My Favorite Travels of 2005

Just a re-cap of some of my personal travel highlights of 2005:

 

 

New places that I went to this year:

1. New Hamphire - It was just a quick drive over the state line, and a brief little tour, but it counts.
2. Vermont - It was summertime, so maybe my next visit will be to see the fall colors.

 

Favorite places that I re-visited this year:

1. Palm Springs, California
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
3. Boston, Massachusetts

 

Best hotels that I've stayed in this year (none of which were layover hotels):

1. Madison Hotel (Washington D.C.) - Great rooms and service.  It was nice to sit on the balcony with a bottle of wine and enjoy a crisp fall night.
2. Peninsula Hotel (NYC) - Impressive architecture, fun rooftop bar, and a clientele perfect for people-watching.
3. Mandarin Oriental (NYC) - Lovely spa, decadent pampering. 
4. St. Regis (NYC) - One of the best Bloody Mary's that I've ever had in my entire life was at their bar.

 

Technorati Tags : travel, flight+attendant, hotels

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Travel Stories of 2005

It's been a year of ups and downs for the airline and travel industry.  To quote a line from one of my favorite book, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of time."

 

Here's my take, in no paticular order, on the Top 10 travel stories for 2005:

 

 

1. Airline bankruptcies.  With so many airlines operating under the protection of the bankruptcy court, wages, service and customer service was slashed.  Who will survive becomes anyone's guess.
2. Emergencies played out on television.  Jet Blue emerency landing at LAX.  Southwest going off the runway at Midway.  Alaska depressurization on a Seattle/Burbank flight.  Real life, real time, real people.    Even those who aren't veteran travlers were glued to the television hoping for a happy ending.
3. TSA failures.  Long lines didn't get shorter, and competence didn't increase. Something had to give.  And it's going to have to give again if things don't improve.
4. Scissors and small bladed knives now allowed onboard.  Lots of arguments on both sides of this issues, but they're back for now.
5. Lighters banned from flight.  Smokers are carrying matches now.  Not sure if this solves the problem that it was designed to fix, but lighters are off for now.
6. US Airways/America West merger.  Is it a match made in heaven?  Only time will tell.
7. Hurricane Katrina.  The hurricane, and its aftermath, will have a heavy impact on tourism in New Orleans and the surrounding area.
8. Airline discount fares.  When will it end?  The prices get lower and lower, well below the cost of actually providing the service.  Is it any wonder so many airlines are in bankruptcy.
9. Add-on ticket fees.  From airport and security fees, to curbside check in and talk to a real person fees.  It's an "ala carte" process; nothing is included.
10. Elimination of food service.  Or, if it's there, you have to pay extra for it.  This change has also spawned a number of new businesses that will now provide food for you to take onboard.

 

Technorati Tags : travel, flight+attendant, airlines

What Else Can Airlines Charge us For?

Continuing the discussion from an earlier post about specialized airline fees:

What else can the airlines charge us for? That’s the question asked by St.
Petersburg (Fla.) Times travel columnist Steve Heuttel, who writes that
“hardly a month goes by without a traditional airline introducing a new charge
for something you used to get free.”

American, United, Northwest and Alaska Airlines are all charging $2 for curbside check-in at some airports.

I'll say it again: It's time to just charge a reasonable ticket price and get away from all these add-on fees. I believe travelers want to know what it's going to cost to travel, rather than be lured in by a low-price ticket and then get hit with the add-on fees. But, hey -- that's just me.



via Today in the Sky

Alaska Airlines Decompression

Thanks to all who've written to ask if I was on Alaska Airlines flight #536 from Seattle to Burbank.

 

While cloaking myself once again in anonymity (regarding the airline that I work for), I was not on that flight.

 

Blogger Jeremy Hermanns was on the flight, however.  Read about his experience and see his photos.  There are many issues worth discussing, and most them are raised in his post and comments.  Warning, however, some of the comments get pretty vicious.  As someone who works in the cabin, and is familar with this type of aircraft, I got a chuckle out of how misguided or simply wrong people are about what should happen. 

