PlaneSassy

PlaneSassy: FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST

2010-11-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

PlaneSassy: FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST: "The Sassy, Surly Flight Attendant…Everyone has encountered one or two during their travels in the sky. Some Flight Attendants appear miserab..."

PlaneSassy: planesassy: HELP! ONBOARD SQUISHED AND SEATED NEXT...

2010-11-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

PlaneSassy: planesassy: HELP! ONBOARD SQUISHED AND SEATED NEXT...: "planesassy: HELP! ONBOARD SQUISHED AND SEATED NEXT TO FATSO: 'You're seated comfortably on the airplane in your economy seat watching the hy..."

PlaneSassy: YOU GOT A BUDDY PASS?

2010-11-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

PlaneSassy: YOU GOT A BUDDY PASS?: "You've been dreaming of taking a weekend vacation to Miami or Los Angeles to soak up the sun, watch beautiful people lay out on the beach, ..."

PlaneSassy: SECRETS TO FINDING TRAVEL DEALS

2010-11-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

PlaneSassy: SECRETS TO FINDING TRAVEL DEALS: "Do you dream of taking vacations, but you're on a tight budget? Do you want to learn how to become a 'Budjet Jet setter?' Savvy travelers ..."

SECRETS TO FINDING TRAVEL DEALS

2010-11-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

Do you dream of taking vacations, but you're on a tight budget? Do you want to learn how to become a "Budjet Jet setter?" Savvy travelers know how to find creative travel deals and ways to save money. Certainly, saving money allows you to enjoy more activities and excursions while traveling and gives you the freedom to travel more often.

First, a savvy traveler researches destinations, prices and compares travel deals. Many people don't know where to begin the search for Real Travel Deals. We've done the research for you. In this article you will discover:

Peak Travel Seasons vs. Off Peak Travel Seasons

How to Click, Click and Save

One Stop Shop, All Inclusive Resorts

Best Reward Programs

Last Minute Deals

Timeshare Presentation Gifts and Timeshare Rental Discounts

Group Travel Discounts

Deals on the Road Less Traveled: Home Share, Hostels and Volunteer Abroad

Peak Travel Seasons vs. Off Peak Travel Seasons

Before you plan and book your vacation, determine peak travel seasons and off peak travel seasons for your desired destination. Traveling during peak seasons can increase the price of your cruise, flight and hotel rate by several hundreds of dollars. Hotels, flights, resorts, and cruises are jam-packed with travelers and tourists during peak travel seasons. If you're looking for discounts, exemplary service and less crowds, travel during off peak seasons.

Looking for tropical sunshine? The Caribbeans off peak season is from mid April through early December. Winter rates are discounted between 20-40%. Visit the Caribbean between June 1st - November 30th during hurricane season for even greater discounts. No need to lose sleep over the possibility of getting caught in a hurricane. Satellite forecasts give ample notice of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Purchase travel insurance for your flight, cruise, or hotel stay in the event you need to cancel or change the dates of your vacation. In the event you cancel your vacation or change the dates of travel, you will not be penalized or charged extra fees. In most cases, you will receive a full refund. Travel insurance costs only a few dollars and can save you thousands in the event you must cancel your vacation plans. Read the fine print carefully when purchasing travel insurance.

To learn the peak and off peak seasons of your travel destination, do an online search. Type in the name of the destination and the words "off season" or "peak season" using a search engine and you will learn the best time of year to plan your vacation.

CLICK, CLICK, CLICK and SAVE

The best time to shop for travel deals online is late at night. Night owls will find the most recent online discounts for flights and hotels between 10pm-2am. Travel sites update their inventory when most people are sleeping. Usually airlines discount their fares for a limited number of seats on Wednesdays around 12:30am. Click your mouse continually to find updated fares. Prices of tickets occasionally change every 10 - 15 minutes.

Subscribe to travel e newsletters and search engines. Some websites conduct an ongoing search for discount rates for flights and hotels for your desired destination. You will find valuable information and a bang for your buck on the following sites:

http://www.hotelscombined.com/
http://hotels.com/
http://www.TravelZoo.com/
http://www.Expedia.com/
http://www.TripAdvisor.com/
http://www.AirfareWatchdog.com/
http://www.Yapta.com/
http://www.Comparefare.com/
http://www.ItaSoftware.com/
http://www.CheapCaribbean.com/
http://www.Bing.com/

TripAdvisor.com is a valuable tool for travelers. The website posts traveler's reviews of numerous resorts, tours, hotels and restaurants. Learn tips and suggestions on how to save money and get great deals all over the world. Read reviews about traveler's experiences at resorts, restaurants, tours, cruises, excursions, and hotels before booking vacation plans.

ONE STOP SHOP, ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS

All Inclusive Resorts offer vacation package deals that include all alcoholic beverages, meals, non motorized water sports and several nights stay at a resort. Most All Inclusive Resorts have several restaurants, swimming pools, bars, and night clubs on the property. Spa amenities, tours and other excursions normally cost an extra fee. All Inclusive Resorts offer great deals for travelers that prefer to remain in one location while on vacation.

If you are looking to meet and party with locals, eat a variety of traditional local cuisine, and explore nearby towns, villages, and cities, take advantage of finding a discounted rate at a centrally located hotel or resort.

Several All Inclusive Resorts advertise dream vacations and accommodations featuring luxury suites, sandy beaches and gourmet dining. Quite often, advertisements and online brochures are misleading. Carefully read numerous online reviews on TripAdvisor.com before booking your vacation. If interested in finding deals at All Inclusive Resorts visit:

http://allinclusiveoutlet.com/
http://CheapCaribbean.com/AllInclusive
http://Expedia.com/AllInclusive

BEST REWARD PROGRAMS

If you are a frequent flier or regularly stay in hotels, apply for a credit card that offers its members travel rewards. Points are earned on dollars spent. The reward cards with the highest ratings are Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card, Capital One Venture Visa, Chase Sapphire, Miles by DiscoverCard, Blue Sky by American Express and the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card.

After earning points on your credit cards, visit http://www.BookYourAward.com/. For a small fee, they will get you where you want to go for as few points as possible. For example, a traveler needed 210,000 miles to fly business class to Bali, BookYourAward.com found airline first class seats for only 122,000 miles.

Another helpful site for cashing in your credit card travel rewards is http://www.EVReward.com/. The website will tell you the number of reward points or miles you will earn from your purchases at numerous stores and vendors.

Do you have several reward cards and need to keep track of your points and miles on your credit cards? Visit http://www.AwardWallet.com/. It keeps track of all of your travel miles and hotel points all in one place. You don't have to log on to various sites to keep track of your rewards. Keep your travel miles and hotel points updated and organized on one site.

Don't have time to build points on a credit card to earn free airfare? Check out Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Chase Bank Visa. After your first initial purchase, you earn a free round trip ticket. You can buy a pack of gum or a bag of peanuts and get a free ticket on Southwest Airlines.What a deal! Visit http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/visa.html.

LAST MINUTE DEALS

Weekend getaways, cruises, Caribbean vacations, Disney vacations and many other exciting destinations are discounted more than 40% with Last Minute Deals. Be spontaneous and find a real deal. Check out the Last Minute Deals on cruise lines, airfare, and resorts. Contact cruise lines and ask about Last Minute Deals. Looking for excitement? Pick up the phone and call Las Vegas casinos, resorts, and hotels and ask about their Last Minute Deal specials. Several travel websites offer big savings on Last Minute Vacations.

http://vacationstogo.com/
http://www.TravelZoo.com/
http://www.Expedia.com/
http://www.LastMinuteTravel.com/
http://www.FunJet.com/
http://www.LastMinute.Travelocity.com/
http://www.Orbitz.com/
http://www.Hotwire.com/
http://www.CruisesOnly.com/LastMinute

TIMESHARE PRESENTATION GIFTS

Although attending timeshare presentations can be quite annoying, listening to high pressure sales pitches and spending approximately 2-3 hours of your time saying "No," the payoff can sometimes be worth the hassle. Many timeshare presentations serve you free breakfast, lunch or dinner at an extravagant resort. Rewards for attending the presentation usually include phenomenal gifts such as free airfare and free night stays at resorts, hotels or condos worldwide. Other rewards include free theme park tickets and vacation excursions such as guided tours, para sailing, jet skiing, and packages to swim with playful dolphins.

Before attending the timeshare presentation, make sure the gift is FREE. If you are approached by a timeshare salesperson while on vacation, negotiate your gift before you attend. In fact, if you act hesitant about attending, the salesperson will usually offer you additional freebies and vacation deals for your time and commitment to attend the presentation. Do not be alarmed when you are asked for a monetary deposit. The timeshare salespeople want to make certain you will attend the presentation. Usually a $25 deposit is required to attend, however, you will be refunded the full amount at the end of the presentation.

Schedule your timeshare meeting preferably in the morning. Although the salesperson will tell you that you are only committed for 90 minutes, the time you spend listening to the sales pitch is at least 2 hours. You can sleepily listen to the presentation and still have the remainder of a full day to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and sunbathing at the pool or beach. More importantly, never bring a check book or credit card to the timeshare presentation. You might be tempted to spend thousands of dollars and sign a contract you will later regret.

If you are interested in finding a timeshare presentation to attend to receive a free vacation, airfare or a discounted hotel stay, visit these sites:

http://www.StarwoodVacationOwnership.com/
http://www.SheratonVacationOwnership.com/
http://www.MarriottVacationClub.com/
http://www.HiltonGrandVacations.com/.

After subscribing to one or more of the timeshare sites, you will regularly be notified of special offers, discounts and free stays from other resorts and companies that sell vacation packages.

TIMESHARE RENTAL DISCOUNT RATES

If you'd like to stay at a resort or condo for a discount rate, consider renting a timeshare from a timeshare owner. Timeshare rentals are available in destinations all over the world. On occasion, owners are unable to vacation during their allotted timeshare weeks. Instead of losing money, owners rent the timeshare to travelers in search of a deal. Make an offer to a timeshare owner and save hundreds of dollars. Timeshare rentals are usually a better bargain vs. paying full price at a hotel or resort. Visit the following sites.

http://www.Timeshare-Resale-Rental.com/
http://www.MyResortNetwork.com/
http://www.RedWeek.com/

GROUP TRAVEL DISCOUNTS

Are you traveling with a group of 10 or more persons? Take advantage of resort, hotel, airline, and cruise line group discount rates. Book your reservation by phone and let the agent know you are traveling with a group. If you prefer to book your group travel online, make sure you look for a group travel discount rate before submitting a payment. Plan family vacations and reunions, class reunions and group events on a cruise or at a resort and save big.

DEALS ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Home Sharing, Hostels, and International Volunteering are other means of budget travel. Over the last 5 years, the number of travelers participating in Home Sharing has increased. According to Budget Travel magazine, Home Sharing involves homeowners and renters connecting through global agencies to list their properties along with desired swaps on websites.

For example, you own a condo in San Diego and dream of staying a week in a French countryside cottage. List your home on a home exchange website, locate a home owner in France and make an agreement to swap homes for an agreed amount of time. The possibilities are endless. Home Sharing is not for everyone. You are essentially opening your home to a complete stranger as well as sleeping in a stranger's home. However, there are many success stories with Home Sharing.

If you would like to list your home or learn more about Home Sharing, visit the following sites. Some of the sites charge a fee to list your home.

http://www.homeexchange.com/
http://www.digsville.com/
http://www.homelink.com/

Hostels are located in thousands of cities worldwide. Accommodations are extremely frugal and offered at a very low price. Hostels provide a bed or bunk bed and a shared bathroom in a dormitory like setting. Hostels are often used by backpackers, students, and budget travelers. Needless to say, hostels are not a place to stay if you're looking for 5 star luxury and comfort. However, if you plan to explore several countries or cities and would like to save money, look into staying a night or two at a hostel.

For more information about hostels, check out:

http://www.Hostels.com/
http://www.HostelsCentral.com/

Volunteer abroad. Explore an exotic country. Connect with locals and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Build playgrounds for children, teach English, provide computer skill training and HIV/AIDS awareness while immersing yourself in a new culture. Volunteer programs range from 1 week through 2 years. Many volunteer programs allow you to customize your stay with tours and adventurous excursions. Volunteer packages are very affordable and are benevolent and awe-inspiring channels to see the world.

For more information:

http://www.VolunteerAbroad.com/
http://www.Ivs.com/
http://www.VolunteerTravel.com/

Many of the "Secrets" of finding Real Travel Deals have been revealed. You can plan a vacation of a lifetime on a budget with a little patience, creativity and a few clicks of your mouse.

Safe Travels
~theflygirl

COPYRIGHT 2010
PlaneSassy.com

Plane Sassy: PROBLEMS WITH TSA SCREENERS? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...

2010-11-12T00:45:00.000-08:00

Plane Sassy: PROBLEMS WITH TSA SCREENERS? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...: "The Transportation Security Administration or TSA is the United States Homeland Security government agency in charge of providing security c..."

PROBLEMS WITH TSA SCREENERS? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2010-11-12T00:44:00.000-08:00

The Transportation Security Administration or TSA is the United States Homeland Security government agency in charge of providing security checks and screening for commercial flights in the nation's airports.

TSA SCREENERS

The Transportation Security Officers, commonly known as TSO, look for suspicious persons, bombs, ammunition, firearms, weapons, and other banned materials inside carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints as well as random searches in jetways and gate areas before passengers board a flight. TSO also screen passengers and some airport employees via metal detectors, pat downs, and the latest anti-terrorist equipment, a full body scanning machine.

The controversial full body scanning machine provides a TSO screener an anonymous image of a person's complete body. See image below.

TSO REQUIREMENTS

All TSO applicants must complete a background check, credit check and other mandatory testing. During initial hiring, the TSO receives 56 to 72 hours of classroom training, 112 to 118 hours of on the job training and certification testing.

To maintain employment as a TSO he or she must demonstrate readiness for duty on a regular basis with no impairment of drugs, alcohol, or sleep deprivation. Recurrent training and specialized training are required on occasion.

The salary range for a full-time Transportation Security Officer career position is $24,432 – $36,648 per year and they are eligible for federal health benefits. All TSO positions begin as part time employees with the opportunity to become full time employees and supervisors.

Although the TSO screeners are trained professionally and are supposed to abide by the TSA civil rights statement that assures travelers will be treated in a fair, lawful and nondiscriminatory manner which emphasizes no tolerance for harassment in the treatment of the public through program and policy, some TSOs are unprofessional, abusive and amateurish .

I've witnessed numerous TSOs throughout the country verbally assault and harass passengers as well as airline employees. I've also witnessed TSOs falsify events to their supervisors in order to justify their questionable and unprofessional behavior.

Other TSOs have denied or delayed passengers boarding a plane or have continuously referred passengers of a certain race, religion, age, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation through secondary screening. Without a doubt, it is frustrating to watch TSOs abuse their authority over the general public and treat people unfavorably.

WHAT IF I'M TREATED POORLY BY TSA?

First, always remain cooperative with the TSO and all other TSA employees. Do not yell, curse or become argumentative. It is best to remain silent and make a mental note of futile remarks and questions. Answer questions only pertaining to security. Allow the TSO to search your luggage and conduct the screening. If you become combative or argumentative, the problem can escalate extremely quickly and you may get arrested. Please note, every TSA checkpoint is under video and audio surveillance. All conversations and actions are recorded.

After the TSO has completed the screening process, visit the TSA supervisor desk located near the exit of the metal detectors and other anti-terrorist machines at the checkpoint. First, request the name and badge number of the screener you feel treated you unfairly and behaved unprofessionally. More than likely, the supervisor will ask for a detailed account of the incident.

Secondly, request a TSA comment card and write down the name of the unprofessional TSO as well as the supervisor's name to whom you reported the problem. It is important that you also notate the date, time, name of the airport and airline, airport terminal and checkpoint location. You may also include a written statement why you feel you were subjected to unfavorable treatment.

Fill out the comment card completely and accurately. Next, submit the comment card at any TSA airport checkpoint. If you are unable to locate a drop box for the comment card, give the card to a TSA supervisor and he or she will submit the card to the TSA complaint office.

If you are not rushed for time and depending upon the time of day, ask to speak with the Airport Customer Service Manager. It may take him or her a long time to meet with you, but it is another valuable option.

