The A380 Has Landed at LAX

The Los Angeles Times reports that the world's largest commercial airliner, the A380, has a big impact on the operations at LAX.

When the behemoth lands and takes off at the nation's fourth busiest airport, special considerations and ground limitations are appled as a result of the sheer size of the plane and its wingspan (total plane width 262 ft.). In fact, certain taxiways and roadways must be closed to accommodate the plane.

Take a closer look: 

Airbus A380 is a mixed blessing for LAX

(photo of A380 at LAX: courtesy of Kjartsen Philipsen, Egencia)

Posted by Tom at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 I received an email from our security team that had some helpful tips about better securing your laptop when on a trip. As they pointed out, while the laptop is a valuable asset, the information it holds is even more important.

I couldn't have said it better, so here are some of their laptop travel tips:

• Keep your laptop with you as much as possible.

• Do not leave access numbers or passwords in your laptop carrying case.

• Consider buying a privacy screen guard that prevents people from reading your work.

• When setting down your laptop, place it between your feet or against your leg.

• If you sit near an exit on public transportation, hold your laptop securely at all times.

• During airport screening, always maintain sight of your laptop.

• Carry on your laptop instead of checking it in with luggage.

• Hold on to your laptop until it is your turn to enter the metal detector, and immediately retrieve it after it has passed through the conveyor belt.

• Remember to retrieve your laptop before exiting the airplane.

• If you must leave your laptop in your room, place it out of view and post the "Do Not Disturb" sign.

Posted by Tom at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Home sweet home? Do we have a job for you!

Admit it; you've daybreamed about telling the boss where to file that got-to-have-it-now report,  grabbing a few incidentals, and hopping the next flight to a deserted tropical island where a stocked fridge and sugar-white beach await you. Oh yes, and money is no object. (My daydreams do go on.)

Well my friends, this is no daydream. Queensland Tourism has a job of you as island caretaker for the Great Barrier reef--a position they call 'The  Best Job in the World.' And as I sit, writing this in a viewless cubicle, I'd have to agree. The successful candidate will be paid a salary package of AUD $150,000 for the six-month contract and be based on Hamilton Island.

It's not all Fosters and dreamy sunsets, you'll be expected to snorkel, feed the fish and collect mail. And since I'm all about enabling daydreamers, I leave you with the application for the 'Best Job in the World (PDF).'

G'day and good luck mates!

Posted by Tom at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We often think of a new year as a clean slate, a time for new beginnings. Our own Rob Greyber, senior vice president of Egencia, pens an Op-Ed for Business Travel News Online outlining what he believes will be the business travel trends for 2009.

It may not all doom and gloom in this challenging economy, as Greyber points out that business travelers will likely see relief in air fares, hotel and car rates as demand weakens. In additon, he feels suppliers will be bring additional value to companies committed to supporting their services and increasing demand.

Read: Op-Ed: Turbulent '09 Nevertheless Will Offer Savings Opportunities

Posted by Tom at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

USA Today came up with a handy little map that graphically represents airline flight cuts by states. Place your cursor over the state and you'll learn by percentage what the increase or decrease is for the number of airline seats for departing flights out of the selected state. If you click directly on the state, the information will cite percentages by cities within the state. Large airports with the greatest percentage of flight cuts include Oakland, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Honolulu, Ft. Lauderdale and Cleveland. 

Posted by Tom at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)