The Crazy Traveler

Vicky Beeching's Crazy Travel Weekend

This is a post from a friend of mine, Vicky Beeching. You can read to full story HERE on her blog. Below is the story. And yes...this is the ultimate in crazy travel.

Hey friends

If you’ve been following my Twitter posts (www.twitter.co m) you’ll know that I just experienced a seriously crazy travel time, coming back from London.

I had a BRILLIANT week leading worship at New Wine 2008, an amazing worship and teaching event in the UK. I left the conference to drive to Heathrow and from then on things just got crazier and crazier…

The plane had 3 different mechanical faults and sat on the tarmac in London for over 3 hours before it even took off, with us all on board as they tried to fix it. Seven hours later we descended into JFK but couldn’t land because of storms. Circling for 2 hours drained fuel, so the pilot announced we needed to make an emergency landing in Boston or we would totally be out of gas.

Touching down in Boston, we were denied a parking gate as they were full with other storm re-directed international flights. Assigned a space in the cargo area, we parked amid warehouses, old vehicles and palettes. Boston then denied us entrance to deplane anywhere as we were unexpected and their customs could not handle us. JFK refused to let us take off from Boston and head their way as weather had caused so many flight delays that their customs and flight re-booking areas were now under police control as people had got aggressive.

So stuck in the cargo area of Boston airport, we sat trapped in the plane on the tarmac for nine hours with no proper AC or food/water supplies. Children were throwing up, people were shouting and demanding answers. The pilot, desperate for answers from either JFK or Boston received neither, and pushed both so hard for a solution when both were denying responsibility, that they threatened to take away his flying credentials. The temperature rose to a point where all the plane doors had to be opened, but we were told anyone jumping out onto the wings would be arrested immediately as an internationally non-customs cleared criminal.

Customers at the end of their sanity made a phone-call to a Boston TV channel reporting that we were unable to leave the plane, and therefore were being held hostage by the airports, without water or air for 9 hours. Apparently a newsflash went out across Boston TV, questioning whether our plane, Delta DL4 from Heathrow was indeed in a hostage situation! Thankfully it was not.

Eventually we were deplaned and taken through customs in Boston which was a ghost town at 1am. We were then told we had to get straight back on the same plane as Boston would not be able to fly us anywhere for several days if we stayed, due to a backlog of other travelers. So awaiting the same plane to be fixed, cleaned and re-crewed was our only option. Held in a waiting area with MacDonald vouchers we all pretty much passed out, strewn across the floor with our bags. Kids were crying and people ate their MacDonalds silently just desperate to be anywhere but there. Finally departing Boston at 2am we arrived in a deserted JFK at 3am and were sent through lines for vouchers and re-booking for another hour. Assigned a hotel several miles away we were sent onto the AirTran train to a waiting point for a hotel shuttle on a dark street corner. The hotel shuttle didn’t show up for 45 minutes. After a long line to check into the hotel I was told there were not enough rooms as Delta had over-sent passengers. Eventually I got a bed for a few hours before setting out for JFK again to get the final leg of my flight on to Buffalo NY. Seriously it felt like some kind of nightmare and travels problems continued again all the following day as I headed to Buffalo!

Read the timeline and see it all…. P.s. thanks for reading all this… I feel like downloading to you all about how stressful it was is very healing somehow!!

HT:Vicky Beeching

American Airlines MD-80 Fleet Inspections

Background: : In 2004, American Airlines was the lead airline working with Boeing to develop a Service Bulletin to correct wiring exposure and chafing in the MD-80 auxiliary hydraulic pump wire bundle. The concern was that exposure and chafing could cause fire in the wheel well. An Airworthiness Directive (AD) was issued in September 2006, giving MD-80 operators, including American, 18 months to address this issue. American completed the Service Bulletin in November 2006, followed by adjustments deemed necessary by American's structural engineers to comply with the AD well ahead of a March 2008 deadline.

In recent weeks the Federal Aviation Administration significantly increased its emphasis on monitoring the adherence to Airworthiness Directives that apply to various U.S. airlines. With respect to American Airlines' MD-80 fleet, we had a detailed issue that we believed had to be addressed immediately to remain compliant with the FAA; if found in non-compliance, we would have been instructed to stop flying our airplanes.

