We are pleased to introduce our 2nd guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Tracey C. Jones, she is a President of Tremendous Life Books.
Her father, the late Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, started Executive Books for the purpose of changing the world one book at a time. With an exceptional leadership background, Tracey became the company’s new president in 2009 in order to carry on her father’s legacy.
Tracey was born and raised in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. As a high school graduate anxious to see the world, she attended New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM, earning an associates degree and an appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1988, she earned her degree and commission and entered the Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Her first assignment to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina took her overseas, where she participated in the first Gulf War. Upon her return to the States, Tracey moved to Bitburg Air Base, Germany and then RAF Lakenheath, UK where she honed her operational skills and filled command roles of increasing responsibility.
After twelve years as a commissioned officer, Tracey left the Air Force in 2000 and moved to Austin, Texas working for a top manufacturing firm in the semiconductor industry. There, she continued to develop her skills, this time in the civilian workforce as a project manager. While there, she earned an MBA in Global Management. Tracey recently moved back to Pennsylvania from St. Louis where she most recently was the project manager in charge of a diverse base operations service contract for the government.
Today Tracey shares with us a series of tips and trips that have helped her experience safe and exciting travel:
Traveling is one of my very favorite things in life. I grew up accompanying my father on business trips via planes, cruise ships and the infamous RV. I then continued my love of travel by joining the Air Force, where I got to fly in all types of aircraft to all sorts of locations. Once you get your routine down, travel for me is an escape, even if it’s for business reasons. It’s the one time I can sleep uninterrupted by the dog and cats vying for space on the bed all night long. While I am in those hotel rooms, I also imagine that my own personal house is that decoratively furnished, clean, and organized. What if I could fit all my belongings into a singular closet or dresser? I fantasize about my life being that clean and light.
But back to reality; I’ve learned a few tips along the journey’s way. First comes the packing. This is my very least favorite part of the trip and one I put off until about an hour before leaving for the airport. Since 9/11, the sky rocketing cost of fuel and the economic woes of the airlines, baggage has become a costly issue. So you’ve got to pack lean. Like any real woman, my instincts tell me to pack 20 pairs of shoes for a long weekend. But when it comes right down to it, just take two, a black one and a brown one. If its summer, indulge since sandals don’t take much space at all.
Also, if you don’t work out at home, don’t bother thinking you’ll work out on a business trip or vacation. Tennis shoes are big and heavy unless you plan on traveling in them. As far as the type of clothing, I would highly recommend the Travelers line from Chico’s. There’s even a store at the Hershey Outlets and they are always sending a catalogue full of further discounts. Their Travelers line has that name for a reason. The material can be balled up in your suitcase and will come out of the other side looking like new. I bring several skirts, pants, shirts made of this material with a belt or jacket to mix it up. This line covers the gambit from professional, to funky chic, to casual.
Now onto the personal items that fill your carry on. I always have the little dollar store plastic bottles on hand that I keep my shampoo and conditioner in. Or you can always use the hotel’s samples. Another huge advancement for women is the fact that almost all hotels now have a hair dryer in each room which saves a lot of room and weight. Every time you get a sample of perfume, keep it for your travel trip. That way you can bring that instead of running the risk of having your bigger bottle leak in your bag or, God forbid, get confiscated due to size. Lastly, I use Arbonne skin care products. They have their whole skin care line in these little travel containers and gorgeous gold mesh bag that I worship. When it’s time to travel I just grab the whole thing and slip it in my carry on.
With the strict limit of two carry-ons and more and more airlines using smaller regional jets, hauling a laptop if you don’t have, to is a nightmare. There’s also the hassle of getting it through security and having to pay fees for hotels that don’t offer free WiFi. My biggest headache relief was when I finally turned in my old phone for a Palm Pre that cost me $150 after rebate. I’m not promoting a particular brand, but do upgrade to a phone where you can synch your emails and review them while traveling. That way you can stay involved from afar and call if you need to. I can check work emails via Outlook, as well as my AOL account, and take a picture and load it immediately to Facebook to show everyone what a mahvelous time I’m having. Don’t let the technology scare you. Once you upgrade, you’ll wonder what took you so long.
Favorite girls' destinations are anywhere that has shopping, great dining, sightseeing, cool places for us to get dressed up and go out to, and spas. First and foremost is Las Vegas for so many reasons. The family traveled to Las Vegas when I was five years old and I’ve never forgotten the colors, the sounds, and the vibrancy. Vegas has something for everyone and you can go as high end or as budget conscious as you want. You can wear what you want. You can dine at award winning restaurants or hit the buffet. And the free people-watching is priceless. The lounges always have free entertainment, or you can pay to see one of the many amazing shows.
Security issues should always be taken into consideration. Only pack the credit card(s) you need. In other words, don’t take your whole wallet if you don’t need it. Don’t bring the high dollar jewelry unless you know the hotel has a safe in the room, is guaranteed in the event of theft, or you intend to keep it on your person. I always bring the costume stuff so if something happens, no big deal. After all, what better place to wear huge CZ baubles than Vegas, where nobody knows if they are real or not. Also, unless you are traveling out of country, leave your passport at home as well.
Be aware that when you arrive at the larger airports, you may be approached by taxi vendors that are not approved by the airport, i.e., scam artists. If in doubt, ask a sky hop where the approved waiting lines for taxis are. I also MapQuest how far my hotel is from the airport and the general direction so I can ensure I am not getting taken on a wild and expensive goose chase. It also never hurts because sometimes the taxi drivers do not know where something is and don’t have a GPS in their car! I’ve had this happen more than once.
Once in the hotel, ask the concierge what activities are going on or if there are hotel shuttles to tourist activities nearby. Another piece of advice: I am a very light sleeper, so I always see if there are rooms available on the business level. If not, I always ask that I not be near a wedding party, high school reunion, or any other large group where folks are going from room to room all hours of the day and night. When you get to your room and before you unpack, make sure everything works from the hot water to the fan. I once got all unpacked and ready for bed when I went to turn on the heater and soon found that my room was right by the heating unit. It made so much noise I could not sleep and had to change rooms.
Hope these tips help and that your travels are exciting and safe!!
Which of Tracey's tips and trips resignated with you the most? Do you have something to add to her content that you feel other female travelers would benefit from?
You can read more from Tracey at her blog.
17.3.10
Lady Travel Talk: Mon bagage est manquant, pouvez-vous m'aider?
We are pleased to introduce, Lady Travel Talk, a new guest blogger mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This new series will cover a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Laura Stocker, she is a member of the leadership team of Tin Cans Unlimited. Laura travels extensively for not only business, but for pleasure as well.
Laura spent more than 10 years managing public relations and destination marketing for Hershey Park and Zoo America, before focusing her attention on helping business and industry navigate the World Wide Web. One of the founders of Tin Cans Unlimited, Laura has presented programs and workshops as far away as Amsterdam and Paris and as local as the Pennsylvania Association of Municipalities and the Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. Her areas of expertise include on and offline marketing, public relations, branding, search engine optimization, non-profit marketing, social networking, crisis communications and tourism marketing.
