Tips to Staying Healthy During the Busy Holiday Travel Season

As crazy as the Holiday Travel period can be, one of the common pitfalls of crowded airports and airplanes is the spread of cold and flu viruses.  The fact is that flu season usually peaks in January, just after the Holidays, and many experts believe it’s due to the heightened exposure to fellow travelers in close quarters with one another.

Most airplanes have HEPA filtration units in their air circulation systems on board aircraft, but the way many folks are now packed in like sardines in steel tubes at 30,000 feet for hours at a time, the likelihood that you will pick up an airborne illness or other bug is vastly increased.  So what can you do to lessen your body’s chances of becoming infected?

Stress

One of the biggest contributors to infection and the susceptibility to illness is succumbing to external sources that trigger internal stress.  Scientific studies have consistently proven that allowing stress to internalize actually suppresses the immune system, allowing for increases in infection.[1]

A simple way to help reduce your stress levels during holiday travel is to understand what can go wrong during your travels and accept that you may be faced with that somewhere along your journey.  People forget that, as winter sets in during late November and throughout December in the northern hemisphere, airline travel is severely hampered.  What many travelers tend to forget is that the airlines and their employees have no control over these external forces.  Yet time and again, the public has a tendency to express their increased frustrations on the men and women whose job it is to do their best to accommodate them.

It may sound simplistic, but remembering the words of Reinhold Niebuhr’s ‘Serenity Prayer’ may actually help you to cope: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”  I have seen people have a complete meltdown in front of customer service agents simply because their departure gate had changed, let alone the flight being delayed or cancelled.  It is best to practice patience and let go of the internal frustrations.  Expressing them and projecting them on airline personnel tends to exacerbate the situation.  Try taking a step back, take in a deep breath, and relax.  And most importantly, let the airline people do the job they are paid to do.  Adding additional pressure and stress on them will not get you much mileage – both figuratively AND literally.

Hygiene

They say that the best defense is a good offense.  This can also apply to protecting yourself and being proactive in lessening your chances of infection.

There is a delicate balance between exposing yourself to bugs in order to build up ones’ immune system and protecting yourself from incubating it in your body.  Many researchers believe that the recent popularity of anti-bacterial products may be doing more harm than good when it comes to fighting off illnesses.  The risk of “cross-resistance” is making the use of standard antibiotics almost useless.[2]  While the common cold and flu are viruses, researchers believe there may be a connection in the weakening of the human immune system to overuse of these products.

Most physicians believe that the best way to minimize your exposure to these pathogens is simple, everyday hygiene, beginning with frequent hand washing with standard soap and water.[3]  The Mayo Clinic suggests that hand-washing should be done whenever you sneeze or cough into your hands, handle or prepare food, use the toilet or change a diaper, or handling garbage.

On airplanes, it is important to realize that most surfaces on the plane have been exposed to other people, including individuals who may be infected with illnesses.  There is also a good bet that those surfaces have not had a chance to be properly cleaned in-between uses.  I recommend that you bring a small supply of sanitation wipes in your carry-ons in order to wipe down surfaces like try tables, especially if you plan on eating food using that table.  Remember that bacteria and viruses can survive on exposed open surfaces for hours or days after contamination, so being armed with the proper tools can greatly reduce your exposure to these bugs.

Many flight attendants will tell you that one of the more common hygienic mistakes people make aboard an airplane is using the lavatory with stocking or bare feet, especially small children.  Take a few moments and put your shoes on, or get your children’s feet shod with footwear to protect them and you from exposure to pathogens that are bound to be found in abundance on a lavatory floor!

Travelling While Sick

In today’s modern times, it is virtually impossible to avoid travelling on a flight without someone on board who isn’t suffering from an illness.  With the high cost of changing a ticket if your travel plans are interrupted by sickness, most people will choose to fly anyhow—illness be damned.

There are a few things that you can do if you find yourself in this situation to lessen the effect you may have on fellow travelers (and on your wallet).

To begin with, most airlines offer “travel insurance” for just such issues.  The cost of buying this insurance is far less expensive than being charged for change or cancellation fees associated with illness.  Having this insurance will allow you to re-book your travel plans without further cost to you should you need to cancel or re-book your itinerary due to unforeseen illness.  Remember that this insurance is only available at the time of booking, and cannot be purchased after your tickets have been issued.  Check with your specific air carrier for additional information, rules and restrictions.

Try to get a flu shot early in the season.  Most vaccines are available for the current flu season around September, while the height of the flu season generally happens around January.  It is a common misnomer that these vaccines actually cause one to get the flu.  Don’t be misled.  It is highly recommended that children under 5 and adults over 50 get these vaccines every year as the flu can actually complicate other illnesses like asthma and high blood pressure.[4]

If you are caught off-guard and simply must travel while sick, take along a few items that will help you suffer less, and help contain your infection.  If you have a cold, I highly recommend a decongestant (Alka Seltzer™ Plus Cold effervescent tablets are the best) to keep your sinuses and estuation tubes as clear as possible.  I find that a combination of this and a mucus reducer (like Muscinex™) is the best regimen for keeping these pathways open and avoid the discomfort that airplane pressurization can cause.  I want to point out here that I am not a physician, so consult with a trained medical expert before prescribing this method personally.

If you do suffer from a cold or flu, it would be wise to bring along a face mask to wear while onboard the plane.  Not only will this help reduce the spread of your illness, it will give your fellow passengers peace of mind that you thought enough to do so, and will lessen their irritation that they might pick up what you have.  You can get these at any drug store or pharmacy.  It would be wise to bring along a supply of tissue…even though most airplanes are equipped with facial tissue, you may be caught in your seat with the seat belt sign on and unable to get to that supply.  Also, as a flight attendant, on behalf of my fellow attendants, I respectfully request that if you are going to dispose of your used facial tissues, please place them in the air sickness bag first BEFORE handing it to an unsuspecting crew member! They will thank you for that immensely!

