Tagged With "Air Line Pilots"
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Re: Edinburgh, Scotland for 2.5 days....help!
Thank you for the suggestions! I wanted to mainly see if we needed fast track tickets anywhere there could be a line. With all we want to see, I don't want to waste time standing in line anywhere. Yes, I should have added the royal yacht to the things we want to do.
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
The Air France flight 447 that went down with all souls lost, out of Rio, Brazil in 2009 would have benefitted from a greater system override of the pilots misinterpretation of their flight 'status'. Anything that can reduce pilot error OR system error has to be desirable.
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
What would seem perhaps most beneficial would be not only to have auto-pilot type systems with human override but also to have auto-pilot functions that remain active while humans "drive," providing a second opinion. "Hey, human: are you sure you don't want to slow down/speed up a little here?"
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
I recently read this blog post where a former pilot trainer describes the culture and attitude of Korean pilots. For me it was somewhat eye opening. Read it and decide for yourself: http://www.freerepublic.com/fo...f-news/3041469/posts
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Re: TSA Pre-Check: first experiences
Paying more to beat the lines still sounds a bit elitist to me. Like those who paid "First Class" getting preferential treatment. And those who get a Theme Park Ticket that allows them to jump to the front. I've done the VIP treatment. It was very pleasant not to have to wait in line. But I too felt a bit guilty.
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Hi Hank. If you enjoy hiking and the weathers fair then you can go up to the Snow line and above. Take the Train up, then continue on foot to the peak. Train from Llandudno Junction on the North Wales coast Plenty of info here: http://www.nationalparks.gov.u...arks/travelsnowdonia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utjPQZVpOiY for the Mountain Railway .
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Re: Is Pre-check or Global Entry worth it?
I dunno...most of my overseas flights have come home through Kennedy in NY or gone out that way, and the way it's been sometimes, I think at $100 for 5 years, I'd take it. I'd probably even take it as a $50 per round-trip deal. When you get off the plane, you want to go home, not wait hours in a line...
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Re: Is Pre-check or Global Entry worth it?
Fortunately, Gulliver, most of us don't wait hours in line. But if that's your experience, it would be a good investment. But it's yet another thing to take care of.
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter
The Mall's more interesting than you might think - besides the shopping there are the restaurants, amusement venues, and events going on. Here some info about stuff to see at the Mall http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions To get to the Mall of America you Take Metro Transit (easy and clean) From Minneapolis Hiawatha Light Rail (Route 55) - The Hiawatha light-rail line offers fast, frequent service from downtown (5th Street) to Mall of America. Hiawatha light-rail trains leave every 7.5...
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
Anyone remember the movie Westworld? Where nothing can go wrong...go wrong....go wrong... I'm okay with the pilot using automation, but the idea of automation REPLACING the pilot....nah... I want someone who can grab the controls and fly by the seat of his or her pants, not have the plane crash because some tiny part shorted out. Same goes for robot cars on the highway. I don't wanna get killed head-on by a car reacting to a sunspot in GPS. OTOH if you could get government on autopilot...oh,...
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
Plane from the UK had to abort landing at Cologne Airport yesterday when the Pilot spotted another plane already on the runway. Just 400 metres from touchdown - that's only a few seconds ! I wouldn't leave that decision to a Flight Simulator !
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
GarryRF makes a great point. Computers are very sophisticated and can do a lot. But they lack "human judgement". Call me old fashioned, but I'm more comfortable with a human pilot flying my aircraft.
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling
SueZee, I'm sure there is but, as I mentioned, I just don't think you need to worry about it. As a last resort you can call the embassy if the first line of defense, hotels & pharmacies, can't help. Very unlikely. Tell your cousins only rank beginners and sick people spend time worrying that could be enjoyed planning their trip.
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling
Hi SueZee, I agree with PortMoresby. Embassies, pharmacies, hotel concierges, etc are a great help. I think that would be your first line of advice, if needed. There is a website that might be helpful, featuring English speaking physicians abroad. I know nothing about this organization, so it's not a recommendation -- just a resource. Here's that link.
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Re: Welcome to The Golden State.
