I’m sure I’m not alone in this – you are trying to get comfortable in your seat on the plane, and the passenger next to you is hogging the armrest. You can’t even rest the edge of your arm there and get a whole lot less space than you deserve. Even worse, perhaps you’ve got passengers like this either side of you!

That’s why I was quite pleased to read about a possible solution: the Paperclip Armrest which has been designed by a Hong Kong engineer who is working for airline Cathay Pacific. Basically, his idea is to create a “double story” armrest, so one passenger rests their arm on the lower level of the rest, and the other on top. It seems like a simple solution and one that could possibly work, although the current design pictures show that the lower level of the armrest has an “end” to it which could be uncomfortable for those with long arms – I’d rather see an open ended design.

This design recently won a prize at the Crystal Cabin Awards in Hamburg, where different design ideas for airline cabins are introduced. There are no plans yet to start installing the armrests on any planes, but hopefully we will see them sometime in the future, and stop having to wrestle with our fellow passengers for a tiny bit of space.
photo credit: René Ehrhardt

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

New Armrest to Solve Passenger Conflict on Planes

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Ever-expanding airline Emirates has made its main hub of Dubai an increasingly popular stopover point for long-haul journeys between many continents. Now that Dubai is starting to become a recognized destination of its own, it seems that Emirates is ready to cash in on its routes to other countries in the Middle East region and they have recently started offering customers the Arabian Airpass.

This new deal is available to any Emirates passengers who have paid more than $500 for a return flight to Dubai. They are then eligible to add on Arabian Airpass tickets to twelve different destinations in the region, including Cairo, Doha, Beirut, Tehran, Amman and Riyadh. The prices range from US$50 to $150 for one way passes, and you must return to Dubai. Compared to other possibilities, this is certainly a very reasonably priced way to discover some more Middle Eastern destinations and it’s at a price where you can afford to do so for a one or two-night quick trip.

There are not too many restrictions involved, apart from the requirement to buy all your tickets at the outset; there are no minimum trip length rules either. For each Dubai trip there is, however, a maximum of six flight coupons available per passenger.
Photo credit: malpo90

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Arabian Airpass Takes You Around the Middle East

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If you are flying Virgin Atlantic you need to be aware of the carry on luggage policy. Your restrictions will be based on the type of ticket that you have. For this reason, it is important to check your ticket and luggage before leaving for the airport.

Upper class passengers are permitted to carry on two bags. Their dimensions may not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches or 17 pounds. Economy and premium economy travelers are permitted to carry on one piece of luggage which may not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches or 13 pounds.

In addition to carry on luggage, each passenger is permitted to bring aboard the following items: purse, handbag or briefcase, a coat or wrap, a camera or binoculars, an umbrella, reading material, food for an infant traveler, and a reasonable amount of duty free items.

Although Virgin Atlantic has many unique regulations, the main thing to remember is that your carry on allowance is based mainly on your ticket. If you are flying as an upper class passenger you have the ability to carry on two bags, whereas all others are only allowed one.

photo credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

What is Virgin Atlantic’s Carry on Luggage Policy?

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American updated their luggage policy in June 2008. If you are flying American it is important to know that they impose many fees, and have strict regulations when it comes to the size and weight of your luggage.

When traveling American on a domestic economy class ticket you will be charged $15 each way for your first checked bag. For your second bag, this fee increases to $25. For bags three, four and five, the fee increases to $100 per piece. For bags six and above, the fee is $200 per piece.

Exceptions to fees imposed on the first and second bags include business class or first class tickets, and AAdvantage members.

American also charges for both overweight and oversize baggage. Bags weighing between 50 and 70 pounds are charged a fee of $50. Bags between 70 and 100 pounds are charged a fee of $100. Anything heavier than this is not permitted to be checked, and arrangements must be made beforehand with the airline.

Checked baggage that is in excess of 62 inches will be charged a fee of $150 per piece. Bags larger than 115 inches cannot be checked. Size is calculated by adding the length, width, and height.

As you can see, American has many policies in place. When compared to other airlines, it is easy to see how strict they have become.

photo credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

What are American Luggage Policies?

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Jet Blue is one of the most popular airlines in the United States. If you are going to fly Jet Blue, you need to make sure that you are aware of their baggage restrictions, luggage charges, and carry on policy. When it comes down to it, every airline has their own restrictions in these areas; and Jet Blue is no exception.