Keep in mind that on board the plane, the only thing that flight attendants can provide you is a simple dose of aspirin or acetaminophen.  This may not be enough to cure what ails you so come to the airport prepared.  Also, remember that if you are a true believer in NyQuil™ liquid cold medication or any liquid elixir, you may not be allowed through security with it if the container holds more than 3.2 fluid ounces.

There is no way to avoid the spread of airborne illnesses, but being proactive in your fight against them will help you enjoy your holidays more and allow you to travel more worry-free.

As a seasoned air traveler, if you have any additional tips or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section of this entry!

Happy holidays, everyone…and safe, germ-free travels to you all!

[1] Schneiderman N, et al. Stress and Health: Psychological, Behavioral, and Biological Determinants. Annual Reviews in Clinical Psychology. 2005; 1:607.- http://bit.ly/uB9NbD

[2] Discovery Fit & Health: Skin-Care: Cleansing, “Should antibacterial soap be outlawed?,” Josh Clark,  http://bit.ly/tByBpq

[3] MayoClinic.com: Healthy Lifestyle-Adult Health: “Hand Washing-Do’s and Don’ts,” http://bit.ly/vGVUDh

[4] The Centers for Disease Control,  CDC.gov, “Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine,” September 21, 2011: http://1.usa.gov/t6NvaU

Image courtesy Broadway Video & NBC

In my personal opinion, Alec Baldwin is a narcissistic blow hard.

There…I said it! And I make no apologies about that opinion.

I have been a casual fan of Baldwin’s work for years. I have enjoyed some of the things he’s done; others, not so much. In the grand scheme of things, I (and I believe all of us) need to remember one important distinction: he’s an actor! He’s not a rocket scientist, nor an important political leader, nor a distinguished medical expert. In the grand scheme of things, he hasn’t done anything that I would consider to be of great value to the sustenance or betterment of the human race.

I am a flight attendant. I have no delusions of grandeur when it comes to my place in society, nor my importance to the public. I do know my place and I understand the responsibilities that my job requires of me. First and foremost, I am a safety professional on board an aircraft. My authority as such stands directly beneath the Captain’s authority aboard the aircraft I am flying on. Since the Captain cannot attend to the activities behind him and the cockpit door, the onus of keeping order and peace falls upon the shoulders of the flight attendants.

In this day and age, the public has become more and more callous towards the flight attendant profession. While the majority of our time is spent smiling, assisting and serving beverages and meals, in the public’s mind, flight attendants are nothing more than the stewardesses they see on the ABC series ‘Pan Am,’ or the ditzy bimbos portrayed in movies like “A View from the Top.” They understand less and less about our primary function – to protect the safety of the plane and the passengers aboard it. During emergencies, it is the flight attendants who coordinate, organize and take charge of evacuations, medical emergencies and other disruptions. Our job is to maintain order. Chaos on board a flight is unacceptable and rarely tolerated.

When things get out of hand at 35,000 feet, because the cockpit door must remain closed and secure in-flight, the highest level of authority (with direction from the Captain) comes from the flight attendants. So physical and verbal abuse is taken at face value and dealt with severely on the ground when the airplane arrives at the airport. Any passenger who cannot control their actions aboard a flight faces real, severe penalties in the form of charges of interfering with a flight crew or a flight attendant, as set forth in Title 49 of the United States Code: “The statute applies to any “individual on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States who, by assaulting or intimidating a flight crew member or flight attendant of the aircraft, interferes with the performance of the duties of the member or attendant or lessens the ability of the member or attendant to perform those duties.” The statute provides for up to 20 years imprisonment, and further provides for imprisonment for any term of years or life if a dangerous weapon is used. Interference with a flight crew member or attendant is a general intent crime, and does not require a specific intent either to intimidate the flight crew member or attendant or to interfere with the performance of his or her duties.” [1]

Although this incident with Baldwin took place while the aircraft was on the ground, at the gate, the statute still applies. In this case, it has been argued publically that the flight attendant overreacted and that the penalty was too severe for the “crime” Baldwin was accused of. I disagree.

Flight attendants, in general, have a gauge by which we determine a passenger’s level of cooperation. If, while at the gate or on the ground, a passenger is unwilling to comply with a request or direct order from a crew member there, chances are pretty strong that they’d be as unwilling to comply at 35,000 feet, when things are more critical, and access to assistance from law enforcement is minimal, at best.

The fact that Baldwin continues to belittle the flight attendant and minimize his infraction on Twitter and on Saturday Night Live, thus stirring up public resentment toward flight attendants in general is unconscionable. Baldwin is no expert authority on air safety rules and regulations.

So why does the public continue to entertain his tirade? Because in today’s world, we have elevated celebrities to a level that somehow equates to leaders or experts or gurus. We look up to them…people who should be respected, admired and their opinions should carry more weight than the average “Joe.” They have become the equivalent of royalty and we treat them as such. We give them a pass on most everything, from drug abuse and infidelity to even more insidious and serious crimes.

This issue is far from over. The more conditioned the public becomes in disrespecting the direction of flight attendants on board aircraft, the less able we flight attendants will be able to maintain order during flight.

I believe it is time for the FAA and the airlines in general, to step up and clarify to the public the necessity to heed the authority of flight crews while flying. I applaud American Airlines’ decision to publicy defend and uphold the crew members who were involved in this case, and to rebuke and reject Baldwin’s behavior. But most of the time, airline companies more often than not become apologetic and simply reward bad behavior by accomodating the offending party with another flight, upgrades or additional mileage in their accounts. I’ve seen it happen. Thus the public gets the notion that if they act up when they don’t get their way, their perception is that they will get rewarded. This sort of compensation for their lack of cooperation must end.

Until then, there will continue to be more and more public incidents of celebrities and non-celebrities alike being removed from flights for disruptive behavior and the media will continue to make a spectacle of it all. It’s not acceptable, and the public should be outraged at the actor, not the safety professional trying to do their job!

—————————————

[1] United States Attorney’s Manual, U.S. Code, Title 49, Section 9-63.110, http://1.usa.gov/sP1XMk, revised August 1999.

