Daily Roundup--November 29, 2011

Google Maps is expanding to large indoor facilities like shopping centers and airport terminals.

Iceland is growing in popularity. Starting next June, a new Icelandic based airline, Wow Air, begins flights from that northern country to numerous points in Europe. And in March, EasyJet begins thrice weekly service to Iceland from London’s Luton airport. Just in time for my planned trip.

A “Nap Bar” in Paris? Gives new meaning to “Voulez Vous Couchez Avec Moi.”

Gear Review: Tom Bihn Travel Tray

I don’t know about you, but I have left things in the nightstand drawer of many hotels. Coins, Pens, even transit passes. Somehow they seem to get lost among the phone books and Gideon Light Reader.

The top of the night stand isn’t any better. Glasses, cell phone, flashlight (I’ve stayed in a few hotels where we lost power in the middle of the night so I like to be prepared), and the like clutter the entire surface.

I’ve thought about using travel trays but they seemed too bulky, too heavy and were good for just one thing. And everyone here knows I like items to do double duty.

Earlier this week, Tom Bihn introduced a new Travel Tray that not only weighs less than two ounces but collapses down to practically nothing.

Made of Japanese Dyneema Ripstop Nylon., the travel tray measure 8”/200mm in diameter and 4.5”/115mm high.

I’ve been using the travel tray at home and it has been keeping my night stand looking much neater.

If you watch the video below, you’ll see another great feature is the drawstring closure should  you want to grab items for a quick getaway.

I was allowed to check out the product webpage and video prior to its launch last Monday. It quickly struck me that there was another use for this item. When I go to the airport and have to go through security, everything has to come off and go into a small tray easily accessible to roving hands—wallet, keys, change, Beretta, cellphone, notepad, pens, etc.

But with the Travel Tray, I can put all these items into it, seal it with the drawstring, and put it all in my carry-on. Then once through security, rather than fumbling to put everything back on me  while both holding up the line as well as adding to the possibility of leaving something behind, I just have to grab my bag and shoes and go to my gate. Once comfortably seated at the gate, I can then remove the Travel Tray from my carry-on and replace those items onto my person.

This item has been added to my packing list. It’s just too versatile and too lite to leave at home.

There are lots of other uses:  TV/DVR/TV Guide holder, hobby parts holder,  portable candy dish, party hat, and more. It would probably make a great stocking stuffer for anyone into travel or organization.

The Tom Bihn Travel Tray available in four colors and I suggest getting one that doesn’t match the lining of your bag. Made in the USA.  $22

 

Tom Bihn supplied the Travel Tray for review as well as the photos and video.

American Airlines files for Ch. 11 Bankruptcy

AMR. the parent company of American Airlines, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company expects normal operations while it reorganizes.

This is very similar to the process just about every major U.S. airlines has gone through in the past few years.

The airline also put out a statement on its AAdvantage Facebook page assuring customers their FF miles are safe. That makes me happy as I still have nearly 500k miles with them.

Daily Roundup--November 28, 2011

Did you know that all the emergency oxygen systems in airplane bathrooms have been removed for fears terrorists might use them as a weapon—and it will take 2-4 more years before a safe system is installed?

Our friends at Airfare Watch Dog recently did an interview with an airline baggage handler to find out what really goes on behind the scenes. After reading it, I’m going to continue to do my best to carry-on.

Gear Review: Tom Bihn Travel Money Belt

Earlier today, Tom Bihn introduced his new Travel Money Belt. I was sent one a few weeks ago to review.

Made of 1 1/4” heavy nylon webbing, the belt comes with a simple plastic buckle. Inside is a 20” concealed zippered compartment (#3.5 YKK coil zipper with a plastic slider) that can hold up to 15 U.S. bills or a combination of bills and folded paper. It weighs a mere 2.5 ounces. And with no metal parts, it can—technically—be worn through the metal detector. (Unless you get one of those airport security agents who loves to yell “all belts off.” Then it’s best to comply.)

By coincidence, I have been in the market for a similar type of belt. And to be honest, this one sounds like most of the others. But, there is one big difference between this belt and those others.

