Priority Screening Now Available at Some Canadian Airports
Posted July 3, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
Here’s the second portion of the message that I received from Air Canada today…
…enjoy the convenience of Priority Security Clearance when you travel in Executive Class or Executive First from select Canadian, U.S. and international airports.
Priority Security Clearance lanes have recently been introduced in Toronto. The new Pearson Priority - Air Canada Priority Lanes are now available and fully operational. These lanes are designed to expedite your entry to airport security screening zones via a clearly indicated, separate pre-board access lane, allowing you to arrive at your boarding gate more quickly. Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Edmonton also have Priority Security Clearance lanes, with more coming soon to other Canadian airports.
Again, FINALLY!!
I’ve enjoyed that privilege from time to time flying out of Las Vegas (where it is sorely needed) and it’s a complete blessing.
Instead of spending 20 to 30 minutes shuffling through the security line, you’re through in 5 minutes.
There are a LOT of things that you can do with that extra time, not least of all grab a drink or a bite to eat… the latter of which of course isn’t available on too many airlines nowadays.
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Air Canada Introduces Priority Boarding
Posted July 3, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
The following is a portion of a notice that Air Canada sent to its ‘Prestige’ class members:
“Priority Boarding is now available for travel within Canada and to the U.S. when you fly in Latitude, Executive Class or Executive First®. This exclusive privilege minimizes your waiting time at the airport by letting you board first, or at your leisure.”
Well HURRAY and FINALLY!
United Airlines has been giving boarding preference to its loyal customers for the longest time already, so I’m glad that Air Canada finally woke up.
But then again, because no one ever actually boards by seat and row number in Canada anyway - because the agents won’t turn anyone out of line regardless of the fact that their row hasn’t been called - what difference will it make? I’ll still be looking for a place to stow my stuff in an overhead bin that isn’t anywhere near my seat.
A Prescription for Sunburn and Heat Exhaustion
Posted July 2, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Health, Travel Tips
Up until now, I’ve been surnburned only once in my life — after sitting in the Mediterranean sun for hours the day after our arrival on the Costa del Sol. That happened when I was 14.
Now fast forward 34 years. What with a huge landscape project underway, trying to get the house and garden ready for our annual Canada Day Eve block party and a planned family visit, I pulled a really stupid move last week.
With temperatures soaring to 100F and not a cloud in the sky, I spent hour after hour over the course of a few days working in the garden wearing only shorts and a bikini top.
No hat, no sunblock and much to my surprise, not only was my back deep-fried, I had a case of heat exhaustion that lasted for 4 days.
Let me tell you, it’s not fun.
According to MedicineNet, “heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment“.
The symptons include:
- heavy sweating
- paleness
- muscle cramps
- tiredness
- weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- fainting
I fortunately was spared the fainting, nausea and vomiting; but got the rest in spades. Luckily, we have a pool in which I took regular cool dips and air conditioning, which of which are part of the recommended treatment.
Do yourself a favor and spare yourself the pain of it all… sunburn and/or heat exhaustion. Wear a hat, proper skin protection and sun block.
Magellan’s carries a vast array of Sun Protection products including fabulous Packable Straw Hats and Sunblock Shirts… both of which were in my closet.
Duh. 
Would You Redeem Airline Rewards Points to Buy Carbon Offsets?
Posted May 6, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Adventures, Points & Rewards, Travel Tips
Let’s face it, flying adds carbon dioxide CO2 to the atmosphere which contributes to climate change.
In addition to reducing the number of times we fly every year, Ed and I also like the option of being able to reduce our footprint by purchasing and/or redeeming Aeroplan rewards points for carbon offsets.
Secret Seats on Airplanes
Posted April 10, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
I’m pretty particular about the seats I get on flights, especially when the flight lasts longer than an hour.
For example, you’ll never catch me sitting in the middle seat of a row of three — I’d just as soon catch a later flight. By result, I spend as much time skulking around SeatGuru.com in order to select the best seats available on any specific flight as I do choosing the flight itself.
In this video, Peter Greenberg shows you where some preferred seats are to be found - in coach of all places.
Technorati Tags: travel, seats, airlines
Add Weather Forecast to Your Google Calendar
Posted February 19, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
I just discovered the coolest add-on for Google Calendar users - the daily weather forecast.
In the graphic below, I’ve cursored over and clicked on the little weather graphic for February 21st, 2008, which pops up today’s weather and a 3-day forecast for my location, highlighting the day that I clicked on.
