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 liquid rule, here’s a run down of what’s in my carry on if I’m flying away for a getaway weekend.

• Netbook – I downsized to this for my trip to Europe this year, and boy did it free up space and weight!
• iPod
• Camera and FlipCam
• Gadget accessories – chargers, mouse, extra cards
• Notepad and pens/pencils, envelopes, file folder with trip info in it, miscellaneous stuff to collect additional information while on trip
• Make up and toiletries
• Bag of liquids – deodorant, toothpaste, perfume, cleanser, moisturizer, mascara, lipstick and gloss,and small-sized hair products
• Change of clothes – usually just another t-shirt or blouse, underwear, socks, and a swimsuit (if I’m going somewhere warm)
• Sleepwear
• Snacks – I’m a big fan of packing something healthy to eat on the road
• Jewelry
• Kindle

And that’s it!  Everything else goes in one roller bag that I check.

My carry on contains the essentials that I’ll need so I’m not bored during the flight, keeps my valuables with me, and with a change of clothes can get me through an overnight if my bag is delayed.  Really — I CHECK MY BAG!  I made a few modifications for a three week trip, but the basic framework for my packing is always the same.  And if I’m on a ticket (rather than flying on a pass), I always check my bag.

What do you pack in your carry on?

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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 the arm rest, or crowding me personally by putting their body into my personal space, it makes me crazy.  We each get a small little bit of space in our seat, and I don’t want to share it with anyone.

How would you answer the question? Who do you hate sitting next to most on the plane?

Source:  Travel Daily News

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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?

You are traveling international inbound to the US on Airline A and are connecting to another US flight.

You will have to go through customs and immigrations inbound to the U.S., and depending on the airport, time of day, and number of other international arrivals, this could take awhile.  You will need to claim your bags and get them checked to your final destination, then clear security again and get to your departure gate.  If you make the trip regularly, and know your airport and its traffic patterns, or are continuing on the same flight number, you will probably do fine with 90 minutes.  If you are not an experienced traveler, are planning on making major purchases abroad, are traveling with children or a large group, or in any way can’t run through an airport if time is tight, I’d recommend allowing 2 hours.

There are, of course, exceptions to all of these recommendations, but these are the guidelines that I personally start with.  If missing a connection has serious repercussions (missing the last flight that gets you in on time for a cruise departure, missing the last flight of the day to Europe, or something like that), I try to take an earlier flight or leave additional time to make my connection.

NOTE: If you don’t have checked bags, and can make an earlier connection, you can always ask your airline to stand-by for the earlier flight.

Image credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 allow you to use your cell phone.  What you cannot do, however, is stand up and get it out of the overhead, or unbuckle your seat belt and get it out from beneath your set.  If you’ll want to use it on taxi in, keep the phone handy.  And stay buckled up and in your seat.
• Even though the aircraft is on the ground, it takes awhile to get to a jet way.  The taxi time can change with inclement weather, so a short taxi last time does not necessarily mean a short taxi this time.  Stay in your seat, keep your seatbelt buckled, and leave all your carry on items where they are – which should be properly stowed.  If there’s a wait to get to the jet way Flight Attendants will be making this announcement again, and sometimes  it will come from the Flight Deck as well.  When we can see the end of your seatbelt hanging in the aisle, we know you’re not buckled in.
• Even though the plane stops, you might not be at the gate.  There can be lots of stops and stops before you get to the gate, so just stay in your seat, keep your seatbelt buckled, and leave all your carry on items where they are – which should be properly stowed.  (Are you noticing the theme yet?)
• When the seatbelt sign is finally turned off, it’s okay to unbuckle and start putting on your coat and gathering your items.  Stand up if you’d like to, but know that you’re not going anywhere for a little while longer.  As you move around and get your things, be careful not to bump and bang into other passengers.
• The jet way has to be attached to the plane, or stairs rolled up to the door if there are no jet ways, and that still takes a bit of time.  The front door doesn’t get opened until these are in place, so it’s going to be another couple of minutes before anything more happens.

Finally, though, the door WILL open.  There may be an exchange of arrival paperwork, and then passengers can deplane.  Here’s where it can get a little tricky once again.  Remember the process for boarding – well, think of the deplaning as the same process in reverse.

• Be very careful when taking your bags out of the overhead bins.  You may have heads below the bins and you don’t want to conk someone on the head. 
• First off the plane will be the first class passengers, because they are sitting up front and closest to the door.
• After that, proceeding in an orderly fashion, row by row starting with the row closest to the door, will make things move most quickly.  Let the people in front of you get off rather than trying to climb over them.  This seems like common sense to me, but every day I see people at the back of the plane try to make it off first!
• If you’re going to need a little extra time to gather your stuff and get off, let people behind you go by and wait for a break in traffic.  If you have kids that need longer, this will help them take the time they need and reduce stress for you, them, and the people behind you.
• As you slowly walk forward and off the plane, take a moment and thank your flight crew.  It’s a simple thing, but it will make our day.

You have finally arrived at your destination.  Let go of all your travel stress and forget about all the headaches involved in getting there.  Put on a new attitude, even though you may not feel like it, and be a fun, happy person to be around.

Happy Holidays everyone, and may all your travels be on time!

Photo credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 into our jump seats, for our own safety, and getting up to answer a call button can be dangerous.

At any time, if you are ill, see someone around you who may need first aid assistance, see someone being harmed or threatened with harm, overhear threats or intimidation, see something that could threaten the safety of the flight, or have an emergency situation – reach up or over and push the call button.  We want you to use it, even if the situation plays out to not be the crisis you may have believed it was.  Better safe than sorry.

For less dire circumstances, use the call button when you need something, but be mindful of what else is going on around you. 

Keep reading, and see how you’d answer the following questions:

• You see the Flight Attendants rushing about with first aid items, paging for a doctor or nurse, and see another passenger collapsed at the floor.  You’re wondering what time the flight is going to get in.  Do you ring the call button?
• The plane is climbing up to cruise altitude, and your child is already a little bored with the flight.  All of a sudden he notices all the buttons overhead.  There’s a button that turns the light on and off and he plays with that for awhile.  After that he reaches for the call button.  Do you intercept him, or let him play with it?
• Beverages have just been served at your row, and the Flight Attendants have moved the cart ahead to serve the next row.  You’ve downed your glass of water, don’t want to hold the glass any more, and want it taken away.  Do you ring the call button.
• The Flight Attendants have finished the food and beverages cart(s), and have just made an announcement that they are going to pick up some trash, and re-stock supplies and will then be out with additional beverages.  You want a refill on your coffee.  Do you ring the call button?

All of the above have happened, and all have been an annoyance.  Simply put, there are much fewer of “us” than there are of ""you."  If we’re busy with other duties and/or assisting other passengers, we really need you to wait your turn.  That may sound like we don’t care about customer service, but it’s quite the opposite.  We want to get to things as quickly as possible, but constant interruptions for call buttons just slows the process down.

Use the call button, but use it wisely.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 humor can be on the risque side, here’s a safe-for-work clip of what it’s like to work the beverage cart:

Pam Ann frequently tours in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.  She has a released a couple DVD’s, and I hear that one more is in the works.

People often think that Flight Attendants are offended at humor like this.  Quite the contrary is true!  This is funny stuff, and we appreciate it as much as anyone!

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 the right, just below the “About Flyaway Cafe” box.  Feel free to explain your choice in the comments below.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe