Friday, September 30, 2011

Tips from MSNBC on How to Get Some Sleep on a Flight

Here are some tips on how to capture some too-often elusive sleep on an airplane (not that any of them are exceptionally mind-blowing... but still worth a look).

1.) Don’t drink caffeinated coffee, tea, soda or eat chocolate (or anything else with caffeine) for six to eight hours before a flight or during one.

2.) Bring earplugs and an eye shade to block out light and sound (some airlines hand these out). Pack a pillow and a blanket- or use the airline provided ones, though they are definitely not as comfy- in order to stay warm, as your body temperature naturally drops when you sleep.

3.) Don't take a sleeping pill- it doesn't do much good, and doctors advise against it on flights due to its potentially adverse effects on your health.

4.) Take advantage of airline services that promote friendlier sleeping conditions (they vary by airline/ flight). For example- some airlines offer a variety of on board sleep aids, including mood lighting, “do not disturb” stickers, and other amenities,

or upgrade to business or first class- many of these seats can now be turned into flat, horizontal beds and make you feel less like a sardine,

(or check out something like Air New Zealand's "Skycouch," in economy which lets three adjoining seats morph into one giant couch-like seat).

5.) Trick yourself- do things you would normally do at home before bed like: brush your teeth, change your clothes (into something more like pajamas if you really want to mimic your home routine) or whatever else you typically do (so long as it is legal to do on a crowded airplane of course!).

Find the original story here:
http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/28/8014756-cant-sleep-on-a-plane-tips-to-help-you-catch-a-few-zzzs

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Want to Pretend You're Camping Without The Hassle of Actually Camping?

Perhaps "Glamping" (glamous camping?) is just what you need.

It basically provides the allusion of roughing it in the wild, but with all the comforts of a hotel room. Instead of staying in a (roomy!) 14.58 square foot tent that takes 2 hours to construct- if you are lucky enough to have all the poles and stakes with you in the devilishly undersized tent bag, and something other than a shoe to drive them into the solid clay ground on which you will be sleeping with little to no padding other than the 2 centimeters of the underside of your sleeping bag- with a luxuriously high 4.5 foot high ceiling, consider "camping out" in a "tent" with hardwood floors, hot running water, plumbing, possibly a kitchenette, king-size mattress, and all the other elements missing on your average camping trip.

Of course, for the price of a glamptrip, you could stay in a five star hotel somewhere... but that takes away from the authenticity of the experience of being out in the elements- with hardwood floors and a stove.

For more information on this (and some pictures of particularly inviting glampsites, check out:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/travel/luxury-camping-glamping/index.html?hpt=tr_c1

Another Alaska Money Pit?


Remember the $400 million plan from 2005 that was deemed the "Bridge to Nowhere" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravina_Island_Bridge) in Alaska? Well, it appears a smaller cousin of that plan has recently emerged.

This time, instead of $400 million being proposed for a handful of people, at least it is only roughly $77 million (the main costs being $64 million for a 4,500 foot-long runway and $11-13 million for a... HOVERCRAFT!- that has never produced any results in the past except for being a guaranteed funding drain). Why is a hovercraft part of this plan? Because the proposed runway isn't even on the same island as the residents it would benefit- it would be situated on a nearby island (though helicopters or a road connecting the two islands are also being considered if the plan gets the go-ahead).

The location of this new project would benefit Akutan, a remote island village in the Aleutian chain, with a year-round population of, oh, 100 people (but don't worry, that number increases ten-fold in the summer to about 1,000 when Trident Seafoods processing plant, the largest such plant in North America, is in operation (they are also in line to contribute $1 million to the plan).

Of the $64 million for the runway, $59 million would come from federal funds and $5 million from state funding.

According to CNN and Peninsula Vice President Brian Carricaburu, "air service to Akutan is now provided by World War II-era amphibious aircraft operated by Peninsula Airways. Those are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain."

Carricaburu also says, "the runway could cut the government's costs in one way. Peninsula Airways routes to Akutan are now subsidized by about $700,000 annually under the federal Essential Air Service program. Using bigger, more efficient aircraft could bring that cost down."

For more from CNN:
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/28/a-64-million-runway-for-no-one-in-alaska/

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The 4 Most Likely Reasons Your Luggage has Vanished!

In no particular order of frequency, though organized in occurrences ranging from probably your fault to pure smite:

1.) You forgot to pick up your luggage upon landing

2.) The routing label gets damaged

3.) Your bag is loaded onto the wrong plane

4.) The airline attendant types in the wrong destination code

Here is an article from Budget Travel that discusses these four common errors and provides tips (though somewhat exhausting ones) on how to not be one of the 3.57 passengers per 1,000 that lose their luggage:
http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/4-most-common-reasons-airlines-lose-luggage,7558/?page=1&src=artrc

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

MMM... Foreign Fast-Food!

