Checked bags haven’t gone away, they’ve just become more expensive.  Depending on your airline, your frequent flier status with the airline, what class of service you’ve booked, and how much you’ve paid for your ticket, the price for checking your bag can range from nothing on up to $50 per bag.   And that’s not taking into consideration over-sized over over-weight bags that require special handling.

Despite the fees, if I’ve packed for longer than a simple getaway weekend, I check my bags.

I hear the collective gasp go out among frequent travelers now!

But I have very good reasons for preferring to check my bags, and the primary one is that I have to tote and lift everything when I’m working, and I simply don’t want to do it the rest of the time.  I love the freedom of carrying one medium-sized tote or briefcase, leaving my hands free and saving my shoulders from the weight of lifting and carrying.  And for the record, in all my years of traveling, and checking bags, I have never had a bag go missing.

I’ve also never had an exorbitantly long wait in baggage claim, waiting for items to come tumbling onto the carousel.  Yes, it can seem like a long time, but when I’ve checked my watch, I’ve found that the waiting time has usually been in the 5-10 minute range.

Keep these practical tips in mind and you can check bags stress free, if not cost free, as well as helping to ensure that they arrive when and where you do.

1. Good luggage.  It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to be in good shape.  Make sure that there are no rips or broken zippers, and that it is sturdy enough to withstand the journey.  This will also help make sure that your contents stay inside the bag instead of getting spilled all over when a small tear becomes larger and the bag splits apart.
2. Bag tags.  Put a bag tag on the outside of your suitcase that has multiple phone numbers, including your cell phone or where you can be reached on your travelers.  I have two bag tags on mine, just in case one gets torn off., and I also use bag tags that are brightly colored so that they can be easily spotted on my black bag that looks just like all the other black bags.
3. Itinerary.  Put a copy of your itinerary, along with your name, address, home phone, cell phone, and email, on the inside of the bag.  You can put this information in an envelope and then pin the envelope to an inside pocket of the bag.  You can also tape the envelope if you have plastic rather than mesh pockets.  This is one more way to help the airlines find you if you are separated from your bag.  Again, be sure to include a cell number or phone number where you can be reached.  You can’t be reunited with a lost bag if the airlines don’t know how to get in touch with you.
4. Tagged for final destination. make sure that the city code on the tag is the city code of your final destination.  (Which means that you need to know your airport codes.)  If you’re on a non-stop flight, this usually isn’t a problem, but occasionally, if you’re making a connecting flight, your connecting airport can inadvertently be tagged as your final destination.  Double check, and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not certain.
5. Curbside check-in.  If you are checking your bags with a porter, tip them.  I know that you shouldn’t have to, especially now that there is a charge for curbside check in, do it anyway and chalk it up to putting good travel-karma out into the world.
6. Match up your tags.  Make sure that the tags on your bag and the tags that you are given match up.  Confusion can happen if things are busy and if the people in line are getting cranky, because sometimes the tags will be set aside to be put on later.  Don’t lose sight of your bag until the tags have been put on and the other half of the tag given to you.
7. Baggage claim. After you get off the plane you don’t need to run to baggage claim.  Take a minute and stop off at the bathroom, wash up the kids, or step out of the rush to make a phone call.  Once you’re out of the crush of people, you can quickly head off to baggage claim away from cranky people.
8. Baggage carousel etiquette. Find the carousel where you bags will be arriving, recognizing that it might be different from the one announced on your plan upon landing.  You don’t need to push and shove, the reason they call it a carousel is because it goes around in a circle.  Find a spot where you can keep an eye on things and let everyone else climb on top of one another.   Keep aware of your personal space at the carousel and leave room for others.
9. Claim your bags. When the bags start rolling by, you’ll be able to quickly spot yours because you put that brightly colored bag tag on it.  Lift it off the carousel and check to make sure that it is really yours.  If you are waiting for another bag, make sure that you don’t block access to the carousel area with your already claimed bag.
10. Claim checks. Keep your bag claim checks handy as you leave the baggage claim area.  Some airports still match them up.

That’s all there is to it.  A little thought in the beginning, a few practical considerations at the airport, and some good manners along the way.  Before long, you’ll find that checking your bags isn’t all that bad.  Well, except for those fees.

Photo credit:  SXC

Travel Tips

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While travelers bemoan the loss of the kinder, gentler era of air travel, airline memorabilia fans know that they can enjoy a little retro moment with bags, accessories, and gifts from Pan Am One.  Adorned with the original Pan Am logo, items can also be found at travel stores and air museums.

Perhaps you had this classic carry on tote bag.  I know I did, although I’m not sure how I happened to acquire it.  This stylish version from the Originals Collection is in leather rather than plastic, and sells for $71.  The Originals Collection offers a variety of products that you may have received if you flew Pan Am back in the day when airlines gave you something when you chose to do business with them.

My how things have changed.

Photo credit:  Pan Am One

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The problem with writing about airline rules when you’re not in the industry is that you’re always behind in knowing what the rules are.  That means lots of speculation (much of which is erroneous), some humorous jokes and stories, and, unfortunately, lots of people getting spun up about something without all the information.

In many cases, crew members are the last to know what’s going on.  But, when it comes to what is supposed to be done on the airplane, we get timely notification of rules, rule changes, and warnings if something is likely to change again.  That’s probably why most of us adopted a wait-and-see approach to the most recent security issues and changes.  While we have lots to contribute to the discussion of what should have been done, who’s to blame, and what needs to be done, as far as new regulations and requirements, we all seemed ready to wait for something solid.  No jumping to conclusions here!

As a Flight Attendant, I found it odd that experienced travelers would jump to conclusions about what was going to happen.  I read incredulous stories and interpretations about what would or could happen.

I advised caution, that some immediate steps were put into place (and there were still varying interpretations on how to implement those steps), and that once there was time for review and evaluation, we’d have more precise information.  If there was any doubt that things were changing rapidly, it was driven home every time someone would explain the rules but decline to be identified.

And that’s exactly where we are right now.  Nothing was ever issued to the public on these rules because the TSA didn’t issue them.

The Department of Homeland Security and the TSA have implement a number of security changes that will take place ON THE GROUND for passengers who are traveling on international flights inbound to the United States.  What will these be?  All they are saying is that there will be additional screening, perhaps pat down searches, and such other means are being kept confidential.  OK, so far so good.  I think everyone agrees that the best way to prevent an incident during flight is to keep people and things off the aircraft that can cause problems.

Now, let’s get to those rules that apply during the flight.  First of all, here’s what the TSA was actually advising passengers:

During flight, passengers may be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

Notice the key word — “may.”  It doesn’t say shall, will, must, or any mandatory language.  Why is that significant?  It means that it’s up to the airlines to set a policy and implement it.   Instead of checking with their airline about what the rules were, everyone seemed to jump to all sorts of conclusions.  And to jump all over the TSA for setting a new policy.  The TSA was getting blamed for acting too quickly, not acting quickly enough, for being over-reactive, and for not acting at all.  Believe me, there are plenty of things to jump all over the TSA about, and lots of reasons to be questioning some of the things that they do, but in this case the decision makers were the airlines.

There’s is plenty to criticize airlines for as well.  Most travelers have had the experience of having different rules on different airlines, when all we want is uniformity and continuity.  That’s unlikely to happen.  Different companies, different policies, different interpretations.  While there will be similarities, of course, airlines, just like businesses on the ground, will choose to implement policies that best fit their needs.

So where are we with international rules today?

