The (Near) Death Of Standby Seating

In the past, securing a cheap ticket used to be as simple as walking up to the ticket counter and saying that you wanted to put on the standby list. Airlines would happily allow you access to any leftover seats they had available for a greatly reduced cost. Although you weren't guaranteed a seat on any particular flight, the savings were well worth the inconvenience of waiting around the airport.

Although some airlines are offering standby tickets to college students and airline employees, none offer standby tickets to the general public. Even the tickets that are marketed “standby” are often just re-packaged coach seats. The discounts offered aren't nearly as steep as they were in previous years.

So, why are airlines so reluctant to allow standby flyers?

• Passenger weight/fuel ratios.

Adding another passenger at the last minute changes the passenger weight to fuel ratio. If the plane is already fueled and ready to go, adding another passenger can throw off the appropriate ratio. Further, guidelines require that a plane with more passengers carry a certain amount more fuel. The plane would have to be re-fueled to account for the additional passenger(s).

• Sneaky strategies.

Some standby passengers began to book tickets on a flight, only to cancel the reservations at the last minute. This ensured that open seats were available, and cost the airlines a significant amount of money.

• Cost of fuel.

The cost of oil has skyrocketed over the past decade, and will likely continue to rise well into the foreseeable future. Adding more weight to the plane significantly increases the cost of fuel. It simply isn’t profitable for an airline to add another 100-250lbs of passenger weight for pennies of what they would normally charge for the seat.

Deeply discounted airfares are becoming more difficult to find with each passing year. Students and other who want to fly for the least possible expense should consider booking their trips at least six months ahead-of-time. Flying on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays will also lower costs. If possible, applying for a credit card that awards airline miles will also help to offset the cost somewhat.

Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education and performs research surrounding online degree programs. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

Airline Talk: Operational Upgrades

By Mike Grasso

In most cases upgrading from one cabin (such as economy) to another (such as business) requires an upgrade instrument. This may be in the form of miles, cash, a combination of both, or automatically as a perk of an airlines' loyalty program. Each of these options are generally cheaper ways that outright purchasing a ticket in the higher class of service. In addition to these, there is another method - called an operational upgrade, which takes place behind the scenes. That is to say, your miles, money, and elite status are less important (at least directly) than the immediate operational needs of the airline.

A typical operational upgrade happens when the flight is oversold in economy. With inventory left in business/first, the airline can "bump" select passengers from economy to the front of the plane - a free upgrade. More often than not, this is handled at the gate just prior to boarding, once agents have a handle on how many ticketed passengers will actually show up for the flight. It is true that customer loyalty goes a long way on these types of upgrades, and therefore holding elite status may put you at the top of that "list." But in other situations, the "op-up" as it is called, happens when its least expected. A friend of mine was trying to negotiate a better economy class seat with the gate agent, when suddenly by surprise the agent presented him with a first class boarding pass. Why? The agent needed his original seat because a family of 3 (including 2 children) were going to be separated on different parts of the plane. Little did he know at the time how much easier he had just made that gate agents job. In another case, a few years ago I misconnected on a Northwest Airlines flight due to a mechanical issue; the gate agent rebooked me into first class because no economy seats were available onto my connecting flight. In each of these examples, the needs of the airline (and the need to quickly board the plane for an on time departure) meant operationally, the complimentary upgrades made good business sense.

In summary, operational upgrades are a necessary part of the airline business. The are however, rare. If you are an elite traveler, and/or find yourself in irregular operations, such as an oversell or a last minute plane change (to a larger plane), an op-up may be in your future.

Travel Disruptions Following 8.8 Tsunami in Chile

Since coverage was initiated last night on the powerful 8.8 quake in Chile, Tsunami advisories and warnings have spread throughout the Pacific. In addition to travel disruptions in Chile, other areas throughout the Pacific may be impacted. In the state of Hawai'i where tsunami sirens have sounded and officials are preparing for at least some *minor* coastal impact.

Hilo airport has been closed, and many coastal beaches and residences evacuated. The Honolulu Star Bulletin reports evacuations in Waikiki are going smoothly. As a precautionary measure, most airlines have issued travel waiver allowing customers to postpone travel to the islands. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, HI, the initial Tsunami impact will occur around 11:00 HST (about 1pm Pacific).

Photo from the Tsunami Warning Center. Click to enlarge

inFLIGHTout Travel Tip: Register Your Trip

In light of the unfortunate events in Mumbai and Bangkok fairly recently, it is a good idea to let the State Department know your international travel plans. U.S Embassies located throughout the world can aid you in the event of civil unrest, terrorism or natural disaster. Additionally, U.S Embassies and Consulates can assist if you are a victim of a crime, become ill, or are involved in a car accident.

