016: Watch out when you book your next hotel room — major hotel groups are adding new twists and expenses to cancellation fees — normally travelers have until 6pm until day of arrival to cancel — unless they pre purchased a reduced rate no cancel reservation. Most resorts require longer cancellation times. Hotels are moving from a 6pm day of arrival cancellation to requiring 24-48 hours as well as a flat cancellation fee. Just another way, like the controversial mandatory resort fees, to nickel and dime travelers. If you want to chance a reservation, look to the HotelTonight site — select hotels dump day of inventory at some very good prices.

July 29, 2016: Yes — avoid booking a cruise with them if you have any thoughts about bringing your own beverages on board. Effective now, the ban includes bringing beverages onboard in your luggage or carry on — but you can bring your own wine onboard and pay a corkage fee. Norwegian says this change will help expedite security screening time — both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have different rules involving beverage carry on — the TC says it’s a “cheap shot” using security concerns as the reason, to enhance beverage sales — I mean really, $5.00 plus for a small bottle or water! Shame on you all!

July 28, 2016: A new start up called FlightCar has an interesting idea to help travelers avoid the cost of long term airport parking — drive to your airport and rent your car to an arriving passenger. Car owners get a small commission from the deal, avoid long term parking fees and a free car wash. Renters avoid the car rental counter hassle with a vip shuttle to the FlightCar off airport rental center. Not sure car insurance issues and messy renters are going to help this idea fly?

July 27, 2016: Luggage sales — $33 billion industry — has not progressed much since adding wheels to bags nearly 50 years ago. But, now comes “smart luggage” — with a company called Raden leading the way. Raden offers neat hard shell suitcases (in both carry on and checked sizes, starting at $295) that come with some extras: built in scale so as too not exceed weight requirements, a built in battery with 2 USB ports, and —here’s the best part — built in Bluetooth technology that lets you track your bag from check in to baggage claim on the other end. Currently Raden sales are consumer direct so don’t look for them in your neighborhood “luggage city” store!

July 26, 2016: Tough to sell a time share investment — here’s a couple of options:

1. Trying renting your “share time” to someone else — at a discount.
2. Offer it back to the resort — at one cost — and walk away.
3. Rent it — maybe you can do a deal with a potential renter that becomes a buyer?
4. Enjoy it — suck it up — it was a bad investment — or trade time for another location.

There are companies that offer to unload your time share property — but will charge a high fee — and watch out for scams that run off with your service fee. Best advice: Don’t do a time share — anyone, anywhere — in the first place. Why tie yourself down!

July 25, 2016: Seems like there are dozens of programs for rating airlines and their services  — magazines, web sites, media polls — so who do you believe?  Here’s one that just came out from a service most no one has ever heard off — Skytrax. The TC questions the entire process — kind of a rating hodge lodge one would say.  Note on the Skytrax world airline rating — no US carriers. Most US carriers do just the minimum with their overcrowded understaffed onboard services — but, Alaska/Horizon is one of the better carriers — consistency — and certainly deserves a number 4 or 5 position! Note to self:  many of the carriers listed on the ranking are government run with no need to ever make a profit. And really, no matter how good the service, do you want to connect through Turkey these days?

1. Emirates

2. Qatar Airways

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Cathay Pacific

5. All Nippon Airways/ANA

6. Etihad Airways

7. Turkish Airlines

8. EVA Air

9. Qantas Airways

10. Lufthansa