Bangkok-bound? Uncertainty abounds
Karen Fawcett’s trip to Asia through Bangkok next week is facing some unexpected challenges. Here are her machinations through travel agents, hotel reservations and visa expeditors. Changing plans when traveling through Asia isn’t the easiest process.
Do you really want to eat after midnight on long-haul flights?
Why do airlines insist on feeding passengers when it’s long after the dinner hour? Even after midnight? If passengers haven’t already eaten, it’s because they don’t want to. That’s, of course, with the proviso that passengers are fed at all, which is rarely the case when when winging across the country on a domestic flight.
Passionate about shopping? Stop over at Dubai International Airport
If you want to buy it all without paying sales taxes, the Dubai International Airport is the place to go. It may be a bit of a trek for Americans. But some people will do anything for a bargain. Even though many are reeling from the overt signs of a recession, it clearly isn’t impacting others who are born to shop and have the funds.
Kudos for answering complaints, United!
United Airlines has just been commended by an independent advisory panel for improving its customer relations’ program. Airlines are now being rewarded for communicating with their customers. Wasn’t that once a basic good and expected business practice?
10 rules for solo travelers
Friends ask me about possible difficulties for those traveling alone. My answer is they should go and not let allow the unknown stop them. Sure there might be some scary and even lonely moments. But there will be many unanticipated compensations and wonderful adventures.
I meet new people I would never meet if traveling with an [...]
Airport services beyond shopping and fast food might help save time
Perhaps airports should add new services beyond dining and shopping that might help travelers, especially frequent fliers, who don’t have time to get everything done at home. This would be a blessing for road warriors who spend much too much time in airports and vacationers who simply run out of time before having to race to the airport.
Cell phones — yes or no? That is the question
When the pilot announces all electronics must be turned off before the plane departs, it’s amazing how many people continue phone conversations, sending text messages or emails as if the world were coming to an end. They must be very important.
Open Skies airline lays on the luxury, affordably
British Airways has just introduced Open Skies that originates from JFK airport in the US and doesn’t treat its passengers as cargo. Currently, the price of a prems+ ticket (business class) costs the same as coach on most competing airlines. Karen Fawcett reports on her luxurious transatlantic flight.
Travel state of mind for a volatile economy
In these volatile economic days, there are more than a few variables impacting travel. People are considering alternatives and business travel may be placed on hold. Forget the idea of flying in the front of the plane. Look at different alternatives.
Concierge and executive lounges can be hotel money savers
Most travelers, unless they’re on a more than generous expense account or rolling in money, watch their dollars these days. That’s certainly my mantra and most business owners are trying to find new ways to make cuts without making employees suffer (too much).