Registering your trip is voluntary and free.

Click here to read additional information from the U.S State Department and to register.

Recommendations for Sleeping in an Airport

By Mike Grasso

For most travelers, the idea of spending any unnecessary time in an airport makes them cringe. So the thought of sleeping in an airport would probably beyond the possibilities of imagination. That's what I said too, until I discovered a website appropriately titled, "The guide to sleeping in airports." and gave it a shot. On this site, travelers passing through a particular airport can read the stories of past travelers - super troopers if you will, who've scouted out the best spots to cuddle up for a few hours nappie.

Reviews often describe the atmosphere of the airport in the overnight hours, when few, if any, flights are operating. Key themes in the reviews often relate to the frequency of announcements in airport P.A system (think- "this is a security advisory, keep luggage with you at all times) as well as comfort and versatility of sleeping areas (i.e., post-security, away from rift raft coming in off the street, whether armrests move up so you can lay down on a set of seats). My personal experience of sleeping in airports has been pleasant, and never have I had airport personnel question me (yes, even post 9-11), or my sleeping arrangement. Of course if someone did come by, I'd kindly ask them for a pillow. =)

The novelty of sleeping in an airport probably isn't sufficient for most people to try this out. So, why do it in the first place you ask? Experienced airport nappers often cite a long connection - such as 4 or 6 hours, as the principal reason. The hassle of locating a nearby hotel, transportation, and the struggle of waking up early then re-clear security seemed a bit much, when one could simply take a nap next to the boarding gate.

Not all airports are created alike, and there are several to avoid at all costs. Few U.S., airports make the top 10 world list, yielding instead to newer, and spacious airports within Asia and Curious where San Francisco fits on the list? How about checking the ratings of your hometown airport? See all the reviews at sleepinginairports.com.

Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst: Smart Packing for Airline Travel

By Mike Grasso

We've all heard the dreaded stories of planes stuck on the runway for hours at a time, passengers suffering in the cabin lacking some of the basic essentials such as food and water and the pilot refusing to allow people to de-plane. Thankfully, these are rare cases. But there are steps you can take in advance should you find yourself in a similar situation. Many of these suggestions are common sense, and put the bulk of health & safety responsibility back onto you - the passenger. If we have learned anything from these extreme situations, it's that nobody can best take care of you better than YOU.

Bottled Water: You can purchase a bottle post-security, or simply bring an empty bottle through security and refill it at a water fountain before boarding your flight.

Snacks: Energy bars, a cup of trail mix or nuts, or even a sandwich are all great munchies to have handy.

Vitamins/Supplements/Meds: Ensure you have taken your proper dosing before catching your flight, and bring extra in your carry-on bag.

Sanitizing wipes: Bring disposable wipes and wipe down the arm rests, head sets, tray tables, and anywhere else your skin makes contact with the plane. Remember, just because it doesn't appear dirty - doesn't mean bacteria aren't present.

Toiletries: Keep a small toiletry bag with your carry on. Anyone who has ever had their luggage lost by the airline has learned to keep essentials such as a toothbrush and deodorant nearby. The TSA 3-1-1 rule currently allows you to carry personal-care products in 3-ounce containers which are to be placed in a 1-quart resalable bag, 1 bag per person.

Seating and Stretching: The middle seat is bad enough, but if you find yourself stuck for hours on a runway, the middle seat will feel like misery. So, get your seat assignment far in advance, to avoid the middle. Regardless where you sit, be sure to stand, stretch and walk around from time to time.

Entertainment: OK so you've packed everything to ensure "survival", now pack a couple items to ensure you actually have a bit of enjoyment, in an otherwise unbearable situation. Magazines, books, portable gaming devices (think, for the kids), or a deck of cards (nearby passengers would probably love to join in too!) are all fine choices. Ensure portable electronic devices, such as mini DVD players and laptops, are charged-up in advance, to allow for maximum enjoyment.

5 Strangely Colored Beaches

From Premier Holidays comes a post describing some uniquely colored beaches around the world, including Red Sand beach in Hawai'i. Enjoy.

Full story & pictures

Virgin America to Launch Fort Lauderdale Flights

In a press release today, San Francisco-based Virgin America accounced plans to begin nonstop flights between the West Coast and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Interantional Airport. The airline says it will offer two daily flights each from San Francisco and Los Angeles beginning November 18, 2009. Fort Lauderdale marks the 10th destination in Virgin America's growing network.