All of the other belts are “one size fits all.” They only come in one big size. If too big, the manufacturers suggest you cut the belt down to size.

Cut the belt down to size? Even I who doesn’t sew, or knit, or know any of the needle crafts, knows that if you cut the end of a belt like this, it will eventually fray and come loose. It will look terrible.

But the Tom Bihn belt is different. It comes in a range of sizes from XS to XL. No need to cut. (And if XL isn’t big enough, send them an email and they’ll cut one to size.)

For that one reason alone, I suggest this belt over all of the others. I believe it will last longer because modifications were done at the factory and not at home.

It’s available in numerous colors as long as they are all black. Made in the USA. $20

Tom Bihn suppled the belt and photos for review. They’ve seen my photography skills and made sure their own photos were available for use.

Dear Santa

Now that the official holiday shopping season has started, I thought it would be interesting to see what people are wishing for in terms of travel or travel related goods. Here’s my letter to a 21st century Santa:

Dear Santa,

Once again, sorry about last year’s little problem regarding the burglar alarm and the SWAT team. I know it’s unusual for someone to wire their chimney to a burglar alarm but in today’s day and age you never know.  And you didn’t really mean that “I’ll never set foot within a hundred miles of this house” statement, did you?

I also understand  shortly after that incident  the Air Force sent up fighter jets to escort you to one of their bases in the Caribbean.  Why would you be upset about that in the middle of winter? Okay, it was Guantanamo but you did enter the country without a passport.

If you can see past all that and wish to start anew, I’d like to request any of the convertible carry-on bags I don’t already own.  In black or gray.  Yes, I know, I get all my bags in black or gray but I’m somewhat “colorphobic.” I never know what color goes with what and if it’s too bright, some might get the wrong idea. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. (Oh, congratulations on getting the law changed at the North Pole so Prancer can finally marry Dancer.)

 A few packing cubes would also be nice but I don’t need a strap. I already have plenty of those.

Look at it this way, Santa, I do quite a few reviews for my website and while I have some bags and I can literally see how items fit in them, I only guess when it comes to the others. By actually having another one, I’ll help the handful of people who read my reviews make better choices.  I know I could buy one for myself and write it off, but, I don’t make any money on the site so I can’t take the deduction.

By the way, Santa, is your workshop a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation? I always wondered because I thought I once heard you say something about off-shore accounts.

Yes, it’s true I already have seven convertible carry on bags, but think of another one to be like jello; there’s always room for it.

Oh, about the cookies last year. I thought it would be a nice gesture to make some homemade cookies for you. Granted, steel-cut oatmeal with flax seeds is not the best choice for someone spending hours in a sleigh.  But how did anyone notice with you sitting downwind of the reindeer? Oh, yeah, all those extra emergency stops. This year I’ll only get store bought cookies and will also leave some Pepto-Bismol. How about fig newtons?

That’s all from me. I’ll keep my list short this year. After all,  I don’t want people thinking I’m in the 1%.

My best to Mrs. Claus and the rest of the reindeer.

Frank  II

P.S. I heard rumors that Rudolph replaced his “shiny” nose with an energy saving one. Does that mean you have to leave 15 minutes early and fly around before it reaches its full brightness?

And what are you wishing for?

Website Confusion

I think people are getting confused with the different aspects of this website.

There are two places where readers can post their ideas, opinions, etc.

The first is the blog itself. Like any other website’s blog, the webmaster, editor, or whatever title is given to the person in control, has complete say over what is “said.” It’s his, or her, choice. On this website we also allow you, the reader, to comment. So, as an example, if I choose to only discuss non-wheeled bags, that’s my choice.If I don’t want to discuss wheeled bag, I’m not censoring anyone. It’s my blog I get to choose. (And when I said I would allow discussions of some wheeled bags but now regret it, I was referring to the blog. ) This is like every other blog in the internet.

