Japanese Travel Guide Offers Interesting Advice on Visiting Scotland

While travelling abroad, especially on different continents and in different hemispheres, it helps to be prepared for the potentially massive cultural differences so you don’t find yourself in an awkward situation or committing an embarrassing faux pas.

A travel guide has dedicated a section to offer some tips to Japanese tourists visiting Scotland. While some of them could prove to be reasonably helpful, others should take the travel tips “with a pinch of salt”, as VisitScotland aptly put.

The guide offers a good amount of strong advice, urging Japanese tourists to embrace the Scottish culture, giving tips on the best local marmalade and sausage, and how to properly order a drink in a bustling Scottish pub.

Cultural differences are also highlighted in the guide that gives some insights to the differences between the two nations. Tourists are warned that they must be patient and not expect to receive the same “quick, polite and accurate service” from restaurants and taverns that they would in their home land, which leads one to wonder if what type of bad experiences the travel guide has had with the service industry in Scotland.

Amusingly, the guide offers some quirky tips. In addition to warning them to avoid Scots in football garb, they are told never to call Scottish kilts “skirts” and never to call a Scottish person “English”. While that could help you avoid an embarrassing situation, others tips are meant to be a bit silly.

The guide mentions that, even though it rains quite often in Scotland, very few people carry umbrellas. This is said to “puzzle” Japanese tourists, as many of the Japanese always carry an umbrella in case of sudden showers.

The variety of guidelines that the Japanese guide book offers proves to be an interesting read, running the gamut of helpful hints to fun idiosyncrasies between the two cultures.

POTHOS can personally vouch that Scotland is a hospitable country with a rich and interesting history. One of our employees is a native of Scotland, and we’re quite sure she’d forgive you if you accidentally called her English!

Book cover can be found here: http://www.eturbonews.com/files/imagecache/fullpage/0a12_261.jpg

Computer Glitch Leads to Overcharges for Delta Airlines Fliers

Delta has reported that customers have been overcharged and undercharged for the same seats due to a glitch in the Delta Airlines computer system. It is uncertain to how many customers it has affected.

The discrepancy was found after two Minneapolis business executives were given two different prices for two seats side-by-side in the economy class on an outbound flight to St. Louis. Patrick Smith was logged into his SkyMiles account and paid 300 dollars more than Steve Lisle, who was not logged into his SkyMiles account.

The two executives pursued the issue further and booked 5 more flights with the same dates and flight numbers and found that the frequent flier actually paid more 3 out of the 5 trips.

Delta spokesman Paul Skrbec released a statement to Today in the Sky:

“We have been investing in our website and the technology that supports it for over a year. Recently, we updated our search function as part of a phased approach to improve the site. Shortly after making the updates, we discovered that it produced inconsistent results for logged in and non-logged in customers. We evaluated the situation carefully and rolled back to our prior search function which resolved the issue."

Delta is handling refunds on a case-by-case basis. Customers affected by the glitch must contact Delta and provide proof of the discrepancy.

Pothos CEO Michael Patton believes that this is a prime example of why companies should use professional travel agents. Pothos assures no chance of any price discrepancy or erroneous charges. "Our GDS software provides access to the published tariff's without prejudice each and every time".

Those who book travel alone are vulnerable to these errors often without knowledge that they have been overcharged. 

Top Travel News of 2011

Top travel news of the year from Yahoo:

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/top-travel-news-of-2011.html

Virgin America and Air Canada Top List of Healthy In-Flight Eats, Southwest and Spirit on Bottom

Dietdective.com has conducted a recent survey of the food offerings on nine different airlines in order to determine which airlines offer health-conscious options and which are the most apt to cause your body to spill over into the next seat during the duration of your flight.

At the top of the list of healthy in-flight food were options offered by Virgin America and Air Canada. Both of these airlines offer healthy snacks including vegetables and hummus, nuts, and filling meals like an egg and vegetable wrap offered by Virgin America that has only 370 calories and is high in protein.

The airlines in the middle of the health rankings for the nine studied were United Airlines, US Airways, Jetblue, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. These airlines offer mostly healthy options for full meals but do not tend to provide snacks that feature low calorie counts or high levels of nutrition.

The worst airlines for anyone planning on eating on a flight and consuming as many calories in air as the number of feet in the flight's cruising altitude are Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Spirit would not provide any nutritional information at all, so it seems pretty obvious that there can't be much (if any) good going on there. Southwest's (and Spirit's) biggest issue is the lack of options in general- none of which are even remotely healthy.

The Future of Airport Security?