In the past several weeks, there have been significant major announcements made by airline executives regarding the future of the passenger experience onboard aircraft worldwide. These announcements represent some noteworthy improvements in terms of comfort and amenities that will soon be available in the coming years, and mark a small but vital paradigm shift.

For years, the U. S. airline business model has lagged behind international airlines, in large part due to those foreign carriers’ access to their government subsidies that the free market U.S. businesses have limited access to.  As reflective of the latest downturn in the U. S. economy, and still reeling from the devastating effects of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the U. S. airline business model has produced billions of dollars in losses, several high-profile bankruptcy reorganizations, and the loss of several airline companies altogether.  Add to that massive increases in jet fuel that have made profit margins razor thin, if anything at all, thus preventing these companies from reinvesting in their own product offerings.

After the mergers of US Airways to America West, Delta to Northwest and United to Continental, it appears that a moderate but fragile turnaround is beginning to take shape and modest profit margins have begun to give these airlines the reinvestment capital needed to make vital upgrades in their products.

Shortly after the Delta-Northwest combination, the new Delta began installing WiFi services on its entire fleet. Right after Southwest combined with AirTran, they too announced plans to offer WiFi services on selected flights within their fleet. Both Continental and United had announced the acquisition of brand new aircraft orders for both the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus AWB-350 wide-body planes, equipped with all the latest in-flight entertainment systems, as well as newly re-designed seating and overhead bins. These orders have now been combined to represent the single largest new aircraft order for an American carrier, allowing the new United to virtually upgrade its entire wide-body fleet within 10 years. And just last week, United announced the implementation of Internet access worldwide through a new collaboration with Panasonic that will give UAL an unprecedented WiFi and streaming video entertainment system in its fleet that will be accessible worldwide.[1]

While these improvements are encouraging, the foreign carriers are not sitting idly by.  A similar arrangement with Panasonic was just announced by Emirates.   Combined with such amenities as luxury first class suites, butler services and private quarters for those who can afford them, it may never be practical for any U. S. airline to follow suit.

With more and more demands being lodged by the airlines’ most loyal customers, executives are beginning to take note and base future business forecasts on the gamble that upgrading their amenities in the near future will help solidify their positions as the most recognized airline brands in the world.

From live TV to video conferencing calls to something as basic as power outlets to help keep electronic devices charged on long flights, the future comfort factors among frequent airline passengers isn’t too far off.

Currently, Delta Airlines offers in-flight WiFi service on its entire fleet via the Gogo Inflight Internet service for a nominal fee.  Other carriers which offer this airplane-to-ground uplink include Virgin America, Alaska, Frontier and U.S. Airways.  United Airlines offers this service on its “P.S.” branded transcontinental flights between New York City and San Francisco or Los Angeles.

As mentioned earlier, United recently entered into a mutual collaboration with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to equip its entire fleet with a “Ku-band” air-to-satellite ultra-high-speed internet and streaming service that will allow its passengers some exciting new options during flight, including streaming video and “voice over IP” (VoIP) services.  Since this technology doesn’t rely on ground relay technology, United customers will be able to utilize this new service from anywhere in the world UAL flies, including long-haul transoceanic flights, without interruption.  United expects to have the refit completed by 2015.[2]

As the decade marches forward, travelers can look forward to the airlines fighting harder for your travel dollar by upgrading other aspects of their business models, including upgraded club facilities, express lanes at airport security checkpoints and continued redesign and upgraded airline seats.

As long as the airline sector continues to improve, the future of airline travel is beginning to brighten a bit.

[1] CNN Travel, Out of the Office, “Wi-Fi coming to international flights,” Brett Snyder, November 14, 2011: http://bit.ly/sCcYTb

[2] United Airlines (United.com), Press Releases, “United Continental Holdings Selects Panasonic To Install Wi-Fi,” November 4, 2011: http://bit.ly/ucIJBM

Avoid forcing the TSA to be the Grinch that stole YOUR Christmas!

© MGM/UA for Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

As sure as the holiday season is upon us, someone is always ready, willing and able to ruin things for the rest of us!

Last week, a Continental Airlines passenger, bound for Cleveland, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport and charged with possession of and transporting marijuana with the intent to resell it.[1]  What made this incident a bit more relevant than most was HOW the Transportation Security Administration discovered the more than 120 pounds of cannabis that was seized…

It turns out that Derik Dwayne Neely, 32, of Flint, Michigan, had concealed the parcels of pot within two Christmas-wrapped boxes inside his checked bags.  Since the TSA officers who were scanning the luggage couldn’t make out what was inside the gift-wrapped boxes, by protocol, they were removed and unwrapped.

The holidays are important to the vast majority of us Americans, whether it is for Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Christmas.  It’s perfectly fine to take off for your family’s, friends’ or favorite vacation destination fully prepared for gift exchanges…but if you are going to fly to get there, the TSA warns: DON’T WRAP THE GIFTS!

To begin with, try to remember that there are certain things which cannot be transported on commercial aircraft simply because they may fall into the category of “dangerous goods.”  Flammable liquids, gases and solids are a no-no.  Any type of explosive or explosive material is forbidden.  And believe it or not, if your holiday goodies require refrigeration, do not assume it’s okay to wrap it in dry ice without notifying the airlines and filling out the necessary forms required by law, no matter how much you pack in your carry-on or checked luggage!  (By the way, PLEASE don’t pack perishables in either your carry-ons or your check baggage using regular ice—you may end up causing an unexpected spectacle at the airport if the ice begins leaking out of your bag, especially in an overhead bin at 30,000 feet!).

Oh, and those of you Paula Deens, Rachel Rays and Gordon Ramseys out there: listen up!  You may make the very best homemade gravy, cranberry sauce or strawberry jam, but according to the TSA, if it’s more than 3.4 ounces and not placed in the required singular quart-sized Ziploc™-style baggy when going through the screening checkpoint, they will be required to confiscate it!

