Actual survival kit

“Survival kit” is often (over)used figuratively to denote a set of essential items for a given activity or interest. Let’s talk about a bare minimum, actual set of (life) survival items that even a light traveler could carry. A couple of disposable breathing masks, iodide tablets, antibiotics? I don’t wish to go overboard or become a survivalist per se, but surely many of us have been thinking about this in recent days.

And while I’m at it - this moderated blog/board/live update page from Reuters is the single best Japan disaster news source I’ve seen.

(Brad)

Update on March 17, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

FRANK II’s Pick

The return of the fanny pack

That’s right boys and girls, the fanny pack, the waist pack, the thing you wore around your body that branded you a tourist with a capital “T” is now a “must have fashion accessory.”

Think about it. For one bag travelers, especially those in the leisure category, this is very handy and compact. I’d much rather have one of these than a full sized messenger bag if most of that bag is empty.

If popularity does increase, I have my eye on a security packed one from Daymakers. And for the days I need more room, a fold up Chicobag Messenger will do the trick.  (I’m not thrilled that Pacsafe is now plastering their logo on everything. No more discreet turtle.)

(Frank II)

TSA to retest body scanners for radiation.

I know some of you are tired of stories about TSA, but this times it’s different.

The TSA has ordered the retesting of every body scanning machine around the country after maintenance records showed some of the machines emittd 10 times the amount of radiation expected.

The TSA believes that the higher readings are mistakes but is still going retest anway. They assure everyone that even at the higher numbers the machines are safe

I wonder if it was the glowing passengers that gave it away? 

I’ll wait until the test results come back to make my decision. 

Slate Magazine

(Frank II)

Rick Steves free app

This looks good - maybe not so helpful to experienced travelers, but still good. The maps alone are probably worth the trouble of downloading it. From the Rick Steves site:

The Rick Steves Audio Europe app organizes Rick’s vast and varied library of audio content into geographic-specific playlists so you can enjoy ready access to the information that relates specifically to your travel plans. You’ll get Rick’s 25 self-guided tours of Europe’s top museums, sights and historic walks — plus 200 tracks of travel tips and cultural insights from his radio show — all for FREE!

• The Android version is in development. Stay tuned for a release date.

• This app downloads and stores audio files on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 4 or later. No Wi-Fi or cellphone connection is required to listen. (You will need a connection if you choose to add audio tracks later.)
• Download the audio files before you go or use a wi-fi hotspot in Europe to avoid incurring data charges.
• Handy PDF maps that complement the app’s walking tours can be viewed on your device or printed from any computer.
• Audio content originates from Rick Steves’ guidebooks and the ‘Travel with Rick Steves’ public radio program. Self-guided walking tours are excerpted from Rick Steves’ country and city guidebooks.

(Brad)

Timbuk2 for you?

This OBOW Forum thread mentions the new Timbuk2 Wingman case. Here’s another T2 offering from their rather large line - the lighter H.A.L backpack:

(Brad)

FAA orders oxygen masks out of the lav

The FAA has announced it ordered all airlines last month toremove oxygen masks from all aircraft lavatories.  

While they wouldn’t go into detail, the agency said it was for “security” purposes and they wanted to have the work done before it became public.

The agency said it is now working with manufacturers to replace the old systems with new ones. Until then, it’s instructing flight attendants to check lavatories in times of oxygen emergencies.

(Frank II)

Travel emergencies

With the terrible earthquake and tsunami that has hit Japan, and the fact that 20,000 people are stranded at the two main Tokyo international airports, I have to wonder: how many of us are prepared to handle emergenices while traveling?

It is my belief, that no matter where you are in the world, if you have your passport and a credit card, and perhaps some cash, you can get home.

With this is mind, I always, underline always, carry my passport, credit cards, and the bulk of my cash in a moneybelt. There are some who insist that they keep these items in either their room safe or hotel safe because they don’t want to carry them around. It’s safer there and more comfortable than a moneybelt. 

But what if you can’t get back to your hotel? Taj Hotel guests in Mumbai weren’t allowed back in until well after the terrorist attacks last year were over. And what if you’re out and your hotel is the victim of a natural disaster. I’d much rather lose a few items of clothing, some toiletries and a bag, if it means getting me out of a bad situation.

And what if you were one of the thousands stuck at an airport and forced to wait on line to get your ticket changed? What would you do? (I’d find a way to call my airline’s reservation department. The people you talk to on the phone are looking at the same screen the person behind the counter is some 150 people ahead. Sure, they might charge you a few bucks but I’d rather pay it than waste all day waiting.)