I’ve done a quick poll of my Flight Attendant pals, and most tell me that their airline has relaxed most, if not all, of the previously reported (but unattributed) in-flight regulations.  Again, these are for international flights, inbound to the U.S.  Passengers are no longer being required to remain in their seat for the last hour of flight, nor are they prohibited for accessing their carry on bags or having personal items in their lap.  The Captain of the flight may, in their discretion, require such additional safety requirement as s/he deems necessary.  The latter has always been the case, and means if there is a disturbance or concern on a flight that stricter procedures will likely be implemented.  And remember – even if you disagree or don’t understand – always follow the directives of your flight crew.  Don’t escalate a situation during flight; there’s plenty of time when you get on the ground to resolve an issue.

If you are looking for this info on the TSA website, I expect you’ll be disappointed.  I doubt there is any reason to post a “non-rule.”  And they never posted any rules in the first place (remember, it was all off-the-record comments), so there is nothing that they need to change.

A few days ago I was advising patience and to wait to see what happened.  Today I am advising international travelers to check with their airline.  If they have nothing specific on their website, you may want to give them a call.  And if you’re travel date is still a week or so off, I’d suggest that you check back right before you travel.  It wouldn’t surprise me if things change again.

Photo credit: SXC

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Oh wait – I am traveling tomorrow.  But tomorrow it’s a work trip, not a pleasure trip.  Still, I will have to be facing the uncertainty of airport security changes, and how they will be implemented, just like everyone else.

I reminded of the incident that led to the 3-1-1 liquids rule.  I was flying that morning, returning to Seattle from a layover in Washington DC, and flying out of DCA (Washington’s Reagan National).  The confusion was widespread, but one thing was certain – a security directive was issued that no liquids be allowed on the plane, and this airport was making certain that NO liquids were getting on any planes.  Our entire crew had to check our bags and all our liquids.

Remember your first airplane ride?

While this was going on at DCA, numerous airports around the country were interpreting the security directive in other fashions.  Upon arriving back in Seattle, and waiting for my bags in baggage claim, I heard all sorts of stories about how things were handled differently in different locations.  As I recall in took about a week or so for a clear regulation to come out (now known as the 3-1-1 rule) that specified what the policy was.

I think we are seeing a repeat of that process right now following the Northwest 253 incident.

We are hearing lots of explanations about policies, none of which have been directly attributable to any agency, and both the TSA website and airline websites offer a vague “you may notice a difference” explanation.

A variety of sources are citing the following new policies will apply to international flights inbound to the United States:

• 1-hour prior to landing all passengers will be required to remain in their seat (this is similar to the earlier policy on flights flying into DCA).
• Passengers will not be to get into carry on bags during that hour.
• Passengers will not be allowed to have coats, sweaters, blankets, or anything draped across their lap during that 1 hour (although they can wear a jacket, coat, etc.).
• All electronic items must be turned off during that 1 hour period.
• Extra at-the-gate security inspections of passengers and bags will occur.

I think it’s going to take some time, maybe a week or so, for things to sort out and for a written regulation to be issued.  During this time there will likely be over-reactions and various interpretations of the immediate security directive.  This will create some frustrating uncertainty for travelers and crew alike, as we all want clear instructions about what is and isn’t allowed.  I’ll say it again, it’s going to take some time till we get new written regulations.

So here is my recommendation, and it’s what I’d do if I was traveling for pleasure right now.

International travel – Check your bags.  I think it’s safe to say there will be increased screening of carry on bags, so be part of the solution by checking what you don’t absolutely have to have onboard with you.  It will speed up the process, help prevent frustrations, and may well get you through security more quickly.  I’d be prepared to turn off all my electronics, stow all my items, and be prepared to remain in my seat for the last hour of the flight.  I’d be prepared for a variety of interpretations of what I should be doing, and would choose not to get into a debate or argument about what is and isn’t allowed.  I’d keep a heightened awareness of the people around me and my surroundings in general.  And I’d get to my destination and plan on having a fabulous time!

