'Dog Days of Summer' plans, Alaskan honeymoons, tips for trips to Australia, JetBlue and more.
The Flight Crew
Washington Post Travel Section
Monday, August 4, 2008
2:00 PM
Got a travel-related question, comment, suspicion, warning, gripe, sad tale or happy ending? The Post Travel Section Flight Crew is at your service.
On the itinerary this week: kayaking in Alaska, eating ramen in Tokyo and checking out upscale new hotels in Atlantic City.
All other travel topics are open as well. If you have insights, ideas or information to add to the discussion, just press the call button above your seat and we'll get to you as soon as we can. Different members of the Crew will rotate through the captain's chair every week, but the one constant is you, our valued passengers.
We know you have a choice in online travel forums, and speaking for the entire Flight Crew, we want to thank you for flying with us.
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Andrea Sachs: Wow, the summer is flying by. We are already in August. But the heat is still here, and hopefully you all have at least one vacation penciled in before we have go back to school and sweaters.
So, please share your Dog Days plans. And ask away for travel during other seasons.
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Anonymous: US Airways will start charging their passengers for water. Even water poured from a large bottle? Any other airlines following suit? If I bring my own water on board, am I still limited to 3 ounces?
Scott Vogel: We have indeed entered a new era when airlines begin charging for water and soft drinks (that's 2 bucks for the uninitiated). Why not bring an empty bottle with you and fill it up after you get through security? Also, at most airports, there are shops selling bottled water after security checkpoints.
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Phila., Pa: Have any of the editors tried the new travel pillow called Head-Bac? I did recently and it was really very good and so different from the other travel pillows. What do you guys think of it?
Andrea Sachs: No, we have not, but we are intrigued. Do tell!
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Cheer up my Monday: The online blurb for the Sign Here section really caught my attention - but there is no image of the sign! What does the sign say?
washingtonpost.com: The photo is there! Try again and if you still can't see it let us know...
Andrea Sachs: Try the link below. Hope you can see the photo--it's a goodie.
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Lancaster, Pa.: I applied for a passport at a local agency on July 24 and received it in the mail on August 2nd. It does seem that there are no longer any issues in passports being issued. Just a little more than a week and that includes mail time each way. I was very pleased by this rapid issue.
Scott Vogel: Thanks for the heads-up, Lancaster. According to our contact at the Passport Service, this is indeed a great time to get a passport if you don't have one yet. Wait times are quite short in general. By all means, if you're intending to get a passport (or the new passport card), do so in advance of next June, when new regulations on travel to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean will take effect.
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Seattle: Any thoughts on when Airlines will require your first born when checking extra luggage? I am sure some airlines are willing to accept this because it would provide cheaper labor.
Scott Vogel: Don't give them any ideas, Seattle!
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Bethesda, Md.: Is it you or Dr. Gridlock who's compiled a list of alternative routes to 95N and the NJTP? I can't seem to find a link to that.
Andrea Sachs: Not sure who did it, but AAA is a great source for alternate routes. By the way, I just drove 95 to NYC and it was pretty sticky in some spots.
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Arlington, Va.: Can anyone recommend a travel agency that specializes in China? Has anyone had particular luck with reliable travel websites for China? I'd like to plan a trip for early next spring. Thanks!
washingtonpost.com: China Travel Stories (Post Travel Section archives)
Scott Vogel: I can't personally vouch for China Focus Travel (www.chinafocustravel.com), but the company has a good reputation for both service and deals. Would love to hear suggestions from other chatters. Looks like there'll be lots of post-Olympic deals to be had.
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Austin Texas: I am considering a big trip to get out of the country over Thanksgiving. I have a budget of about $4000 and am considering a couple of weeks in Greece or Israel. I am not locked into either of these. The main idea is to get away for a while and go some place that will be reasonable warm. Any other places that might be of interest? I will be traveling by myself. I love history and don't need first class accommodations.
Andrea Sachs: Those are both great options. Also add to the list: Malta, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica.
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Ireland Bound: Has anyone been to the Galway Jazz Festival? Do I have to buy tickets early or can I show up and buy them there? Hoping not to have to plan that far in advance and tie myself down to specific dates too early.
Scott Vogel: Anyone able to help this traveler out for the upcoming (9/12-14) festival?
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Washington, D.C.: I am getting married in early to mid-March. We are thinking about a lot of places for our honeymoon, one of which is Alaska. What kinds of things are there to do around Anchorage in early to mid-March besides skiing at Alyeska and the Iditarod? Of course, we do not want to spend a ton of money. Are the national parks open? I saw the websites said that the visitor's centers are closed.
washingtonpost.com: Alaska Travel Stories (Post Travel Section archives)
Carol Sottili: Here's the link to our Alaska story. If you haven't read that yet, it's a good place to start.
Meanwhile, my husband and I honeymooned in Alaska. It was quite a few years ago, but I remember thinking then that if I were to do it again, I'd take the Alaska ferry (www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs) and do more hiking/biking. We did a traditional cruise, which was pretty boring for us. And then we did an overland train trip. Again, not very exciting. Denali, which is open year round, would have been better. I'm not familiar with Anchorage, but that's a big city. I'd recommend the smaller cities along the inside passage, such as Juneau and Sitka.
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Philadelphia, Pa.: As one who has been critical of baggage handling at Philadelphia airport, and who has also expressed admiration that it seems to be working more efficiently recently, I just wanted to let you know that I was surprised to see this Sunday's front page headline in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The lead article was how much better baggage handling has become. I knew there was a problem, but front page news: wow. Anyway, as a frequent traveler, I thank all who are making traveling better.
washingtonpost.com: US Airways cleans up bag-handling mess (Philadelphia Inquirer, Aug. 3)
Scott Vogel: Thanks for the good news tip, Philly. Heaven knows we'll take any we can get these days.
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Washington, D.C.: Submitting early because of a meeting. I hope the third time's a charm! Last Octiober I booked a direct D.C.-Madrid flight on Iberia. They cancelled the flight on the day I was to fly, and tried to move me a day earlier or later, or have me spend 12 hours in Miami. Eventually, after 3 hours of arguing in person, I convinced them to let me fly a partner airline through London. Now they've done the same thing again -- cancelled the direct flight on the day I booked it, with the only options to fly a day earlier, later, or connect through another city. Is this bait and switch? If I had known a direct flight was not available on the day I wanted to travel, I likely would have chosen another airline.
If it matters, when I called to complain they told me they would continue to cancel flights because "the schedule changes as the season changes." Doesn't seem quite right to me. Thanks.
Carol Sottili: Iberia is not alone. Many airlines have been changing schedules, eliminating direct and nonstop flights. Most will offer you your money back, but that's about all they'll do. That's not going to help if the airfare has gone up quite a bit - in other words, you just can't take that money and buy a ticket on another airline. Legally, there aren't many protections.
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Teens in Cancun: I realize that this is a very subjective question, maturity levels vary and every family has its own set of rules, but I am trying to get some input on the amount of freedom that is reasonable and prudent for our daughters 20 and 17, each with a friend the same age. We are staying near the south end of the hotel zone (near Club Med) and figure that everyone will be at the pool, beach or on one of the few organized day trips (e.g., Tulum), but in the evening we don't expect everyone to hang at the condo with mom and dad. Less concerned about the older girls, but the younger ones LOOK like they are 20 which can be a problem. Would you say that older teens can have a good, safe time with limited supervision? We are especially concerned about communication since I don't know that cell phones are an option.
Carol Sottili: We felt comfortable letting my daughter go out with a friend at night to the club in our hotel in Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun, when she was 18. But I don't think I would have given her carte blanche to go to any bar. And she was a responsible kid who didn't like drinking all that much. If I were you, I'd get down there and scope it out. You'll know if you feel comfortable or not.
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Chicago, Ill.: I've been bitten hard by the international travel bug lately, and have been traveling a bit each year in Central and South America. I have time and a flexible work situation, but not so much money, which leads to my dilemma.
I have been slowly accumulating miles on American, through flights and an AA credit card. My plan had been to save them for 2-3 more years, then use them for a flight that I could never afford to buy, probably to Africa or Asia. I'm starting to wonder if I should use them now, for two trips to Latin America, and put aside the money I would have spent on those flights toward the Africa/Asia trip.
Plan A would probably give me a greater financial benefit, since I'm thinking of places where the cheapest flights cost $2000+ , but I worry about changes in the airline or its mileage program while I sit on my miles. Also, I could have trouble getting flights that fit my travel dates, especially since I would be relying on partner airlines, rather than AA itself.
Plan B seems more secure - I'll use the miles quicker, and American has many flights to Latin America. Or am I worrying too much about Plan A? Please help!
(I realize that I'm lucky that this is what passes for a dilemma in my life. Nonetheless, it distresses me.)
Carol Sottili: I'd use miles sooner rather than later. The airlines are looking at everything and anything to save a buck, and mileage programs will get stingier as time goes on.
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Washington D.C.: Hello Flight Crew! I am thinking about going to London for the Christmas holidays (possibly Dec 24-28). Fares right now are about $800. Should I go ahead and get tickets now, or do you think they'll be going down in price? Thanks!
Carol Sottili: If you can get a nonstop flight on those dates with taxes included for $800, I'd buy it.
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D.C.: Posting early since I'll be away during the chat -
I know it is barely August but I've started looking at fares for Christmas. Flights from D.C. to Tucson are running $650-750, and I'm being flexible about the dates. Do you think prices could drop or is that what I'm just going to have to expect for Christmas travel??
Scott Vogel: Would you consider leaving from Baltimore? If you can be flexible, you might do a little better by flying Southwest from there ($600), but that's the best I can see for now. I don't think it's possible to predict where airfares will be at Christmas, especially domestically.
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Columbia Heights: It seems I jinxed myself. Last week, I asked if we should be concerned our JetBlue flight back from Vegas might be cancelled, as there were only about 10 seats booked 5 weeks out. You all seemed to think it was fine.
Sigh. We happened to check the flight last week when JetBlue announced their latest sale. Guess what? Our flight no longer exists! And JetBlue did not inform us of this. In looking at our online booking, the 11:40 pm non-stop redeye (LAS to IAD) was now a 6:15 connecting through Long Beach.
We sent an email pointing out they did not inform us of the change, so we'd like the 11:30 pm flight connecting through Boston. (We planned a day trip to the Valley of Fire to watch the sunset on that last day.) Think we have any chance of getting the flight WE want instead?
Carol Sottili: I'd call them instead of doing this via email. Let us know if they give you the flights you want. I don't see why they wouldn't.
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Washington, D.C.: I'm going to San Francisco in a few weeks with my husband and will be on my own during the day while he attends a conference. We've both been there before a few times and have hit most of the "big" attractions. Any ideas for something more off-the-beaten-path to occupy my time? Thanks!
Andrea Sachs: There are some new attractions in San Fran, such as the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Also, check out Japantown, Angel Island tram tours, the Latino culture in the Mission and the new waterfront attractions in South Beach.
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Washington, D.C.: Hello Flight Crew! We have a flight to California leaving from DCA on Wednesday morning at 6 am. I know they generally recommend showing up 90 min+ ahead of time, but does this rule still apply if the Delta counter doesn't open until 5 am?
Andrea Sachs: I would get my boarding pass online and arrive at the airport an hour ahead.
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D.C.: Any suggestions of spas within a couple hours of driving distance that I could go to for an extended weekend, or week?
Scott Vogel: There are lots of options in Berkeley Springs, WV. Another suggestion is the spa at the Hotel Hershey in PA. Also consider places on the Maryland eastern shore: The Inn at Perry Cabin and the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay are two thoughts off the top of our heads. Always welcome new suggestions from chatters on topics like this...
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Washington, D.C.: I'm traveling to Australia at the end of the month. This is the first time I've ever been on that long of a flight (longest ever for me was to London) and was wondering if you had any advice for surviving the trip and dealing with the jet lag. Thanks!
Andrea Sachs: Most important rule: Don't count the hours. Bring lots of distractions, from books to crossword puzzles. Wear comfortable clothing. Drink lots of liquids. Watch as many movies as possible. Try to sleep.
Once there, try to fall right in step with Australia's time. If it is dinner time, get some food, then go to bed. If it is midday, walk around and sightsee, but don't do anything too demanding, like go to a musuem. Then, eat an early dinner and go to bed. You want to change your inner clock as soon as possible.
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Re: Thanksgiving trip: How about Turkey? You mentioned you like history and don't need first class accommodations. Turkey has a lot to offer, and that time of the year, you can get a lot for your money since it is considered "off-peak" but still is warmer than here. Also, since Turkey is not on the Euro, it will be considerably less expensive than Europe. Since you mentioned Greece and Israel, I thought it could be a good option in between. Istanbul is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Church, and the city also has a number of synagogues in case these were of interest to you. You will get a flavor of both Europe and Middle East in one place, and if you like you can combine it with Greece or Israel, too. I was in Turkey 2 years ago in October, and it was pleasantly warm.
Andrea Sachs: Great idea. Thanks!
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More Jazz in Ireland: How about the Guinness Jazz Festival in Cork? Anyone been there?
Scott Vogel: Another Irish jazz festival alert!
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McLean, Va.: On Saturday, August 2, Jet Blue kept a full plane of Washington-based passengers on Flight #1254 waiting for hours on the tarmac at Dulles trying to get to Boston. The plane never went. We were eventually allowed to get off. We were told we could not get refunds, only a voucher for another Jet Blue flight. According to Jet Blue, the problem was weather. That's hard to believe. There was no rain in DC during this time. There was no rain in Boston (my sister was waiting for me at Logan, reporting to me on her cell phone). A friend flew from Providence to BWI on Southwest during that time period with only a one-hour delay. I missed a Springsteen concert in Boston. Other passengers missed weddings and other important events. Jet Blue didn't seem to care. How can I get a refund from them? And if I can't, why do they get away with claiming the delay was weather-related when there didn't appear to be a problem?
