United to Fly Seasonal Routes to Alaska
Delta, Continental Raise Bag Fees
What's up with this Airbus 330? Isn't it the same type of aircraft involved in the crash of AF 441 from Brazil? Afriqiyah Airways said 58 Dutch passengers, six South Africans, two Britons, two Libyans, two Austrians, one German, one French national and one Zimbabwean were on board. They still have to confirm the nationalities of about 19 other passengers but the whole crew are Libyans.
I am planning a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina this Summer. Last Winter, the Argentine government announced that it will impose up to $131.00 in immigration entry fees to travelers who are citizens of U.S., Australia and Canada. Read more....
It has been 3 weeks and I have not flown any where. Something must be wrong with me. I think though that the plants are doing it. Well, as you know, last month was not a good one for sprouting seeds due to the cold spell that we had. So, now I am very actively sowing, planting, cleaning, weeding at my plot at the community garden. Next Wednesday will be my turn in making sure that the barrels are filled with water for the gardeners. I was going to join my sister in Las Vegas the other day but I decided against it. The reason, again, is the plants.....
I told you about my last trip to Asia. From Minneapolis to Narita, Tokyo,the flight was fine, on a 747-400. However, from Tokyo to Hongkong was so bumpy for 4 hours. ....I had the opportunity to take a Cathay Pacific flight from Hongkong to Manila on a 777. Nice smooth flight. Cathay had no problem feeding me (Philippine Airlines did not offer any food to a non-rev from Hongkong to Manila the last time I flew them). I did have some problems dealing with the Hongkong agents at Cathay Pacific. I found them very rude and lacked the knowledge of Immigration requirements. My passport clearly shows that I was born in the Philippines and there were "Balikbayan" stamped all over, which means that I am exempt from the requirement of showing a round-trip ticket back to Hongkong (well - I was not coming back to Hongkong - I was going back to the U.S. ), but they seemed to be deaf. The guy, someone with a disheveled hair even screamed at me and told me to leave after I asked him to please call his manager so that his manager could talk to my manager and explain the requirements. And in spite of repeated requests by DL agents for the agents to call DL, they refused. I had to go back and forth at least 7 times. I finally took off my shoes and wore my bathroom slippers at the airport. How sophisticated, I tell you...Well, I don't know what it is, but I heard stories about contract Hongkong agents' lack of knowledge of the policies and procedures and immigration matters. After I left the Cathay Counter, I went to the Philippine Airlines counter (located at Terminal 2), to check their load. One of the agents rudely told me that DL does not have any agreement with PR. I knew that was wrong so I asked her to call her supervisor. The supervisor told me the same thing...now two of them were wrong. I told them that I know that were wrong but I do not have time to argue with them. Before I left I told them that I would be sending a letter to their CEO in Manila. Something needs to be changed. At DL, we are told not to argue whenever there's a problem at the airport, and just wait until after the flight is over. But what happens when you know that there are really seats available, and you know that you followed all the rules, and all the contract agents are telling you something different. Add that to the fact that you really do not want spend your heard-earned money to stay in a hotel in a foreign land. But anyway, when the PAL contract agents heard that, they both acknowledged they were wrong and apologized. Too bad, though, I was not in the mood to give them my money. I waited until the rude Cathay agents are gone. There was another Cathay flight at 10pm and I went back to the Cathay counter. Unfortunately, the male rude agent was still there. When he saw me, he went to the agent that was helping me and whispered something to another male agent who checked me in, very nicely. I have not written a letter to Cathay customer service but I am thinking I will. There was no reason to be rude. I heard stories about these agents treating non-revs and revenues very rudely..... Thousands of flights were again canceled in Europe due to the volcano eruption....The non-revs are suffering because of this. It was reported that there were more than 100 seats on flights from Cairo/Amsterdam and other places in Europe but non-revs - even employees were not allowed to board. The airlines are really optimizing their revenues ("Revenue Optimization"). Well, looks like it works. Airlines were reported to be profiting lately, compared to last financial airline results.... Flights could not land at Dallas Fort Worth International airport due to gusty winds. Some flights were diverted to Houston (IAH) airport.Yesterday, the temperature hit 84 degrees in Minneapolis. Warm weather is always welcome here! for latest weather update, go to Weather.com .
"Irregular Operations" in Airline Travel.
"Irregular Operations" in airlines pertain to any disruption in airline flight due to weather, mechanical delays, or other reasons that causes delays in normal and regular flight operations. This month we saw several irregular operations; weather in the East Coast, snowstorm in the Midwest. Airlines, and airline employees are very adaptable, and always ready to deal with this kind of operations.
