Today’s questions comes from Hayley, who just can’t seem to believe that I can pack minimally.  Believe me, it comes with practice, and there are trips where it’s a real challenge.  Here’s Hayley’s question:
Q.  I can’t believe you can pack so light.  What do you take in your carry on?
A.  This varies based on whether I’m traveling for work or pleasure.  If it’s work, there are some additional things that I have to carry, and when I’m in uniform, I’m exempt from the no liquids rule.  Since most of you will need to be in compliance with the no …read more

A recent poll by travel search site Skyscanner, asked the question:  “Who do you hate sitting next to most on the plane?”
Over a thousand travelers took the poll, and I don’t think there were any big surprises.  Topping the list, with 19% in agreement, was bad breath and body odor.  No kidding!
Here’s what tops the list:

Bad breath and body odor (19%)
Wailing baby (15%)
Hyperactive child (13%)
Big bodied people (12%)
Sneezers and sniffers (10%)
Rowdy parties (10%)
Arm rest hogs (8%)

For me, the most annoying is the person who invades my personal space.  Whether it’s leaning into my face (with their bad breath), hogging …read more

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 …read more

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 …read more

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 …read more

The best part about getting on the plane, is knowing that you’ll be getting off at your destination, and that you  have loads of great times ahead of you.
For many travelers, however, the landing and deplaning process can be just as confusing and challenging as the boarding process.
Here’s the scoop on how the landing process works and some tips that will make it easy for you to get off the plane.  Frequently flyers – pay attention, because you should take some of the suggestions to heart.

Once the aircraft is on the ground and taxiing into the gate, most airlines …read more

Q.  I know that Flight Attendants hate it when passengers ring the call button.  But is there a time when it’s okay to use it?  It’s there, after all.
 
A.  Yeah, the ringing call button can really be an annoyance to us, and it’s for a couple of reasons.
Most important of all, however, is that if you have an emergency, use it.  Do not hesitate!
That said, there are differing opinions about what constitutes an emergency.
During certain phases of flight, specifically the take off and landing sequence, emergency should be interpreted very strictly.  This is a time when we are buckled …read more

There’s a lot of humor in our jobs as Flight Attendants, and most of us enjoy a good comedy routine about what it’s like working in the skies.
One entertainer who has captured the humor of our job is Pam Ann, a character created by Australian comedian Caroline Reid.  Pam Ann, a twist on the name of former airline Pan Am, is part drag routine and part campy humor with a bit of glamour thrown in for good measure.  Her routines play on the stereotypes of airlines, Flight Attendants, and some of the quirkiness of various airline cultures. 
Although much of the …read more

There are a number of ways to select the flight that you’ll take, from a price point to convenience.  Usually it’s some combination of a number of factors.
Ring in on your booking criteria with the August poll:
What is your most important consideration when booking a flight?

Price – I only book the lowest fare
Price – within a range, but doesn’t have to be the lowest
Scheduled departure
Scheduled arrival
Non-stop flight, no connections
Only one stop or one connection
Airline – I’m loyal to my favorite(s)
Any airline other than the one(s) I hate
Other – please explain in the comments

Make your selection in the side bar at …read more