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Airports and Airlines programs

Travel Etiquette: Be Kind to Your Fellow Passengers!

These days, there are almost more reasons to hate travel than to love it. Recent stories in the news about frustrated flight attendants and angry passengers underscore the changing landscape of flying.  What this means is that it is more important than ever to treat each other with respect!  Keeping basic rules of etiquette in mind will put us on the path to calmer, happier travel.

If I were to write a comprehensive list of travel etiquette, it would be as long as a book. There are so many ways to be a polite fellow traveler that I don’t think I could write them all even if I wanted to! There are also many different categories: security, carry-on, food, cell phone, middle seat… I could go on and on. The following list of travel etiquette is a compilation of what I think is the most important. But I fully realize that if someone else were to make a list, it could be completely different!

  • Be prepared to go smoothly through security.  Know what the current security rules are for the location you are traveling through, and follow them. Have everything ready to go (laptop, bag of toiletries, shoes off, etc) as soon as you get to the bins. Have all change out of your pocket. Have your boarding pass out for people to see. If there is an option to choose your security line based on your level of experience, please choose honestly.
  • Know the carry-on rules. European airlines and U.S. airlines have slightly different carry-on requirements—make sure you know them. Know how many bags you can bring on board—in most cases, but not all, it’s two. If a flight attendant tells you that your bag is too big to fit, allow them to gate check it.
  • Put your suitcase on the correct side of the airplane, facing the correct way. Listen to what the flight attendants tell you to do, and do it. If one side of the plane is made to hold rollerboards, please put your suitcase there. That way there is room for everyone’s stuff.  And while we’re on this subject, if you have two bags, please only put one in the overhead space.
  • Don’t grab the seat in front of you.  A huge pet peeve of mine! Every time you touch the seat in front of you, the person sitting there can feel it. Please don’t use it as your personal handle. You can use your own seat if you assistance.
  • Let the middle seat have the armrests. You may be tall, have long arms, need a lot of space… It doesn’t matter. The person in the middle has less space than you, and it makes their flight better if they get the armrest too.
  • Respect the crew. If the flight attendant tells you to turn off your cell phone, do it. If they tell you where to put your bag, put it there. The crew is responsible for the transport and safety of over a hundred people. They are not your personal chef, bartender, or secretary.
  • Be patient during de-planing. Hundreds of people rushing down the aisle to get off the plane all at the same time… it’s just not possible. Even though it can be frustrating to have to wait what feels an excessive amount of time, be patient. And when it is your turn, grab your stuff quickly. If there is someone who has a tight connection, it is polite to let them go first or pass you in the jetbridge if necessary. Think of how you would like to be treated in that situation!

Overcrowded airplanes, fewer amenities, harried flight attendants, long lines at security, delayed flights… It’s easy to become frustrated during travel. The way to keep all of us from turning into wild eyed, air-raged crazies is to exhibit a modicum of etiquette. Remember that you are not the only traveler on the road! Treat people the way you would like to be treated, and we can be a calmer community of fliers, one passenger at a time.

Feel Airphoria; Book a flight to London today!

Road Warriorette is a professional woman who travels for work, a lot, from her home base in Texas. Because of her extensive travel experience, the Road Warriorette wants to share valuable tips and tricks she has learned, in hopes to teach the world about how to be good fellow travelers. She writes a blog, RoadWarriorette.com, for her fellow women business travelers. She loves to help people pack better! Learning to pack efficiently was a huge and fun challenge for the Warriorette who has a slight obsession with clothes and shoes (paring down is not easy, ladies!).   In addition to writing and travel, both professionally and recreationally, she enjoys knitting, yoga, and spending time with her husband, the Home Warrior, and their two dogs.  Read More »

How do you keep track of your miles?

Is it me or are airline frequent flier programs impossible to understand?  


I recently flew to Central America on Delta Airlines, and expected to get enough miles to obtain Gold Status on Air France’s Flying Blue program (Delta and Air France are partners in the Skyteam alliance).  But, once the miles posted, Air France only credited 25% of the miles; whereas my husband, who was on the same flight/fare class, was credited 100% on his Delta Skymiles account. Apparently, this is not a mistake. Depending on the operating airline, codesharing and fare class, you can get either 100% of the miles or a fraction of the miles. And each frequent flier program has its own rules, even if they are strategic alliance partners! How can you keep track? Well, unless you have an unlimited amount of time, you can’t. But here are a couple of websites that can help you keep track of your miles:  Read More »

United, Continental, merger - What does it mean for us?

Continental Airlines and United are merging, creating the largest airline in the US and in the world. The new airline will be called United Airlines, and will have Continental's logo and colors. What does this merger means for us, leisure and business travelers?

Will Continental and United continue to fly to my home airport?

Yes, Continental and United routes should not be affected in the near future.

Will there be price increases?

Although the two airlines' CEOs believe there will be no price increases, airlines analysts believe that we will see higher fares between smaller cities and international flights.

What will happen to my miles?

Continental and United are already partners in the Star Alliance, meaning you can already use your miles on both carriers (but not combine miles across programs).  The OnePass and Mileage Plus programs will be merged sometime in 2011, meaning your miles will be combined.  In the mean time, you can add your miles to either of the two frequent flyers programs.

I love United's Premium economy seating.  What will happen to it?

While many of us enjoy United's "Economy Plus" seating (extra leg room), no announcement has been made on whether they’ll extend this to Continental’s fleet or not.

When shall we see the changes?