Today Laura will share her thoughts on travel etiquette, learning native tongues, and much more:
I was blessed to grow up in a family that traveled extensively. Beginning as a 20-something (yes, some 20 odd years ago!), I reveled in multiple opportunities for solo travel – both for business and pleasure!
If I did the math, I am certain that I have traveled more independently, than with others, including my own husband and family.
My first solo ventures were business related – day trips, mostly by car and train – but as I grew more confident, I began traveling by myself for pleasure as well. In recent years, I’ve even managed to combine the two – Paris on business, but with plans to stay an extra few days, for example.
Along the way, I’ve had to deal with getting mugged (managing to keep my bag!) and getting myself through customs and immigration alone. I’ve lost count of the non-English-speaking countries where I’ve had to deal with trying to recover lost luggage!
Here’s what I have learned:
1. Courtesy matters. A little etiquette goes a long way when trying to get upgraded on a flight, or determining if your hotel room will overlook a busy highway in a foreign country. I have always found that merely being polite will open many doors.
2. Learn the language. I know how to say “where is the powder room” in a half dozen languages, along with all the niceties (please, thank you, good morning, etc.). I also teach myself how to ask for help before I leave the US. Best phrase I ever taught myself? “Pardon me for butchering your beautiful language, but could you please…” Disarms them every time.
3. Make copies. Of everything - your tickets, itinerary, passport and any and all visas. Leave a set at home with a trusted friend or family, carry the originals with you, and leave a set in the hotel safe.
4. Honor traditions and customs. Research before leaving home will tell you that women in Eastern Europe don’t wander the streets alone after dark. Or that in many places of worship, bare arms are considered offensive.
5. Project confidence. Don’t advertise the fact that you’re a woman traveling alone. Use your business card, not your home address, as a luggage tag. Carry your cell phone, and have a “pretend” conversation with someone if you feel uncomfortable. I’ve even gone so far as to take a photo of the front of a building (capturing the address) and emailing it from my cell phone back to the office, when I once felt uncomfortable.
6. Be safe. I never feel silly asking hotel staff who knock on my room door to show identification. I am always aware of fire exits, working smoke detectors and deadbolt locks.
7. Check in. Befriend the front desk staff. Make sure you smile and wave when you walk by. Check in with the office and/or family and friends daily. No one should have to wonder where you are.
Finally – be prepared. On a recent business trip to Miami, my traveling companion was repeatedly surprised by the things I “just happened” to have with me – from extra batteries, to a small sewing kit, to wrinkle release spray. My business is largely tech – and I travel with my own power strip and extension cord – and used both repeatedly. I also packed a variety of snacks, and my own neck pillow – and no, I wasn’t over packed in the least – just carefully packed!
Traveling, particularly by air, and with an overseas destination, is my very favorite thing to do. And I do it fearlessly.
Well prepared, and well-aware – but fearless!
What are your thoughts on what Laura has suggested to us? Have you made anything part of your routine travel habits as a female flyer that Laura didn't touch upon?
You can read more from Laura at her blog, Through the Looking Glass.
Laura spent more than 10 years managing public relations and destination marketing for Hershey Park and Zoo America, before focusing her attention on helping business and industry navigate the World Wide Web. One of the founders of Tin Cans Unlimited, Laura has presented programs and workshops as far away as Amsterdam and Paris and as local as the Pennsylvania Association of Municipalities and the Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. Her areas of expertise include on and offline marketing, public relations, branding, search engine optimization, non-profit marketing, social networking, crisis communications and tourism marketing.
Today Laura will share her thoughts on travel etiquette, learning native tongues, and much more:
I was blessed to grow up in a family that traveled extensively. Beginning as a 20-something (yes, some 20 odd years ago!), I reveled in multiple opportunities for solo travel – both for business and pleasure!
If I did the math, I am certain that I have traveled more independently, than with others, including my own husband and family.
My first solo ventures were business related – day trips, mostly by car and train – but as I grew more confident, I began traveling by myself for pleasure as well. In recent years, I’ve even managed to combine the two – Paris on business, but with plans to stay an extra few days, for example.
Along the way, I’ve had to deal with getting mugged (managing to keep my bag!) and getting myself through customs and immigration alone. I’ve lost count of the non-English-speaking countries where I’ve had to deal with trying to recover lost luggage!
Here’s what I have learned:
1. Courtesy matters. A little etiquette goes a long way when trying to get upgraded on a flight, or determining if your hotel room will overlook a busy highway in a foreign country. I have always found that merely being polite will open many doors.
2. Learn the language. I know how to say “where is the powder room” in a half dozen languages, along with all the niceties (please, thank you, good morning, etc.). I also teach myself how to ask for help before I leave the US. Best phrase I ever taught myself? “Pardon me for butchering your beautiful language, but could you please…” Disarms them every time.
3. Make copies. Of everything - your tickets, itinerary, passport and any and all visas. Leave a set at home with a trusted friend or family, carry the originals with you, and leave a set in the hotel safe.
4. Honor traditions and customs. Research before leaving home will tell you that women in Eastern Europe don’t wander the streets alone after dark. Or that in many places of worship, bare arms are considered offensive.
5. Project confidence. Don’t advertise the fact that you’re a woman traveling alone. Use your business card, not your home address, as a luggage tag. Carry your cell phone, and have a “pretend” conversation with someone if you feel uncomfortable. I’ve even gone so far as to take a photo of the front of a building (capturing the address) and emailing it from my cell phone back to the office, when I once felt uncomfortable.
6. Be safe. I never feel silly asking hotel staff who knock on my room door to show identification. I am always aware of fire exits, working smoke detectors and deadbolt locks.
7. Check in. Befriend the front desk staff. Make sure you smile and wave when you walk by. Check in with the office and/or family and friends daily. No one should have to wonder where you are.
Finally – be prepared. On a recent business trip to Miami, my traveling companion was repeatedly surprised by the things I “just happened” to have with me – from extra batteries, to a small sewing kit, to wrinkle release spray. My business is largely tech – and I travel with my own power strip and extension cord – and used both repeatedly. I also packed a variety of snacks, and my own neck pillow – and no, I wasn’t over packed in the least – just carefully packed!
Traveling, particularly by air, and with an overseas destination, is my very favorite thing to do. And I do it fearlessly.
Well prepared, and well-aware – but fearless!
What are your thoughts on what Laura has suggested to us? Have you made anything part of your routine travel habits as a female flyer that Laura didn't touch upon?
You can read more from Laura at her blog, Through the Looking Glass.
12.3.10
Making Your Travels more Pleasant?
Today we had the opportunity to participate on a live local radio talk show, WITF's Radio Smart Talk*. The topic of the morning was Improving Air Travel. Callers had the chance to not only speak with an airport representative, but a flight attendant from United, along with a communications staff member from US Airways. Some of the callers offered feedback on what they'd like to see as additional services and amenities from the airlines, and a few callers offered examples of how their travels were rendered good or bad based upon how airline personnel responded to the traveler's needs.
Majority of the discussion on this morning's show was what airlines and the Transportation Security Administration can and is doing to lessen the hassle of air travel. However, we're curious about your feedback on what you'd like to see improved within the four walls and roof of the the terminal. Is there something (a service, amenity, vendor, etc) we don't offer that you think is integral to your experience? Is there an aspect of the in-terminal experience that you've witnessed or partaken of at another airport that you would love to see at MDT?