CALL TSA CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINT LINE

To ensure your complaint will be researched and followed up, call and file a complaint with a live TSA representative. The TSA complaint line number: (866) 289-9673. Store it in your cell phone just in case you need it at an airport.

If you would like to further complain to the TSA about unfair treatment, write a letter. Be certain to include all of the required information listed above for filing complaints.

TSA mailing address is:

Transportation Security Administration
Office of Civil Rights and Liberties (TSA-6)
External Compliance Division
601 S. 12th Street
Arlington, VA 20598
email address
TSA.OCR-ExternalCompliance@dhs.gov

You may also contact the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to file a complaint. The Department's procedures for filing and handling complaints can be found at: http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0373.shtm.

What will happen with your complaint?

A Specialist will be assigned to handle your complaint.
The Specialist's responsibility is to attempt to resolve your concern. The Specialist may conduct a fact-finding investigation into the alleged discriminatory act or incident.
If a fact-finding investigation is conducted, the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties will review the available facts and will make findings as to whether or not the incident or act complained of constituted unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
The Office of Civil Rights and Liberties may also recommend measures be put in place, such as conducting additional training, to resolve the concern.

The Office of Civil Rights and Liberties will process external complaints filed up to 180 days after the date of the alleged discriminatory act or incident. However, the ability to conduct a successful fact-finding investigation is greatly limited when an extended period of time has passed between the date of the alleged discriminatory act or incident and the date of receipt of the complaint.

How to contact TSA on other matters, such as watch list issues, claims issues, general questions, or to share your opinions or comments.

For additional information and contact information concerning watch list issues, please see the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program's webpage at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/redress/index.shtm

Certainly become familiar with TSA rules and regulations before you travel. Visit TSA online.
http://www.tsa.gov/

Do not deviate from the rules and follow the instructions of the TSOs at the airport security checkpoints. If you are treated unfavorably, certainly file a complaint using the 2 or more of the methods listed above. All persons should be treated with dignity and respect at all TSA airport checkpoints, regardless of their national origin, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Safe Travels
~theflygirl

COPYRIGHT 2010

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Plane Sassy: FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST

2010-11-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Plane Sassy: FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST: "The Sassy, Surly Flight Attendant…Everyone has encountered one or two during their travels in the sky. Some Flight Attendants appear miserab..."

Plane Sassy: UNACCOMPANIED MINORS-UMs-CHILDREN FLYING SOLO ON A...

2010-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Plane Sassy: UNACCOMPANIED MINORS-UMs-CHILDREN FLYING SOLO ON A...: "The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the years for travelers and airlines. Infact, many travelers are unaccompanied minors, chi..."

Plane Sassy: PLANE ETIQUETTE

2010-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Plane Sassy: PLANE ETIQUETTE: "Planes are often crowded. Passengers often feel closed in and uncomfortable. You are required to sit in a small confined space surrounded by..."

PLANE ETIQUETTE

2010-11-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

Planes are often crowded. Passengers often feel closed in and uncomfortable. You are required to sit in a small confined space surrounded by hundreds of strangers.

Some people are grouchy and needy. Others are loud and obnoxious. You are extremely fortunate to sit beside people that are courteous, friendly and appear accustomed to air travel. It is a pleasure to sit beside someone that is polite and quiet.

Occasionally, it's pleasing to get to know the person seated beside you for the next two to five hours of your flight. If you're single, you may be seated next to your future spouse. If you're unemployed, the person seated at the window seat may be a manager seeking to fill an open position at a growing company. Anything is possible.

No matter who you are seated next to, it is important for you and all other passengers to be courteous and respectful of one another. Use "Plane Etiquette." It will certainly make your flight more enjoyable.

DO YOU SMELL THAT?

Make sure your body and clothes are clean and smell fresh before getting onboard a plane. Americans are very sensitive to body odor. Take a shower before you leave home.

If you've had a long day, take time to freshen up in the restroom inside of the airport or at your office. Lift your arms in the air and conduct a quick "sniff check" for musk or odor. In fact, it is important to clean and check for odors "down below." In a hurry? Use a little soap and water, baby wipes and travel size deodorant to clean up before sitting on a crowded plane.

Although it isn't customary for some foreigners to shower daily, please note, American passengers greatly appreciate it when you bathe and eliminate musky natural body odors before arriving at the airport. While it is important to smell fresh, do not wear heavy perfume or cologne. Spritz cologne and perfume lightly, hours before boarding a flight.

Do not apply fragrance at any time while onboard a plane. Many people are sensitive to fragrances. Allergy sufferers, asthmatics, and people that experience migraine headaches conditions will worsen with strong odors and fragrances. Limit the amount of fragrance and cologne you apply.

Not surprisingly, some women want to use the time on a flight to touch up their manicure. Never open a bottle of nail polish or nail polish remover onboard a plane. The fumes are powerful and it is a flammable liquid.

In addition, if you bring food onboard, please choose foods that don't have an offensive lingering odor. Fishy foods, hard boiled eggs, raw onions, powdered Parmesan cheese, and corn nuts smell horrible inside the airplane. Choose foods with a neutral odor or more pleasant aroma.

Do not pass gas at your seat. Please eliminate gas inside of the lavatory. In fact, you may think you are anonymous expelling gas on a crowded plane, but the Flight Attendants are often aware of who is passing gas in the cabin.

Stick a fresh stick of gum in your mouth or suck on a mint before you engage in a conversation with other passengers. Yes, it is always polite to offer the person beside you a mint or stick of gum.

Oh Baby You Stink......

If it smells like your baby has a dirty diaper, please change it. Changing a baby on an airplane can be quite challenging. However, do not change your baby's diaper or child's underwear inside the main cabin or on the airplane seat. In fact, it is never sanitary to change a diaper at your seat no matter if the diaper is only filled with urine.

Most definitely, do not lay your baby on a tray table and use it as a changing station. A baby changing table is often secured to a wall located in the lavatory. Please ask the Flight Attendant to point out the baby changing table if you are unsure of its location. He or she will be more than happy to instruct you on its location and operation.

A Handy Diaper Changing Tip:

If the plane is not equipped with a changing table, ask the flight attendant for two empty clean trash bags. Lay one trash bag on top of the closed toilet lid in the lavatory. Next, sit on the trash bag on the closed toilet lid to avoid germs. Last, lay the second trash bag across your lap. Now, you are prepared to change your baby's diaper on your lap in the lavatory.

Do not leave dirty diapers in the bathroom or stuff them in a seatback pocket at your seat. Also, do not place the dirty diaper in a Flight Attendant's bare hand and request he or she disposes of it. Always, place dirty diapers in a puke bag or trash bag before requesting a Flight Attendant to dispose of it, or simply place it inside a garbage can.

GET OUT OF THE WAY....please

While boarding the plane, do not stand in the aisle and block people from walking around or past you. Step into a row of seats while you chat with people or take care of important matters such as searching through your purse, luggage, or neatly fold your suit jacket or coat. Please do not leave your luggage sitting in the aisle while people are boarding the plane.  Always keep the aisles clear and step aside for crew members and other passengers.

Also, do not "swim upstream" during boarding. In other words, always walk in the direction of the flow traffic.

For example, you are one of the first persons onboard the plane. Next, you leave your seat to use the lavatory in the back of the plane. Upon exiting the lavatory, you notice you can't return to your seat because several people are walking in your direction with their luggage in tow.

Do not shove or push your way back to your seat. Do not try to climb over people and their luggage. Please wait until the aisles are clear or there is a break in traffic before trying to return to your seat. Be patient and wait until you can comfortably return to your seat.

After you're seated comfortably on the plane, do not require other passengers seated in your row to climb over you to gain access to the aisle or to return to their seat. If you are seated in a aisle seat or a middle seat, please stand up, step aside and allow the person or persons entering or exiting your row to manuever to and from their seat freely. Do not remain seated and insist they climb and stretch over you.

Make sure your carryon items are completely underneath the seat in front of you.  Be aware of luggage straps, legs and feet protruding into the aisle. If you place your legs and feet into the aisle, please move them while people walk past you so they do not trip or fall. People often trip over luggage straps, bags and people's legs and feet.