What is the specific nature of the issue?
The issue surrounds questions raised by the FAA about the way American implemented the Engineering Change Order (ECO) addressing the MD-80 auxiliary pump wiring Airworthiness Directive (AD). American fixed the item well within the specified AD timeframe. The work being done now centers on a need to change the way in which American complied with the AD regarding such items as the spacing of the ties on the wiring bundles and the direction of the retention clips and lacing cords. We are highly confident that this is not a safety of flight issue because the wire bundle is secure. It is a matter of how the work was done, not whether aircraft were protected from the threat of wire exposure and chafing that could cause fire.

Why ground the entire MD-80 fleet?
It became clear based on the number of questions the FAA raised that there would be a high percentage of aircraft that would not be found to be in full compliance of the Airworthiness Directive. Working with the FAA we were unable to find an alternative solution to regaining compliance – for example, a multi-day period to rectify the issues – so we had no choice but to ground the aircraft. While it has been a major disruption to AA's operation, everyone recognizes the need to ensure that the MD-80 fleet is in complete compliance and is working to restore the MD-80s back to service as quickly as possible.
Who is completing the work and why is it taking longer than the previous MD-80 inspections?
There are three levels of American employees accomplishing the work. American has assigned a team of employees – aviation maintenance technicians, quality assurance inspectors, and engineers – to inspect the aircraft and ensure full technical compliance, as well as to make any additional adjustments. As our aircraft return to service, the FAA is inspecting those aircraft to ensure compliance.

What is the airline doing for customers?
We are doing everything possible to take care of our customers as expeditiously as possible while facing the fact that our resources have been stretched to their limits. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience and know that this kind of interruption of travel plans is unacceptable. While customers are dislocated we are providing meals, hotels and ground transportation; for those stranded overnight, we will offer vouchers for future travel on American Airlines. Customers who were inconvenienced with overnight stays can go to AA.com where a link will guide them to instructions on how to receive compensation.

What is the company doing to make sure it doesn't happen again?
American plans to contract with an independent third party to review American's compliance processes. This work will help ensure that all procedures strictly adhere to the technical elements of every directive so American can avoid this type of schedule disruption in the future.

From American Airlines.

Five Perfect Days in California Wine Country

If there is one thing I really like to do when I travel is discover new wines...and go to Napa Valley, California. I'm such a novice at it and I follow this blog for wine novices to learn all the good stuff. But recently I was told about this great article from Conde Nast Traveler about spending so much needed time in California Wine Country.

I love Napa Valley and all it has to offer, so if you are looking to take a well deserved trip to wine Country then below is a great article for just the right occasion for you. I know I will use this article as a reference for my next visit to Napa. In fact...I think I might have to take a balloon ride over Napa. Wouldn't that be fun?

Click HERE for the article.

Here's a small preview of the article...

The Challenge

You've got less than a week to see Napa Valley, California's most famous farm country. But where to start among the roughly 450 wineries? Although the first commercial Napa grapes were planted by George Yount in 1838, it wasn't until 1976 that the region's winemakers earned international respect by beating true French Bordeaux and Burgundies in a blind tasting. Furthermore, you'll likely be sharing the 30-mile-long, 5-mile-wide valley with more than a few oenophiles: The more than 5 million annual visitors make Napa the state's second most popular tourist destination (after Disneyland). In the peak summer months, this means crowds running five deep at the most popular tasting bars, and one-lane highways choked with traffic. Even if you go in the off-season, don't plan on leaving things to serendipity: Many of the best wineries are open by appointment only, so no one will be there to greet you if you arrive unannounced. Finally, the sequence of your itinerary can be as problematic as the content: Each wine tasting and meal has a different stylistic note, and combining them is like composing a symphony.

The Solution

What you need is a Wine Country Concierge—and that's where Jackie Richmond comes in (see "Top Travel Specialists," August 2007; or go to cntraveler.com/travelagentfinder). A 22-year resident of the valley, Richmond helped me orchestrate a Napa itinerary that would delight a first-time visitor as well as a valley veteran, and a wine neophtye as much as the owner of a thousand-bottle cellar....CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY.