Bear in mind, that we're not able to control any aspect of your travel once you leave your seat at the gate and enter the plane or when you take your shoes off at the security checkpoint. We can however implement change in decor, music, etc. What are your thoughts?
Or, have you had an experience at MDT worth forgetting or remembering? Tell us about it...constructive feedback, positive or negative, gives us the opportunity to address areas of concern or praise that we may not have been aware of!
While we're talking about change, have you used the new info center kiosk located in bag claim? Next time you are wandering around the airport, waiting to pick someone up, or flying out of MDT, or if you just like checking out new technology, stop by the Information Desk (first floor of the terminal, in bag claim) and check out the new kiosk!
*Take a moment to listen to the audio from this morning's show, and participate in the discussion on the show as well!
Majority of the discussion on this morning's show was what airlines and the Transportation Security Administration can and is doing to lessen the hassle of air travel. However, we're curious about your feedback on what you'd like to see improved within the four walls and roof of the the terminal. Is there something (a service, amenity, vendor, etc) we don't offer that you think is integral to your experience? Is there an aspect of the in-terminal experience that you've witnessed or partaken of at another airport that you would love to see at MDT?
Bear in mind, that we're not able to control any aspect of your travel once you leave your seat at the gate and enter the plane or when you take your shoes off at the security checkpoint. We can however implement change in decor, music, etc. What are your thoughts?
Or, have you had an experience at MDT worth forgetting or remembering? Tell us about it...constructive feedback, positive or negative, gives us the opportunity to address areas of concern or praise that we may not have been aware of!
While we're talking about change, have you used the new info center kiosk located in bag claim? Next time you are wandering around the airport, waiting to pick someone up, or flying out of MDT, or if you just like checking out new technology, stop by the Information Desk (first floor of the terminal, in bag claim) and check out the new kiosk!
*Take a moment to listen to the audio from this morning's show, and participate in the discussion on the show as well!
24.2.10
Guest Blog: Travel Insurance - Take a Moment & Think About it
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a seven week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Steven Frischling as the final guest blogger*.
Steven, aka: Fish, and founder of The Travel Strategist, is a globe trotting photographer and recognized airline travel expert who has a knack for making sense of detailed, complex travel scenarios and understanding the intricate nature of the commercial airline industry. In the interest of sharing his in-depth knowledge of travel logistics and the intricate workings of business travel, Frischling founded the popular travel blog Flying With Fish in 2006. Flying With Fish offers regular travel tips for "Those Who Fly & Those Who Want To Fly Smarter." You can follow Steven's daily aviation and travel-related tweets on Twitter.
Today Fish will be sharing his insights on traveler's insurance.
I bet you probably can’t count the number of times you have stared at the ‘travel options’ at the final moments of purchasing your airline tickets online. You probably barely glance over the option to purchase travel
insurance before clicking “Proceed To Booking” without nary a thought of “Nope, I don’t need the travel insurance.”
The next time you book your travel plans without even giving purchasing travel insurance a second thought I’d like to stop for a moment … during your brief pause while looking at the travel insurance option, assess if
the minor expense can save you a much larger expense.
Travel insurance is a safety net for the unforeseen, and when traveling there are many unforeseen factors, and factors outside of your control. Some travel delay and cancellation factors include the obvious cancellations due to weather, but don’t forget or the unforeseen such as labour disputes that airlines are experiencing at the moment, mechanical failures and even political disputes (yes it happens). Travel is expensive and you should be protected for events outside of your control.
There are various travel insurance plans for travelers, from the basic coverage, that includes protecting you against flight cancellation to the more extensive covering everything from lost or damaged luggage to medical
evacuation from remote locations. Travel insurance is generally offered from online travel booking sites and airlines, as well as third-party insurance providers. Before choosing your travel insurance, take a moment
to find out what is best for you.
Don’t let a bump in the road spoil your travel experience.
Happy Flying!
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
Steven, aka: Fish, and founder of The Travel Strategist, is a globe trotting photographer and recognized airline travel expert who has a knack for making sense of detailed, complex travel scenarios and understanding the intricate nature of the commercial airline industry. In the interest of sharing his in-depth knowledge of travel logistics and the intricate workings of business travel, Frischling founded the popular travel blog Flying With Fish in 2006. Flying With Fish offers regular travel tips for "Those Who Fly & Those Who Want To Fly Smarter." You can follow Steven's daily aviation and travel-related tweets on Twitter.
Today Fish will be sharing his insights on traveler's insurance.
I bet you probably can’t count the number of times you have stared at the ‘travel options’ at the final moments of purchasing your airline tickets online. You probably barely glance over the option to purchase travel
insurance before clicking “Proceed To Booking” without nary a thought of “Nope, I don’t need the travel insurance.”
The next time you book your travel plans without even giving purchasing travel insurance a second thought I’d like to stop for a moment … during your brief pause while looking at the travel insurance option, assess if
the minor expense can save you a much larger expense.
Travel insurance is a safety net for the unforeseen, and when traveling there are many unforeseen factors, and factors outside of your control. Some travel delay and cancellation factors include the obvious cancellations due to weather, but don’t forget or the unforeseen such as labour disputes that airlines are experiencing at the moment, mechanical failures and even political disputes (yes it happens). Travel is expensive and you should be protected for events outside of your control.
There are various travel insurance plans for travelers, from the basic coverage, that includes protecting you against flight cancellation to the more extensive covering everything from lost or damaged luggage to medical
evacuation from remote locations. Travel insurance is generally offered from online travel booking sites and airlines, as well as third-party insurance providers. Before choosing your travel insurance, take a moment
to find out what is best for you.
Don’t let a bump in the road spoil your travel experience.
Happy Flying!
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
17.2.10
Guest Blog: Ban snoring while you’re at it
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a seven week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Mary Kirby as the sixth guest blogger*.
For over a decade Mary has worked as both a journalist and editor for the Flight group’s suite of online and print publications.
She joined Flight’s premium real-time news service Air Transport Intelligence in 1999 as regional reporter (Americas), and was promoted to deputy editor (Americas) in 2003 and later to US editor.
Since September of 2007, Mary has worked as a senior editor at Flight International magazine and become a regular contributor to the industry’s premium monthly publication, Airline Business.
Working from the Philadelphia area, Mary covers major and regional airlines and airframers and has developed expertise in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) sector as well as aircraft interiors. Mary's video blogs on IFEC can be viewed at Flight Global IFEC.
She is also the proprietor of the fast-growing Runway Girl blog. This has given Mary a happy outlet for her newsy posts about IFEC and interiors and her slightly cheeky sense of humour.
Previous assignments include a post at World Airlines News, where she was reporter/acting editor. She majored in English at St Vincent College in Pennsylvania.
You can also follow Mary on Twitter @RunwayGirl.
Today Mary shares her thoughts on in-flight cellular use.
You’re unhappily ensconced in the middle seat on a flight to anywhere when the teenage boy sitting in the seat to your right picks up his cell phone and dials a number.
“Jersey Shore was off the hook last night, yo. Snookie is freaking hot,” he says, and then proceeds to give his friend a blow-by-blow account of the show.