Domestic travel – I’m not expecting there to be major changes with domestic travel, although I’d guess airports will be on a higher security level.  I’d plan to travel as I typically would, but would be prepared for spot checks, additional airline rules, and inconsistent application of policies.  Again, I’d choose not to get into a debate or argument about any of this, instead cutting everyone a little slack as we figure out what’s going to happen.  I’d again keep a heightened awareness about what’s going on, commonsense any time you travel.  And, most important of all, I’d have a great time when I get to my destination.

The biggest piece of advice I’d give to travelers is to roll with the punches for awhile.  Curb your impatience, frustration, and anger.  We’ll all get through this together, and while there will be annoyances (maybe even a lot of annoyances), we will persevere and come out the other side of it.

I am stubbornly committed to travel, and I refuse to let anyone or anything take that away from me.  Who’s with me on that?

Photo credit:  Mary Jo Manzanares

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Flight Attendants are required to attend an annual Recurrent Training – a combination refresher course and job-dependent testing process.  The class, mandated by the FAA, can last anywhere from one to three days, depending on airline, variety of aircraft types, and curriculum.

No matter how competent we may be at our job, no matter how many times we have performed our duties, followed safety and security protocol, or administered first aid, Recurrent Training stresses us out.

If only the job was as easy as Flight Attendant Barbie

Why?  Because our continued employment depends upon it.

Tell me there’s an emergency and you need a fire extinguishes, I’ll have it for you in nothing flat.  Medical emergency requiring oxygen and defibrillator, I’ll be there with it before you can blink an eye.  But ask me to diagram my steps on a piece of paper, and I go from action to intellectualizing in the snap of a finger.  And that’s where the stress comes in.

I’ve been busy study for the last couple days.  I’ve read and re-read.  I’ve taken practice tests, and shored up on the changes from the last couple months.  I’m prepared and ready to go.

But tomorrow, sitting in class, I’ll still be stressed until that final exam is over.  And then I’ll be back to regular scheduled blogging.

Photo credit:  mauren veras @flickr

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It’s been a week of big travel news, although some of centered around flying hoaxes.  That’s why you need to read these blogs posts that will give you real scoop!

SoSauce (travel geek blog) an Indian cooking lesson, including Naan.  Yummmmmmm!

LA Times Travel compares and contrasts Halloween activities at Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios.

PlanetEye Traveler – Philippine Culture (formerly Filipina Soul) shares a delicious and easy  lumpia recipe.  I’m going to give it a try.

Intelligent Travel asks us if we’d take the Titanic cruise.

Consumer Traveler debates the issue of whether airport lounges are worth the price of admission.  For frequent travelers, I say yes.

A second post from Consumer Traveler outlining a new boarding process being tried out at Virgin America.  Travelers with NO carry on bags go first.  I think I like it!

PlanetEyeTraveler – Boston lists 5 great north end Italian restaurants.  A trip to little Italy is a must for any Boston visit.

My Bella Vita lists five essential Italian experiences.  How many have you done?

Itallyville provides a recipe and instruction for make homemade tomato sauce.  It’s a lot of work, but can’t you just taste that delicious freshness?!

Sharing Experiences lists five cities sure to part the shopper from some serious cash.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

PlanetEye Traveler – Las Vegas (formerly The Las Vegas Adventurer) lists the best places to hang out for Monday Night Football.

Italylogue lists options on how to get to Croatia from Italy, along with costs, pros and cons.  Having done this myself a few months back, I can tell you that it’s a close distance away, but takes a long time.

Up Up and a Gay portrays some classic traveler profiles.  Any Flight Attendant or frequent traveler will recognize these types.

Gadling gives us a look the shower on the Emirates Airbus A380.  First class only!

I hope you enjoy these travel posts as much as I did.  And if you stop by, please let them know that you read about them here at Flyaway Cafe.

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We’ll just consider this a little shameless self-promotion!

Earlier today I was interviewed by Addison Schonland from IAG (Innovation Analysis Group), an airline industry consulting company.

Addison and I talked about what it was like to travel these days, managing airport security and the TSA, dealing with potential confrontational situations on the airplane, and ways to deal with potentially difficult situations.