Jet Blue allows each passenger to check one bag free of charge. For one additional bag, a fee of $30 is charged. To go along with this, the company also charges for overweight and oversized bags. A bag weighing between 51 and 70 pounds is subject to a fee of $75. Those that are between 71 and 99 pounds are accompanied by a fee of $100. Oversized bags are those that are between 63 and 80 inches. These bags are subject to a $75 fee.

When flying Jet Blue, you are allowed to carry on one bag that will fit in the overhead bin and one personal item such as a briefcase, purse, or computer bag. Your personal item may not be larger than 18 inches length x 15 width x 8 height. This size must be adhered to so that the personal item can be safely placed under the seat in front of you. To fit in the overhead bin your carry on must not be larger than 26 inches length x 18 width x 12 height (for EMBRAER 190: 24″ x 16″ width x 10″ height)

The above is basic information on Jet Blue’s baggage restrictions, luggage charges, and carry on policy. [Visit Jetblue.com]

photo credit: Doug Letterman

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Jet Blue Baggage Restrictions, Luggage Charges and Carry on Luggage

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If you’ve traveled the not-so-friendly skies recently, you’ve likely noticed a rise in passenger density (not to mention diminished amenities and airline comforts). To help reduce costs and maximize fuel efficiency, airlines have switched to smaller airplanes and fewer flights, causing a large increase in overbooked and too-full flights. To survive these uncomfortable conditions, have a look at the following tips:

• Beware the bump: Airlines will need to bump passengers to another flight, to account for overbooked routes and cancelled flights. If you can afford the wait, volunteer, and receive free travel in return. If you can’t, make sure to book a seat assignment and arrive early.
• Ask for an upgrade: Everyone wants to buy coach, but if a plane is overbooked and first class isn’t full, the airline will upgrade as many people as necessary. To be one of the lucky few, be a member of the airline’s frequent flier program, dress appropriately, and don’t be afraid to “volunteer” for the upgrade.
• Smile: You may be stuck in the worst seat ever, with the least desirable travel mates by your side, but try to make the best of it. A big smile and good attitude go a long way to making any flight manageable.
• Fly nonstop: It’s easy to miss your connection, so if you can book a nonstop for little or no extra cost, don’t hesitate: do it.
• BYOE: Some airlines have removed in-flight entertainment options to reduce total aircraft weight, so make sure to bring your iPod, laptop, or an extra book along.

photo credit: René Ehrhardt

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

How to Survive a Too-Full Flight

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If you want to get through the airport faster and with more ease, use the following travel tips to help you breeze right through, saving both time and hassle.

Dress the part. Avoid wearing metal at all, even underwire bras, as you’ll be either asked to take off the metal item or be pushed aside for a more thorough pat down.

Take it off. Get ready to take off your coat and shoes. This is just the way it is now and arguing with the security guards isn’t going to change a thing. Get ready for the security check and wear clothing that can be quickly doffed and donned.

Be prepared. Have your boarding pass and identification handy and ready to show anyone who asks. If you’re traveling abroad, keep that passport just as accessible.

Organize your carry on. A clear x-ray needs to be taken of your carry on bag and if the security personnel cannot see everything they’ll have to open your bag and go through it manually.

3-1-1 Rule. The airline restricts fluids that can be carried on a plane the rule is only 3 ounce bottles or smaller, stored in one clear zip-top 1 quart bag, and one bag per person.

These flight tips should have your breezing through security and on your flight as quickly as possible. Just remember they’re doing their job and ultimately their goal is everybody’s safety.

photo credit: greg westfall

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Airport Travel Tips

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If you’re a frequent flier, you may want to consider enrolling in a registered traveler program.

The Transportation Security Administration and private industry developed the Registered Traveler program to provide expedited security screening for passengers who volunteer to undergo a threat assessment in order to confirm that they do not pose or are not suspected of posing a threat to transportation or national security.

It’s a public/private program in which the TSA sets the standards and approves vendors who work with individual airports to implement the plan. Seventy airports across the nation are enrolled in the program.

Passengers who participate in this system must first provide personal biographical information including name, address, phone number, citizenship status, and previous addresses, along with other information. The biographical information will be collected by a commercial Registered Traveler service provider. The biographical portion of the enrollment may be accomplished via a secure web site. Next, the applicant proceeds to the biometric phase of the enrollment process. During biometric enrollment applicants will present identification documents and fingerprints. Applicants may also choose to have an image of their iris taken if they wish to use an iris image as an alternative to a fingerprint scan at the security checkpoint. The iris image is totally non-invasive to the eye. Once the biometric enrollment is complete, the service provider submits the collected data to the TSA which performs a Security Threat Assessment of the applicant. If the assessment does not indicate that the applicant is suspected of posing a risk to aviation security, the TSA will return an approved STA result to the service provider. The service provider will then provide the passenger with a Registered Traveler card. The card will be a smartcard, containing biometric information to prevent the card from being used by unauthorized persons. This card will then be inserted into a verification kiosk at special checkpoints, which will verify the passengers biometrics (fingerprint or iris scan) and acknowledge membership and clearance to proceed to RT screening. The traveler must pay the TSA $28 a year to participate in the program in addition to the fee individual vendors charge, which is about $100 a year. More information is here.

The program has been criticized by airlines, who object to giving coach customers the services reserved for first- and business-class travelers. Others question the safety of the plan, saying a terrorist with a clean record could easily pass muster with the TSA. Still others object to the program on privacy grounds.

But for those who travel several times a month, or a week, a swifter-moving security line can be a godsend. Passengers stride past the main security line, head to the Registered Traveler lanes, insert their biometric smart card in a kiosk, confirm their identity with a thumbprint scan and proceed through a checkpoint. The process takes less than five minutes, compared with the 20 minutes or more it often takes for passengers not enrolled in the program.

Here is a list of TSA-approved vendors:

• Blue Streak Airport Services, Inc.
• 1229 J Street
  Sacramento, CA 95816
• FLO Corporation
• 14000 Thunderbolt Place, Bldg R
  Chantilly, VA 20155
• Fly Fast, LLC
• 1535 N. Dale Mabry Highway
  Lutz, FL 33548
• Priva Technologies, Inc.
• 875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1404
  Chicago, IL 60611
• Unisys Corporation
• 11720 Plaza America Drive, Tower III
  Reston, VA 20190
• Verant Identification Systems, Inc.
• 2496 Ridge Road West, Suite 203
  Rochester NY 14626
• Verified Identity Pass, Inc.
• 600 Third Avenue, 10th Floor
  New York, NY 10016
• Vigilant Solutions
• 1721 Penman Road
  Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Photo credit: Tom Mascardo

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Become a Registered Traveler

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Flying is getting more comfortable by the minute, especially with the advent of the new A380 plane, slowly being rolled out across the world. The latest plan is that Emirates Airlines will include showers on its Airbus A380 planes to be used on long haul flights by first class passengers.

Can you imagine being able to take a shower just before you get off the plane? After all the miserable long haul flights I’ve experienced, I think it would be magical to be able to erase that icky feeling I usually had of being sweaty, unwashed and with bad hair as I stand in passport control lines or worse, after I meet long-lost family or friends in the arrivals lounge. A 30-hour travel time from Europe to Australia would seem only half as bad if I could shower before I left the plane.

But if I think about it just a step further, there are two problems. First of all, it’s highly unlikely that I’ll ever afford a first class fare on a long haul flight, so in the short term at least, showering on the plane will remain but a dream. And secondly, as if flying isn’t environmentally unfriendly enough, taking on the extra load of the one ton of fresh water required to run the showers is just one more – probably unnecessary – burden on the environment. And after all, we’ve managed to survive long haul flights all these years without showers. But maybe in a perfect world, everything would be possible …

Photo credit: Deanster1983

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Rich Emirates passengers can soon take showers

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As a hub for flying between the northern hemisphere and Asia or Australia, Singapore’s Changi Airport has long been a major stopover for many travelers. And Changi Airport has often received great reviews for reliable service and a huge array of shopping and entertainment options for those long hours between flights.

Changi Airport Terminal 3 Opens January 9, 2008

As of today, Changi Airport has got even bigger. The new Terminal 3 building has been close to complete for some months, and today marks the first official use of the new facilities. Singapore Airlines will be the first to use the terminal, and in the future flights headed to the USA, western Europe, Australia and Hong Kong will make the most use of Terminal 3. Terminal 2 will continue to be used by flights bound for India, Indonesia and the Maldives, among others.

Keeping Ahead of Rivals

With the new Terminal 3 adding a capacity of around 22 million passengers, Changi Airport will now be able to handle about 70 million passengers a year. There will be eight gates specially designed to accommodate the Airbus A380. With competition in the region hotting up – for example, Bangkok’s bid to make its new airport a central hub of Asia, despite experiencing many problems – Changi Airport is positioning itself pretty strongly with the new terminal.

Photo credit: Bee.Kirawa

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Singapore’s Changi Airport Gets Even Bigger

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As a recent 20/20 investigation reports travelers and airlines often have very different ideas about what constitutes an on time departure.