Just then, the female executive sitting in the seat to your left picks up her cell phone, dials company headquarters, and spends the next 30 minutes reaming out a subordinate at the top of her lungs.
The recession may have downgraded her to economy class, but by God that isn’t going to stop her from letting everybody on the aircraft know just how important she is!
Sound like the perfect travel nightmare? You’re right!
But it is a nightmare that is not grounded in reality.
Since 2007, airlines in Asia, Europe and the Middle East have offered in-flight mobile connectivity service to passengers. To date, there has not been a single reported incident or problem. That means no fist fights. No smashing of cell phones. No scream fests. No air rage.
Why? For starters, the cost of making an in-flight call is comparable to international roaming rates. As such, calls tend to be less than a minute in duration.
So, you can imagine there are plenty of calls like this: “Hi honey, my flight is running late. Can you pick me up in about two hours? Love you!”
There are also a finite number of communication lines (typically 6-12 lines per aircraft), which limits the number of simultaneous calls at any one time. And aircraft noise drowns out much of the sound.
A cacophony of voices this is not!
Significantly, however, social issues have been addressed with a combination of phone etiquette - passengers receive messages on their cell phones to be mindful of their neighbours - and cabin crew control of communications. Flight attendants can switch the service off, such as at night-time and for take-off and landing.
Check out the photo above. It is not some glossy, promotional shot for in-flight mobile phone service providers. Rather, it was snapped by a friend of mine on a recent Ryanair flight from the UK to Sweden.
Note that the woman at the forefront is rather unceremoniously making a cell phone call, while the passengers around her don’t even bat an eyelid.
Indeed, debate over whether or not the in-flight use of cell phones should be permitted on commercial flights is raging in only one part of the world - the United States, where lawmakers are seeking to impose a permanent federal ban against such activity, citing nuisance concerns.
“The public doesn't want to be subjected to people talking on their cell phones on an already over-packed airplane,” US congressman Peter DeFazio said in 2008 when he first introduced so-called Hang-Up Act legislation in the House of Representatives to ensure the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC’s) current in-flight cell phone ban stays firmly in place.
DeFazio later sought to strike fear in the hearts of Americans when, in August 2009 in a lengthy opinion piece for US News and World Report, he said:
“Ringing cell phones and loud phone conversations will not only disturb and annoy fellow travellers but could result in arguments and fights at 30,000 feet, forcing flight attendants to serve as referees. Even worse, imagine a situation where 75 people are on their cell phones while flight attendants are trying to make a safety announcement, and they can't be heard over the din of conversation.”
Oh please! Does DeFazio think Americans are less capable of exercising self control? Or perhaps he hasn’t head that flight attendants can control the system.
DeFazio’s bill, which has since been tucked into FAA reauthorization legislation as an amendment, also seeks to permanently ban voice over IP (VoIP). But wired satcom phone handsets – the kind that US airlines used to offer in seatbacks - would not be banned, in what must be the first example of prejudice against wireless devices.
In-flight mobile connectivity service providers AeroMobile and OnAir together with support from Panasonic Avionics, Inmarsat and Rockwell Collins have been lobbying against the House amendment under the umbrella of the In-flight Passenger Communications Coalition (IPCC). Aircell is notably absent from the group, having long ago focused on offering in-flight Wi-fi to the US commercial space, despite its name.
“Oh sure,” you say, “A bunch of firms that stand to make money off of in-flight mobile connectivity oppose the US ban. Surprise, surprise!” But these stakeholders are not alone.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and the Coalition for an Airline Passenger’s Bill of Rights (CAPBOR) last year asked Congress to commission a study on the use of wireless communications devices on US commercial flights before imposing a federal ban.
In light of the current economic crisis, I think it unlikely that Congress will set aside funds for a study. But in my opinion, it would do well to drop DeFazio’s amendment entirely and allow for a debate over in-flight cell phone use to play out in the correct forum – as part of a new FCC notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
A new NPRM would allow airlines, crewmembers, travellers and other stakeholders to study the latest data (of which there is a ton!), comment on the information, and help decide once and for all if passengers on US planes should be allowed to make cell phone calls in-flight.
A commenter to DeFazio’s August post probably puts it best: “While I agree with the author's potential frustrations argument, this is an issue for airline policy, NOT the law. The government has a vested interest in safety, but quality of travel is an issue for the airlines, not the government. How would you feel about a law that bans fruit juice in flight because it might stain someone's clothes, or a law that bans sleeping in flight if you snore?”
Snore strips anyone?
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
For over a decade Mary has worked as both a journalist and editor for the Flight group’s suite of online and print publications.
She joined Flight’s premium real-time news service Air Transport Intelligence in 1999 as regional reporter (Americas), and was promoted to deputy editor (Americas) in 2003 and later to US editor.
Since September of 2007, Mary has worked as a senior editor at Flight International magazine and become a regular contributor to the industry’s premium monthly publication, Airline Business.
Working from the Philadelphia area, Mary covers major and regional airlines and airframers and has developed expertise in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) sector as well as aircraft interiors. Mary's video blogs on IFEC can be viewed at Flight Global IFEC.
She is also the proprietor of the fast-growing Runway Girl blog. This has given Mary a happy outlet for her newsy posts about IFEC and interiors and her slightly cheeky sense of humour.
Previous assignments include a post at World Airlines News, where she was reporter/acting editor. She majored in English at St Vincent College in Pennsylvania.
You can also follow Mary on Twitter @RunwayGirl.
Today Mary shares her thoughts on in-flight cellular use.
You’re unhappily ensconced in the middle seat on a flight to anywhere when the teenage boy sitting in the seat to your right picks up his cell phone and dials a number.“Jersey Shore was off the hook last night, yo. Snookie is freaking hot,” he says, and then proceeds to give his friend a blow-by-blow account of the show.
Just then, the female executive sitting in the seat to your left picks up her cell phone, dials company headquarters, and spends the next 30 minutes reaming out a subordinate at the top of her lungs.
The recession may have downgraded her to economy class, but by God that isn’t going to stop her from letting everybody on the aircraft know just how important she is!
Sound like the perfect travel nightmare? You’re right!
But it is a nightmare that is not grounded in reality.
Since 2007, airlines in Asia, Europe and the Middle East have offered in-flight mobile connectivity service to passengers. To date, there has not been a single reported incident or problem. That means no fist fights. No smashing of cell phones. No scream fests. No air rage.
Why? For starters, the cost of making an in-flight call is comparable to international roaming rates. As such, calls tend to be less than a minute in duration.
So, you can imagine there are plenty of calls like this: “Hi honey, my flight is running late. Can you pick me up in about two hours? Love you!”
There are also a finite number of communication lines (typically 6-12 lines per aircraft), which limits the number of simultaneous calls at any one time. And aircraft noise drowns out much of the sound.
A cacophony of voices this is not!
Significantly, however, social issues have been addressed with a combination of phone etiquette - passengers receive messages on their cell phones to be mindful of their neighbours - and cabin crew control of communications. Flight attendants can switch the service off, such as at night-time and for take-off and landing.
