November 17, 2017: In Utqiaġvik, ‘low sealings’ bring a unique airplane hazard — and temporarily close “way north” Alaska airport runway. The obstruction, one you don’t experience very often, was removed with some TLC and heavy equipment to to move operations back to normal.
November 15, 2017: This is a recent note to United frequent travelers in Houston — no doubt to follow at other US airports:
TSA Pre✓® program changes: As of February 2017, TSA has significantly reduced access to TSA Pre✓ expedited screening for non-enrolled travelers. TSA strongly recommends that you enroll in a DHS Trusted Traveler program such as TSA Pre✓, Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI to obtain access to expedited airport security screening.
For all important notices from United, please visit united.com/importantnotices.
November 13, 2017: This past summer — between Memorial Day and Labor Day — was the busiest summer on record for TSA with over 239 million passengers taking to the air. TSA has over 43,000 officers and needs more employees to be efficient and minimize long lines — but Federal Government restrictions say they can only add less than 1% new employees a year. The airlines say cheaper fares and strong consumer confidence in air travel have encouraged more people to fly. Most US airports are “struggling” to keep up with space and service requirements— like parking and airport food/beverage options. Arrive early and bring your own food!!!
November 10, 2017: You’ll love this if your are a cereal lover and can’t give it up when you travel — Los Angeles’s Milk Tavern is the first in what may be a national trend in the US — a cereal bar with almost two dozen soft serve cereal flavors (including Cocoa Puffs and the ever popular Fruit Loops) along with some unique toppings like cheese cake bites and marshmallows. You can also add your favorite cereal into milkshakes, sorbets and “infuse” in to ice cream. Such a sweet deal!!!
November 8, 2017: A recent Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Boston made an unscheduled stop in Manchester to drop off an extra pilot who was needed to work a different flight — it seems that was the fastest way to get him there — less than a two hour taxi drive. The Manchester flight was headed to New York — the message to passengers thinking they were on a nonstop to Boston was “that was the only option and pilot available?” The unscheduled stop cost Virgin several thousand dollars and resulted in both flights being very late to their final destinations.
November 6, 2017: US airlines are forecasting a record number of travelers — nearly 3 million — to head for airports and airiness Thanksgiving 2017. Airlines have added almost 100,000 extra seats and larger planes to accommodate the crowds — which includes crowded airports and TSA security lines and lines. The Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) will be the busiest travel day with 2.8 million “turkey-ed up” travelers flying — Thanksgiving Day will be the easiest day to travel. Add in smaller airplane seats, long check in lines, unhappy airline personnel and some bad weather for the memorable holiday experience?
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 31, 2017: This big Southern California regional theme park is now open everyday —starting Jan 1 next year! And if you like roller coasters, the park has 19 —more than any US theme park. Most regional parks are only open seasonally so we’ll see how this goes?
October 30, 2017: Stand by if you like Cheetos — soon they might be on the menu at your favorite restaurant. Select from special snacks and entrees (and at restaurant prices) like Cheeto meatballs, Cheeto tacos, Cheetos mac and cheese — and for dessert, Cheetos cheese cake. Cheetos owner, Frito-Lay/PepsiCo, is also promoting by doing pop up restaurants and their own food trucks around the US, Cheetos and go – likely in more ways than one!!!
October 25, 2017:Airports confuse you, customs a challenge, no one speaks your language? You might need a professional airport “guide” to help. A new airport concierge service called SOLVE (check the airports online site for specifics) is now available in over 400 airports around the world. Guides cost $200+/person and speak both English and the local language.