For those of you out traveling the world for either leisure or business, and on a budget, consider checking out these popular overseas fast-food chains (so no, Tim Horton's at the airport in Canada doesn't count). It is a cost-efficient and (usually) deliciously effective way to explore local cuisine while on the go.

From CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/26/travel/foreign-fast-food-bt/index.html?hpt=tr_c2

(Some of) The World's Most Incredible Bridges

Here is a list from Forbes/ Yahoo: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40712081

Monday, September 26, 2011

Good News, Gordon Ramsay Fans!

Gordon Ramsay is set to star in a new Fox reality show, Hotel Hell, where he will go around helping [AKA screaming in a mutant form of English, spitting vulgar language, and rapidly transforming his face into a radish red color- superb television] struggling hotels, B&Bs, etc to try to make them over into successful properties.

I am an adamant watcher of his shows- hello, Kitchen Nightmares! So count me in as a viewer.

Here is more on the story: http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/09/21/fgordon-ramsay-hotel-hell/

Friday, September 23, 2011

The World's 10 Most Visited Tourist Attractions; Or, 10 Places Not to Go If You Don't Like Crowds:

From Travel & Liesure and Yahoo:

1.) Times Square, New York City
2.) Central Park, New York City
3.) Union Station, Washington, D.C.
4.) Las Vegas Strip
5.) Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario
6.) Grand Central Terminal, New York City
7.) Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
8.) Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando
9.) Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA
10.) Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

See the list with more details about each location (and total number of visitors a year) here:
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40711683;_ylt=AhXBUDCGPoeu6MelkIrFj.OhpYMA

TSA Blocks Private Parts Image Blockers! Uber Intrusive Pat Downs Ensue.

Interested in becoming a lewd flasher? Head to your nearest airport! It's practically mandatory! These days it almost seems like going to the airport should be reserved for those with a Sadomasochism fetish because no matter what passengers do, they cannot seem to avoid being forcibly humiliated by TSA agents.

These pat downs and nude imaging machines have coupled to create an absurd safety procedure that has placed the comfort- and dignity -of American travelers on the back burner and moved what to the front? (ALERT!: possibly offensive language set to que in 3...2...1...) Women's camel toe (men of course being exempt from this particular invasion because of anatomical differences- but don't think other areas of men's bodies are safe, including areas that most men probably aren't happy about being prodded even by their doctors when they are in their mid-fifties getting screened for prostate cancer, let alone a random TSA agent who has probably done the same thing 38 times on his/ her shift already and only taken one bathroom break, where he/she hopefully washed his or her hands).

But ah! A solution, perhaps? Companies like
http://scannershirts.com/ offer products that place an image like the presidential seal or stars or other freedom-promoting American symbols (declaring that the areas attempting to be peeped upon are for select eyes only) over passengers' private parts.

However, don't just rush to the website all at once and crash their server- the TSA does not allow passengers to wear these items- unless you are willing to be subject to an IN-DEPTH (wink) pat down/ grope session.

For more on this (and with a bit more gruesome detail) see this from the Guardian by Jennifer Abel:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/sep/20/figleaf-tsa-intrusion

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Going to be In or Around Reno, NV between October 8-9? Head to the Great Italian Festival!


As you may or may not know, I have a great personal affection for spaghetti and meatballs, which prompts me to share this:

Reno, NV is hosting its 30th Great Italian Festival next month. Some of the event's activities include: grape stomping, sauce cook offs, bocce ball, and a kid's gelato-eating contest (ah, to be a kid), along with musical entertainment. Free activities and entertainment highlight the festival's main focus - delicious and authentic homemade Italian food (mmmmmm!). This is Reno's final street festival for the season, so if you're going to be near, or just want an excuse to visit the Biggest Little City in the World, head to Reno!

The festival will be held on Virginia Street, in front of the Eldorado Hotel Casino, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Find the link to the event with all of the pertinent information here:
http://www.visitrenotahoe.com/reno-tahoe/what-to-do/events/10-08-2011/great-italian-festival/?source=newsletter

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Outrageous Checked Baggage Fees!

