By: Banahene
Cheaper flights less comfortable planes and gone are the “Friendly Skies”
It’s bad enough that the average plane seat size and comfort they provide in Economy meets the needs of an imaginary dwarf on a diet. Then when you add attitude and rudeness from the moment you check in to when you disembark. ‘Flying the Friendly Skies “makes you want to do a Wiki check on the meaning of “Friendly” and ask yourself what part of this did you not understand.
I’m of average build ad size,5-6”, 130lbs. Just like the average person I predominantly fly Economy. When I’m hemmed in 3 deep on a flight with my loved ones, People I don’t mind being really physically close to, I feel like my space is totally invaded. Imagine this with complete strangers of varying sizes. I understand the economics of this. The more people you get on a flight, the cheaper the fares. But at what point is close too close. Sleeping is virtually impossible, you can’t stretch out, and you can’t use the arm rests unless you want to cuddle with the stranger next to you. Pray you don’t have to go to the bathroom. After what seems like rearranging at least two other people’s lives and possibly bumping into at least 10 others as you maneuver your way down the aisle. Getting into the bathroom turning around to lock the door and complete what nature wants you to do is something only an experienced contortionist would achieve with ease! On the flip side first class or business class on long distance flights is the complete opposite of everything I’ve said.
The nightmare begins at check in. The employee assumption is you do this every day or you took a 10 hour class prior to your arrival. There must be a point award system for how inferior can we make you feel at check in for the employees.
So you make to the plane and are now seated uncomfortably in your invaded space. It would really help if you were at least treated above the level of the hoarded cattle member that you are now feeling. Over the years I firmly believe a special recruitment requirement and training session has been added to flight attendant training that mandates you are naturally rude obnoxious and unfriendly without prejudice! For the most part Looks are still a priority but personality is not. It’s wonderful to see an older generation of extremely good looking attendants. I’m in my mid 40s and can appreciate and respect this. What tenure seems to have done though is make for very grumpy unfriendly customer service. The 20 something attendants are even worse. Godzilla’s with breasts was one phrase I’ve come up with for the female attendants and Scarface the live version for the males. What happened to “friendly” and caring? I’ve been yelled at on flights for wanting another sugar for my coffee, given the look of death for asking for a blanket, been spoken to very rudely in Spanish as I do speak the language and often get mistaken for Latino even though I’m from Ghana. Yet treated with the utmost respect if I speak in my now natural very Georgia American accent. Bigger is not better in the Airline industry. You would think the big boys like Delta, US Airlines British Airways would have taken steps to overcome this often talked about subject. Here are my comments;
Delta; It’s like playing Russian roulette. On 90% of my US bound flights I’ve experienced boarder line rude treatment. On 100% of my Delta International flights both in Economy and First class, as soon as my accent is duly noted as American, the treatment has been beyond exceptional and friendly. Almost like a familiarity in who you are dictates a different treatment.
British Airways; truly act like their doing you a favor. Unbelievably snooty, always have been and actually gets worse on their international flights. They seem to live by the typical British attitude of if you’re not British you’re inferior. Hard to say as I’m half British.
US Air, Never friendly stuck on themselves and proud of it. So sad.
Air-Tran; hit and miss 50-60% enjoyable flying. The good flying experiences were a “WOW” the bad ones were really bad.
Here’s the great news, there are Airlines that believe customer Service is the key to repeat business. What a concept
Swiss Air, So unbelievably consistent Always Polite, friendly and caring. Top notch and classy in my opinion.
Spirit Airlines; If only they flew the World. New planes, very clean and roomy. Never had a delay I’ve flown them repeatedly on my South of the Boarder expeditions and much needed get aways. Every time has been exceptional. At the risk of sounding corny, it was a “spiritual” experience compared to some other flights I’ve taken
Frontier Airlines; right up there with Spirit Airlines. New planes, immaculately clean and spacious. They seem to go out of their way to find naturally fun loving attendants with crazy senses of humor. Just what you need as you set off across the Border to relax.
Southwest; Love the colorful planes. Relatively newer planes always clean. Fun and friendly. Always a great experience. Keep you well entertained if you are delayed which is rare.
Flying should be a thrill and a pleasure, do your homework before you book. It could make for a great beginning and end to your vacation.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Right Hotel. Getting what you paid for.
By: Banahene
“No way I can’t afford to stay there” Think again. Let me tell you how you CAN.
The key is the right travel agency site. Travelocity has been good to me over the years. Next, don’t settle for the first hotel that seems sort of decent. Pictures are very deceiving and the reality once you get there is ten times worse.
Here’s a good way to decide. Whatever the vacation budget is, stick to it. Browse hotels within that range and be sure that’s what you want. Read the reviews, look at the amenities they provide view all the pictures and don’t forget to see what the cost might be to upgrade. You will be surprised at what a few more dollars a night will get you. Read the room descriptions very carefully. On some sites a simple, innocent statement like: “Partial view of ocean from the left window from small balcony” translates into reality to mean, “If you step out onto a two foot balcony and lean all the way out almost to where someone needs to hold on to a leg, you may see the ocean across a much closer view of roof tops or the ventilation units”; read between the lines.
On the other hand if you read something like “Ocean front view from your balcony deck chair or Jacuzzi balcony” You are probably going to be blown away by the view you get and the rest of the hotel amenities.
Read between the lines as you choose;
“Hotel on the beach” and “Hotel close to beach“is a language twister all in itself!