Later today, after I'd posted this photo, I was watching the local 6:00 news, Sacramento. A fire had started in Lincoln, NE of Sacramento, a yard full of trucks engulfed and spreading into grass, moving toward a subdivision. A spotter plane left the Grass Valley Base, flew over my house and I looked to see what it was. About 10 minutes later the news helicopter showed it arriving low over the fire to inspect it. I went out again to watch the next plane, a retardant tanker, possibly the one...
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Re: Welcome to The Golden State.
Currently estimated at 32,00 acres in size, the Butte Fire is now burning 1 mile from Mokelumne Hill. While I have no doubt the tiny town will be saved, your best view of it at the moment may be here , on TravelGumbo. More details on the CalFire site.
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Re: Air Miles vs Low Fare Airline
We flew Norwegian in May, Orlando-Oslo and were really impressed. The 787 made such a difference and we arrived feeling fresh. The moister air, bigger windows and lighting made a world of difference in how we felt post trip. We brought a decent sized carry-on and personal bag each for free too. As far other extra fees, we didn't pay any. They charge for food or drinks, but we just bought those at the airport. And I think they also charge for blankets, but we brought jackets to cover with and...
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Re: London- multiple questions
Thank you for all of the information. I am finally ready to finalize some things since we leave at the end of this month! We have decided not to do Liverpool...seems like we should come back and do that someday. I am thinking the Megabus option may be the way to go to Salisbury and catch the shuttle to Stonehenge from there. That way we can see the cathedral while we are there. Do you know if it is a short walk to the cathedral or will we need to take a taxi from the Megabus stop? Do you...
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?
There's certainly a lot of variation, as I also noted above. And sometimes the planners don't help much either, as is the case with all three of our New York airports, where the whole AirTrain concept is completely botched. At Kennedy, the AirTrain's stations are not in, but sort of near, the terminals. That means you have to drag your stuff outside, across the roadways, and then up stairs or elevator to the train. And then, you have a choice of going to the commuter rail station (about 3...
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?
Heathrow Express MAY take 15 minutes. The only time it was convenient for me and I decided to give it try, it stopped part-way to Heathrow and we just sat there. I'd have gotten to the airport faster and paid quite a bit less to take the slower train from Paddington, the Heathrow Connect. Since then I make a point to stay along the Piccadilly Line of the London tube and pay the least of all.
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Re: Beating Jet Lag
When you arrive at your departure airport set your watch to your destination time. Sleep as much as you want to on the flight. Wear headphones to avoid being woken - listen to some smooth tunes on your MP3. Take snacks and bottled water. Don't eat big meals before and during your flight. Take a puzzle book to keep your mind active while you are awake. Take a pee long before they put the seat belt sign on for landing. (Waiting too long in line for Immigration when you're busting makes you bad...
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Re: How do you use the internet while traveling?
I have not been to Japan, but generally my travel experience with internet access has been much more positive than yours. I've generally had good luck with getting on line in Europe, South America and even Southern Africa. Once in a while the internet might be down at a place I'm staying at, but usually it's quickly repaired. Exceptions to this are very rural areas, like in Patagonia and where I'm heading next week, Yellowstone National Park. There is really not internet available at most...
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Re: Outdated Information, Print & Online
This is problematic, especially when it comes to accommodations and restaurants in my experience, because ownership and management changes and closures are far from rare in the travel industry. A lot of guide book publishers have on line sites which provides updates to the guidebook. But that takes lots of effort and this is a real downside of printed media -- its short half life. Glad to hear you're looking at Sri Lanka! It's a wonderful destination.
