January 23, 2017: LAX had a tough time accommodating travelers during the holidays — more than 400,000 than the 4.3 million they planned for — weather, roadway traffic congestion, and more than 2,000 flight delays in a six-day time period — added to the mess. An estimated 80 million plus travelers will go through LAX in 2017, And, it’s going to continue to get even worse this year with many airlines adding flights. Do yourself a travel favor and avoid LAX in 2017 if you can!
January 20, 2017: More than 10,000 Homeland Security staff — US Coast Guard and TSA — will be part of the nearly 30,000 security personnel working around the US Capital area during the inauguration. Although record crowds not expected — a record range of demonstrations are! Taxpayers note: inaugural costs and security will exceed one hundred million dollars!!!
Oahu, Hawaii (don’t miss the annual Spam Festival in April)
Helsinki, Finland (art, music, easy city walks)
Bordeaux, France (new high speed train service from Paris and good wine)
Boston (catch up on American history)
Slovenia (hiking, river rafting, exploring caves)
Todos Santos, Baja, California (ex-pat friendly beach town north of Cabo)
Vancouver Island (wild and adventurous)
Hong Kong (gotta see it once)
January 18, 2016: Airline flight weather-related delays and cancellations seem to be reaching new heights the past few months — and more to come. Three carriers — Alaska, American and Delta — are making it easier for flyers to rebook weather related cancelations on their own — and without penalties. Check your airlines online site once you know your flight has been weather delayed or canceled. Lets hope not too often!!!
January 17, 2016: With more than 1000 stores, restaurants, attractions (indoor skiing, ice skating, largest indoor aquarium, mini theme parks) and other consumer needs — like a complete walk in medical center — the mall continues to grow, and leaves no open space undecorated or not themed — like the colorful umbrella alley or multi story dancing waterfall. Even if you don’t shop, the visual experience is worth the visit.
January 11, 2016: US airlines are trying to “sell” passengers that, despite smaller seats and more passengers on each plane, their flights are going to be more comfortable. They say the reason is related to newer planes being manufactured with new composite lighter materials — that will result in changes in cabin atmosphere that will be more humid reducing dry eyes and dry throats. They also say larger windows and wider aisles will help passenger comfort levels — trying to figure out how that works with smaller tighter seating and more passengers on each flight?
January 10, 2016: American and Alaska are in the midst of introducing new flight crew uniforms — and both program are making flight crews unhappy and itchy. American has logged over 2,000 complaints from their flight crews who complain the uncomfortable wool-based outfits are not only uncomfortable but cause hives, wheezing, coughing and headaches. Employees not only want the uniforms replaced but are also demanding they be reimbursed for the cost of their medical bills. An uncomfortable situation for the airlines, flight crews and maybe even passengers?
January 9, 2016: The Mexican Government has issued a warming to travelers not to fly on the air carrier Interjet — they cite serious safety issues. The government says many of Interjets Russian-built Sukhoi Super jets are showing cracks on the exterior of their planes. Think safety — find another airline!
January 6, 2016: Any time an airline flies over a foreign country, they owe their host country rent for using their airspace. This worldwide service is governed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and includes the airlines right to land, refuel or repair — with additional fees if the plane has to make an unscheduled stop. The foreign air space fee in the US is around $57 a nautical mile. Airlines worldwide might alter their flight route based on the most cost efficient route to their destination.
( I don’t know about you, but I’m glad they’re checking!)
