Remember back in high school (you gotta have a GREAT memory for that)….NOW IS THE TIME…..well, it’s that time !  You’ve been putting it off, but NOW is the time. We’re going to get ready and go on that trip we’ve been promising ourselves. The dollar is down, the Euro is up, the Pound is up, but we’re not getting any younger, and we’re gonna do it THIS YEAR.  To avoid the down currency, we’ll do a few things different!

OK, to make things easy, if you not well-versed in German or Italian, or whatever, we’ll plan to visit the UK this year. The Gaelic in Ireland is certainly different, but everyone understands English, and although some of the Brits and Scots seem to speak a different language, IT IS ENGLISH. If it seems difficult to you, try having another beer (or Gin), and eventually you’ll be talking just as they do.  Having been to England a dozen or so times, there is

just so much to see.  London itself can be good for 4-5 days and you will NOT see everything. But if you’re going for 10-14 days total, 4 or 5 in London is enough for THIS TRIP….you can always come back another time.

Now there are two ways to do this….alone where you want to go and what you want to see, or, with a scheduled trip where you have a detailed itinerary and a tour guide.  A listing of tours available and their cost are in every Sunday’s travel section of the paper. Your local travel agent can refer you to one of these tours (most travel agents have already taken these tours and are anxious to get your business, so will give you a GOOD one that fits your needs).

Playing softball in Europe for past 7 yrs, we’ve had  great ones and one or two that might have been better if we’d gone on our own. Traveling with a group, you will always find a couple of “strange” folks, or a “smoker”, or someone who “knows everything”….but you’ll survive ! Just plan to be on the opposite end of the bus, or find another couple (s) that are just great to be with and will become “friends forever”….that happens too. Tours sometimes include airfare round-trip (not necessarily from YOUR local airport) and others have cost for “land portion only”. Again, your local travel agent can get you an inexpensive airfare, or if you will be shopping for that inexpensive ticket, remember, in APRIL  airfares go up…up…up for the summer season and stay there till October when they start back down….and yes, you can buy tickets now for next fall if you’re planning a late in the year trip…when it will be “off-season” and much less costly than June thru August.

You’ve decided to do it on your own….that is NOT a dumb idea!  You go where and when you want. If you’re going to do that (been there 10-12 times) go to Border’s or your local bookstore, and  get a book on the area you want to visit. In our example of UK , read about all the free museums, attractions and scenic things to visit, not only in London , but in Scotland , Wales and skipping across the Irish Sea to the “old country”. You can easily come up with a “quickie” itinerary and then go on and get more detailed later on.

We mentioned the airline tickets….you can go to a local travel agent and get them (they may convince you that you want one of their tours) or you can do it on the computer….I know, you don’t feel comfortable on the computer….ask one of the grandkids to help when you have your dates of travel firm. Or, call the airline 800 number, but you will pay $10-15 more for a ticket that they send rather than the “E-ticket” you get on the computer…and travel agents will have a charge too.

Next thing you want before leaving, is a rail pass and the local city passes….NO this is not getting too complicated…you can do it!  Again, these can all be done on the computer, so, back to the kids if necessary.  A BRITRAIL pass is good anywhere in the UK except Ireland (Euro rail Pass is good there, plus 17 other countries). The rail passes are valid for a fixed amount of days; like if you’re going for 7-12 days, get the 15 day pass. You’ll pay for them with your M/C or VISA card, they’re good for one year and they don’t begin counting down until you check in with the first train station you leave from….and from then on, you don’t pay for travel on the train…you just show your pass.

Be aware, London is the 2nd most expensive city in the world (Moscow #1, but we’re not going there today), so we want to make sure that we are cutting corners wherever possible, but still enjoy the trip. Some places to save are the train passes; and certainly the London travel card which pay your way on buses, underground, and local trains…see www.londonpass.com …NEVER pay cash for transportation…it’s double…even a 1 day pass is cheaper!

The individual hotel listing on the computer is cheaper than the 800 number, so browse, then select…see www.holiday-inn.com or www.bestwestern.com (largest selection). Make sure you get at least one meal per day with the hotel you choose….many don’t offer even breakfast. Picking a B&B (no, you don’t have to have a previous-made reservation…just walk in) will almost always have a breakfast (some of them unbelievable) included. Want theatre tickets…they can cost $100 (50 pounds), but go to Leicester Sq and get TODAY’s ticket for ½ price (you’ll stand in line, cash only) or look at www.tkts.co.uk to see what is available.

This is why you start PLANNING now. Certainly it’s easier if someone else does it for you, but make sure you will like the package they offer. Beside your local travel agent, there are many on the computer and you quite often will get round-trip air, hotel, some meals, airport transfer, tours….there are millions of choices. One highly respected choice is www.virgintravel or one of their companies, www.virginvacations.com where you can select London or London & Edinburgh or London & Amsterdam and also include connecting flights to the other cities beside the above hotel, meals and tours. A quick way to sign up, pay in advance and have a really inexpensive vacation all planned for you.  Oil prices, airline and hotel costs, currency fluctuations & service charges won’t change much in the coming year. Don’t wait for that lottery ticket to payoff.  YOU DESERVE IT NOW!    Have a great vacation.