 

Once again, an airline emergency with a happy ending.  While the crew was merely doing what they were trained to do, my kudos go to all of them, pilots and flight attendants alike.

 

 

Technorati Tags : travel, flight+attendants, aviation

 

Flight Crew Links

I've been taking advantage of this laid back time of year to do a little work on my blog design.

 

I'm a neophyte when it comes to design, which is why Blogger has been a god-send for me.  Yeah, sure, there are limits to what I can do -- but believe me, there are even greater limits to what I can do without this structure.

 

I have added a flight crew blogroll to the side bar, which lists links from a previous post.  I'm using the term "flight crew" in a very broad sense, and these are blogs from flight attendants, pilots, ground personnel, wanna-be's, and used-to-be's.  They cover a wide variety of topics, so you may want to check them out and see if they are YOUR cup of tea.

 

Thanks to all of you who sent in additional suggestions.  I will be checking those out in the next few weeks, and updating after that.  Please feel free to drop me a line if you know of any others that I should list.

 

More changes to come as I update the list of some of my other favorites.

 

 

Technorati Tags : travel, flight+attendant, aviation

 

 

 

 

The 12th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Twelfth Day: Peace, joy, and abundant blessing to everyone.

Whatever holiday you choose to celebrate this time of year, I wish for all of you the best that life has to offer.



Eleventh Day: Happy holiday hotels.

Tenth Day: Feeling the love!

Ninth Day: No overbooking problems.

Eighth Day: Proper staffing.

Seventh Day: Delay free flights.

Sixth Day: Plenty of space for carry-on bags.

Fifth Day: Happy co-workers.

Fourth Day: Short security screening lines.

Third Day: That we'll be home for those extra special events.

Second Day: No weather problems.

First Day: Healthy passengers.

The Eleventh Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Eleventh Day:  Happy Holiday hotels.

 

Many flight attendants will be spending tonight, Christmas Eve, in a layover hotel.  While technically not alone (we have our fellow crewmembers with us), it just isn't the same as being with family.

 

If we're lucky, the hotel restaurant will be open and we can get a bit of a holiday meal.  It's not the same a good home-cooked meal, but it's better than nothing.  Nothing, unfortunately, is what happens at some of our hotels who close down their restaurants for the holiday.

 

It's tough being alone and away from home for the holidays.  Sure, it goes with the job, but that doesn't make it easy.  It's extra tough when the hotel is virtually closed down.

 

A very BIG THANK YOU to those hotels who make our job a little less lonely by doing something special for those us who are working over the holidays. 

 

 

Tenth Day:  Feeling the love!

 

Ninth Day:  No overbooking problems.  

Eighth Day:  Proper staffing.  

Seventh Day:  Delay free flights.  

Sixth Day:  Plenty of space for carry-on bags.  

Fifth Day:  Happy co-workers.  
 
Fourth Day:  Short security screening lines. 
 
Third Day:  That we'll be home for those extra special events. 
 
Second Day:  No weather problems.
 
First Day:  Healthy passengers. 
 

 

Technorati Tags : flight+attendant, stewardess, airlines, travel, hotels

Were You Naughty or Nice This Year?

Just in time to assess my naughty or nice factor, and to fuel the speculation about what Santa will be bringing me.

You Were Mostly Nice This Year!

Sure, you had your naughty moments... but guess what? Santa was probably sleeping when you were living it up. As far as he's concerned, you've been on your best behavior. So cross your fingers, and you might score good presents.

Were You Naughty or Nice This Year?

The Tenth Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

The Tenth Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas:  Feeling the love!

 

From family and friends.  From co-workers and passeners.  From strangers walking by.

 

No whining or grousing.  No complaining or grumpiness.  No anger, resentment, or passive aggressive behavior.

 

We want to see warm smiles, hear polite cheerful voices, and enoy that warm fuzzy holiday feeling all the way to our core.

