Daily Roundup--March 8, 2012

The FAA is predicting that the number of airline passengers will double in the next 20 years. You think the overhead bins are crowded now!!!!!

This Saturday is Passport Day. You can show up at your local passport agency with photos, applications and money and not need an appointment.

Earlier today, Air Canada threatened to lock out their pilots next Monday, the day the aviators called a strike. However, the Canadian government has stepped in and said no to the lockout and strike and is sending both sides to a federal tribunal.

Here’s what one writer thinks are the Ten Best Travel Inventions Of All Time. Do you agree?

Daily Roundup--March 2, 2012

American Airlines is following other airlines and will be offering a few rows in coach with extra legroom. It’s called “Main Cabin Extra” and it will give some passengers an extra 4-6 inches of leg room. However, it won’t be available to everyone. Read the fine print.

United/Continental Airlines will merge its computer systems tomorrow. They claim it should not affect any passengers. My fingers are crossed.

Frontier Airlines is dropping its hubs in Milwaukee and Kansas City as it rebrands itself an ultra lowcost carrier.

Daily Roundup--February 29, 2012

The TSA’s pre-screening program, “TSA Pre,” has begun at JFK airport in NY. So far it’s limited to Ameican Airlines.

The Dept. of Transportation is lifting its 1250 mile limit on flights into and out of Washington’s Reagan Airport (DCA). Starting later in the spring, the DOT will allow up to eight flights a day to go past this limit. AA has already announced a nonstop to LAX and United has one to SFO. Wide body aircraft are still not allowed so those flights will be on a 757 and 737 respectively.

Airbus is looking into widening the aisle seats on some of its Airbus A320 aircraft to help accommodate larger passengers. In turn, the middle and window seats would be made smaller. Is that really the reason or is yet another way for airlines to make money by selling aisle seats at a premium price?

How many of these rules regarding international food etiquette did you know?

Daily Rounup--February 28, 2011

Rick Steves is having a special Facebook sale on his Civita Day Bag. It’s only $5 plus shipping. The sale is only on until 5 PM PT on Thursday, February 29. It normally sells for $30. Until I switched to a messenger bag, I used this bag for years. You must use the link I included in this paragraph to get the deal.

Full body scanners are safe according to a new study from the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security. In a report released today, they said a passenger would have to be screened 47 times a day for a year to exceed acceptable limits. Some, including members of Congress, aren’t buying it. They want a completely independent study.

There’s an interesting thread with tips for women traveling solo over at the Tom Bihn forum.

Daily Roundup--February 27, 2012

Another Costa Cruises ship is in trouble. This time it’s the Costa Allegra which had to battle a fire in the engine room. Fortunately, the fire was put out and no one was hurt. However, the fire left the ship without power and it’s currently drifting about 200 miles SW of the Seychelles. Rescue boats are on the way. As a precaution while battling the blaze, passengers were told to assemble at their muster points as a precaution. I guess the cruise line learned a lesson from last month.

Argentina turned away two Carnival Cruise ships from entering the port town of Ushuaia invoking a rule denying entry to vessels linked to Great Britain. As most of you know, Britain and Argentina are in disputes over the Falkland Islands. While the passengers lose out in visiting Argentina, it’s really the people of the port city who lose the most—as in tourist dollars. The two ships in question are run by Princess Cruises and P & O cruises both of which are based in the UK but owned by Carnival. Carnival also owns Costa Cruises (see above story.) The two ships denied entry had previously visited the Falklands before heading for Argentina. 

The strike by ground workers at Frankfurt airport is back on. Nearly 200 flights have been cancelled with 140 from Lufthansa alone. The airline says its long haul flights to North America will not be affected. I’m guessing anyone making a connection, however, might be. The strike is scheduled to last until Thursday.

Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be nice. On a recent Southwest flight, an air traffic controller told the captain his mother was on board and it was her birthday. So, the captain made an announcement stating they had a special “mom on board.” Unfortunately, the way the PA systems on planes work, the passengers thought they heard the pilot say there was a “bomb on board.” Mayhem ensued and it took the crew awhile to calm the passengers down. Even an explanation by the captain didn’t convince everyone.

Daily Roundup--February 23, 2012

Have you ever sat next to the seatmate-from-hell? Non stop talker, bad breath, takes up too much room, etc? Now a few airlines are experimenting with a way to let you choose your seatmate. Rather than supply them with lots of personal information, I think I’ll just “wing it.”

Earlier this month, Hungarian based Malev Airlines went belly up. As part of the OneWorld alliance, Malev and American Airlines partnered on flights. American would fly from the USA to Budapest and Malev would take it from there. Now that Malev is history, American has decided to drop it’s Budapest service. Gee, what a surprise. On the upside, they’re replacing it with an additional flight from Dallas to London.

Delta is now offering wi-fi on all its Shuttle flights.  Those are flights between NY Laguardia and Boston, Washington Reagan (I still call it National) and Chicago’s O’hare.

