Airports
New Suitcase Trend? Not for Me!
Aug 5th
I have recently read news articles about these “suitcase stickers” that are causing a lot of disturbance at some airports. I know waiting in line at the airport for your luggage to come out can be a hassle, especially when everyone’s suitcase pretty much looks the same. However, I don’t think these suitcase stickers are the best solution. The stickers give the illusion the exterior of the luggage has been ripped off and inside it looks like the suitcase is full of either wads of bills, a captured flight attendant or even bags of drugs. The idea was created by two Vancouver entrepreneurs who made a website called TheCheeky.com to sell novelty items. They wanted to make luggage appear interesting and stand out. The stickers are selling for $15 each.
In my opinion, this is a sure way to ask for trouble at an airport. Even though most airports probably know about the stickers by now, I can’t see security letting people walk around with stickers of drugs attached to their bags. This must cause some sort of security breach or other hold up.
It’s common travel knowledge to do special little things to luggage to make it stand out from the crowd. Couldn’t they make stickers with bright, fun designs or more normal, legal objects? I don’t know about you, but this is one trend I won’t be following. I’m going to stick with the purple polka dot ribbons I have wrapped around my luggage and avoid the captured flight attendant sticker.
– Amanda Smith, advertising and editorial coordinator
Off to Portugal!
Jun 7th
On Saturday, my family and I left for Portugal on board TAP, which has been a client of mine for so many years, it was nice to finally try their fine service. We flew from Newark and made it to the airport without any issue. The check-in and airport connection went without a hitch. On time, we were in the air and on our way to Lisbon. Last time I flew to the Portuguese capitol, I flew on TWA!
After landing, we had a little luggage issue (a passenger took off with my daughter’s identical Briggs & Riley bag). We then secured our Europcar rental and turned on our Garmin — thankfully, I had downloaded the Portuguese and Spain maps. We were at the Sheraton Lisboa in 20 minutes.
After a little breakfast and a short nap, we decided to take a half-day trip to Sintra, about 30 minutes north of Lisbon. Here, we toured the town and ended the day with a glorious drive to the top of the mountain to the Moorish Castle, which was conquered in 1147 by Dom Afonso Henriques, who drove the Moors from the region and eventually out of Portugal.
Upon our return to the Sheraton Lisboa, a wonderful place to stay while in Lisbon, the luggage had arrived from the airport safe and sound. This was cause for a celebratory dinner at the Panorama Restaurant in the hotel, located on the top floor with magnificent views of the city. A top meal was prepared by the chef, which made for a wonderful end to our first day in Portugal.
– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way from Beijing
May 10th
As I take care of some work around the house — a little planting for spring — I needed to take a little break to tell you a funny story.
On my way to the airport in Beijing, I was on the main drag outside of the Grand Hotel Beijing, on East Chang’an Avenue, and just in front of the Beijing Hotel, my taxi was stopped at a red light. I was anticipating my flight to Hong Kong and the many meetings ahead of me. Not to mention enjoying the city’s restaurants and shopping!
Suddenly, there was a big bang and a jolt forward. I looked to the cabbie who was as shocked as I. We immediately realized we had been rear ended. The driver put the car in park and got out to assess the damage. As he opened the door, another unmarked car pulled up and the two drivers began talking.
In a few seconds, the trunk of the cab was opened and my luggage and golf bag were transferred to the other car. My driver said “airport,” which I took to mean the other driver would be taking me to the airport. In the “rescue” car, there was another passenger in the front seat. I learned that the passenger was staying at the Beijing Hotel and the two drivers were friends. I went along with the whole ordeal.
Maybe this was not the smartest thing to do. In fact, and in retrospect, this could have been the perfect kidnapping ploy. But it was not — it was simply two guys helping each other out. The taxi had significant damage; the bumper destroyed and the trunk smashed in. It was funny, standing in the middle of the street and watching my things being transferred.
En route, I talked to the other passenger, who was from Jerusalem, and we laughed at the entire event. At the airport, I was taken to the terminal for my Air China flight to Hong Kong. I think I paid a bit more for this ride, but considering the events, I did not quibble.
It is always interesting traveling to China. I would recommend wearing your seat belts (I was not)!
– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
Keep It Simple
May 7th
In my opinion, traveling became a heck of a lot easier once I found the perfect “travel” outfit. This may seem like a weird travel tip, but I often watch people in line for security and feel a sense of dread. I know just by looking at their outfits that I’m going to be standing in line for awhile.
Last time I was at the airport, I watched as a girl ahead of me struggled to remove her over-the-knee boots. If you know you need to take off your shoes as you go through security, why would you wear the most difficult to remove (and put on) shoes in your closet? I always opt for slip-on flats.
Multiple layers do not make for easy traveling, either. All outerwear must come off, so it’s probably not a good idea to wear three shirts, a sweater, a jacket, etc. Yes, layers are necessary as the temperature on the planes can vary. I have settled on leggings, a cotton three-quarter sleeved dress, a cardigan and a scarf. Sounds like a lot of layers, but it only requires me to remove two items through security, which I can do rather quickly. Should I be too warm, the leggings can be removed. If I’m cold, the scarf can double as a blanket.
Now, to accessories. I opt for an outfit that does not require a belt. I wear stud earrings that I don’t need to take out. My watch pops off and I’m set. I’ve watched travelers with belts, necklaces, rings and myriad other accessories sit and remove everything for 10 minutes before heading through the metal detector.
So, my tip to you:Â Â Think about what you are wearing before heading to the airport. Keeping things to a minimum will make the security process a lot easier for you and other travelers. The dressing/undressing required at security nowadays can be a hassle, and by choosing a simple outfit you can make the experience as hassle-free as possible for yourself.
– Kim Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive
