New Passenger Rights Rules Mean Fewer Headaches For Air Travelers
June 30, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
At long last, there are some sensible new rules to reduce air travel hassles.
According to an article in the May 1 edition of The Baltimore Sun, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a new series of passengers rights designed to correct a range of issues that have outraged air travelers in recent months.
Addressing such irritations as involuntary “bumping” on overbooked flights, excessive flight delays, lost bag fees, and deceptively advertised discounted fares, these rules are scheduled to go into effect on August 23, 2011.
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According to Ambrose, if you’re bumped from an oversold flight, you’ll soon be compensated more generously. Currently, you can receive the price of your ticket, up to $400, if the airline gets you to your domestic destination within two hours of your original arrival time (four hours on international flights). For longer delays, you can receive twice the ticket price, not to exceed $800.
The new DOT rules raise these limits. For short delays, you’ll get double the price of your ticket, but no more than $650. For long delays, you will be entitled to four times the value of your ticket, not to exceed $1,300. These limits are to be adjusted every two years for inflation.
Regarding extended flight delays (a recent blizzard at New York’s JFK airport stranded a group of passengers on the tarmac for 11 hours), carriers won’t be able to keep passengers on the tarmac for more than four hours. And airlines must make sure passengers have food, water, working bathrooms and medical treatment, if necessary, after two hours.
Plus, when an aircraft is delayed on the tarmac, airlines will have to give passengers a status report every half-hour. And carriers will have to notify the public within a half-hour of learning about a change that will delay a flight by 30 minutes or more.
In addition, the new rules will require that airlines not only reimburse passengers for lost luggage, but refund the baggage fees they assessed to transport those bags. And, to address the problem of undisclosed airline fees, carriers must now include all mandatory fees, including taxes, in their advertised fares and on their website.
Once you combine these updated DOT rules with the convenience of flying with Travelpro® Rollaboard® luggage, the skies are suddenly much friendlier.
Travelpro Launches Executive Pro “Checkpoint Friendly” Computer Briefcase Collection [PRESS RELEASE]
June 23, 2011 by Karen Amin · 1 Comment
Travelpro, the inventor of Rollaboard® luggage and leader in innovative, high-quality luggage design, introduces its new “Checkpoint Friendly” Computer Briefcase Collection, Executive Pro. The Executive Pro briefcase collection brings sophistication and functionality to the frequent business traveler. With this expansive 9-piece collection of briefcases, whether rolling or non-rolling, a backpack and a combination Rollaboard Luggage Brief to choose from, business travelers can expect lightweight, stylish, durable and Checkpoint Friendly briefs that simplify airline travel, especially when going through airport security.
Executive Pro Checkpoint Friendly Computer Briefcase
“With this new collection, our goal was to make it a little bit easier to speed through the security line at the airport,” said Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for Travelpro. “The extremely lightweight Executive Pro collection is designed with features which allow the traveler to simply unzip the back of the computer briefcase or backpack and pass it through the X-ray machine without having to remove your laptop.”
The collection includes a host of innovative features a busy executive needs on the road. Key features include: rugged polyester fabric with DuraGuard™ coating that make it stain and abrasion resistance for greater durability; extremely lightweight, the Checkpoint Friendly Computer Brief weighs less than 2 ½ lbs; the telescoping handle height adjusts to 41” on the rolling pieces providing comfort for taller travelers; a deluxe business organizer with pockets for business cards, pens and pencils, computer accessories, CD’s, and keys; an adjustable, non-slip cushioned shoulder strap on non-rolling cases for added comfort; quick-loop on the back of the cases for easy attachment to companion luggage; roomy interior pockets that store power cords, chargers, electronic media and smart phones; and a padded laptop sleeve designed to fit most 17” laptops.
The Executive Pro collection includes the Checkpoint Friendly Computer Brief, Slim Checkpoint Friendly Computer Brief, Executive Rolling Brief, Checkpoint Friendly Computer Backpack, Deluxe Rolling Computer Brief, 18” Business Plus Rollaboard, Ladies City Tote, Ladies Rolling Brief and the Messenger Brief.
