Flight Line Yellow

I’ve had a very frustrating experience with the online registration form at Carnival.com. I went to fill in the info and not only was it not user-friendly, it was irritating. I would imagine that these systems would be idiot proof. Book your cruise > fill in your personal details > fill in your travel details > enjoy cruise… how hard can that be?!

So far, I’m annoyed and disappointed by the system. I can’t believe that a system that should be so universal and simple has been a source of pre-trip pain. Every time I log in, the system tells me my info is still incomplete. It’s alllll there!! How can it be incomplete?!!!!

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It seems that over the years, flying has become more and more uncomfortable.  There seems to be less leg room on far too many flights. Ten years ago, I couldn’t stretch out, but now I barely have room to fit my legs in front of me. The size of the seats themselves seem to be smaller as well.  Actually, it depends on the airline. United airlines have terrible seating with no room to move. I avoid United as much as I can. On the other hand, Air Canada has more spacious seating and many flights have an amaaaazing entertainment center for every single passenger.

Also, it doesn’t help that food is rarely served on a flight anymore. You used to get a meal on the plane, which would help pass the time, and take your mind off of things.  Nowadays, you’re lucky to get a bag of peanuts.

In the early days, decades ago airlines really wanted your business and offered many complimentary perks to get you interested. These days, everyone wants to fly but the perks cost money. That Subway sandwich will cost you a few bucks, as will extra baggage, and other things we gotten used to.

The security checks, well, I digress on that for now.

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There are still numerous people around the world who have a terrible fear of flying. I’m not one of those people, however, I’m not too fond of flying either. Why is that? Stats have proven that there is a greater chance of walking outside of your house and getting hit by a bus, then there is of getting into a plane crash. Obviously 9/11 didn’t help make people feel more comfortable. We really need to take a look at how many airplanes actually crash and the stats related to those issues.

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According to the New York Times, Delta, Continental, United, Northwest, and US Airways are just about ready to charge people for bringing more than one bag on a flight. Second bags are going to cost $25 and third bags will be a whopping $100! As if airports weren’t already slow and chaotic, now people are going to be complaining more than ever about their flights. Relatively speaking, flying is still somewhat cheap between many North American cities but adding another $100 to the tab is quite a jump. We’ll see how long this lasts once it’s set in place.

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The peculiar thing about this post is that it’s focused on this episode. Yes, I know, it’s pretty random but let’s face it, Battlestar Galactica is one of the ultimate travel shows! It’s up there with Star Trek, especially ST: The Next Generation as a show that will be remembered for a long time, but also as giving viewers a unique look at what life in space could be like.

Anyways, the character development and intensity of the show is incredible. Everyone is guilty of something and it shows human and non-human “toaster” flaws. This particular episode was of interest because of the interesting turn of events we see on board a cylon basestar. The centurions shooting several cylon models… gotta love that!

If you haven’t been watching BSG, you’re missing out. Yes, it’s sci-fi but it’s also a very well written drama. It also features some hot talents! 

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According to a story published by the BBC, International supermodel Naomi Cambell was banned from flying on British Airways flights after assaulting a police officer. Her VIP status didn’t help her get out of it and it’s an impressive move by BA since high profile celebrities tend to get away with just about everything. It turns out Naomi has a history of anger management issues as evidenced by a previous court appearance regarding a scuffle with her housekeeper.

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I started it in 2006, did a bit in 2007, but now it’s finally time to get moving (no pun intended!). I’ve been meaning to do this for a long time and it’s finally time. The early days of this blog were creative and to some extent useful and interesting with a focus on travel. The goal in this new wave is now to expand to different topics, many on travel but some on other areas of our lives. So that’s where we’re at… a little bit of everything, ya know? 

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From an airline perspective, it’s almost a no-brainer to serve alcohol on planes yet US Airways failed to obtain a liquor license. After drinking heavily on a flight, a passenger stepped off the plane and into his car. He was then involved in a fatal crash. This lead officials in New Mexico to investigate the crash at which point they discovered that US Airways wasn’t even allowed to have served the beverages in the first place. They have ordered the carrier to stop serving alcohol.

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If you had a flight booked with British Airways has on January 30 and/or January 31, 2007, you may be out of luck. The company has cancelled all passenger flights out of Heathrow Airport due to a cabin crew strike. The airline also plans to ground all domestic and European flights to and from Gatwick for duration of strike.

From Yahoo news: “The cancellations will affect more than 140-thousand passengers. Moreover, British Airways has reportedly cancelled around 1,300 flights next week following a breakdown in talks with its largest union.”

That’s a huge number! It may get worse, depending on the strike situation.

British Airways customer service is helping those who already purchased tickets re-book flights for later dates or with other airlines.

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If you live in Canada or the US, flying is about to get a lot more complex. At least for the time being. Since 9-11, numerous security measures have been put into place by the American and Canadian governments. While most are effectively useless and more annoying than anything else (such as removing your shoes at airport security checkpoints - completely idiotic, but I digress), the next major procedural change is about to be implemented: Mandatory passports.

As of January 23, 2007, if you would like to fly from the US to Canada or vice versa, you will need to show proof of citizenship. The only acceptable document to prove it will be your passport. There has been increased activity in passport offices across North America lately, especially in Canada where people are much more aware of what it takes to get into the US.

As of  January 1, 2008, people coming in by sea such as on cruises, and by land such as by car and bus.

These changes may actually be good. Although annoying, hopefully they’ll make life easier in the long run. Here’s hoping with my fingers crossed…

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