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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Air

1. 5 Tips for Travelling Around the World

   May 22, 2017 1:22 pm Leave a Comment

   A round the world trip is a lifelong dream for many people. Whether you are quitting your job and hitting the road or you managed to get you boss to agree to an extra long holiday, nothing beats the freedom of the open road. You’ll see natural beauty, thriving metropolises and cultures you never new existed and you’ll eat all kinds of exotic (and potentially ambiguous) foods. But, travelling around the world doesn’t come without hiccups and obstacles. Fortunately, 99% of the time, these problems can be avoided or overcome with relative ease, provided you know what you’re doing. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey around the world.

   Lower Your Expectations

   Things won’t always go to plan while you’re travelling so don’t waste your time worrying about it. Trains will be late, ATMs will be broken and your mattress might be a bit lumpy. All of this is fine – you just need to get used to it. In England, if your food takes more than 20 minutes it’s an outrage. In Peru, if your food comes within an hour you’re having a good day. Don’t expect everything to run smoothly and don’t get annoyed when it doesn’t – be patient, it could be worse. Save your energy for the things that matter.

   Cash is King

   If you are travelling anywhere in Africa, Asia or Latin America, you will very quickly realise the importance of having cash on you. Most of the countries found here operate on cash-based economies and your Amex isn’t going to get you very far if you want to buy a samosa from a street vendor. ATMs can be unreliable abroad so make sure you always have a back-up stash of cash at all times.

   Almost Nothing is Impossible

   If you really want to do something, you can almost always find a way to do it. I’ve had people tell me certain places are impossible to get to or that all the accommodation will be full only to discover that the complete opposite was true when I got there. Where there is a will there is a way, so don’t let anyone put you off doing something just because they think it can’t be done.

   Be Open-Minded

   When you experience a new culture you are likely to come across things that you don’t like or don’t understand. Keep an open mind and you will have a much better time on your travels. In some cultures spitting isn’t considered disgusting and burping can actually be a compliment. Try and throw all your preconceptions out of the window before you go.

   Don’t Be Scared

   Nowadays, the world seems like a pretty scary place but I can assure you it is not. The vast majority of people you will meet along your travels around the world will be lovely, helpful and interesting. People are not out to get you and there aren’t homicidal maniacs hiding around every corner. If you are in a poor country then yes you might be a target for theft but this is rarely violent – they just want your expensive things and can you really blame them? The world is full of goodness and the more you travel the more you will learn this.

2. Winter Sun and no Jet Lag

   March 6, 2017 6:11 pm Leave a Comment

   Where to go for winter sun and no jet lag! If you live on the East Coast then winter has to be escaped once in a while. When the temperatures plummet rather than hibernate you need to find some sunshine.Just a few hours due south on a plane and you’ll find yourself soaking up some winter sun without having to endure any sleep-wrecking jet lag. Without further ado, allow us to present our top suggestions for a winter break without switching time-zones.

   Colombia

   Despite its turbulent past, Colombia is open and ready for business when it comes to tourism. The once intimidating cities of Bogota and Medellin have become vibrant metropolises where you can sip on a coffee or a cocktail and watch the world race by. If city life doesn’t do it for you then the coastal areas of Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla are the perfect getaways. Each is home to a plethora of breath taking colonial buildings in bright yellows, oranges and pinks as well as fresh, delicious seafood on every corner.

   Cuba

   Now that it’s finally legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, we should all be taking advantage of what this unique little island has to offer. Ogle the old fashioned cars that putter down the roads, take a salsa lesson or search high and low for the very best mojito – there is fun and excitement around every corner, from Havana to Trinidad and beyond. Make sure you do some research before you get there though because local customs are very different to what you’re used to at home.

   Jamaica

   You are unlikely to ever find a more chilled out country than Jamaica. People take their time here and that’s what makes this tropical island so charming and alluring. There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning to the soft sound of reggae and the smell of fresh mango floating on the air. With beaches to die for, mountains to hike and waterfalls to marvel at, Jamaica is ideal for nature lovers looking to embrace the great outdoors and a splash of winter sun.

   Guatemala

   Guatemala might be small but it sure packs a punch for those who venture within its borders and with just one hour time difference, you won’t waste precious time to jet lag. While Guatemala City might not be much to look out, once you’re out of the capital the country takes on a lush green tinge, speckled with the ashy black of its many volcanoes. During your holiday here be sure to spend time wandering through the old colonial town of Antigua, explore the glistening pools at Semuc Champey and discover the ruins of Tikal.