Check out this article from USA Today about how absurd airline baggage fees are:

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011-09-19/Airline-fees-reach-400-mark-USA-TODAY-survey-finds/50470156/1

ATA is Anti Pilot Fatigue Law (Job Loss) and Airlines are Anti DOT Fare Regulations (Unfair)

Pilot Fatigue Law:

Although there was a lot of controversy over the delay of the pilot fatigue law, one group that is not complaining is the Air Transport Administration. The ATA says that if the Obama administration were to pass the new pilot fatigue regulations it could cost $2 billion a year over time and 27,000 jobs tied to the industry. The thinking is that airlines would be unable to raise fares drastically enough to cover the increased manpower, forcing them to cut capacity and ground crew jobs. These cuts would probably affect small markets and communities most significantly.

From:http://www.smartmeetings.com/magazine/article/headline/pilot-fatigue-laws-could-cost-jobs

For more info see: http://www.airlines.org/pages/home.aspx


DOT Fare Regulation:

Airlines are opposing the U.S Transportation Department’s new passenger bill of rights,and specifically the measure that requires airlines to clearly state all fees and taxes in any fare advertisement. Airlines are equating the reporting requirements to those that are mandatory in government-regulated industries, which they say is unfair because they have been deregulated for more than 30 years. They are also saying that no other consumer industry endures the same scrutiny or mandatory reporting regulations.

From:http://www.smartmeetings.com/magazine/article/headline/airlines-oppose-dot-fare-regulations

For more info see: http://www.dot.gov/

Monday, September 19, 2011

My Advice on the Richmond Internation Airport: Use It! It's Good!

The uncannily pleasant airport experience I have been treated to at the Richmond International Airport (RIC) has forced me to do three things: 1.) ponder if I am the unknowing main character of a new Twilight Zone episode, 2.) suspectingly peek over my shoulder and glance about my peripherals seeking out Ashton Kutcher, maniacally waiting to emerge from behind a suspiciously located tarp-covered section of scaffolding with his trucker hat and Punk'd hidden camera crew, and 3.) -the one I have decided (barely) warrants the most credibility- to indulge the uncommon urge I have to share the positive feelings I am brimming with after the experience I encountered at the Richmond International Airport.

RIC in a word: amazing.

This was my first experience flying into and out of RIC and it is truly wonderful. Though Richmond, VA is a secondary city, the airport is big and new, features excellent, informative, and easy to follow signage, is impeccably clean, and is extremely easy to access both internally and externally.

I have since learned that in 2007, the airport completed construction of a multi-million dollar renovation process, expanding the terminal building by 155,000 square feet- quadrupling the amount of usable floor space in the ticketing hall and baggage claim areas, doubling the space for security checkpoints, and doubling the outdoor curbside loading/unloading zones to help ease vehicle congestion for arrivals and departures.

In 2010, an expansion of the North Parking Garage was completed, adding 2,600 on-site parking spaces. Total parking at RIC is now more than 10,000 spaces. In June 2010 a new business center opened in RIC's upper level connector, offering travelers free WiFi, work stations and meeting room space. In addition, a USO center opened for U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families.

The following airlines serve the airport: Air Tran, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada, and Vision Airlines.

The airport's website hosts a wealth of information and is easy to navigate (much like the airport itself) and offers monthly statistics, financial information, and a ton of information that is helpful for travelers.

Here is the link for the website:
http://www.flyrichmond.com/

Friday, September 16, 2011

Attention: Foodies!

From a Yahoo article (provided by Travel & Leisure) about the 10 best cities for foodies (a little sad San Diego didn't make it...).

10. San Antonio, TX
9. Charleston, SC
8. Savannah, GA
7. Seattle, WA
6. Portland, OR
5. Chicago, IL
4. New York, NY (no, not the buffet in Las Vegas)
3. Providence, RI
2. San Francisco, CA
1. New Orleans, LA

For the full text article with information about each city, see this: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40686622;_ylt=AuWy4Du_Pn3KzVblVMZQ6CqhpYMA

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Naked Scanning Images to be Eliminated from Airport Security?

An update on the controversial airport imaging machines that expose passengers' nude bodies:

Pending legislation may make revealing anything other than a generic stick-like figure outline of the passenger being scanned illegal. If anything suspicious shows up during the scan, a red box will surround the area in which the item is disclosed, rather than providing the TSA agent full disclosure of the dis-clothed passenger.

msnbc reports: http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/14/7762175-naked-scanners-may-soon-be-on-the-way-out

For a report from a couple of months ago about new airline technology protecting passenger privacy, see this: http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/07/20/7120677-tsa-new-scanner-software-will-protect-passenger-privacy

Of course, the proposed amendment will have to be passed by both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama before these procedures are put into action.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Avis Budget Pulls Offer to Acquire Dollar Thrifty

Rental car companies have been kicking up consolidation efforts in recent years. The long drawn-out saga of who will acquire Dollar Thrifty, Hertz or Avis Budget (is it just me, or are these rental car companies starting to sound like they are law firms?) is possibly near a conclusion. Avis Budget has bowed out of its bid for Dollar Thrifty, leaving only Hertz with an offer on the table (currently valued at roughly $2 billion).