"The South Florida market has always been at the top of our list. It is a world-class destination and an important tourism and business travel market that, until today, was served by little or no nonstop competition from the West Coast," said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush.

Tickets are now available for purchase at virginamerica.com. Introductory fares begin at just $99 each way in the Main Cabin.

San Francisco to Florida From $170 RT w/Taxes

Fly Delta/Northwest Airlines from San Francisco to Miami for $170 round-trip, including all taxes and fees. Travel permitted through early summer 2010 for outbound flights Monday-Thursday and Saturday. Example dates: September 15-21, 2009. Click here to book.

Earlier tonight on Twitter, we reported on a $187 "all in" fare SFO-Ft Lauderdale on Continental Airlines.

Flight Attendants for your Coffee Table

Flying the friendly skies, Brian Finke began photographing flight attendants as he crisscrossed the country on Delta, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Hooters Air, Southwest, and Song airlines, before going abroad on Air France, Qantas, and British Airways. In London, he visited a flight attendant school, complete with emergency rafts and billowing smoke. Continuing east, Finke traveled Air Asia, Thai, Tiger, ANA, Japan, and Cathay Pacific. For the grand finale of his two-year trip, Finke traveled the illustrious Icelandair.

The result is Flight Attendants, a vibrant document of those adventurous souls who choose to work at 40,000 feet. Shot before, during, and after trips, at school and at home, Finke’s photographs capture the allure of this high-flying profession alongside the more quiet moments of the attendants’ daily lives. As in his previous collection of cheerleaders and football players, 2-4-6-8, Finke is drawn to the distinctive dynamics of team formation, focusing on uniformed individuals executing practiced actions—whether on the playing field or in the air. With an eye for the iconic as well as the absurd, Finke seamlessly blends the glamorous with the casual, offering a memorable look at the men and women of air travel. Available from Amazon

How to Overcome Your Child's Fear of Flying

By Lydie Thomas
from: travel is more fun with kids

Taking the airplane is safe but as we saw this week on the news, with the Air France plane crashing at sea, accidents happen and when they do, they are unlikely to end up with a happy ending.

Children fear of flying can be triggered by watching the news or a movie, reading a book, or people talking about then. I carefully never exposed my daughters to airplanes crashing news. The oldest got confronted to it one September 11th when her elementary school made an announcement for a minute of silence for the people who died in the airplanes that crashed in the twin towers that day. She came home, crying and telling me that she never wanted to go to France again because she did not want to die crashing in towers. I calmed her down and by the next June, she was flying back to France without worries. Still, I would have preferred to talk about this awful event using my own words and not having her hear about it over a speakerphone.

The accident of the Air France plane brought back all these insecurities for all of us and since families will be flying this summer (our family is flying on June 12th), I believe it is the right time to educate ourselves as parents on how to handle our children fear of flying if they experience any.

Tamar Chansky is a child psychologist, parent expert and is the author of the book: Freeing Your Child from Anxiety: Powerful, Practical Solutions to Overcoming Your Child's Fears, Worries and Phobias. She shares with us some solutions on children’s fear of flying.

Her solutions:
Start with empathy: if parents just try to talk their kids out of their fears, kids will still be afraid but may also be frustrated because parents aren't listening. Tell your child that it is Ok to be a little afraid, but you want to help him feel better.

Next: the facts: Ask your child what he is afraid of about flying and what he thinks/knows about plane crashes. Make it clear that plane crashes are rare. Recent statistics state that one in every eleven million planes crash. Help make it concrete-- for kids. Eleven million-- imagine how many pennies that would be? That is the population of Ohio!

Sometimes children have been on a flight with a lot of turbulence or get afraid by the normal sounds of the plane-- help them get familiar by "simulating" a flight in your living room. Have the child make the sounds of the wings, the wheels, etc. Car washes are great approximaters of some of the sounds and sensations of a flight.

Next: Coping: ask your child what his worry is telling him about flying, then ask him to "take out his imaginary red pen" and mark the statements as right or wrong. Have the child fill in the "right" answers, e.g., Plane crashes are rare, millions of flights happen every year perfectly. Worrying about this doesn't help, so I'm not going to.

Finally: Ask your child to focus on positive aspects of the trip-- where they are going, what they want to do, etc Gather together activities for the plane to help the time pass faster.

Patricia Vaccarino from Seattle had to deal with her daughter anxiety the hard way when classmates of her then 6 year old daughter died when the Alaska Airlines airplane they were one crashed on its way to Seattle. She shared with me how she dealt with it. Here is her testimony:

‘My intent was to get Sarah on to a plane ASAP to show her that not all planes crash. So the month after the crash, I took Sarah to Disney land. I let Alaska airlines know in advance that Sarah had been in the class that lost four children.