AGCM Moon Mullen USN RET

Source: Aerograph,  May 2007

Something has come up….you must change that reservation you made a couple of months ago (when you got a much better rate than waiting till the higher prices of the peak season).  If you’re doing this change via the computer….BE CAREFUL!  It can cost big bucks just because you’re canceling.  Not to mention that the new reservation will be more costly because you are now seeing summer (hi-peak) prices.  If you are doing all these changes thru some of the on-line travel companies like Expedia or Travelocity or other computer company, plan on a penalty fee for canceling.  If you’re doing the changes thru your favorite travel agent, there may or may not be additional charges, probably depending on how much you do each year with that agent.  How can you get away from this “pain” that started in the last few years?  On the computer, go to the hotel website, i.e. hilton.com or holidayinn.com or bestwestern.com or whatever (you can always “Google” your hotel name and they will give you the address) OR better yet, CALL the hotel.  On the original confirmation, you got their local address and phone number…or certainly an 800 number.  Call those numbers and first of all, get the persons name that you talk to; tell them you’d like to cancel your reservation; get a confirmation number for the cancellation; and then make the new reservation.  If you’re doing all this on the computer with the actual hotel.com, there is usually no penalty until the day before or the day of your arrival.  The cost of not canceling early can be 10% to as much as 100% (one nights stay)…so check those times/dates before you go – it’s a terrible surprise when you are checking in late! Some really GREAT news for those traveling thru England…the Brits have imposed a penalty on the Security folks that DO NOT get the  95% of all travelers thru security checks in less than 10 minutes…don’t know why we can’t do that here in the USA!OK, you’re on the way to the airport to check in…remember, at least 2 hrs at airport check-in before takeoff time, which gives you time to check the baggage, and before TSA and carry-on inspection ,  DO HAVE A SEAT CONFIRMATION – don’t wait till you’re at the gate – don’t even wait till you get to the airport agent to get that seat assignment….get it when you make the plane reservation either on-line or with the travel agent or with the airline by phone (airline phone will also cost $10 more than on computer …and again, travel agent will cost more than computer)…what’s that?  You say it’s getting more and more each year to travel – no argument!  You don’t do computers – get you grandson/daughter to do it for you…they know computers better than us old folks.  http://www.SeatGaru.com or http://www.SeatExpert.com and select your seat…and then tell the airlines when you make the initial reservation for the flight. Now we have another problem….which is the “best” seat?!?  Well, obviously turning left when you get on the plane and sitting up front in First Class is Outstanding…but maybe your spouse didn’t give you enough allowance this month.  Well, surely Business Class is your next best bet.  Some airlines do not have 3 class travel anymore…maybe only 2 classes…but if you’re sure you will be going Economy class, people have different preferences there and that’s where seat selection comes in.  Pro’s and Con’s follow: Window vs.: Aisle…Window is great for takeoff and landing views plus a wall to lean on while trying to sleep (don’t forget –probably no pillow on most airlines now) while Aisle is great for getting up without disturbing(or waking) others in your row; if you’re tall you can stretch feet out in the aisle under the seat ahead of you (but watch out for the flight attendants carts coming thru) and you always own the aisle armrest while you may have to fight for it in the other seats.  Middle seat-stay away from unless you have 3 or 4 of you who want to sit together….except if you spot an entire row with no one sitting in that row just as you are starting to back up from the gate or beginning to taxi….if you spot an entirely empty row, get up NOW and walk quickly to that row, sit in the middle seat, and strap in before the FA gets to you to ask you to sit down NOW.  Immediately after takeoff, you can lift the two armrests on both sides of you, and lay down on the 3 seats. (Caution: keep a seat belt around you so the FA won’t wake you later).  How about front or back of airplane? Front seats will find you getting off the plane as much as 10-20 minutes earlier than those in the rear, which means Customs quicker and at International arrivals, you can stand in line looking for your bags before those in the back….if you’re arriving in the USA…everyone will be waiting for baggage, but you can get closer to the incoming bags on the carousel.  Front is not great if you get on the plane after others have been boarding for sometime and took your overhead baggage space.  If can get all your bags under the seat in front of you, you’re OK.  Another advantage to front seats…most airlines start food and drink in the front and move to the rear.  Well, who would want a rear seat?  Some like it because it’s closer to the restrooms which are in the rear and you can see when there is NO line to stand in.  Of course, the opposite usually happens that there is always a line that is along side your seat.  You also have that 10-20 minute wait before offloading when the seatbelt sign goes off….so, just stay seated if you’re all the way in the back….can you imagine how long the wait will be if you ride the new Airbus 380 coming soon…with 500+ people sitting in front of you! Be patriotic and ride Boeing!  Have a GREAT trip!!

Source: Aerograph, February 2007

As usually happens with the travel column in each February issue, you see this reminder.  Make your airline reservation SOON!  Fares are at their lowest NOW but will start UP in the next month….don’t wait….even the “special” ads now show increases and in June-July they will be at the maximum for the year.  Popular destinations such as London, Paris, NY, LAX, Tokyo can be twice the price in summer than they were last month, which can be a saving of +/-$400 or more on many airlines – and NO, all airlines don’t have the same fare….shop!  Consider also the financial status of the airline you choose.  Effective this year, competitive airlines DO NOT have to offer inexpensive tickets to passengers of any airline that goes bankrupt!!!  Some have been in and out of Chapter 11 with more than one still having problems even though they continue to sell tickets.  What does that mean to you?  Before 2007 if your airline went belly-up and your ticket was worthless, you could go to another airline that serviced your destination and they could offer a standby reservation at no extra cost to you, or a greatly reduced charge.  The law expired.  You are now a new customer for that competitive airline and they will not only charge the same as other airlines, but probably more since you are now buying a ticket less than 2 weeks prior to departure.  Which airlines are “shaky”?  They seem to change two or three times each year, but except for American, Southwest and one or two others, most have or ARE in some form of financial distress.  So, what can you do as a traveler??  Sure you can stay home, but you’re not getting younger and those trips you always wanted to take CAN BE DONE now!