For more on this: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Avis-Budget-drops-bid-for-apf-768555982.html?x=0

Passenger Removed (Handcuffed and Searched) from Airplane Due to "Suspicious Behavior" and "Appearance" on 9/11 Anniversary

Trending now: Shoshana Hebshi's 9/11 ordeal-

Hebeshi says she was unfairly treated because of her Middle Eastern appearance (she is half-Jewish and half-Arabic) and unfortunate seat assignment next to two men (she identified them as being Indian) who both "suspiciously" visited the restroom on an airplane on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

For the full story, see this article by the Associated Press:
http://news.yahoo.com/passenger-cuffed-searched-over-appearance-003800344.html

New Airport Security Policy for Children 12 and Under Unveiled by the Department of Homeland Security

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee regarding the terror threat to the United States. During her testimony, she discussed the outline of an updated airport security procedure for children 12 aged years and younger.

According to Napolitano, children will no longer be required to remove their shoes when going through the security line- except in cases of random screenings, in order to keep the sense of randomization and unpredictability of airport security in tact, and to continue to discourage terrorists' usage of children (and potentially their footwear) as a vessel for sneaking destructive weapons into crowded airports and planes.

In addition to this provision, children will also be less frequently required to undergo the increasingly intrusive pat-downs (often intruding passengers private-parts) that have more recently emerged. In order to reduce the unfortunate proclivity of the TSA to pat-down anything/ anyone that comes into an airport, children will sometimes be required to walk through metal detectors or imaging machines numerous times in order to obtain a clear(er) picture- and determine if the child is carrying anything that is illegal or potentially harmful- and will likely be subject to a more frequent exposure to explosive trace detection tools (ie: hand swabs).

TSA predicts these changes to begin being implemented in many airports in a matter of weeks (Napolitano originally said months).

It will be interesting to see what provisions are made to airport security in the coming months and years with all of this recent talk by the DHS about changes in screening technology and security procedures.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Air Travel Update: Flights Fuller than Ever!

An all time record 86.4 percent of seats were filled in all flights in the months of July and August 2011 (some airlines reporting much higher numbers- in the 90s!). This number has been increasing since airline deregulation in the 1970s. Considering the continuing elimination of pleasantries provided for air travelers (without astronomical costs attached to them) and the propensity for airplane cabins to resemble sardine cans, it is pretty amazing to consider airlines' struggle for profits.

More on dismal profit outlook: http://money.cnn.com/2011/06/06/news/companies/airline_industry/index.htm


Check out this article from Associated Press for more about full flights:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Armrest-wars-Flights-are-apf-692102837.html?x=0

Pittsburgh International Airport: One Carry-on Bag Express Lane!

By Harriet Baskas, msnbc.com contributor


Air travelers trying to avoid checked luggage fees by taking along extra carry-on bags often clog up the works at security checkpoints.

But passengers flying out of Pittsburgh International Airport now have incentive to pack light and check those bags.

Beginning Tuesday, travelers with just one carry-on item will be able to breeze through the airport’s new Express Security Lane, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.

“Traffic has been increasing at our airport, and the checkpoint lines have been getting longer. This could pull up to 25 percent of the people out of the longer line and improve everyone’s experience,” said Bradley Penrod, executive director/CEO for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

The express line received approval from the Transportation Security Administration and will be staffed by security officers who will send passengers with both a carry-on bag and another item, such as a computer bag or purse, to one of the other, non-express, checkpoint lines. Jackets will be allowed, but not carry-on bags larger than 22" by 14" by 9".

“The program at Pittsburgh International Airport is one example of TSA partnering with airports to improve the passenger experience, while providing world-class security,” said TSA spokesperson Greg Soule.

Frequent flier and registered traveler programs already promise some travelers a quicker path to the secure side of many of the nation’s more than 450 commercial airports, but Pittsburgh airport officials believe they’ve come up with a novel, universally accessible idea.

“Even TSA couldn’t confirm we were the first airport to do this," said Penrod. "But we expect if it works here, other airports will start offering express lanes as well.”


Find the article here: http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/12/7728190-just-one-bag-sail-through-security-at-pittsburgh-airport

Public Transportation and Amtrak Update: What is Going On with High-speed Rail?