How To ... Fly Through Airport Security

I travel a WHOLE LOT and my travel centers around flying. This article below from wired.com is EXACTLY what I do EVERY time I travel. I even carry a messenger bag and a rolling carry on piece of luggage just like in the pictures below. Thanks wired for being such a cool mag!

How To ... Fly Through Airport Security

From Wired.com by Mathew Honan

You might as well check your dignity curbside. Soon you'll be shoeless and flustered, spilling comics across the floor as you dig your MacBook from the depths of your duffel. But take a deep breath, frequent fliers: It is possible to pass security with your ego intact. Here's how. — Mathew Honan

1) Do recon online. Security delays vary widely by concourse and terminal. Go to tsa.gov to find average wait times. If you're not checking bags, print your boarding pass at home and head to the fastest line. (Be sure your gate is accessible from that security checkpoint.)

2) Carry a messenger bag. The topside flap gives easy access to your laptop and Ziploc of liquids and gels while the pockets provide plenty of storage for alarm-trippers. As soon as you get in line, tuck your belt, wallet, keys, watch, and phone into the sack.

3) Wear laceless shoes. And holeless socks. Just think of all the foot fungi of travelers past. Or don't.

4) Go! After you pass ID screening, make a beeline to the shortest x-ray queue. Don't wait to be directed, and don't hesitate to bypass dawdlers. Not only will you get there faster, you'll keep the whole line moving.

5) Use only two bins. Place shoes, coat, and toiletries in the first bin; laptop in the second; followed by the messenger bag. Keep the roller on the floor, where it's easy to manage, until the last minute.

6) Dress strategically. Don your coat and shoes while waiting for your bags. Put on your belt and watch at the gate.

I travel a WHOLE LOT and my travel centers around flying. This article below from wired.com is EXACTLY what I do EVERY time I travel. I even carry a messenger bag and a rolling carry on piece of luggage just like in the pictures below. Thanks wired for being such a cool mag!

How To ... Fly Through Airport Security

From Wired.c0m by Mathew Honan

You might as well check your dignity curbside. Soon you'll be shoeless and flustered, spilling comics across the floor as you dig your MacBook from the depths of your duffel. But take a deep breath, frequent fliers: It is possible to pass security with your ego intact. Here's how. — Mathew Honan

1) Do recon online. Security delays vary widely by concourse and terminal. Go to tsa.gov to find average wait times. If you're not checking bags, print your boarding pass at home and head to the fastest line. (Be sure your gate is accessible from that security checkpoint.)

2) Carry a messenger bag. The topside flap gives easy access to your laptop and Ziploc of liquids and gels while the pockets provide plenty of storage for alarm-trippers. As soon as you get in line, tuck your belt, wallet, keys, watch, and phone into the sack.

3) Wear laceless shoes. And holeless socks. Just think of all the foot fungi of travelers past. Or don't.

4) Go! After you pass ID screening, make a beeline to the shortest x-ray queue. Don't wait to be directed, and don't hesitate to bypass dawdlers. Not only will you get there faster, you'll keep the whole line moving.

5) Use only two bins. Place shoes, coat, and toiletries in the first bin; laptop in the second; followed by the messenger bag. Keep the roller on the floor, where it's easy to manage, until the last minute.

6) Dress strategically. Don your coat and shoes while waiting for your bags. Put on your belt and watch at the gate.

Also posted here.

Don't Hate Me Cuz I'm Beautiful

Ok then...how about because you're an 18 yr old spoiled brat who thinks the world revolves around them? Geez!!!! Some people amaze me! I'm sure you girls are cute and all but seriously...get over it. My friend Randy Williams turned me onto this story I missed...It really is incredible that people are just that stupid and arrogant. Read this article below from msnbc.com by Harriet Baskas...Thanks Randy and way to go Southwest Airlines for handling this well. Your blog rocks.

Teens grounded by manners, not by looks

Passed by for a beverage? Waiting for the lavatory? You can still be polite

By Harriet Baskas

Travel writer

updated 9:01 a.m. CT, Thurs., Feb. 28, 2008

Long ago, when I was deep into the ugly duckling phase of my teen years, my mom would remind me that “beauty is only skin deep” and suggest I focus on being smart and nice instead.

