October 31, 2016: American has recently initiated an advertising campaign “promoting civility” in the air, encouraging passengers to be a little more considerate. The new campaign, targeted at “the world’s greatest flyers” (assume that refers to their passengers?), praises travelers who share the armrest in the middle seat and urges passengers to be nicer to flight attendants. Unfortunately most travelers shut off their “civility mode” when they travel. And, smaller seats and overcrowded planes don’t help!
October 28, 2016: US hotels will bring in an extra $2.25 BILLION in extra hotel fees this year — everything from that K-cup coffee pod for the machine in your room — to the “dreaded” resort fee. Many Las Vegas hotels are now even charging a daily parking fee — always complimentary in the past. Some hotels have even gone so far as to add a fee if you request a room on a higher level and early check out. Hotel chains, like Holiday Inn Express, offer limited services, so fewer ways to add on fees — usually very good room rate values and maybe a better option than the big chains?
Hold On — Airfares Heading Up!
October 27, 2016: The glut of new bigger planes has been responsible for average airfares declining the past 2 years — and airlines stocks have fallen. Airlines are now planning for fewer flights — limiting seats — and driving up prices. Delta and American say they will only grown 1 percent next year. And, most US carriers are falling in line and adding a “premium economy” fare (somewhat larger seat and some minuscule in flight amenities — the free ones they took away years ago) — fares will go up. There might still be a few deals, but most likely for business and first class flyers!
October 25, 2016: The US Government is looking into legislation that would require the airlines to pay passengers a fee if they lose your bag or it arrives late. They also want the airlines to release information on bags that get lost in transit on connecting flights. This year, over 700 million passengers will travel on 9 million domestic flights in the US. The airlines are claiming “over government regulation” and passengers are saying, “about time!”
October 24, 2016: French Government passport authorities are warning locals “not to smile” when taking their passport photo. Security experts say that facial recognition scanners at airports can be “confounded” and miss read open mouths or unusual expressions. Other countries, like Canada and Thailand, ask for a neutral passport photo expression — in recent years the French have ranked among the most pessimistic people in the world so this all makes sense?
October 21, 2016: If a place with “death” in the name still sounds appealing, maybe the idea of the hottest place on earth with an average yearly temp. of 91°F will drive down tourism. Perhaps this is the reason the park hasn’t seen an increase in costs for a decade. However, following unheard-of flash floods in the area last year, the site is now raising it’s prices on certain campgrounds to help pay off damages and education programs in the area.
October 20, 2016: American has recently begun rolling out a new design for their Boeing Dreamliner international flights, featuring their new “premium economy” cabin. While most flights today offer an upgraded coach option that doesn’t break the bank like First Class, the difference has usually been nothing more than an extra inch or two of leg room. However, it looks like American is uping their mid-level option closer to business class with larger, more comfortable seats with leg rests and free alcohol! Now the only question is, how nice will their first class seats be?
October 19, 2016: With the outbreak of mosquito-transmitted Zika virus across the Caribbean leading to an international state of emergency by the CDC and WHO, there’s no better time to book a cruise than now! Sure this might not be the greatest idea for young honeymooners with Zika’s dangerous risks involved with pregnancy, but for baby boomers, saving a couple hundred dollars might be worth the risk of fever, rash and joint pain. Keep in mind, the Travel Curmudgeon doesn’t condone risking your health, but I also don’t condone passing up a great deal when you see one!
October 18, 2016: While many people rely on Yelp to help make their dining decisions, especially in new and unfamiliar places, is a top rated restaurant on the site a must visit? According to USA Today, these restaurants are the top rated in every state — And while they’re no doubt incredible, is Yelp’s recommendation spot on? What’s your go-to restaurant in your home state?