Whichever airline you use, ALWAYS pay for your airline ticket with a credit card.  If they do go Chapter 11 and no longer honor your ticket, VISA, MC, and all the credit card companies will deduct that charge from your account.  If your travel agent will not accept credit cards for your travel, think about getting someone else to make those arrangements.  Your retirement check, or Social Security, or both, probably went up…the US dollar is down but hotels in Europe have decreased prices to attract more of us to come visit.  Instead of going to the more expensive 4 or 5 star hotels, try going to the Bed & Breakfast locations at every other city and then the 3 or 4 star hotels for 2 or 3 day stops in the larger cities.  You’ll find the B&B’s are not only exciting and a neat adventure, but the price is often more than ¼ to ½ less than the “biggies”….and your host or hostess are so much more friendly… and really want you to enjoy the stay in their place and city….and NO, you do not have to have a reservation.  In all of Europe, you can get off the train or plane and look for the “i” (which are volunteers offering you free “information” about that town). You can have them make the call to the B&B to tell them you’re coming; there is a slight or NO charge for the “i” folks, and they will also give you directions and brochures.

Insure that your host/hostess are English speaking before leaving “i” and ask if they accept credit cards; some do not, but just stop at the ATM when you are leaving the train station and get cash.  B&B’s are an experience you will never forget and a faster way to get to know the “locals” than sitting in a 5-star high priced hotel room wondering if you want to have room-service or go to the restaurant for another big addition charged to your bill.  Another change while in Europe….you made a previous reservation, or just walked up and inquired….but YOU LOOK AT THE ROOM before you give them the credit card or pay!!

You can do this at B&B’s or small town hotels too.  A room overseas is usually smaller than our US hotel rooms; be sure you have enough room. Quite often a note of disapproval (for size or whatever reason) will get you a lower rate or larger room for the same price and on more than one past occasion, opening of the door to an empty adjoining room.  If they haven’t offered the usual “accompanying breakfast”, be sure to ask for that “bennie” before signing.    Final word of warning.  Ask your airline agent on check-in about TSA restrictions on carryon’s.  Have a GREAT trip!

Source: Aerograph, November 2006

|TRAVEL VIA THE MOON

We mentioned last issue how hotels are adding charges for services you didn’t necessarily ask for…or even know what they are!  Like “resort fee”,” computer availability”  even if you don’t have one, etc.  Well, the residents of many towns and cities around the country also want to thank you for your contribution every time you rent a  car at their airport…Milwaukee needs your tax dollars to fund a study on mass transit; you’re helping to build a new NHL (that’s hockey) arena in Dallas;  in Charlotte they thank you for helping to build a new arts center downtown….80+ local and state taxes are added on to YOUR bill every time you rent a car in the US…on TOP of the usual tax you always pay!   Your car at LAX is $61 and at DFW its $57…oh, we need to add the tax-yea, that car at LAX is up to $67-sorry. At DFW your contribution to the new NHL arena  (and NO, you don’t get a seat for a future game) your car rental is now a whooping $97. It used to be a “pain” that you ran into at some locations and you had to put up with it, but it’s got to be a “regular” happening no matter where you go. …correction….at SOME, but not all, cities you land at there may be a reduced tax add-on for “off-airport” rental offices.  Many hotels “downtown” will have car rental offices in the lobby or very nearby that charge as much as 10-15% LESS tax than the same airport rental. If the hotel has free shuttle service, you’re ahead!  But, some “downtown” rental offices may charge MORE! Get on the 800 phone or computer and ask BEFORE you get to the airport.  There are some cities and states that haven’t gone the route of “get the tourist” yet….like  Scranton PA, Cedar Rapids IA and Boise ID….course, if you’re paying per mile to drive to Miami, you may want to switch to Plan B.  In the meantime, do some home work on the phone/computer and call more than one of the different rental companies -  they do have special sales!  And DO check the different companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, et al, especially if you are “preferred” and have a number with one).  If you check 5 different companies at your airport, you will probably find 5 different prices for the same car - and those low prices may be very different at some other airport….you gotta do homework via the phone or computer…and don’t forget your AAA, AARP, Vet, Sr discount. If you’re on the phone (how lucky can you get talking to a real person!) ask them for their BEST price – that’s  not necessarily the first price that they TELL you !  Do the math – if it costs $15 a day more  for 4 days….you lost $60 by not shopping…if you just won the lottery, never mind!