When we arrived at the airport, Sarah was called to board the plane before anyone else. Once she was on the plane, the captain greeted her. He brought her into the cockpit and explained how the plane worked and described safety protocol in a way that she could understand. Then later, mid-flight, the captain sent a note to Sarah that was delivered by a flight attendant to let her know that she was safe. When the flight landed, the captain personally escorted Sarah from the plane.

I think this response by Alaska Airlines made a real difference in Sarah's perceptions about flying and safety. Sarah is now 15 and has no qualms about flying.

A simple call to the air carrier in advance can potentially make all the difference in the world.’

Still feeling anxious?
Carole Lieberman is Beverly Hills psychiatrist for children and adults and she has created the first in-flight entertainment programs used on airlines to help people with fear of flying Shrink on Board. You can order her CDs and DVDs online and have your family experience a very calming and relaxing flight. Click here to watch the trailer.

There is a solution for every fear and the right words and methods will help your children overcome their anxiety about flying.
---
Lydie's original article can be found here.

$50 Bucks Back From Northwest and Paypal

Similar to a promotion the two companies ran last March, Northwest Airlines and Paypal will credit you $50 when you purchase your next Northwest flight at nwa.com and use Paypal as your method of payment. Minimum ticket purchase is $250, and you must purchase tickets by Midnight on October 13th for travel between November 15, 2008 and January 31, 2009. 

Click here for more information

Rite Aid $3.99 Passport Photos

Bay Area residents living near a Rite Aid store can appreciate this weeks circular. On the Photo Shop page (page 12 locally, but may vary by market) advertises Passport photos for only $3.99 a set, after a $4 rebate. Best of all, Rite Aid rebates are submitted electronically, saving you the hassle of submitting forms and receipts by mail. Passport photos can often cost between $8 and $20 elsewhere. Click here to view this weeks Ride Aid circular.

Handy Mileage Award Calculator

With recent capacity cuts from the airlines, trying to find available seats when redeeming frequent flyer miles can be a daunting task. Seats for two people - painful. One piece of advice is to book tickets far in advance. So if you are trying to plan a trip to Europe for early next summer, and you want to redeem your miles, now is the time to start looking.

Booking tickets far in advance means finding award availability before it is picked through by the masses. So how far in advance can you book award tickets? Most airlines permit bookings up to 330 days into the future - a bit shy of a year. This simple tool allows you to determine how far out 330 days is, eliminating the need for human calculation (or in my case, human error) so you can focus on the more important task - namely, where in Europe you want those frequent flyer miles to take you.

For travelers with a sense of wonder, any trip is rewarding

(San Francisco Chronicle)
Summer's coming, so let's see where we are.

In a recession. (Your president may not be able to say it, but a travel editor can.) For people worried about keeping their jobs and their houses, vacation may enter the realm of the unthinkable.

The lucky ones who are able to travel face the prospect of shocking airfares if they fly and soaring gas prices if they drive. The train is an option for students, retirees and trust-fund babies, but not the average American who gets a measly two weeks off.

"One of the good things that could come out of this
recession is a realization that travel is less about the place than it is about the displacement"

With flying, the cost is not the only drawback. Our air system is in disarray. A means of transportation that was once Merely Uncomfortable became, after 9/11, a Major Hassle, and then last year - with its bonanza of delays and cancellations - moved to Totally Maddening. Nobody today envies the person who's heading to the airport.

If you're on a plane that's leaving the country, you're in for a thrill as soon as you land and try to buy a cup of coffee. The dollar has plummeted in much of the world, especially Europe, a perennial tourist attraction.

And while you're counting your change, keep your voice down, as there are a lot of people out there who aren't terribly fond of Americans these days.
We're the once-loved nouveau-poor.
So what are we to do?

Go. Somewhere. Anywhere. It doesn't really matter how far - or how much time you spend there. The great thing about travel is that it's not a contest (contrary to what the reality show "The Amazing Race" may have taught us), it's a change of scenery - and the various changes (of perspective, attitude, heart) that often accompany it. Certain changes are more dramatic than others, obviously, but the important thing is change itself.

And movement. There is something about it that improves our mood. It is why mothers rock their crying babies. The pleasure's increased if you're not at the controls - a passenger on ships, trains, planes, even buses (though here the pleasure can wear off fairly quickly). A popular segue in country songs is feeling low followed by hitting the road.
But if you don't hit it very far, how do you get your culture-shock kick? Where's the thrill in seeing the next county?