Daily Roundup--February 22, 2012

The Frankfurt Airport strike is finally coming to and end tonight after five days. The union representing the ground workers who park and move aircraft has agreed to a new round of talks. Over 1000 flights were effected with about half belonging to Lufthansa.

Israel is banning the use of turboprop aircraft by two of its smaller airlines—Arkia and Israir. The country wants to put specially designed anti-missile equipment on all its nation’s airliners but the devices only work on jets. Israel fears that some anti-aircraft missiles formerly in the Libyan arsenal may have found their way into the hands of militants. Both airlines fly ATR’s and have been given two years to phase out the aircraft.

Daily Roundup--February 21, 2012

Every yearhundreds of thousands of dollars in loose change  is left at TSA checkpoints. The money has, in the past, been kept by TSA and used as part of their operating. But now there’s a bill in Congress that would give that money to the USO instead of a government agency. Good idea.

United is adding Istanbul to its route network. Look for nonstops from Newark starting July 1.

Some of the guests staying on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton the day Whitney Houston died are asking for refunds. They claim there was so much commotion they couldn’t sleep and the extra security made it difficult to get to their rooms. So far, the hotel has said no.

It’s Mardi Gras….Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!

Daily Roundup--February 20, 2012

Lots of airline news:

—Air Australia ran out of money last week and grounded its entire fleet. It stranded about 4,000 passengers.

—Qantas’ profits took a nosedive and the airline announced another 500 job cuts.

—Kingfisher has canceled a number of flights due to financial problems. The Indian government isn’t happy and said they won’t bail out the company.

—Lufthansa has had to cancel numerous flights due to an ongoing strike at Frankfurt airport. Other airlines are also affected but none as bad as Lufthansa. The strike will continue into Tuesday.

—Continental Airlines flight’s may disappear in about two weeks. No, not the flights themselves but the name. Continental and United Airlines merged in 2010 and now  all flights will be listed as United’s. No exact date has been given for the change.

Daily Roundup--February 16, 2012

Tripadvisor’s hotel reviews will now be included in hotel searches on Kayak.com.

The Beverly Hilton Hotel has decided not to rent out the room in which Whitney Houston died anytime soon. BTW, it’s room 434.

Spirit Airlines will start flying out of Denver again this May.

Next time the person sitting next to you says they want get off the plane quickly, don’t do what this guy in Vietnam did. Even if that person has a crying baby.

And the stupid pilot of the day award goes to the guy in California caught flying a Cessna with over 20 lbs of marijuana onboard. How did he get caught? He entered restricted airspace over LAX just as President Obama was returning to the airport on Marine One. A couple of F-16’s kindly escorted the wayward pilot to Long Beach Airport where he was met by local law enforcement.

Daily Roundup--February 15, 2012

McDonalds France is redoing the menu to include cheeseburgers on baguette with a choice of gourmet cheeses. If they did that here, I might try it. Okay, I would definitely try it. 

Anyone traveling through Frankfurt, Germany tomorrow can expect some delays due to a strike by airport workers.

TSA is expanding the program that allows pilots to get  to get expedited screening. This will not only get pilots through quicker but out of the passenger line as well so we can get though quicker. I guess TSA was concerned the pilots might bring something on board that was detrimental to the safety of the aircraft. No mention of the fact that there is an ax in every cockpit and these same people WERE ACTUALLY FLYING THE PLANE. (Not to mention the mandatory background checks.)

Delta Airlines is upgrading its entire Boeing 747 fleet to lie flat seats in business class.

Daily Roundup--February 14, 2012

Do you have any leftover gift cards that haven’t been used? How about exchanging them for FF miles on United Continental airlines?

It turns out that 2011 was the best year for airlines in regard to mishandled bags and bumped passengers. In other words, both were at the lowest level. Congratulations to the airlines but I still prefer to carry-on.

Have you ever thought about or have traveled solo? This article sums up some of its benefits.

And if Vegas doesn’t have enough to do, the new Mob Museum opened today. No word on whether they’re making any offers you can’t refuse—like discounted admission.

It seems China is the next big market for coporate jets. One manufacturer has picked who they believe is the perfect corporate spokesperson: Jackie Chan.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Daily Roundup--February 10, 2012

Pet Airways, the airline that was for “pets only,” may be going to the dogs. And not the four legged type.

AirfareWatchdog likes to make charts. Here’s one to help you pick the best first class airline and plane.

But then, is first class still first class? Or has it been demoted to second?

Daily Roundup--February 8, 2012

At what point do the airlines cross the line with their myriad of hidden and ridiculous fees that the passengers say enough is enough? For consumer advocate Ralph Nader, that point is getting closer and closer.

Airbus has been ordered to inspect its entire fleet of A-380’s for wing cracks. There are currently 68 in service. That’s airplanes, not cracks.

Strikes in France and Israel are causing delays and cancellations of many flights.

Have you worried that sitting in coach may make you more susceptible to blood clots and deep vein thrombosis? Have no fear, a new study says that it really doesn’t matter where you sit but what you do during the flight.