We really hesitate to tell you about the Transportation Security Admin. (TSA) rules on what you may and what you may not take with you at check-in for your flight, because it may change each week (if not daily)!  About a year ago it was OK to keep your shoes on and hope they didn’t light up the radar when you walked thru…not anymore!  You have to take them off NOW and put them on the belt to go thru the screening. You  also MAY NOT carry food or drink or even have it in your carry-on bag or purse. Medications, including liquid, must have your prescription on the container with YOUR name as part of that prescription. Paste type items like toothpaste, sunscreen, after-shave liquids, skin preparations that many women use….these are all items you MAY not carry thru TSA….but you MAY put them in your checked luggage.  These items seem to change every week !  TSA add and  subtract items.

When you check in with the airline (before TSA), ask the airline agent. If any of your carry-on items are “No-No”, put them in your checked bags right there.  The latest TSA list is in the computer under www.tsa.gov      Travel has changed so much in the past years but it’s still worth it when you get to that destination you’ve been looking forward to for so long.    The least expensive time of the year to travel is here for 3-5 months……get packing and ENJOY !

Source: Aerograph, August 2006

If you haven’t traveled for a year or two, you won’t believe how some hotels are getting so sneaky….on your bill! Are you really checking it out when its presented to you?  Strange names are appearing….”resort fee”, “daily surcharge”, “internet” (whether you used it or not), “parking” (and some places charge every time you go in and out)…local phone can cost more than 50 cts per minute….look at your bill and challenge. If you are a frequent-guest for a particular chain, it will be easier to get it taken off, but DO let them know on check out. According to JD Power, the satisfaction for some chains is going down, and more hotels are now adding these “charges” to bills At the rate they’re going, you may soon see “towels $15”, “sheets $12” etc.  The higher the overnight cost, the closer you might want to check!

    Overseas….not as much “add on” charges, and except in some of the big hotel brands, you will probably get a free breakfast. In Europe they do hotel check-in different than here in the USA.  You can make those reservations on the computer, but as soon as you make that reservation, they WILL be taking money from your credit card…..MAY BE NON-REFUNDABLE. 

schedules on each track, and you ticket is good on the next one (unless you have reserved seats). Your luggage is your problem so it should always be with you. Some folks stow their bags at the front of the car where they have luggage racks, rather than lift them over the seats in the smaller racks. Those large storage places are open for anyone to use; however, people can take the wrong bags from this area and you may find yours missing. In 16 yrs of tourist travel, this has never happened to us but it is a concern. If you’re sitting within observation of your luggage, it is easier to use this larger and easier area. Some bags also will fit between opposite facing seats if their not too big. First class train travel often will have small 6-person compartments and many people traveling do not have luggage, so lifting your bags overhead is the only problem. If your train compartment is not full you might even leave it on the unoccupied seats.

If you’re traveling for numerous days (miles) do look at Train Passes. First and Second class passes are available and are considerably cheaper than daily trip costs. There are also Sr Passes but vary in restrictions in different countries. Eurail on the computer will get you prices and references to other passes….a great way to travel !  You will NEVER forget that experience that brings you right downtown within blocks of your destination hotel.  Off season starts next month.  Get packing now and  ENJOY !

Aerograph, May 2006

You know the drill….press 1 if you want to use the automated selection; press 2 if you think you can get somewhere with this call; press 3 if you still think people will ever answer this phone….your best chance for getting that “live” person is DON’T PRESS any number. Right! There must be 1 or 2 rotary phones somewhere in the USA but make believe you have one of them. There may be a wait. Oh…you get the message that your selection was not accepted….try pressing zero 3-5 times. If that doesn’t transfer your call to the next agent – remember, (1)“they are busy”, and (2)your call means so much to them – your option now is (3) give up, or (4) hang on. If (4) turns out to be more than 30 minutes, try (3), but never forget (2). Some people may even believe (1) and this whole exercise is not just a program to make you switch to the “automated” selection…in which case, you will probably spend another 30 minutes pressing numbers. Don’t you just love our new “technology”!?! You never had as much fun when you wanted to ask a question years ago, when all you had to do was call someone in your local area, a pleasant sounding voice asked if they could help, and then proceeded to answer your question – you never had a chance then to exercise your finger as much, or talk to someone from occupied Bosnia or some other remote island of the world, with an accent you could only understand ever 4th-5th word…as soon as a “live” persondoes answer…ask their name and write it down – you can always ask them to spell it if it’s a name you never heard before. Sometime during the conversation, ask “where are you located?” or “what kind of weather are you having there?”

Remember this “cheating way” to get past ALL OF THE ABOVE!

On the computer just type gethuman.com and you will have ways to bypass those recordings. There are 100’s of unpublished telephone numbers to talk to company humans – No, they don’t all speak perfect English but then again, refer to (2) above. Go to the bottom of page 1 of gethuman.com and click on TIPS. You can select the company you want; there will be an 800 number, and then how to get thru to a “live” person. You will probably want to make a list of these companies/numbers on you printer at home. There are too many numbers to print and include in this Aerograph but if you're not a computer “geek” just ask one of your grandkids, or a neighbor, or a friend to look it up for you. DO NOT call 411….your local phone company will charge you $1.49 for EACH 411 call (plus tax). Instead, dial 1-800-FREE411…no charge!

OK….where are we going with this column…its not TRAVEL! Please refer to (2) above, your question means so much to me!

