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January 31, 2007
Airline Alliance Updates
A quick overview on the comings and goings of airline alliance membership. Check out the alliance forums for more details.
A quick overview on the comings and goings of airline alliance membership. Check out the alliance forums for more details.
+ JL Japan Airlines likely joins 1 April 2007
+ MA Malev Hungarian Airlines joins 1 April 2007
+ RJ Royal Jordanian Airlines joins 1 April 2007
+ KA Dragonair joins 2007?
+ LP/XL LAN Peru / LAN Argentina joins 2007
- EI Aer Lingus leaves 31 March 2007
? RG Varig speculated as possibly joining OW
? WS Westjet speculated as joining OW
+ UX Air Europa joins June 2007
+ CZ China Southern Airlines joins 2007
+ IC Indian Airlines speculated as future member
? DL/US Delta/US Airways, unclear what will happen if takeover occurs
+ CA Air China joins 2007?
+ FM Shanghai Airlines joins 2007?
+ TK Turkish Airlines joins 2008?
- RG Varig leaves 31 January 2007
? RG new Varig may or may not rejoin
? DL/US Delta/US Airways, unclear what will happen if takeover occurs
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 12:37 PM
January 30, 2007
Flyer Talk on Youtube
Some FTers have posted their mileage run, do and travel Youtube efforts on this link. Check out the talent.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 11:06 PM
Sharing costs when paying by points?
What would you do if the stay you normally share the costs of is instead paid with your points? Is it right to ask for a contribution? If so how much?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 7:11 PM
January 29, 2007
AVOD (audio visual on demand) problems? Some FTers have an interesting theory.
Read about it here.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 9:30 PM
Change Fee Traps for the Unwary
An interesting discussion on change fees and ticket restrictions/rules in this thread.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 7:36 PM
January 28, 2007
How Did You First Find Out About FlyerTalk?
Don't be shy.
Go ahead - reveal it to the world by posting in this thread.
While you are there, find out how other FlyerTalk members found out about FlyerTalk.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:51 PM
This is Only for Those Who are Older Than 18 Years of Age...
...but I am certain that simply posting that title will only attract more people younger than the age of 18.
Anyway, FlyerTalk members seem to be in a frenzy in their pursuit of garnering the prize for searching for adult-oriented material hidden in their hotel room. While some FlyerTalk members have scored with the sought-after prized possession, other FlyerTalk members have found other items - some of them quite odd, to say the least. Condoms, marijuana, money, and even a wallet are among the items that have been found.
To some FlyerTalk members, it is the ultimate scavenger hunt.
The question does remain, however: Why do so many people hide adult-oriented magazines behind drawers in hotel rooms?
Avoid getting caught with your pants down. Do not read that thread unless you are willing to accept the naked truth...
Posted by Canarsie at 10:40 PM
January 26, 2007
New York City: Were You Impressed Upon Your First Visit?
As a native New Yorker, I can vouch that there is no city in the world quite like New York. It is still an impressive city to me, even after living there for greater than a quarter of a century.
Wow - I feel a lot older after typing that!
Anyway, FlyerTalk member adbrite asks the question: Were you very impressed the first time you travelled to NYC?
Posted by Canarsie at 11:14 PM
The Best Food in San Antonio
If you ever find yourself in the Texas city that is the home of The Alamo and the Riverwalk, you may want to refer to the Best food in SAT thread.
I would personally be of no assistance here, as I have not been to San Antonio in greater than 23 years.
Perhaps it is time to think about heading back there...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:05 PM
Do You Have Class or No Class?
Perhaps you have both class and no class - at least, in regards to your lodging accommodations.
I know that there are many trips where one minute I am in the lap of luxury; the next minute I am in some spartan accommodations - and vice versa.
FlyerTalk member WillTravel asks this thought-provoking question: Do you mind switching between luxe and budget accommodations?
Posted by Canarsie at 7:18 PM
January 25, 2007
Five FT Finds
An FTer birthday this week - wish kyklin a happy birthday on 30 January.
