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Airport Info Vision: Will She Grant Wishes?


According to a USAToday report, a virtual video projection called Carla .... not Glinda the Good Witch ... now greets and gives messages and information in Boston’s Logan International Airport. The three-dimensional image won’t wave a magic wand, but speaks in friendly tones in English, French and Spanish. However, although she may look like a real human of the right size and depth, she is just a recorded hologram and won’t answer questions.

There’s a similar virtual guide now at the Washington Dulles Airport, with the name of Paige. According to news reports, New York City's three major airports are expected to get their vitual guides sometime this summer. If the experiment works, passengers at other airports can soon expect to meet similar hologram advisers.

Among the messages the virtual guides offer are how to prepare for security inspection, location of flight gates, schedule changes, airport exits, taxi, bus and other services. She won’t tell passengers to click their heels and say, “There’s no place like home.”

So far, the virtual guides are not involved in security check-ins. However, with ever-improving technology, could it be possible passengers may soon experience virtual groping from grinning hologram agents?

All About Gratuitous Tipping On Cruises PDF Print E-mail


A newspaper or online ad entices you book a cruise at $700 for a seven-day sailing. A bargain vacation, because it’s all inclusive, with cabin, meals, games, entertainment and much more included in the price.

However, these days, just like come-on airline bargain ads, you can expect to pay much more in hidden charges. Beyond port fees, taxes and a few other add-ons, many cruise lines now charge mandatory gratuity.

You may then find you’ll actually be required to shell out another daily fee of $25 for tips. That means your bargain $700 cruise will cost at least $875, more if you decide to give out individual tips at shore excursions, meals, bars, spa and poolside during the cruise.

When shopping for a cruise, demand an honest total you’ll have to pay by asking in advance for the final out-of-pocket charge for the cruise. In many cases, figure on about 25% more than the come-on ad indicated.

There may be a way to ease the shock of an inflated total cost. If you have a trusted travel agent, let it be known that you get the entire truth on all cruise and other travel price quotes. Then, at least you’ll be able to make a decision based on the actual charges you must pay.

 

 
 
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