Late check in….flight overbooked….lost luggage….flight delay….these and many other unexpected problems can be solved on the spot! Don’t yell louder…get smarter!  You have to get past the problem when it happens….writing a letter later will not usually do it. Ask to speak to an agent right away. Get their name and write it down. Explain the problem POLITELY, but persistently. If the solution is not forthcoming, to YOUR satisfaction, ask to speak to the agent’s supervisor. Supervisors have more power to make those solutions IMMEDIATELY. If you are a frequent flyer member with their airline, let them know your number or show ID with that number….they don’t want you switching to a competitor! Ask for a copy of the contract and copy of “what to do” for passengers with this problem. Late check in can be taken care of by the agent
IF there are seats left…flight over-book will usually get money or reductions for future flights…again, supervisors can offer more than the initial offer by the agent on site…and go one step further…let them insure that you will be on the next flight and tell them you expect business/first class seats. They can do it!!! And no, you don’t want credit on a future flight…you want CASH now….they can and will do that too! Lost luggage…the last airline you flew with (when you found your luggage was not here) MUST be the one that takes care of you.  It doesn’t matter if you flew with two previous airlines and finally it may be lost at the 3rd one….it’s always the LAST airline that must pay/do/answer.

They WILL deliver to your address where you will be; a hotel, home, or send to your next stop. They can offer limited money to supply you with some clothes to tide you over. With computer tracking of your number, it is now possible to actually find where it is at this time, and almost guarantee when they will deliver it to you (this is done by a contractor hired by the airline – no you don’t have to tip the delivery person…and it may arrive at your front door at midnight!) Flight delay? If it is a flight that origins where you are leaving from, there is NO penalty … doesn’t matter if its mechanical or weather or whatever the reason …. you get nothing ! BUT, if you changed planes somewhere along the route (a scheduled connecting flight), or your flight stopped somewhere between your origin and your final destination and then weather or mechanical or crew delayed continuing the flight…the airline MUST get you out on their airline or any other airline within TWO hours…or put you up at a hotel (and possibly meals) and get you out at your preferred times. Again, ask for first class on that “rescheduled” flight….AND tell the agent you want to make a phone call to tell people at your destination – on their telephone! Make notes; then back to (2) above. ENJOY !
 

Aerograph, February 2006

Yes we know – you have to be off to the airport 2-3 hrs before the flight due to “no parking” near your airline (sometimes not even at the airport, so you’re riding buses from the parking lot miles away), they want you to arrive at the airport 2 hrs before domestic flights and 3 hrs before International…..hard to understand why the 1 hr more because the only difference is showing a passport instead of a driver’s license for Intl flights (what do people show who don’t have a drivers
license???) and then the really “fun thing”…going thru TSA. Did you know the rules changed a little in December…you can now carry a 4-inch bladed scissors,
and short screw-drivers, and you may NOT have to take your shoes off (actually, never did but now they are not forcing you to like they insisted before)…of course if they “suggest” it, and you argue you don’t have to, guess who’s gonna win when they pull you aside for a scanning! Did you know that the pilots have to go thru the same screening that the passengers go thru….yes, they do have a picture ID hanging on their front pocket showing they are a pilot for that airline, but they could NOT carry a short bladed screw driver in their bag, pocket or anywhere. Now let’s try to understand this….a terrorist might want to carry that screwdriver as a weapon to take over the flight-deck from the pilots. Is it possible the pilot would want to take over the flightdeck?  It already belongs to the pilot from “push-back” till landing. Oh well, its OK now to carry that Philips-head on board, BUT no box-cutters, etc. 

Since you’re at the airport so early….and more important, thru security…in fact, it’s now 1-1/2 hrs until your flight leaves… you might as well get something to eat. Not hungry! Well then get something to go because if you’re not sitting in the front of the plane in business or first class, you probably will not be getting a meal unless you’re going cross-country and even then….a meal is NOT a guarantee. Airport fast-food shops are selling 32% more in 2005 than 2003. One airline estimated a $40 million saving on “no-coach” food this past year.  Most of the low-cost airlines don’t offer hot meals, and with 4 of the “biggies” in Chapter 11, in-flight meals may be going the route of biplanes. If you are not getting something to take along on board from Carl’s Jr or a BigMac, some airlines are offering a “buy-a-box” with a small sandwich, cookie, and carrot for $5. Will free cokes and coffee be next? Stay tuned. 

Consistently, Singapore Airlines leads the “class” as voted by frequent flyers, with QANTAS (that stands for Queensland and New Tasmania Air System) and Lufthansa following close behind.  The meals of many airlines are now being planned by big-name chefs in order that they might draw passengers from competitors. Loyalty and allegiance by frequent-flyers (read: upgrades) is the most popular reason that many business/first class passengers select their particular airline. Food and service can be a nice add-on however. A LAX to Singapore ticket will cost $9500+ up front, $4500+ in business and almost $1000 in coach (with coach varying up and down depending on the hi/lo season purchase)…you figure who’s going to get the better meal….the more comfortable seat… the better service and future upgrade! ? ! 