With the ongoing (and stubborn) federal budget debate in Washington, DC, it is still uncertain what areas of funding will be cut, sustained, or increased in the upcoming months and years. The governmental gridlock will have to give one way or the other eventually (won't it?) as Congress and President Obama attempt to sort out the financial woes of the American public and the country. Much of the most aggressive cutting -percentage wise- has been proposed for industries that many claim could operate (and perhaps more successfully and lucratively!) in the private sector without federal funding.

Amtrak has had a pretty turbulent history in the past 40 years since being organized under the National Railroad Passenger Association and the U.S. government in 1971 in an attempt to save the declining utilization of the rail system in the United States.

The United States currently has one of the least often used rail systems in a developed country. This could be due to a number of factors: 1.) High costs- for a ticket from New York to Philadelphia on Amtrak's Acela Express, $105.00; for a ticket on Bolt Bus from New York to Philadelphia, $13.00 (though the bus takes about two hours to the train's one). 2.) Abundant lack of readily available, convenient, affordable, and practical mass regional transit (think of areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, etc that have dreadfully slow and often unreliable mass transportation systems within the region despite the immense population and screaming need for such a phenomenon) 3.) Much of the United States has been designed around the concept of automobile travel, not a shared transportation system that is integrated into cities and connected to other hubs around the U.S. 4.) Amtrak needs to modernize and extend its accessibility to more travelers.

These fundamental issues are nearly impossible to overcome without a surge of funding in support of establishing the sorely needed regional transit systems (buses, subway, metro), improved infrastructure that stretches state and country-wide, and a push towards the long term sustainability of mass transit as opposed to most of America relying on personal automobiles to get from point A to point B.

Now for the update:

An Amtrak app is now available on iTunes that allows users to plan and book travel, modify reservations, check train status, explore stations and connect to their Amtrak Guest Rewards accounts.

Amtrak is ditching the 120 year old technology of the "ticket-punch" for checking rider's tickets. In California and New England, Amtrak is running pilot programs in which conductors are using handheld readers to scan ticket bar codes rather than the paper-punches- a move towards the 21st century.

Public transportation may offer the best possible medium for utilizing renewable energy resources like solar and wind power and helping to reduce America's consumption of foreign oil. (Take a look at this from California's Department of Energy for a closer look: http://www.energy.ca.gov/2010-ALT-1/index.html)

The House just passed a bill on Friday, September 9,2011, that has been called the "Kill-Amtrak" bill by NARP.

From the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP):

"The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation & Housing proposed slashing funding for Amtrak to $1.1 billion—a reduction of more than $357 million from what Amtrak received in FY2011. Significantly, the operating grant would be cut 60%--from $563 million in 2010 and 2011, down to $227 million. The bill requires states to pay 100% of costs of operations of short corridors. This apparently overrides ongoing negotiations among states and Amtrak aimed at complying with Amtrak’s 2008 reauthorization law."

"The High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program—a highly oversubscribed program that has seen 39 states apply for funds to improve (and introduce) modern passenger trains for the 135 million Americans that live in a community connected to a rail corridor—was given no funding at all. Eliminating this program would set U.S. interstate transportation back by decades, severely undermining America's ability to stay globally competitive."

Fortunately for Amtrak and rail enthusiasts, it is very unlikely this bill will go anywhere in the Democratic majority Senate, especially given President Obama's freshly unveiled (Monday September 12, 2011) jobs plan.

Obama's $447 billion proposed piece of legislation includes $4 billion in funding for high-speed rail projects and states that at least 85 percent of the funds "shall be for cooperative agreements that lead to the development of entire segments or phases of intercity or high-speed rail corridors."

In addition, the proposal includes $2 billion for struggling Amtrak (much in counter to the House's latest actions above).

There is a lot of speculation about what will happen to projects like California's high-speed rail plan between LA and San Francisco, but I suppose time will tell soon enough.


For more on sustainable public transportation, check out:
http://www.railvolution.org/

Monday, September 12, 2011

Update on Controversial FAA Bill

Here are a few interesting articles about the FAA reauthorization bill that is being hotly debated by the U.S. Congress- and a link that should interest anyone who has thought about exploring different parts of the world but hasn't had the means to do so.


- By Bart Jansen, USA TODAY

Congress will consider this week whether to extend the Federal Aviation Administration until Jan. 31 to give lawmakers more breathing room to settle long-simmering disputes about the agency.

The agency, which has staggered along under 21 temporary extensions since 2007, faces a potential shutdown Friday because of the legislative impasse.

But Rep. John Mica, the chairman of the House transportation committee, is sponsoring legislation that would allow nearly five months for haggling over labor rules, subsidies for rural airports and the number of flights at Reagan National Airport. The goal is for a policy that would last as long as four years.

"I'm willing to compromise," Mica says. "But having a 23rd extension would be tough."