Just cursoring over the weather icon, I see “Forecast for Penticton, BC (-2 | 1)” which are the forecast highs and lows in degrees celsius.
I particularly like this as a time-saving feature, so I don’t have to specifically visit the Penticton forecast page on the Weather Network.
Hmmm… Chances are that I will continue to visit the Weather Network however… as I see that the weather forecasted by Google’s supplier is substantially different from that forecasted by the Weather Network, which I’ve always found to be quite reliable.
Technorati Tags: weather, Weather Network
Saving Money in the Maple Leaf Lounge
Posted January 3, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
Greetings from Air Canada’s Maple Leaf domestic lounge at Toronto International airport.
Today we’re traveling from Toronto to Penticton via Vancouver, and just popped into the lounge for a quick and free breakfast.
We’re NOT traveling executive class today, but get access to Air Canada and the Star Alliance partner lounges with my American Express Platinum credit card .
Ed uses a CIBC VISA card, but he only gets one Aeroplan reward point per dollar, whereas I earn 1.5 points per dollar with my American Express card.
I estimate that I save about $30.00 for each visit, as I usually grab a meal, check my email (there’s no free access at the boarding gates), and a beer or other drink if I’m flying in the afternoon. So, with the amount that I/we travel, paying a little bit extra per year for these cards is entirely worth it.
Oh ya, Rick Mercer is in the lounge at the moment too — although I expect that the CBC coughs up the fee for his credit card.
If you’re interested, you can check out the other American Express® AIR MILES® Credit Card features through this link.
Technorati Tags: American Express, Maple Leaf Lounge, Air Canada, Aeroplan, Rick Mercer
New and Improved Flickr Uploadr 3.0
Posted January 2, 2008 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
On December 13th, 2007, Flickr announced that their latest version of the Flickr Uploadr for Windows and Mac OS X was available.
If you have a Flickr account and plan to upload a lot of pictures, then you really should download the Uploadr as opposed to uploading your photos via their online interface.
As you can see from the screen capture above, Flickr Uploadr 3.0 makes it easier than before to add titles, tags and descriptions to photos, add them to sets and adjust each photo’s privacy settings — right from your computer.
The biggest improvement however, is the ability to start adding more photos to the Uploadr while another batch is being sent to Flickr.
You can download the Flickr Uploadr here. Enjoy!
Technorati Tags: Flickr, uploadr, photos
Afraid to Fly? Relax, There’s Help!
Posted September 20, 2007 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Travel Tips
Does the fear of flying stop you from enjoying all that life has to offer?
Well, fear no more!
Captain Tom Bunn, a United Airlines pilot and licensed therapist offers a four part audio course called Complete Relief - The Complete Audio Course To Conquer Your Fear of Flying that will help you manage your thoughts and understand why you have difficulty controlling anxiety.
Every aspect of traveling by air is covered in the course - from going to the airport right through until landing. He tells you how aircraft work and explains the sounds you will hear during a flight. The course also contains “Take Me Along” tracks that you can take with you on your flight.
Here’s what Niki C. had to say about the course..
“My claustrophobia disappeared the second we pushed away from the gate and I finally took my first flight after 6 long years!!! What an amazing feeling to no longer be trapped by my own fears… I now feel that I can go anywhere and do almost anything…the way I used to feel before my phobias took over my life… I have spent thousands of dollars visiting psychiatrists, psychologists, hypnotists, and just on unused airline tickets. Your method really worked!!!”
Read what people are saying about this course
Last but not least, the course is guaranteed. Cancel within 30 days and you’ll get your money back. So, there’s nothing to lose - except your fear of flying. Learn more about Complete Relief - The Complete Audio Course To Conquer Your Fear of Flying
Technorati Tags: fear of flying, Captain Tom Bunn, United Airlines
Hepatitis - Shocking Discovery
Posted January 30, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Health, Travel Tips
Ros and I are heading to South-East Asia soon. Part of the prep work is to make sure we are healthy. We have an appointment at the travel health clinic to check on what shots we will need.
I had my Hepatitis shots in 2001 before we went to Peru. I asked my Doctor for a test to see if I was still protected. Well I was shocked to find out that I had no protection against Hepatitis A or B.
I had assumed that all would be well but I am glad that I decided to get checked. I will be getting the Twinrix shots again. Since time is limited I will follow the rapid vaccination schedule of 0-7-21. The initial shot followed by the second 7 days later and the third 21 days after the first. A booster shot is given 12 later.
If you have not been tested to see if are immune it may be time to make an appointment.
Technorati Tags: Hepatitis, Peru, Twinrix