Sort of a mixed message, sure, but definitely not the “just stand there, look pretty and stamp your feet if you want something” instructions Nisreen Swedberg and Sarah Williams seem to have received.

Police were called in to escort these two 18-year-olds off a Tampa-to-Los Angeles flight operated by Southwest Airlines this past Valentine's Day. The duo had caused an in-flight disruption. And these days, when that happens, airlines and law enforcement officials don't mess around.

What caused the ruckus? Well, it seems that first Swedberg felt sorely dissed by not being served water before take-off and then getting skipped over during the in-flight beverage service. Then Williams needed to use the lavatory, but found it occupied. Either she really had to go, or she's not accustomed to having to wait — regardless, witnesses say she banged on the door and then got into a heated exchange with the passenger who finally emerged from the bathroom.

Southwest Airlines spokesperson Beth Harbin says the police were called in to meet the flight in Los Angeles because “the girls were verbally abusive to another customer ... using profanities ... and getting in his face.”

Airplanes, especially full 737s, are very contained spaces, Harbin emphasized, and situations like this capture everyone's attention. “You cannot let an incident elevate in that environment. Flight attendants are asked to contain and calm situations as quickly as they can. But at 30,000 feet we don't have the opportunity to just ask someone to leave.”

Although it sounds like that would have been an appealing option.

The young women have a different take on the story — one they were all too happy to share with a local TV station in Tampa Bay. As the camera panned up her legs, past her brightly manicured nails and off-the-shoulder blouse, Nisreen Swedberg calmly explained how unfairly she'd been treated, how she didn't feel as if she'd done anything wrong and that she was surely singled out “based on my looks.” On the phone, Swedberg's friend, Sarah Williams, told the TV reporter, “I think they were just discriminating against [us] because we were young, decent-looking girls. I mean, nobody else on the plane looked like us — except us.”

Get a clue
Ladies, it wasn't that you were “too pretty to fly.” You were too rude. And, sadly, stereotypically clueless. However, you're not alone. There are plenty of other travelers — novice and experienced, pretty and not so pretty — who sometimes forget their manners. So here are a few very simple tips to keep in mind.

HT:msbnc.com

US Airways and United Adopt Second Bag Fee

What will they think of next to nickle and dime you for getting from point A to point B? Read this article below and click HERE for more commentary on this lame new rule.

US Airways Adopts Second Bag Fee

FEBRUARY 26, 2008 --

US Airways today joined United Airlines in charging passengers $25 to check a second bag each way. US Airways said the new fee is effective for tickets booked on or after Feb. 26 for travel beginning May 5.

US Airways said the new fee applies to flights within the United States, and to and from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, which is in contrast to United's policy, which does not apply to itineraries that include international flights, except those to Canada.

Like United, US Airways is making some passengers immune to the fee, including preferred frequent flyer members, passengers in first class and elite Star Alliance members. US Airways also said it would exempt active military and unaccompanied children. United earlier this month enacted a similar baggage charge for travel beginning May 5 (BTNonline, Feb. 4).

HT: BTNonline

For Those of You Who Can Afford A Private Jet...

I've flown on private jets over the years and it's a pretty awesome way to go. Of course, I was always a guest of the person who owned the jet or the my band at the time would lease them from time to time. No matter what...it's a great way to travel. So here's an interesting article from the good folks at msnbc.com and forbes.com written by Rebecca Ruiz.

Eight reasons you need to fly private

Charter a jet and you'll get your money's worth of added perks

By Rebecca Ruiz

Forbes

updated 7:37 p.m. CT, Mon., Feb. 25, 2008

For those who fly privately, price is often no object. Take, for example, a hedge fund manager who recently hired the Long Island, N.Y.-based Talon Air to fly him and five guests to Las Vegas on a Gulfstream IV.

The party began their four-day trip with a catered meal from the exclusive Japanese restaurant Nobu. They relaxed in reclining leather seats and sped toward Sin City at 570 miles per hour. On the return flight, they again enjoyed a Nobu meal, this one prepared at the Las Vegas restaurant.