Check out the photo above. It is not some glossy, promotional shot for in-flight mobile phone service providers. Rather, it was snapped by a friend of mine on a recent Ryanair flight from the UK to Sweden.
Note that the woman at the forefront is rather unceremoniously making a cell phone call, while the passengers around her don’t even bat an eyelid.
Indeed, debate over whether or not the in-flight use of cell phones should be permitted on commercial flights is raging in only one part of the world - the United States, where lawmakers are seeking to impose a permanent federal ban against such activity, citing nuisance concerns.
“The public doesn't want to be subjected to people talking on their cell phones on an already over-packed airplane,” US congressman Peter DeFazio said in 2008 when he first introduced so-called Hang-Up Act legislation in the House of Representatives to ensure the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC’s) current in-flight cell phone ban stays firmly in place.
DeFazio later sought to strike fear in the hearts of Americans when, in August 2009 in a lengthy opinion piece for US News and World Report, he said:
“Ringing cell phones and loud phone conversations will not only disturb and annoy fellow travellers but could result in arguments and fights at 30,000 feet, forcing flight attendants to serve as referees. Even worse, imagine a situation where 75 people are on their cell phones while flight attendants are trying to make a safety announcement, and they can't be heard over the din of conversation.”
Oh please! Does DeFazio think Americans are less capable of exercising self control? Or perhaps he hasn’t head that flight attendants can control the system.
DeFazio’s bill, which has since been tucked into FAA reauthorization legislation as an amendment, also seeks to permanently ban voice over IP (VoIP). But wired satcom phone handsets – the kind that US airlines used to offer in seatbacks - would not be banned, in what must be the first example of prejudice against wireless devices.
In-flight mobile connectivity service providers AeroMobile and OnAir together with support from Panasonic Avionics, Inmarsat and Rockwell Collins have been lobbying against the House amendment under the umbrella of the In-flight Passenger Communications Coalition (IPCC). Aircell is notably absent from the group, having long ago focused on offering in-flight Wi-fi to the US commercial space, despite its name.
“Oh sure,” you say, “A bunch of firms that stand to make money off of in-flight mobile connectivity oppose the US ban. Surprise, surprise!” But these stakeholders are not alone.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and the Coalition for an Airline Passenger’s Bill of Rights (CAPBOR) last year asked Congress to commission a study on the use of wireless communications devices on US commercial flights before imposing a federal ban.
In light of the current economic crisis, I think it unlikely that Congress will set aside funds for a study. But in my opinion, it would do well to drop DeFazio’s amendment entirely and allow for a debate over in-flight cell phone use to play out in the correct forum – as part of a new FCC notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
A new NPRM would allow airlines, crewmembers, travellers and other stakeholders to study the latest data (of which there is a ton!), comment on the information, and help decide once and for all if passengers on US planes should be allowed to make cell phone calls in-flight.
A commenter to DeFazio’s August post probably puts it best: “While I agree with the author's potential frustrations argument, this is an issue for airline policy, NOT the law. The government has a vested interest in safety, but quality of travel is an issue for the airlines, not the government. How would you feel about a law that bans fruit juice in flight because it might stain someone's clothes, or a law that bans sleeping in flight if you snore?”
Snore strips anyone?
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
4.2.10
Guest Blog: In-Flight WiFi Availability on Airlines at MDT
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a six week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Dan Webb as the fifth guest blogger*.
Dan Webb, is sophomore at Bryant University. After a year of thinking, he decided to major in business administration, concentrate in finance, and minor in actuarial math and supply chain management.
He absolutely loves planes ever since his first flight from Boston on a Northwest Airlines Boeing 757-200. When he was young, he made an airport made out of Legos, and drew the “Dan Airways” route map in inflight magazines my dad would bring home from trips (he still collects them to this day). He actually keeps track of all the flights he's ever been on. He's fairly confident that he wants to enter the airline industry after college. His professional profile is available on LinkedIn.
You can find more about Dan and his aviation/travel interests at his blog Things in the Sky and by listening to his podcast Airplane Geeks online. You can also follow Dan on Twitter.
Today Dan will share with us the in-flight wireless internet availability on the airline partners at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
It really impresses me how quickly inflight Wi-Fi has been installed on aircraft across the country. I've yet to be on a flight with the service, but friends who have really enjoy it. Here's a summary on the availability of Wi-Fi on carriers that fly out of MDT:
Air Canada
Like many airports in the Northeast, MDT gets its Air Canada service from Air Georgian Becch 1900 aircraft, which have no Wi-Fi. Air Canada has been testing the service on flights to Los Angeles from Toronto and Montreal, but there's no word yet on if they will expand it to the rest of their network.
AirTran
AirTran was the second carrier to get Wi-Fi on all of its aircraft, so if you're flying them out of Harrisburg, you'll have the service! The only exception is flights operated by AirTran's partner SkyWest, but that's a small operation based out of Milwaukee.
American
It was simply fantastic news when American announced that it would be returning to MDT with flights to Chicago O'Hare in April. Unfortunately, none of the flights to MDT will have Wi-Fi as they will be operated by regional subsidiary American Eagle. Nevertheless, it could be available on a connecting flight. American has Internet service on all of its 767-200 aircraft, and some MD-80s and 737-800s. You can check if your flight has Wi-Fi with it's handy widget.
Continental
The airline is still figuring out what it's doing with Wi-Fi. It will be testing out Aircell's Gogo service (the industry leader) on 21 757-300 aircraft, while the 737-900s are getting a different service from LiveTV. So, we'll just have to see what happens. Commutair flights to Cleveland and Newark from MDT won't have the serivce, though.
Delta
Like other carriers, service to/from MDT won't have Wi-Fi has they're operated by regional partners, but the service could be available on connecting flights. But Delta has made great progress - pretty much the entire pre-merger Delta fleet has Wi-Fi. So if you're connecting to a mainline flight out of Cincinnati or Atlanta, there's a great chance of Wi-Fi availability. The airline is just getting started on the Northwest fleet, however, so if you're going through Detroit your chances aren't the greatest.
United
The airline has only installed Wi-Fi on its 14 757-200s that fly to Los Angeles and San Francisco from New York as part of it's P.S. (premium service) brand. There are no plans in place to expand the service right now, but that could always change.
US Airways
US Airways is planning on installing Wi-Fi on A321 aircraft this year, but that hasn't started yet. Currently, the airline doesn't fly that aircraft to/from MDT.
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
Dan Webb, is sophomore at Bryant University. After a year of thinking, he decided to major in business administration, concentrate in finance, and minor in actuarial math and supply chain management.
He absolutely loves planes ever since his first flight from Boston on a Northwest Airlines Boeing 757-200. When he was young, he made an airport made out of Legos, and drew the “Dan Airways” route map in inflight magazines my dad would bring home from trips (he still collects them to this day). He actually keeps track of all the flights he's ever been on. He's fairly confident that he wants to enter the airline industry after college. His professional profile is available on LinkedIn.
You can find more about Dan and his aviation/travel interests at his blog Things in the Sky and by listening to his podcast Airplane Geeks online. You can also follow Dan on Twitter.