My simple answer is that when you can’t change something, you have to change the way you think about it.  And for air travel, there’s lots that you can’t change – at least at the very moment it’s happening to you.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes and go listen to the interview, Air Travel Etiquette.

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Bag charges.  Fuel surcharges.  Airport fees.  Fees for premium seats in the cabin.  Fees for overweight bags.  Fees for security charges.  Fees for food, pillows and blankets, and other inflight amenities.  And we haven’t even gotten to the taxes yet.  Is it any wonder that what starts out as an inexpensive airline ticket quickly creeps up to a pretty expensive charge?

Now, word is out about a holiday fee.  That’s right, Delta, American, United and US Airways have added on a $10 surcharge to fares on the weekends after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  The fares for that time already priced higher to start with (don’t believe me, try searching), and now we have a fee on top of the fare simply for traveling.  The fee applies to most ticked purchased for travel on November 29th, January 2nd and January 3rd, the traditionally busiest travel days of the year.

While airlines may be able to make an argument that the other fees are going to offset charges that they have to absorb (OK, the argument might be a stretch, but at least it’s there), there is no legitimate arguments other than greed that supports this holiday fee.  Simply put, the airlines know that people will be traveling, and they’re going to make a grab for as much additional money as they can get. 

I’m not a fan of a la carte airline pricing to start with, so this fee truly galls me.  Anyone else outraged, or is it just me?

Photo credit: SXC

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Today’s question comes from a PR representative that’s generously provided a number of prizes for contest giveaways in addition to being a great source of information in and about the travel and hospitality industry.  I’ll keep the identity anonymous.  Here’s the question –

Q.  Is there anything I can do (that might be more of a secret) to get a better seat/1st class?  I fly 1st as often as possible, but sometimes it’s just not doable.  I know it’s a silly question but I’ve always wondered.

A. It’s not a silly question at all, and is one that gets asked all the time!  And the answer has changed a lot since I first wrote about scoring an upgrade over three years ago.  Upgrades are getting harder to come by, but they aren’t impossible.  Here are a few of my recommendations:

• Frequent Flyer status – This is the number one best way to score a flight upgrade.  But you can’t just join ever program and expect it to work for you.  Take a look at who you usually fly on, taking into account your home airport and the destinations that you most often go to.  Then look at the airlines that fly those routes.  Once you know which airlines you have to deal with, take a look to see if they share a frequent flyer program.  Take a few minutes a map it all out, and hopefully you can find one (or two at the most) who cover most of your usual flying.  Then be sure to use that same number for all your flying.
• Change from the competition – If you have an elite status on another carrier, many airlines are eager to woo you away.  There are lots of programs in place that will grant you elite status on a new carrier if you have that status on a competitor.  Be prepared to substantiate your position.  This wooing frequently involved upgrades.
• Buy your tickets from the airline – Most airlines will meet or beat any price out there, so I’m not sure why everyone is rushing to all the third party sites any more.  Buying directly from the airline will mean that you’ll be in compliance with all the rules regarding making a connection, and if you run into any problem you’ll be protected.  And when it comes to an upgrade, agents will look first at people who dealt directly with the airline.
• Be nice – Given a choice, most people will opt to upgrade someone who is nice to them rather than someone who is not.  I know regular flyers who bring candy or some other small item to the agents.  They swear it helps.  You probably won’t find a agent that will admit to that, since it violates policies of some sort or another, but it can’t hurt.
• Let people know if there’s a special occasion.  But be honest and credible.  Agents can spot a scammer a mile away.
• Dress well – No one wants to put a slob in first class.  You don’t have to be in a suit and tie, just be neat and well-groomed.
• Ask politely – There’s nothing wrong with politely asking if an upgrade is available.  It helps to have frequent flyer status, but don’t let that stop you. A few things to keep in mind, however, are that not all fares are eligible for an upgrade and not all upgrades are free. Know what you would be prepared to pay for an upgrade so you can make an instant decision.