The TSA has guidelines spelled out for all travelers regarding the transport of Christmas Gifts and food items on flights during the holidays.[2] You can find a complete run down of the do’s and don’ts on their website.  The TSA advises that pies and cakes are allowed through the screening checkpoints, but are subject to additional screening procedures.  Gifts purchased at the airports inside the secured checkpoints have already been pre-screened and should require additional scrutiny by TSA, but remember they have the authority to question and/or screen any item being brought aboard an airplane.

© Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

If you just personally feel that Santa must deliver to your loved ones at your destination, have the good folks at FedEx or UPS act as your sleigh this year.  It’ll save you time, stress and especially delays or embarrassment at the airport.

Let the “reindeer games” commence!

_________________________________

[1] LA Weekly, Blogs, “Christmas Marijuana Seized at LAX: TSA is The Grinch,” Dennis Romero, Nov. 11, 2011:  http://bit.ly/t2OB7e

[2] Transportation Security Administration, For Travelers, “Traveling with Food or Gifts: How to Pack Food and Gift Items”  http://1.usa.gov/sqf6KQ

When you are at the airport, on the subway, or even at the mall, have you ever wondered who the woman behind that voice you seem to hear everywhere looks like?

Believe it or not, she’s not a computer or a digitized voice…she’s Carolyn Hopkins, an unassuming lady from northern Maine. CBS News recently did a profile on the woman behind the message.

http://www.dailymotion.com/videoxmbs9nVideo Courtesy: CBS NEWS

Now you know! Cheers!

Just a short entry today, but a powerful message!

Next time you get angry or upset about not getting your first choice of meals in first class, or have to check your carry-on bags at the door because the overhead bins are filled to capacity, watch this video…then take a moment to remember this guy and change your attitude!

Cheers and fly safe everybody!

2011 has been a turbulent year in the airline industry, especially overseas.  Just in the past couple of months, Air France and Qantas have been hit by labor disruptions.  For the unprepared, this could spell disaster on top of disaster if you aren’t keenly aware of what your rights are when it comes to rebooking or getting reimbursed for your paid tickets.

Here are some helpful points to consider…

Every airline has what they call their “Contract of Carriage,” which is the basic contract that every passenger agrees to abide by when they purchase their ticket.  “What contract?” you may ask?  Well, believe it or not, just as with most anything these days, we are subject to the rules, regulations and restrictions that a business will abide by, should all hell break loose.  We usually don’t give it a second thought because most of us can’t be bothered with the details.  It’s like that long list of legalese that we skip through and click “Accept” automatically when you install a piece of software on your computer: you have the chance to read it, understand it and decide whether or not you are willing you “accept” the terms of the agreement or not.  Most of us (me included) never take the time to understand these contracts, and just impatiently tap the “Accept” button on the screen and move on with our lives.

It is the same when purchasing airline tickets.

Most airlines these days will consider a job action against the carrier as a Force Majeure event, thereby releasing themselves from any further responsibility to handle a customer’s need to rebook or be reimbursed for the loss of their ticket.  Having said that, as a high-profile consumer business, most carriers will try to work things out with you, try to get you rebooked, or refund the price of your ticket to you – but understand that they are under NO OBLIGATION to do so!  They will most likely do it in order to avoid any further “bad press” since they will likely lose future business for a time long after the strike is over.

During the strike, things will be quite dicey, to say the least.  Phone reservation agents and ticket counter customer service personnel will be stretched to beyond capacity, and no doubt hold times on the phone and extraordinarily long lines at the airport will be the norm.  Personally, as a high-mileage frequent flier, I would strongly urge people to reestablish a personal relationship with a trusted travel agent (yes they do still exist!) because they have connections that the average traveler simply doesn’t have and they are in the business of handling all sorts of issues, including getting you rebooked or restored financially if a strike were to occur.

For those who choose to do things for themselves, your options are somewhat limited.  It’s important to read all press releases that the air carrier publishes regarding the situation.  Get subscribed to their Twitter feeds, “Like” their Facebook pages, and if you are a frequent mileage member of the airlines, know the contact information (toll-free numbers, email addresses, etc.) to stay up-to-date about what to do when your travel plans are disrupted by the strike.

While the air carriers in the U.S. are now subject to the Passengers Bill of Rights Act, foreign carriers have no such restrictions and trying to be reimbursed or re-accommodated on one of these airlines can be very tricky.  Utilize the same tools as you would with a U.S. airline.  Plus, many foreign carriers have travel offices in the major U.S. cities so make sure not to forget this option.

There may also be a small silver lining to an airline that has been through a labor dispute.  Immediately following the end of a strike, an airline may drastically reduce their airfares in order to get back the business they lost.  Chances are that you may find some stellar travel deals on a recently grounded carrier.  As always, use caution and stay informed regarding the airline’s financial stability.  Most foreign carriers receive some sort of governmental subsidy, especially if it’s the only airline representing that country.  National carriers are less likely to flounder than a “free enterprise” airline, so keep this in mind.

Lastly, understand that an airline that is experiencing a labor action against it has very few obligations to help you out while it tries to iron out its troubles with their unions.  Check with other airlines that may honor your paid ticket or give you credit for your ticket towards a ticket on their carrier.  Sometimes, airlines have back-room agreements with competitors to handle each other’s passengers in times of trouble, but these are rarely made public knowledge.  It never hurts to ask or try to rebook.  Give it a shot, if you find yourself in this sticky mess.

Above all, take a moment to read your airline’s “Contract of Carriage” carefully.  Many times, it will spell out what you can and cannot do or expect the airline to do for you in these situations.  The more knowledge that you arm yourself with, the more “mileage” you may get when the airline is floundering!

It’s beginning to look a lot like…wait!  Stop!  Not yet! It CAN’T be that time of year already…

That’s what you try to tell yourself as the hair on the nape of your neck starts to rise.  That knot in the pit of your stomach starts churning and you’re already wishing it was January 2^nd!