International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently unveiled what it thinks may be the future of airport security- in as early as five to seven years. The early concept stage features a series of tunnels (different levels of security based upon the traveler- "Known Travelers" i.e. those that have undergone a government background test face the least intrusive of these tunnels) that will have x-ray machines, eye scanners, and metal and liquid detectors.

In addition to these neon tunnels, thermal lie-detection may also be implemented (research shows that people that are lying/ making up something on the spot brain activity changes and can be detected thermally). Some passengers can also opt-in to bluetooth tracking in order to get an idea how fast lines are moving and even create passenger profiles that can offer more insight as to what passengers do when in the airport. Perhaps the most sci-fi of the concepts being considered is the utilization of cloned super-sniffer dogs for drug detection (something that has already been going on since 2005 when the dog Chase, a member of drug-dog lore for his immaculate sniffing mechanism, was cloned for the Incheon International Airport in South Korea). The next dog clone is expected to have an uncanny ability to sniff out diseases in humans. Another feature that may become common is an increase in Behavioral Detection Officers, who are able to tell when people are hiding something.

Spirit Airlines Fined by DOT for Deceptive Ad

The Department of Transportation has fined the discount airline Spirit $25,000 for violating the DOT's rule of not allowing deceptive and unfair advertising due to a billboard and Twitter ad from June.

The billboard ad had large print that advertised cheap fares, with an asterisk next to the seemingly low cost fares alerting viewers to study the fine print at the bottom which stated that "additional taxes, fees, terms and conditions apply." This may seem standard operating procedure for ads that craftily divert attention for actual costs, but this does not comply with the DOT's regulation that the full amount of taxes, fees, and associated conditions be clearly disclosed in full.

Spirit Airlines' Twitter feed was equally deceptive in that it provided a link in the advertisement that lead consumers to Spirit's website, where it was first mentioned that the $9 fare did not include taxes, fees, the stipulation that the ticket be a round trip purchase, and the like.

5 Awesome Airport Lounges

Thai Airways First Class Lounge, Bangkok

Passengers begin their journey at an exclusive check-in area, so there is virtually no waiting for security and passport control. Once all formalities are complete, golf carts whisk them inside the lounge, where they can relax in semi-private rooms. Travelers can book a spa treatment -- including a 30-minute neck and shoulder or foot massage, or an hour long full body massage -- in their own private spa bungalow.

Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt

This separate terminal, which the airline likens to a small luxury hotel, also has its own exclusive check-in and security checkpoints. Passengers can while away the time before their flight in leather armchairs and sofas or nap in comfy daybeds. Those who wish to relax with a spirit have plenty to choose from, including 80 different brands of whiskey. There is a top-quality restaurant, a cigar lounge, and wonderful shower and bath facilities. Every passenger also gets his or her own personal assistant. Guests are chauffeured to their plane in a Porsche or a Mercedes-Benz.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London

Order a colorful cocktail from the 14-meter (45-foot) bar or indulge in menu selections such as potato and watercress soup, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, or duck à l'orange. The cool decor includes a ceiling to floor Japanese water wall and a den with a pool table and video game consoles.

JetQuay Terminal, Singapore

This lounge at Singapore's Changi Airport is not airline-affiliated, so access to it isn't included in the price of your ticket. Rather, it is available to passengers traveling in any class for an extra fee. If you're departing from Singapore, staffers will take care of your baggage, help you with travel formalities, and when it's time for you to depart, drive you to your gate in a buggy. If you're flying into Changi Airport, they will meet you on arrival and help with immigration clearance and luggage. The lounge's amenities include a business center, private meeting rooms, board room, massage chairs, showers, nap rooms and free Internet access.

The Wing, Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge, Hong Kong

This spacious lounge overlooking the terminal and the runway includes The Library, for quiet reading, and The Haven, for dining. The Cabanas offer private bath and shower suites complete with lounge chairs.

Adapted from CNN Travel, visit for more info and pictures: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/10/travel/luxurious-arport-lounges/index.html?hpt=tr_c1

Original article by A. Pawlowski

President Obama Targets Travel and other Areas for Budget Cuts

President Obama is continuing to try to find ways around the refusal of Congress to pass his $447 billion Jobs Plan. His latest effort targets cutting government agencies' spending in areas like travel, vehicle purchases, printing costs (by making things available electronically), unused or under-utilized electronics like laptops and phones, and promotional items like coffee mugs and gadgets.

The executive order urges agencies to utilize teleconferences and videoconferences so as to cut back on the amount of spending that goes into training/ conference/ meeting related travel- something that could have a substantial impact on the meeting/ event planning industry.