 

 

Ninth Day:  No overbooking problems.  

Eighth Day:  Proper staffing.  

Seventh Day:  Delay free flights.  

Sixth Day:  Plenty of space for carry-on bags.  

Fifth Day:  Happy co-workers.  
 
Fourth Day:  Short security screening lines. 
 
Third Day:  That we'll be home for those extra special events. 
 
Second Day:  No weather problems.
 
First Day:  Healthy passengers. 
 

 

What Reindeer are You?

The presents are all wrapped, the cooking and baking is done.

I don't want to clean the house, or do laundry, or pack and get ready for work. Instead, I'm just playing on the computer.

You Are Cupid

A total romantic, you're always crushing on a new reindeer. Why You're Naughty: You've caused so much drama, all the reindeers aren't speaking to each other. Why You're Nice: You have a knack for playing matchmaker. You even hooked Rudolph up!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

The 9th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Ninth Day:  No overbooking problems.  Overbooking is a fact of life in the airline industry.  It’s done because of the high no-show factor for flights, leaving the airplane empty and the airline unable to recoup their monetary losses.  

The formula used to figure out how much to overbook a flight is usually based on the past no-show rate for a flight, and does take into high travel days.  It works more times than it does not.  Occasionally, though, the system fails, and we don’t want it to fail during the holidays.


Eighth Day:  Proper staffing.  

Seventh Day:  Delay free flights.  

Sixth Day:  Plenty of space for carry-on bags.  

Fifth Day:  Happy co-workers.  
 
Fourth Day:  Short security screening lines. 
 
Third Day:  That we'll be home for those extra special events. 
 
Second Day:  No weather problems.
 
First Day:  Healthy passengers.
 

500 Best Hotels

Travel+Leisure just released their annual 500 Best Hotels list.

Let me assure you, not one of those hotels on the list is a crew hotel for my airlines.

 

Technorati Tags : travel, hotels, magazines

Are These Really New Fees?

It used to be that when you purchased an airline ticket, the price you paid covered the cost of the transportation for you and your baggage, a meal and beverages during the flight, and other amenities that the airlines used to woo customer loyalty.

 

These days, extra fees are tacked onto your ticket price.  Service charges, cancellation or change fees, airport improvement fees, security fees, and the list goes on (and on).

 

Now, some airlines have announced some additional charges:

 

From USA Today's Today in the Sky is news that starting in January American Eagle (American Airlines' regional carrier) will begin charging for beverages.  Test marketing is on flights into and out of Los Angeles, and is based on a charge of $1 for a 12 ounce soda.

 

Also from Today in the Sky is the news that the British low cost carrier, FlyBE, will be charging for check baggage starting in February 2006.  Not only will they be charging fees for checked baggage (ranging from approximately $3.50 to $7.00/bag), but they will also be giving a discount to those passengers who only bring carry on bags.

 

Finally, from Inflight HQ comes the news that Alaska Airlines will begin charging a $10 service fee on tickets purchased at a ticket counter or via their 800 number.  Alaska is apparently the last carrier to jump on the bandwagon of charging more to talk to a human being.

 

These fees are being touted as "new," although I maintain that passengers have always paid for them. 

 

Originally they were paid for as part of the all-inclusive ticket price.  Now that travelers are demanding the very lowest price ticket, airlines have decided that the can't afford to include all these "niceties" for free. 

 

It's a Hobson's choice:  Pay more for all-inclusive, or portion it out to pay for what you use. 

 

Technorati Tags : travel, airlines

 

 

The 8th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Eighth Day:  Proper staffing.  When the phone rings, those of us with Caller I.D. make sure that it’s not crew scheduling calling.  Only then do we answer the phone.  

Most people don’t realize that crew scheduling can call me, and if they reach me, they can assign me to fly.  Even if it’s a scheduled day off, and I’ve got a doctor’s appointment, or I’m leaving town.  Even if I just had twenty people arrive for dinner and we are just sitting down to eat.  If I refuse the assignment, I face disciplinary action.  