And what if you can’t get out that day or even for a few days? Tough it out on the terminal floor? What I do is look for alternatives. Is there another way to where I’m going? Is there a nearby airport with flights going in my direction. In Japan, while the two Tokyo airports are closed, the Osaka airport is open. Is there a way to utilize that information? I’ve done this, not in Japan, where I knew of alternate flights at other airports and convinced the airline to let me get on one of those. If that didn’t work, and it looks like hotels would soon be filling up, I’d call the one I just left to see if they could find a room for me if I came back. Since I’ve already been a customer they may be more helpful to me than someone just walking in off the street.

A smart traveler knowing his options and possibly having a back  up plan doesn’t necessarily have to be one of the travel “victims.” When I was training to be a tour director it was drummed into us to expect problems and how to handle the most common ones. The one thing we were told over and over was that we had to be flexible. 

Okay, your turn, what little tricks have you learned to help prevent your trips from having real problems?

(Frank II)

Staggering tsunami map

FROM TELEGRAPH.CO.UK’S EXCELLENT COVERAGE

(Brad)

Amtrak police chief to TSA: Stay away

The chief of Amtrak Police has told TSA to stay away from his train stations. 

It seems a TSA VIPR team set up shop unannounced at the Savannah Amtrak Station and insisted on screening every passenger that entered—including some who had just gotten OFF a train.

The police chief got wind of this after a You Tube video of a nine year old boy being searched went viral. He said until an agreement between his department and TSA is finalized he doesn’t want them anywhere near the train stations. 

Eventually, TSA responded. It defended its actions and even, are you ready, admitted it might have made a small mistake.   Gee, really?

(Frank II)

Travel Goods Show

This year’s Travel Goods Show just wrapped up in Chicago. I, unfortunately couldn’t attend due to previous committments, but, I have been getting information about new products.

Every year, the TGA gives awards for new product innovation. The winners were: 

 First Place: The  Thule Crossover line of bags. These are newly designed in all shapes and sizes.

Second Place: Shelves-To-Go A unique packing shelf system that collapses into your carry on bag, then is easily removed and hung up at your destination. 

Third Place: The Powerbag

The website isn’t active yet but this is a high end ($180) checkpoint friendly laptop backpack with built in 6000maH power supply, USB, mini & micro USB, and Apple 30 pin connector. They claim the backpack can recharge a cell phone four times.

(Frank II)

100% all female flight crews

Today is International Women’s Day and numerous airlines are flying long haul flights all female crews. 

Air India will offer 11 all-female crew flights including one from New Delhi to Toronto. Air France has one from Paris to Hong Kong. 

(Frank II)

SFO installs water bottle refill stations

We all know the rule—no liquids past the security checkpoint except those in 3-1-1 bags and under 3 oz. 

But what about those of us who want to bring a bottle of water on board? Well, we can pay the $6,000 required at any of the shops past security for a small two gulp bottle or we can try, underline try, to find a water fountain. (Good luck.)

But SFO is changing that. They’ve begun to  install water bottle refilling stations throughout the airport past the security checkpoints. 

The airport hopes this will cut down on the number of plastic bottles thrown away and will encourage passengers to take the empty one through security and reuse them. 

TSA says its working too hard and that's not fair

Kudos to Monte for  originally posting this on comment board:

It seems the TSA is complaining that since the airlines have started charging for checked luggage,more and more people are carrying on their luggage causing more work for the screeners. 

They say the cost is also rising and it’s not fair that the airlines get to keep all the fees while the TSA has to foot the bill for extra manpower.

They want the airlines to pay more.

And anytime anyone wants the ailrines to pay more it’s going to be passed on the passenger.

If TSA wants more money, they could model themselves after a similar business—the strip joint.

I can just see the rules now:

“Hi, if you’re chosen to go through a physical pat down, please relax and enjoy. We are here for your safety and pleasure. It is customary, after the “pat down” to show your appreciation by stuffing one dollar bills in your screener’s garter belt. 

For a more intimate pat down, private rooms are available.

And please remember, the screener can touch you anywhere he or she wants. Only you can’t touch back.

All major credit cards accepted.”

(Frank II)

Toddler locked in overhead bin

A Virgin Blue flight attendant has been fired for allegedly putting a 20 month old toddler in the overhead bin.