Also, do not throw newspapers and trash on the floor in the aisle. Please check your seating area periodically to for loose straps, trash and other articles to prevent accidents.

Most important, the Flight Attendants appreciate passengers remaining out of the aisles during meal and beverage service. If you see a flight attendant with a cart or tray, please, move out of the way and remain in your seat.

Unbeknownst to you during the flight, a crew member might be walking down the aisle to assist a passenger with a medical problem or emergency.  Always give the crew members the "right of way" in the aisles at all times during the flight.

Children are restless on planes. However, do not allow your baby, toddler or small child to crawl or play on the floor in the aisles. If you need to walk up and down the aisle with your baby, please wait until the Flight Attendants have completed their meal or beverage service. Again, if you notice a Flight Attendant needing to pass you and your baby, please move aside and allow the Flight Attendant ample room in the aisle.

Always use caution while bending or stretching at your seat on in the aisle. You may accidently bump another passenger or knock over their food or drink. Always be conscientious of other's space and people needing to move around you in your seating area and in the aisle way.

MAKE ROOM FOR EVERYONE

The overhead bin is not your personal closet. You should not place all of your shopping bags, souvenirs, jackets, containers, stuffed animals, or tote bags in the overhead bin.

Keep in mind that you share the overhead bin with at least five other passengers. Store your small carryon items and fragile or delicate items underneath the seat in front of you. Use the overhead bin space for large items such as garment bags, computer bags and rollerboard suitcases.

If you are traveling during the winter, place your coat or jacket on top of your luggage or directly in front of your luggage in the overhead bin. Doing so will allow room for more luggage to be accomodated. Other passengers should not have to check their bags because you have placed too many items in the overhead bin.

Also, always make sure the overhead bin will close properly. If your bag is too large or doesn't fit completely inside the overhead bin, notify a flight attendant. The plane cannot depart if the overhead bins are not completely shut and secured.

Before you remove or move another passenger's bags from an overhead bin to make room for your luggage, always ask permission to move their items. After getting permission, be sure to let them know the new location of their belongings even when you've moved their bag to the bin directly across from it's original location. They will appreciate the gesture.

Always, share the common armrests. Armrest Wars will certainly cause tension between seatmates. Undoubtebly, the middle seat is everyone's least favorite seat. You have to share each armrest with two other passengers. Regardless of your size and no matter what seat you've been assigned, please do not elbow wrestle people's arms and elbows off of the armrest. Don't be an Armrest Hog on the flight. Allow each person room and comfort on the shared arm rests.

If you are extremely overweight or obese, traveling in Economy Class can be somewhat uncomfortable. Please speak with a reservation agent or customer service agent regarding the airline's customer of size program.

The airline may require a second seat to be purchased for obese individuals or the airline's customer service agent may block the sale of the seat beside you to ensure your comfort and the comfort of others.

Encrouching or crowding another passenger's seat is not safe nor comfortable. Please take preventative measures before boarding a flight. This information is not meant to offend anyone. But, this is a common issue faced by thousands of passengers and it must be addressed.

DID YOU HEAR...?

Wear a headset if you or your child watch a movie, listen to music, or use electronic games or equipment emitting sound. Strangely, on an airplane, the sound emitting from personal electronics appears very quiet to the person using the electronic device. However, the sounds can be heard loud and clear to passengers seated in close proximity, as well as 3 to 4 rows away. Yes, the sound is audible to others even when the volume is turned down low.

In addition, do not hum, sing, rap or recite your favorite lines to the music or movie you are enjoying. Leave the entertaining to real artists and actors.

If you are aware that you snore when you sleep, use the nose strips that help silence snoring. You may feel great in a deep sleep on the plane snoring loudly, but the people around you find it hard to relax, read or take a nap. If you feel tired on the plane stick a snore eliminator on your nose before you nod off.

Click on the link below to learn more about the nose strips.
http://www.putanendtosnoring.com/strips.htm

Do not speak in a loud voice to the people beside you or across from you. You and your seatmates may enjoy the conversation about your latest doctor's office visit, wayward teenagers, NFL draft picks, chronic constipation, or your vacation plans, but others around you don't care to hear it. Some people sound like they are speaking into a megaphone onboard the plane. Be mindful of others. Please do not shout or speak in a loud voice during a flight.

Do not discuss race, politics and religion with people you don't know. Your opinion of foreigners, government, religion, social problems or world affairs need not be shared. If your seatmate or people nearby do not agree with you, arguements may flare and the flight will become awkward and uncomfortable. Tension will certainly fill the air. Enjoy conversations about neutral subjects with people you don't know.

In addition, if you are traveling with small children, do not read your children's books out loud. Passengers seated nearby do not want to listen to the story of a fat cat that chased a rat and made a splat. If you must read to your child, please do so in a soft whisper.

Does your baby fuss, scream, and cry at the top of his lungs during every takeoff and landing? It's common for babies to experience pain in their ears due to the change in pressure during these phases of flight.

Place a pacifier or bottle in your babies mouth prior to take off and while the plane begins its descent for landing. Sucking and swalllowing will help alleviate the blocked pressure in the ears.

Always pack more than 2 pacifiers and 2 bottles for your baby while traveling. Having a few extra comes in handy in the event one becomes lost or falls on the filthy floor. And, always pack additional clean empty bottles to replace bottles that contain sour milk and need to be washed.

Frequent fliers should invest in a noise canceling headset to ensure a peaceful, tranquil flight. Noise canceling headsets are available online. Bose manufactures high quality headsets. http://www.bose.com/controller?event=DTC_LINKS_TARGET_EVENT&DTCLinkID=7913&perfsourceid=k9677&src=k9677

DO YOU SEE THAT?

If you watch a movie on your laptop or other monitor that is visible to others, please make sure the content is family friendly. Keep in mind, you are in a public place. Families with small children are commonly in close proximity. If they are not seated in close proximity, they may be walking up or down the aisle.

Nudity, sexual explicit scenes, horror, and blood bath movies aren't appropiate for viewing on the plane. If you choose to watch a movie or view photos on your electronic device with controversial content or scenes, be certain no one but you is capable of viewing your pictures,videos or movies.

In addition, magazines filled with adult pictures and content should be read in the privacy of your hotel room or inside your home. Please do not view pornographic magazines or semi porn on the plane. Again, children may be nearby and others might find your magazine's photos and subject matter offensive.

Remember, clothes are worn to cover your body. Please remain covered and wear appropiate underwear. Revealing shirts, dresses, and shorts are not appropiate for air travel. You are on a public plane, not inside of a strip club. Also, do not wear t shirts or hats with offensive slogans regarding race, religion, sex, politics, or anything else others may find distasteful.

No matter if you're heterosexual or homosexual, minimize public displays of affection. Don't have a make out fest on the plane. Hold the burning passion until you are off of the plane. Enjoy your erotic moments in the privacy of your home or in your hotel.

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Do not spy on your seat mate. Do not read over someone's shouler. If they are reading a magazine, newspaper, or article you would like to view. Please ask them if they wouldn't mind sharing it with you when they have finished reading the material.

Please note, never pick up someone else's reading material without asking permission. If you see a magazine or newspaper on a seat, first ask permission to read it before you pick it up. Passengers and Flight Attendants become irritable when others take their belongings or read their magazines, books, and newspapers without asking permission.

In addition, if your seatmate is typing away at his or her laptop computer or is writing in a notebook or pad. Do not try to stare at their laptop or try and decipher what they are writing on their notepad. Do not ask, "What are you doing? What is that about?" Nine times out of ten, it does not concern you. Please mind your own business.

If you are a frequent flier, purchase a privacy monitor blocker available at most electronic stores. This will darken the computer screen or block leering eyes and nosy people from viewing your computer.
Click on the link below.

http://www.computersecurity.com/privacy_filters/notebook_filters.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=computer+screen+filters&utm_campaign=privacyfilters

Eavesdropping on people's conversations is sometimes entertaining, but it isn't polite. Don't eavsdrop in a conversation and shortly after, offer your opinion or ask questions about what you think you've heard. If passengers or crew members want to include you in a conversation, they will speak to you.

DO YOU FEEL THAT?