Today Dan will share with us the in-flight wireless internet availability on the airline partners at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
It really impresses me how quickly inflight Wi-Fi has been installed on aircraft across the country. I've yet to be on a flight with the service, but friends who have really enjoy it. Here's a summary on the availability of Wi-Fi on carriers that fly out of MDT:
Air Canada
Like many airports in the Northeast, MDT gets its Air Canada service from Air Georgian Becch 1900 aircraft, which have no Wi-Fi. Air Canada has been testing the service on flights to Los Angeles from Toronto and Montreal, but there's no word yet on if they will expand it to the rest of their network.
AirTran
AirTran was the second carrier to get Wi-Fi on all of its aircraft, so if you're flying them out of Harrisburg, you'll have the service! The only exception is flights operated by AirTran's partner SkyWest, but that's a small operation based out of Milwaukee.
American
It was simply fantastic news when American announced that it would be returning to MDT with flights to Chicago O'Hare in April. Unfortunately, none of the flights to MDT will have Wi-Fi as they will be operated by regional subsidiary American Eagle. Nevertheless, it could be available on a connecting flight. American has Internet service on all of its 767-200 aircraft, and some MD-80s and 737-800s. You can check if your flight has Wi-Fi with it's handy widget.
Continental
The airline is still figuring out what it's doing with Wi-Fi. It will be testing out Aircell's Gogo service (the industry leader) on 21 757-300 aircraft, while the 737-900s are getting a different service from LiveTV. So, we'll just have to see what happens. Commutair flights to Cleveland and Newark from MDT won't have the serivce, though.
Delta
Like other carriers, service to/from MDT won't have Wi-Fi has they're operated by regional partners, but the service could be available on connecting flights. But Delta has made great progress - pretty much the entire pre-merger Delta fleet has Wi-Fi. So if you're connecting to a mainline flight out of Cincinnati or Atlanta, there's a great chance of Wi-Fi availability. The airline is just getting started on the Northwest fleet, however, so if you're going through Detroit your chances aren't the greatest.
United
The airline has only installed Wi-Fi on its 14 757-200s that fly to Los Angeles and San Francisco from New York as part of it's P.S. (premium service) brand. There are no plans in place to expand the service right now, but that could always change.
US Airways
US Airways is planning on installing Wi-Fi on A321 aircraft this year, but that hasn't started yet. Currently, the airline doesn't fly that aircraft to/from MDT.
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
27.1.10
Guest Blog: Issues that international travellers have with US airport security
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a six week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Darren Cronian as the fourth guest blogger*.
Darren, living in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, writes and rants about the problems that consumers face with travel. He is asked regularly is why he started writing his blog. Is is because In 2005, he visited a high-street travel agency and was not impressed with their customer service and felt that the travel agent had no interest in helping him find a holiday. He arrived home, annoyed, and wanted to rant, so welcome to the Travel Rants blog.
He has learned a lot about the travel industry, and continues to learn. Considering he had no working experience of the industry has been quoted in a number of national newspapers and interviewed on BBC Radio. He was filmed as part of a consumer programme that was aired in December 2009. Read more about Travel Rants in the media His travels include Australia, Malaysia, Norway, and Czech Republic. His favorite travel moments are snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and climbing over Sydney Harbour Bridge.
You can connect with Darren on any of the following social media platforms, in addition to his blog. Browse his favourite sites and blogs on StumbleUpon, keep up to date with his travels on Dopplr, chat with him on Twitter, add your travel photos to his Flickr Group, become a fan of Travel Rants on Facebook, and watch his videos on You Tube.
The number of international tourists to the United States totals over 56 million every year, so I suppose you can understand why US airport security is much stricter compared with other countries. The United States though is not seen as a welcoming country to tourists and this does put a lot of people off from visiting.
He has learned a lot about the travel industry, and continues to learn. Considering he had no working experience of the industry has been quoted in a number of national newspapers and interviewed on BBC Radio. He was filmed as part of a consumer programme that was aired in December 2009. Read more about Travel Rants in the media His travels include Australia, Malaysia, Norway, and Czech Republic. His favorite travel moments are snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and climbing over Sydney Harbour Bridge.
You can connect with Darren on any of the following social media platforms, in addition to his blog. Browse his favourite sites and blogs on StumbleUpon, keep up to date with his travels on Dopplr, chat with him on Twitter, add your travel photos to his Flickr Group, become a fan of Travel Rants on Facebook, and watch his videos on You Tube.
The number of international tourists to the United States totals over 56 million every year, so I suppose you can understand why US airport security is much stricter compared with other countries. The United States though is not seen as a welcoming country to tourists and this does put a lot of people off from visiting.
Grumpy TSA staff
You are flying to the United States for a family holiday to the sunshine state of Florida; all of the family is excited about the prospect of two weeks of sunshine and theme parks but that excitement quickly disappears as soon as you land and make your way through airport security.
Yes, welcome to the USA, where the TSA staff are grumpy, unfriendly and not welcoming. It is a shame that these people are your first experience of this great country. It doesn’t take too much effort to smile and there’s really no reason to be rude when all you want to do is jump in your hire car and find the hotel.
The endless queues
You have flown for seven hours; the kids are bored and just want to start your family holiday. Rather than making the final leg of your journey as stressless as possible you then have to spend ages queuing to get through airport security. You are stressed, frustrated and you cannot see the end of the queue.
Quizzed like a criminal
You finally get to the end of the huge queue to be made to feel like a criminal by rude officials. In the UK we have a saying, that you’re not guilty until proven otherwise. In the United States, as you pass through the security your guilty until proven otherwise. You would have thought that airport profiling would have made security easier, but that’s not the case.
Can you imagine what it is going to be like when full body scanners come into force? I really do not think that this will improve airport security; it longer to get through. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is important that airports treat security seriously, but I do think that some common sense could be introduced.
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation form
The ESTA application takes up to 72 hours to be approved, gives flyers prior approval for entry to the US. This is now mandatory for international travellers who are passport holders in 35 countries with US "visa waiver" status, Britain being one of those countries. Prior to ESTA you had to complete the green I-94 card in-flight, so maybe, hopefully, this will improve the time it takes to get through US airports.
I am interested to read your experiences with US airport security.
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
20.1.10
Guest Blog: Codesharing Explained
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a six week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Brett Snyder as the third guest blogger*.
As if that's not confusing enough, you can buy a ticket on a US Airways flight under United's code. Heck, you can buy a ticket on Air France to Harrisburg but it's actually a Delta marketed flight operated by Freedom.
Brett is the President and Chief Airline Dork of Cranky Flier LLC. He self-describes as having the airline bug since he was young. As a kid, he never missed a chance to go to LAX and pick up airline timetables. His grandmother even took him to an airport hotel for my birthday one year so he could watch the planes land. By the age of 12, he had become a travel agent and soon after was volunteering at Traveler’s Aid.
Brett has worked in several places in the airline industry:
- USAir Sales Intern (1996-1997)
- America West Sales Intern (1997-1999)
- United Dulles Operations Intern (1999)
- America West Pricing Analyst/Sr Analyst/Manager (1999-2002)
- Eos Intern (2003)
- United Marketing Planning Product Manager (2004-2005)
- PriceGrabber.com Business Director of Travel (2005-2007)
Today, his main focus is his blog along with his Cranky Concierge air travel assistance service. He also freelances and consults for other companies. To see a list of everything Brett's doing today, visit his ethics page. You can also follow Brett on twitter, @CrankyFlier.
