As I was planning for a recent trip to NYC, I came across an interesting piece of information pertaining to one of my favorite methods of transportation around Manhattan.  As reported by a local news station in New York, AT&T and T-Mobile customers now have cell phone service in a handful of subway stations on the west side of New York City.  And according to the MTA, more stations will follow.

Reaction to increased cell service coverage in public places  is varied.  What does it mean for you?  Is this a great new way to stay connected, or is it among an increasing number of places you’re  forced to hear other peoples’ phone conversations?

It’s a busy week in the world of travel. Here are a few things going on:

UK Public Sector Strike

There is a public sector strike scheduled for tomorrow, November 30 in the United Kingdom. Striking workers will include UK Border Agency staff – meaning travelers arriving in the UK may experience delays at immigration checkpoints. Read the CWT Hot News here for more information.

Weather impacts travel

Wind in Chicago and rain in the New York area are impacting flights into and out of those regions. Check your flight status and review the airline re-accommodation policies to see what your options are for rescheduling your travel.

American Airlines files for reorganization under Chapter 11

While this announcement is making headlines today, there is expected to be no impact to travelers. AA indicates it is conducting business as usual worldwide while it restructures its debt. Visit AA’s website or read the CWT Hot News for more information.

Safe Travels!

Video junkie?  Same here.  Sucker for those “New on Blu-Ray + Digital Copy” end-caps at Best Buy?  Guilty as charged.  I’m embarrassed to admit I travel with so much portable media I sometimes forget to pack essentials … like my passport, but that’s a different story.

Here is my top ten list of “must have movies” when I travel.  Classics, each and every one of them.  If you haven’t seen them, run don’t walk!

10. Planes, Trains and Automobiles – the quintessential movie about what can go wrong when you’re on the move.

9. The Big Lebowski – Why travel with it?  Because it gets funnier every time you watch it.  The Coen brothers have a gift for nuance.

8. Major League – Are you from Cleveland?  Do you like baseball?  Do you have a pulse?  If the answer to any of these is “yes”, download now!

7. (500) Days of Summer – A recent indie classic starring Zooey Deschanel and a hugely underrated Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

6.  Dead Poet’s Society – O Captain, My Captain!  It never gets old.

5.  Paul  – Simon Pegg at his finest.  A hidden gem.

4. Lost in Translation – Is business travel really that glamorous, even as a VIP?  Let Bill Murray explain it.  What’s best about this movie is what’s NOT said rather than what is.

3.  It’s Kind of a Funny Story – A totally heartwarming story about a teenager who checks himself into a mental hospital.  Zach Galifinakis is brilliant!!!!

2.  Fletch – Really???  You need an explanation?

1.  Beautiful Girls – I call this the best movie you’ve never seen.  It’s literally my favorite movie of all time; a great story about the transition into middle age.

In all seriousness, we’re really just scratching the surface here.  What movies “must” you have with you at all times?  Do tell!!!

With Thanksgiving coming up in the United States, and the busy holiday travel season upon us, CWT would like to remind air travelers of some ways to be prepared for the crowds.

Before you go

• Do as much as you can before leaving for the airport: check in online and pre-pay your baggage fees if applicable.
• Pack right. Make sure you know what items must be placed in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on bag. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers advice here, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) provides guidelines here.
• Check your flight status and watch the weather forecasts for your home city and your destination. The Federal Aviation Administration posts flight delay information for U.S. airports here. Flightstats.com also offers delay information for a variety of different countries here.
• Have a plan regarding how you’ll get to the airport. Leave yourself extra time, arrange for a ride, or make sure you know what your options are for airport parking—the spaces fill up quickly.

 

At the airport

• Make sure you have your boarding pass (printed or electronic) and your photo identification handy before approaching the security checkpoint.
• Be prepared for security screening procedures and review the rules regarding liquids and electronics. Know the specifics from the TSA and CATSA, and don’t forget, now that the weather’s getting cooler: jackets must be removed before going through the metal detector.
• Know your airline’s boarding procedures and be ready to board when your assigned row/section/group is called.

 

At your destination

• Remember that roads and public transportation may be busier than usual, and allot extra time to get from place to place at your destination.
• Don’t forget that any gifts you receive or any purchases you make will need to get home with you. Make sure you have room in your luggage or plan to ship items home.
• Take all the same preparations when getting ready for your return trip as you did on your way to your destination. Leave yourself a little extra time if you’re traveling out of an unfamiliar airport.

 

Overall, remember that a little preparation and patience will go a long way.

Safe and happy travels!

As the economy suffered over the past few years, true first class travel on domestic flights almost became a relic of the past. However, stellar service and amenities still can be experienced on international flights. Why is first class service still relevant for travelers and why would a traveler pay up to eleven times the discount economy fare for these services? In other words, what is important to a first class traveler?

As a frequent traveler it boils down to two things: priority boarding and extra room. Sure it’s nice to be served quickly and not pay for your pillows, but first class really takes away the stress of finding overhead space and being crowded in the coach section.   

When international travel is involved, business class service is good enough for most business travelers, with roomier seats that increasingly include lie-flat seats, good food, wine and entertainment options. Business class also affords priority boarding and access to club lounges at the airport, but first class! Ah, that’s a real luxury. While not a huge revenue source for airlines, first class is a marketing tool for them. And they will go out of their way to make the experience out of this world.

The airline review site, Skytrax, awarded Etihad Airways the “Best First Class” award and Cathay Pacific won the 2011 award for “Best First Class Seat.” Etihad also won the “Best First Class Catering” award.

An example of full first class service can be experienced on Qatar Airlines at Doha airport. The $90 million premium terminal caters to first class travelers. Travelers are met by a personal bell-host who will handle their luggage immediately. Available services include 5-star restaurants, spa services, business services, medical services and privacy rooms for naps.

In the air, first class travelers experience privacy panels, full lie-flat beds, outstanding food and drink, pajamas on some airlines, great entertainment options, additional frequent flyer points, and the list goes on.

At the cost of first class travel, it is a luxury that many of us may not experience but it’s nice to know it’s there in the chance we’ll get upgraded.

What are the most appealing features of first class travel in your opinion? Tell us in the survey below.