Tagged With "security threats"
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Re: Paris warned: bigger floods will happen
Actually, part of the problem is that the Seine, like many others, is no longer a "natural" river. It's had its banks turned into walls, its flood plains turned from farms to cities, and more. And that requires, yes, experts to figure out how we can live with that when it rains. In the U.S., we have a similar issue with the Mississippi River, which has been so altered that floods that once spread over wide areas of land or were contained in marshy areas, and which fed fresh soil to farms and...
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Re: Thinking Cuba? Tickets not so easy yet!
Maybe the answer to the number of Hotels needed to accommodate the new visitors from the US is all in the timing. Brits - Canadians - Germans love Cuba in the winter. It's the dry season with no hurricane threat. Warm in the daytime, 75-85f or 24 -29c. Cool enough for a sweater at night. Americans can have the summer !!!
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Re: TSA, American testing automated security screens
This sounds like a nice idea. A modernization of a tedious process. Hope it works!
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?
What a mess. The very agency that is to protect citizens from terrorist activity is creating an environment wherein "tent communities" are springing up at America's airports. How embarrassing is that. Talk about a target rich environment for the bad guys. The TSA's funding, even with "cuts", is about US$ 7.3 billion for 2016. In contrast, Canada, which has 1/10th the population of the USA, has an airport screening budget of about CDN $0.56 billion, and Transport Canada acknowledges it has...
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?
Most countries around the world exchange ideas and processes to fulfil the common good. But some countries refuse to enter into a dialogue and share ideas. Russia is another one.
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?
To be fair to the TSA (which I find hard to do), the $7.3 billion is not all for screening, only about half is. That said, while airports are looking to outsource the screening, maybe they should hire Transport Canada! As for the PreCheck point: TSA can't seem to make up its mind. When it started, they semi-randomly selected 'extra' people to go through it, on the theory that they would like it enough to buy it—and some did, but not enough. Then the people who had paid for it started to...
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?
The few US airports that have private security companies handling the screening are reporting good results and I think that's a good option for the airports. My guess is for liability reasons, airports are scared to dump the TSA. After seeing the comments by DrFumblinger and PHeymont, I do think we can learn from Canada on this. I did a little more reading on Canada's airport security. It seems all major airports in Canada have private screening. The airports give out three year contracts.
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Re: Is bad PreCheck planning responsible for TSA delays?
I don't like the whole concept of PreCheck because when they started this added security at airports, they insisted terrorists could be anyone and that's why we need to check everyone. We enter trains, buses and metros without a PreCheck, and it doesn't take forever. There is a history of attacks on those means of transportation too. And now attacks could just as easily happen at the ticket counter at the airport as on the plane.
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Re: Emirates cuts U.S. flights, blames 'Trump Slump'
Having just flown Emirates from Dubai to Colombo and back, and having gone through security at DXB several times, I have these observations to share: 1) Emirates offers among the finest service of any airline in the world. And at a very good price. If it was a convenient option, I wouldn't hesitate to fly Emirates again. The only other airlines in my experience with a similar level of service are Singapore and Thai. American and European airlines don't even come close. 2) DXB has security we...
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Re: Emirates cuts U.S. flights, blames 'Trump Slump'
It is likely that all passengers would be rescreened in the UK -- at least that's my experience traveling from Canada and the USA. I'm not sure if the same applies to the checked baggage, but the current threat seems to have to deal with personal electronic devices. These would obviously pass through the UK's screening process.
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Re: Managing Your Money on the Road
This is a great compehensive post. Time to try and cash the money order that you've been holding! LOL
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Re: Cruisers: American Cars in Stockholm
My brother-in-law lived in Montreal, likely worse on cars than winter in Stockholm, and had a beloved classic Rover. Always a man with strict personal guidelines, at the first threat of snow into the garage and up on blocks it went. After 2 winters there myself a warm climate was the answer, no snow, no salt, no whining, his other hobby. Good thing we're anonymous here.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark
About time. I routinely fly in and out of Calgary International and have never had to wait more than 15 mins for customs/immigration (both US and Canadian customs located at this airport). That should be the standard they strive for everywhere.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark
The hold up in NY is that passengers - mostly just changing flights - have to enter the US. Then leave the US before getting an onward flight to other parts of the world. In non-US countries you can enter the International Lounge to wait for your next flight with no customs or visas. Just onward boarding card and passport. Quick and easy.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark
it's nice when the countries treat their transit people that way, GarryRF. Someone passing through. But I've had long delays with transit situations in the UK, Japan and most recently in Chile. It's unfortunately common.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark
In transit once at Narita, our entire onward-traveling load of passengers was left locked standing in a narrow windowless hallway, not knowing why we were there or how long it might be. Treating passengers badly is not a behavior owned by any particular nation's immigration officers, as you say, DrF. It can happen even in countries supposedly known for their politeness.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark
You're both right of course. No one has the moral high ground on delays. When you transit an airport with several terminals you do need to enter the country first. But hub airports like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bahrain have all been so polite and helpful it makes you realise that there is a better way. I use Philadelphia airport now to enter the US. It rates alongside Orlando as a pleasant experience. Last year I went through passport control in Philly. When asked, I told the officer that...
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Re: Will Mers Affect Mideast Airlines?
The MERS is more of a perceived than a real threat. Conde Nast had a good post on this link .
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Most hoteliers still ignoring the AirBnB threat to their business
Seems the folks who run hotels in large cities still aren't too worried about AirBnB -- but maybe they should be. AirBnB, which has experienced enviable growth and market penetration these past few years, doesn't concern those who run hotels in...
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Is Airport-Style Security Coming to Museums?