For an airline an on time departure means the plane has pulled back from the gate or jetway. It doesn�t matter if you�ve pulled away from the jetway and sit on the runway for 7 minutes or 7 hours, for the airline that�s an on time departure. Passengers however feel an on time departure means you pull away from the gate or jetway and proceed directly to the runway for takeoff without any delays. What really annoys passengers are long delays on the ground with, little information or even worse misinformation as shown in this video

The airlines however aren�t entirely at fault, weather delays can often wreak havoc with departures across the country. For airports operating at near capacity a weather delay causing planes to delay take off has a cascading failure effect sending ripples of delays throughout the system world wide. Airlines, especially discount carriers are opting for smaller planes they can fill, keeping fuel costs down, and airlines profitable. This has the downside of increasing the number of flights and planes in the air, resulting in airports that are more congested than ever. Right now the system is broken, and some of the nations busiest airports like JFK, LaGuardia, LAX and O�Hare are taking the brunt of the problem. Lets hope that the airlines, FAA, and TSA can work together to come up with a solution before a tragedy occurs.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

What is an On Time Departure

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Small businesses have to travel to compete with the big guys, but they can’t always afford to pay like their competition. To level the playing field it’s essential to get as many discounts as you can, whenever you can. Use the following tips to get some discounts on your next business flight.

• Travel on holidays. Airlines tend to offer deep discounts on those days and the days immediately preceding and following a major holiday. How can you afford not to take advantage of this great tip?
• Travel on Tuesday or Thursday. Like holidays, these days are not popular travel days and usually come with discounted fares.
• Shop when the stores are closed. If you’re doing online shopping and comparisons, then schedule some late night Internet sessions in the middle of the week. For some reason this seems to garner the best deals.
• Shop around. The Internet is full of deals, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the only place with discounts. Try the airline directly and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Plane seats are like snowflakes, no two are alike. And they all carry different price tags.

Photo credit: The Wandering Angel

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Discounts on air travel

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Business travelers flying into Singapore’s Changi Airport can avoid the long queues at passport control at JetQuay, the terminal’s “elite gateway.”

JetQuay is basically a separate terminal for travelers who are CIP (Commercially Important Persons). For a fee of between S$150 and S$350 (around US$100 – $250), JetQuay offers three levels of service named Gateway, Quayside and Jetside, progressively offering higher and higher levels of personalized service and an easier route through the arrivals or departures process.

Typically, you could be met off your flight by a special buggy to drive you to the separate terminal. While you wait for your documents to be processed, you’ll be able to sit back in a comfortable lounge and have a coffee. If you’re departing, you also have access to private rooms or a boardroom if you want to hold a predeparture meeting. Amenities also include a gym, Internet access, spa treatment and special rooms where you can take a quick nap before your journey continues.

Photo credit: jeremyfoo

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Singapore’s JetQuay terminal

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Alaska Airlines serves 55 destinations between the US, Canada, and Mexico and offers competitive pricing in many of the popular markets especially on the West Coast.

The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan rewards you with 500 bonus miles at signup. With your Mileage Plan account, your preferences are stored, which saves you time and it allows you to view your travel history. Also, by establishing an account, you will be eligible for Discount codes, which you can track regularly.

If you fly 20,000 miles exclusively with Alaska Airlines or Horizon Airlines during the calendar year, you are elevated to MVP status. 40,000 miles will give you MVP Gold status. MVP status offers you many perks such as 50 percent bonus miles on Alaska Airlines and select partners. As a gold MVP member, when you fly 75,000 miles in a calendar year between Alaska Airlines and select partners, you are rewarded with 50,000 bonus miles. Other perks include complimentary First-class upgrades on Northwest Airlines.

You can earn miles for air travel in a number of ways. If you’re looking for a real kick-start, you can get 20,000 miles for signing up for an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card. The primary way of earning miles is by traveling on Alaska Airlines. For every flight, you earn a minimum of 500 miles or the actual mileage flown. Additionally, if you travel on one of their partner airlines, you can earn miles for your travel. Alaska Airlines has partnered up with many of the top US airlines such as NWA, Continental, and American Airlines in addition to prominent international airlines like Air France, British Airways, and Quantas Airlines.

If you book a hotel or rental car with one of the aitline’s hotel partners, such as Hilton, you’ll earn up to 500 miles per stay. Residents of Alaska have opportunities to earn miles for everyday purchases and services.