   Costa Rica

   Without wanting to sound too cliché, Costa Rica is one of those countries that has it all. From the staggering rainforest filled with exotic creatures, to the pristine beaches that line both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Yet, perhaps the main draw to Costa Rica is its multitude of national parks, some containing volcanoes, some jungle and some marine life beyond anything you could have ever imagined. All of which are perfect for exploring under the golden rays of some winter sun. Oh and the food here isn’t too shabby either.

3. Top 5 things for airline travel

   February 28, 2017 4:07 pm Leave a Comment

   Flying is without a doubt the worst part of any holiday, but what are the top 5 things that can help for your flight experience? Travel and particularly airline travel is almost always an unavoidable part of going on vacation so we have concocted a list of things that are guaranteed to make your travel experience slightly less terrible. Tuck these five magic items into your carry-on next time your travel and you’ll never dread flying again.

   

   Travel Pillow

   This is an absolute essential for airline travel no matter how far you’re going. These marvellous inventions wrap around the back of your neck, providing support for your head as you doze off. No more waking up to a crick in your neck or your head flopping down mid-snooze. Even if you’re not planning on sleeping, the extra level of comfort that the travel pillow provides makes it worth using anyway.

   Water

   This might sound obvious but if you’re flying, drink plenty of water. Perhaps one of the most common plights of airline travellers is dry lips, skin and throat so keeping well hydrated will help you avoid looking like a snake by the end of your journey.

   Entertainment

   The majority of modern airlines have TV screens on the back of every seat with a pretty decent collection of films. However, if you really want to enjoy your flight, don’t restrict yourself to the selection of films that the airline provides, fill up your tablet/phone/laptop with your favourite series, films or music and spend the duration of your journey enjoying your own entertainment. Don’t forget to take a portable charger as well to keep your devices functioning throughout the whole flight.

   Flight Socks

   There is a risk, when flying long distances, of contracting deep vein thrombosis, a rather unpleasant condition caused by sitting for prolonged periods of time and the blood in your legs not flowing as it should. In order to reduce the chances of being affected by this, flight socks are essential as they provide your legs with the support they need to keep your blood flowing properly. Of course, you should combine this with regular walks up and down the plane.

   Baby Wipes

   Sitting on a plane for hours on end can leave you feeling groggy and even a little bit unclean. Travel, and particularly airline travel, by all accounts is rarely the most hygienic thing in the world. When you start feeling sweaty or that you might smell a bit, it’s useful to have a packet baby wipes with you to make yourself feel a little bit cleaner. You certainly won’t regret taking them with you.

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4. Earning Elite Status with three US Airlines

   January 6, 2017 4:28 pm Leave a Comment

   American Airlines

   New to 2017 for the Aadvantage program is a spending requirement to earn Elite status. To qualify, passengers must earn at least 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and spend at least $3,000 in Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs).
   American Airlines will let you earn up to $6,000 dollars in EQDs by spending at least $50,000 on their branded credit card. If you only spend up to $25,000 on the card you’ll have to make do with $3,000 in credit. So if you’re looking to earn Executive Platinum status with American Airlines, you’ll have to fork out over $12,000 before taxes to meet the threshold, or $6000 to American + $50,000 spend on your credit card.

   Delta

   To qualify for medallion status on Delta you will need at least 25,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and you’ll have had to spend $3000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs). So that doesn’t mean that all the miles you earn on your flight will automatically count towards elite status, nor does it mean that your entire ticket cost will count as your MQD spend. The fine print defines MQMs and MQDs pretty rigidly so you’ll have to do your homework to make sure you are going to qualify.
   One thing delta does do, is give its SkyMiles members outside of the US a break. These customers don’t have to meet the MQD requirements. Holders of a Delta-branded American Express card can also be exempt from the MQD requirements for their tier if they spend at least $25,000 on the card in a year.
   Delta will also roll-over miles earned above the qualification threshold to next year.

   United Airlines

   To earn premier status in United’s frequent flyer program, Mileage Plus, you’ll need to earn 25,000 Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs), and spend $3,000 Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQDs) within the calendar year. Pretty much the same as Delta, but the website doesn’t list exemptions for non-US residents and credit card customers.

5. Why are none of the busiest air routes in the world in the USA?

   December 16, 2016 12:01 am Leave a Comment

   For many, the end of December is a big time to travel. In the US, the Department of Transportation notes that the number long distance trips taken increases by 23% around Christmas. This is less than around Thanksgiving, but still enough to put a strain on transit infrastructure during this period. With so many people travelling in the US not just around the holidays, but on a regular basis you may expect that the busiest air travel routes in the world would be found here. They’re not.
   In terms of the numbers of passengers carried, not a single US air route (domestic or international) makes it in to the list of the top busiest routes published by OAG. The numbers presented are based on seat capacity and not passengers flown. However, we believe seat capacity is a key metric.

