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Virgin Atlantic LAX Upper Deck Business Class Lounge — Paradise In Terminal 2

February 15, 2018: Many US carriers are now — FINALLY — following Virgin Atlantic’s lead on how to “cater and serve” their business class flyers on the ground — with full complimentary meal and beverage services in their airport VIP clubs — as US carriers, like Delta, American and United roll out the service in select US airport locations copying what Virgin has been doing for years — services, both on the ground and in the air, continue to deteriorate for coach class travelers — with less free inflight food service, tighter seating (some carriers now adding rows of seats that don’t recline), and just as much discomfort as they can add to once fun and enjoyable travel experience.  Lets bring some FUN back to airline travel —PLEASE!!!

Watch Your Bum on British Airways?

February 12, 2018: In an effort to add even “less class” to flying in 2018, British Airway, the once classy British flagship carrier, plans to add more seats to most of their aircraft — even some of their Boeing 777s.  One way to do this is to add rows of seats that don’t decline — I guess meaning their will be no “please return your seats to their original upright position” ever?  Hard to beat this classless move — but I’m sure others will try. SHAMEFUL!!!

Looking to Show Off Your New Sno-Cat to the Neighbors? Check out the Tucker!

February 9, 2018: Sno-catting — low speed off-road— aah, well off-snow trail — all-terrain winter vehicle fun has taken on a new (and much more expensive) “larger look” with the $125,000 Tucker Sno-Cat.  This huge “adult” snowmobile sits on treads designed for military tanks and features a bright orange cab — hard not to see.  Fastest growing market is upscale land owners who want to get to their winter retreats quickly — and other markets that include utility and oil drilling companies. One recent Lake Tahoe customer traded out the bright orange cab for a look alike Ferrari red. Lifestyles of the rich now playing in the snow!!!!

Hard to Believe? United One of the Best Places in the US to Work?

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?

Save Airfare This Year and Visit Poland

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.

Largest Starbucks in the World Opens in Shanghai

February 5, 2018: Seattle-based Starbucks is on a binge to invade China — opening one new coffee location a day for the last 5 years — and move tea to the back counter! The new Shanghai location, over 30,000 square feet “compound”, features 3 coffee bars, in-house bakery and according to Starbucks —“augmented reality” what ever the hell that is? I think that means “high tech” and something legal you can do while sipping coffee with your smartphone? Starbucks now has over 5,000 locations in China and average coffee costs running a dollar+ higher than here in the US. Watch out Rocket Man, Starbucks might have you on their radar???

Guests explore the new Starbucks Roastery in Shanghai, China. (Joshua Trujillo, Starbucks)

TSA Testing New No Food Fly Regulation

February 2, 2018: It’s all being kept very quiet and “under the dining room table,” but TSA is quietly testing a new rule that will not allow travelers to bring certain foods through security and onboard airplanes. The test is taking place at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and is focused mainly on travel in and out of the Caribbean area — there are certain fresh foods and vegetables that, for various health reasons, can’t pass between countries — no doubt the test will move to other US airport locations so be aware!!!