Carol Sottili: Missing a Springsteen concert really hurts. As an avid fan who has seen the Boss many times, I feel for you.
Re: the weather excuse, another chatter also posted a similar situation re: Delta (I'll post that letter next). Here's how the weather excuse goes: It's very difficult to disprove because it's not only about the weather being good/bad in the departure/arrival city. The weather could have been lousy where the plane started from early in the day. Or it could have gotten stuck the night before somewhere. You'd have to trace the plane's whereabouts some time back.
You're not going to get a refund. Many airlines won't even give vouchers any longer (I hope you got your voucher on the spot - they're harder to get once the incident is over).
Meanwhile, you can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm.
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D.C.: Your Alaska article was very timely for me. I'm trying to plan a trip up to Fairbanks for mid-September. Airfare is still a bit higher than I would like. What are the chances they'll go down? Or up? Or should I just assume that this is the best I'm going to get?
Andrea Sachs: No one has a crystal ball. But if you see an airfare in your ballpark, grab it!
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Alaska cruise: OK, we just got back from a cruise down the Inner Passage. Now, if we had not paid extra for excursions, I could see being bored - all the towns have the same jewelry stores and there's only so much shopping even I can do. But we were out and about every stop - hikes, zip lines, helicopter to the glaciers.
If you opt for the ferry, remember the boat comes in to the smaller ports only a few days a week. So if you're not getting right back on that day, you need a place to stay and game plan of your own activities until you can get back out.
I think you have to ask what kind of traveler you are and go from there.
Carol Sottili: Very true.
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Washington, D.C.: Is $1500 a good price for a 4-night, 5-day flight and hotel package to Barcelona, Spain, for one person, last week of August? I keep hearing how Europe is prohibitively expensive these days, yet without much effort, I found this option on Expedia. The hotel is in the center of Barcelona. Is this considered expensive? Thanks.
Scott Vogel: It really depends. Airfare alone is going for about $1000, and under most circumstances (given the current pricing) $500 for 4 nights in Spain is a relatively good deal. But please check around, at Trip Advisor, to make sure the hotel gets good ratings for travelers. Otherwise, you might get a comparable deal at a better place on your own.
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Burke, Va.: My family has a free week at the end of August for a trip to the beach. The Outer Banks are always so crowded and the S.C. beaches are too far away. Do you have any recommendations for N.C. beached south of the Outer Banks, such as Topsail Beach or Wrightsville Beach? thank you.
washingtonpost.com: Why Stop at Outer? (Post Travel Section, July 29, 2007)
Andrea Sachs: Try the "Inner Banks." The beaches near Wilmington are amazing!
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Glen Allen, Va.: I-95 alternatives - When I have to drive north, I take I-195 and then B-W parkway to get past Baltimore, then once I cross the Del. Mem. Bridge I jump on I-295 instead of the NJTP, although I return to the turnpike near Fort Dix. If I'm heading through to Connecticut, I'll get off the turnpike as the Garden State Parkway and take that all the way up, then over the Tappan Zee bridge; then I-684 to I-84 to and through Hartford. There can still be some bad traffic, but overall it seems less stressful than I-95 all the way.
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for saving us from road rage!
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Washington, DC: I will be flying to London for grad school in the fall. I bought a ticket on US Airways for a very good price on Student Universe, but I was disappointed that there was no way for me to enter in my frequent flyer number. Do you think if I brought this up with US Airways I could convince them to give me the miles, or is that unlikely considering I scored the ticket so cheaply on a different website?
Andrea Sachs: Even if you did not book through the airline, you should still be able to get miles. When you check in, ask them to input your mileage number.
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Arlington, Va.: The person in Austin looking for a place to go over Thanksgiving that it warm and historic may also want to consider the Maya/Aztec sites in Latin America. I would imagine $4000 could go a long way there.
Malta is very interesting and should be plenty warm (I was there in early Oct and it was HOT) but two weeks there is probably one week too many. I was there about 10 days and I think it was a little too long. But the place is fascinating, small, and fairly easy to get around. I enjoyed it very much.
Depending on flight costs SE Asia could also be an option. Once you get there it is fairly inexpensive. Go see Angkor before the tourists finish it off. And there are plenty of fun and historic places in Thailand or Laos to vist too. My trips there tend to be more expensive because I like a little luxury, but if the chatter doesn't mind more basic accommodations it might be worth looking into.
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the ideas!
