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January 29, 2008

One Dreamy Plane Up Close and Personal

 Dream a little dream of me...

 

Model of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner

I recently attended an Expedia Corporate Travel and Northwest Airlines event at the Boeing Customer Experience Center in Renton, Washington. One word: WOW! (yes, worthy of all caps and an exclamation point).

What impressed me about the venue is how after one step into the building, you realized you're walking toward the future of the aircraft industry. It's what I've always imagined 21st century travel would look like. We toured several aircraft mockups, including the new generation 747-800 and the star of the show, the 787 Dreamliner.  I believe travelers have a lot to look forward to.

 An interior that's actually inviting

The prized line-up of Boeing aircraft.

My photography skills don't do the plane's interior justice.

After my tour of the 787 Dreamliner, I'd have to say that this plane could make being stranded on the tarmac for several hours a pleasant experience.

 

Model of the 747-800, which borrows much of its design and structural advancements from the 787. Boeing engineers wanted to be clear that it's a whole new generation of 747.

 

Posted by Tom at 5:08 PM | | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

January 17, 2008

Oh Canada, New Entry Requirements!

 

 What it takes cross the border by land or by sea

New entry requirements take effect January 31, 2008

Entry requirements for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada will change on January 31, 2008. The hop and skip across the border will include more of a jump (through hoops) in the form of added documentation. Two forms of ID will be required: government-issued photo ID and a document showing the holder's U.S. citizenship. In this day of heighten security, it's hard to believe that a verbal declaration of citizenship was once all you needed to visit our neighbors to the north.

Entry requirements for traveling to Canada

  • Beginning January 31, 2008, travelers entering the U.S. from Canada by sea and land must have government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, an original or certified birth certificate or certificate of nationalization).

    • Americans traveling between the U.S. and Canada by air must have a valid passport. (This rule has been in place since last year.)

    A Trip Tip for Frequent Cross-Border Drivers

    If you drive frequently between the U.S. and Canada, consider the NEXUS program. It's designed to expedite border crossings for pre-screened and approved low-risk travelers. 

    Introducing the U.S. Passport Card

    Beginning in spring 2008, the passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports of entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Be clear that this is not a passport but a new form of ID introduced as a less costly option for U.S. travelers visiting the aforementioned destinations.

    Related Links:

    Canadians: Travel Documents for Entering the United States

    Got the border-crossing blues? Here's what you need to know.

    Requirements for traveling with children to Canada

    Posted by Tom at 11:17 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

    January 14, 2008

    California, Here I Come!

    There are lyrics and then, there are lyrics.

    California here I come,
    Right back where I started from,
    Where bowers of flowers bloom in the sun,
    Each morning at dawning
    Birdies sing an' ev'rything:
    A sun-kiss'd miss said, "don't be late,"
    That's why I can hardly wait,
    Open up that golden gate,
    California here I come.

    The snappy little chorus is on perpetual rotation in my head's soundtrack, thanks to one Mikey Karolkowski who introduced me to the ditty in the second grade after his trip to Disneyland. (And yes, 'It's a Small World' is trapped in my head as well.)

    All it takes is the mere utterance of the word 'California' and I feel the need to sing and tap my way into the hearts and heads of those not too frighten to flee.

    Now, I can thank the Los Angeles Times for another reason to explore the Golden State. (I feel a song coming on.)  In the words of the travel staff, "These are 15 places we think you must visit to grasp the wonder of this state." Well, what are you waiting for; it's time to visit California's Golden 15 Destinations.

    Posted by Tom at 9:31 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

    January 11, 2008

    IATA Launches Handy Travel Information Portal

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a great new site for travelers, providing passport, visa and health information at a glance. Just type in the particulars of your travel plans and the IATA Travel Centre provides tailored information by itinerary on passport, visa and health requirements, as well as taxes at arriving and departing airports and consumer and currency regulations. The service is offered free of charge to individual travelers. 

    Check out the IATA Travel Centre at www.iatatravelcentre.com.

     

    Posted by Tom at 2:44 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

    January 9, 2008

    Packin' Heat: New Rules for Lithium Batteries

    At current count, I believe at least one bazillion people have emailed me about the new safety rules for lithium batteries on planes.  Why such interest? Perhaps the new ruling by the Department of Transportation (DOT) ) is a wee bit confusing, yes, a wee bit.  

    It seems airline passengers are no longer allowed to pack loose lithium batteries in their checked luggage. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, continues to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if installed in an electronic device. When uninstalled and loose, lithium batteries must be placed in carry-on luggage in a plastic bag.

    Here comes the confusing part: only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries with lithium content weighing between 8 grams and 25 grams are allowed. Because almost all consumer-type lithium metal batteries contain less than 2 grams of lithium, this particular rule is really directed toward batteries used for commercial applications, not business travelers.