A FT Do in the next 30 days - lunch with FTers on Friday (we know what that means) in Chicago 2 February.
A FT Do in the next 3-6 months - the annual dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour will be taking place sometime early May, in Brooklyn funnily enough..
Something from the talking heads, err Talk Board - no new threads this week. Discussion continues on hotel deals, post counts, Germany and Talk Board history.
Something random - On_Cloud_9 is facing the first time travelling with an infant and understandably has lots of questions. What tips and suggestions can you provide to help?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 11:15 AM
January 24, 2007
Chain Hotel Reviews and Information Easy to Find
Some hard-working FTers have collated reviews and information on many hotels of the main chains.
* Starwood - check out www.starwoodlobby.com for reviews and pictures of many SPG hotels, and the FT discussion thread.
* Hyatt - Muerz's review site is currently down. Checking this thread for announcements it seems something new is in the wings.
* Hilton - the Hilton Family Hotel Master Thread contains information and links to the relevant threads (plus a link to the page on Hilton's website) for every Hilton HHonors hotel.
I couldn't find anything similar for the other chains. Please let me know (PM to Kiwi Flyer) if I've missed them and I'll update the blog.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 5:54 PM
Back in Black
No, this is not about dirty deeds done dirt cheap, or that you shook me all night long - although that is another topic altogether.
This is about how to recognize your black luggage on the luggage carousel, whether you are at your destination or back at your home airport.
If this topic is indeed your bag, carry on over to the How do you ID your black luggage thread - that is, if you can handle rolling along with the discussion.
Posted by Canarsie at 4:00 PM
An Analysis of the Hotel Forums
The title speaks for itself - a fascinating paper on how Starwood is using FT (and FTers), but has relevancy for all the airline and hotel forums.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 12:09 PM
January 23, 2007
Giving miles
In contrast to the previous blog entry, NickPowell77 is so annoyed with BA that he wants to give his miles away. Is this a good idea? Just how do you give miles away?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 1:33 PM
Gift miles
What would you do if a neighbour offers you 21,000 miles?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 1:32 PM
Reminder - Americans now need passport if flying home from Mexico & Canada.
This public service announcement brought to you by dcmike.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 1:00 PM
January 22, 2007
Would you check a tv?
SmilingBoy wants to bring a tv from Germany to Belgium and wants to know whether to bring it as checked luggage or freight it.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 8:25 PM
1B or not 1B, that is the question
What a dilemna to have - choosing the right skysuite on SQ first!? Help BenjaminNYC choose his seat on this thread.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 8:09 PM
January 21, 2007
Going to Seattle?
If so, the Seattle Visitor's Guide thread is a must-read!
Veteran FlyerTalk member chexfan was generous and gracious enough to compile a comprehensive list of links to create an all-encompassing resource pertaining to Seattle.
I have been to Seattle several times. It is a great city to visit. I was told not to say this by residents of Seattle, but whenever I am there during the summer, the weather is usually sunny, dry and pleasant, and it rarely gets unbearably hot. However, I do like rainy days, greenery all year round and mountains. If you also like those, as well as some of the best steakhouses in the United States, Seattle is a destination that should be high on your list - if you have not already visited there.
Find out for yourself that Seattle is not just Starbucks coffee and Microsoft.
Posted by Canarsie at 1:05 PM
Is Your Opinion Worth 250 Points?
The InterContinental Hotels Group thinks so.
In case you are unfamiliar with the InterContinental Hotels group, their properties include Holiday Inn, Crown Plaza and - of course - InterContinental hotels. Their frequent guest program is the Priority Club Rewards program.
Find out more details on how to earn 250 Priority Club Rewards points in the 250 Points .... thread - but you only have until February 28, 2007 to take advantage of this virtually-effortless offer...