Do not kick seats, shake your legs, or tap fingers and nails on the window, traytables, seats, armrests or headrests. People seated beside you and in front of you can feel the vibrations of the constant drumming, tapping and shaking. They can also hear it. Please don't do it.

If you are a nervous flier, take a sleep aid to help you relax or find a way to distract your mind. Read a book, watch a movie, or listen to relaxing music.

Everyone has preferences on temperature. Some prefer a cool blast of air blowing on them from the air vent located on the panel above the seat. Others prefer less air like a soft whisper blowing from the air vent.
Please make sure your air vent is not pointed or directed at others. If you notice someone's hair blowing, papers rattling, or if they suddenly appear cold, please adjust your air vent or ask your seat mate if they are comfortable with the position and flow of the airvent.

KEEP IT SANITARY

Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough. Germs spread easily in a confined environment. Keep in mind, hundreds of people with weakened immune systems travel daily. If possible, do not travel if you have a cold or flu.

Do not clip your nails or toenails. Nor, pluck your eyebrows, floss or pick your feet, teeth, nose, scabs, and dandruff. It isn't polite to comb, brush or continuously flip your hair at your seat. Hairs and particles tend to fly around and scatter. Please take care of pesonal hygeine matters in the privacy of the lavatory.

Taking your shoes off is fine if your feet don't have an offensive odor. If you lay across a row of seats to take a nap, do not let your feet stretch out into the aisle.

Also, do not place your bare feet on seats, armrests, or on bulkheads. Defiitely, if you are seated in a row of seats with others, no matter if your feet are covered with socks or are completely bare, always keep your feet on the floor in front of you.

Always, clean up behind yourself in the lavatory. If you drop female sanitary wrappers or items, toilet paper or accidently sprinkle the toilet seat or floor, do not ignore it. Wipe it clean and dispose of hygenic items and all paper in the trash compartment.

Flush the toilet in the lavatory. If you can't locate the handle or button to flush the toilet, please ask the flight attendant to point out its location. If a flight attendant is unavailable, close the lid on the toilet. The next person to use the lavatory doesn't want to discover what you've left behind.

PETS ONBOARD

It has become fashionable to take Fido and FiFi everywhere you go, including your vacation. Before the plane pushes back, always ask the people you are seated next to if they have an allergy to cats or dogs. It is also courteous to ask if they have a fear or aversion to animals. If they do, notify a Flight Attendant to help reseat you or the other passengers.

If you bring your pet onboard, please give your animal a sudsy bath the night before you travel. Your seating area on the plane should not smell like a zoo.

No matter how cute and fluffy Fifi is, do not take your animal outside of its carrying case. Many passengers are allergic to animals. Others have a fear of cats and dogs. Your animal should remain in its carrying case underneath the seat at all times.

Give your animal a sedative prescribed by a vet. This will help calm your nervous dog or cat and keep them quiet. Passengers become annoyed listening to constant barking and meowing on a plane.

DON'T BE A CHATTERBOX

If the person beside you is preoccupied reading a book, watching a movie, doing a crossword puzzle, or listening to their ipod, please do not become a chatterbox and try to engage them in the details of your life, problems or lifestory, or ask them a million questions. Usually it is obvious if someone doesn't want to engage in a conversation. Please take note and respect their desire to keep to themselves.

KNOCK BEFORE ENTERING

If you need to use the lavatory, knock before entering. Some people forget to lock the door. If the door to the lavatory is locked or occupied, do not shake and rattle the door handle. Do not try and open the door. Do not yell, bang on the door or try to rush the person occupying the lavatory. If you sense an emergency, use an alternative lavatory in the front or back of the plane.

Also, if you notice the curtain to the Flight Attendant's galley is closed, do not swing the curtain open and begin talking to the Flight Attendants. Please announce your presence to let the Flight Attendants know you need assistance, a beverage, or you have a question. Say, "Excuse me or Hello" from the other side of the curtain. They will hear you. Please respect their limited privacy and do not stick your head through or open the curtains.

USE CAUTION

Make sure your lugguage and personal items are secured properly in an overhead bin. And, use caution while opening overhead bins or retrieving items from the overhead bin. If your computer or tennis racket appears like it may fall out or slip, it probably will and can possibly injure someone.

Also, always make sure to always shut the overhead bin if you open it during the flight to help prevent unecessary accidents.
If you need to dispose of food, drinks, cups of ice, wrappers, crumbs, or papers please be courteous and use caution passing these items across your seatmates.

Do not stack several items on top of one another leaving a chance for the items to tumble on the person seated beside you. If you are handing trash to the flight attendant, be courteous and hand the flight attendant a little bit at a time to avoid spills and accidents.

Here's a simple tip for passing a cup, napkins and wrappers to the Flight Attendant. After you've finished your beverage and snack, secure the napkin and wrappers deep inside the cup. Now, pass the cup to Flight Attendant. This will alleviate crumbs and liquid spilling on your seatmates.

If you are traveling with children, bring extra napkins and wipes in case they spill food or drinks. Clean up the crumbs, food and papers your child throws on the floor to prevent your seatmate's clothes and belonging from getting soiled.

CONTROL YOUR KIDS

Children are restless, please try to keep your child's movement and noise to a minimum. Many people do not instruct their children on proper behavior in public. Please be a responsible parent and stop your child from behaving poorly on the plane. It is not acceptable for your child to kick seats, scream, or throw toys and food.

If your child begins to misbehave, please TRY to discipline your child and cease the behavior. Many people ignore their children behaving badly in public. Most people understand you can't control everything your child does, but everyone appreciates the parent that tries to take measures to calm down their child.

TAKE CARE OF IMPORTANT ISSUES BEFORE BOARDING

Before boarding the plane, double check to make sure your small carryon bag contains your books, batteries, electronics, medication, sweater, water bottle, food, laptop or other items you will want to use during the flight.

It's convenient for you and your seatmates if you place the carryon bag underneath your seat in front of you to have access to your important items during the flight. Please do not get up from your seat every 10 minutes to search in the overhead bin for items you need.

Do not delay your flight's departure because you suddenly need to use the lavatory before the plane pushes back from the jetway or takes off. When the flight crew says it's time to pushback or depart sit down and buckle up. Wait until the plane takesoff and the seatbelt sign is turned off before walk ing to the lavatory.

Planes are on specific schedules and have rigid time slots to take off from busy airports. The pilot is forced to stop the plane when you stand up or move around during taxi. Your "potty break" may cause a 30 minute delay for your flight because your plane has lost its scheduled take off slot or position. Please use the restroom and handle personal matters before boarding the plane.

USE YOUR MANNERS

Please, thank you and excuse me will take you a long ways when you're traveling. Also, if you accidently offend or upset another passenger or crew member, apologize immediately. Show others respect and usually they will give you respect in return.

Always be courteous and polite to your flight crew. Don't forget to use your manners and say please and thank you. If you are kind to the Flight Attendants, they will certainly take care of you.

Practice "PLANE ETIQUETTE." You and other passengers and the flight crew will certainly have a more enjoyable flight while showing each other respect and consideration.

Safe Travels~
theflygirl

COPYRIGHT 2010
planesassy.com
This article may not be reprinted or duplicated without the author's written permission.

planesassy: FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST

2010-11-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

planesassy: FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST: "The Sassy, Surly Flight Attendant…Everyone has encountered one or two during their travels in the sky. Some Flight Attendants appear miserab..."

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS TOP 13 PET PEEVE LIST

2010-11-05T01:02:00.000-07:00

The Sassy, Surly Flight Attendant…Everyone has encountered one or two during their travels in the sky. Some Flight Attendants appear miserable. They speak to passengers with a condescending tone in their voice, make smart remarks, roll their eyes at customers and give poor inflight service.

It is true, many Flight Attendants that work for some of the oldest and largest airlines in the US hate their jobs because of mergers, paycuts, and bitter changes in management. I agree, some of the Flight Attendants could certainly use an “attitude adjustment” or should consider finding a different career that doesn’t interact with the general public.

On the other hand, you may have encountered a very pleasant Flight Attendant. At the beginning of the flight, they smiled and gave you great inflight service. He or she may have been kind enough to offer you a free drink. But sooner or later you’ve noticed he or she tries their best to avoid you during the flight.

