December 2001
Buy travel insurance. These policies can protect you against many situations that could
interrupt your trip or prevent you from taking it, such as illness or terrorist attack.
Additionally, travel experts recommend insurance provided by a company other than the one
you're traveling with. (Travel insurance provided by your tour operator usually doesn't cover the company's own
financial default.)
Name withheld per request.
November 2001
This month's substitution a listing of prohibited
and "permitted" items on aircraft cabins according to The Federal Aviation Administration .
Prohibited Items:
* Knives of any length, composition or description
* Cutting instruments of any kind, including straight razors and scissors
* Corkscrews
* Baseball, softball bats.
* Golf clubs
* Pool cues
* Ski poles, hockey sticks
Permitted Items (or "everything is relative," to paraphrase a recent ABCNews.com piece):
* Pets
* Safety razors, including disposable razors
* Walking canes and umbrellas
* Nail clippers
* Tweezers
* Syringes (with medication and professionally printed label identifying medication or manufacturer's name)
* Eyelash curlers
ABCNews.com reports . : ". . .some of the things on the FAA's permitted list are precisely those objects
that have been getting taken from passengers, including the aforementioned tweezers and nail clippers, as well
as safety razors, syringes and eyelash curlers."
They add that Security industry officials prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to any objects
that could potentially be used as a weapon.
October 2001
This month, we are substituting the following tip (our thanks to Chip Bell, a Dallas
consultant on customer service and coauthor of "Knock Your Socks Off Service Recovery," a primer on counteracting
errors that anger customers.) instead of our usual featured "travel tip winner."
Customers can help themselves when they're in conflict with the airlines by being proactive approach it as
a team effort.
"I get great service because I go in the assumption that I'm get great service, and the person I'm dealing
with really wants to give me good service," Bell says.
"Be helpful, not demanding," he says. "Approach the problem as you would in a partnership: Here's
what I want; here's what you're running up against; let's see how we can solve it.
It doesn't always get you what you want, but it is an approach that can save you unnecessary upset. When customers
complain, it's often from a sense of betrayal, and it can become emotional."
September 2001
This month, we are substituting the following tips (our thanks to Frequent Flyer) instead of our usual featured "travel tip
winner."
Coping with new travel rules and regulations.
Be sure to doublecheck with your airline before heading to the airport to ensure there's no change in your flight.
Airlines have cut back their schedules up to 20% in some cases but will gradually reinstate flights as passengers
become more confident and demand returns to normal.
Although you shouldn't expect airlines to promote sweeping fare discounts, plenty of good deals will be available.
Check airline websites for unpublicized bargain fares, and be alert for email notices of special fares that airlines
will offer to their frequent flyer members.
Whenever possible, opt for a paper ticket rather than an e-ticket. If your flight is delayed or canceled,
it's much easier to make changes with a paper ticket, especially if a second airline is involved.
Get to the airport in plenty of time. For domestic flights, allow two hours for check-in and security checks;
for international flights, allow three hours. Carry a photo ID (passport, driver's license) issued by a government
agency. Be prepared to present a ticket, e-ticket confirmation letter, boarding pass, or a travel agency itinerary
to enter the airport terminal beyond the security checkpoints.
Travel light. The less you bring, the quicker you'll get through security. Cameras, laptop computers, radios,
and other electronic equipment are being carefully checked.
You may be patted down as you go through security, your carry-on items will be thoroughly searched by hand,
and this entire procedure may be done a second time before you board the plane. Pocket knives, scissors, nail clippers,
nail files, straight razors, sewing or knitting needles, aerosol cans, lighter fluid, and matches will be confiscated.
Gift-wrapped packages may be opened.
You may be required to check all baggage except purses and briefcases, even if your roll-on bag fit acceptable
carry-on dimensions. Be sure to pack essential items and documents in bags that you're sure you can carry on board.
Carry a fully charged cell phone with you although you're not allowed to use it during flight under normal
conditions.
Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings and those around you. Report anything unusual or suspicious to law
enforcement, airport, or airline personnel.
When traveling overseas, keep a low profile. Try to blend in without drawing attention to yourself as an American
citizen. Check security advisories for countries you're visiting and be aware of the location of American embassies
or consulates.
Be patient and polite in the airport and on board your flight. Lines are longer and everything is more time-consuming,
as airlines and airports improve air safety and passengers become familiar with the new security regulations and
requirements.
August 2001
If your trip has left you angry rather than happy, here are some ways to complain:
First, write the company that hosted your trip. Keep a copy and add to that a copy of the reply if you receive
one.
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) generally take complaints
only about their members.
To discover whether you've been dealing with a member, call ASTA (703) 739-2782 (or e-mail them: Consumeraffairs@astahq.com)
AND call USTOA (212) 599-6599 (or e-mail them:
information@ustoa.com). Better yet, scan their membership roster by clicking: USTOA.
If you discover that your company is a member, write ASTA or USTOA as follows and include copies of your correspondence:
ASTA 1101 King Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314
USTOA 342 Madison Avenue, Suite 1522, New York, NY 10173
Name withheld per request.
July 2001
Paris is in my opinion the best city in the world for being solo.
I always travel solo and maybe this time I was just all together but I noticed that in restaurants I was treated
with dignity, respect and patience.
I could have sat in a crowded restaurant for hours even though the lines were long.
This happened frequently and I often had to ask several times for the check I wasn't ignored I was just
into being there.
I also found that the little things that drive me crazy in Paris when alone become funny and that
often, the kindness of strangers helped me through them. For instance, trying to use a pay phone I will not go
into details. Finally, a very nice young man in a book store allowed me to use his phone to make my call.
I also found out that when alone, you are very approachable as well as more patient and that people go out of
their way to help you.
I think I could live in Paris very easily.
Magthedog@aol.com
To read a contrary view of dining in Paris (Dordogne region from approximately 17 July to 26 July 1997),
click "Dining Alone in Paris."
Our thanks to Laura Schattschneider and h2so4.net.
What solo travel tips have YOU discovered?
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in the running for rewards. (Winners posted monthly!)
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OR
(2) we publish one or more of your tips here on the website or in our newsletter (or both).
Of course, we'll credit you with pleasure!
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