NWSA - Travel by Moon

TRAVEL VIA THE MOON
AGCM Moon Mullen, USN RET

Source: Aerograph, February, 2010

Travel has changed??..........you better believe it!! We have these idiots that get on the plane and think they have to become a martyr and blow it up ……by TSA folks who somehow or other can slow down hundreds of passengers going somewhere and still let the wrong ones thru the line and onto the plane……did you know, not every Muslim is a terrorist, but every terrorist was a Muslim……..but we can’t suspect certain-looking individuals more than other-looking individuals, because that could hurt some feelings.

And then too, some airlines have strange (not a chance to change them) rules about minimum check-in times, even though your flight may actually be 10-30 minutes late in leaving the gate…..at times, it’s just frustrating. Or, how about full-body screening at TSA . Other countries are doing it and it works. That’s the bad news………now here’s the good news….

we don’t care….. WE’RE GOING !!

We ARE going to arrive at the airport EARLY. For years the airlines have been asking you to arrive 1 hr before domestic flights and 2 hrs before International flights…..always was hard to understand the difference since you have to show driver’s license for domestic and passport for Intl ??? or is the extra hour because there are so many people in line ahead of you with TONs of baggage, and maybe 4 or 5 of them together….yes, the lines to check in are often longer on the Intl side. So, do the 2 hr early for ALL of your flights…..an example just 3 months ago…..two traffic accidents along the freeways enroute to LAX delaying all traffic for 20 minutes and when “swiping” the passport into the computer to check in, a large screen message said “Sorry – time is 42 minutes before your flight” Unable to get automated baggage tags from the check-in computer, the agent at the desk said “sorry” and finally a supervisor said “sorry”….the flight departed 12 minutes after scheduled time, without this person in my reserved FIRST CLASS seat because I was 3 minutes late checking in. With only 1 flight per day from LAX to Tokyo , the rest of the day was spent at a nearby Holiday Inn…but the following day, this passenger checked in 4 hr early. Take a book and read while you’re waiting, but don’t depend on getting thru TSA quickly ( TSA and fast is an oxymoron). We know the rule about “liquid”…..no more than 3 oz going thru TSA … even though the $140 value of 2 bottles of premium brandy delivered on the plane from “duty free” in London, was “confiscated” by TSA in Chicago “because it might contain some “bad stuff”, now that the flight is over and we’re on the ground. And so, we learn.

There is NO rule about carrying empty plastic bottles thru TSA . After clearing that screening, go to any of the airport restaurants, or private clubs (e.g. Admiral’s Club) or outside of restrooms, and fill up that empty plastic bottle with water, or soda, and drink it while waiting or take it along on the plane to your seat. Some airlines are now charging for the “free” sodas we used to get…..most are NOT. And on a flight longer than 2 hrs, flight attendants will give you free plastic bottles of water (although you can always ask and they will probably give you one even on shorter flights)….and of course, sitting up front a little further in business or first class, you can have beer, wine or whatever free….in business it will be in plastic cups….in first class it will be in crystal…..take your pick!

Sandwiches?? Sure. If you have room, your favorite sandwich (OK to go thru TSA ) may be a nice snack while reading your book at the gate. Free sandwiches in “coach” are a rare happening….and if you have to buy one, selection is limited and pricey…..plan on $5 for “cheese & crackers” and $7-8 for a regular sized (don’t even think “club” sandwich. Even at the airport restaurants inside TSA , your option is McDonald’s or other fast-food stops with prices higher than your local shops at home…but at least you can get “fries” with that order, and various other items, which you won’t get on the plane. And again, sitting up front, you WILL get a meal or snack, and the price for the food is right …. The price for the seat is a bit more!

One last item before we take off. As you’re sitting waiting near your departure gate, you hear a PA asking for “anyone desiring to change their schedule and remain behind”……read, bounced from your flight for a reward……..BEFORE you give up your seat, confirm that you will be confirmed on another flight (suitable to YOU)…. AND preferably in business or first-class…..that if it’s tomorrow you also get a hotel room at AIRLINE expense and a check/cash for $$$ to take along right now – not “future discount on the airline”….cash or check now. If they offer $200 you can probably get $300…..ask. Now you have all the offers…..decide….and talk to one agent and not so others who may want the “reward” can hear you. It’s done all the time and if your schedule allows, a good saving on this trip we’re going on.

If you’re going to be late for the first ball game in Teipei and miss the first night’s welcome party……get on the plane and go. You deserve it !

Submitted by AGCM Moon Mullen USN RET

Source: Aerograph, November, 2009

We know there are some folks who have been dedicated to this column for the past 15 yrs or more….and our thanx go out to you; but do give a look at the FRA Today September issue with 5 pages of some great travel tips pertaining mainly to military retirees. In these days of lower income for

many, cutting corners is a BIG plus when traveling. The article includes Space A travel, locations to visit around the world, Navy Lodge and Armed Forces Recreation data and lots of info that can be had on the computer (and your grandkids can help you with that if you “don’t do computers”). If you’re not a member of FRA, an 800 call to FRA-1924 will get you to their office and instructions on how to get a copy of the magazine…….it can save you big bucks on your next trip and all of those that follow !

And we all save wherever we can on selecting the location, the transportation, the time we visit, the hotels….every way we can. But many times, travelers overlook the obvious. The suitcase…or whatever those things are called now. Almost all airlines are now charging for baggage….some for the first and most for the second bag. And many airlines will have different dimensions on what they allow…..domestic flights have one weight and international carriers have a different weight. It can be confusing! However, everyone has one advantage: PACK LESS. Get started early with the packing, like 2 weeks before departure. First thing in is a copy of your passport and/or home address and phone number…..

