As the search for debris from Air France #447 continues, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on finding the “black box,” believing that it will shed some light on the mysterious disappearance of this flight.

In lay terms, “black box” refers to the the flight data recorder (a device used to record what’s physically happening with an aircraft) and the cockpit voice recorder (that records the audio that occurs in the flight deck).  Together, these recorders are analyzed for a variety of safety issues, human factors, performance standards, and more, and then the experts can piece together what happened to Flight 447.

That’s why recovering the black box is such a high priority.  It’s the only thing right now that holds the answers to all the questions that we have.  There’s lot of painstaking recovery to occur.  When it’s found, teams of experts will then have months of painstaking work trying to analyze their part of the information.  Once that’s done, the piecing together will begin.

I know that it’s tempting to demand immediate answers.  I’d like those answers right away, too.  But it’s only be letting everyone do their job, and letting all the parts of the process play out, that there’s any hope of finding out how this plane disappeared from the sky.

It’s clever.  It’s fun.  It’s very, very cute.

And the first time I heard a rapping Flight Attendant it would be a hoot.  But working multiple flights and hearing this more than once a day, would start getting as old as the regular safety announcement.  What do you think?

I belong to several frequent flyer programs, and have recently gotten lots of information that these programs (along with hotel frequent gust programs) are adding lots of new features that are supposed to help secure my loyalty to the program.

But it’s not working!  My loyalty is currently up for grabs!

Why?  Because I’m getting tired of never being able to use my miles. 

I’m planning a trip to Italy, and wanted to use miles to either get a business class seat or to upgrade to business.  No can do!  There is not one available business class seat available on any of several flights on several airlines on several dates.  Not a one!

But, if I want to buy an economy ticket at an upgradable fare – a fare that’s in excess of a fully refundable economy ticket and roughly 2 1/2 times the best available fare – well, then, I’m welcome to use miles to upgrade.  This upgradeable fare is only a couple hundred dollars less than buying a business class ticket.  Oh yeah – did I mention that I’d have to use lots and lots of miles to get that upgrade even after paying that much much.  And when I say lots and lots, I mean an upgrade is going to cost me (in miles) the equivalent of a round trip ticket.

I understand supply and demand.  And I understand not wanting to give away something when you can sell it.  While I don’t like the higher mileage priced awards with “no blackout travel dates” it would be easier to swallow if those were actually available.  I couldn’t even find business travel options at these premium mileage rates.  I’d use the miles!

Frustrated?  Who me?

I’m going looking for an airline and partners who understand that my loyalty can be bought.  The price is simply having a mileage plan that allows me to use my miles.  My loyalty can be bought!

What buys your loyalty to a frequent flyer program?  Please leave a comment, and be sure to take the poll in the side bar.

Photo credit:  SXC

Sure, we’ve all cut it close getting to the airport.  I’ve done it too. 

But this?  If you miss your flight, that’s bad.  But acting like this?  Even worse!

If you’re tired of carrying your bags through the airport, filling out lost bag reports, and feeling like you’re juggling a hundred different bags at once, Luggage Forward guarantees delivery of baggage from doorstep to destination (and back) for travelers wanting convenience, reliability, and predictability.

Luggage Forward takes care of every step of the process, from booking to pickup and delivery of your bags.  And with a network of shipping partners around the world, they can ensure safe and on time delivery of all your items to over 200 countries.

What can you forward?  Luggage, sporting equipment (skis, snowboard, golf clubs, etc.), bicycles, baby equipment (strollers, car seat, etc.), and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Of course, this convenience comes with a price – and it’s more than that $25 charge for an extra checked bag!  Shipping fees are based on a combination of luggage size, distance to ship, and the level of service that you need. 

I checked out the fees by putting together a sample forward from Seattle to Palm Springs, forwarding one large bag, one medium bag, and a standard bag of golf clubs.  Your service level choice depends on when you want your bags picked up – and consequently how they are shipped.  The range is from 5 days prior (basic at $227 one way) to the day before (express at $599).  A similar range and prices are applicable for the return, and based on when you want your bags delivered back to you at home.

Luggage forwarding looks like an expensive proposition, and in these days of making personal economies, I’m not sure my budget stretches this far.  Still, if you are dealing with business goods, trade show materials, or just have an unlimited budget, it’s hard to argue with the convenience of Luggage Forward.

What do you think?  Is the convenience worth the price?

Photo credit:  SXC

I’m hearing that people are paying a little more attention to inflight safety demonstrations these days. 

Maybe it was watching the water ditching of US Air Flight Flight 1540.  Maybe it was listening to how and why all the passengers survived.  Maybe it’s a little bit of fear.

Regardless, it is a good thing to have happening.  But, just like the post-9ll respect wore off, I’d guess that watching the safety demo will as well.

Take a look:

The confusion between a direct flight and a non-stop flight comes up all the time, so it’s worth a mention again.  It’s a key travel decision that you need to keep straight.

They are not the same thing, and if you don’t pay attention to the difference, you may find yourself on a direct flight from Miami to Seattle with all sorts of stops in between.

Here’s a simple explanation of the difference.

Non-Stop Flight:  You will travel from your Departure City to your Arrival City without any scheduled stops in between.  One take off, one landing, one airplane.  It’s the fastest way to get from one place to another, and often the most expensive.

Direct Flight:  You will travel from your Departure City to your Arrival City on the same flight, but there may be stops between the two.  There may even be a change of planes, although that is not typically the case.  Multiple takes offs, multiple landings, and potentially multiple aircraft.  This is a lengthier way to get from one place to another, and with every stop you increase the chances for delays, cancellations, weather problems, or mechanicals. 