AirfareWatchdog published a carry-on policy chart for most major airlines throughout the world.

The TSA is expanding its “Pre-Check” security clearance program to 28 more cities.

Daily Roundup--February 7, 2012

The TSA will allow West Yellowstone Airport, the seasonal Montana airport, to hire private screeners rather than fly in government employees. This will not only save lots of money but create jobs for local residents. I wonder if they’re doing it because it makes sense or because a new law may force them to make similar decisions?

The U.S. Congress has approved a new FAA funding bill and the President is expected to sign it.

Alaska Air will soon start flying to Philadelphia and Ft. Lauderdale. It’s also dropping Miami from its route map.

Grand Canyon National Park has banned the sale of plastic water bottles. It’s not the first national park to do this.

Happy 200th birthday to Charles Dickens.

Daily Roundup--February 6, 2012

 China is banning its airlines from paying an EU emissions tax on all flights in and out of Europe. Twenty six other countries, including the U.S. and India, are protesting the legality of the EU’s actions.

The NY Giants did some celebrating on their flight home today from Indianapolis to Newark. This video was posted before they even landed:

It looks like full body scans will be required at Australia’s international airports. No more opting for a pat down. Only those with serious medical conditions may opt out.

A new bill in front of the Senate  will allow airports to hire private screeners to replace the TSA. This bill, which already passed the House of Representatives, is expected to pass the Senate and then be signed by the President. The bill overrides TSA head John Pistole who said he would not allow private screeners.

This has nothing to do with travel but it’s just wrong!!!!! Thank you for allowing me my rant.

Daily Roundup--February 3, 2012

Hungary’s Malev Airlines has stopped flying. They are the second European airline to go bust in the past week. (We reported on Malev’s problems and Spanair’s bankruptcy in previous Daily Roundup columns.) With the European economy the way it is, I wonder who’s next?

Meanwhile….after that announcement, Ryanair announced 26 new routes out of Hungary to help fill the void—and increase revenue. Air Berlin also announced more routes as well.

How about taking a cruise with the New York Times? This October, the “old gray lady” will offer up intellectual stimulation, and numerous seminars by some of its top journalists,  while cruising the eastern Mediterranean. Makes you wonder….instead of unlimited drinks, do you get unlimiited crossword puzzles?

Uh oh, eh? Canada’s Wesjet airlines is looking into  new ways to raise ancillary income. In layman’s talk, that means more ridiculous fees.

U.S. Passport Fees are going up—and not by just a little. Don’t feel bad, I just checked. I’m up for renewal. I should have looked sooner.

A rare heavy snowstorm in Rome has forced the closure of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.. Will disappointed  tourists take solace in extra gelato? Doubtful in this weather.

Daily Roundup--February 2, 2012

Okay, can you guess the top amenity travelers want from a hotel?

Starwood Hotels is trying something new with its best customers—checking in and out when they want. That’s right, no more abiding by a set check-n/check-out schedule. These customers will get a full 24 hours regardless of the time they check in.

Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest carrier, becomes a full member of the OneWorld alliance in March.

A TSA agent at JFK airport has been arrested for taking $5,000 out of a passengers coat pocket. The thieving agent was turned in by one her own fellow agents who witnessed the crime. And anoter TSA agent, this time at DFW, is under arrest for stealing Ipads out of checked luggage.

Daily Roundup--February 1, 2012

Busy day for the daily roundup:

UK Airport operator BAA has lost its appeal and will have to sell London’s Stansted airport. BAA owns Heathrow, Southampton and three airports in Scotland as well as Stansted.

American Airlines is dropping service to Halifax, Nova Scotia beginning in April. But that’s not the big AA news today. The bankrupt airline also announced plans to cut its workforce by 13,000.

Did you know your frequent flyer miles may be taxable? Citibank thinks that in some cases they may be and is sending out 1099’s. (But not to everyone.)

I’ve never flown Spirit Airlines. My desire to fly them didn’t increase when they started charging for carry-on bags. And with this new charge, I want to fly them even less.

Delta Airlines has redesigned their boarding passes.

Do you enjoy a cocktail while traveling yet abhor the exhorbitant fees the arilines charge? If so, this may be the best advice you can get. And after reading it, the contents of my 3-1-1 bag may change. LOL

Have you ever met someone special on a plane and then regretted not getting their contact information before parting? Well, now there’s a new service that might help you reconnect.

Thanks to our friends at Frommers, a slideshow of “What Not To Wear While Traveling.” Okay, come clean, who’s actually worn some of these?

How about another slideshow? This time, “The World’s Smallest Countries.” How many have you been to?

Daily Roundup--January 31, 2012

American Airlines has tranformed its terminal at LAX into self service check in only. No more counters.

Airbus is considering raising the weight limits  of its A330 aircraft. This means more fuel and longer range.

Westin is revamping their hotel gyms to include energizing blue lights among other things.

Anyone want to venture what city in the U.S. of A has the most congested skies and aircraft delays?  I’ll give you a hint. In song: “Start spreading the news. I’m leaving today…..”