As might be expected, many companies are picking up the tab for their employees (and/or executives) who will be working for much of the flight. Yes, there are connections for your laptop and phones at your seat which will be used during the trip. Wine, hot nuts and veggie snacks are constantly replaced without asking; the entrée’s are ordered on the ground before the flight leaves and there is never a “sorry, we’re out of that”….and in fact, on some airlines in first class there is a cook that prepares your entrée as you like it….from salad to salmon, from eggs to order for breakfast to prime rib just perfect. In addition, there is very little fine print when you’re reading the cost of the ticket. In coach, there may be an additional couple of hundred dollars added to the fare in the guise of taxes….would you believe a flight from LAX to London on a coach ticket of $543 includes $113 in taxes. Six of those are US and 2 more in Britain. Going from LAX to JFK there will be $40 in taxes….oh, you’re only going to Oklahoma City from LAX…sorry, but there is a $60 tax add-on if you changing planes at Dallas. You won’t have to worry about it….they will tell you when you get your ticket or if you can find a magnifying glass, the fine print will have it all spelled out for you. The print won’t get any bigger, so just ride up front and then you won’t have to worry about it! The free wine/cocktails will keep you from being too concerned. Enjoy !

Aerograph, August 2005

About 5 or 6 yrs ago, this column asked you to make your travel around the world an experience never to be forgotten. Quite often we seem to be locked in to the “tour guide’s” impression of what we should be seeing…we follow like sheep and see only the things pointed out to us, or that we hoped to see from books read or friends that told us of their experiences. We suggested that we enjoy every day and every view as different and something to be remembered. One of those items ….really different, but seen everyday…was the many bathrooms (restrooms? WC’s?) That we visit on a daily basis… in every city and
every country. One example offered was at a British traffic circle (called “round-abouts) just east of the small town of Stratford-on-Avon where Shakespeare hung out and called home. Actually it was a Hilton hotel with some
of the finer artwork found outside of museums….a place to sit and admire the really neat things in life that again, we might just take for granted. Another “lew”, this time in Vermont, had an upright white piano in the men’s room. Unique? Well how many times in your life have you noticed someone entering the door marked “Gents” to sit down and play the piano? Now answer truthfully…wouldn’t that make your day!?!  Well the opportunity came up again at the 31st reunion in
Branson. If you didn’t make the trip to see the Sonji Hidecki show (rated one of the absolute best in town) you not only missed a truly fine 2hrs of entertainment, but MORE important, you didn’t have the chance to see one of the most luxurious men’s room in the world…..admittedly, we have not seen every toilet in the entire world, but this will certainly rank right up there with the one at the Savoy in London or the lobby restrooms in the Imperial Hotel where Hitler and Mussolini met in Vienna. Hotel concierges in Branson will insist that you stop in and visit (and even take pictures) Sonji’s magnificent marble and carpeted rooms that must be over 3000 sq/ft of elegance. As soon as you enter the open doorway, you may just notice that there is a billiard table inviting you to delay your original reason for entering this unforgettable part of the theatre. Sure, some
people in there, doing “their business”, probably will never forget the guy taking pictures. But anyway, we weren’t like sheep being herded from one stall to another. This may not be quite the incentive to get on the next plane and go to Branson, but let’s just pay closer attention to your travel itinerary a little closer…and yes, you can write and share with us these monumental adventures…we’ll print them!

A request from the Branson get-together….some info on the “Space A” travel…now doing a bit of research to get the latest in rules/tips and will try to bring that to you next issue….ready for a shock….it’s CHANGED a lot!  And so has the security that we used to count on at hotels.  Did you notice the cameras in lobbies, hallways, entrances, and many other places in the hotel (we’re not back in the “sheep” attitude again are we?)? People ARE watching.  And that’s probably good, although it’s hard to remember that it might have been better 20-30 yrs ago if we had those cameras then ?!?

But one place that may be different is in your room. You’ve opened the closet or a large drawer and found your own safe. All yours! Just open it, put your big bills
and passport in there and it’s safe! Don’t bet. If you have a problem tomorrow remembering the combination or getting it open, when you call the front desk, they will send someone up to OPEN it for you. Which means, someone DOES know how to open that safe of yours beside you. If anything is missing, the hotel will refer you to their Insurance Agent who carries the liability insurance for this event (someone stealing from your safe). You may have trouble getting your possessions back. THE ONLY SAFE that the hotel is responsible for is the one at the front desk where they have signed for the exact contents.  Unless you’re in a city or country where the US government has specifically issued warnings on theft, carry your passport and split the money (70-30) with your spouse, or leave it at the front desk safe. One final reminder…make a copy of your passport with your picture and Passport number (go to MailBoxesEtc) and leave it in your suitcase. And you did the same with your spouse’s passport. If your baggage tags got lost or your passport turns up missing, the airlines will know where your home is (although it would be better to have another bag-tag inside too) and that copy of your passport will be accepted at any US consulate in the world. Cost= less than 25 cents. OK, two things you gotta do right away. A copy of your passport (and bag-tag) in each suitcase …. And #2, start noticing the neat things that happen around you when
you’re traveling…no more following like sheep! ENJOY.