His latest proposal posted on the House Rules Committee website would keep most policies the same. It also authorizes $150 million in subsidies for rural airports, which remains a point of contention between the House and Senate.

Senate Democrats, including Mica's counterpart, Sen. John Rockefeller of West Virginia, have defended the program as important to remote communities. Rockefeller had urged Mica to offer a several-month extension so lawmakers could iron out the disputes.

The congressional wrangling hasn't been obvious to airline passengers because air-traffic controllers remained on the job during the shutdown. But a partial shutdown from July 23 through Aug. 5 furloughed 4,000 FAA workers and shuttered 200 construction projects.

Passengers might not have noticed FAA's inability to collect taxes during the shutdown because most airlines kept prices as if the taxes remained.

Congress reinstated the taxes retroactively after the shutdown, so people who bought tickets before July 23 and flew during the shutdown couldn't get refunds. But the Internal Revenue Service also decided not to collect taxes for tickets sold during the shutdown, which lawmakers said was about $400 million.

"I was really ticked," says Kate Hanni, executive director of the passenger-advocacy group FlyersRights.org. "The airlines made bank. The IRS didn't collect the money. The airlines didn't make refunds."

Link to original post:
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2011/09/mica-willing-to-compromise-on-faa-extension/546922/1

More about this topic:
http://www.npr.org/2011/09/10/140355546/deal-reached-to-avert-faa-shutdown?ft=1&f=1001

For a surprising look at rural airport subsidies:
http://news.yahoo.com/govt-pays-empty-flights-rural-airports-212212863.html


-On a different note-
Anyone interested in traveling to unique spots around the world for free (hold it- while working as a volunteer) check out this article:
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2011/09/mica-willing-to-compromise-on-faa-extension/546922/1

Friday, September 9, 2011

10 Years After 9/11: Where the Travel Industry is Now

Here is a good article from CNN on the effects 9/11 had on travel:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/08/pf/911_travel/index.htm?hpt=tr_c2

For more information on Transportation Security Fees:

http://www.tsa.gov/research/fees/passenger_fee.shtm

And, for some interesting research 9/11's impact on travel to the U.S from overseas, take a look at this from the Department of Homeland Security:

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/ois_ni_911_wp.pdf

Thursday, September 8, 2011

U.S. Travel Association Leads Efforts in Push for U.S. Visa Reform


On May 12, 2011, the U.S. Travel Industry- under the leadership of the U.S. Travel Association, the leading lobby group for the travel industry- laid out a plan that consists of increasing industry staffing, reducing visa interview wait times and expanding the Visa Waiver Program to help create American jobs and increase revenue.

According to
http://www.smartervisapolicy.org/, the site established by the U.S. Travel Association and dedicated to promoting the plan Ready for Takeoff, which "outlines a comprehensive plan to grow our share of the travel market by 98 million visitors, expand U.S. exports by $390 billion, create 1.3 million new jobs and increase economic output by $859 billion." According to the site, this "all begins by improving our visa process."

The four key components of Ready for Takeoff includes the following essential steps (in no particularly discernable order):

•America must align U.S. State Department resources with market demands;
•America must reduce visa interview wait times to 10 days or fewer;
•The U.S. State Department must improve planning, measurement and transparency; and
•America must expand the Visa Waiver Program.

The U.S. Travel Association's push for many of these provisions and updates to current visa regulations has been joined by efforts from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and even Vice President Joe Biden.

USCM released a statement that echoed support for the above sentiments and captures the essence of the argument for visa reform.

“Bring in a million more tourists and create over 1.3 million jobs by passing visa reform. A burdensome U.S. visa system drives millions of potential travelers to other countries at an enormous cost to our economy. Between 2000 and 2010, the world travel market grew by more than 60 million annual travelers. Yet, in 2010 the U.S. welcomed essentially the same number of travelers as it did in 2000. Legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate to reform the Visa Waiver Program. The Department of Homeland Security is working on a new method of collecting visa overstay data, which is necessary to advance the legislation. Increasing travel to the U.S. could inject over $859 billion into the economy, and create over 1.3 million new American jobs. To increase economic activity and create jobs, the U.S. should prioritize inbound travel through the issuance of a Presidential Directive to recapture the 17 percent of the global long-haul travel market and match Western Europe’s current market share in Brazil, China, and India by 2015. The U.S. must also reform its cumbersome visa entry process; and expand its Visa Waiver Program to potentially qualifying nations as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Poland, and Taiwan.”

During a recent trip to China, Vice President Biden expressed his awareness of the difficulties undergone by Chinese business people when trying to arange a trip to the United States and of the urgency in resolving such issues. (As if the United States isn't already facing enough hardship in securing overseas business after S&P's gracious credit downgrade last month.)

