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Ask our travel experts about travel and get answers to reader questions
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Air Travel; Why Are People Booted Off Flights? |
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Q: We’re not frequent flyers, but we plan some frequent air travels this season. We’ve been reading about people being taken off flights for various reasons. We’d like to make our trip as smooth as possible, and can use some hints about why it happens and how to avoid it.
A: First of all, we certainly understand that no one is thrilled about the inconveniences of air travel today. For many of us, the ordeal of going through security is unpleasant and often too personal. However, that’s the way it is, and to accept it voluntarily without causing trouble is the only way to survive and make your flight.
Understand that those who won’t follow the rules can get in trouble. In our experience, a sure way to be booted is to joke with airline employees about terrorism. For various reasons, thoughtless travelers believe it will ease tensions if they make funny remarks about bombs and hijacking. That could not only get them the boot, it could get them a jail cell.
Another way is to act stubborn about instructions. When you’re told to do something, it’s for a reason. Know the rules, and comply as quickly as you can. Schedules must be kept and people are waiting. Most employees on flights and in airports are courteous, but whatever you’re told needs to be done, do it quickly and keep moving.
There have also been booting incidents of passengers who insist on taking their hostility with them. Excessive cursing overdone caressing, offensive clothing, misbehaving children and other disruptive actions can make you miss your flight.
Flying these days already has more than enough stress and anxiety. Don’t add to it by thoughtless behavior that could earn you the boot.
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Tipping Tips For The Confused Traveler |
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Q: We’re sailing on our first cruise, and have done our research about clothing to take, safety rules, medications, itineraries and all other essentials. However, we’re confused about tipping. What are the general rules about gratuities for cabin stewards, spa employees, dining room staff and others who’ll be serving us?
A: The simplest way is to check at the ship’s info desk when you go aboard. You’ll get a printed list of tipping suggestions. On some cruises they make it simpler by giving you individual envelopes printed with specific tipping amounts for various staffers.
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Travel Dreams: If I Won The Lottery.... |
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All the recent hoopla about the biggest Mega Millions lottery payout of more than $600 millions poses a question. We asked our readers how winning millions would give them dream-of-a-lifetime travels. Here are some answers:
Juan L, Pasadena CA: I’d take 20 family members on an around-the-world cruise. From our stateroom balconies, we’d enjoy the ocean scenery as we dine on great foods and drink the best wines.
Stan R, Brooklyn NY: I’d invite ten friends and their spouses on a charter flight to Las Vegas. We’d stay in penthouse suites, go to all the shows, gamble with $1,000 bills and hit all the late night clubs.
Jeanne A, Dallas TX: I’m not a religious gal, but I’d use some of the money to go to some inner-city churches and sign up every kid there. I’d take them for a one-week all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World. Then, at least once a year, I’d arrange the same trip for a group of kids from other churches and city social groups.
Marie P, Scottsdale AZ: I just retired to one of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world, and I'm on a permanent vacation. So I’d give some of my lottery winnings to my children, grandkids, friends and former co-workers so they could come to my new home state. I’d arrange for them to visit Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Sedona and other areas of the great U.S. Southwest.
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Mexico: Is it OK to celebrate our retirement there? |
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Q: My spouse is retiring in the next few months and wants to celebrate in Mexico. Our roots are Mexican, but our families have lived in the U.S. for three generations. With all the recent bad news of killings and drug cartels, I’m not sure a Mexican vacation is a good idea. What do you think we should do? B.C., San Francisco CA
A: A good idea would be to take a trial run first to get a taste of Mexico. Check with the internet or local travel agency about a Baja cruise from San Francisco or Los Angeles. It will visit Pacific coast ports, usually including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. You can go ashore to check out the towns, do some shopping and experience local dining.
If you’re satisfied about the safety and other factors, make your next vacation a week’s stay in Mexico City and other inland destinations. Another good idea is to check your families’ histories and make contact with relatives in those areas of Mexico for potential visits with them. |
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Holiday air travel: Coping with long overnight flights |
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Q: When I drive long distances at night, I have to fight to stay awake. However, when I fly red eye, no matter what I do, I can’t get a moment of sleep. I’ll be doing a lot of red eye flying over the holiday weeks. Any suggestions?
Jack L., Chicago IL
A: We could suggest you invest in first-class tickets, so you’ll get full-reclining seats. Of course, since they cost five times more than coach, is it worth investing many more bucks just for a couple of hours of comfort?
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Page 43 of 68 |
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YOU ASK - WE ANSWER
