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Los Angeles Introduces reLAXing Improvements |
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Over the years we’re in and out of Los Angeles International Airport more than any other in the world. We don’t visit LAX because we love it, but it’s just 25 minutes (except during rush hour) from home and necessary for almost all of our air travel plans.
In recent years LAX had been looking a bit shabby, but things are changing for the better. On a flight schedule several weeks ago, we noted the lighting is brighter, the waiting rooms larger and perked up with new seating facilities. The static old signs have been replaced by video-enhanced displays that make everything more inviting. The dingy little shops are being replaced by larger, contemporary retail areas.
There’s now the impressive-looking Great Hall, the Antonio Villaraigosa Pavilion, honoring the recent mayor of Los Angeles. Inside are upscale dining and retail enclaves, as well as indoor and outdoor VIP lounges.
LAX is also improving and enlarging boarding gates and aircraft entry bridges. Many domestic and foreign aircraft arriving at the airport today are larger models that offer more extensive, two-level seating. The new facilities will allow quicker passenger departing and arriving opportunities.
We frequent flyers appreciate the ongoing improvements at LAX, and look forward to enjoying them on future travels.
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Travel Agent Versus Do-It-Yourself Online Bookings |
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Q: My company always used travel agents on business trips. I found them very helpful and great sources of information. We now plan to enjoy our sunset years with lots of private travel. With the internet so full of up-to-the-minute trip deals, should we just do our own booking?
Bob S, Seattle WA
A: We suggest the first thing you do is contact that agency you used on the job, and ask familiar experts there for advice on your intended start-up ventures into post-retirement wanderings. Book your first personal trips there. After that, you may arrange brief schedules by yourselves.
You may do better to continue with a trusted, experienced agent in making travel plans. For example, consider details you’ll encounter when considering tours, cruises, overseas destinations and visits to big cities. With caring, professional support of a trusted expert, you may find your trips more trouble-free and enjoyable. They could actually be less costly than if you do it all yourself via the impersonal internet. |
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Southwest Says No Refunds For No-Shows |
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SW Airlines now enforces a no-show policy. Passengers are still permitted to make ticket changes at no charge. However, SW must be notified at least 10 minutes before a scheduled flight.
Previously, passengers could opt to miss their flights and later apply the credit for future ones. SW hopes the new rule will discourage inconsiderate passengers who book several flights, and then take the most convenient one. This too often creates empty seats and revenue loss to the airlines.
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Carnival Cruise Lines: You Can Give Up The Ship |
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Unhappy passengers won’t be forced to walk the plank if they do, but Carnival Cruise Lines now offers an opt-out. Unsatisfied, ill or frightened passengers can get off their cruise ship for free within one day of leaving port.
Carnival's "Great Vacation Guarantee," was recently established to assure passengers they don’t have to endure a troubled cruise, including when the ship has unexpected repair problems. If it happens, passengers must notify the ship's guest services desk that they want to end their cruise during its first 24 hours. If properly alerted, Carnival promises to return their money and send them home with free transportation.
For more information, go to http://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/vacation-guarantee.aspx
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Las Vegas NV: Need A Boost? REVIV at MGM Grand |
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One of our favorite movies is 1997’s “Vegas Vacation”. A family plays bingo at the MGM Grand Resort. Dad Griswold (Chevy Chase) has gambled away thousands of family savings dollars, and they're about to leave town totally broke. Then, in a lucky moment, they get it all back and thousands more, because a dying old man (the great Sid Caesar) gives them his winning bingo ticket.
Current Vegas celebrants can get similar uplifts at the MGM Grand. The new service there, called REVIV, offers medical help to those who overdo (and who doesn’t?) their Vegas vacations. Staffed by certified physicans and nurses, there are various revival offerings to help party animals who do a bit too much partying.
Treatments include hydration, IVs, electrolytes, multivitamins, antioxidants and other medications. There are also relaxing spa and massage services available. Fees start at $99, and REVIV is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to midnight. For MGM guests, in-room service is also offered. For more information, go to www.revivme.com/las-vegas
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