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Native Berkeleyan: For Washington DC who's going to San Francisco in a few weeks and will be on her own during the day:
Consider taking the BART train (Bay Area Rapid Transit, i.e., the subway) over to my hometown for the day. The downtown Berkeley stop is only two blocks from the western edge of the University of California campus, although it's a few blocks farther uphill to the central part of the campus as well as world-famous Telegraph Avenue, where there are lots of cheap eats. Or you could go to the Chez Panisse cafe on Shattuck Avenue (a longish walk or short cab ride from campus) for a more upscale lunch.
Andrea Sachs: What a lovely way to spend a day in San Fran. Thanks, Berk.
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Bethesda, Md.: Spas close to DC: Don't forget the Homestead and the Greenbriar! Also, Keswick Hall in Charlottesville is a gem, and the Inn at Perry Cabin at St. Michaels has a new spa.
Scott Vogel: Great ideas, all of them, thanks.
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NoVa.: I'm not a big flier but I had to fly back from NYC-JFK to Dulles on Saturday evening (Delta). For weather reasons, my flight was canceled and the service was horrendous (people rude). I waited forever for a stand-by flight and didn't make the list, and in the end, took a Greyhound bus home because who knew when another stand-by would be available. As far as I know, there were no more thunderstorms in this area so I don't really buy their "weather" excuse. What is the best way to handle a situation like this? I'm never flying Delta again.
Carol Sottili: I wish I could be more positive about flying, but it can get pretty ugly. The vast majority of flights still go off without a hitch, but delays/cancellations are a big part of the mix. In your case, since you didn't take the flight back, I'd request a refund for that leg. Call 800-847-0578.
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Bethesda, Md.: With the latest on airline fees, non-service, and luggage issues, my plan for the rest of the summer is taking advantage of what our region has to offer using recent articles in the Washington Post: visit the museums I have not been to (Weekend section had a great story on this a while back - do you have the link?), go to Mt. Vernon - maybe by bike if it I can find a drier than usual day, drive to Annapolis on a weekday afternoon, check out couple restaurants I always wanted to (Tom Sietsema always has good suggestions), and sit at an independent coffee place (Food section article couple weeks ago) to read the paper and people watch... And try to do all these (except for Annapolis) by public transportation (Dr. Gridlock) When I look at all the tourists paying so much to get here and go around, I feel like I need to take advantage of what our city has to offer...
washingtonpost.com: Was it this article?: Worth the Price of Admission? (Post Weekend Section, May 23)
Scott Vogel: Here you go.
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Washington, D.C.: For the spa-seeker: You really can't go wrong The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV. I mean, there's a reason that this place was chosen to be the evacuation destination for US government leaders in the event of nuclear war...
Scott Vogel: Well, there you are!
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Washington, D.C.: Maybe this is better for Tom's chat, but do you or your chatters have any recommendations for good native cuisine in Budapest or Bratislava? Thanks!
washingtonpost.com: HUNGARY: Please, May I Have Some More? (Post Travel Section, March 20, 2005)
Scott Vogel: We can help with at least one of these towns. Check it out.
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Arlington: Flight Crew- I took the Bolt Bus to NYC this past weekend and I just wanted to report that it was a great experience: smooth ride, comfortable,friendly driver, and cheap. How exactly are they staying in business with the price of gas and the low fares they charge? I would hate to see them go under.
Andrea Sachs: And I rode MegaBus, and it was pretty smooth too--though long, due to construction.
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London for Christmas: I flew into London for a 2 week visit over Christmas and New Year's 2 years ago. Considering I planned this trip three weeks before Christmas, I was able to get a very good deal (about $400 round trip, when prices were hovering between $800-$1000 otherwise) by flying out on Christmas day. This meant I arrived Heathrow on Boxing Day when transport had reopened.
Plus, Christmas day was so dead I nearly had the flight over to myself! Yes, the terminal was deserted, but it was the least stress I've ever had flying into Heathrow.
Carol Sottili: That was two years ago. Today, there's a good chance they'd cancel a Christmas Day flight with no one aboard (I know, the airlines say they don't do that, but.....). Also, I think the $400 round-trip fare to London including taxes/fuel surcharges is becoming very rare. Glad you enjoyed it when it was available!
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Gaithersburg, Md.: For the person asking about Alaska in March - a friend and I had a few extra days in Alaska after a conference in Anchorage in March a few years ago. We went down to Seward where they have boat trips into the bay (weather permitting), the scenery was fantastic and you get to see sea lions, dolphins, etc. We also drove up to Denali (one plus - there is not much traffic in March) where the park is open but only certain areas are accessible. What they did do was provide us with free pairs of snow shoes which allowed up to explore several mountain paths on our own. The views of a snow-covered Denali were breath taking. Although you'll need good winter weather gear, it is definitely worth it.
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the advice!