The only valid excuse for refusing to fly when assigned an extra trip is illness (although you may be sent to the doctor for verification), or if I had a drink (although then they may just give me an assignment for a time after the alcohol time limit has passed).

Of course, there are work rules that scheduling must follow, but sometimes they like to play fast and loose with the rules.  There’s just not much you can usually do about it, except complain later.

It makes us grumpy.  No one likes to be forced to work on a day off.




Seventh Day:  Delay free flights.  

Sixth Day:  Plenty of space for carry-on bags.  

Fifth Day:  Happy co-workers.  
 
Fourth Day:  Short security screening lines. 
 
Third Day:  That we'll be home for those extra special events. 
 
Second Day:  No weather problems.
 
First Day:  Healthy passengers.
 

What Kind of Christmas Tree are You?

This is just the kind of Christmas tree that I have, too.

You Are a Traditional Christmas Tree

For a good Christmas, you don't have to re-invent the wheel. You already have traditions, foods, and special things you bring out every year.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

The 7th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Seventh Day:  Delay free flights.  Whether a delay is caused by mechanical, weather, security, inefficiencies, late connections, stupidity, or whatever, we want them gone.  Everyone wants to get where there going, and on time, and never more than during the holidays.  Let every day be a delay free day.



Sixth Day:  Plenty of space for carry-on bags.  

Fifth Day:  Happy co-workers.  
 
Fourth Day:  Short security screening lines. 
 
Third Day:  That we'll be home for those extra special events. 
 
Second Day:  No weather problems.
 
First Day:  Healthy passengers.
 

The 6th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Sixth Day: Plenty of space for carry-on bags. Heavy winter coats and packages can take up lots of room this time of year. We always hate having to deal with bags that simply are too large to fit anywhere. We cringe when the overhead space is used up, and there is nowhere else to put bags. We really do want everyone to have all the bags fit somewhere. It’s just that it isn’t always possible, and it’s worse this time of year. But maybe, just maybe, this is the year that it will happen.

Fifth Day: Happy co-workers.

Fourth Day: Short security screening lines.

Third Day: That we'll be home for those extra special events.

Second Day: No weather problems.

First Day: Healthy passengers.

TSA Provides Secuity Screening Information

Check out this information about the best way to get through the airport security lines, as well as what the expected wait time is at your airport.

This information  is courtesy of the TSA, so keep that in mind when evaluating its accuracy.

The 5th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Fifth Day:  Happy co-workers.  Just like passengers, everyone we come in contact with can influence our day:  the supervisors at the check in area, the agents boarding our flights, the pilots, and of course, other flight attendants working our flight.  Sometimes, we are so caught up in the routine work of the flight, as well as extending a little extra TLC to passengers, that we forget to take care of one another.  A lot of flight attendants who will be flying on Christmas will bring little goodie bags (full of cookies, candy, fruit, odds and ends) for the co-workers who are working with them.  It's one way saying that sometimes our "family" during the holidays needs to be defined more broadly.

 

Fourth Day :  Short security screening lines. 

 

Third Day :  That we'll be home for those extra special events. 

 

Second Day :  No weather problems.

 

First Day :  Healthy passengers.

 

 

Technorati Tags : travel, flight+attendant, stewardess

 

a

The 4th Day of the Flight Attendant Christmas

Fourth Day: Short security screening lines. We have to stand in them, too, so we’re all for making the process as quick and painless as possible. It helps cut down on flight delays, flight crew and passenger frustration, and probably makes the TSA workers a little happier as well.


Third Day: That we’ll be home for those extra special events.

Second Day: No weather problems. snowstorms, ice storms, freezing rain, tornadoes, hurricanes, or windstorms. In other words, no ugly weather to mess with flight patterns, or to delay departures or arrivals.

First Day: Healthy passengers.