Depends on the county. A few summers ago my wife and I took a little Florida road trip. We set off in the morning and stopped for lunch in Vero Beach. The special that Thursday at Mrs. B's just off the interstate was mullet, which Hania ordered with mustard greens. The tables around us were filled with ranchers; the talk was of cattle. We felt very far from home.
It used to be that the one quality deemed necessary for a traveler was a sense of adventure. The world was less known, less present, less furnished with ATMs.

Today the world is wired and YouTubed nonstop. The impression sometimes is that this has made it less interesting, less surprising, less foreign. Of course it hasn't; if anything, the world is more varied and complex than ever. Rather it's we, bombarded by the world, who have become less interested in it.

The quality necessary to the traveler today is a sense of wonder. For those who have it, a road trip to Oregon is just as enjoyable as a vacation in Italy. For it involves the same fundamental gift: a journey out of the house, to another place, one with a different landscape, culture, way of doing things. All of these are more striking in Florence than they are in Ashland, but our capacity for wonder gives us the ability to appreciate them in any degree. Nothing beyond our backyards is boring to us.

It's a kind of travel relativism, which can only be helpful in a period of economic gloom. Hard times have always given birth to positive developments, and one of the good things that could come out of this recession is a realization that travel is less about the place than it is about the displacement.

It's not really important where we go but that we go, marveling every step of the way.
Thomas Swick is the travel editor of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, where this essay originally appeared. To comment, visit sfgate.com/travel and follow the links.

This article appeared on page E - 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle June 8, 2008 edition.

Photo by J. Griffin Stewart (Flickr)

$50 Bucks Back from Northwest Airlines

Similar to a promotion that ran before, receive $50 cash back from Northwest Airlines when you purchase an airline ticket of $250 or more at nwa.com and utilize Paypal as your method of payment.

Details:

Purchase by March 27, 2008

Travel between April 1 and June 14, 2008

You must have both a Northwest Worldperks & Paypal account

Click here for more information on this great promotion.

Reference Code: GNWP PAYPALCASH08

Relax Inside Airport Lounges of the World

By Mike Grasso

Airport lounges are typically complimentary to travelers flying in Business or First Class, those who pay an annual club fee of $250-$500, or in some cases being an elite member of an airline. Depending on the airline and location of the lounge, anything from finger foods right on up to full world-class fine dining is offered. Some lounges include made to order drinks, hot showers (great for those long international flights) and full body massage. Probably the biggest benefit though is the escape from the masses of the airport, relaxing in quiet comfortable seating, and soaking up the pampering of services offered.

I've personally visited lounges around the world, and am particularly fond of international airlines' offerings. Malaysia and Singapore Airlines, especially in their home cities, provide top-notch food and amenities to lounge guests.

One of the best kept secrets in the airline industry is using frequent flier miles for business class tickets (often a better deal point-for-dollar than redeeming for a domestic airline ticket) usually scores you complimentary lounge access for the entire trip. So if you're flying from San Francisco to Shanghai, you can treat yourself to lounges in San Francisco, Shanghai and any other connection city.

Be sure to check out Travel and Leisure magazine's, "Most amazing airport lounges from around the world" collection of photo show. Click here to see the show.

Operation SPOT in progress at airports throughout the country

Behavior detection officers are on active duty at dozens of airports throughout the U.S according to SeattlePI; they're looking for unusual behaviors, facial expressions or questionable emotions and reactions during brief interactions with passengers during the standard screening process.

Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT) was designed by the TSA to stop terrorist activity. Carl Maccario who helped design the program said, "We're looking for behavior indicators that show a certain level of stress, fear or anxiety above and beyond that shown by an anxious member of the traveling public."

Since January 06' the program has identified 70,000 people for the secondary screening, and made 600-700 arrests for a variety of charges.

According to federal statistics, airplanes are more crowded now than ever before. On average, most U.S flights operate above 80% of capacity; that empty middle seat is more likely than not to be filled. To compare, back in 1990 planes averaged 62% of capacity.

This means more people crowding the boarding gates, cramming in carry-on bags, and elevated stress levels from passengers and airline crew.

With such high aircraft loads, winter storms than cause flight cancellations make it much more difficult to rebook passengers on later flights, further irritating flyers. Read more: Here is a recent story from the Washington Post discussing the cause of higher flight loads, and other affects on travelers;
"Less free to move about the cabin."

San Francisco - Boston, MA $180/Roundtrip including taxes. Continental Airlines.
Available certain dates during January and February. www.farecompare.com