Redeeming miles is easy too. There are more than 700 destinations to choose from and you can redeem for flights through any airline partners. To learn more or to sign up for Alaska Air’s frequent flier program, visit www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/.
Photo credit: as737700

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

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If you’re a frequent traveler on Aer Lingus airlines, consider joining the Gold Circle Club. Sign up online and when you accumulate 2,400 points within a 12 month period you’ll qualify for Gold Circle Club membership. If you earn 4,800 points within a 12-month period, you become eligible for Prestige status. Garnering 8,400 points will entitle you to membership at the Elite level. Membership to the Gold Circle Club is available to all people ages 12 and older. Once you obtain Gold Circle Club membership, you are entitled to all the benefits and your application points will count towards free flights. Additionally, you’ll be eligible to use the lounges at most airports. Lounge access varies with your Tier Status in the club. As a member of the Prestige and Elite Gold Circle Club, you are entitled to entry at extra lounges. Aer Lingus has built up quite the network of partners so it’s easy to accumulate points. As apart of the one-world alliance, you can earn points when you travel American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Lan Chile, and Quantas. When flying Premier Class on Trans-Atlantic routes, you will earn Bonus points that you can use towards flight redemptions. Additionally, when you book travel through chains like Jurys Doyle, Fitzpatrick Hotels, Killarney Royal, and Griffin Hotels you’ll also ear points. Like to golf? You can earn points when you play at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, the K Club, and Fota Island Golf Club. It’s important to note that the membership to the Gold Circle Club is subject to expiration. In order to remain an active member, you must earn at least 2,400 points in your 12 months of membership. If you don’t meet this criterion, you can retain your membership by redeeming 2,400 points from your account. Or, if you choose not to renew your membership, the points that you’ve accumulated will be valid for redemption for 12 months. Points only have a lifespan of 12 months, and are deducted from your account as soon as they expire. To get more information on Aer Lingus’ Gold Circle Club, visit www.aerlingusgoldcircleclub.com.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Aer Lingus Gold Circle Club

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311 TSA at Orlando International Airport

Frequent business travelers have airport security down to a science, but for people who only make the occasional trip, the Transportation Security Administration has published its 3-1-1 tips to help you understand the current security process.

Three stands for how many ounces of a liquid or gel you can bring on board. Transfer your liquids or gels. to 3-ounce or smaller containers. Any item in a larger container will be confiscated.

One quart-sized bag is allowed for each traveler. This bag should be clear plastic with a zip-top lock. Use this bag to hold all of your 3-ounce gels and liquids.

One bag per customer. You are only allowed the one bag full of products so chose your items wisely.

The bag needs to go on the x-ray machine separately so having it handy is useful and speeds the process.

There is no such restriction on checked gels and liquids so if you’d rather not deal with the hassle and can do without your fluids, simply check them and you won’t have to worry.

If you do need to carry a liquid or gel with you that is larger than three ounces, such as medication, baby formula and juice, you will have to declare these items. Let the checkpoint security personnel know and hand the items to them for an individual screening.

Expect longer lines at holidays and plan accordingly. The more everyone cooperates with the guidelines and regulations the faster the process will go.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

The 3-1-1 of air travel

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The phrase “airline food” typically conjures up images of reheated, unidentifiable globs served on plastic trays. However, not all airline food falls into the mediocre or worse category. Skytrax, a London-based airline-rating company, recently announced their picks for the best food in the air. Admittedly, all of the winners are for premium class passengers; still, the survey is heartening.

Topping the list is Gulf Air, which actually has an on-board chef for its first-class cabin service. Second on the list is Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline. Passengers in their top-tier cabins get cooked-to-order eggs and omelets for breakfast, accompanied by freshly made toast.

Other airlines mentioned include Singapore Airlines, which includes Dom Perignon, Wagyu beef, and caviar among its offerings; Middle-East based Qatar Airways, which offers a 10-course meal on its long-haul flights; and German Airlines, Lufthansa, whose first-class meals are created by award-winning chef, David Bouley.

Photo credit: VirtualErn

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

The best airline food

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Starting in November, Virgin Atlantic is offering business class travelers to do a drive-through check-in at Heathrow Airport.
It works like this: The car that’s bringing you to the airport drives up a special ramp to the first floor area near Departures in Terminal 3. A host meets you, tags your luggage and checks you in then and there, with no queuing or dealing with what they call “the Heathrow hassle.” Then you walk through a dedicated fast-track security check.

According to Virgin Atlantic staff, the processing time for passengers arriving at the drive-through check-in will be a maximum of 10 minutes. That’s going to sound pretty attractive to anybody waiting for an hour or two or more at another airline; until, that is, all the airlines get a drive-through service!
Photo credit: Deanster1983

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

An idea whose time has come: Drive-through check in

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