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Flying to Australia: Longest flight I ever undertook was 4 flight segments from Perth, Western Australia to Providence, RI. I flew 5 hours from Perth to Sydney, 13 hours from Sydney to LA, 3 hours from LA to Chicago, and then 2 1/2 hours from Chicago to Providence. Altogether with layover time, it was 36 straight hours of being in airports or on a plane.
On the bright side, I flew Qantas, which was a highly enjoyable experience. They do dinner, snack, and breakfast service, but they also give you a "snack pack" with cookies, chips, and drinks for the over-night stretch. And the in-flight entertainment was great.
What I would recommend -- regardless of what airline you fly -- is that you avoid watching the flight status screen. Pretty painful to have sat on a plane for 7 hours and see the plane still hovering the middle of the Pacific like that...
I was in Australia for 6 months -- it's a beautiful country. You'll love it!
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the survival tips. Much appreciated. And I agree: Australia is amazing!
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Rockville: On Wednesday I take my first airplane ride with a baby. Since he's only four months old, we didn't buy him a ticket. So I guess that means he's on our laps, right? I obviously can't carry-on the car seat since there'll be no place for it, correct? Any tips for flying with an infant?
Scott Vogel: Yup, he'll be in your lap. Personally, I think it's easier traveling with a baby that young than with a 2-year-old. Having said that, make sure you're mindful of air pressure changes. Try to get your son to bottle- or breast-feed during takeoff and landing to minimize discomfort.
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Student Universe: Regarding getting airline miles on Student Universe, it depends. I booked a flight to Istanbul a few years back and was able to get miles for the AA portion of the flight, but not the BA portion. Weird, but BA said because it was such a deep discount I didn't qualify and because it was a route where they competed with AA, AA wouldn't give them to me either.
Andrea Sachs: Hmm, that sounds a bit odd. I say fight for those miles, but know when to withdraw.
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Washington, DC: I had already pledged not to fly JetBlue again due to their $100 ticket change fee. In light of today's complaints, looks like that was a good idea.
Carol Sottili: It's not just JetBlue. They hold no corner on the complaint market. The airline actually scores higher than most. Here's the latest report:
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/atcr08.htm
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re: US Airways charging for drinks/water: Maybe US Airways should first work on that 20-30 minute wait at baggage claim they always have for arriving flights.
And instead of nickel-and-diming us, airlines should just give a single price for airfare, not airfare, fuel charge, checked luggage charge, pillow and blanket charge, water/drink charge, meal charge, snack charge... next thing you know, they'll charge passengers for using the restrooms...
Scott Vogel: Makes ya wonder how customer agents and cabin stewards at the airlines feel, having to implement policies that are bound to elicit stares (or worse).
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Chantilly, Va.: Hello Flight Crew,
I found freakishly cheap airfare from DCA to LGA for Thanksgiving. (Maybe I shouldn't have said that, because now everyone will want it!) My only problem is getting to DCA. I'd like to drive, because the flight gets back late Sunday night and if it's delayed, Metro might be closed. But I'm concerned about parking availability. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Andrea Sachs: The airport does not have the greatest parking scene, but you can see updates on its Web site (/www.metwashairports.com/reagan/parking_transportation_4/parking_2). You might also consider taking a cab home; depending on where you live, it might be cheaper than the parking rate.
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San Francisco, Calif.: Re: American Airlines miles: I, too, have been collecting American miles for over a year, planning to use them for a flight to South America that I cannot afford to pay for. I finally had all the miles I needed when I called this past February -- over 300 days in advance -- to cash them in for a December flight. Nothing was available. I've called almost every day since, and have been denied each time. Some days, American tells me they do not even have mileage-member space on a single domestic leg anywhere in December, that they can't even get me to LA, Dallas, New York or Miami. I'm so frustrated I wrote to American's CEO for help, but I haven't heard back.
But I digress... I'd suggest that Chicago takes any flight he can get for his miles. Mileage awards seem to be going the way of the dinosaur. Does it seem that way to you, too?
Carol Sottili: You need to start planning for mileage trips as soon as the schedules are posted. I believe that's 332 days in advance for most legacy carriers.
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Alexandria, Va.: We flew to NH this weekend on SW. Coming home yesterday, we were delayed out of Manchester for weather in the "region". As it was explained to us, that region - NH, Boston, NY - is so interconnected air traffic control-wise that bad weather in one area messes with the rest. We were also told that Manchester tends to be further down on the priority list once the skies are clear. We were only delayed by a little more than an hour, so I can't complain. Southwest handled it like pros. BTW, the weather in NH on Saturday evening was bad. Torrential downpours (we were attending an outdoor wedding - good thing they got the tent).
Andrea Sachs: Glad to hear that the trip wasn't a ... total washout!
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Excellent Delta service story: Hi Crew!