Posted by Canarsie at 1:00 PM
Breaking news - BA cabin crew strike 29-31 January
Check your flights. A cabin crew union on British Airways has now given notice of a strike on 29th to 31st January. Get the latest info in this thread (from post #324).
Update - further dates announced 5th to 7th February, 12th to 14th February. Obviously these could change. Now the dates are known a new thread has been set up here.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 11:16 AM
January 20, 2007
250 Bonus Hilton HHonors Points Per Hampton Inn Stay
Find out details on how to earn an extra 250 Hilton HHonors points for every Hampton Inn stay by reading the Get 250 extra HHonors points at Hampton Inn thread.
Book online by March 31, 2007 and complete your stay by April 30, 2007.
Posted by Canarsie at 12:22 AM
January 19, 2007
United Airlines Mileage Plus Miles Now Expire After 18 Months of No Activity...
...so if you are a United Mileage Plus member, be sure to remember to have activity in your Mileage Plus account at least once every 18 months.
With the implementation of this new policy, United Airlines is following the lead of other airlines which have similar policies already in place.
For additional information, please refer to the MP Miles Will Now Expire After 18 Months (Of No Activity) thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 11:48 PM
January 18, 2007
The Dog Days of Upgraded Airline Travel
I admit, I had to give paws before reading about the ruff life of a dog who was upgraded to the Business Class section of a CSA Czech Airlines flight. However, I decided that I'll bite and read the tail, as told by FlyerTalk member nimeta, who witnessed this personally and reported it in the Dog Upgraded to Business Class on Czech Air thread.
It seems that this dog will go fur these days. It would really be a pet peeve if the dog was not at leash upgraded on such a long flight. It may be considered "spot on" that some FlyerTalk members would be tick-ed off if they were not upgraded.
I suppose that "when nature called", the dog had to first sniff around the lavatory to get a leg up on its layout.
On second thought, although there is no known claws preventing me from posting stories such as this one, please scratch that comment.
I am curious as to how the dog disem-barked from the aircraft. Perhaps I should Czech that thread at a later date to possibly find out so that I can collar some additional information.
If the dog was staying at a hotel at its destination, would its mode of transportation be a Land Rover vehicle? Would the dog be "walked" if the hotel was pack-ed?
I wonder if the dog ever received any flea-quent flier miles for that flight...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:36 PM
The History of FlyerTalk: As Told by Randy Petersen
FlyerTalk member Randy Petersen, who is also the owner as well as the founder of FlyerTalk, shares his thoughts, experience and memories pertaining to the birth of FlyerTalk in the Randy, Can You Give Us A Brief Synopsis of the First "FlyerTalk" BB?? thread.
Please feel free to ask questions to Randy Petersen pertaining to the history of FlyerTalk in that thread. While Randy Petersen will modestly admit without hesitation that FlyerTalk is what it is today because of its members and not necessarily because of him, FlyerTalk is still his "baby". One thing is definitely certain: it is one topic on which he is proud to discuss with fellow FlyerTalk members.
Posted by Canarsie at 11:28 PM
Help! Please Teach Me All About Frequent Travel Programs!
Many FlyerTalk members are so knowledgeable and so jaded to the advent of frequent travel programs that we sometimes forget that we ourselves were once novices.
Reminisce the old days vicariously through FlyerTalk member nayana, who is starting completely from scratch and asking for the assistance of fellow FlyerTalk members for advice, recommendations and suggestions. In fact, nayana admits: "i have no idea about this whole frequent flyer/air miles story and know i am missing out".
As usual, FlyerTalk members generously take the time to respond with helpful hints and advice in the plead of help from a novice thread.
That is an example of the spirit of FlyerTalk in action.
Posted by Canarsie at 11:20 PM
Five FT Finds
An FTer birthday this week - wish chobby100 a happy birthday on 24 January.
A FT Do in the next 30 days - the do with the longest name is on in El Paso 2-4 February.