Anyone who has had the “pleasure” of traveling during the holidays can empathize with those feelings.  But with a little preparation and education, not only can it be survivable, but you can actually save a few years on your life with the reduction of stress that you will feel if you are properly equipped with the right knowledge

So let’s start with the basics:

Buying Your Ticket

If you haven’t purchased your airline tickets by now, the pickin’s are getting pretty sparse.  With the tremendous increases in jet fuel over the past 13 months, and the lack of a bounce back for most people in this economy, the airlines have been doing all they can to reduce their losses by tightening up available seats, especially domestically in the U.S.

All is not in vain, however.  There are many sources one can utilize to find last minute deals and teaser fares put out by various airlines.  If you are reading this blog/article, you are probably tech-savvy enough to use these tools to getting a great deal on airfares.  Two places that come to mind rather quickly are through Twitter and Facebook.  All the major airlines in the US and abroad have active Twitter streams and “breaking news” about these special deals are usually “tweeted.”  Check out @JetBlueCheeps and @BoardingArea, among others.  If you are on Facebook, make sure to look up the major airlines and “like” their pages to get notifications on special air fare sales.

If you are particular about where to sit on the plane, you should be familiar with how seats are laid-out and numbered on your particular flight(s) and in the cabin of choice you book.  SeatGuru.com is an excellent resource to reference when booking your travel.

Keep in mind that although you have a confirmed seat, your seat assignment is not always guaranteed.  There are a few factors that may affect your seat assignment, such as cancellations, or more frequently aircraft configuration substitutions.  The gate agents will do their best to accommodate you, but be advised that their ability to match what you originally booked may be quite impossible.  If you are travelling with a group or family and this happens to you, it may be a little more difficult to accommodate, so ask the crew onboard for assistance if the agents are unable to help.  Many crew members will do their best to help get this squared away, but again, be patient and let them do their jobs.

Also, remember that every airline has a “zero-hour” timeline (check with your specific carrier) and checking in for your flight after that deadline can result in your seat assignment being forfeited…and if you are running really late, you may end up losing your confirmation on that flight altogether, which means going “stand-by” on the next available flight (next “available” doesn’t always mean the next flight – it could literally mean the next flight(s) that have seats available to accommodate you on.  Also, keep in mind that the airlines have a ranking system for stand-bys which place those needing accommodation on the list based on price paid for the ticket, mileage status, etc.  It is rarely “first come-first served.”

Arriving at the Airport

Airports during the holidays are usually chaotic at best.  The better prepared you are before getting to the airport the smoother things will go for you.

I will make one disclaimer here:  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the right to search any bag and conduct a personal pat-down search of any passenger wanting to gain entry into the secured zones of the airport, regardless of mileage status or job title.  Even crew members are subject to this rule.  However, the TSA has begun to make a few significant changes to make things easier for most travelers.

First off, they have relaxed the rules for children 12 and under with regards to security screening.  Kids can now go through the scanners without the need to remove their shoes.[1]  13 and older will still be required to remove their shoes before going through the scanners, for now.   TSA is currently testing equipment that will automatically scan shoes as a passenger passes through the scanners, but those are not ready for use during this year’s holiday madness.  The TSA does provide an excellent resource regarding the screening process at the airport with kids, including instructional videos and links to other important and pertinent information you may find helpful (you’ll find the reference for the site at the bottom of this article.[2]

If you are bringing a jacket with you, including suit coats, windbreakers and sweaters, you will be asked to remove them and place them in a separate container on the scanner belt.  All shoes and boots must be removed and scanned separately as well.  Larger metal jewelry and belt buckles tend to set off the alarms; be proactive while you are in line and remove these items from your person in advance so you are ready to go when you approach the belt.  It will help move things along much quicker and the folks behind you will appreciate your consideration too!

Remember that TSA still limits liquids, aerosols and gels to 3 oz. travel containers, and the entire amount of these items must fit in a single QUART-sized Ziploc™ container.  Partially filled containers of a larger size (more than 3 fl.oz.) are not allowed and WILL be confiscated by the TSA at the checkpoint.  So refrain from bringing your $200/bottle perfume that you’ve had for years in that 4.5 oz. bottle!  They WILL take it!

ALL laptop computers and large electronic devices are subject to special screening and must be scanned separately from all other carry-ons.  Laptops contained in those handy neoprene slipcovers may be left in them, so long as there are no other items (like papers, writing utensils or power cords) contained in them at the same time.  If you DO put other items in those pouches, remove them prior to placing it through the scanners.

Travelers with pace makers, artificial limbs, and internal metal medical devices (metal plates, joint replacements, etc.) should notify a TSA agent prior to entering the scanner.  They can usually take you to a side area and conduct a special screening for your case.

For those of you who virtually LIVE on an airplane, the TSA has implemented its “Trusted Traveler” program, in cooperation with Customs and Border Protection (known formally as “TSA Pre-Check”).[3]  Currently, only American and Delta Airlines are part of the pilot program, however, anyone can apply for the program by simply filling out the application at the Global Entry website[4] and pay the non-refundable $100 fee (this covers the extensive background check and interview each applicant is required to go through).  There was no current information regarding turnaround time for acceptance in this program, but successful applicants are allowed expedited access through security checkpoints, and are allowed to keep shoes and light jackets and sweaters on, keep belts on, go through a fast-track security line, and are able to keep their “3-1-1” compliant liquids and gels inside their carry-on bags when they are screened at the checkpoints.

No matter which airline you fly on in the USA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently limited ALL passengers to ONE (1) piece of luggage, and ONE (1) personal item, including a purse or briefcase – that’s only TWO items, not three as used to be the case.  The airlines are required by FAA to monitor this and can, at any time, require you to check your bag(s) to your final destination.  Most airlines are now charging to check bags ahead of time (some will give you a discount on this fee if you do it online prior to coming to the airport).  Also, check into the airlines’ frequent flier programs as many will allow you one free checked bag with either their mileage program or by applying for and getting their frequent flier credit card.