And as a third option, you may be making a Connecting Flight.  You will travel from your Departure City to a Connecting City where you will go to another flight, sometimes another airlines, and get on connecting flight that will take you to your Destination City.  There are lots of factors that go into making a connection, so keep in mind minimum connection time.

Given a choice – I’d always recommend choosing take a direct flight.

Image credit:  SXC

I haven’t really been ready to talk about this, although I’m beginning to wrap my head around it. 

For now, I’ll just let the video speak for itself —

With all the tools available for booking travel online, more and more people choose to do it themselves rather than use the services of a travel agent.

I think the ability to research, sleuth out the best and perfect deal, and make reservations yourself is a wonderful thing.  BUT – it also means that you have to take responsibility for those reservations, including the mistakes that you make.

One mistake that I’m seeing on a regular basis, is travelers not allowing sufficient time to make a connection.  This can have unintended consequence that can wind up costing you money.

Here are a few scenarios, and my recommendations on making sure you have enough time to make your connection:

You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to another domestic flight also on Airline A:

If it’s a large airport, I’d allow no less than 45 minutes.  That gives you time to get off one plane, walk to another gate, and board another.  It has a little built in room in case there’s a small delay.  I’ve seen people do it in 30 minutes, but I’d not take that chance unless it is a very small airport.  Under 30 minutes is just asking for trouble.

You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to a domestic flight on Airline B:

I’d probably go with 45 minutes unless I knew that the connecting gate areas were at opposite ends of a busy airport.  Then I’d allow an hour.

You have purchased two separate tickets (rather than one) and will need to get to another gate to make that flight:

This is the riskiest scenario of all.  Because you have two different tickets, and if you miss the connection, the second airline will assume you are a no show and will cancel your ticket.  Will you be able to convince them to reinstate it?  Maybe.  Will there be a fee associated with it?  Most likely.  If you are going to take this option, I recommend leaving lots and lots of time to make the connection.  Don’t try to cut it short and find yourself without a flight.  Depending on the airport and the airlines, I’d suggest hours and hours of a cushion.

You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to an international flight on any carrier:

I’d allow no less than an hour at a smaller airport and 90 minutes at a major hub.  The reason?  You will most likely have to go to the international terminal, and that’s going to take some time.  Depending on the airport, you may have to go back through security (LAX for example).  That means you need to allow for time in line and clearing security.  You also want to make sure there’s time for your bag to make it as well.  And if you’re flight is early and everything goes smoothly, you can use those few extra minutes to browse duty free!

What about an international flight?  Any difference?

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Although I check my bags on occasion, I’m very vigilant in not packing certain types of things.  Some things go in your checked luggage, some go in your carry ons, and depending on space, some things can go either way.

It doesn’t seem like I should have to spell this out, but most every day that I fly someone mentions packing one of these items in their checked bagged.  Usually, it doesn’t present a problem, but DON’T PACK THESE ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!

1. Itinerary.  Keep a copy of your itinerary in your checked bag, but make sure that you have a copy with you as well.  If your bag does go missing, you’ll need to know what reservations you have, confirmation numbers, phone numbers, etc.  I keep my itinerary on my phone and computer as well, but have it on paper as well. 
2. Ticket.  People actually pack these away, and I want to scream WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?  Take all tickets with you, from plane and rail tickets to admission and concert tickets.  Treat these like cash.
3. Money.  And while we’re on the subject of cash, why anyone would pack money is beyond me.  This goes for any form of cash, too – credit cards, travelers checks, bearer bonds, whatever!  Keep it with you!
4. Identification.  You need it to get through security, but make sure that you don’t send any with your checked bags.  If it’s lost or stolen, don’t given anyone additional information that could lead to identity theft.
5. Jewelry.  A few months ago, I saw a woman with a bag too large to fit in the overhead bin refuse to give up her back to be check because it had all her jewelry in it.  Good move.  But a better move would have been to pack it all in a carry on that would actually fit on the plane.  When she took out all her jewelry there was so much that she had to put it in a large shopping bag.  Think twice about packing that much of the good stuff, even when it’s in your carry on, as you may be making yourself on a target for theft.
6. Fragile items.  Glassware, antiques, and other expensive goo-gaws should be in your carry ons.  If they’re too large to carry on, you should arrange to have them packed properly and shipped.  But don’t trust their safety to the baggage handlers.
7. Camera gear.  If you are traveling with a large amount of professional gear, you already know how to pack it for transport.  You may decide to check it, or you may decide to use one of the shipping services that will have it waiting for you at your destination.  For the rest of us, don’t pack your gear or film away.  Why trust your precious memories to someone else.
8. Perishables.  Food should go with you.  Mayo gone bad or a rotting piece of fruit is going to stink up the joint.  Don’t let it stink up your clothes.
9. Medication.  This falls within an exception to the 3-1-1 liquid rule (check the TSA website for more details).  If your bags are delayed or lost, you won’t want to be caught without medications that you need.  If you must travel with large amounts of medications, consider shipping them ahead to your destination, or arranging to have prescriptions filled on the road.
10. Keys.  You’ll want to be able to get into your car or into your house if your bags are delayed.  And you certainly wouldn’t want your house keys falling into the hands of a thief.

The above items are the MUST go in carry on list!

But be sure to save room for some items that will make the flight a little more enjoyable – reading material, a few toiletries, a bathing suit or lightweight change of clothes, iPod, snacks, and games or toys for the kids.

Image credit:  SXC

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