With President Obama's much anticipated Jobs speech coming tonight, it will be interesting to see if there are any mentions of the difficulties surrounding the U.S. Visa process. Many people cringe when they think of the U.S. expanding visa possibilities to citizens of other countries, but the fact is the United States is not generally seen as a hot-spot for foreign travelers. If the United States is able to generate an increase in overseas visitors and business people, it could provide a much needed boost to the lagging U.S. economy in a too often under-utilized revenue-generating industry.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano Discusses Airline Security at Newseum in DC


Politico's Chief White House Correspondent, Mike Allen, sat down with Janet Napolitano, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, yesterday at the Newseum in Washington, DC to discuss the future of airport security, among other things.

"I think one of the first things you will see over time is the ability to keep your shoes on," said Napolitano at the forum. She added, "one of the last things you will see is the reduction or limitations on liquids" being changed.

She explained that the reasoning behind the tangibility of being able to shuffle through airport security without being forced to remove your oxfords, sandals, loafers, high heels, slippers, sneakers, crocs, or other choice of designated airport footwear is due to "better and better technology." This technological improvement will [hopefully in the near future] eliminate a majority of these now mostly unavoidable inconveniences like removing your pants-securing belt and having to measure out your allocated amounts of liquid body wash, shampoo, lotion, conditioner, shaving cream, etc like a mad scientist before a flight.

Napolitano was sure not to let travelers get their hopes up for frolicking through security lines at airports just yet, as she made certain to include the clause "months and years ahead" when referencing the shoe-removal and made note that technology capable of identifying liquids and determining harmless ones from dangerous ones is still in development, as it is the most difficult obstacle to overcome due to the explosive capabilities of select liquid substances easily hidden inside of a travel size Head and Shoulders shampoo bottle.

Napolitano and Allen also discussed the status of safety for the upcoming 10 year anniversary of September 11th. Napolitano confidently said that there is no reliable intelligence about any planned attacks. She also noted that all federal agencies are being especially vigilant about preparing for any threats on the anniversary to ensure that it is a safe day of remembrance and commemoration.

For a more in-depth look at this discussion-
Link to Politico's Story and Video Clip:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/62705.html

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Travel Survey: Business vs. Leisure

A recent survey conducted by Travel Leaders, titled Fall Travel Trends, helps to demonstrate the nuances between the approaches, concerns, and grievances expressed by business and leisure travelers. The survey results were gathered from 443 travel experts- owners, agents, and managers from various Travel Leaders agencies, 170 of which operate primarily in the business travel market- between August 1 and 19 of 2011. While there are certainly many aspects of airport and airline methodology that is cumbersome for even the most seasoned traveler to have to consistently confront, there a few areas in which both the busy business traveler and leisurely pleasure-seeking traveler find to be particularly trying. Here are just a couple of the most intriguing questions and survey responses.

Results were varied, but overall similar among business and leisure travel experts when asked "Which TSA security measure would you most like to eliminate?"

Business Travel Expert Responses:
27.7% Shoe Removal
27.7% 3-1-1, Limiting Liquids on Carry-on Bags
24.7% Extensive Patdown
10.0% Full-body Scanner
5.9% Laptop Removal

Leisure Travel Expert Responses:
32.0% Extensive Patdown
30.4% 3-1-1, Limiting Liquids on Carry-on Bags
23.3% Shoe Removal
6.2% Full-body Scanner
3.9% None, Safety First

Observations of this question's results: the grievances of each group vary based upon the general purpose of the traveler's trip. For example, far more business travel experts expressed a disdain for security measures that impede on airport security speed. 4.4% more business travel experts ranked shoe removal as the most unwanted TSA security measure and 5.9% selected laptop removal as the most unwanted measure compared to a negligible amount of leisure travel experts. Leisure travel experts were interestingly more apt to pick extensive patdowns (a substantial 7.3% more than business) and carry-on liquids limitations as unwanted, but a small percentage, 3.9%, also remarked that there was no security measure too time-consuming or obtrusive, as safety should be the number one concern of air travelers.

Another interesting question posed was "What is the most common action taken by your clients to avoid or limit airline baggage fees?"

An overwhelming proportion of respondents seemed to have the same initial cost-saving reaction, but the make-up of the secondary responses is quite varied.