A FT Do in the next 3-6 months - the Freddies awards are being held in Arlington, Virginia. At the time of writing we haven't been officially invited (yet), but since when has that stopped FTers? Join in at least some of the activities Freddies Arlington 26 April 2007, and the following few days in the official sign up thread for Post Freddies weekend 27-29 April 2007.
Something from the talking heads, err Talk Board - a vote has been announced for all motions being voted on being posted in the Talk Board forum at the time the vote is opened. There is also a discussion on post counts and whether all forums should be counted. Cholula asks for information on the history of Talk Board.
Something random - flying a budget airline and need more baggage allowance cheaper than the excess fees? While you could try to buy another cheap seat for the extra baggage allowance, on Ryanair there is not supposed to be any baggage allowance on a 2nd seat purchased.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 9:25 PM
Paper or electronic?
What started as a discussion of formentura's travel woes has lead to some interesting information on paper and electronic tickets and the effects during irregular ops.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 4:43 PM
Mega groundhog day mileage run
Some mileage runners who find a good fare and convenient schedule run the same flights over and over on the same day or throughout a weekend. Nothing too unusual about that.
Now imagine if you will flying PDX-LAX-JFK-SFO-PDX day after day. What will it feel like after doing it 6 days in a row? wannaflyforless soon won't need to imagine it.
This is just the middle bit of a 19-day epic mileage run in an attempt to fly at least 100k miles in under 3 weeks (and that is flown miles not counting bonuses, minimums etc). Check out how wannaflyforless is doing here.
I wish you luck and a comfortable butt. But please, please, please take some showers along the way.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 11:18 AM
Other website rewarded you as much as Flyer Talk?
You mean there is more to this internet thingy than Flyer Talk? What website have you been the most rewarded from? Find out websites that others have been rewarded from, and you too could get more rewards. You may even find out rewards available from FT that you hadn't heard of yet.
Check out this rewarding thread.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 10:52 AM
Mabodofu Nemawashi
Doesn't the title all by itself pique your curiosity as to what in the world this could possibly be about?!?
Find out more in the 2007 Mabodofu Nemawashi Master Thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 12:05 AM
January 17, 2007
An Arm and a Leg
Actually, this thread is about an armrest and a foot.
I just thought I would try to wing the title from the most recent topic that I posted here in The Gate to this topic.
So - what do you think is the Best way to remove someone's foot from your armrest beside your seat while you are a passenger aboard an aircraft?
Personally, although I have never experienced this situation, I still think it stinks. The offender should have kept in-step, if sole-ly for the purpose of being respectful to fellow passengers instead of being a mere heel.
In other words, the offended should have had the offender toe the line. Water apparently had something to do with being able to shoe the foot away from the armrest.
Afterwards, the armrest is laced with alcohol...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:55 PM
A Wing and a Prayer
Some people may think that the subject matter is hot.
Others may think it is fowl.
See how the opinions fly in the Best chicken wings ever? thread. You might have a bone to pick if some of what is posted there has you all sauced, so don't be chicken about posting your thoughts in that thread - even if you have to wing it.
Posted by Canarsie at 11:45 PM
January 15, 2007
El Paso? I Should Purposely Go Out of My Way to Go to El Paso?!?
Yes.
I highly recommend attending Who Will Be The Next FlyerTalk Member To Post? An OMNI Game LIVE and In Person:ELP 2 where a group of FlyerTalk members will meet during the first weekend in February and watch the Super Bowl together, amongst other things.
Although I will not be able to attend this year, I attended the original inaugural one last year and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Do yourself a favor and go to El Paso. You will not regret it.
Posted by Canarsie at 9:06 PM
Condom-nation of the Protection of Lavatory Smoke Detectors?
If you need to smoke while in-flight and want to risk going to jail, read the Circumventing a Lavatory Smoke Detector thread where a flight attendant reportedly put a condom over the smoke detector in the lavatory in order to smoke a cigarette.
