Those fees charged by hotels called Resort Fees are referred to in the industry as drip fees. They brought in over three billion dollars in revenue for hotels last year. They really annoy me. I feel it's a shady way to get extra money from guests plus many times, they are not properly disclosed. Some feel it's a way for hotels to avoid paying taxes. I don't know about … [Read more...] about Hotels: Drip, Drip, Drip…..
Southwest Airlines – back to the future.
Airlines have been trying for decades to find ways to get 125+ passengers and their bags on and off planes quicker. Now, Southwest Airlines is going back a couple decades hoping they can improve the process. They recently started a test at a couple of California airports where customers have the option to use a staircase at the rear of the plane. If you use the rear … [Read more...] about Southwest Airlines – back to the future.
Debit or Credit Card?
I rarely use a debit card. I hate debt and credit card balances but I always use a credit card and pay off the balance each month. With a credit card, if there is a fraudulent charge, the bank reverses it immediately. If my debit card is stolen or the number is made public, my checking account could be wiped out within hours. Leave the debit card at home. Use the … [Read more...] about Debit or Credit Card?
Where’s my plane?
Suppose you're at home or a hotel and your flight leaves in 3-4 hours. You check the airline's website and it shows, "on time." When you arrive at the airport a couple hours later, the status is now, "delayed - late plane arriving." There is a way you could have determined this before you left for the airport. Pull up www.FlightAware.com on your phone or other device. … [Read more...] about Where’s my plane?
Getting around TSA 311 rule
Most travelers know about the TSA 311 rule - You are allowed to carry-on liquids less than 3.4 ounces in a one-quart bag. However, many don't know that you can have as many bottles of liquids as you can stuff into that one-quart bag. We purchase small refillable bottles at Walmart and fill each with shampoo, conditioner, sunblock, etc.. Then, we put them all inside a … [Read more...] about Getting around TSA 311 rule
New congressional bill could mandate minimum seat sizes on airplanes
Within the next few days, the US House of Representatives could pass H.R. 302 which addresses funding of the FAA for the next five years. Part of this bill gives the Department of Transportation one year to establish minimum seat sizes on airplanes. The old standard pitch of 34 inches as shrunk over the years to 30 inches. Some economy airlines have a pitch as low as 27 … [Read more...] about New congressional bill could mandate minimum seat sizes on airplanes
Wonder why planes are more crowded? Here’s the answer
In the past decade, over 200 million more passengers fly on planes than just fifteen years ago. But, that's just part of the story. Airlines are now flying over 1.5 million FEWER FLIGHTS than they did fifteen years ago! I was never great at math but I can understand this statistic. More passengers and fewer flights mean more people on a plane. Another good reason to … [Read more...] about Wonder why planes are more crowded? Here’s the answer
Hotel breakfast crasher on the loose!
I admit - I have thought about it. Although I've never done it - I've thought about. I have a close relative that has done it and maybe he's the one mentioned here. Police in Dalton, GA are on the lookout for a hotel breakfast crasher that stops at hotels in the area, walks into the breakfast buffet and helps himself. He also has been spotted walking the hallways and … [Read more...] about Hotel breakfast crasher on the loose!
Seaborn adds ten Alaska itineraries for 2019 on the small ship Sojourn
I love small cruise ships. Seabourn has added ten Alaska and British Columbia itineraries for 2019 and I plan to check them out. These cruises will be on the popular Sojourn with only 450 passengers possible on each cruise. I find the older I get the more I want to be on the smaller ships. I've done the mega-large ships and there are things on these ships I like (a great … [Read more...] about Seaborn adds ten Alaska itineraries for 2019 on the small ship Sojourn
Time to go to Europe!
The dollar is rising overseas and the Euro and Pound is falling. The Euro is worth about 20% more to the US Dollar in just five years. Same for the British Pound. It's not just Europe either. Some South American countries have seen the dollar grow rapidly compared to their currency. Argentina is one to check out. It may take time for the hotels and restaurants to … [Read more...] about Time to go to Europe!