For an in-depth article, see here: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-signs-order-cut-travel-cellphones-swag-171104060.html

Survey: Best Hotels for Business Travelers

Business travelers: check out this survey, which ranks chain hotels on a number of key criteria as reported by different demographics of travelers. It is definitely worth checking out- especially if you are a road warrior.

http://www.businesstravelnews.com/uploadedFiles/Research/2011hotelSurvey.pdf

Private Jet Travel Demand Sees Increase

After three years of decreased demand for private jet travel, things are starting to look up for service providers as 12% of the wealthiest Americans (those with a net worth of $5 million or more) say they plan on using private jets for travel in 2012- significantly up from 9% in 2010.

The majority of clients that utilize private jets are actually corporate travelers- a base that has continued to grow due to the lowering cost of private jets and the vastly decreased hassle that goes along with it. Corporate travelers, especially when the bill can be charged to an expense account, are drawn to the allure of private jets because it eliminates the loss of time wasted spent haggling with the TSA at busy airports.

For a detailed (and very informative) discussion of this topic, see this article: http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/08/pf/private_jet/index.htm?hpt=tr_c2

Commerical Flights to Resume Between the USA and Cuba

Marazul, a travel agency based in Miami that specializes in travel to Cuba, has partnered with Delta Airlines to restore flights between Havana, Cuba and a selection of U.S. airports as restrictions on travel to Cuba are being eased in the United States.

According to Marazul's website, the direct flight between New York City's JFK International Airport and Havana is scheduled to be restored starting Sunday. In addition, beginning in December Marazul will provide flights from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport that operate weekly.

Tickets must be round-trip and can only be purchased directly from Marazul travel. The chartered flights feature a Boeing 737 operated by crews from Delta.

Not anyone can make the trip, however. Marazul's website states that only passengers that have been duly authorized by the U.S. government to travel to Cuba (including, but not exclusively, those with close relatives in Cuba, official business travelers, professionals, students, and other potential travelers authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control) may do so.

According to CNN, "in September of 2009, OFAC announced it would ease existing restrictions on travel to Cuba, citing President Barack Obama's initiative announced the same year to 'reach out to the Cuban people in support of their desire to freely determine their country.'"

The story from CNN can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/06/travel/new-york-cuba-flights/index.html?hpt=tr_c2

Airline Rankings: Best and Worst for Flight Delays

With the overall percentage of flights arriving on time at a dismal 78.6 percent, choosing an airline with reliable service is becoming even more essential for travelers. Here are the best and worst airlines for arriving on schedule.

5 WORST:

1. Jet Blue, 72%
2. Comair, 74.6%
3. Atlantic Southeast, 75.2%
4. American Eagle, 75.5%
5. ExpressJet, 76%

5 BEST:

1. Hawaiian, 92.7% (the leader for the past three years)
2. Alaska, 86.9%
3. United, 83.8%
4. AirTran, 83.5%
5. Mesa. 83.4%

For a more detailed description of the study, see this: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-and-worst-airlines-for-delays/1

Delta's Economy Comfort Being Added to Entire Fleet

Delta recently introduced a premium-economy cabin, called Economy Comfort (which is much like United's Economy Plus), on lenghty international flights. The passengers traveling in Economy Comfort are treated to extra legroom and priority boarding. The feedback was so positive the airline has decided to extend the Economy Comfort seats to its entire fleet (more than 550 aircraft and 250 regional jets). This expansion is the latest in Delta's $2 billion (plus) enhancement.

AirBerlin to Increase U.S. Presence

Starting in the summer of 2012, AirBerlin will introduce a new service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Berlin (SXF) - making AirBerlin the first carrier to service this route. The service will not be offered every day, but will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday. AirBerlin will also be increasing flight frequencies between New York (JFK) and Berlin and Düsseldorf (DUS), San Francisco (SFO) to Düsseldorf, and Miami (MIA) to Düsseldorf, further connecting the United States and Germany.

Flooding in Thailand Shuts Down Bangkok's Don Muang Airport

Thai flood waters have breached the barriers erected to protect Don Muang Airport, the second largest in Thailand after Suvarnabhumi Airport- also in Bangkok. Don Muang Airport serves primarily domestic flights. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand's main international arrival and departure point, has not (yet) been affected by the flooding and is continuing to operate flights as normal.

The flooding could cause up to five feet of water in the capital's lowest areas, though the 9 million residents of Bangkok have been largely unaffected thus far. The flooding of Don Muang Airport adds to the severity of the ongoing Thai flood which has claimed the lives of 366 people and flooded one third of Thailand over the past three months.