The total cost? $86,000, which included a $5,000 bill for catering.

Not all passengers on private planes spend so extravagantly, but the industry is a lucrative one. There are 166 million people who use general aviation annually, which includes private or corporate jets, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Two-thirds of total general aviation flight time is used for business purposes. The business-jet market has also been steadily growing since the mid-90s, when the North American fleet of jets topped 6,000. There are now more than 10,000 business jets in North America and over 14,000 worldwide, according to Honeywell Aerospace.

Growing demand is due partly to an increasingly globalized world in which sales teams from New York meet clients in India or Russia regularly. The interest in private travel has also correlated with the dismal performances of domestic commercial airlines. Only 80% of flights were on time in November 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a discouraging statistic for business travelers who need reliable transportation.

Increased market competitiveness has yielded a dizzying array of choices for both luxury and business clients when it comes to flying solo. Pete Bunce, CEO and president of GAMA, says that the spectrum of choices is impressive.

"If you've got business in Japan, you'll want a [plane] with tremendous long capability," Bunce says. "If you're a big person, like a football player, you'll want something that will fit your size. The choices allow virtually anyone to tailor how they want to fly."

HT:MSNBC.COM

Seat Guru - Want To Find The Right Seat For You On Your Next Flight?

Oh...this is a helpful site! Good seats, bad seats...power ports and more...it's a lovely site for the perfect info to make your next flight just right.

The ultimate source for airplane seating, in-flight amenities and airline information! Rock on...

seatguru.com click HERE and enjoy.

What about your Delta/Northwest frequent flyer miles?

Here's some good info from Bloggingstocks.com.

What about your Delta/Northwest frequent flyer miles?

Posted Feb 19th 2008 12:12PM by Tom Barlow
Filed under: Deals, Consumer experience, Delta Air Lines (DAL)

With the rumored Delta (NYSE: DAL) / Northwest (NYSE: NWA) merger hanging fire [subscription required], customers of both companies may well wonder what the impact will be on their hard-earned frequent flyer miles. The answer seems to be both good and bad.

The good side is that traditionally when airlines have merged, the frequent flier miles were carried over, allowing customers to select among an increased number of flights and destinations. There is no reason to believe this merger will be any different.

However, as travel guru Peter Greenberg cautions in his blog, airlines merge in part to take advantage of more efficient operations; i.e., fuller flights. Fuller flights mean a diminution of available seats for frequent flyers. He suggests, and I concur, that you not wait to redeem what you can.

I also suspect it's not a coincidence that United is going to start charging for a second checked bag, a trend I expect to quickly become the industry standard. Might airlines next allow customers to redeem frequent flyer miles to cover baggage costs in order to sop up frequent flyer miles at a bargain price??

HT:BloggingStocks.com

Amtrak To Deploy Airport-Like Security - It's about time!!!

Sometimes when I'm traveling in the Northeast I will jump on Amtrak and go for spin somewhere instead of renting a car or flying there. It's pretty fun for a Nashville guy who doesn't ride trains a whole lot.

I'm glad to see this article though because the first time I boarded a train in NYC I was amazed at how soft security was around the terminal as you boarded the train. Check out the article below.

Amtrak To Deploy Airport-Like Security

FEBRUARY 19, 2008 --

Passengers on Amtrak will now face security similar to that encountered at airports, the rail line announced today. Amtrak's new Mobile Security Team will begin randomly searching passengers' bags and deploy armed Amtrak police, armed counter-terrorism special agents and bomb-sniffing dogs on trains and platforms. The screening and patrols will vary times and stations, and Amtrak officials said it would not affect train schedules.

"The screening and mobile units were developed as part of Amtrak's working hand-in-hand with domestic and international counter-terrorism agencies and experts to continually fortify Amtrak's safety and security practices," Amtrak vice president of security strategy and special operations William Rooney said in a prepared statement. "Random inspections and armed special agent patrols are a prudent and necessary security enhancement."

The announcement wasn't made in response to a specific terrorism threat, although terrorists have targeted commuter trains in London, Madrid, and Tokyo in the past.

Passengers are allowed to refuse inspections, but will be denied boarding and will be offered a ticket refund.

