For women going places

Keeping the Peace On the Plane

3/18/11

The turbulence involved in flying these days - frequent delays, overcrowded flights and reduced service - keeps in-flight etiquette constantly in our thoughts. The Wall Street Journal's travel editor Scott McCartney brought it up again with his post "So Who Gets the Armrest?" He asked frequent fliers, airline industry leaders, flight attendants and etiquette and ethics experts to offer advice on how to deal with on-board aggravations, such as armrest sharing and stinky food.

Though no one asked us Woman Road Warriors, we have a few thoughts on how to keep the peace on the plane:

Share the armrest! It's big enough for two.

A true Woman Road Warrior knows not to recline her seat all the way.

If someone encroaches on your seat - assert yourself. You paid for your space!

Always pack a mini fan in your carry-on and don't be afraid to use it if someone whips out a smelly sandwich.

Though the issue of dealing with noisy neighbors (kids specifically) has been done to death, we still like putting on the noise-canceling earphones and drifting into silent bliss. Or put on your sunglasses, even if it's dark out - that will help block out all the distractions.

And, if you find yourself stuck in the window seat with a full bladder and sleeping row-mates, climb over them or gently wake them up. Treat them the same way you'd like to be treated if the situation were reversed. Having this happen more than once should be a good reminder to hit the bathroom BEFORE you get on the plane.

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: airline passengers, etiquette, flying, frequent flier, Kathy Ameche, traveler-in-chief, Wall Street Journal, woman road warrior

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Be Ready for Snowmaggedon

2/1/11

As we face Snowmaggedon in Chicago, the New York Times has a good article about how to deal with a canceled flight. It suggests using social media to stay in touch with your airline. We agree - many airlines are using Twitter to keep their passengers up-to-date on cancellations and delays. You'll often get a much faster response than trying to get through by phone.

The Times also says to read the fine print - you have the right to demand a refund on a canceled flight - even because of bad weather - from any airline if you decide not to take the trip.

We recommend buying a new ticket if your flight is canceled. You'll have priority over those trying to re-book. The airlines like fresh revenue! You can use the old one at a later date.

In addition, keep the number of your favorite hotel chain on your speed dial and partake in lots of food therapy (comfort food that is).

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: airline passengers, Chicago, flights, Kathy Ameche, snowmaggedon, travelers, woman road warrior

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Northeast Snow - Take 2

1/7/11

Another round of snow and ice is already causing delays in the Northeast and they're expected to continue over the weekend. So if you find yourself traveling to or from the region - here are some tips to prevent getting stuck:

Have the airlines/travel site/travel agent contact in your speed dial. Don’t be shy about using them if you run into trouble.
Sign up for mobile alerts from your airline or follow it on Twitter - many airlines are now using social media to keep their passengers informed of delays and cancellations. And you're more likely to get a quicker response if you tweet them directly.
Keep track of weather changes through alerts, apps or hey, how about the radio or TV?
Check the airline’s homepage and see if travel waivers are posted and for what dates. If you haven’t begun your trip and you have some flexibility think about moving it to another weekend.

If you find yourself stranded due to snow:

Don't give up your hotel room if you don't have to - ask for an extension even the day of travel until you can figure out what is happening with your flight.
Morning flights are still best if you can get one.
Is there another airport you can get to that isn’t snowed in? The train that services the East Coast (Philadelphia to Boston) is phenomenal. Jump a train and get to another city and fly out from that destination. Make sure you have a confirmed seat before you embark on this trip.
Really desperate to get home? Purchase a new ticket on a flight you can get on. New revenue will always win!

See you on the road!

Kathy Ameche
Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: airline passengers, east coast, flights, flying, northeast, snow, snowstorm, train, travel

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Body Image Scans vs. Pat-Downs

11/17/10

Which is the lesser of two airport security evils?

With holiday travel gearing up and airline passenger stress at an all time high, complaints are growing against the enhanced security pat-downs which can focus directly on your private areas.

The TSA says via its blog that a very small number of passengers end up needing a pat-down, whether to resolve an alarm set off walking through the metal detector or if someone opts out of using the body image scanner. But it still is a concern when you’re heading to the airport, wondering if you’ll be an unlucky one. I’ve had both and frankly neither was that bad.

But what it comes down to is that it’s a balancing act between safety and privacy. Obviously, no one wants to be or should be man-handled or have their private parts on display for everyone to see. But that’s airplane travel in 2010. As long as the terrorists continue to concoct schemes of death and destruction against Americans using planes, we have to be diligent. We may not like the security measures but they’re for our safety in the long run. We have to weigh the inconvenience and embarrassment against the safety and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. I know what tips the scale for me.

That said the TSA shouldn’t have carte blanche. Sensitivity training should be mandatory for all security agents. And there has to be a Body Scan 2.0 machine that detects weapons without revealing where that extra piece of pumpkin pie decided to settle.

See you on the road,

Kathy Ameche

Traveler-in-Chief

Labels: air safety, airline passengers, airport security, body image scan, pat-down, TSA