The most recent edition of CWT Industry Watch covers a growing trend: the use of tablet computers in-flight. These compact computers offer benefits both for airline staff who may use them to provide personalized customer service (see how British Airways is using them here), as well as passengers who can use them for work or entertainment during flights. Reminder: always check to see what electronic devices are permitted during which portions of your flight.

Qantas has an interesting trial scheduled to begin in January involving tablet computers and in-flight entertainment. The airline will be equipping one of its B767-300 aircraft with iPads at each seat, which passengers can use to experience Qantas’ in-flight entertainment options. More information about this trial and Qantas’ in-flight connectivity pilot is available here.

Do you use your tablet computer in-flight? Tell us about it.

Safe Travels,

At the busiest travel time of the year, a little advice can go a long way in helping you navigate your journeys. Here are some tips you can take advantage of to help your travels remain stress-free through this busy time of year.  

1. Check-in online: Checking in online will help ensure great seat selection.
2. Pack lightly: Most airlines have strict luggage policies these days, so be sure to check with your specific carrier, and bring only what you need to avoid extra fees.
3. Ship gifts in advance: If you must carry gifts with you, be sure to leave them unwrapped for security purposes.
4. Prepare the children: Make sure your children know their home address and telephone number. It is a good idea to set up a meeting place at the airport should you be separated. If they haven’t flown before, explain the security process so they’re not alarmed.
5. Know your flight status: check online or call ahead to ensure your on-time departure and arrival.
6. Go light on the liquids: Transport Canada and TSA in the U.S. restrict the amount of liquid you may bring on your carry-on to containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz.) or less that fit in a 1 liter (1 quart) plastic bag.
7. Allow enough time: Get to the airport early to ensure you have enough time to get through security and to your gate.
8. Be ready for security: Everyone can do their part to speed security lines. Remove belts, shoes and other items while you are waiting in line.
9. Leave a paper trail: make photocopies of your passports, credit cards, and other IDs. Leave one copy with a relative at home and keep another copy with you, separate from your originals.
10. Cover your bases: Ensure that you have adequate trip cancellation, interruptions and medical insurance while traveling.

 

Following these simple tips will help you ease through the busy airports during this time of year. Do you have any other tips or tricks to share?

I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled to East Africa twice.  While each trip was very different, they were both life changing and unforgettable.

My first trip was 15 years ago. I went with a group of volunteers on a work expedition to help the local youth group find coal and plant tea. We lived in the village during the week and on weekends were taken on safari.  It was great to be able to experience life as a local and to also be involved in the tourism aspect. Having experienced both aspects of life in East Africa, the thing that stuck with me most from this trip is that the locals, who have so little in food or money, seem far happier than the majority of people around the world who have so much more!

I completed my second trip last year: a safari tour with friends and family. This trip was also filled with amazing experiences. Words cannot express the feeling you have when you see the amazing animals in such close proximity. Picture giraffes running, elephants walking in front of you, lions looking you directly in the eye, a herd of zebras drinking from the river (who get spooked every once in a while), cheetahs lounging together beneath a tree, and lion cubs walking with their mom right past your window.

 

These are just a few of the reasons I believe everyone should go to Africa.

Do you have an amazing African experience to share?

For many, the holidays are a joyful time of year. However, holiday travel can pose challenges due to busy airports and longer-than-usual wait times. Here are a few tips to make the travel experience a jolly one:

• Being early is the best bet. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so travelers should check with their air carriers to ensure they have time to check baggage if needed and move through security.
• If checking bags can be avoided, travelers can save time and money. Reviewing the airline carriers’ baggage policies is a good idea before packing.
• Carry-ons should be well-organized, for example with a layer of clothes, then electronics, then more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see a bag’s contents.
• When considering bringing food or wine along for the holidays, travelers should make sure to review Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) policies. While pies are permitted, many other items, such as dips, spreads, wine, and beer are not allowed in carry-on luggage and should be checked or shipped ahead of time.
• Gifts should not be wrapped. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, he or she may have to unwrap it. TSA also does not allow snow globes to pass through the security checkpoint, as they contain an undetermined amount of liquid. Snow globes are permitted in checked baggage.
• Travelers should have ID ready and make sure all liquid items that have not been checked are in compliance with TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquid Policy requirements. This saves time and makes lines move quickly. See the TSA’s holiday travel tips for details on the 3-1-1 Liquid Policy and other tips. Visit CATSA’s holiday travel tips page for information about traveling through Canadian airports.
• Fun fact: Within select date ranges, the following airports are offering gift wrap service for passengers who have cleared security: Calgary International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Fort Wayne International Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, San Diego International Airport. Check with your local airport to see if they offer this service.

Finally, a friendly demeanor can go a long way. Many travelers may be experiencing the same frustrations, so keeping a positive attitude can go a long way and make the experience better for everyone.

Happy travels!

Over the past few years Mexico has received a great deal of negative press, with commentary often painting the entire country with the same brush.  So as many people begin to plan their winter escapes, it’s understandable that we often are asked if Mexico is a safe destination for travelers. And the answer to this question is yes – Mexico remains a great choice!

While we can’t pretend that there is no violence in Mexico, it’s important to remember  that the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta to name a few) are safe places for visitors.  The violence we hear about is concentrated in very localized areas, primarily in the towns bordering the U.S., all of which are very far removed from the beach resort towns along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.  In fact, we’re finding that interest in Mexican resort vacations has increased considerably this year!

Over the past year I’ve been fortunate enough to personally visit the Cancun and Riviera Maya area on two occasions, including one trip with my daughters, and thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Mexico each time.  Mexico offers an excellent value and a great return on your vacation dollars – visitors to Mexico will find a wide range of hotel options from the most luxurious accommodations to more budget-minded options.  If you’re looking for crystal blue waters and white sand beaches you can’t beat the Riviera Maya area!  And, what I’ve always enjoyed most about Mexico, is the people.  They are gracious, warm people who are genuinely grateful you’ve chosen their country for your vacation.

So if you’re considering a trip to Mexico, you should feel confident in your decision. Just use the same safety precautions as you would in your daily life or when traveling to any other destination.

Adios amigo!