NWSA Membership by Moon Mullen

There have been numerous letters to the editor, discussion at the local and annual meetings, and suggestions to/from NWSA and current/past active duty commands. But still when we check the numbers published in each edition of the Aerograph, we continue to lose active members each year. Obviously, we’re not getting any younger and those numbers will continue the steady decrease …. such as we used to plot on the charts for “app” (pressure change during past 3 hrs).  A temporary change to that code 7 of “steady decreasing” can be had by the individual chapters making a concerted effort to go to the “B” List and select the “local” zip codes in their area. A one-page letter to each Inactive name listed in your area or state can be run off at your local MailBoxesEtc store at very little cost and then mailed to those folks inviting them to join your group at the next meeting (as a guest).In all probability, you can recruit them as a new NWSA/chapter member. This could change our code 7 to perhaps a code 6 ….”decreasing but now level”.  But we’re not going to be satisfied with the “6” … not even a code “4” (no change). We can make that a code”3”….down, but now significantly UP!  If you turn to the back page right now, a page many folks kinda ignore because it hasn’t changed for years and you think you know what is on it!
Half way down the NWSA Application page is:

GIFT MEMBERSHIP $10.00

If the 600+ active members immediately go to the Inactive portion of the B-List and find JUST ONE inactive person that you served with during your USN tour, make out a check for $10, and send it to the Secy/Treas ….we can double our current membership and keep Jim Stone busy for the next 2-3 weeks. True, some of those people we gifted this year may not renew next year. But odds are
many will, because they’ll enjoy reading about the happenings at the local chapters, renewing old friendships, and just staying connected to that important part of their lives. Add another $10 and put your spouses name as a member (yes, its legal) and we’ll have Jim smoking that computer…. and our new editor adding a couple of pages to the November issue. We could be headed for a code 2 steady increase for the next couple of years!  Just a $10 GIFT MEMBERSHIP from you and we double the NWSA membership…..DO IT NOW !!

Aerograph, May 2005

Travel via the Moon
Check the Sunday paper, all the travel magazines, the channels specializing in travel, the Aerograph, and all the experts just returned….there are SO MANY things to be cautious of when you travel nowdays…..BALONEY! We blame 9/11 for everything that has changed in the past few years and yes, there are different experiences now when we leave home….but DON’T make the decision to cancel your trip, or wait till these items goaway! Adjust. There’s a dietary supplement for sale that will prevent “economy class syndrome”…don’t bet! True, many airlines no longer offer FREE food in “coach” (a couple give you the chance to order and pay for certain food selections when you make your reservation….a little pricey, but available) and every air terminal has a McDonald’s, Carl Jr, or whatever, plus a Starbucks…so if you didn’t bring your favorite sandwich, fruit, cookies, etc from home, you can buy before you get on the plane. And certainly, if you want to be sure the plane will have “free” food for you, ride up front in 1st Class….you won’t even have to pay $4-5 for drinks up there! And, you’ll be one of the first people off the plane when you get there….course, that means that you’ll have to wait a little longer at the baggage for your bags.  

Another good thing about up front riders…the overhead baggage locker are a lot larger and your carryon will always fit, or the flight attendant will take care of it for you – see you thought you wouldn’t get your money’s worth up there!?!  

But you’re still gonna be in the back….OK…during the flight, get up and walk up your aisle, cross over to the other aisle (you ARE flying on a wide-body, right?) and 4 The Aerograph
make two laps every hour. You might wait till the FA’s are finished feeding everyone coffee/drinks because they sure won’t let you pass by. Many of the airlines have also removed the pillows from certain aircraft but there are still “blankies” on board, although you may want to grab one as soon as you get to your seat…you may have to look, or ask the FA for one before you strap in.
Getting to the airport may be the first difference you will see. Parking is never allowed in front of your terminal…unloading may be further away and parking at
garages cost more every year. Think about parking in more distant lots and riding a free bus to your airline front door….even in larger cities, this adds only 15 minutes to your trip…or rent a car the day before and drop it at the airport where THEY take you to your airline on their bus (car rentals are up to $50+ day but you can get it the day before and go when your ready while “shuttle-buses or vans” insist on a pickup time a couple of hours before you want to be there…and for two people will cost about the same as a car rental. Another time-saver (and vacation extender) is…go to a hotel near the airport the night BEFORE leaving where you can park your car while gone, have a restful sleep and not have to get up that 2-3 hrs early the next morning, and use the hotel courtesy van service to your airline front door! 

Cost for this adventure is often less than the car rental, and the extra the hotel charges over the one overnight stay is usually less than parking your car at the airport.  Holiday Inn, Hilton, Sheraton, Best Western … almost all hotels will offer that service…and on return you get the free courtesy van ride back to your car at the hotel….piece of cake…been doing that for years!

All the airlines suggest you come to the airport 2 hrs early for a domestic flight and 3 for an International flight. Do you know why the one hour diff between a domestic and international? If you ever find out, please let me know….the only difference is on the International you must show a passport when you check in rather than a driver’s license. Yes, you show the passport at the counter at LAX even if you’re flying to Chicago on a domestic flight and then changing to an International flight. Actually, you can show a passport to board ANY flight in lieu of a driver’s license. So. why the extra hour? No one knows. Lines will be longer if you’re checking in with 5-8 bags per person (and you will see many people going Intl with boxes, bags, 4-6 people, and 7 persons to see them off) which makes the line longer…but we’re smart enough to go to the computer with our “e-ticket” we got when we made reservations in the computer, swipe any credit card thru the computer, answer the questions (agent behind the counter will help you if You appear confused) about how many bags per person, how many persons traveling, and your baggage tags will come out the back where an agent will put them on your bags….and you’re gone (maybe to a nearby “security” drop-off) or the agent will take them.  If you are told to drop your bags at security, do NOT have any film or camera inside. The x-rays are stronger than the walk-thru security you will go thru later, and your film will be BLACK. Tell the TSA person you have no film and no guns inside (they will ask you if you don’t
volunteer that first). YOU’RE DONE! Go to the security and check thru. This will take the longest time of your entire check-in but you will see the lines move.  Fun time now…if you have a choice, try to guess which line moves the fastest …. we’re talking BIG TIME NOW … could be 1 or 2 minutes. Coats MUST come off now (since 1 Jan). Shoes may have to come off IF you “ring the buzzer” on the way thru…don’t wear high-laced boots. You can take them off and put them with your wallet, purse, jewelry or whatever WHEN your carryon bag goes thru. Just watch Your purse/wallet/etc on the other side…this is one place theft CAN happen. What do you mean…..you came 3 hrs early and you completely checked in and were at your gate in 29 minutes????? Did you bring a book?  It’s different but it’s not all that bad! It’s part of the adventure of travel.  You’ll enjoy it even more and think of the stories you can tell on return!

