On February 23rd, I traveled from Chicago to Vancouver on United Airlines 1119, an Airbus 319. On final approach into Vancouver, the flight attendants came by for a visual inspection to ensure that passengers were belted in, seat backs were in the upright position and (I assume) to make sure that carry-on items were stowed [...]
From time to time every traveler runs across a really bad hotel or some weirdo on the road. We’re no exception.
Great News about Fuel Surcharges?
I received an email from Air Canada yesterday that included the following statement: “Great news. The fuel surcharge is now included in all our North America fares.” GREAT news? Who are they trying to kid? Especially since Westjet announced yesterday afternoon that it will no longer collect one-way fuel surcharges of $20 for short haul, [...]
The Jerk in Seat 12F
I was aboard an Air Canada A319 enroute to a conference in Montreal at which I was to speak the following day. I was looking forward to the 5-hour flight from Vancouver, to put the finishing touches on my presentation as well as get some other work done. After we reached cruising altitude and the [...]
How Do YOU Cope with Terrible Travelers?
Is it my imagination, or have air travelers become increasingly rude, inconsiderate and even obnoxious in recent years? It seems that on every trip I take nowadays, there is someone who either just doesn’t understand basic passenger etiquette or worse, is so self-centered that they just don’t care if their behavior affects others in a [...]
Customer Service Hertz at YYZ
We rented a car over Christmas from Hertz at the Kipling and Dundas Street kiosk in Toronto. The folks at that location were excellent… friendly, fast and helpful. We received an upgrade to a PT Cruiser for no extra charge, and when I remarked that the car was a tad dirty and somewhat odorous, the [...]
Itinerary Change Frustrations with Air Canada
I booked our Christmas trip to Toronto on July 17th, 2007. On the original outbound leg we were booked to depart Penticton (YYF) on 20-Dec 2007 at 09:15 on AC8351, arriving Vancouver (YVR) at 10:19. Then we were to connect to AC1134 departing YVR at 12:00 and arrive Toronto (YYZ) at 19:25. (See the screen [...]
How the Uninformed Cause Delays at Airport Security
It’s been 6 years since 9/11 and judging by the delays at airport sscurity caused by those whose carry-on luggage is stuffed full of unacceptable items; one could come to the conclusion that most travelers have either forgotten the event or just don’t pay attention to either the news or the signs directly in front [...]