Airlines are very ready and prepared for the "irregular operations" that any kind of weather brings. In the Midwest, Northwest/Delta Airlines are allowing passengers to change their flights before and/or after the storm without penalty. That is something good to remember. So, folks, if you are traveling and you hear the forecasted weather, call the airlines. The earlier you call, the better, because there are thousands of other callers will be asking the same thing from the airlines. Usually, the airlines will book you on any of their flights to keep the revenues within the airline. In some occasions, though, when there are no more flights available in that same airline, they would call the other airlines with the same destinations and they would put you on the other airlines' flights, using what they call in the airline lingo, "Rule 240.40". Airlines have agreement with others that they can put passengers on their flights for a set percentage of fare. Most airlines are very good at this. I was disappointed, however, when last night, Christmas Eve, I was told that whenever other airlines would use American Airlines' available flight as showing on their schedule, American Airlines' system would deny the request. When AA representative was called, the other airline was told they do not want to reconfirm "too many sales" due to "irregular operations".
Back to my mission tripa to Asia. The first time I went there the end of last year, as usual, was not for "R and R", but because of a mission. The mission was to bring the fiancee of my nephew from the Philippines to the U.S. before her Fiancee Visa was going to expire. She waited a long time before she came here and her visa would have expired December 16, 2009. Well, I got her here on December 6, 2009, and they immediately got married. Congratulations to Dinah Joan Ilagan Alcanse and Albert Laurel-Gomez! I am proud to have Dinah to be part of the Laurel-Gomez family. The marriage was made possible by airline travel! This recent trip was to attend the Gift and Fashion Accessories Expo held at Hongkong Expo Center. That was such a very organized event, attended by business people all over the world.
Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is showing some signs of an eruption. Molten lava has been spewing out of her mouth. If you remember, Mayon Volcano erupted years ago and buried the farms and everything on it under ashes. Rumblings can be heard all over town and residents are fearing that the Warning Level 4 will rise to Warning Level 5 (when it is already erupting). When that happens, 45,000 people will be forced to leave their homes. Right now, evacuation centers were set up to accommodate evacuees but most people prefer to stay at their homes to tend to their farm and their livestock. When Mayon Volcano erupted in 1984 and 1993, lives were lost, and the result of the eruption was said to have been causing the global warming. To see more news on this Click here
Here are some tips for airline travelers: Ten Tips to Ease the Hassles of Holiday Travel
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WARNING: Travel to Southern Part of the Philippines. Emergency declared by the Philippine government in the aftermath of political killings Political Warfare in the Philippines
In the news several months ago were the 2 Northwest Airlines pilots whose license were revoked by FAA. Personally, I think that is a very stiff punishment, but, because of my association, I am not allowed to comment about the 2 Northwest pilots. Because this, I will give you some news links here at my editorial page. Here they are. The only thing I can hope for is those 2 pilots get their license back soon. There are other more serious incidents that happen day by day. Don't you agree? But anyway, here are the latest links: Northwest Flight 188
Here is the flight track: Flight track of NW Flt 188">Flight Track of NW Flight 188
Last October, we bid goodbye to the Boeing wide-body 747-200. I am back from Seattle where I attended its retirement celebration. What a celebration! Northwest Airline Flight 9987 left the Lindbergh (MSP) terminal on October 2, 2009 at 5:00pm. What an energy inside the aircraft! You seldom see this kind when you are on one of our flights! Truly magnificent! The aircraft arrived exactly at 631pm at Boeing Field in Seattle. There was an all-day celebration at the Museum of Flight. Joe Sutter, the designer of 747 was there and he signed some of the guests' reception tickets. The Museum was open for all festivities and shows. At 600pm there was a photo shoot in front of the 747-200. The door to the reception opened immediately after that. And, what a reception. There Northwest and Boeing people know how to party. I did my part to help out: I was the lady in blue dress checking out your tickets, you guys. What a bunch of nice people! Pilots and their families; Northwest employees, guests and families; Delta employees and their guests and families. Beautiful people, beautiful music, excellent! Food tables were spread out all over. Wine bar all over. Thanks to the volunteers who made this happen. Carol Thompson volunteered her time, so were the other agents, supervisors, flight attendants who staffed the reception and guest check-in and the flight attendants who were by the aircraft door. On the return trip, the guests were checked in at a small terminal of Boeing Air Field. Everyone walked towards the aircraft. Pictures were taken. That day, I bet that is the most photographed aircraft in the world. Before the flight took off, the captain announced that he was requested by the people watching the flight to wave the wings for all the spectators. He warned us -- those of us who are not familiar with the sensation crated when an airplane waves its wings. So, we waited, an it happened! Normally that would have scared me, but because of the forewarn, and the people cheering when it happened -- it became so celebratory. The passengers were cheering the captain. Then, the captain also announced that we were going to fly close to Mt. Rainier. And he did! When he did that, it was so amazing. The view was so amazing! Unbelievable. The plane went very close to the mountain. You could almost touch the mountain! So beautiful. What a treat! Unfortunately, my camera did not work at that special moment, but I am pretty sure that everyone's camera worked. Amazingly Beautiful! I have lots of pictures to post here; visit me in the next few days. Wonderful! wonderful! wonderful! What a celebratory goodbye to one of the greatest airplanes to fly people worldwide. This particular Boeing 747-299 rolled out of Boeing factory in 1979 and retired last Sunday, October 4, 2009. It landed at MSP's Lindbergh terminal at 324pm at Gate F10. More information coming on this wonderful wonderful event that honored this great aircraft.
