New Feature: Monthly Video

Since we are going to Greece in May, the featured videos for the month of May is Greece. Just click on one of the video images on the left to watch.

This is a great time of year to go to Europe. It's what's called the "shoulder season". It's not quite high season and it's not off-season. It's still a little chilly in the northern region of Greece where we stay, but in the Greek Islands it's ideal. Flowers are profusely in bloom and the temperatures are perfect: not too cold and not too hot.

Have a look at the featured videos and I'll have more coming to you as the pilot's family prepares for its annual trip to Greece.

Carry On!

We're getting ready for our annual trip to Greece (the pilot's family still lives there-OPA!!!). I always over pack. As I sit here and type this I am vowing not to do it again this year. The airlines are also getting tougher and tougher about carry on and baggage allowances--(thank goodness the airline we fly standby is one of the more liberal). So the objective with carry on baggage is this: how to get the most in and have it still fit either under the seat or overhead bin without you needing to see a chiropractor for the rest of your life. Here's a little tip I learned which would be more helpful for the ladies.

Ladies: If you get a big shoulder bag, you can slip your purse in there along with some other items and still have your small wheeled suitcase. Just watch the weight because flight attendants may not help you get it into the overhead bin. I've heard many complain that they have back problems from years of helping people do this. Also, there's not always a gentleman around to help. If you are traveling with a gentleman you may be able to pack in a little more.

I'm also including a list of the carry on limits for US airlines. Kalo taxithee - that's the Greek phonetic pronunciation that translates into "good travel"

Domestic Airline/Flight Policies - Carry On Luggage

Airline Allowance Max wt per piece Max size per piece AirTran 1 plus 1 personal item - 55" Alaska and also Horizon 1 plus 1 personal item - 10"H x 17"W x 24"L Aloha 1 plus 1 personal item (sometimes on interisland flights - none!) 20lbs 44" = 8" x 14" x 22" America West 1 plus 1 personal item - 45" American 1 plus 1 personal item 40lbs 45" ATA 1 plus 1 personal item - 9" x 15" x 25" but on L1011 is only 9" x 13.5" x 19" Continental 1 plus 1 personal item 40lbs 51" Delta 1 plus 1 personal item 40lbs All items must each fit in a 'Size wise' template, approx 22" x 14" x 9" Frontier 1 plus 1 personal item 35lbs 49" Hawaiian 1 plus 1 personal item 25lbs 45" or 22" x 14" x 9" JetBlue 1 plus 1 personal item - - Northwest 1 plus 1 personal item 40lbs 22" x 14" x 9" Southwest 1 plus 1 personal item - 24" x 16" x 10" Spirit 1 piece, no personal items 40lbs 22" x 13" x 10" United 1 plus 1 personal item - 22" x 14" x 9" US Airways 1 plus 1 personal item 40lbs combined weight for both 24" x 16" x 10" for overhead 21" x 16" x 8" for underseat

Delta and Northwest Merger

The merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines has created a lot of buzz. There's always the concern that it's not good for passengers or employees. There's nothing worse than having a disgruntled flight attendant or baggage handler working the flight that you're taking. However, from the inside, I can tell you that there's a lot of positive comments. The company (Delta) has been assuring that this merger is not subtractive i.e. losing jobs and closing routes. They contend that it's additive i.e. good for passengers, good for employees and good for business. What is known for sure is that if nothing is done two of the giants in the air will go down. Pun intended.