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “Did I do something to irritate or offend the Flight Attendant?”

It usually takes alot to make a Flight Attendant fly overboard like ex Jet Blue Flight Attendant, Steven Slater, that made unscrupulous remarks and bid a farewell on the PA system, grabbed a couple of beers and slid down the escape slide and called it quits.

Most seasoned Flight Attendants are used to the ups and downs of flying. They have become accustomed to dealing with rude and grouchy passengers, unruly children and people that are just “plane strange.” Like people at most jobs, Flight Attendants encounter some annoyances that can drive them nuts by the end of the day.

Certainly, most passengers don’t want to aggravate Flight Attendants. Some people are completely innocent and don’t realize their actions are actually quite annoying.

Below is a list to help you, NOT PRESS YOUR FLIGHT ATTENDANT’S HOT BUTTON.

1. Do Not Poke or Tap the Flight Attendant to get his or her attention.

Can you imagine how irritating it feels to be tapped, poked and pulled by hundreds of strangers after working 10 hours in a small confined space? If you must get the Flight Attendant’s attention, please tap the Flight Attendant Call Button overhead or say “Excuse Me” in an audible voice.

2. Do Not Hand the Flight Attendant Disgusting Items. Wait Until he or she Walks by with a Trash Bag.

Wet, snotty tissues, baby wipes, used Diapers (even if it’s only baby pee or number1), banana peels, slimey apple cores, puke bags filled with vomit, sunflower seed shells, chewed tobacco and sticky candy and chewing gum should be placed in a TRASH BAG, not in the Flight Attendant’s bare hand.

3. If You Have The Flu or a Contagious Illness, Do Not Whisper in the Flight Attendant’s Face or Ear that You are Sick.

The Flight Attendants are more than happy to offer you aspirin or other over the counter medications available onboard. They will certainly try their best to make you feel more comfortable during the flight, however, they do not want to share your germs or illness. Please be courteous. Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough. Keep your distance as much as you can and wash your hands thoroughly. If at all possible, do not travel when you are sick.

4. Do Not Snap Your Fingers, Whistle, or Shake a Cup of Ice at the Flight Attendants to Signal You Need Assistance.

There are certainly more courteous ways of getting a Flight Attendant’s attention. Again, use the Call Button overhead or say “Excuse Me” in an audible voice. When you use polite manners, you are more than certain to receive better service onboard.

5. Turn Off Your Cell Phone and PDA devices When Asked.

When the Flight Attendants announces, ”It is Time to Turn Off Cell Phones and Electronics,” TURN THEM OFF. Do not say, “Wait I need another 10 minutes. This is an important call. ” Do not argue and say, “Cell phones don’t interfere with cockpit instruments.” It is important to follow the instructions given to you by the Pilots and the Flight Attendants. They are required to enforce the FAA’s regulations, no matter how senseless the regulations may appear.

6. Do Not Bring a Heavy Carry On Bag that YOU Cannot Lift in the Overhead Bin.

Perhaps you want to avoid paying airline baggage fees, or you’ve checked luggage in the past and the airline lost your bag. You are not willing to check your bag and it’s too heavy to lift. Please do not ask or expect the Flight Attendant to lift your bag. They are not body builders nor do they wear back braces for heavy lifting. A Flight Attendant may assist you in lifting the bag, but if it is too heavy, please CHECK IT.

7. Do Not Help Yourself to Items Served on the Cart or Tray. Do Not Dip Your Cup or Hand in the Ice Bin.

If you see something appealing on the Flight Attendant’s cart or tray, feel free to ask politely for the item. If you would like more snacks or another beverage, certainly don’t hesitate to make your request known. The Flight Attendant will give you more if it’s available. The cart and tray are not a buffet. Do not help yourself. More importantly, the Board of Health does not allow persons that are not employees to tamper with or touch food or ice served to the public. Please be patient and ask for what you need.

8. Do Not Ignore the Fasten Seatbelt Sign.

The Pilots are in charge of turning the fasten seatbelt sign on and off. They continuously communicate with air traffic control as well as other Pilots on their flight path about turbulence and weather patterns. Although what appears to be smooth clear skies to you, unstable air may be a few miles away. In addition, Flight Attendants are required by the FAA to verbally remind every person to obey the fasten seatbelt sign each time a passenger moves about the cabin while the fasten seatbelt sign is turned on. In fact, a Flight Attendant can be personally fined thousands of dollars by an onboard FAA Inspector if he or she does not remind passengers to remain seated while the sign is turned on. Do not get into a verbal disagreement with the Flight Attendant. It is not a personal attack against you when you are told to return to your seat. He or she is doing their job.

9. Do Not Allow Your Babies and Toddlers to Crawl in the Aisle.

Everyone understands babies are restless and like to explore new surroundings and move around. However, it is not safe for toddlers and babies to crawl around the floor, and up and down the aisles of an airplane. The baby can get tossed, thrown and severly injured if the plane encounters turbulence and suddenly shifts or drops violently. In addition, it is difficult for the Flight Attendants to perform their duties with babies and toddlers in the aisles. The safest place for babies, toddlers and small children on the airplane is in a FAA approved car seat or infant carrier secured in a passenger seat.

10. Do Not Help Yourself to the Flight Attendant’s Newspapers, Magazines, Food or Other Personal Items.

Please do not touch or tamper with the Flight Attendant’s personal belongings. Do not move their bags, purses or any other items. Your Flight Attendant may be friendly, but he or she is not your BFF, best friend forever. If you would like to read their magazine or newspaper, ask if he or she wouldn’t mind letting you read it when they are finished. Do not pick up their newspaper or magazine, stand in the galley, read it or take it to your seat or in the lavatory. Also, please do not help yourself to the Flight Attendant’s personal snacks or meal. If you feel hungry, ask for extra complimentary peanuts or pretzels.

11. Please Respect the Flight Attendant’s Personal Space.

If you encounter a Flight Attendant standing in the galley or eating his or her meal on the jumpseat, please refrain from performing long Pilates stretches and Yoga moves directly in their face. It is uncomfortable to sit on a jumpseat or stand in a narrow galley with someone’s back bent and buttocks spread directly in front of you. If you need to get your blood circulating, it is best to walk up and down the aisle for a minute or two while the fasten seatbelt sign is turned off. Yoga and Pilates stretches are more appropriate in your private hotel room or at your local health club.

12. Remove Your Headset or Earphones.

Please remove your earphones when you ask the Flight Attendant a question or if you see the Flight Attendant is trying to communicate with you. It is annoying for the Flight Attendant to shout or to repeat the same statement twelve times, because you cannot hear or clearly understand what he or she is saying while you have your headset to your ipod, dvd player or noise cancelling device turned on. If you can’t hear, use common sense and take off the headset until you’ve finished speaking.

13. Flush the Toilet in the Lavatory and Clean Up After Yourself.

Sadly, many passengers make a mess in the lavatory. Used toilet paper is dropped on the floor. Droplets of urine and feces are left scattered on the toilet seat and on the floor. If you “miss” the toilet, please clean up your “mess.” Also, there is a handle or large button to press to flush the toilet. Airplane toilets do not have motion sensors. They do not flush by themselves.

If you adhere to the Dos and Don’ts of the Flight Attendant Top 13 Pet Peeve List, you are more than likely to encounter friendly Flight Attendants while traveling. Flight Attendants that are treated respectfully and professionally will undoubtedly give you phenomenal service onboard.

Safe travels
~theflygirl

COPYRIGHT 2010
Planesassy.com

This article may not be reprinted or used without the author's consent.

YOU GOT A BUDDY PASS?

2010-11-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

You've been dreaming of taking a weekend vacation to Miami or Los Angeles to soak up the sun, watch beautiful people lay out on the beach, visit high end shopping strips, drink cocktails and party at the same urban hotspots PDiddy, JayZ, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Rihanna are often seen and photographed by the paparazzi. You simply want to live the party life for a weekend and get away from the daily grind at home with your rambunctious kids or your demanding 9 to 5 job. You need a break. A getaway.

You check your online bank account statement and decide you can afford to blow a few hundred dollars on a swanky upscale hotel and a rental car. Next, you check out Orbitz and Travelocity and cringe at the prices of airline tickets. Round trip ticket prices are advertised as low as $569 but after all of the taxes, bag fees, and service fees are included, the cost of your ticket has skyrocketed to $795.