Checking Luggage

Most people dread the thought of checking their luggage with the airlines for fear it will be lost, misdirected, ransacked or damaged in the process.  While these things do happen on occasion, the airlines have actually made great improvements and strides to keep your luggage with you at every step of your journey.  Many of the major airlines now have your luggage scanned at every leg of the process with specialized barcodes on each bag that are tied directly to your ticket and can be traced quite efficiently.

When and if it does happen that your bag doesn’t arrive at your destination, it is important that you have the right information to give the airlines to help locate that stray bag.

One of the simplest things you can do is to have your name, address and contact phone number attached to the bag outside, and a duplicate of the information located in a prominently placed location inside the bag.  I would also suggest placing a copy of your travel itinerary inside your bag along with your personal contact information.  That way if your bag ends up in Portland, Oregon instead of Portland, Maine, the baggage agents can get your belongings to you that much quicker.

You might want to consider a luggage concierge service to handle the bags for you.  These services have special rates with companies like FedEx and UPS to get your bags to you.  If you are going to pay a fee for your bags anyhow, why not try one of these door-to-door services instead?  One example is LuggageForward.com.  You can track your bags via their website for free and you will know exactly where it is and when it will be delivered.[5]

On the Plane

Everybody is in a rush to get where they are going with the least amount of angst or delay.  Civility is rare to find under these circumstances and people’s tempers can be ‘hair-triggers’ these days.  Most airlines offer pre-boarding as a courtesy to its disabled and/or frail passengers.  Not every airline, however, offers pre-boarding for families with small children.  Check with your carrier for their specific policy.

The overhead bin space is SHARED with every other passenger on the plane.  There is no imaginary boundary line where your bag HAS to go in the bin directly above your seat or across the aisle from your row.  Most airlines will not allow economy passengers to stow bags in business or first class overhead bins unless all passengers in those premium cabins have been accommodated.  Crew members have been known to remove bags that are stowed in these cabins by ‘entitled’ passengers who stow their bags over the first row they come to, and then proceed to the aft section of the plane.  Don’t risk it…stow those bags at or near your seating area when boarding.

Not all aircraft have closet space.  Many airlines have either removed them from the cabins OR they have down-graded the equipment to regional jets that don’t have these amenities.  If you are insistent on bringing your large guitar case aboard, don’t be surprised if the airline has no extra room for it and requests that you gate check the item.  And as a courtesy to the crew, don’t assume that they can make accommodations for that large item, even if they do have closet space.  During the holidays, odd-sized items will fill these spaces quickly, and alternatives will be required if you board later in the process.

This may sound elementary, but think about WHAT you need from your carry-on bag and remove it before getting on the plane.  One of the most aggravating delays during boarding is a passenger who insists on getting into the aisle and reaching up for an item out of their stowed bags while other passengers are still trying to board.  It holds up the entire process and may delay your flight if multiple people begin to mimic your actions.

Another pointer I wish to disseminate is this: if you think you need to use the lavatory facilities when you get on the plane, better to use the restrooms in the terminal prior to boarding.  Trying to use lavatories during the boarding process, especially on a single-aisle aircraft or a regional jet can prove tricky and can cause undue delays during the boarding process.

Unless you are traveling in a premium cabin, most U.S. carriers no longer supply blankets, pillows or headphones.  Make sure that if you need these items while traveling that you pack them in your carry-ons.  Mothers, make sure you bring extra items for your children, including formula, baby food, snacks and diapers.  Most airlines use standard mini-stereo jacks for their in-flight entertainment systems.  Check with your carrier for further information.

Also keep in mind that most carriers don’t provide meals or snacks for free.  Depending on the length of your flight, there may only be a beverage service available.  If there is some snack or food service, most carriers now charge for these items in economy class and usually cash is no longer accepted.  Most will accept all major credit and debit cards for purchases.  Inquire in advance, or remember to make a food/beverage purchase in the airport prior to boarding.

********************

Those are just some quick tips for getting you underway with the least amount of headaches.  Follow these guidelines, and your trip will be easier and more relaxed.  If you have any tips, tricks or suggestions that you might add to these, feel free to share them!

Safe and happy travels!

[1] Chicago Tribune, Home—Airport Security Section, “TSA Gives Children a Break at Airport Security,” October 10, 2011, Jon Hilkevitch, http://bit.ly/udlPzi

[2] TSA.gov, For Travelers Section, “Traveling with Kids,” http://1.usa.gov/sGwnwg

[3] CNN.com, CNN Travel, “Program could shorten wait at airport security checkpoints,” CNN Wire Staff, October 4, 2011: http://bit.ly/rNUdoa

[4] GlobalEntry.gov, Trusted Traveler Network, http://bit.ly/sYeQMc

[5] See LuggageForward.com, http://bit.ly/u6cmOu.

Is it time for a new paradigm shift in airline traveler etiquette?

After reading Christopher Elliott’s piece on the seeming growing trend of passenger meltdowns and misbehavior[1], I did a little thinking about my own experiences, especially in the past 10 years.  Here are a few observations…

When I began my career, the “Tech Sector” bubble hadn’t yet burst.  If you recall, there was a period of time when anything and everything that had anything to do with either computers or the Internet was considered golden.  If you were to tell a Wall Street investor that your private company concentrated on developing anything for the tech industry, be it hardware, software or services, and you tacked on the initials “IPO” (initial public offering), it was almost a certainty that you’d be an overnight millionaire.

Soon, these “new money” guys and gals were living the high life, suddenly able to afford “McMansion” homes, bad-ass sports cars, baubles, bangles and very expensive beads.  They could take expensive vacations; they could buy second homes in the Caribbean or in other island paradises.  And along with that newly discovered freedom was the ability to purchase an airline ticket – at full fare, no less – in the first class cabin.

Precipitously, these new “golden children” (most of them in their early to mid-twenties) were taking over the premium cabins on airplanes and just like an army of ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy’s’ began making demands of the airline personnel that seemed to be out of place from the classic first- and business-class travelers of before.  These young tech aristocrats would haul their brood of children into these premium cabins as well, expecting the crews to yield to their every whim. It was amazing how the environment had evolved.

