February 10, 2017: Travel is never easy — you don’t need to meet up with pests — specifically rats and cockroaches. Top US cities to encounter these creatures include: New Orleans, Houston, Philadelphia and Boston. Bug leaders in California: Los Angeles-Long Beach, Riverside-San Bernardino, and San Francisco — the most popular (and once again) most expensive travel destination in the US. Pay attention to where you walk, eat — and sleep!!!
February 8, 2017: All the US carriers are looking at new size restrictions — or just a better job of enforcing current guidelines — for carry-on bags that go into overhead bins. A recent study by Consumer Reports says that bag manufacturers are a big part of the problem. It seems their recent study of carry-on advertised sizes — on Amazon and Ebags — says 9 out of 11 bags where actually much larger than advertised. And some of the discount carriers — like Spirit — are reducing the sizes of bags they’ll let you bring on. Bag buyers and travelers beware!!!
February 6, 2017: Yes, the long-expected -hotel free parking perk in Vegas is about to disappear. Too many locals using free parking when traveling — much less expensive, even with the cab or Uber rides to and from the airport — than airport parking. Not sure we’ve heard the last on this from Vegas travelers?
February 3, 2017: Here’s the best of the best for international carriers for on time arrivals in 2016:
KLM
Iberia
JAL
Qatar
Austrian
ANA
Singapore
Delta (Only US carrier to make the top ten)
TAM
Qantas
January 31, 2017: Here’s a few “must travel with” items you should take onboard: lip balm, bottle of water (bring your own empty through TSA and then fill it yourself), skin lotion, noise canceling headset, sweater, small blanket, head rest pillow. Aircraft air systems tend to dry skin out and it’s always cold — no matter where you sit or class of service. The Boeing 787, 777 and if you can find a 747-400, are the best for comfort and space.
January 30, 2017: Most travelers find flying stressful — so, do your part and be polite. Think safety first — minimize your carry on, keep your seat row aisle clear in front and know where the nearest exit doors are located. Bring a book or magazines. You can’t do anything about onboard wi-fi that doesn’t work. Unless you’re seated in first class, it really does no good to complain — take a nap!
January 27, 2017: Although a couple of USA carriers are talking about bringing back full meal service on longer flights (United, Delta, American, Alaska) you still might want to bring your own food and snack supplies. Most of what the airlines will pass out — even snacks — is high in sodium and fat. Bring fruit, protein bars (watch out as some are very high in sugar content), cookies and sandwiches. If there is a Jack in the Box in the airport , buy their tacos — they reported selling 554 million last year — they seem to be Americas “go too” snack food (good for hangovers too)!
January 26, 2017: Yes, every time he flies in and out now, the airport is closed a couple of hours prior to his arrival and the same for departure. LGA is already over crowded with flights, weather delays and air traffic congestion. Add this to all the new traffic congestion-security on 5th Avenue around his Trump Tower offices and home, and you have lots of unhappy New Yorkers, business travelers and tourists. Not sure air travel is part of his “Make America Great Again” program?
January 25, 2017: American, the dominant carrier in Phoenix since merging with US Airways, is cutting back its hub and flights — and reducing staff. The carrier is eliminating much of its long haul major market connecting flights in favor of adding this more profitable service to existing hubs like LAX and Dallas — adding more congestion to these already overly busy airports. Southwest should be your carrier of choice for Phoenix and beyond!
January 24, 2017: This past weekend United “once again” stopped all domestic services due to a computer glitch. The airline stranded thousands of passengers all over the US — many needing to rebook on flights later in the week. A similar situation last fall created an even bigger and longer travel mess for both their domestic and international travelers. Delta has experienced similar problems. Someone at United needs to call Best Buy’s Geek Squad!!!
