Category: Words of Wisdom “and Not”

February 7, 2018: United was named a 2018 best place to work by Glassdoor — this is the same airline that set new standards for the industry last year when they man handled a passenger and physically dragged him off a flight for not wanting to give up his seat as part of their convoluted over booking system — since changed.

With an overall company rating of 4.3 (on a scale of 1-5) – a significant increase from 3.2 in 2015 – United was ranked 55 on Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work – which ranked companies with more than 1,000 employees. In addition, United also earned a Best Places to Interview award for 2017, ranking 28th on the list of 100. Glassdoor has more than 35 million reviews and insights for more than 700,000 companies, all of which can be considered for the awards.

During a fireside chat Oscar (UAL president who was slammed by everyone for how he originally mishandled the event) attended the 2017 Glassdoor Annual Conference in September, Glassdoor founder and CEO Robert Hohman emphasized United achieved “one of the biggest turnarounds in employee sentiment” that he has ever seen, which Oscar attributed to his “listen, learn and then lead,” approach toward earning trust and improving employee morale. “Listen learn and lead” — new concept for any airline to undertake these days — lets hope it works — how about listening to numerous complaints about smaller seats and fewer onboard restrooms on your planes? Anyone listening?

February 6, 2018: Here’s a TC travel tip for 2018 — look into European airfares from the US to Europe via Poland’s LOT Airlines — LOT now offers non stop service from most US big city hubs via it’s Warsaw transportation hub. Fares are reasonable and — with lots of history and friendly warm people (not so much the weather) — a couple of days in Poland might be an adventure worth considering on your way to where ever? The other low low carrier from the US to Europe these days is Turkish Air — high praise for their onboard services — only down side is the Istanbul hub and transfer point — good for a quick day trip into the mystical city but some concern with “unrest” in the area from time to time.

January 31, 2018: Latest controversy to land at Airbnb’s front door is the use of video cameras placed in numerous rental units around the country and world — placed there by the rental owners to spy on guests — in bedrooms, bathrooms, and elsewhere. The response from Airbnb — guests should bring electronic camera detectors to survey their rooms to ensure privacy — really? How short sighted and just another reason the TC advises to stay clear of Airbnb — use VRBO or just about any one else that shows some class in this business. By the way, Airbnb rents over 2 million various living accommodations around the world each day.

January 26, 2018; Watch for a “wobbly” handrail or two when heading for the Tube in London.

January 8, 2018: The TSA is changing the type-authenticity of what they consider a valid id to travel starting this month. You need to check with the TSA online site to determine if the changes might effect the document(s) you use at airport security check points — domestically, most use a valid drivers license — but TSA now says some State drivers licenses will no longer quality as a valid ID — seems they feel the background checks some States use are sketchy. Valid passport still works and is the best. Know before you go!!!!

December 20, 2017: Travel insurance can be pricey — but does protect you (watch the fine print) when a trip is canceled or interrupted.

• Check your credit cards: Many cards offer travel insurance, as well as car rental insurance, as part of your annual fee — some even cover baggage delay.
• If you travel a lot, take a look at an annual policy — usually a better deal and less expensive.
• Shop around: what the airline or hotel recommends often isn’t the best deal (only for them) — Allianz or Travel Guard are the TC’s favorites.

Shop around and find what’s best for you!!

December 4, 2017: It’s now easier for travelers to find local reviews and recommendations of places to visit when they travel thanks to some new smartphone apps. Three popular apps include:

• Spotted by Locals: has inside information on 67 major cities around the world
• Cool Cousin: this app puts you in contact with locals and is a good information resource
• Like a Local: covers more than 300 cities with location overviews and special visit tips

Use these apps as a guide but sometimes it’s fun just to wing it!

November 3, 2017: An Arkansas family recently walked away from a Hilton Garden Inn in Rancho Cucamonga, California, with extensive bed bug bites — and a $546,000 law suit settlement — the largest settlement ever recorded in a bed bug lawsuit. The large settlement included coverage for extensive bed bug bites, rashes and emotional distress. Be forewarned — bed bugs in hotel rooms are a huge problem that most lodging operators don’t want to disclose. Bring your own bug spray when you travel!!!

October 16, 2017: Here’s a few ideas for onboard flight snacking:

• Thin protein bars are always good
• Twizzlers licorice — watch out you might have to share
• Crackers with Laughing Cow cheese wedges
• Fresh fruit —beware somewhat iffy on international flights
• Flavored water packets add a nice taste to flight attendant served water
• And the TC’s all time favorite — find some PB2 powdered peanut butter from Bell Plantation — add some water and you have peanut better paste good enough for a sandwich. If your more adventurous treat yourself to the PB2 combo peanut butter and chocolate flavor — almost as good as Nutella. Bring enough to share or sell.

September 8, 2017: Do you text while you walk? Well, deadly accidents involving pedestrians who do have gone up more than 22% in the last 2 years. A recent survey noted that more than 50% of the respondents admitted using their phone to talk, text or read while on foot. Studies show we all aren’t really as good as we think we are when multitasking with our phones — and, who has more to lose in a collision between a car and a walker?