Senior travel info for active seniors with cruise discounts, cruise info, aarp travel, elderhostels, rv travel

Home

Main Menu

Newest Articles

Newsflash

In-Air Entertainment Enhancements

Remember just a few years ago, when all that was available in flight was a tiny movie screen way up forward on a bulkhead? You could get the sound with earphones and severe eyestrain trying to make out the movie.

You could also choose to listen to music by plugging in earphones to an armrest. Of course, you had no control of what the airline decided to broadcast. Today, everything has improved, and keeps on evolving.

Some airlines, including United and British Airways, now offer a large library of movies, videos, games and audio music that play constantly on the back of the seat screen in front of you. Of course, you can opt to take along your own iPod, iBook, DVD player, laptop and other portable electronic digital devices and choose from their virtually endless entertainment and other menus.

Speaking of menus, many airlines plan to lend out pre-programmed individual iPads to passengers as they board. In addition to offering choices for entertainment and reading, there will be digital menus listed. All they’ll require is for the passenger to tap in orders for food, drink, information and other services from flight attendants. If it weren't for the groping security check-in, flying could once again actually be a pleasant journey.

Mt. Vesuvius looms over Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, Italy

Unearthed Pompeii & volcanic mountain that destroyed it

Air tips: How to make security check easier

Run through airport

Going through airport security can be the most unpleasant part of traveling by air. Until all the raghead terrorists are put out of action, we can expect the ordeal to continue. There’s no way to avoid it, but there are ways to make it a bit easier and quicker.

1. If you’re slowed down by years or handicapped in any way, whether in a wheelchair or not, get a note from your doctor asking that you be permitted to board early. First, when you get to security check-in, show the note, and you may be permitted to go quickly through a separate, shorter line. Do the same at the check-in desk. It’s especially helpful when you fly Southwest or other no-reserved-seating airline.

Q: Last minute cruises: Are they really bargains?

Last-minute cruise

A: In most cases, they are. To take advantage of them, you must be ready with your bags packed, passport in hand and ready to head for the port or airport within a few hours’ notice. That means retirees are usually in the best situation to take advantage of them.

Also, you need a sense of what-the-hell adventure, because the cruise with the best last-minute bargain at any moment may be sailing out of Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, or from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera. If you’re in that situation, do your homework every day, maybe several times a day. You could find cruises at better than 50% less than advertised retail prices, and/or free upgrades of lower-deck cabins to balcony suites.