The other place where you, the reader, can post, is the Reader’s Forum. Here you are basically free to ask questions, respond to other postings, etc, with the only restrictions being that the postings are non-commercial in nature, are free of foul language, and are in what is considered a general civilized tone.  As long as those rules are followed, and can be found in the “Posting Guidelines” link at the top of the page, I do not censor. (Oh, and please keep them travel related.)

I have a feeling that some are getting the two areas confused. Heck, even I was for a short time.

UK Strikes on November 30.

If any of you are planning to travel to the UK on November 30, you may want to change your plans. An expected strike could cause real havoc to international travelers.

A Truly Smart Traveler

I think this writer is learning the hard way…….If only we could tell her about 1bag1world.

Luggage vs. Cobblestone: Tips on managing an unwieldy suitcase

How To Pack A Suit By Rolling

I saw this video on You Tube, tried it, and it works. I knew I had to share it with everyone. (Ignore the wheeled case……)

Daily Roundup--November 23, 2011

Delta is dropping quite a few of its international routes. At the same time, it’s increasing some its domestic ones.

I’m not a big fan of USAir. In the past I’ve had mostly horrible service from that airline and I do my best to avoid it. So, when I here stories like this one, I’m not surprised.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine told TSA head honcho John Pistole that she is upset he decided not to go forward with a promised independent study  of backscatter x-ray scanners and would rely on his own Inspector General’s report. She also noted that the EU has banned this type of machine due to their concerns regarding radiation.

The Canadians are coming!!  The Canadians are coming!!!  Canadian airline Westjet has won 8 takeoff and landings slots each at NY’s Laguardia Airport. JetBlue got the other eight.

L.L. Bean is having a 10% off sale on everything through Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the U.S. of A. Daily Roundup is taking some time off and will resume next week. Of course, if there is anything of major travel news value, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, we’re going to try to catch up on some long overdue gear reviews. Gobble. Gobble.

Daily Roundup--November 22, 2011

It looks like tour operator Thomas Cook is in serious financial trouble. Anyone planning to travel with them might want too think about travel insurance—if it’s not too late.

Spirit Airlines, the only U.S. airlines to charge for carry-on bags, is in trouble with the Department of Transportation.  The DOT is fining the airline $50,000 for deceptive advertising. It seems the airline didn’t fully disclose all fees in both traditional advertising and on twitter.

There’s a bill going through Congress that would make it illegal for airlines to charge for the first checked bag. It would also increase the amount of taxes the airlines pay. I don’t expect it to pass.

Daily Roundup--November 21, 2011

The Australian government announced they will be lifting the restriction on liquids in carry-on bags early next year. This is similar to an announcement made by the EU a  year ago but when the time came they changed their mind. And while the article says it’s aimed at international travelers (out of Australia), they still have to follow the rules of the destination countries. As an example, the U.S. will not allow any flight to  use it’s airspace unless a liquid restriction is in effect.

More Australia news: Talks between Qantas and it’s major unions have broken off and are headed towards arbitration.

The City of Berlin will implement a 5% tax on hotel rooms in 2013. It’s a way for the third most visited capital in Europe, after London and Paris, to earn much needed extra income.

According to Bloomberg News, complaints against the TSA have fallen to an all time low. Either TSA is getting better or people are realizing that complaining gets them absolutely nowhere.

The UK says air passengers flying into or out of UK airports can’t opt out of a body scan. While in many countries, passengers are allowed to choose a pat down instead, UK officials feel a pat down is not as efficient as going through the body scanning machine.

London Mayor Boris Johnson says London needs another international airport. It seems five aren’t enough.

To our Canadian friends: 20% discounts on Porter and Air Canada flights. Good until tomorrow night.

Chase in introducing another credit card in the U.S. with “smart chip” technology. It’s a visa card co-branded with British Airways. The annual cost is $95. The U.S. is one of the last places in the modern world that has not switched from “swipe” technology to “smart chip.”

Gear Reviews

I know I’ve been a little lax on doing gear reviews. It’s been crazy here. I’m going to do my best to catch up over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. With the gift-giving holidays coming up, some of you may be interested in buying travel gear for those on your shopping list.