Today Brett will explain the a concept employed by airlines, Codesharing.
Codesharing. That word seems to strike fear in the hearts of travelers. Ok, maybe that's a bit of an overstatement, but for many, it is a great annoyance. Airlines love that they can sell tickets to people traveling from Harrisburg to Outer Mongolia all on one airline, but customers hate it when they find out that they aren't getting what they bargained for.
Not long ago, codesharing was confined mostly to regional relationships. You would book a flight on Northwest, but you might end up on a flight operated by Mesaba, for example. At least that plane was painted in Northwest colors, so you actually knew that this was affiliated somehow. But then, the airlines realized there was more money to be made.
Soon airlines began codesharing with other airlines. The practice has exploded now to the point where some airlines are finding they need more than 4 digits worth of flight numbers even though they operate nowhere near 10,000 flights.
Let's look at Harrisburg (HIA), for example. Theoretically, HIA is served by 6 airlines: Air Canada, AirTran, Continental, Delta, United, and US Airways. Do you know how many airlines actually serve the airport? Thirteen. Seriously. Only AirTran flies all their own airplanes to HIA. For the rest, it's a smorgasbord of fun. I pulled some random dates in January found this:
- Air Canada - all flights operated by Air Georgian
- Continental - all flights operated by Commutair
- Delta - all flights operated by Pinnacle, Freedom, or Atlantic Southeast
- United - one flight operated by United to Chicago, rest operated by TransStates or GoJet
- US Airways - one flight operated by US Airways to Charlotte, rest operated by Piedmont, Mesa, or Air Wisconsin
As if that's not confusing enough, you can buy a ticket on a US Airways flight under United's code. Heck, you can buy a ticket on Air France to Harrisburg but it's actually a Delta marketed flight operated by Freedom.
Let's say you're a Mozart fan and you want to fly from HIA to see his home in Salzburg, Austria. I found one option on United 8035 connecting to United 8833 and then United 9484. Guess what? That first flight is operated by GoJet, the second by Lufthansa, and the third by Austrian. Not one is operated by United itself. It's enough to make your head spin.
So what are you supposed to do about it? The good news is that if you pay attention, it's easy to figure this out. Airlines are required to disclose who is actually operating your flight. Once you find who is flying the plane, you can then do some research to see if it's an airline you actually want to fly.
- If you're worried about comfort, go to a site like SeatExpert or SeatGuru.
- You can also try SkyTrax for more info on service.
- If you're concerned about safety, go look up each airline at the Aviation Safety Network
Remember, if you don't like what you see, then keep looking for another flight. Happy travels!
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
13.1.10
Guest Blog: Tips for Evacuating an Aircraft during an Emergency
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a six week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Beth Blair as the second guest blogger*.
Her strong online presence includes penning the monthly USATourist News Magazine and, in the blog world, co-owning TheVacationGals.com where she blogs about her travels and offers valuable insight and tips for hitting the road (and skies). Her blog posts have been featured on major news websites including Travel Meredith, Fox and NBC affiliates, Reuters, Chicago Sun Times, and others. She writes regularly for Fodors.com and Homewood Suites' SuiteTrip.com.
A former flight attendant, Beth enjoys sharing her insider’s perspective and knowledge on all aspects of travel. She is frequently quoted in the media, including Chicago Tribune, FoxNews.com travel, RealSimple.com and Woman's Day magazine and is a PBS SproutforParents.com travel expert. Beth also appeared on ABC-15 Sonoran Living Live in Phoenix, Arizona. Follow Beth on Twitter @BethBlair.
Today Beth will be sharing her tips on how to evacuate an aircraft during an emergency.
January 15th is the one-year anniversary of US Airways Flight 1549’s Hudson River ditching (aircraft water landing). The fact that every passenger and crew member on board survived stunned the world and made Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger a household name.
It’s true that the majority of airplane accidents are survivable - especially if passengers can escape within the first 90 seconds, also known as the “golden period.” Of course, the possibility of your flight actually being involved in an airplane accident is very unlikely; however, tell that to the crew and passengers of Flight 1549 and they may have a different opinion – because, despite statistics, they know it can happen.
What if you were to find yourself in such a situation - would you know what to do? Here are some basic tips every air passenger should know before boarding an aircraft:
Wear safe shoes. The trend these days is to wear easy-off shoes to get through security quickly; however, ensure the shoes you choose will protect your feet during an evacuation. You may be facing anything from freezing water, fire or snow.
Know how your seatbelt works. As silly as it sounds, passengers struggle with their seatbelts under normal circumstances. During an emergency, when seconds count, struggling with a seatbelt could become a nightmare. Fasten it low, snug and practice its easy release feature when you first sit down.
Know where the floatation devices are located. Keep in mind that not every aircraft has a life vest, but your seat does double as a floatation device. If you end up with a life vest on, never inflate it while still in the aircraft. If the plane becomes submerged under water you will not be able to lower yourself through an exit with an inflated vest.
Study your exit. This is especially important if you are sitting in an emergency exit row as not every exit is made the same. Some 40 pound exit windows are a “pull in and throw out” while others have a pull handle which pops the exit open. Also, don’t forget to look behind you for your closest exit. It is human instinct to exit through the door you entered – even if the closest exit is directly behind you.
Look outside before opening an exit. Don’t open an exit if there is smoke, fire, water or any other obstruction that could make exiting through that escape route unsafe. If the exit is blocked, direct your fellow passengers to another exit.
Never return to the aircraft. After flight 1549 passengers were quoted saying that they almost returned inside the cabin to retrieve belongings or were asked by other passengers to do the same. Never take that risk.
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
Her strong online presence includes penning the monthly USATourist News Magazine and, in the blog world, co-owning TheVacationGals.com where she blogs about her travels and offers valuable insight and tips for hitting the road (and skies). Her blog posts have been featured on major news websites including Travel Meredith, Fox and NBC affiliates, Reuters, Chicago Sun Times, and others. She writes regularly for Fodors.com and Homewood Suites' SuiteTrip.com.
A former flight attendant, Beth enjoys sharing her insider’s perspective and knowledge on all aspects of travel. She is frequently quoted in the media, including Chicago Tribune, FoxNews.com travel, RealSimple.com and Woman's Day magazine and is a PBS SproutforParents.com travel expert. Beth also appeared on ABC-15 Sonoran Living Live in Phoenix, Arizona. Follow Beth on Twitter @BethBlair.
Today Beth will be sharing her tips on how to evacuate an aircraft during an emergency.
January 15th is the one-year anniversary of US Airways Flight 1549’s Hudson River ditching (aircraft water landing). The fact that every passenger and crew member on board survived stunned the world and made Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger a household name.
It’s true that the majority of airplane accidents are survivable - especially if passengers can escape within the first 90 seconds, also known as the “golden period.” Of course, the possibility of your flight actually being involved in an airplane accident is very unlikely; however, tell that to the crew and passengers of Flight 1549 and they may have a different opinion – because, despite statistics, they know it can happen.