Amtrak carries about 25 million passengers annually on its rail network, an average of 67,000 per day.

HT:BTONLINE

Anger is Dumb

My friend Shaun Groves posted this blog the other day on his site. Click here to read it or continue on below. It's awesome!!!

Anger Is Dumb

Anger is dumb.  It doesn’t work.

The waiter brings you Diet Coke instead of just plain Coke.  Does chewing him out get you a Coke faster?  Nope.  And it might just get your entree spit on.

The lady at the front desk doesn’t have your reservation in her computer.  Does throwing a tantrum get you a room any faster?  Nope. And you might just get stuck on the smoking floor.

The gate agent announces your flight is delayed, you won’t be getting to Nashville as quickly as you’d planned.  Does yelling at her get the plane from Vegas to you any faster?  Nope.  And somebody might just blog about you and take a picture of you sleeping.

(Pictured above: Angry guy accomplishing nothing.)

The TSA Blog - Evolution of Security

I'm not really sure how I found this blog, but I did. It's pretty informative and answers a lot of questions you might have on the process of getting through airport security. I'm pretty impressed that they would start a blog, because as most of us bloggers know, there's no better way to get the right information out there, than to be able to say it yourself. The blog is called Evolution of Security and you can click here to view it.

For all you travelers out there, I would recommend giving this one a look. Add a few comments...ask a few questions...

Stranded at the airport? Don’t forget Rule 240

My older brother forwarded me this article this morning and I thought it was well worth the post. Check it out below. It's by Peter Greenberg for TODAY.

Flight delayed or canceled? Peter Greenberg on how to get what you want

By Peter Greenberg

TODAYShow.com contributor

updated 3:04 p.m. CT, Tues., Jan. 29, 2008

Peter Greenberg TODAY Travel Editor • Profile • E-mail

A few years ago, at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, I noticed something strange on the departure boards. American Airlines had three flights scheduled that afternoon from ORD to Boston, and all were apparently operating on time. United, on the other hand, had three flights scheduled from ORD to Boston, but none were operating on time. In fact, all three United flights showed "canceled."

I smelled a rat. I went to the United counter and asked the reason for the cancellations. "Weather."

Weather? The airlines couldn't have it both ways. Either American Airlines pilots were irresponsible, crazy air jockeys who were going to tease the gods and fly into the face of serious storms, or United's official cancellation reason was a convenient untruth.

I checked the weather in both Chicago and Boston: totally clear.

I went back out to the United gates and informed the counter agents that I knew the weather was fine and also explained that all the American flights were operating without problem. And then I invoked Rule 240 — which states that in the event of any flight delay or cancellation caused by anything other than weather, the airline would fly me on the next available flight — not their next available flight, which might not leave for another 24 hours.

And guess what happened? A lot of United passengers made it to Boston that day — on American.

Click here to go to the MSNBC TODAY website and read the full article.

Cruise Log from USA Today

   
I saw this in USA Today this morning. Cruise Log with Gene Sloan. I went to the site and it's really cool. I love a good cruise and this site seems to have all the info you would ever need for finding about about your next big adventure in the big blue ocean. It has a blog, deals, reviews, nice pictures, and lots of other nifty things to look at. I will have this bookmarked for my next cruise, you should too.

CC Africa - The Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience In Africa

I went on Safari in Kenya with this company last year.

CC Africa. It was truly and you can see some of the photos from the safari in my side bar.

LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARI

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) is  Africa's leading luxury safari company and one of the most comprehensive  safari operators with exceptional lodges and safaris in Africa's most breathtaking wilderness locations.             

• More than 40 world-renowned and luxurious African safari camps across 16 destinations throughout South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana
• CC Africa operates exhilarating luxury safaris including Walking Safaris and Expeditions - Africa Under Canvas mobile safaris - and a unique range of Specialist Safaris
• Over 35 years of tour operating experience in planning exceptional and safe African safaris, including specialist golf and family safaris, weddings and honeymoons

            

Why CC Africa for your Luxury  Safari?

Because we are commended time and again on our excellent service and remarkable people, safari locations across Africa, our CC Africa trained guides and sustainable conservation ethic.