Water & Dehydration are mutually exclusive according to the EU

There’s a joke amongst travel professionals that if you want to spot an American overseas, just look for someone carrying a big water bottle. After all, we’re taught that you must drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated. 

Right? Well, not necessarily. Not if you’re in the EU.

It all started when some water companies in Europe wanted the right to say on water bottles that drinking water helped to prevent dehydration. (Not just bottled water but water in general.) And with all things that make sense, the EU had to convene a panel of experts. Experts, who, I should tell you, said there is no correlation between water and dehydration. (I’m not kidding.)

And what does the EU do? Not only do they ban anyone from using the statement in advertising but if they do use it, it could mean jail time.

Now remember, in the past, the EU enacted laws banning curved bananas and cucumbers, both since rescinded, after much ridicule.

With all the problems the EU faces, think financial collapse, it makes me wonder why this non-elected body is given so much power.

Perhaps this Brussels based group has been sampling too much of the great Belgian beer? It would be better if they stuck to chocolate.

EU bans claim that water can prevent dehydration

Daily Roundup--November 17, 2011

The TSA may back out of a health study of their backscatter body scanners because the Inspector General is doing its own study and it will prove the machines safe. It’s intersting however, that the EU has recently banned the machines over radiation fears. Am I the only one scratching my head?

Wine drinkers, it’s Beaujolais Nouveau day.

TLC and Southwest Airlines are partnering up for a new TV reality show looking at the behind the scenes working of a airline. For those that remember the TV series “Airline,” which this sounds like, the people behind this show says “Airline” was more focused on customer service while the new show will include many more types of employees who will tell their own stories. Am I the only one these days who seems to be doing a lot more reading?

Daily Roundup--November 17, 2011 (Morning Edition)

These two stories are so unbelievable, I didn’t want to wait until the end of the day to publish them.

So, there you are sitting on your plane waiting for it to refuel when the airport tells you that the passengers must come up with 24,000 British Pounds or they and their luggage will be removed from the plane. It seems the airline hadn’t paid its airport fees because there was no money. The passengers were bussed to the terminal and escorted to the ATM machines.

Pilot uses toilet. Gets locked in. Well, the rest, sounds more like a comedy sketch than reality. You have to read the story. If you’ve flown at all in the last few years, you’ll just shake your head and smile.

Daily Roundup--November 16, 2011

Sorry this is late, I thought I had published it on Wednesday.

To TSA or not to TSA, that is the question. Some members of Congress want to do away with the TSA, while others want to give it more powers.

Hawaiian Airlines begins East Coast service next June when it starts daily round trip service between Honolulu and New York’s JFK airport.  It will be a nonstop flight on an Airbus A330.

Holland is getting closer to changing its laws when it comes to foreigners and smoking pot. Under a new law, that privilege may only be extended to locals.

Next year, Virgin Galactic will start flying ordinary citizens into space. And now we can report that one German insurance company is offering, yes, space flight insurance.

Daily Roundup--November 15, 2011

Deny a bag, make some money. At least that’s the way it is for Ryanair ground workers at Liverpool Airport.  For every carry-on bag they insist be checked for a hefty “fee,”  they are paid a 50 pence bonus. Gee, they wouldn’t abuse the system, would they?

According to a J.D. Power & Associates poll, the top rated rental car company in terms of satisfaction is…Ace Rent-Car. Who?

Having trouble finding a room in London for the 2012 Olympics? Have no fear, Queen Liz is renting out rooms. Not sure if wi-fi is included.

Daily Roundup--November 14, 2011

American Eagle becomes the first airline to be fined under the new tarmac delay regulations. The incident occurred last May 29 during a snowstorm in Chicago. The fine, $900,000.

Hilton is going to start donating all used soap to charity. I thought it sounded weird but apparently the soap is “recycled” and sent to those in need.

BBC Travel has an article on “Five Features To Look For In A Carry-On Bag.” Once again, we non-wheelers get no respect. In fact, this article even encourages “more wheels” as in four instead of two. (Heavy Sigh)