Tag Archives: flying

Ready, Set, Fly!

Our family does a lot more driving in the summer than flying (we travel more by plane during the winter months). However, judging by the huge amount of bad press the airline industry has been getting over the past few months you have to wonder how many travelers willingly opt to drive (or just stay home) rather than endure the headaches that come with flying. Given that my family lives in Hawaii, flying is a necessity in order for us to see each other. That said I have compiled a list of some tips that have served us well as … Continue reading →

Airlines Lift Bans on Lighters and Breast Milk

Good news for you frequent fliers who like to light up… the Transportation Security Administration just announced it’s lifting its ban on lighters. Beginning August 4th airline passengers will be allowed to carry on most types of cigarette lighters. TSA agents say they will no longer confiscate disposable butane lighters, such as Bics, and refillable lighters, like Zippos. However, torch-style lighters, which have hotter flames, will still be banned. TSA administrators say easing the ban will allow airport screeners more time to search for greater threats, such as explosives. According to the TSA, lighters are currently the leading item seized … Continue reading →

Conquering Boredom At The Airport

According to travel experts, we’ve officially hit the midway point of the busy summer travel season. If you’ve made it to your vacation destination without dealing with delays then consider yourself lucky. The latest airport survey results reveal that airline confusion coupled with Mother Nature’s wrath has wrecked havoc on many families’ travel plans. If you haven’t taken off on your summer vacation yet you might want to consider these helpful tips regarding what to do if you face the unfortunate position of getting stuck in an airport. Airline Clubs. Passing time in a swanky airline club can be a … Continue reading →

Mom and “Chatty” Tot Get Booted From Flight

I’ve written about the teen who was booted off a flight for having a coughing attack. I’ve also shared the story about the mom who was escorted off a plane because she was allegedly making other passengers uncomfortable while breastfeeding her baby on board a flight. Then there’s the incident involving the family who was forced off an airplane when they couldn’t get their toddler daughter to stop crying. Now comes another report about a mom and her toddler getting kicked off a plane because she allegedly refused a flight attendant’s request to medicate her son to get him to … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: New Rules About Bumping and Reviewing Rules About Tire Pressure

NEW RULES ABOUT BUMPING How many times have you been bumped from a flight? If the answer is one too many (more like once is enough) then I have good news for you. The Transportation Department is considering making airlines pay big bucks when they overbook a flight and bump passengers from prepaid seats. Currently, if an airline forces passengers onto another flight that takes them to their destination less than two hours after their original arrival time, the carrier must pay the value of a passenger’s ticket, plus up to $200. In addition, if the airline does not meet … Continue reading →

Sunday Travel Funnies: Real Embarrassing/Real Deal

REAL EMBARRASSING What is it with “American Idol” contestants and judges and flying? First, Paula Abdul makes headlines for her belligerent behavior on board a flight a couple of months ago and now Clay Aiken is alleged to have made the skies not-so friendly for a fellow passenger on board a flight to Oklahoma. According to news reports, the “American Idol” runner-up was involved in an airplane disturbance with another passenger yesterday while en route to Tulsa International Airport. Fellow passengers say the dispute on the Continental Airlines flight took place between Aiken and a female passenger. Aiken, who was … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Fido Gets Banned From Flights and Kids Take Flight

FIDO GETS THE BOOT My daughter will be so disappointed (she loves animals)… and the parents of Fluffy and Fido won’t be very happy either. It seems Air Canada is planning to ban all pets from its passenger planes effective July 15th. According to airline executives, giving cats and dogs a ride in the cargo hold became too much trouble because of increasing load factors as well as tighter security measures that have led to an increase in checked baggage. An Air Canada spokesperson put it this way: “Animals in the hold actually reduce the amount of space we have … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Skinny Fliers and Kid-Friendly Hotels

SKINNY FLIERS Air carrier Frontier is tooting its horn again. This time they are bragging about their skinny passengers. (Earlier this year the airline was touting its decision to add more seats to its planes and providing in-flight e-mail access.) Now the carrier says it is flying light and saving money in the process. According to airline officials, the company recently conducted a survey that it says indicates its customers weigh less than the average U.S. flier. Frontier executives said its passengers and their carry-on bags “weigh 17 pounds less than the national average,” helping it save “$3.5 million a … Continue reading →

Fly me to the Moon – Southwest Airfare Deals

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Long ago, in a land far, far away… or maybe just a time far, far away, airlines offered quality meals and incentives to get you to fly with them. I once took a flight with Alaska Airlines where they served – I kid you not – filet mignon, complimentary champagne, and Godiva chocolates on fine china with crystal and silverware. And this was in coach! Those days are gone, and now you’re lucky to get a bag of peanuts and half a can of soda. It does mean, however, that what sets one airline apart from another is now price. … Continue reading →

5 Ways To Deal With A Talkative Seatmate

In a previous blog I provided tips for the traveler stuck in the awkward position of sitting next to a person who smells anything but fresh as a daisy. This blog addresses another delicate situation all travelers run into from time to time—dealing with an overly chatty seatmate. Many (if not all) frequent fliers tend to look at flights as a way to get from point A to point B, and NOT as a social experiment. Look around at passengers as they board a plane and you’ll see many armed with iPods, laptops, books, and magazines. These people clearly have … Continue reading →