On the beach is exactly that, a private beach leading off the hotel grounds with umbrellas and comfy beach chairs and refreshment service to your beach chair.
Close to the beach could be anything. A public beach across the street, a beach that requires you to walk down a multitude of winding stairs to get to it, maybe even a beach the size of your back yard. Rocks everywhere and swimming is prohibited in the ocean, and a pool no bigger than a compact car parking space. I’ve seen it all and not enjoyed it all.
“Smoking rooms” This is a touchy one. One needs to be very careful because if you don’t smoke the lingering scent of a week ago’s smoke will still be there. My experiences of hotels both in the US and beyond that offer “ No Smoking Rooms” does not necessarily mean smoking has never occurred in the room. It just might mean not this week! They seem to go by the rule of if it has been cleaned, and then it can now be a non smoking room.
Look for Hotels that offer No Smoking floors or are a No Smoking facility period. That usually works out. Just be sure to reiterate your non smoking requirement as you check in so you don’t have to deal with the whole room change dilemma as this only takes away from some sun beach time!
My next topic is Airlines, a must read down to earth version.
“No way I can’t afford to stay there” Think again. Let me tell you how you CAN.
The key is the right travel agency site. Travelocity has been good to me over the years. Next, don’t settle for the first hotel that seems sort of decent. Pictures are very deceiving and the reality once you get there is ten times worse.
Here’s a good way to decide. Whatever the vacation budget is, stick to it. Browse hotels within that range and be sure that’s what you want. Read the reviews, look at the amenities they provide view all the pictures and don’t forget to see what the cost might be to upgrade. You will be surprised at what a few more dollars a night will get you. Read the room descriptions very carefully. On some sites a simple, innocent statement like: “Partial view of ocean from the left window from small balcony” translates into reality to mean, “If you step out onto a two foot balcony and lean all the way out almost to where someone needs to hold on to a leg, you may see the ocean across a much closer view of roof tops or the ventilation units”; read between the lines.
On the other hand if you read something like “Ocean front view from your balcony deck chair or Jacuzzi balcony” You are probably going to be blown away by the view you get and the rest of the hotel amenities.
Read between the lines as you choose;
“Hotel on the beach” and “Hotel close to beach“is a language twister all in itself!
On the beach is exactly that, a private beach leading off the hotel grounds with umbrellas and comfy beach chairs and refreshment service to your beach chair.
Close to the beach could be anything. A public beach across the street, a beach that requires you to walk down a multitude of winding stairs to get to it, maybe even a beach the size of your back yard. Rocks everywhere and swimming is prohibited in the ocean, and a pool no bigger than a compact car parking space. I’ve seen it all and not enjoyed it all.
“Smoking rooms” This is a touchy one. One needs to be very careful because if you don’t smoke the lingering scent of a week ago’s smoke will still be there. My experiences of hotels both in the US and beyond that offer “ No Smoking Rooms” does not necessarily mean smoking has never occurred in the room. It just might mean not this week! They seem to go by the rule of if it has been cleaned, and then it can now be a non smoking room.
Look for Hotels that offer No Smoking floors or are a No Smoking facility period. That usually works out. Just be sure to reiterate your non smoking requirement as you check in so you don’t have to deal with the whole room change dilemma as this only takes away from some sun beach time!
My next topic is Airlines, a must read down to earth version.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Mexico Travel: Tips to a better vacation
By: Banahene
If you’ve always wanted to do a Mexico trip, here’s a fun, safe, adventurous and relatively inexpensive, but luxury packed way to do it!
Before you get to the fun stuff, answer this.. are you the type that doesn’t care about the kind of hotel you stay in? If you don’t then proceed without caution!
But if love your creature comforts, magnificent views from huge balconies maybe a Jacuzzi on the balcony to watch the night go by with a margarita in hand and a great location then you must read on!!
Expensive? Sound extravagant? Must have a high end Budget? NOT AT ALL..If you know where to book and who to book with. Two of my best vacation experiences in Mexico were done for less than $1700 with a car rental, tickets to major parks, Fantastic Spa visits and yes and this was for two people.
What’s the Secret?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRAVEL AGENCY!!!!
#1 RECOMMENDATION: Travelocity They are the best. You get what you pay for Period! The Hotels and rooms actually look like the pictures you viewed!
Take 3-4 hours looking carefully at vacation packages, with car rentals (if you are the driving adventurer)
Read all the details on the rooms offered and then look at what you can upgrade to for next to nothing!
Find out as much as you can about the local attractions. If you have included a car, don’t book the attraction online, do it when you get there for a lot less. (I recommend this way for single couples) If you’re taking the family, especially young children, book it online and relax aboard Top of the line tour buses as you venture out.
If you love to try new foods, you will save a bundle and experience some of the best food you will ever have by eating “Off the Street” as I like to call it. Don’t worry, finding an Ice cold beverage of your choice is easier than blinking! Just stick to cooked food and getting sick need not be a worry
Safe to go out and about day and night? Catching a Cab or the bus in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta is safer than any city in the US. They pride themselves on tourist safety and cops are never too far away. Midnight strolls are a must, sleeping on the beach even better.
Why go to Florida and deal with the same old stuff you can get at home on crowded not so pretty beaches when less than an hour away you could be on beaches of clear white sand, waters so blue it’s almost unbelievable and views that simply take your breath away.
Are you almost ready to do Mexico? Check out my reviews on hotels, Fun flights and more.
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