Business Travel Experts:
51.2% Traveling with Carry-on Baggage Only
26.5% Flying on an Airline where the Traveler has Elite Status
17.1% Flying on an Airline the doesn't Charge Baggage Fees for the First Bag
2.9% Checking Baggage once On-Board the Plane
2.4% Paying with Airline Branded Credit Card

Leisure Travel Experts:
60.9% Traveling with Carry-on Baggage Only
22.2% Flying on an Airline the doesn't Charge Baggage Fees for the First Bag
8.1% Flying on an Airline where the Traveler has Elite Status
6.8% Paying with Airline Branded Credit Card
1.6% Checking Baggage once On-Board the Plane

What I find most interesting about this data is that while the majority of both groups were keen to saving money by only traveling with free carry-on baggage, far more business travel experts (18.4% more) were reliant upon the traveler's elite status with an airline to avoid increasingly costly checked baggage fees. This is strong evidence that frequent business travelers are willing to maintain loyalty to an airline or allied group of carriers due to the cost-saving perks that accompany being a frequent passenger. The leisure travel group made up for this vast percentage by opting for a combination of free carry-on baggage, flying with a carrier that allows one free checked bag, and somewhat curiously, paying with an airline branded credit card (2.83 times more leisure travelers did this than business travelers).

Friday, September 2, 2011

On Today's Menu: The Ice Cream of America!


Americans collectively gorge on 1.5 BILLION gallons of ice cream a year, perhaps contributing to the tipping scale of America, but it certainly does so in a shamelessly delicious way. I am hoping to shed some light on a few particularly delectable- and some unusual, if not boldly inventive- ice creameries around the United States.

Anyone in the Bay area in search of a tasty treat, make your way to one of these locations:

Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco, CA- where almost everything in the shop is made from scratch- even the marsh mellows for the Rocky Road and subtle but exotic flavors such as Balsamic Strawberry are ready for ample sampling.

Humphry Slocombe in San Francsico, CA- with old standbys like Peanut Butter Curry and Salt and Pepper... wait.

Ici Ice Cream in Berkeley, CA- features the flavor creations of a former pastry chef in inspired batches of Rose and Candied Cherry creamy goodness. Plus, the waffle-cones are made in-house.

On the opposite shore:

The Bent Spoon in Princeton, NJ- features interesting cream-taste combinations like Lavender Marscapone and Tomato (nicely paired with Basil flavored ice cream!). Don't forget to give the Hot Chocolate ice cream a try, if you're not ultra adventurous.

Woodside Farm Creamery in Hockessin, DE- the farm that this creamery is located at has been in existence for over 200 years (est. 1796). The local cows pump out (not by themselves) exorbitantly cream-a-licious milk for the production of this exemplary frozen treat.

And in-between the oceans:

PumpHouse Creamery in Minneapolis, MN- this shop is ran by Barb Zapzalka and utilizes organic milk and cream from a small Wisconsin dairy farm. The ice cream is made on-site and the menu is frequently updated.

Morelli's in Atlanta, GA- come here for fanciful Italian-themed savory selections like Ricky Ricotta Cheese and Rosemary Olive Oil.

A small sampling of additional shops for your consideration:

Ben Franklin's Tomato in Rehoboth Beach, DE
Scoops in Los Angeles, CA
Ample Hills Creamery in Brooklyn, NY
Scoop DeVille (awesome name) in Philadelphia, PA
The Creole Creamery in New Orleans, LA
Sweet Action Ice Cream in Denver, CO
Bubbie's Ice Cream in Honolulu, HI

AND- for the most adventurous dessert-seeking foodies among us- me not included in this group- who are in search of an ice cream experience unlike (for a reason) any of the others above, make your way to the famous Heladeria Lares in Puerto Rico. Featuring over 1000 flavors ranging from the predictable (and dependable!) chocolate and vanilla, to the creamy concoctions of otherwise tempting tastes like garlic, rice and beans, chicken[!], and shrimp[!!!].

If you have any extraordinary ice-cream shops to add to the list, please do!


Thursday, September 1, 2011

THAI Airways Expansion


Two months after being awarded 5th place in the World's Best Airline category at the World Airline Awards in June 2011 (a considerable climb compared to 2010's 9th place ranking), THAI Airways has just announced the launch of a new low-fare airline to take place in July 2012.


Thai Smile Air- a fitting name for the "Land of Smiles" country- will operate out of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok and will feature a fleet of eleven Airbus 320 aircrafts, each with a seating capacity of 174 passengers. The airline will initially serve secondary route markets within Thailand such as Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Rai, with the goal of expanding internationally as early as 2013.

This is not the only bit of expanding THAI Airways has on its plate in the near future. A statement by THAI President, Mr. Piyasvasti, made clear that "Thai Smile will not affect THAI's plans to also launch Thai Tiger Airways, a discount carrier in partnership with Singapore's Tiger Airways, which will materialise as soon as possible."