    Damon Darling in The New York Times article  Lithium Battery Ban? Check Again quoted security expert Bruce Schneier as saying,  “Near as I can tell, this affects pretty much no one except audio/visual professionals.” Good news indeed as my A/V cache consists of an iPod and Brownie camera.  

    If you're not sure about your battery classification, visit the DOT's online information page which features a battery acceptance matrix: Traveling Safely With Batteries and Battery-Powered Devices.

    Posted by Tom at 12:58 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

    January 7, 2008

    U.K. Strikes Cancelled, but Qantas Faces Labor Woes

    In a turn of good luck for business travelers, strikes planned for BAA, the U.K.'s largest airport operator, and Virgin Atlantic have been cancelled. The strikes, which would have launched Jan. 7 and 9 respectively, would have nearly shut down air travel for a large chunk of the month. With union agreements underway, travelers to the U.K. should see smooth flights in January.

    That can't be said for Australia, where Qantas engineers have threatened to begin a series of four-hour walkouts at midnight Jan. 9. The engineers are needed to inspect planes pre-flight, and without those inspections passengers won't be leaving the ground. It could be complete chaos or intermittent troubles, but either way business travelers can expect delays and cancellations.

    Posted by Renae at 5:00 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

    Resolving to Be a Better Traveler

     

    Week One: So Far, So Good

    As several of my friends and I mulled over the meaning of the coming year with all the verve of a teenager facing an evening with Mom and Dad, I was amused that nary a one of us had a decent resolution to proclaim.

    Slumped in the arms of our respective wingbacks, beanbags and chaises like refugees from Christmas past, we found it a chore to ponder self-improvement on full stomachs and maxed-out credit cards.

    Certainly we acknowledged having a bevy of bad habits, all of which were begging for scrutiny, but could we not speak of their banishment another day? (As you can see, procrastination never made the list.)

    In the light of day (and oddly on my own accord), I had a change of heart and enlisted the powers of my finest fountain pen to help me outline the course corrections needed to make Tom a better man in the coming year, or at least a better traveler.  (No, I did not run out of paper.)

    Under travel, I resolved to champion behavioral changes that would add a couple years to my life and a few more smiles to my journey (for all involved).

  • Plan my travel well in advance (as possible).

  • Always check itinerary for seat assignments.

  • Check in online.

  • Keep laptop closed when handling snacks or coffee.

  • Pack only what I need. (Say no to multiple costume changes)

  • Do not use a fellow passenger's shoulder as an in-flight pillow.

  • Tag luggage with tacky yarn ball or decal so no one else will mistake it (or want to be seen carrying it).

  • Wear new socks and loose-fitting loafers to the airport

  • Kick my in-flight ginger ale habit.

  • Update my online travel profiles

  • Don't ask friends to give me rides to the airport.

  • Give friends rides to the airport.

  • Keep wide array of travel-size toiletries on hand.

  • Don't whine about in-flight meals or lack thereof.

  • Buck up and pay for the in-flight headphones. (After decades of trying, I still can't read lips.)

    As for my personal resolutions, I'll spare you the details as they read like a season premiere for the Oprah Show: get in shape, eat right, never begin a sentence with 'Britney.'

    Yep, this year's going to be different. (Please, no snickering.)

    Tell us your travel resolutions for 2008.

    Tom Conway, who for the first week of 2008 took the stairs to his office, looks forward to your questions, comments and tips.

    • Posted by Tom at 1:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

    January 3, 2008

    TripAdvisor's Top Ten Travel Resolutions

     

    What would a new year be without a resolution or two to toil over? Our pals over at TripAdvisor.com rang in 2008 with a cheeky little list of no less than 10 resolutions for the world traveler.  Sounds like they want us to all behave.

    1. Be kind to transportation employees. Offer a smile at check-in, over- tip a taxi driver, hug a security attendant.

    2. Have patience. Don't board until your zone is actually called, and please do "remain in your seat with your seat belt buckled until we arrive at the gate."

    3. Be environmentally friendly. Turn off the lights when you leave the hotel room and reuse your towels -- we know you do it at home.

    4. Wear socks with shoes when traveling. We all suffer in the security line, please don't make it worse.

    5. Conserve room in the storage areas. Check a bag for Pete's sake. It's okay ... you can do it, we're here to support you.

    6. Become less germaphobic. Shake hands with the passenger next to you. It's friendly, and exposure to germs builds your immune system.

    7. Think before you pack. When in doubt leave it at home -- they will confiscate your scissors, you will hold up the lines.

    8. Spare us the view at the beach. No one wants to see you in your skimpy swimwear. Seriously.

    9. Be yourself and pipe down. Auditions for Borat are closed, so leave the fake accent at home. Also, speaking loudly in English does not help those who speak another language understand you better.

    10. Dress nicely while traveling. Draw the line at jeans -- sweatpants and pajamas just look silly.

    What are you're New Year's travel resolutions?

    Posted by Tom at 9:45 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)