The Visa Waiver Program has been around for over 20 years, although it has reached greater awareness and prominence in the post-911 era of travel.  The program has been modified over the years, with additional countries added to the list and an electronic travel component added, but the underlying purpose of the plan remains the same.
Visitors from specific countries are permitted to travel to the United States for a period of up to 90 days (for business or pleasure travel) without having to get a Visa.  There are specific requirements for countries to get on the waiver list, including …read more

It seems to be a week of parents, kids, and air travel, and a whole lot of discussion of hoaxes.
First, there was the Heene family, and what it becoming known as the Bubble Boy Flight.  Or hoax, depending on which side of the issue you come down on.  A recent CNN breaking news report said that charges were soon to be filed against the dad.  What charges?  Not yet known, but many who followed the story on Thursday will be curious to find out.
Next, comes the story of Nic (a mom), Jackson (a baby), Atlanta’s Jackson-Hartfield Airport, and the TSA.
On …read more

Anyone who travels knows that way too much time is spent waiting.  You have to wait at the airport, the train station, even for a taxi.  Sometimes it seems like all we do is hurry up so that we can wait some more.
How can you put all those precious waiting minutes to good use?  You can keep a book nearby, but often you just get into the plot and it’s time to put it aside.  You can talk on your phone, annoying everyone around you and risking private information being overheard my many.  You can stare into space, day dream, …read more

We’ll just consider this a little shameless self-promotion!
Earlier today I was interviewed by Addison Schonland from IAG (Innovation Analysis Group), an airline industry consulting company.
Addison and I talked about what it was like to travel these days, managing airport security and the TSA, dealing with potential confrontational situations on the airplane, and ways to deal with potentially difficult situations.
My simple answer is that when you can’t change something, you have to change the way you think about it.  And for air travel, there’s lots that you can’t change – at least at the very moment it’s happening to you.
I hope …read more

Bag charges.  Fuel surcharges.  Airport fees.  Fees for premium seats in the cabin.  Fees for overweight bags.  Fees for security charges.  Fees for food, pillows and blankets, and other inflight amenities.  And we haven’t even gotten to the taxes yet.  Is it any wonder that what starts out as an inexpensive airline ticket quickly creeps up to a pretty expensive charge?
Now, word is out about a holiday fee.  That’s right, Delta, American, United and US Airways have added on a $10 surcharge to fares on the weekends after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  The fares for that time already …read more

I’ve used many a Lonely Planet Guide when researching travel, so when they offered to send me the new edition of their Travel With Children, I was eager to give it a read.  While a non-parent myself, I’ve had occasion to travel with some small fry, and after working for 20+ years as a Flight Attendant (and I’m not telling you how many years that + represents), I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly about kids on planes.
So I settled in for a good read.
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it past more than a handful before I began …read more

The world is a pretty germy place.  When your at home or in an environment that you can control, it’s easy to take control of your exposure to germs.  But travelers get hit with germs in ways that they can’t always plan for.  One of those germy times is passing through airport security.  ecoLiving Essentials has developed two eco-friendly products to help give travelers a little bit of a defense against the germs of the world – Biodegradable Travel Booties and a Biodegradable Shower Cap.
The company was founded by two moms, who, as frequent travelers. were concerned about their germ …read more

Being stuck at an airport is never any fun, whether it’s long ground time between flights, or a flight cancellation and serious delay.  Wandering an airport can be fun. . . for the first couple of hours, at least.  But when you’ve checked out every last gift shop, book store, restaurant or bar, and what have you, it’s easy to become bored to tears.
So what are you going to do?  Well, at LAX, if you have enough time to get away, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the airport and head to the beach!

he Ocean Express trolley service …read more

Today’s question comes from a PR representative that’s generously provided a number of prizes for contest giveaways in addition to being a great source of information in and about the travel and hospitality industry.  I’ll keep the identity anonymous.  Here’s the question –
Q.  Is there anything I can do (that might be more of a secret) to get a better seat/1st class?  I fly 1st as often as possible, but sometimes it’s just not doable.  I know it’s a silly question but I’ve always wondered.
A. It’s not a silly question at all, and is one that gets asked …read more

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