The above list are things that happen before you ever get to the plane and see a Flight Attendant.  If you haven’t been successful, your odds of scoring an upgrade are lower once onboard, but still not impossible.

• Ask politely – This is really just a follow up in case there’s an extra seat in first class or someone no-shows at the last minute.  Just let the Flight Attendant know that if there’s a vacant seat that you would be interested in an upgrade.  Most of the times this won’t happen, and again it helps to have elite frequent flyer status, but we’ll try to accommodate you if we can.
• Recognize airline policy – Some airlines have policies that prohibit Flight Attendants from upgrading a passenger, and there may be punitive measures taken for ignoring the policy.  If you run into that, don’t push the issue.
• Be helpful and polite – If you see that the Flight Attendant is trying to get a family together or working to help people sit by one another, offer to help out if you can.  Sometimes, if they ask you to move, they are asking you to move to first class.  We’re most likely to move someone who is nice to us.
• Be a nice guy or gal – What doesn’t work is to threaten or try to intimidate.  Such phrases as “do you know who I am” or “I know the CEO” or “do you know how many miles I fly on your airline” don’t impress us.  If we don’t know who you are, you aren’t that important.  We know the CEO as well.  And we fly more miles that you do.  If you’ve had a bad day, or it’s a special occasion, feel free to mention it, but don’t take it out on us.  We want your flight to be pleasant, and if you’re trying to make it so on your side of things, chances are we’ll do the same.

If it didn’t work out for you this time, prepare for the next time with a few actions:

• Write a complaint letter – This is where people sometimes get turned around, and think that writing a flaming complaint letter will get them tons of free tickets or an upgrade.  That scam has been tried by a whole lot of people, and the “something for nothing” letters can be spotted.  If something has gone wrong, and it’s the fault of the airline, by all means set forth the details in a polite, but firm, way.  The airline needs to step up and address what went wrong, and there is nothing wrong with you holding them accountable.  Be honest, realistic, and don’t make something up.  It’s easier, and more justifiable, to reward and recognize good behavior than bad.
• Write a praise letter – Everyone loves a happy passenger!  So why not be that person.  Write a letter talking about the things that went right with your experience.  Mention people by name and talk about how they’ve made a favorable impression.  If it’s your first flight, mention that, and that you’ve joined the frequent flyer program and are anxious to experience some of the perks (upgrades of the program).  If you’re not quite at elite status, or are between levels, mention that, and that you’re positive experience is what keeps you coming back to fly that airline.  If you’ve just switched over, or were going to put stuck with it, mention that as well.  It has to be credible, don’t make things up, but who wouldn’t want to reward a flyer who’s thrilled with the airline.

It’s not always going to work, and there are going to be times when that upgrade just doesn’t come through.  A little thinking ahead, though, may make a world of difference.

If you’re a frequent flyer and have had any of these tips work for you, I’d love to hear about it.

If you’re a Flight Attendant, please chime in with whether you think these will work on YOUR airline, and add anything that I’ve missed!

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As the search for debris from Air France #447 continues, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on finding the “black box,” believing that it will shed some light on the mysterious disappearance of this flight.

In lay terms, “black box” refers to the the flight data recorder (a device used to record what’s physically happening with an aircraft) and the cockpit voice recorder (that records the audio that occurs in the flight deck).  Together, these recorders are analyzed for a variety of safety issues, human factors, performance standards, and more, and then the experts can piece together what happened to Flight 447.

That’s why recovering the black box is such a high priority.  It’s the only thing right now that holds the answers to all the questions that we have.  There’s lot of painstaking recovery to occur.  When it’s found, teams of experts will then have months of painstaking work trying to analyze their part of the information.  Once that’s done, the piecing together will begin.

I know that it’s tempting to demand immediate answers.  I’d like those answers right away, too.  But it’s only be letting everyone do their job, and letting all the parts of the process play out, that there’s any hope of finding out how this plane disappeared from the sky.

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