Before long, the seasoned premier travelers began to raise concerns about the misbehavior of this ‘new money’ generation.  There were many times when some of my best customers would approach me and ask if there was anything that could be done about the quickly growing trend of bad behavior.  At first, I would make an attempt, trying to be diplomatic without being presumptuous, but it wasn’t long before it was clear to me and everyone else around that these folks were ‘entitled!’  “It’s not my child who’s the problem, it’s that crusty old windbag’s problem” (that is an actual quote from one woman I dealt with when her two brats, seated in first class, wouldn’t stop fighting with one another, while she and her husband sucked down as much champagne as we would allow them to drink).

After the tech bubble exploded, there was a short period of time where crews found a bit of relief, but it wasn’t long before those same people, now forced to travel in economy, brought with them the same attitudes and expectations as they had in the premium cabins.  Soon, other travelers followed suit and before long, it seemed everyone had joined in the fun!

As much as I hate to admit it, 9/11 brought about a swift 180° in passenger attitudes about airlines crews.  All of a sudden, people were polite; they empathized with us, and they cheerfully did whatever was asked of them.  There was a small reprieve from the selfish, entitled self-centeredness that had been growing exponentially.  But the public (especially the travelling public) has a short memory and within two or three years, the grand and unattainable expectations that were hurled on the flight attendants from these and others began to raise their ugly heads again.

Once again, things began to morph into some of the strangest trends.  People would come on board in their pajamas or worse yet, with hardly anything on at all.  Instead of suit cases, there were back packs, shopping bags and (my favorite) full trash bags of clothing and personal effects.  Over-the-top public displays of affection that would make your skin crawl began to show up.  With the advent of laptops and personal DVD players, I have seen passengers viewing pornographic images right there at their seats, while someone who could well be my sweet grandmother sat in plain view of the images!  And most likely my least favorite display of public inconsideration: I have seen people take off their shoes and put their grungy feet on the bulkhead walls.  Several times, I have actually witnessed passengers who have their legs and feet resting on the tray table in front of them! (Think about that the next time you want to use it for eating off of – sanitary wipes anyone?).

I could cite thousands of examples of traveler horror stories but the real question is “what (if anything) is to be done about it?”  Chris Elliott suggests it could be as simple as dressing up for travel.[2]  No matter what the obvious solution might be, the real trick is to get the average traveler to agree that the experience of getting from Los Angeles to Chicago might simply be to treat everyone like you would treat your own mother.

Oh wait, that doesn’t always work…does it?  *sigh*

___________________________

[1] MSNBC.com, Travel Tips, “5 ways travelers have lost their manners,” Christopher Elliott, August 16, 2010:   http://on.msnbc.com/o4q6xJ

[2] Elliott.org, Elliott Blog, “What a great idea! Honor your crew — wear a tie when you fly,” Christopher Elliott, August 17, 2010: http://bit.ly/nZZR6a

We Americans love to root for the underdog. I suppose it’s because the whole concept of the American Way and the American Dream started out as a small group of underdogs fighting against the status quo of what was then Mother England, and for all intents and purposes, the odds were against the rebel-rousers.

We are fascinated with stories of the ‘anti-hero:’ Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Thelma and Louise. I don’t know why that is, but it’s a fact of our culture today. Unfortunately, while we tend to glorify these folks in our minds, we forget the problems they either have caused, or had the potential to cause and that is what frustrates me the most.

Last summer, a flight attendant was at the end of their proverbial rope. He was unhappy with everything and everybody. No one around him knew how very fragile his breaking point was. During the course of his final flight, Steven Slater had allegedly been aggravated by a female passenger’s attitude and remarks made to him during the boarding process in Pittsburg regarding her carry-on bag. As the flight pulled away from the gate and the crew began their safety briefing, Slater allegedly threw down his demo oxygen mask and demo life vest, conveying an air of irritation to the passengers around him. Then during the beverage service, he simply stopped his service midway through the cabin and retired to the aft section of the plane. Passengers had later reported that Slater looked unkempt and unprofessional in his appearance and attitude.

Shortly after landing, but still taxiing to the gate, this same female passenger apparently got up from her seat to retrieve her bag, while the plane was still in motion. Mr. Slater got up to notify her that she had to return to her seat until the plane came to a stop. According to eye witnesses however, he had already had previous issues with this passenger at boarding and they commenced into a verbal altercation. He claims she smacked his head with the overhead bin door and that was what finally set him off. The rest is history.[1]

For days and weeks following that incident, there was a lot of talk (mostly adoration) for a guy who was so fed up with people, the system and the rules he was bound by, they he just snapped and let loose. The infamous resignation of dropping F-bombs over the PA system, grabbing some beer and deploying the emergency slide to exit the plane originally got him three felony charges, including reckless endangerment.

Courtesy Anthony Lanzilote - NY Daily News

Earlier this week, Slater stood before a NY Supreme Court Judge and received one year probation and, according to one reported, got a ‘standing ovation’ from the Judge and the gallery of the courtroom. The story goes on to quote him as saying, “I’ve been a divisive character in the airline industry but 95% of the crews are behind me.”[2]

Well Mr. Slater that is where we vehemently disagree.

I have discussed at length with my co-workers the incident that took place that day, and while most everyone agrees that they might secretly like to do the same thing were they as fed up and under as much duress as he, very few people admire or support his actions. From our perspective, not only was what he did irresponsible and “over-the-top” it was also quite potentially dangerous – not necessarily for him, but for the ramp and ground workers servicing the aircraft underneath it!

As an aside, emergency slides/rafts that are attached to an aircraft door are required by FAA regulations to be fullyoperational and usable within 6 seconds of the door actuating the deployment.[3] Unfortunately that is not nearly enough time for someone underneath on to react in time to move fully out of its way.