You log onto facebook and twitter and you come across the face of a friend, a friend that works for the airlines! You send them a note requesting a buddy pass and you're even willing to give them $200 under the table for the pass. You need an airplane ticket and you're certain he or she wants the extra cash.

THE REAL DEAL ON BUDDY PASSES

Most airlines have First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. When you travel on a buddy pass, you are Priority Class Numero Zero. Therefore, you are on the very bottom of the list to board a flight. It's time to cross your fingers and say a prayer that there is an open seat on the flight.

Buddy passes are standby nonrevenue tickets. A standby nonrevenue ticket is airline lingo meaning you are traveling on a free ticket or you only paid the required taxes on the ticket. The ticket didn't create a profit or additional revenue for the airline.

If you've paid an airline buddy cash dollars under the table for the pass, you are still not guaranteed to get on a flight. In fact, selling buddy passes is not permitted by most airlines. If you purchase a buddy pass from an airline friend, never let the airline know you "purchased the pass." Your friend may lose their pass privileges or suffer more severe penalties and get terminated from the airline.

Also note, most airline employees are not given a stack of buddy passes to offer to family and friends on a monthly or weekly basis. Most buddy passes are earned by a number of hours worked over a quarter or other strict requirements set forth by the airline. A friend may earn two buddy passes or zero buddy passes. Simply because he or she works for an airline, does not mean they have buddy passes to share or sell (under the table). In fact, buddy passes are not free for airline employees. Most employees are required to pay the taxes and fees on the buddy passes.

NO GUARANTEES

Traveling on a buddy pass does not guarantee you will get on a flight to your destination. You are a stand by passenger. If a flight is sold out, your name is rolled over onto a list of standby passengers waiting to get on the next flight scheduled to your destination.

The stand by list has an order of passenger priority. You may have arrived first in the standby line to board the flight, but you still might be the last name to be called to board the plane. Employees, parents, spouses and children of employees, retirees, and revenue customers that wish to take an earlier departure are usually given priority over the buddy pass holder to board the plane.

Inevitably, waiting all day to board a flight can be tiresome and frustrating. However, it is important to always remain patient, polite and pleasant to all airline employees, especially airline customer service agents that hold the power to allow you to get onboard the plane. If you become unpleasant or unruly, your buddy pass may be rebuked and denied and your discount flight will immediately become a dream that flew away.

In addition, be polite to the inflight crew. If you are rude and demanding to the flight attendants while traveling on a buddy pass, you will certainly create problems for yourself as well as your airline buddy that gave you the pass. The airline can call security, kick you off of a flight and void the remaining portion of your pass. You will be stuck in an airport in a random city with your luggage at your side.

PREPARE FOR A LONG DAY

If you are traveling standby, try and limit your luggage to 1 or 2 pieces you can carry onboard. If you must check an oversize bag, pack your toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, and other important items in your carry on bag. There is always a chance that your checked luggage may arrive at your destination before you.

Many airlines have a dress code for non revenue passengers. Halter tops, shorts, sneakers, and flip flops are not allowed on most commercial airlines for nonrevenue passengers. Learn what clothes and shoes are acceptable for travel on the airline.

Log on to http://www.tsa.gov/ to find out what you can and cannot bring through airport security. The website will give you updates about liquids, gels, and items the government prohibits on airlines.

Read a book, log on to your computer and get be ready to spend hours at the airport. Having some source of entertainment for yourself helps the hours fly by while you wait to board a plane.

Also, pack a light weight jacket or sweater because most airports are quite chilly inside.

Be prepared to pay high prices for food, drinks, and snacks in the airport. Airport concession stands know that you don't have many choices for dining, therefore they inflate the prices of food. A Subway footlong sandwich in the Las Vegas airport can cost you $12 for a tasteless meal not including a drink or chips.

DAYS AND TIMES TO TRAVEL ON A BUDDY PASS

Always remember, traveling on a buddy pass is traveling STAND BY. If you decide to fly on a buddy pass to a popular destination on a Friday, Sunday, or during a holiday weekend, indeed, you will be standing by the customer service desk in the gate area at the airport all day or even two days as you wait to hear your name called to be cleared to board the plane.

The best times to fly on a buddy pass are early morning flights during the week. If the early flights are full, you will still have other options during the day to get to your destination. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually favorable days to fly standby.

Call your airline buddy a night or two before your date of travel. Ask him or her to check the bookings of flights to and from your destination so you will have an idea of what to expect during your travels. Also, call the airlines 800 number or their non revenue hotline directly and let the reservation agent know you are traveling on a buddy pass and you would like assistance in mapping out available flights to your desired destination.

If most of the flights to your destination are booked full, ask the airline reservation representative or customer service agent in the gate area at the airport to help you map out a "round about way" to get to your destination. Airlines have unpublished routes.

For example, your plan is to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles. However, all nonstops from Chicago to LAX are oversold. The customer service agent may recommend you fly from Chicago to Kansas City, change planes and connect to Phoenix and take a non stop from Phoenix to Los Angeles.

The customer service agent may also recommend that you fly into a different airport located miles away from your original destination. Burbank Airport, Ontario Airport, and Orange County airport have shuttles, rental cars, and other transportation services to LAX airport in greater Los Angeles. Most other major US cities have alternative airports nearby. For example, you can fly into Ft. Lauderdale and catch a shuttle to Miami. Or if you plan to visit Manhattan, you can fly into Newark, NJ and take the path train into the city.

It sounds tiring and it certainly can be, however, you are flying for pennies. The outcome of arriving at your destination without paying a hefty price, is usually worth the hassle of the numerous flights and connections.

~Safe travels
theflygirl

planesassy: HELP! ONBOARD SQUISHED AND SEATED NEXT TO FATSO

2010-11-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

planesassy: HELP! ONBOARD SQUISHED AND SEATED NEXT TO FATSO: "You're seated comfortably on the airplane in your economy seat watching the hysterical passenger comedy show. For fifteen minutes, multitude..."

HELP! ONBOARD SQUISHED AND SEATED NEXT TO FATSO

2010-11-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

You're seated comfortably on the airplane in your economy seat watching the hysterical passenger comedy show. For fifteen minutes, multitudes of characters struggle while boarding the plane. You shake your head and giggle as fellow passengers desperately lift, shove and push their oversized carryon items into overhead bins.

Mothers drag their unhappy, screaming, whining, teary eyed, booger nose toddlers to their seats. Husbands fuss and complain to their wives, "You bring too much crap every time we go somewhere!" First time flyers aimlessly walk down the aisle looking for their seat assignment. Business men feel a sense of entitlement to stop and stand in the aisle for five minutes as they slowly search for their charts and proposals in their computer bags while discussing tomorrows golf tee times with their associates. Movement in the aisle is brought to a halt until the business men have accomplished their unncessary tasks.

Two self proclaimed divas with frozen botox foreheads, resilin injected puffy lips, short skimpy dresses with tanned freckled silicon enhanced triple D boobies engage in a screaming cat fight over the last bit of overhead bin space for their shopping bags filled with Jimmy Choo shoes and Coach purses.

Next, you notice an obese man squeezing his way past rows of seats. He weighs about 400lbs and walks sideways down the airplane's narrow aisle. The man grunts and groans, "Man, these airlines are making the aisles and seats smaller all the time." Sweaty rolls of fat and blubber bump and rub against the heads and shoulders of people seated in aisle seats while he searches for his row.

His jiggly tummy protrudes more than Santa's belly and falls somewhere near his knees. His behind is wide like a Grey Hound bus. Three inches of his curly brunette hairy butt crack and gray checkered boxers protrude from his sagging pants. His "assets" are on display for the world to see.

You see him approaching your row. You panic and rapidly look around to see how many empty seats are available, praying that fatso doesn't sit beside you. Suddenly you notice there are very few empty seats onboard the plane.

The flight attendant announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we're expecting a full flight." You cringe and look at the empty middle seat beside you and silently pray, "Oh Lawd, please don't let this guy sit beside me." The fatso stops beside your row, wipes the beads of sweat off of his forehead, makes eye contact with you and says, "Excuse me, I'm going to take that middle seat next to you."