Now, before you become incensed like I did when I first read the headling, I suggest you read the entire news report and then come back for my own comentary on the subject:

Toddler locked in overhead bin”

Okay, did you read the story? Here’s my thoughts…

1) She was traveling with her NOW ESTRANGED husband

2) The 20 month old ws supposedly locked in for 10 seconds and is now so traumatized he has to see specialists?

3) Does anyone get the feeling this Aussie is being prepped by her attorneys to do things the American way: Sue everyone is sight. ?

(Frank II)

Airlines charged with price fixing

The U.S. government has accused 21 airlines of taking part in a price fixing scheme  that cost American consumers and cargo shippers hundreds of millions of dollars by artificially inflating fuel surcharges.

The scheme took place between 2000 and 2006 and helped to raise airline profits

So far, fines of $1.7 billion have been levied and 19 executives have been indicted—four of whom have gone to jail.

The U.S.government found out about the scheme when two of the airlines involved, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic, came forward and admitted what was going on. Neither airline gave any specifics as to why they did that. By helping the government they were not penalized.

British Airways, Koraen Air and Air France-KLM are some of the airlines that were charged. No U.S

The strange part; no U.S. based airlines were involved. 

(Frank II)

'Pad landing

As I mentioned earlier my wife will be getting an iPad as part of research grant she’s involved with. When the team heard about the iPad 2 they elected to wait for it, so I should have an iPad 2 in the household soon. Until then, here’s a first take from the London Telegraph (I generally prefer the less-geeked out Brit take on these sorts of things):

The iPad 2 is strikingly thin and though it isn’t that much lighter than the original iPad, its slender form makes it feel less hefty overall. The improvement in the form factor is similar to the change between the early iPod touch and the more recent model but in the iPad’s case the difference is even more stark. - read more

(Brad)

Update on March 4, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

I, too, plan to get one but I’ll have to pay for mine. It will be interesting to get two different perspectives on the same item.

(Frank II)

Now that's what I call inflight entertainment

Tired of the seat back screens, the movies, the video games, the shopping? You say you want something new? How about live stand-up comedy?

On March 12, three well known British comedians will take to the skies on a British Airways flight to raise money for Comic Relief.

Those taking part hope the 2 1/2 hour flight for 180 guests will not only raise money for charity but also set a new Guiness record.

(Frank II)

Update on March 3, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

Oops…it has been pointed out that at least one of the three comedians taking part is not British. I don’t want to start another war so I’ll say two British comedians and one non-British comedian will be performing.

It just keeps getting worse...

First, numerous TSA agents are arrested for theft. Then three are “disciplined” for allowing boxcutters on board an aircraft.

And now, between 25 and 30 screeners are being investigated at HNL (Honolulu) for for routinely failing to screen checked luggage on early morning flights.

The TSA requires all luggage to be screened. Of course, they were quick to point out the breech wasn’t at the checkpoints where as if that’s supposed to make us feel better.

(Frank II)

Man takes boxcutters onto flight

Three TSA screeners at JFK airport are being sent for “remedial” training after a man was found to have three box cutters on a Jet Blue flight. 

The incident occured last Saturday on a flight to the Dominican Republic. As the passenger was stowing his bag in the overhead, the boxcutters fell out. He said he uses them for his work and forgot they were there.

The entire flight was rescreened and left three hours later.

I feel so safe knowing TSA is on the job. 

(Frank II)

Update on March 3, 2011 by Frank@OBOW

From USA Today:

The TSA says that despite the breach, other measures put in place in recent years are meant to thwart those with ill intentions.

“There have been a number of additional security layers implemented on aircraft since 9/11 that would prevent someone from causing catastrophic damage with small cutting devices,” the TSA says in a written statement to AP.

The news agency writes that the TSA “cited armed air marshals, bulletproof cockpit doors, pilots carrying firearms, flight crews trained in self-defense and ‘a vigilant traveling public who have demonstrated a willingness to intervene.’ “

(If this is so, why do we have to go through the nude-0-scopes and subject ourselves to invasive patdowns?—Frank II)

BA confirms bedbugs

A few days ago, I posted about a women who complained of being bitten on two British Airways flights.

Well, BA is now admitting that it found bedbugs on one of its planes and has taken it as well as another out of service for fumigation. 

Apparently, both of the planes were the ones flown by the woman—one from Bangalore to London and the other from London to Los Angeles. 

(Frank II)