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Re: Best Ways To Reach Heathrow Airport Quickly In London
I just noticed this morning in TravelGumbo News that Heathrow Express is cutting its fares because of competiton with train service that wasn't mentioned here. That's what used to be called Heathrow Connect, and is now called TfL Rail, and will soon be called the Elizabeth Line. It's only 15 minutes slower than the Express, and the price is the same as the Tube. Both of those go only to Paddington Station in London, way in the West End, but once TfL Rail is connected to the new Crossrail...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
A lot of questions! Let me try a few answers... Absolutely I'd say stop in Iceland. Every place in the world is unique, but Iceland is more so, geographically, in climate, and in history. Half a week (or even a week) won't do more than scratch the surface, but you'll be able to visit incredible waterfalls, climb on glaciers, see evidence of recent volcanic activity, and realize that under it all is a huge pool of thermally heated water that provides over 70% of the nation's energy. If that...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Well, I said so much about Iceland, I decided to leave the rest for another post. Getting from Barcelona (or Madrid) to Lisbon: the only practical way is to fly. Train takes too long for this one, and costs more! From Barcelona to Lisbon, flights on Vueling, Iberia, TAP, etc. run from $35 one-way to about $80 before you hit the high-priced ones. I just looked in May; Vueling and Iberia have $68 in the morning and $35 at 7:30 pm. Madrid-Lisbon, there's a $40 mid-day flight, but most other...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
PHeymont has given you some excellent advice, Travel Luver. By all means, spend some time in Iceland. If you can fit it into your trip, 4 days would be my minimum stay here. As Paul pointed out so well, Iceland is unique. It is also very sparsely populated, with only 300,000 people on the island and two thirds of those living in Reykjavik. And it is a newly form volcanic land with tons of glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal events. So by all means, see it. When you land at Keflavik airport...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Hey, I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but no matter how cold it is, they keep the outdoor pools open in Iceland with underground hot water. We went to the Blue Lagoon in February, and it was funny...usually people get OUT of a pool because they are getting cold, but there we stayed IN to keep warm!
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Hot springs are to die for. You always see pictures of the Blue Lagoon. Are there other places to go for a warm swim in Iceland ?
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Originally Posted by voyager: Hot springs are to die for. You always see pictures of the Blue Lagoon. Are there other places to go for a warm swim in Iceland ? There are lots of places to go for geothermal swims in Iceland, Voyager. Almost every small city and town has a public geothermal pool. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, but it's also quite pricy, especially if you go for a family. This website gives you some idea of all the pools you can access in Iceland. Here's that link.
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
I never knew that there are public geothermal pools all over Iceland. No one has mentioned this before. This is terrific to know. thanks
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Well, thanks everyone. You've been great and this has all been very helpful. So yes, I will go to Iceland for 4 days. I will base myself at a hostel in Reykjavik (all I can afford), and I'll do 2 day trip tours, still researching which ones but those recommended look great. And I love hot springs, so I plan to soak the evenings away after enjoying the "youth scene" over there. I need to check out a good Icelandic beer. Any recommendations. And I will visit Iceland at the of my trip, rather...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
You're most welcome, Travel Luver! Give the VIKING beer a try -- it's pretty good. And made with that great Icelandic water that has a unique taste (and pleasant at that). Also be sure to try their Coca Cola, made with Icelandic water and sugar (not corn syrup as in North America) -- definitely a better product.
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Speaking of good things to eat, stop in a local store for some skyr--that's Icelandic yogurt made from skimmed milk. Slightly tart and wholly delicious.
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Re: I get to Boomerang to Spain ! Cheap !
Similar to WorkerBee's experience, I've done these bookings using the Multi-City function, which allows you to specify a date for each segment. It didn't require assistance. Actually I've never had to pay a fee for help when booking something that could not be done on line, but who knows these days. I've done these stopover trips a number of times (NY-Budapest/open jaw/Prague-London w/stopover and then back to NY, etc.) The AAdvantage desk agents, by the way, are some of their best and can...
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Re: Credit Card size Cameras ! Any Good?
My ASDA on line says No Stock - but I took a look behind the full price display in store ! And only Red left !
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Re: Tips on Getting FF Seats.
That's good advice in her column! I've often had success calling back when I didn't get the "right" answer the first time helps...and the night shift often has the most experienced agents. Other useful tips, aside from being the most pleasant if sadly disappointed customer they've had all day: Plan early, book early. If you really want to fly to Paris in late July on the cheapest FF tickets, your best bet is late August: the airlines generally open seats 330 days ahead, and if you can be...
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Re: Ever wonder what the inside of the A380 looks like
I'd like to try the A380 someday...but only in economy. It's not that much wider than many other wide-bodies (3-4-3 seating compared to 2-5-2 or 3-4-3 on others) and it's divided into sections that keep the perspective comfortable. But it appears that the big trend these days in first-class and business is seats that are practically cocoons, and separate the adjoining passengers with consoles, tables and who-knows-what-else. What happened to sitting companionably with your spouse, maybe even...