He plops down and sits beside you. Next, he lifts the two armrests and squishes his clammy lumps, bumps and rolls into his seat and a portion of your seat. He inhales deeply as he stuggles to connect his seatbelt extension. You feel his damp body squish against your shoulders, ribs, hips and thighs.

You have no room to cross you legs, stretch, change sleeping positions, or comfortably read an InStyle magazine. You're pinned into what's left of your seat. You close your eyes and think, I have to endure this for the next three hours.What do you do?

Your safety and comfort is the number one priority for commercial airlines. Indeed, airlines are aware of the growing number of obese passengers traveling in the US. Several airlines have adopted a "customer of size" policy within the last four years.

In fact, a popular low fare airline requires obese passengers to purchase two seats if they crowd their seatmates or cannot sit in a seat with both armrests facing down. As a matter of fact, in the spirit of customer service, the low fare airline will refund the cost of the second seat if every seat on the flight isn't sold.

Although airline ground employees are trained in confronting obese passengers before they board a plane to ensure a second ticket has been purchased, not all are willing to approach obese customers due to fears of insulting, embarrasing or hurting the customer's feelings. Several airline employees turn a blind eye to the fat guy.

Certainly, addressing weight issues are a sensitive and "touchy" topic for Americans. In addition, several obese passengers are familiar with airline policies that require them to purchase a second seat, but refuse to do so and take their chances while boarding a plane silently hoping that an airline employee will not ask him to purchase a second seat.

Consequently, when airline employees refuse to confront obese passengers before they board a plane,or obese passengers fail to adhere to the airline's customer of size policy, the problem soon falls into your lap, the lap of a valued customer.

It isn't safe or fair to endure hours of discomfort due to sharing a seat with an obese passenger. After all, you've paid for a seat for one, not one to share with an oversized person. If you encounter a customer of size issue while flying on a commercial airline, you must do the following before the flight takes off.

IMMEDIATELY:

1. Discreetly notify the flight attendant of the problem.

2. Ask the flight attendant to reseat you or the customer of size.

3. If the flight attendant refuses to address the problem, demand to speak with a customer service supervisor or the Captain immediately.

4. If the flight is completely full and the seating arrangement cannot be changed, request customer service to place you on the next flight to your destintion with a positive space seat. Do not accept a standby seat.

5. Write down the date, time, flight number and names of the employees you addressed your concerns with and write the airline a complaint letter stating that a customer of size boarded a plane and was not required to purchase a second seat.

In fact, when the airline is made aware of the problem, they are able to track ground employees that continue to ignore or refuse to enforce customer of size policies. In addition, the airline may compensate you for the inconvenience.

6. Choose to be proactive. If you notice an obese passenger waiting to board your flight, discreetly notify a customer service employee in the gate area. He or she can look into the computer system to ensure a customer of size second seat was purchased on the flight. Notifying the ground employees before boarding begins will alleviate the hassle and embarrasment often endured after everyone is seated on the plane.

Safe Travels.
~theflygirl

planesassy: UMs CHILDREN FLYING SOLO ON AIRPLANES

2010-11-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

planesassy: UMs CHILDREN FLYING SOLO ON AIRPLANES: "The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the years for travelers and airlines. Infact, many travelers are unaccompanied minors, chi..."

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS-UMs-CHILDREN FLYING SOLO ON AIRPLANES

2010-11-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the years for travelers and airlines. Infact, many travelers are unaccompanied minors, children between the ages of 5-11 traveling solo. Is your child traveling alone on a plane this holiday season?

Listed below you will find important tips to ensure a successful flight for your child and peace of mind for parents.

Prepare your child for travel. No matter if a flight is 1 hour or 6 hours, there are a few necessities for children while traveling alone.

1. Nutritious snack.

I've witnessed children fly from NYC TO LA without a meal or snack provided by their parent. Airlines do not offer full meals and if they do, most charge for the meal and a credit card is required. Meals are not included in a ticket price.

Also, you never know if a flight will encounter a delay due to a mechanical problem or poor weather conditions. Pack a sandwich, fruit or some other nutricious food your child will enjoy. Make sure it's readily available in your child's carryon bag. Avoid giving them candy and sugary snacks. Kids become extremely hyper, kick seats, talk loud, and become figidy if they eat alot of sugar.

                                                           2. Entertainment

Pack a book, stuffed animal, coloring book, or a new "soundless" toy or game. If your child has electronic games with sound, be sure to tell your child to mute the sound or wear ear phones while playing the game or watching a dvd movie. Passengers seated near children become irritable when they hear the zaps and zings of battling space aliens or shootouts on electronic game devices. Not all airlines offer inflight entertainment featuring movies or satellite television. Restless childrens usually become unruly children.

3. Keep Them Warm and Cozy

Pack a sweater or small blanket. Planes are cold. Most airlines do not offer pillows and blankets. Some airlines charge customers a small fee for a pillow and blanket. Again a credit card is needed.

4. Lay Down Rules

Tell your child to mind their manners and always listen to and obey the flight crew. The flight crew is there for your child's safety and comfort. They are not "babysitters" for unruly children.

5. Relay Important Information regarding Medical Conditions, Medication and Allergies to the Flight Crew.

If your child has a food allergy, ensure the flight crew is aware. Do not rely on the info sheet from the customer service agent, or informing a reservation agent to relay to the flight crew. If possible, walk onboard with your child and brief the head flight attendant regarding your child's medical conditions, concerns or severe allergies. Peanut allergies have grown within the last 10 years. Make sure the flight crew is aware that peanuts should not be served during the flight. If you are unable to escort your child to the plane, have your child hand the flight attendant a note stating medical concerns or allergies.

6. Medication

Pack your child's medication in the carryon bag. Write instructions and times for medication as a reminder for your child.

7. Store Important Documents in a Safe Place

Make sure your child's important documents are tucked securely in carryon luggage. Passports, airline itineraries, school IDs, etc should be kept in a safe place. Also, inform your child not to remove the documents for his/her carryon. Flight crews find important documents inside seatback pockets and under seats frequently.

8. Contact People at the Destination City to Ensure your Child will be Picked up On Time.

Communicate with the party meeting your child at his/her destination. Make sure they will be on time to pick up your child at the gate. Remind them to give themselves plenty of time to go through security checkpoints at the airport.

9. Write a List of Important Contact Information and Pack it in the Carry On Bag.

An Info sheet with important phone numbers and contacts is valuable information for your child in the event of an emergency.

10. Communicate Expectations

If it's your child's first time flying alone, explain to your child what to expect during their journey. Explain TSA and security. Inform your child what to expect while walking through a security checkpoint. He or she should know all items will be xrayed and is required to walk through a metal detector.

Remind them to stow their luggage under the seat in front of them or to ask the flight attendant to place their luggage in an overhead bin. Tell your child wearing a seatbelt is a must and to always obey the seatbelt sign.

Stress the importance of good behavior and manners.

Many children fear turbulence. Explain to your child that turbulence is common while flying and it's nothing to fear. Describe turbulence as driving along a dirt road in the sky. Bounce. Bounce. Bounce and wear a seatbelt tightly across the lap.

11. Ring the Call Button for Emergencies

Press the call button if there is a problem.

Tell your child to inform the flight attendant if he/she doesn't feel well or more importantly, a passenger makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
　
　

TIPS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Don't act nervous or instill fear in your child about flying or terrorism.

Pick up your child on time.

Remember, the airline isn't a babysitting service. If your child's flight arrives at 3pm and you cannot leave work until 5:30pm, make other arrangements for someone to pick up your child. Some airlines will contact Child Protective Services if you do not pick up your child in a timely manner.

Check flight status for delays on your airlines website or by calling their reservation 800 number. Please have your child's flight number and city pairs available.

Follow these simple tips. The child should have an enjoyable flight and parents will have peace of mind.

WARNING:

BE SURE TO TELL YOUR CHILD NOT TO LEAVE PLANE UNESCORTED.

Many children get excited when they reach their destination and try to run off the plane without an airline escort. Tell your child to wait for an airline escort to walk them off of the plane to the gate area to meet with family or friends waiting for their arrival.