What if you were to find yourself in such a situation - would you know what to do? Here are some basic tips every air passenger should know before boarding an aircraft:
Wear safe shoes. The trend these days is to wear easy-off shoes to get through security quickly; however, ensure the shoes you choose will protect your feet during an evacuation. You may be facing anything from freezing water, fire or snow.
Know how your seatbelt works. As silly as it sounds, passengers struggle with their seatbelts under normal circumstances. During an emergency, when seconds count, struggling with a seatbelt could become a nightmare. Fasten it low, snug and practice its easy release feature when you first sit down.
Know where the floatation devices are located. Keep in mind that not every aircraft has a life vest, but your seat does double as a floatation device. If you end up with a life vest on, never inflate it while still in the aircraft. If the plane becomes submerged under water you will not be able to lower yourself through an exit with an inflated vest.
Study your exit. This is especially important if you are sitting in an emergency exit row as not every exit is made the same. Some 40 pound exit windows are a “pull in and throw out” while others have a pull handle which pops the exit open. Also, don’t forget to look behind you for your closest exit. It is human instinct to exit through the door you entered – even if the closest exit is directly behind you.
Look outside before opening an exit. Don’t open an exit if there is smoke, fire, water or any other obstruction that could make exiting through that escape route unsafe. If the exit is blocked, direct your fellow passengers to another exit.
Never return to the aircraft. After flight 1549 passengers were quoted saying that they almost returned inside the cabin to retrieve belongings or were asked by other passengers to do the same. Never take that risk.
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
6.1.10
Guest Blog: Get Rebooked Quickly & Stress Free When On A Delayed Or Cancelled Flight
We have asked a few select guest bloggers to join us on this blog as part of a six week mini series on hot button aviation topics that effect you, the traveler. These guest bloggers will no doubt enrich your travel experience by bringing in their own various perspectives and experiences from different horizons. Today we would like to introduce Steven Frischling as the first guest blogger*.
Steven, aka: Fish, and founder of The Travel Strategist, is a globe trotting photographer and recognized airline travel expert who has a knack for making sense of detailed, complex travel scenarios and understanding the intricate nature of the commercial airline industry. In the interest of sharing his in-depth knowledge of travel logistics and the intricate workings of business travel, Frischling founded the popular travel blog Flying With Fish in 2006. Flying With Fish offers regular travel tips for "Those Who Fly & Those Who Want To Fly Smarter." You can follow Steven's daily aviation and travel-related tweets on Twitter.
Today Fish will be sharing his tips on efficient and stress-free rebooking for those travelers affected by delayed/cancelled flights.
Winter is the time of year when travelers fear the weather and unfortunately are most likely to deal with unexpected delays, cancelled flights, rerouted flights and 'unforeseen' weather affecting their travel plans.
Whenever a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled there is usually a chaotic rush to be the first people in line at the gate-area counter. A planeload of passengers vying for limited amount of rebooked seats is often a slow and irritating process. This process is not only frustrating for the passengers, but the airline personnel as well. Delayed passengers tend to be angry and take their frustration out on the airline gate agents and this further slows down the process.
Should you be on a significantly delayed flight or a cancelled flight you have options to reduce your stress. Everyone wants to catch the next flight and you can increase your likelihood of a favourable rebooking while also saving yourself the irritation of standing in line only to be told "There are no more connections tonight to Portland via Detroit." So what can you do? You can always make sure you have the following information with you:
1) Always have the phone number to the airline you are flying with handy. If the airline has multiple phone numbers, find them and fly with them. The less time you spend fumbling for this basic information, the more likely you are to get yourself traveling again.
2) Know your alternate travel options for both your airline and their airline alliance partners, or code-share partners on the route you need to fly. You can get this information easily on the airline's web site, the website of their airline alliance or other online airline reservations sites. Knowing your options will save both you and the airline you are working with a lot of time and legwork.
3) Always have the itinerary of your current travel information. This information needs to include not only your intended flights, but also your PNR/Record Locator. This information is found on every airline reservation, and is emailed to you even when you book through sites such as Travelocity & Expedia.
With this information you can skip the long angry line of passengers and find a quiet place to sit down, call the airline, endure the irritating hold music and wait for an agent to rebook you on the phone. Very often agents on the phone have more options to help displaced travelers and if you are calm, polite and patient they are also often able to compensate you with a few extra frequent flyer miles if you are a member of their frequent flyer program.
Once the agent on the phone rebooks you, walk to the next gate and get ready to fly.
Happy Flying!
-Fish
http://www.flyingwithfish.com/
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
Steven, aka: Fish, and founder of The Travel Strategist, is a globe trotting photographer and recognized airline travel expert who has a knack for making sense of detailed, complex travel scenarios and understanding the intricate nature of the commercial airline industry. In the interest of sharing his in-depth knowledge of travel logistics and the intricate workings of business travel, Frischling founded the popular travel blog Flying With Fish in 2006. Flying With Fish offers regular travel tips for "Those Who Fly & Those Who Want To Fly Smarter." You can follow Steven's daily aviation and travel-related tweets on Twitter.
Today Fish will be sharing his tips on efficient and stress-free rebooking for those travelers affected by delayed/cancelled flights.
Winter is the time of year when travelers fear the weather and unfortunately are most likely to deal with unexpected delays, cancelled flights, rerouted flights and 'unforeseen' weather affecting their travel plans.
Whenever a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled there is usually a chaotic rush to be the first people in line at the gate-area counter. A planeload of passengers vying for limited amount of rebooked seats is often a slow and irritating process. This process is not only frustrating for the passengers, but the airline personnel as well. Delayed passengers tend to be angry and take their frustration out on the airline gate agents and this further slows down the process.
Should you be on a significantly delayed flight or a cancelled flight you have options to reduce your stress. Everyone wants to catch the next flight and you can increase your likelihood of a favourable rebooking while also saving yourself the irritation of standing in line only to be told "There are no more connections tonight to Portland via Detroit." So what can you do? You can always make sure you have the following information with you:
1) Always have the phone number to the airline you are flying with handy. If the airline has multiple phone numbers, find them and fly with them. The less time you spend fumbling for this basic information, the more likely you are to get yourself traveling again.
2) Know your alternate travel options for both your airline and their airline alliance partners, or code-share partners on the route you need to fly. You can get this information easily on the airline's web site, the website of their airline alliance or other online airline reservations sites. Knowing your options will save both you and the airline you are working with a lot of time and legwork.
3) Always have the itinerary of your current travel information. This information needs to include not only your intended flights, but also your PNR/Record Locator. This information is found on every airline reservation, and is emailed to you even when you book through sites such as Travelocity & Expedia.
With this information you can skip the long angry line of passengers and find a quiet place to sit down, call the airline, endure the irritating hold music and wait for an agent to rebook you on the phone. Very often agents on the phone have more options to help displaced travelers and if you are calm, polite and patient they are also often able to compensate you with a few extra frequent flyer miles if you are a member of their frequent flyer program.
Once the agent on the phone rebooks you, walk to the next gate and get ready to fly.
Happy Flying!
-Fish
http://www.flyingwithfish.com/
*The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Harrisburg International Airport.
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