The terrorist attack that killed 20 foreign tourists in Tunis at the Bardo Museum has already resulted in Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises cancelling Tunisa as a stop . ABC news has said extra police have already been assigned to...
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She believes she can fly...no ticket needed!
Marilyn Hartman seems to have a need to fly, and no intention of bothering with mundane issues such as tickets or security. The 63-year-old California woman has a long history as a serial stowaway, and a number of arrests while trying. Considering how...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 6th, 2015: Fish Creek Park
My favorite place in the world: Bebo Grove in Fish Creek Park. This was taken after a lovely evening stroll, one of so many, in the Grove. It is so beautiful there and abundant with wildlife. In the springtime, the does...
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October 9, 2017: Views from the Giralda, Seville
Originally built as a minaret to a mosque, the belltower of Seville's Cathedral has long been used as an observatory. Thousands of tourists walk up its ramps every day to enjoy the wonderful views of the city.
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Spanish hotels cry foul on food poisoning claims
Spanish resorts fight back against a one-year 700% increase in food-related claims that cannot be checked because the guests have gone home.
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U.S. and Cuba: New uncertainties for future
As the travel-to-Cuba industry adjusts to realistic expectations, the threat of a return to old restrictions looms.
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Iceland opens volcano-and-earthquake museum
Iceland's newest museum looks at the volcanic forces that created its land and which, in recent years, have reminded all of us of nature's power.
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So, what’s it worth ?
Bob Cranwell shares a discussion and thoughts on the value of things using a memorable experience in Yemen.
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Vienna's UNESCO status under threat
Plans for new towers near Vienna's historic core have led a UNESCO committee to warn that the area could lose its heritage status
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September 2, 2017: "Flood Rescue", Grand Forks
Flooding in a flat landscape poses an unusual degree of risk because of how quickly a river's water level can rise. This piece of street-art commemorates the many people who were rescued in the record breaking flood of 1997.
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Airbus, Bombardier join to save C-Series jets
Airbus and Bombardier partner to get around 300% tariff and assure airlines of a stable supplier. Earlier, Delta, with 75 on order, said it expects planes with no tariff.
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Deadly disease threatens olives
A deadly bactierial infection is threatening Europe's olive industry, with disastrous effects already seen in parts of Italy.
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Mind Your (Subway) Manners
PHeymont shares a selection of etiquette posters from New York's subway and from around the world.
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Climate change threatening airports
Climate change is starting to threaten major airports around the world. In San Francisco, it's leading to a billion-dollar project that will affect ticket prices.
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Germany plans to up 'green tax'
Germany is raising taxes on flights and lowering them on rail travel, in part to discourage flying on short routes.
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Castles on the Rhine
Pheymont cruises down the Rhine and considers why it has so many castles.
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December 6, 2019: Mkhaya Game Reserve, eSwatini
Professor Abe shares some terrific photos of wildlife from the newly-named country of Eswatini. Successful rhino conservation is a highlight of his visit to Mkhaya Game Reserve!
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More Train Security Coming to Europe
A week after 3 Americans citizens, a French Citizen, and a British citizen stopped a terrorist attack on a train from Amsterdam to Paris, an emergency security meeting about rail passenger safety took place on Saturday in Paris. The meeting was...
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Revillagigedos: the world’s friendliest mantas and dolphins!
( Oceanic Manta) Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico (better known as Socorro) consisting of 4 volcanic islands; San Benedicto, Roca Partida, Socorro and Clarión. What to see: Giant oceanic mantas, bottlenose dolphins, sharks...
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US State Department Issues Travel Warning for Venezuela
The US State Department updated it's travel warning to Venezuela to include updated crime data. It's because of high crime that the warning was issued. Part of the warning: "Armed robberies take place throughout Caracas and...
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In 2016, TSA may not take some states' driver's licenses at airports
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 and it requires certain security features to be on Drivers Licenses. The Department of Homeland Security announced a plan of enforcement two years ago. And in 2016, the agency will start enforcing...
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France to Reinstate Border Controls for a Month
Photo of Paris by PHeymont France will reinstate border controls for a month as part of larger security measures around the UN Climate Conference Nov. 30- Dec. 11 in Paris. Europe's...
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French Embassy in London Fights to Block Tycoon's Basement Car Museum
Tower Bridge inLondon/Photo by DrFumblefinger The French government has called Jon Hunt's plans for a car museum in a new mega-basement in his mansion a...
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May 4, 2018: Glencoe Massacre Monument, Scotland
Ian Cook shares a detailed history of the story of the Massacre in Glencoe Scotland, whose monument we visit in our Pic of the Day.
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Glenfinnan Monument, Scotland
Ian Cook shares the story behind the Glenfinnan Monument in the Highlands of Scotland. It was here in 1745 that Bonnie Prince Charles planted his banner and claimed the throne of Scotland.
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Here's how fast budget carriers are growing
Discount carriers are moving up fast in the trans-Atlantic market, and it's having an effect on the plans of the legacy carriers.
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Ryanair makes peace with its pilots
Ryanair, faced with Christmas-time strikes after a year of scheduling horrors, decides talking with unions might just be a good idea.
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Las Vegas: Marriage licenses at the airport
Las Vegas has a big surge in weddings around Valentine's Day. To handle the crowds, the county clerk is setting up shop at the airport.
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Toronto Sights and Signs
PHeymont shares the fruits of rambling through Toronto: sights, scenes and a couple of puzzles.
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Paris bistros ask UNESCO Heritage status
A group representing cafe owners, actors and others is asking France to petition UNESCO for heritage status for the city's cafe terraces.
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July 14, 2018: Amsterdam's Dapper Market
Named one of the world's best market streets, it's open daily with hundreds of stalls and amazing variety.