   Busiest, domestic or international routes?

   Before we get to the list, there’s another area to look at when it comes to the busiest routes, are they domestic or international? Not only are there more barriers for passengers wanting to fly internationally (think visas and passport control), governments and airlines need to work out agreements that allow passenger carriage to take place. Perhaps unsurprisingly so, the busiest routes in the world by seat capacity are almost all domestic routes.

   Why is the US not in the top-10?

   Perhaps one of the key reasons why US routes don’t make it in to the top 10 is because the country is so big. While that would probably mean that there is more reason to fly, it also means that there are more options. Many of the routes in the top 10 are in countries that are smaller than the US. Looking at all the major US carriers, they each have multiple hubs spread throughout the country and traffic isn’t funneled into one channel. To get from New York to LA, for instance, you can fly direct, but there are options to connect you in Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, and the list goes on. Point to Point air travel isn’t as big in the US as in other countries. Capacity is spread out in the US, and not concentrated. And where there are very frequent connections, the aircraft are usually a lot smaller.

6. The declining service of airlines

   November 18, 2016 5:40 pm Leave a Comment

   United Airlines has recently announced a new fare structure where perks such as free seat selection, and even overhead bin space will now be available for a fee. It’s no secret that airlines have been making a mint out of ancillary fees. Increased competition from low cost carriers and the travellers desire for the lowest possible fares are driving the established players to adopt a new model to remain profitable. Here we have a look at some of the things that may now cost you money on your next flight.
   Seat Selection – even at online check-in
   In the past all seats were created equal. Passengers could reserve most seats simply by request, and there was always a wide selection of seats available at the airport. Granted sometimes it meant getting up at an odd hour of day and trying to be first to check in as soon as online check in opened, but there was choice. Now, ever more airlines are making you fork over for the privilege of selecting a seat in advance of the flight. Some like United Airlines and British Airways even going so far as to not give the passengers in the lowest fare classes seat selection at all but just allocating the seats at check-in.
   Meals
   For many airlines gone are the days of a free meal. Of course, not all flights had a meal service; but this was the first area where airlines started to scale back to reduce costs. Urban legend, or truth: many people can recall the story that shaving a single olive off a salad saved lots of money for the airlines. So now if you want it, you’re going to have to pay for it separately.
   Baggage (even some carry-on)
   When you buy a plane ticket you are purchasing transportation for yourself from point a to b. airlines used to consider that if you’re flying somewhere you are probably going for an extended period of time and you’ll need to bring more than what can fit in a backpack. So they threw in a suitcase or two of space for you to take clothes. Weight limits have been around for as long as this writer can remember, and going over that meant forking up; but now that first Samsonite in the hold will cost you regardless.
   What it boils down to is what is included in the price of your airline ticket. Air fares have dropped and so has the level of service. Splitting out the components of the travel experience are giving consumers a pick and pay menu of what

7. Holiday Travel Options

   October 28, 2016 3:15 pm Leave a Comment

   The busy holiday travel season is just around the corner again. In the past we’ve looked at the best tips to get you to your destination whether it’s thanksgiving travel, or Christmas travel; many of us will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies again this winter. With so many options for holiday travel we thought we’d look some of the different types of holidays you can have.

   Stay-cationing with Family

   If you live far away from your family and you don’t get to see them often, the holidays form the perfect time to head over and reconnect. Maybe you go to a different family member’s house every year; or perhaps you always converge in the same familiar spot. Your options form part of your own experience and who are we to tell you what to do here. Having a familiar spot to hang your hat during your travels can’t beat even the best of hotels.

   Sun Seekers

   The further north we live, the further south we’re likely to travel in the winter. If, as mentioned above you are visiting family it might be an added bonus that these family members happen to live in a warmer location. Winter is prime time for islands in the Caribbean and the southernmost states in the US because of the warm climates.

   Hitting the slopes

   Whereas some people do what they can to avoid the snow, others seek it out. The more of the fluffy white stuff, the better. Skiing and snowboarding are heavily dependent on the season and it should be no surprise that winter is the best time to carve some powder. For those who are dragged along but don’t like to hit the slopes, many mountain towns and ski resorts offer a wide range of other activities and facilities such as spas and hot springs to pass time.

   Taking to the Seas

   A cruise can be a great way to spend a vacation. You typically get to sail around and see different ports while your floating hotel takes you there while you sleep. Modern cruise ships are known for their luxuries and fine dining, and you will be spoiled and pampered on your journey. You’ll certainly miss the daily turndown service and wish you could take all the staff that made your journey so comfortable home with you.