AGCM Moon Mullen, USN RET

Aerograph Feb '05

Report cards for travel in 2004 are out. Some of the grades may not affect everyone with the same intensity but we all can judge what they may have done on our behalf. The D+ and/or F marks point to:

Meal service on many airlines now mean …sorry, buy your own; sorry, only up front; sorry, only at meal time (which is very limited in time); or sorry, snack
only. For those who complained about airline meals, is it better now with nothing?!?

Hotel charges with “tourist” taxes, hotel taxes, phone charges at $1-3 per minute, plead for environmental aid and “don’t want to wash so many sheets, towels, etc”… do the laundry daily!

The almighty dollar isn’t so mighty now days. The British pound cost just over $1.50 two years ago…today, $1.22. The Euro costs 1.33 compared to the .97 in 2002. Course, you can always go south where the Mexican peso will bring 1.10 more than 9-11. Prices in Turkey at nearly 15% higher but if numbers impress you, the US dollar will bring 1.42 MILLION Turkish lira…bring your wheelbarrow.

Back to the airlines…want to book your reservation with a person (vice doing it on the computer) and you will pay $5 to $10 extra. Paper tickets have been
replaced with electronic tickets and soon will be a thing of the past…get one of the grandchildren to show you how easy it is to do!

Going on a cruise? It used to be that good service deserved a good tip (you are getting old if you remember that) but now the cruise lines all do us a “favor” and automatically add in tips to your bill, even if you didn’t agree that you had superior service. And do check out the cost of those “land tours” – in many cases, a local taxi on the pier will get you the same “tour” for ½ the price, often with a little extra thrown in, in hopes of a slightly bigger tip to the driver…yes,
they expect tips for the tour-guide and and driver on
the packaged ship tours.

OK, enough of the lumps of coal…where are the “good” marks…the A’s and B’s? These are the items we want to take advantage of!!! Back to the airlines again…low-cost airlines (that didn’t go Chapter 11 in their first year) have grown from routes that most people didn’t want to fly and are now competitive with the “biggies”. True, some have crowded us into smaller planes with less room for that 6ft6 guy behind you with his knees in your back; thank goodness for BurgerKing in the terminal before your departure; but the price is lower, and the “biggies” have lowered their rates to pre-1998 cost for the same flights. Who
would have thunk it! LAX to London for less than $400 round trip…on 8 different airlines! Now the price will more than double in peak season this summer, but you can still get bargains NOW in this OFF-season. Do it!

And again, because of the competition (3 of the “biggies”) having money/labor problems, the walk up (read, last minute) fares are lower and they did away with that silly restriction that you had to stay over a Sat. nite. Did you hear…if the airline you have a ticket on goes bankrupt, Congress says the other airlines may accept your bankrupt ticket (for a slight charge) and you are in a stand-by status. This may cause some delay in getting there, but it’s better than having a
worthless ticket.

The next mark may be a B-, or slightly less. The rental car agencies not too long ago went all out with the latest technology and actually tracked you with GPS to
get your speed and location…in some states you pay more if you cross certain state lines into states where insurance is higher. Well, now they must tell you if
they are doing that…yea, in that 4 pages of fine print that you initial, and sign, and verify that “all is correct”.  Ask them Before signing if these restrictions could
affect your rental.

Hotels are more eager to get your business every time you leave home. So if you belong to a hotel group, get their card (and your personal #), ask them to record
your stay when you sign in, and most important, let them know when you’re unhappy with any part of your stay…quite often you will receive a complimentary
stay next time or an adjustment of your current bill…they don’t want you going to the competition, or certainly not calling the Corporate offices and registering a complaint against them. When you get your bill at checkout, ask “why” the charge for local calls, or why long distance is so high. This will often get it subtracted from your bill…let them know that Hilton, or Marriott, or Holiday Inn don’t have these ridiculous charges!

OK, you’ve seen some of the good and bad changes for the past year. Now let’s take advantage and use them to our benefit. Do your planning now, make those reservations, get the tickets, and stop putting it off!
 
There are 3 SrSoftballUSA trips this year…Hawaii, Netherlands, Japan, the VW-1 reunion in early May, and get your info in NOW for #31 NWSA at Branson.
The Potomac Chapter promises that it’ll be another great one.
 
See you there!

AGCM Moon Mullen, USN RET

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