Most likely by the end of 2010 (the merger requires approval from the government). Your travel reservations should not be affected, and you should keep on booking your flights as usual.  Read More »

Sephora Vending Machines



It is so easy to forget to pack our favorite beauty care products when rushing to the airport. Sephora recently came up with vending machines in which you can find some essential beauty products. In addition to malls, these vending machines can now be found at the following airports in the United States (after security): Nashville (BNA), Las Vegas (LAS), Indianapolis (IND), Dallas (DFW) , New York (JFK) and Houston (IAH).


I think it would be a great idea to have similar vending machines in hotels for the times where you wake up in the morning and realize that you forgot your mascara before heading to a meeting.

 Read More »

Avoid Airline Luggage Fees ‎with one small gadget

People are often surprised to see how a few clothes, shoes and books can become so heavy when packed in a suitcase. These days, in order to make more money, as well as comply with union safety rules, airlines employees at the check-in counter will not hesitate to make you pay an excess / overweight baggage fee (or worse, buy another bag and repack) if your luggage is even one pound over the weight limit. To avoid the humiliation of repacking at the check-in-counter, or pay unnecessary fees, it is always a good idea to weigh your luggage before heading to the airport. As your regular home or hotel scale isn’t designed for luggage, consider buying a hand-held luggage scale that can fit in your luggage… And, don’t worry, they are usually quite small and light!
We like the Travelon's scale (photo) but you can find other models on Amazon.  Read More »

US Airways begins onboard Wi-Fi rollout

On Monday, March 29, the airline launched Wi-Fi service on 5 of its Airbus A321 aircraft.  The aircrafts, which operate domestically, rotate across the system, so unfortunately, it is difficult to predict whether your flight will have Wi-Fi, but US Airways promises that all its remaining Airbus A312 will offer Wi-Fi service on June 1st.  Read More »

EATING HEALTHY AT THE AIRPORT: Top Ten Tips in the Terminals

Besides shopping, the modern business traveler is tempted by sipping, dipping, nibbling, and noshing while waiting for late departures and during layovers. Any jetsetter knows: airport dining around the world has had an extreme makeover. Forget the ubiquitous burger and latte. We’re now talking vintage wines and micro-brewed beers, overstuffed deli sandwiches, and green chile tamales.  

Going global? The aromas of ethnic cuisine waft through numerous international and domestic terminals. Everything from pork and ginger dumplings, lamb tajine, seafood paella, saffron-infused curries, and Tex-Mex barbecue ribs are offered to replace or supplement on-flight meals. From artisanal breads and homemade desserts to grilled ribeye steaks and roasted poulet prepared by celebrity chefs, current airport food options ) may actually help ease the pain of a three-hour flight delay.  

The transformation of London's Heathrow Airport into a city within itself is evident before and after security, where as its terminal concourses cater to international taste buds. French bistros, organic juicebars, Italian trattorias, and Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food offer cuisine that would please any travel-weary gourmand. Singapore's Changi, considered one of the world's premiere full-service airports, has responded to multicultural dining demand by featuring Asian spices, vegetarian and Halal dishes, and cocktail lounges in elegant restaurant settings or takeaway. Whether it's the barbecued pulled pork sandwich at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, clam chowder from Legal Seafood's at Boston's Logan, chicken burritos in Phoenix, or a Five Guys home-made burger in Washington's Reagan or Dulles terminals, culinary choices are expanding beyond stale packaged sandwiches and deep-fried fast food.

Eating before boarding may indeed be the best way to avoid brick-hard rolls and leathery beef on your tray table in-flight; and that’s if you’re lucky enough to be offered a meal, which many US airlines no longer do. As cash-strapped airlines cut back on catering on both short- and long-haul flights, it may also prevent hunger pains should food service be limited or cancelled without warning.  But with many terminals looking like an international food court with rows of brand-name franchises and unique eateries, are there healthy precautions to take before traveling in a confined space for extended periods of time?  Read More »

Top Ten Tips While In the Terminals

  1. Hydrate with water Depressurized cabins with dry, recirculated air poses problems for the skin, eyes, and nose. Drink water before and throughout your flight to offset dehydration and combat jetlag. Use bottled water; never drink from airplane taps. Suggested amount: 8 ounces/250 ml every hour.

Women-Only Toilets in airplane?

Japanese Airline to offer Women-Only Toilets!

Starting next month, women flying ANA will have their own toilet on most international routes.  Read More »

How to pick the best seat on an airplane?

Not all seats on an airplane are equals.  I doubt many of you enjoy spending your flight seated at the back of a plane, or near the bathroom. Even flights on the same airline and route will often have different types of aircraft. So, how do you know if your assigned seat is a good one?  How can you pick the best seat on an airplane?  Read More »

The best airports for a long layover

Sometimes getting to our destination requires taking a connecting flight.  So, if you have a choice, which airport will keep you entertained during a long layover? Via Her compiled a short list of the best airports, using information from industry surveys, such as ACI and Skytrax.

Amsterdam - Schiphol

Schiphol was ranked Europe 3rd best airport by Skytrax in 2009. In addition to shopping areas, the airport has a gym that offer day passes and personal training sessions. It also has a casino (Holland Casino) and a museum (Rijksmuseum) located in the terminal!

Hong Kong International Airport

Although, you don't experience the thrill of flying between the tall buildings before landing at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong's "new" airport has a 3D movie theater, an aviation discovery center (with cockpit Simulator,  Read More »