DO NOT put your home address on the outside for someone to easily glance down and see where you live (and tell them that you’ll be out of town). It’s OK to put your name on the outside of your bag(s) but be sure your address is hidden on the underside.

Now we’re back to packing. Clothes you wore 20 yrs ago are probably out of style (or maybe they are back in style) and also don’t fit you…..so don’t take them. Match outfits so pants or skirts go with 2 or 3 tops. Two pairs of shoes (one dress and one walking) should be enough. Stuff socks and other items inside the shoes. Do you really need hats? If this is a “shopping” trip, leave room for those things you’re planning to buy, or plan on “carry-on” baggage. Remember, that seabag-sized suitcase will cost extra when you get to the airline counter……and DON ’T lock it when you give it to the airlines…… TSA will cut it open, or break the lock, if they see anything inside that may be “suspicious”. You can buy travel locks that can be opened by TSA , but there has never been anything stolen or missing in our suitcases since we leave them closed but unlocked……your household insurance will cover any losses except for cash or items such as the Mona Lisa that you have inside. Recheck all you’ve packed about 5 days before going and you’ll probably find one or two things you won’t need. DO take a shoulder bag with toilet articles (great to have on the plane while traveling) and other emergency items like book to read, pass-port, tickets, reservation data, diary, glasses (extra pair in suitcase), or things that you may need enroute. Day before departure, get on your bathroom scale holding the suitcase, subtract your weight, and decide……do I want to lug this for the next couple of weeks?

Train travel….you have to lift it up in the overhead racks? Taxi – some charge EXTRA for suitcases in the trunk. Consider sharing an extra case with your spouse/friend, particularly if you’re buying things at your vacation site. You’re carrying it on the plane-----can you

lift it? Flight-attendants will NOT help you….if the overhead has room…..or even find one not already full. If it’s oversize for “carry-on”, the Flt attendant will take it and you will be charged when you have to go to “oversized baggage” on arrival.

OK we’re done. We have enough, but not too many clothes….it doesn’t take a small crane to lift it; we have ID inside and no home address to be seen outside…..one more thing. Did you ever notice while you’re waiting for your baggage to come off the airplane----almost everyone else’s bag looks just like yours ! Make yours DIFFERENT….bright colors around the handle will help see it.

You’re ready. You’ve been looking forward to this trip……so enjoy – you deserve it.

Submitted by AGCM Moon Mullen USN RET

Source: Aerograph, August, 2009

DO HAVE your passport, or Passport Card, good for at least 6 months from the time of entry into that country you’re headed for…..new rule effective in June 2009….so don’t wait, get that Passport NOW. It could take 2 months to get it via USmail…a little faster (and more expensive) via FedEx. Get it NOW.

OK….you seldom see any writing in this column about where the Mullen’s have gone….but we’ve got to share with you a recent trip to Europe we’ve just returned from. Previous column’s have promoted either “independent” travel or “guided tours”. The difference between the two depends on what, where or how you WANT to go. Independent travel means you do almost everything yourself….certainly you can get help from a travel agent or even airline travel trips that are self-guided. Quite often, independent travel will be slightly higher cost, but the advantages are you will be doing the planning…..as much as 6 months before actually going….a lot of reading in books available at your local bookstore on the countries you’re going to, the museums, the special areas you want to see, the entertainment, the views, everything in the book about your destination, and then, making a detailed itinerary of your trip before you leave…..you won’t believe how you actually experience the trip twice and enjoy it even more. That pre-trip planning allows you to skip some museum or item that you don’t really find that interesting, and go on to some other location/site. You will probably find on return home that there were one or two places you did not get to visit (due to air reservation back to US) or a couple of interesting places that took a little more time that originally planned…….all the better. Local city tours are usually available in most larger cities and 1 day getting familiar with the location of events in those cities is easily arranged by most 3-star hotels for a very small cost.

The other option….let a travel agency or tour group do all your planning for you. And that’s what we did this time by signing up for a river cruise from Berlin to Munich (the last portion was via private coach after leaving the Elbe River at Prague ). We flew on our own (but the travel agency will make flight reservations for you if you want) to TXL in Berlin, stayed at a very nice 4-star hotel, had a “local” 3-hr tour of the city from the Brandenburg Gate to Check-Point Charlie and all the historic places you read about, including free-time for shopping….and then, EIGHT days aboard the Fredric Chopin….all in the same room, with closets and shelves and private bath….just like living in a hotel or your home, all the while enjoying the luxury of a grand trip thru Germany along with 50+ other folks that it was easy to get to know and enjoy…just unbelievable meals, a bartender who quickly gets to know exactly what you need and when, entertainment each night, tours via a guide every other day thru the countryside and interesting villas along the river….a staff of 1 for every 2 passengers who seemed to be upset with themselves because they didn’t offer something to you before you asked for it…….on a scale of 1 to 10….this had to be at least 12. The river cruise itself (did not include our further travel via coach to Munich ….although the travel agency did include the entire 15 days) is one of four available for Elbe and other rivers in Europe . Peter Deilmann river cruises was ours but there is also Tauck, Uniworld and Viking. Cost can be slightly less than an ”independent “ trip, but you don’t have to do the planning and you may be seeing some places that don’t really get you too excited…….but you will never forget those experiences.

And that is what travel is about……enjoying the world, your companions, and your life. The dollar is coming back up, the bargains are available now, so stop thinking about………DO IT!