If Don Muang Airport floods, it would further aggravate emergency operations, as the Thai government has recently set up the emergency Flood Relief Operations Center and converted a terminal into a shelter for misplaced individuals.

The closing of the airport has caused an increased sense of chaos and added even more uncertainty as to how the Thai government will be able to avert further damage and provide disaster relief to those afflicted by the flood.

For a more in-depth article on the situation, see this: http://news.yahoo.com/thai-floods-shut-bangkoks-second-largest-airport-164107578.html

Best Major Airlines for Business Travel

Business Travel News publishes annual rankings of the major airlines for business travel, which can be telling signs of on airline's overall quality for travelers. This year's results are based on a poll of 406 travel managers and buyers who spend at least $500,000 a year on flights booked in the United States. The rankings only include the five largest domestic airlines.

Here are the 5 ranked from best to worst according to BTN's airline score, which is comprised of data gathered from 10 different categories:

1. Delta Airlines*
BTN airline score: 3.14

2. United Airlines/ Continental
BTN airline score: 3.12

3. US Airways
BTN airline score: 3.07

4. American Airlines
BTN airline score: 2.94

5. Southwest
BTN airline score: 2.9


*This is Delta's first time at the number one spot.

For a more detailed report of this information, see this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44876792/ns/business-us_business/

Southwest Airlines 3Q Losses Due to Fuel Hedges

Southwest Airlines experienced losses of $140 million for the third-quarter, its first loss in two years. Last year in the same quarter, Southwest made profits of $205 million. A portion of this loss can be chalked up to Southwest's purchase of AirTran Airways in May 2011, a $1 billion purchase. Southwest is already the most flown airline by U.S. passengers.

The major factor in the difficult quarter for Southwest is due to fuel hedges- like an insurance policy against unforgiving spikes in oil prices. High fuel costs forced Southwest to spend $1.59 billion in fuel for the quarter, a 71% increase from last year's figure. Southwest spent an average $3.23 a gallon on fuel, up from $2.47 in the previous year.

Southwest has been saving money by re-negotiating AirTran's contracts and expects to be able to save $400 million a year once completely worked out. Overall, Southwest is faring quite well- especially when compared to other North American airlines like American Airlines which reported losses of $162 million in the third-quarter, its 14th quarter out of the past 16 that incurred losses.

For a more detailed analysis: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Southwest-posts-3Q-loss-on-apf-2592141335.html?x=0

United to Receive 50 Boeing Dreamliner 787 Aircraft

United Airlines is scheduled to begin using 50 Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft in 2012. United will be the first North American airline to receive the aircraft. The final assembly has just been completed and all that is left to do is configure the cabins, install the engines, and paint them.

According to Boeing's website, the 787 Dreamliner aircraft are "super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. They will bring the economics of large jet transports to the middle of the market, using 20 percent less fuel than any other airplanes of their size."

For more on the Dreamliner fleet and detailed specs: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787family/background.html

Egypt's Tourism Industry Recovering Despite Political Unrest

Though violence has continued in Egypt, tourists have been gradually returning since the initial outbreak. Numbers are still dismal in comparison to the state of the industry in the year prior, but there is certainly encouraging news for those who depend on tourism to make a living.

The violence in Egypt is the result of Egyptian politics; as a result, tourists are not targeted- though it is still something to consider when thinking of visiting a country undergoing difficult political transitions.

Here is an article from travelweekly regarding the tourism situation in Egypt in more depth: http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Egypt-tourism-recovery-continues/

RyanAir to Eliminate Toilets from Aircraft?

Anyone who has attempted to jaunt across Europe through the air on an extreme budget has probably come in contact with the notoriously stripped-down service (and obscenely cheap cost) of RyanAir. For those who haven't and may be tempted to use the lavatory during a flight, you might want to avoid this carrier and instead opt for (the slightly classier) EasyJet.

RyanAir CEO Michael O'Leary has proposed removing two of the fleet's three on board toilets so as to add six additional seats (RyanAir already packs in the maximum 189 seats onto its Boeing 737-800 airplanes) in order to reduce ticket prices by about five percent per passenger- pretty measly considering the fares are as low as 9 GBP/ EUR (but are also accompanied by substantial credit card and online booking fees). I'll keep my 45p and keep the option open for multiple restrooms.

I suppose there is a reason passengers choose the ridiculously low-priced airline, but when will enough be enough? O'Leary has famously proposed other cost-cutting measures like offering standing-room only seats on flights, charging for toilet usage, and cutting out co-pilots, so I guess this isn't that outrageous.