Tag Archives: Airplane

The Line Forms Here

As if you needed another reason to fly first-class (or another reason to despise the people who do), Northwest Airlines has just announced that it is offering first-class passengers and elite frequent fliers their own boarding line at airport gates. With the creation of these new lines, Northwest’s elite customers will be able to “bypass the line of coach travelers to board the plane if they’ve missed their first boarding call.” Basically, the change means the airline’s most-frequent customers and first-and business-class travelers will “never wait in a long line to board the airplane.” Technically, Northwest elite fliers can bypass … Continue reading →

In-Flight Toothbrushes?

How many times have you rushed to the airport, only to find yourself rotting in line at the security checkpoint area? After what seems like an eternity, you make it through, you put your shoes back on, make your way to the gate, board your flight, and finally fall into your seat and start going through a mental checklist: wallet… check… underwear… check… contact case… check… glasses… check… toothbrush… UGH! No toothbrush. No spearmint gum. No way to salvage your breath before coming face-to-face with your regional supervisor who offered to “graciously” meet you at baggage claim. Sounds like bad … Continue reading →

Flying With An Infant

A posting in the “Family Travel” forum asked for tips in regards to flying long distances with an infant. Coincidentally, in just a couple of weeks, a good friend of mine from high school will be taking his 4-month-old daughter on her first flight from Chicago to Hawaii. Knowing that I have flown a lot with my young daughter, he also asked for advice. The best tip I can give anyone flying with a “lap child” (that’s airline lingo for any child under the age of two traveling without a ticket) is this: find out what type of aircraft you … Continue reading →

How To Deal With Air Travel Complaints

I have heard horror stories about travelers being groped during random security screenings at various airports post 9-11. I have also been chosen at random and experienced “pat-downs” that have left me a bit uneasy, but nothing that would prompt me to file a formal compliant. My business-traveling friend who flies three times a week says I should consider myself lucky. She has been groped in ways that have made for terse conversations with workers at the Transportation Security Administration. So what do you do when questionable practices occur on your flight or during your security screening process? I found … Continue reading →

Selecting A Frequent-Flyer Program

I am a member of virtually every frequent-flyer program out there. Not necessarily because I fly with a variety of different carriers, but you never know which airline will offer you the lowest fare, so I like to be prepared. Just about every major U.S. airlines offers a frequent-flyer plan, and many foreign carriers are starting them. These programs allow you to earn free trips, upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or other awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In some programs you can earn credit by using specified hotels, rental car companies, credit cards, … Continue reading →

“Carry-On Envy”

I suffer from “carry-on envy.” That is to say, I envy travelers who need nothing more than a carry-on. They never lose a bag. They by-pass the crowded luggage carousel and they never have to shell out money for a porter. Of course, they are usually the ones flying without children, but there’s a lot to be said about having a good carry-on bag. You get what you pay for. It’s true, good value starts with quality. I have gone through my share of carry-ons, from the traditional wheeled carry-on to the modern tote and everything in between. Recently I … Continue reading →