Have definitely had my share of flight delays and general travel pains, but wanted to share a good one for once. Was traveling from L.A. to Richmond about a week ago, on a red-eye. My fiance and I were on different flights, and we managed to call and get him on my flight. Great. But I'd been eligible for an automatic upgrade (and he wasn't), so I had to give up my first-class seat so I could sit with him (if that ain't love, I don't know what is). Was surprisingly not easy, and there was a possibility of my being docked miles (question about what class the flight was originally booked in), but the gate agent got on the horn at the counter and went above and beyond -- there was no other help behind the counter -- to make it happen for us. At the gate, the flight was oversold, so they tried to bump me up again -- and again I had to say no, unless the fiance could get bumped up too. The control agent at the gate ended up making it happen, so we flew home in much better comfort. Amen.
Was so grateful for the experience that I wrote to Delta to praise her -- I figure that it can't be easy working on the other side of the counter, either. I hope they give her a thanks for it.
Carol Sottili: For every ying, there's a yang.
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Kingstowne, Va.: Regarding I-95 alternatives, I just came back from a trip to Nova Scotia. Drove to Portland and took the Cat Ferry to Yarmouth and then did the same in reverse on the way home (drove from Portland to Virginia last Thursday).
On the way up, I took the traditional I-95/Jersey Turnpike route, then the GW Bridge and I-95 as far as Milford, CT (hit traffic and so headed off onto the Wilbur Cross Parkway).
On the way home, I took the Wilbur Cross and Merritt Parkways through Connecticut, then the Tappan Zee Bridge to the Garden State Parkway, and then I-78 west to Harrisburg and US-15 south to Frederick.
Both ways were fine, but on a Thursday afternoon the traffic on the Garden State Parkway's northern end was already building up at around 2:30 PM. After two weeks of driving in Nova Scotia, where the traffic is very light and the drivers are very polite, I just didn't want to deal with it, which is why I tried the I-78 way (plus, my brother drives from Fairfax to Manhattan all the time and swears by that route).
My take on the drive is that from Monday through midday Thursday, the I-95 route ought to be fine unless there's a holiday in there, but from Thursday afternoon through the rest of the weekend, the Pennsylvania routes are better. They're definitely longer mileage-wise (average of an extra 100 miles), but there's considerably less traffic. WHICH Pennsylvania route depends on where you're headed, though. For Brooklyn, southern Long Island, Kennedy Airport or Staten Island, use I-81 to I-78, which gives easy options for the Verrazano Bridge or the Holland Tunnel. For Midtown, the Bronx, the Connecticut coast, or northern Long Island, use I-81 to I-80, which feeds directly into the GW Bridge. For New England, use either I-81 to I-80 to I-287 to the Merritt Parkway or else I-81 to I-84 (the latter is out of the way in that you have to go up to Scranton, but it bears noting that I-287 in White Plains is a big mess of construction near the big shopping mall).
Finally, I should mention that for anyone who doesn't know it, you do have to deal with a lot of truck traffic on I-81. It's only two lanes on a side in most places, so it's not always the easiest thing to pass them (the road is sometimes called the "NAFTA Highway" for a reason). But once you're off I-81, the other roads are pretty good routes, and if you're a miser you'll be happy to save some toll dollars.
Andrea Sachs: Whoa. I want you to be my roatd trip planner from now on. Thanks!
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Flight Refunds: Consider filing in small claims court. You could try for False Imprisonment if you get a lawyer, but most would be unwilling to try that case. But small claims has worked for me in the past. The airlines won't even send a lawyer, which means you geta default judgment. It's a hassle but you'll have your revenge.
Carol Sottili: Never thought of trying that.
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re: Thanksgiving to Greece or Israel: Israel's rainy season begins in October and November, if that's any consideration. Not nearly like London or Seattle, but it does rain there.
If your budget is $4,000, I'd recommend Greece over Turkey right now due to political instability in Turkey and the recent bombing of the consulate in Istanbul. It's a little dangerous to be in Turkey for the time being.
Perhaps a day or so in Athens, followed by some island-hopping?
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for the Turkey Day trip suggestions.
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NoVa.: for the person flying with an infant...
The airline will not give you any safety devices for your child that you are carrying in your lap. Please invest the money in the harness that extends to go around your infant and then buckles into the seatbelt. otherwise, if you lose grip of your child during turbulence...
Will see if I can find the link before the chat is over.
Scott Vogel: Thanks.
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Falls Church, Va.: Re: Spas in driving distance
A couple years ago I took my mom to the Five Gables Inn and Spa, in St. Michael's, Md. It was great--right in the center of town, but very peaceful rooms. As for spa services, we had facials, and were very pleased. Always nice when you can then go pick crabs on the town dock restaurant afterwards... Prices were MUCH more reasonable there than at the Inn at Perry Cabin!!!