Frankly, given the different stories involving the myriad uses of condoms being reported on FlyerTalk lately, I wonder if anyone uses them for their original intended purpose anymore. Well, I know one thing: if I was an executive of a company that produced condoms, I would extol the virtues of different and innovative uses of condoms in order to sell more of them...
Posted by Canarsie at 8:58 PM
Was He the Reason You Missed Your Flight?
FlyerTalk member Sam - DFW is displaying great remorse in the It was my fault: I was the guy trying to get 25k miles thread.
He feels that because he was on a "mileage run" trying to earn 25,000 frequent flier miles, he believes that he was responsible for causing people who were flying "legitimately" from one place to another to miss their flight because there were no more empty seats on board the aircraft.
So far, at this time this has been posted, not one FlyerTalk member believes that Sam - DFW should feel guilty.
What do you think?
Posted by Canarsie at 8:35 PM
Dumping on New Jersey...
...literally and figuratively...
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and I have lived in New York for more than a quarter of a century. However, I have also lived and worked in New Jersey for slightly greater than four years. Therefore, I can poke fun at New Jersey if I feel like it.
It is no surprise, therefore, that the topic of the Why do NYers tend to hate New Jersey? thread caught my attention.
As a New Yorker, I used to chastise the New York Giants and the New York Jets for keeping the New York in their names despite the fact that they play their home games in New Jersey. However, when I moved to New Jersey, rather than call myself a New Jerseyan, I figured that if calling themselves New York was good enough for the Jets and Giants, then continuing to call myself a New Yorker was good enough for me.
I cannot say that I hate New Jersey. After all, one can buy clothes there without paying sales tax. Western New Jersey near the Delaware River Gap is arguably the most beautiful part of New Jersey. However, if I never lived there again, that would be just fine with me. The portion of New Jersey that faces New York is predominantly factories, warehouses, shipping docks, oil tanks, wetlands and landfills. The stench of chemicals, stagnant swamp water and garbage permeates one's vehicle while driving on the New Jersey Turnpike, especially in the summer months. It is simply awful.
The "jughandles" - those ramps that allow you to go from one highway to another when both highways intersect and are controlled by traffic signals - can be a pain in the neck, especially when one approaches the same traffic signals twice. Did you know that those concrete dividers in the middle of the highway are known as Jersey Barriers or Jersey Walls, and were developed in New Jersey?
Did you also know that, in terms of area, New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States? It ranks 46 out of 50 in terms of area, yet it is the 9th most populated state.
Anyway, go pop yourself some popcorn, sit down, relax and read the Why do NYers tend to hate New Jersey? thread. It should be rather entertaining.
Posted by Canarsie at 7:47 PM
In Which Countries Have You Driven a Car?
FlyerTalk members have driven all over the world, in countries from Oman to Slovenia, from Latvia to Liechtenstein, from Ghana to Malta and from Andorra to Qatar.
I have already contributed to the Poll: Which countries have you driven/hired a car thread.
How about you?
Posted by Canarsie at 7:39 PM
January 14, 2007
Stand or sit?
Do you stand or sit while waiting to disembark after a flight? Why?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 10:26 PM
January 13, 2007
FTer turns down upgrade!
Find out why BamaVol turned down an offered upgrade? Would you do the same? Please give your thoughts on this thread.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 1:19 PM
January 12, 2007
How to Be More Comfortable in the Economy Class Cabin
Let's face it - some of us simply cannot afford to purchase a first class or business class seat, whether we use points, miles or cash to pay for it.
If you are one of those people, reading the suggestions and helpful advice in the How to make a coach seat comfortable? thread is a must.
As a result of this thread, you will hopefully be comfortable on your next airplane trip assigned to a seat in the economy class cabin.
Who knows? Perhaps you will be more comfortable that those passengers sitting in the premium class seats!
I will admit that I was not being completely realistic in posting that last sentence. However, on the rare occasion when on an overnight flight in an economy class cabin that is not sold out, I am able to lift up the armrests of the empty seats adjacent to mine so that I may lie down and sleep with a pillow or two and a blanket or two, which cannot be done in the premium class cabin, especially if it is not equipped with lie-flat seats.