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Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
A number of you have helped me plan a trip to Portugal and Barcelona. I've decided to go on this trip next May when I'll have a few more days of vacation. Checking out different airline websites, I came across Icelandair, which flies...
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Traveling for Local Food
Hi...I'm in Atlanta, home of some great food (including barbecue, soul and MaryMac's Tea Room which you've all got to get to someday). Anyway, right after New Years, I'm packing my family (2 of us and 2 kids) and driving to Denver for my parents'...
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Five outdoor activities to enjoy in Rajasthan
The monotonous routine life is full of boredom and stress. Outdoor adventurous activities are ultimate stress busters and fill your life with fun and excitement. Just slather your skin with a suntan and enjoy the out life under the open sky and sun. Rajasthan is a popular outdoor activity destination, and the major attractions are hot air balloon rides, paragliding, water sports, desert and camel safari. A few favorite destinations are: Desert safari at the Thar Desert The sand dunes in...
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Planning Your Next Trip to SoCal
A singer/songwriter named Bethany Cosentino, the vocalist half of the duo Best Coast, writes in a song called The Only Place: “Why would you live anywhere else / We’ve got the ocean, got the babes / Got the sun, we’ve got the waves / This is the only place for me.” It’s a catchy song, and she echoes the sentiments of the Beach Boys and many other musicians and writers who sang and wrote about The Golden State. While your reasons for why you’d actually live anywhere else might vary, we would...
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Best Ways To Reach Heathrow Airport Quickly In London
Heathrow airport is the international airport in London, United Kingdom. It is the busiest airport in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world based on the total number of passengers travelling through this airport. It swashes 81 airlines and has 204 terminals in 80 countries. Also, it is the hub for one of the world’s biggest airlines-British Airways. London Heathrow is easily approachable from London and from all over the United Kingdom utilizing both, public and private transport...
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The Ultimate Guide To Booking Your First Cruise
Even though it’s a piece of cake compared to booking a conventional vacation, booking your first cruise might seem like an intimidating experience. Do you visit the Komodo national park ? Do you opt for an Amazon cruise? Or do you go for something completely else? There are decisions to be made – from where to sail, to which cruise line to opt for, and how to get the most for your money. So, is there something that can be done in order to make booking your first cruise an easier experience?
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Going to Prague? You need new transit map
If you're on the way to Prague and you already have a map of the city's excellent tram and metro system...you should get a new one. And if you do get a new one, be sure it really IS new! For a start, the Metro line A that connects to the #119...
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London: Top 10 Places to Travel in 2018
London is considered to be the most visited city in the world travel map. Tourists from all over the world flock to this city for visiting historic monuments, massive architectural marvels and richest art treasures in galleries and museums. Whether you wish to travel on a private jet charter rental or want to reach London on economy class, the city will never fail to amuse you. Let us introduce here top 10 London attractions that you should visit in 2018. Wesminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey...
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7 Reasons to Book a Luxury Hotel for Your Next Travel
Luxury hotels are considered as an expensive choice for accommodation and often associate its affordability with celebrities and wealthy people. However, in the recent years, there are now plenty of affordable luxury hotels in the market no matter where you go. Competition in the tourism industry made businesses to keep up with the level of standards that is expected today. Booking a luxury hotel is easy but picking the right one for you will take a good amount of research. Below are the...
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Cool video...even better than looking down from the plane!
I always want a window seat, I always want a cloudless day, I like to take pictures from the plane, both for pictorial interest and because the view from above makes interesting, seemingly abstract, patterns. I've posted some of them here on...
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How'd We Live Without Travel Apps?
For the last couple of years I've brushed off travel apps. I thought they were cool, but I didn't own a smart phone and honestly I thought they were more of a conversation item than something that would help save money or time. But with the proliferation of cheap tablets and no contract smart phones I started using some apps the last few months. BTW—Walmart will begin selling iPhones for their budget no-contract Straight Talk. Below are three apps I use that are really useful to me. They...