Scott Vogel: Another spa suggestion, thanks.
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Fairfax, Va.: Is there any public transportation between DC and Baltimore? My son and some of his college-age friends are planning to go to something at the Baltimore Convention Center this weekend but are making three day trips of it. Since they don't have cars, they are asking parents to make SIX round trips to ferry them back and forth. Surely there's an alternative?
Andrea Sachs: Trains and buses. See www.mtamaryland.com.
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Washington, D.C.: Delta's new $50 each way for a second bag is an outrage. It doesn't cost near that much for them to handle the bag, it's just an outright fee grab. And for those who talk about travelling with one carry-on like it is a moral virtue, I don't want to be subsidizing your trip.
Is there a travelers' advocacy group who can lobby for certain minimum standards? I know the Post can't because of the revenue it gets from airline ads. Maybe we need a Consumers Union to lobby for us.
Carol Sottili: Revenue from ads has nothing, and I mean nothing, to do with editorial policy. We don't even know what ads are going to be in our section, or in the rest of the paper, in advance. But we're a newspaper, not an advocacy organization. We don't lobby for a particular point of view.
There have been many pushes in the past for a passenger bill of rights, but they never gain enough traction in Congress.
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Dog Days, Va.: I'll be sweating it out next week, enjoying every last bit of warmth b/c winter will be here before we know it. How, you ask? Sweltering in a thick, layered, satiny, floor-length bridesmaid dress with - wait for it - a train, at my brother and future sister-in-law's wedding. Ah, love...
Andrea Sachs: Ah, summer weddings. Good luck!
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Bus to NYC?: Good afternoon! Haven't done the bus to NY in a while and wanted to know if there seems to be a service preference between Bolt and Mega. Took Washington Deluxe before - perfectly fine - but wanted to save a little cash.
Thanks!
Andrea Sachs: No real difference between the two, though I just rode Mega's double decker bus, which was twice the fun. Try both companies and whichever has the lowest fare, grab it. (To get the buck fare, you need to book way in advance.)
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L'Enfant Plaza, D.C.: For the person looking to go north on 95... 95 to the DE border, hop off at the Elkton ext, Route 279, and go north til you get to the Christiana Parkway and go right at the right turn signals. Take that into DE and you can either hook back up with 95 by turning right at the next right turn down 896 or wander through Newark till you feel like hitting 95 again. No real way to avoid that mess unfortunately.
Take either 95 through Philly and around Trenton or the memorial bridge to 295 to Trenton. You skip a lot of tolls and the boring southern part of the NJ Turnpike thatway. From Trenton on north you're kinda stuck though. Sorry.
If you plan to do the trip more than once in the next year you can exit 95 N at the Havre de Grace exit and take the Rt 40 bridge. For the same 5 bucks you can get a sticker that will be good for a full year's crossing on that bridge.
Andrea Sachs: Thanks for l'information.
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Springfield, Va. Any out of the ordinary, tips for finding a reasonable plane fare to Curacao for next April? The best I have been able to find is about $1,000, including what appears to be several hundred dollars in taxes. What gives?
Carol Sottili: I'm not sure about what the going rate is to Curacao. But that seems high to me. I'd track it over a period of time, and strike when the fare drops. The several hundred you're seeing may be just taxes, but I'm guessing it also includes a fuel surcharge.
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Greece, Israel, Turkey: I've been to all three and right now would give an arm and a leg to get back to the Greek Islands. I'm just saying...
Andrea Sachs: We will take your advice, but let you keep your limbs.
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jet lag: I agree it's important to get on the new schedule as quick as possible. I personally like to have some sort of sleep aid on hand (last time I took melatonin; over the counter and worked great) in case you have trouble sleeping when you're supposed to be sleeping.
Andrea Sachs: Ambien is also known to let you sleep like a baby.
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Herndon, Va: I'm planning a trip for next summer to Park City, UT with side trips to Zion and Bryce. I have enough FF miles on UA for 3 of the 4 family members. How do I balance redeeming the miles for the 3 with getter a lower fare than currently available ($500) for the 4th person. I won't accumulate more miles soon enough for the 4th ticket. If I wait for lower fares I'll probably lose the free seats. Ideally I want us all to fly together.
Also, if I only have 3 days for Zion and Bryce how do you recommend I spend the time?
Carol Sottili: If you can get the flights you want for three of the four using ff miles, I'd just buy the third one. Can't help you with Bryce and Zion, but I love Park City. Great place to bike/hike.
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Andrea Sachs: Thanks everyone for joining us. Come back next week and we can talk travel again. Till then . . .
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