That is a rare moment where I actually would rather be in the economy class cabin than the premium class cabin.
Posted by Canarsie at 12:07 AM
January 11, 2007
How to Travel to New Zealand as Inexpensively as Possible
Many of you may already know this, but fellow Gate-keeper and FlyerTalk member Kiwi Flyer resides in New Zealand - that is, when he is not flying on one of his legendary itineraries.
I have already had the distinct pleasure of visiting his native country, which is also home to Split Enz and Neil Finn, the lead singer of Crowded House. How about you? Would you like to go to the land where many extreme sports were invented, where Burger Kings are reminiscent of diners from the 1950s, and where one can partake in such gorgeous scenery as when one takes a boat ride in Milford Sound?
How about being able to do it as inexpensively as possible?
Find out how - or post your own helpful suggestions and advice - in the Getting to NZ on the cheap thread.
By the way, I have also had the distinct pleasure of meeting Kiwi Flyer more than once - but in the United States, not in New Zealand...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:43 PM
Rental Credits Do Not Expire, But Free Rental Days Do?
I agree with FlyerTalk member trader61: this policy by National Car Rental makes no sense to me either.
Depending on the elite level status of an Emerald Aisle member, one earns a certain amount of credits per rental, which are apparently automatically converted to free days of car rentals. This is definitely an excellent program to foster loyalty to rent cars in the future from National Car Rental.
However, the free car rental days expire at the end of the year, but the rental credits on which the free car rental days do not expire as long as one actively rents from National Car Rental every year.
I suppose I am dense, but I just do not get it.
See if you can figure out this policy in the Rental Credits Expiring 1/1/07? thread...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:24 PM
Condom-nation of the Protection of Flour Power?
The Smuggle condoms at PHL-lawsuit thread is a bizarre one, filled with plenty of heated debate, opinions and conjecture by FlyerTalk members.
A woman was arrested and jailed for three weeks on drug charges for attempting to transport past an airport security checkpoint what turned out to be flour-filled condoms. She has settled a lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia in the amount of US$180,000.00.
That is a lot of bread. Then again, I would bet that the woman was simply baking while she was incarcerated with a bunch of crusty inmates, but she was determined to rise to the occasion in the end.
Posted by Canarsie at 11:10 PM
No Pretzels on Flights Fewer Than Two Hours in Duration?
Now here is a twist...
...does United Airlines not have enough dough to dole out those miniscule bags of pretzels to its hungry passengers on flights whose duration is less than two hours?
Passengers may not think that United Airlines is worth its salt as an airline.
By the way, chew on this: there will not only be no pretzels served on flights whose duration is less than two hours, but no other snacks will be served as well.
Some FlyerTalk members who posted in the No pretzels on flights less than 2 hrs? think that this idea is simply nuts.
Posted by Canarsie at 11:00 PM
American Citizens: Get Your United States Passport - for Free!
However, you must hurry and read the A Free U.S. Passport for You! thread before March 24, 2007 to find out how.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:56 PM
AA and Expedia
Scooped by blumie - AA no longer bookable on Expedia.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 7:06 PM
Five FT Finds
An FTer birthday this week - wish LLM a happy birthday on 15 January.
A FT Do in the next 30 days - dinner drinks and who knows what else are on offer in Bangkok 22 January?
A FT Do in the next 3-6 months - for a change the BA forum is holding a do outside London, enjoy the drink, fine company, drink, food, drink, delightful Scottish weather, drink, some/lots of miles, and did we mention drink at Edinburgh 12-13 May 2007.
Something from the talking heads, err Talk Board - a Special Interests forum will not be replacing Religious and Disability Travel forums. There is current discussion on a new forum (having a separate Germany destination forum), and some housekeeping (whether the Hotel Deals subforum should be a separate forum, and the names of the various Latin America destination forums).
Something random - there is a big debate over on the AA forum about the merits or otherwise of holding pax onboard a plane for many hours during recent storms. There are good points on both sides, check it out in this thread (one of several).
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 2:26 PM
Make your own baggage tags
Get your free KLM baggage tags (with own picture). See how here.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 12:28 PM
January 10, 2007
Air Asia 0 + taxes
Air Asia is selling 1 million seats at 0 fare (plus taxes)
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 12:53 PM
January 9, 2007
Heed or ignore travel warnings?
Do you heed or ignore government issued travel warnings?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 10:12 PM
Stingers on a plane
We've all heard of snakes on a plane, but it seems there are live sequels with at least 2 incidences of scorpions on a plane. Check out this one on United and this one on American.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 9:45 PM
NW DC-10 retirement
Couldn't make the DC10 retirement flight and do (a touch of nostalgia or perhaps making sure the aircraft really are being retired)? Thanks to DanTravels, redtailshark and others you can read all about it in this trip report.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 4:57 PM
January 8, 2007
Largest loo in the air?
I can't imagine why anyone would be interested ;-), but check out feedback on where the largest toilets in the air can be found.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 8:11 PM
Unorthodox routes
TrawFlowInUK notes some reasons why unorthodox routes are useful to be aware of. Please post your tips and routes here.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 6:28 PM
Checkin' the check in time
Many FTers want to know what is the minimum check in time, ie the latest they can make the flight. Not so for brightstar100 who wants to know what is the earliest time for check in.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 5:36 PM
January 7, 2007
Expensive public transport
railways figures that a short London tube hop is the most expensive public transport on a per mile basis. Do you know of (or want to know in order to avoid) other expensive public transport journeys?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 3:32 PM
Inspired to travel by movie
Has any movie inspired you to travel? If so then you can help pbz who is looking for ideas to show his SO.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 3:28 PM
January 6, 2007
Time to Be Screened - But First, a Word From Our Sponsor...
Are you bored when going through airport security checkpoints in the United States?
Now you will be able to peruse advertisements while you are waiting and slowing meandering through those long lines. Perhaps some of the advertised products will be items such as comfortable footwear and non-liquid toiletries?
My question is: will the revenue generated from this idea result in reduced taxes and fees on airline tickets?
I personally doubt it.
Read all about it - and opine, if you like - in the TSA to allow advertising at checkpoints thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 9:20 PM
No Water is Available in the Entire Hotel.
Is compensation due, or is the hotel stay simply a wash?
Well?!?
Get your feet wet by jumping into the What compensation to expect for having no water in hotel? thread, which is dripping with commentary and showered with opinions from other FlyerTalk members who pooled in their thoughts.
One thing is clear: this fluid discussion will take many directions before interest on this topic drains and the thread sinks down the list of current thread topics...
...and I apologize for my dry sense of humor.
Posted by Canarsie at 12:16 AM
January 5, 2007
You Know You are a Delta Frequent Flyer When...
...you choose to read the You know you are a Delta Frequent Flyer When... thread simply from reading the thread title.
You really know you are a Delta frequent flyer when you post to that thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:49 PM
$5,000 to Rent a Vehicle
Unfortunately, FlyerTalk member SmilingBoy is not smiling lately.
He rented a vehicle from a local rental agency in Australia using a German credit card, but the four-wheel-drive vehicle was in no condition to navigate in and conquer the sand on Fraser Island, which was the express purpose of the rental of the rusted vehicle with greater than 250,000 kilometres logged on its odometre.
Now SmilingBoy faces having to pay greater than $5,000 because the vehicle had to be recovered from the sand, among other problems.
Can other FlyerTalk members help out in a clutch situation - literally - and help place a smile on the face of SmilingBoy once again?
Read their advice, as well as details of the situation, in the Break-Down in Australia - Car Rental Company wants $5,000+ - what now? thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:36 PM
Five FT Finds
An FTer birthday this week - wish Wudy15 a happy birthday on 9 January.
