Tag Archives: airplanes

Good News For People Who Travel With iPods

Are you addicted to your iPod? I must admit, if you are flying solo, having one sure helps pass the time when forced to stand in atrociously long airport security lines. And speaking of long security lines, have you ever come across a teen waiting in line not wearing an iPod? This next bit of travel news may be especially welcome to that segment of the population. According to Apple, beginning in 2007, six major airlines will install iPod connections in their in-flight entertainment systems. The on-board connection will be available on selected flights of United, Delta, Continental, Air France, … Continue reading →

How Clean Was Your Last Flight?

I have spent previous blogs addressing the issue of cleanliness (or lack of cleanliness) and hotel rooms. Now, it’s time to ask the question: “Just how clean are the airplanes we are riding in?” I just shelled out a TON of money to book flights home to Hawaii for the holidays AFTER I found out about a new investigation done on the state of airlines’ cleaning habits—apparently cleanliness has “taken a back seat to financial survival.” The results of the study (which I will get to in a moment) made me wince. What’s more, I immediately thought about how irate … Continue reading →

Travel Tips – Babies and Airplanes

I do not know about you but about six months ago, I had a horrible experience on a plane. I was returning to Missouri from Denver, tired, cranky, and hot. Ready to get home where I could relax, I had no idea what was about to happen. Fortunately, for me I was bumped to first class but to be honest, it did little to help. Within 10 minutes from takeoff, a small baby began to cry. Okay, I am a mom so I was not bothered…at first. As time passed, not only did the baby continue to cry but wail. … Continue reading →

True or False–Airplanes Have “Safe Seats?”

Growing up, my dad insisted that whenever we flew we absolutely, positively, had to sit over the airplane’s wing. He subscribed to the popular theory that the wing area provided the safest seats because (as some argue) that section of the plane is the most structurally sound. I never questioned him (why would I—he was my dad). So for years, no matter what type of aircraft or how short my flight was I always requested a window seat over the wing. (Never mind, that I missed out on some spectacular aerial views because they were obstructed by this massive piece … Continue reading →

The New and “Improved” Carry On Rules

Finally, some good news for travelers: today the government announced it plans to partially lift its ban against carrying liquids and gels onto airplanes. (Even if you aren’t a frequent flier you probably know that a total ban on liquids and gels was instituted last month after a plot to bomb jets flying into the United States was foiled.) When I heard the news the first thing that came to mind was “baby steps.” (Regular readers of my Travel blogs know that I have been following this carry-on issue closely.) Officials elaborated by saying that passengers can bring liquids and … Continue reading →

Air Travel: Good News and Bad News

Okay, air travelers, which do want first—the good news or the bad? Let’s start with the good (perhaps, it’ll soften the blow of the bad). GOOD NEWS With stiffer carry-on rules in place, passengers are looking for ways to pass the time when flying. Enter Delta’s new entertainment system. According to news reports, the carrier is unveiling “an in-flight entertainment system that gives every passenger on long domestic flights access to on-demand movies, TV, music and games.” Delta reports that the installation of the system will be complete by March 2008. Which means the airline has less than two years … Continue reading →

Airplanes and Cellphones

Are you addicted to your cellphone? Do you start to tremble when it isn’t on your ear or at the very least somewhere you can see it? Well, then I’m sure you will be very happy to hear that new technology is being introduced next year that will allow you to use your cellphones in mid-air. With that said, we may be looking at a major overhaul in airplane interiors. Beginning with those lighted placards that hang from the airplane’s ceilings. You know, the ones that illuminate “Fasten Seat Belts.” It won’t be long before a new placard will be … Continue reading →

The Ugly Truth About Airplane Water

There are some things you just know. They don’t need to “examined further” or “put to the test” or “looked at by experts.” They’re things you simply know are true. Such is the case with my instincts about airplane water. I have ALWAYS been leery about water on airplanes and now I know that my instincts were correct. A study released this week by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that some planes have “unwanted stowaways” in their water supply – potentially dangerous bacteria that could make you sick. I knew it! “What we have in the water right now from … Continue reading →

Plans For A New Airport From A Surprising Source

Okay, this blog straddles the line between “Travel” and “Pop Culture.” However, as you read on you’ll see why I decided to place it in the “Travel” category. Ketchum, Idaho may be getting a new airport, but the money to replace the existing one wouldn’t be coming from the federal government, rather it would be courtesy of one of the area’s most famous residents—Bruce Willis. According to the Idaho Mountain Express, the popular actor and ex-husband of superstar Demi Moore, may be considering the move after he was “spurned in his attempt to donate land for an airport that would … Continue reading →

How to Survive a plane ride with a baby or toddler

Two years ago, we had a potential airplane crisis. We barely took off from Logan Airport in Boston when our two-year-old son, Riley threw a piece of Muenster cheese into an older lady’s hair. And it stuck. Everyone behind our seat in 23 A chuckled, stared and were curious how I was going to handle the cheese head dilemma. My husband Harry slouched down low. No doubt, parents thought, “Thank God it’s not me.” I ended up plucking the cheese out as I gently bumped into the back of the lady’s seat. Whew! Here’s some tips I have to pass … Continue reading →