8. Exciting Small Airports

   October 21, 2016 4:57 pm Leave a Comment

   Gibraltar Airport

   This airport’s runway divides the country; literally. There was no other flat, wide portion of land that was suitable to build the runway for Gibraltar’s airport other than the isthmus between the Rock, and mainland Spain. As a result, the airport bisects the country and there’s even a main road that crosses the runway. Every time a plane needs to land, or take off the road is closed for vehicles and pedestrians.

   Saint Barth’s, Gustaf III airport

   This tiny airport in the Caribbean sees scheduled service and links the French territory with neighbouring islands. You won’t be able to fly here from much further than the range of a small propeller aircraft, considering the runway is one of the shortest in the world, and is flanked by a hill and the ocean. Landing here is a risky manoeuvre with no room for error or second chances.

   Saba, Dutch Caribbean Island

   This tiny island is a destination in itself. Marketed as the unspoilt island, it’s no surprise that everything about coming here is an adventure. From the main road which is simply called “The Road”, you can expect to be amazed from before you even touch down. Regular air service connects Saba to St. Maarten, and charter services are provided to Anguilla and Antigua. Pilots have to make sure they carry enough fuel to get them to the nearest pump, considering there are no provisions for refuelling on the island. At only 400m in length aircraft and operators need special permission to land.

   Courchevel Airport

   Even though this airport does not see regular scheduled service, it still makes our list given its dramatic location on top of a mountain. If you’re a James Bond fan, you may even recognize the airport from the opening sequence of Tomorrow Never Dies. Of course, the silver screen has embellished some of the features, but the fact remains that this is one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

9. The end of free meals?

   October 14, 2016 4:26 pm Leave a Comment

   British Airways is the latest high-profile airline to start charging for meals. Not all passengers will have to pay, and the airline is touting it as an enhancement to the service offering on board BA short-haul flights, but the reality is that it’s another revenue mechanism and means for the airline to compete with low cost carriers.
   Low cost carriers have developed their business model around ancillary fees. In the most basic of models, what you are buying is transportation from A to B, and everything else is Extra. Ryanair – known for its outlandish schemes – even charges passengers to check in. Of course it’s ridiculous that you buy a product for which you will have to pay a fee to be able to use the product, but somehow they get away with it. This article though, is focusing on catering.
   There are some advantages to buy-on-board for passengers. Whereas in the past when there was a free meal, there was little choice; chicken or beef, anyone? Buy on board has introduced menus to passengers and items for sale, though they often depend on the length of the flight, can vary from a bag of chips, to a full hot meal. The airlines, of course, are hoping to make a little money on this not only through the sale of the meals, but also on savings that they can realize.
   Fuel prices have gone up, and everything that gets loaded on to the aircraft means the plane gets heavier. When the plane gets heavier, it burns more fuel. Buy-on-board may not necessarily save on fuel if the entire menu has to be stocked for the aircraft, but many airlines are now offering the opportunity to pre-order. This way they know beforehand who wants what, and they can load accordingly.
   These systems do take time, and cost money to implement. But with the proper management, they can be an excellent source of revenue for any airline and helps them keep fares competitive.

10. Get through security faster

    October 7, 2016 2:27 pm Leave a Comment

    Airport security is a necessary part of all air travel. With increased restrictions and seemingly ever-changing regulations it’s no surprise that the queues keep getting longer. But so too do the queues get longer, or there are various ways in which airports, airlines, government, and private corporations are trying to give the travelling public ways to bypass the line.
    For many parties involved, getting passengers through security as quickly as possible makes sense. For the airlines it makes sense because shorter check-in times mean more incentive for people to travel, as well as less chance that a person would miss a flight which can cause delays. Airports, however, also benefit from shorter security queues. Fewer frustrated passengers can lead to more return visits; but ultimately a large portion of an airport’s revenue comes from sales in the terminal. Less time at security equals more time to shop.
    So how are the players reacting to this? In the US since 9/11 security has been part of a mandate from the Department of Homeland Security. They, through the Transportation Security Administration determine who gets through and how they are screened. Airports and Airlines do not have much say over this, but they can influence the order in which people get to the front of the queue. Mostly this means priority access for those passengers in premium cabins, but there are options for other travellers too. The TSA has launched PreCheck for low-risk travellers, giving them access to a separate security screening lane at many airports. There are various eligibility criteria and it can be as simple as applying. Benefits of PreCheck include not having to take out laptops and getting to keep shoes on.
    Another option that’s coming up more and more in the US is CLEAR. This service is based on an annual subscription whereby participants are escorted to the front of the line at security at participating airports, bypassing even the priority queues. Unlike PreCheck, this does not qualify you for any different security screening; it just gets you through quicker.