A FT Do in the next 30 days - what better way to cap off an early mileage run but dinner with FTers at SFO Dinner 3 February?
A FT Do in the next 3-6 months - New York Gayla 8-10 June.
Something from the talking heads, err Talk Board - nothing new this week.
Something random - we've all had short connections where we wonder if we'll make the next flight, but the 5 minute connection proferred by cheaptickets to rmncd takes the cake.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 2:23 PM
January 3, 2007
Elite benefits
What is the best elite benefit you currently have? What would you like to have? What would you ask the loyalty manager?
Inside Flyer is seeking input from Flyer Talkers on elite benefits.
Elite members of AA AAdvantage, AC Aeroplan, AS Mileage Plan, CO OnePass, DL Sky Miles, MX Frecuenta, NW WorldPerks, UA Mileage Plus and US Dividend Miles provide there opinions in the various linked thread. What do you think?
There is also a more general (non program specific) thread in Miles Buzz.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 2:58 PM
Do not disturb signs
Is there any way to make sure do not disturb signs stay put and work as intended?
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 2:05 PM
Different border processes
tjl asks which border crossings have different processes, which begs the question "different from what?"
It seems there are various odd border crossing arrangements - check them out here.
Posted by Kiwi Flyer at 2:01 PM
January 1, 2007
Vietnam.
The very name usually evokes a rather dark period in American history regarding a war that was quite unpopular.
How about Vietnam as a tourist destination - seriously?!?
Before you go, you must read the trip report of FlyerTalk member letiole - excuse me...l'etoile - in her A Superficial, Girls' Guide to Vietnam trip report.
Notice how her name magically changes in the trip report from here to here in the replies in the thread.
Anyway, I understand that she apparently was not too thrilled about going on the trip until she actually left:
sigh - gone!
I apologize. I did not mean to Hanoi you with that really bad pun...
Posted by Canarsie at 10:24 PM
Your Hotel Room Has a History of Death. Would You Stay There?
When it comes to hotels, it is usually points and status that expire - not people.
However, a friend of FlyerTalk member adbrite found himself in a grave situation: 9 months prior in that hotel room, a husband shot himself in the head after killing his wife.
Was it tomb much to bear? Was the friend of adbrite shallow about the whole matter, or was he able to successfully bury the morbid thought and rest in peace in his hotel room? Is a person named Doug Graves involved?
Aren't you dying to find out what other FlyerTalk members think about this - or are you simply too deathly afraid to read the soon-to-be-immortal thread titled Do you mind living in a hotel room where people died in it?
Go ahead - take a chance, roll the die and read it.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:05 PM
Would You Lose 874 Miles to Gain 24 Miles?
As FlyerTalk member dtc found out the hard way, sometimes it is better to simply leave well enough alone.
Find out more details in the 24 miles may have costed me 874 miles? thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:00 PM
2007: Happy New Year!
May the accrual of miles, points and status be as rewarding, easy and inexpensive as possible for all of you in 2007.
May you experience upgrades into the premium cabin on airplanes, as well as into lounges, luxury vehicles and dine on the finest meals.
May your travels be interesting, educational and, most of all, safe.
Happy New Year to all!
Posted by Canarsie at 9:55 PM
January 1: The Darkest, Saddest Day on FlyerTalk...
...because of nothing.
That's right - nothing...as in zero.
Segments: 0
Qualification Miles: 0
Stays: 0
Nights: 0
The only thing that remains - if they have not expired - are the miles and points in one's frequent traveler account. Everything else has been reset to zero.
This day marks an annual FlyerTalk ritual. FlyerTalk members must start over from the beginning to accrue miles and points towards elite status once again.
Nothing But Zero's and Zeros everywhere are two of many FlyerTalk threads that discuss this very melancholy topic.
What an item to be posted as the first in 2007 for The Gate.
However, there is a bright side: January 1 will soon be history!
Posted by Canarsie at 9:48 PM