The host of this site, SBI, had a get-together with some of its, should I call, "members", at the Library Hotel in New York City. I missed this one, although I had planned to attend. I will make sure not to miss the next local get together. The SBI Barcelona conference is in full swing as we speak. Good meeting and pictures from New York get-together, SBIr's. Thanks Ken Evoy!
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This is Edita,your Web Editor, Publisher, and airline "insider". Happy warm spring in Minnesota. Thunderstorms and "popcorn" rain - as they say - will be popping up here in the next few days. I like this better than the cold spell that we had the last few weeks.
Lonely? Spring and Summer means outdoor activities, concerts, and the like. These are the times that we need company. It can be very lonely seasons for some of us. The warmth of the season makes one yearn for the warmth and companionship of another human being. If you are single and unattached, or just looking for another friend, now is the time to look for one. You may join the matching groups, either at your local place, or through the social introduction websites. There are many of them, e-harmony, Match.com, Mate.com, or you are more adventurous, you may join the Adult Friend Finders.com. Check those out! I am in the process of reviving the Asian-Pacific Connection introduction service business which I started in 1987. As a curious adult, I joined all of them. My favorite was the last one, also called "AFF". This is my favorite because the advertisements are not the ordinary (and boring ads) that you usually associate with some serious ads where people are looking for another person to marry. So, again, check this website out. This is for adults only. But be sure to be careful and safe if and when you decide to meet with the other members. I have met the most interesting people at this site, some of them from other parts of the world. I will keep you abreast on what is happening with my escapades and show you the advantage of being in the airline industry.
I have met so many interesting and nice people at the above-mentioned websites. They are of different ages, background, culture, etc. I have met men from law enforcement, and dated some guys who were involved in some criminal activities. One thing I know for sure: we all need someone. It is a very human need. To love and be loved. Last month, I met a Greek doctor who comes to the Twin Cities to volunteer; a CEO of a large company; executives from major companies; police officer from one of the suburbs; a student from Madrid....the list goes on. I usually meet them at The Crave Restaurant at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Several months ago, I met a nice gentleman at the Mystic Lake Casino at Prior Lake MN for dinner. I was not disappointed at the person that I met...such a good looking young professional who is new to the Twin Cities wanting to meet someone to do things with. I was disappointed, however, at the long lines at the buffet and at the Ribbons Steakhouse. The dinner meeting did not come out as planned. I was personally disappointed by not planning this ahead of time. Prior to going to Mystic, I stopped at the Crave Restaurant at the Mall of America> -- check this place out guys - especially their happy hours. I thought the food's expensive but when I looked at the menu, it is comparable to a lot of nicer restaurants in the Cities. Good happy hour menu and excellent wine list. I ordered the California Rolls Sushi (they do have a Minnesota Roll) Nice atmosphere as well. My waiter, Christopher, is excellent. It is a must place to visit at the Mall of America next time you are here in Minneapolis/St. Paul. They are located at the old California Noodle Place on the 3rd floor by Macy's...Crave is sponsoring the premiere of "Sex in the City" movie preview party on May 29. Be there! Back at the Mystic Lake Casino -- the casino restaurants are a good place to go for good food, good atmosphere and entertainment. The only problem is if you are not a Platinum Elite they will not accept your reservations for dinner. So, the only other option is to stay on the long lines - or spend a lot of money to get to the status of "Platinum Elite"... The casino has bloomed from a the size of a 7-car garage to a huge enterprise with 2 adjoining hotel towers.... Minneapolis had a good dose of rain and thunderstorms - a very much needed rain in August and September.
More lay-offs at Northwest Airlines, now Delta in October, I was told. Luckily for contract employees, they are allowed to "exercise seniority" and find another place at the airline where they can hold seniority. For me, I am really enjoying this voluntary lay off. But in spite of all the time in my hands now, I am still not up-to-date in my organization at home and in my life.
Here is one great father story to tell Prodigal Father Found
Reminds me of my Papa.
I am planning a trip to Dubai to check out the University there. I want to see if it easy for me to get accepted for a doctorate degree, and and see perhaps if I can land a job there. I have been contacted by Dubai recruiters and I have uploaded my resume. I am not, however, ready at this point. I am still enjoying my voluntary lay-off.
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Immigration
January 13, 2010
Brazil is abolishing its "90-Day Use it or Lose It" Visa which only causes inconvenience to travelers and travel agents.
January 1, 2010
New Argentina immigration fees up to $135.00 will be assessed from citizens of U.S., Canada and Australia starting this month.
Continuing...
The U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the New Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This requires most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, a passport card (for land only), or other travel documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information , visit the agency's website here
Concept: air travel, travel guide
On top of the news today: How you ranked the airlines (1) Southwest Airlines; (2) Continental; (3) Delta Airlines; (4) American Airlines; (5) U.S. Airways; (6) Northwest Airlines.