I am reminded of a customer service friend of mine who actually had a slide inadvertently deploy right on top of him while he was in the jetway of a recently arrived aircraft. When the door opened with the slide still engaged on the door, the force of that slide deployment was so great that it threw him up against the jetway ramp access door and injured him quite severely. He lost many months of work because of this incident. Would we in society be as gleeful and supportive of Slater had he injured or worse yet killed someone because he decided to give his passengers, his employers and the world the middle finger?

As I said, my colleagues and I did not support his choice to vacate the plane in that fashion in the least. And many of us feel that the reaction by the judge and courtroom the other day, as well as the adoration and apparent support he has gotten then and now from the media completely sends the wrong message. We may feel bad for him, perhaps empathetic to his frustrations at the time. And we are certainly glad that he successfully completed his required mental health and substance abuse programs.

But a “working class hero” he isn’t.

_____________________________

[1] ABC News: U.S. Section, “Angry JetBlue Flight Attendant Flees Plane at JFK Airport via Emergency Slide,” Scott Mayerowitz, August 9, 2010: http://abcn.ws/nws6i6

[2] NY Daily News, National Section, “Steven Slater, ex-JetBlue flight attendant, gets one year of probation after finishing treatment,” Thomas Zambito, October 19, 2011: http://nydn.us/qB1dY1

[3] Air & Space Smithsonian Magazine, Flight Today, “How Things Work: Evacuation Slides,” Mark Huber, November 1, 2007: http://bit.ly/nwIpZ6

I have been privileged to have seen many places in my travels around the world.  Some exotic; some historic; all of them a life experience I will cherish and be thankful I had the opportunity to see…

The Sydney Opera House

There is one place, however, that I am drawn to; I constantly find myself yearning to return to its land of marsupials and platypi; of “Vegimite” and didgeridoos: Australia!

This wonderful landmass is about as unique as the Galapagos; here you will find animals and vegetation unlike any other place on earth – and most of it is publically accessible.  Having just returned from there, I would like to share with you a little taste of what I know…

Australia is distinctive in many ways.  It’s the only country that, by itself, is one of the seven continents of earth.  The country itself consists of the continent of Australia, Tasmania, and several island groups off its coastline on the Pacific and Indian Oceans.  Established as an independent government in 1901, Australia has a parliamentary style democratic government, yet is ruled by its own self-styled constitution.  Although Australia was a dominion of the British Empire, it only recently gained its sovereign independence from England in 1986.

Aussies enjoy a free-market economy, and their economic market is currently ranked 13^th in the world, with the sixth highest per capita income and a stable, relaxed lifestyle.

The majority of its 22 million plus population is settled on the eastern coastline of the country, from Cairns to the north off the Coral Sea, down the coastline of the Gold Coast through Brisbane, around New South Wales past Sydney to Melbourne (Aussies pronounce it ‘Mel-bun’) and Adelaide to the south off the Great Australian Bight (that’s the name of the waterway between Australia and Antarctica).

Much like the United States, the capital of Australia (Canberra) is not the most populated city in the country.  Sydney is first with over 4.5 million, followed by Melbourne (4 million), Brisbane (pronounced ‘Briz-bin’ – 2 million), Perth (1.7 million) and Adelaide (1.2 million).  The climate of Australia’s largest city, Sydney, can be compared to Southern California, mostly temperate with a comfortable sea breeze blowing through it the majority of the year.

The country is easily accessible by rail and air transportation.  Within its borders, the Aussies are served by Qantas, JetStar, Tiger, Rex, V-Australia, Virgin Blue and Eastern Australia Airlines, just to name a few of the over 50 separate air carriers that serve the country.  Driving can be a challenge for Americans, since traffic moves forward on the left-side of the road.  Drivers are usually quite courteous (although the Aussies will tell you they are terrible drivers) and it’s not uncommon that drivers here use their turn signals for almost all movement on the roads.

There is much to do in Australia, let alone in Sydney or Melbourne.  In the harbor city, Sydney has become synonymous with such landmarks as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Transportation by ferry is a common mode used to get to the coast suburbs of Manly and Bondi Beaches.  Several large state parks are found within its precincts, including the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, location of the Queen’s Royal Rose garden and home to a swarm of over 22,000 flying foxes or giant fruit bats…tourists can see them sleeping in the high perches of the Botanic Gardens’ tallest trees during the day, or watch the spectacle of them leaving in droves as they fly off towards the Blue Mountains for their nocturnal hunt at dusk!

If you’d care for a quick glimpse of Australia’s unique, indigenous wildlife, the Taronga Zoo Sydney is the place to get your fix.  For a land-based sea-life adventure, the newly renovated Sydney Aquarium, located near the heart of Sydney in Darling Harbour is a must-see.  And when you’re finished there, walk over the Darling Harbour Bridge and enjoy the sea-faring history of the city and Australia at the Australian National Maritime Museum.  You can also enjoy a bird’s eye, panoramic view of the entire city and its surrounding area from the Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest structure in Sydney.

Nightlife in Sydney is pretty much non-stop, especially on weekends.  Sydney has countless restaurants that cover the gamut of international cuisine.  From black-tie to informal sidewalk cafes, Sydney’s choices for food are reminiscent of New York City at night.  Aussie’s love to socialize and there is no shortage of pubs, social halls and nightclubs to satisfy your itch for fun.  And Sydney has a great selection of cultural events to please, from the symphony and opera, to pop concerts and Broadway musicals.

Blue Mountains National Park

For those with a more adventurous streak, there are no shortages of choices and are only limited by your own imagination: from hiking in the Blue Mountains to scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef.  There’s something for everyone!

Australians are some of the most friendly and warmly welcoming people I have encountered.  Getting around in the country is made easier by their willingness to be of help when needed.  It’s a sure bet that when you make friends with an Aussie, it’s for life.  I encourage you to highly consider making Australia, one of your top priorities for vacation destinations.  At least put it on the top of your bucket list!

For further information about Australia, visit the official tourism website: www.Australia.com.