Travelpro’s new Checkpoint Friendly Computer Briefs and Computer Backpack take away the hassle of having to reach for the laptop and put it in a separate bin from all other belongings and then having to put it back in the bag at the end of the checkpoint. Travelpro backs the Executive Pro™ collection with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
Visit Travelpro for a complete list of the latest products and retail locations. You can also follow us on our Travelpro Facebook page or on Twitter at @TravelproIntl.
Related articles
- Ways To Get Through Security Checkpoints Faster (travelproluggageblog.com)
- Satchels, Totes and Cases! Whatever Shall a Man Carry? (theawl.com)
- Essentials to Know When Shopping for Luggage (exomystics.wordpress.com)
Travel Tips For Attending Major Events
June 21, 2011 by Karen Amin · Leave a Comment
As if trip planning wasn’t complicated enough, traveling to a major event presents a number of additional challenges.
Whether you’re traveling on your own to a huge sporting event like the Super Bowl or the Indianapolis 500, or on business to a major industry conference or exposition, proper planning is the key to an enjoyable and productive trip. Here are a few tips:
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- As always, you’ll want to avoid the hassles of checking and retrieving extra luggage, paying excess and oversized baggage fees, and dragging multiple bags through security checkpoints by fitting all your essentials into one bag that you carry on your plane.
- Pack using the “bundle” method. Wrap clothes around large objects (such as bags of toiletries or pairs of shoes), rather than folding or rolling clothes. The bundle method saves the most space and also prevents wrinkling.
- On long trips and extended stays, take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination.
- Buy small-sized toiletries or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into miniature travel bottles. Good tip: Save hotel toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
- Select neutral colors so your outfits are easier to match, and limit yourself to two pairs of shoes
- Hand washing your clothes in your room (utilizing an Austin House Travel Laundry Kit) is often preferable to the hotel’s often unpredictable laundry service.
- If at all possible, travel to your destination a day or two prior to the event and leave a day or two afterward. By doing so, you’ll be better acclimated to the climate and time zone, and will avoid the rush at the airport.
- In most cases, it’s more convenient to take cabs at your destination, instead of renting a car. You eliminate rental and parking expenses, plus you won’t have to navigate through unfamiliar, congested areas. If you anticipate long cab lines and have enough people in your party to make it economically feasible, you may want to charter a shuttle bus. And, don’t overlook public transportation if it’s available. Or, just walk across the street to a neighboring hotel and catch a cab there.
- Booking a hotel near the event is usually preferable to lodging miles away in an effort to reduce cost. The time wasted and money spent in transit often far outweighs any room rate savings.
By preparing properly beforehand, you’re free to focus all of your attention on the event. So enjoy yourself and/or win some business.
Related articles
- How to manage toiletries while traveling? (ask.metafilter.com)
- Tips for Single Mothers Taking a Trip (brighthub.com)
How Restaurant Review Sites Can Help You Travel
May 10, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Few things generate a heartier appetite than travel. You need to replenish all those calories you burn experiencing the sights and sounds of new destination. But, you’re not familiar with the area. So, what’s the best way to find a good place to eat?
Once again, technology comes to the rescue of the information (and food) starved traveler. Listed below are some of the restaurant review websites we’ve found most beneficial to those eating on the road:
Yelp: This site provides comprehensive dining information including maps, hours of operation, accepted credit cards and dress code. In addition, Yelp features a thriving social network with consumer reviews of restaurants nationwide (over 8 million reviews and 26 million visitors). Beyond its website, there are multiple ways to access Yelp, including its mobile site and Yelp apps for the iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre and Android.
Zagat: As one of the highest rated and best known restaurant information resources, Zagat requires a $24.95 annual subscription to access its member’s ratings and reviews. It’s an investment well worth making for travelers concerned about the quality of the food and service they receive (especially those who entertain business guests). Zagat’s “Events and Deals” section for select cities is accessible to members and nonmembers alike.
Urbanspoon: This site provides a wealth of basic restaurant information, including menus (when available) and links to critic reviews, blog posts and Urbanspoon user comments. The percentage of people who recommend the restaurant is clearly displayed on each restaurant’s page. Plus, most menus list prices, so you budget accordingly.
Citysearch: This site details the most popular restaurants, bars, spas and local events in 75,000 neighborhoods nationwide. Citysearch also offers a mobile application that include calendar and e-mail integration and Twitter functionality that enables users to tweet reviews and tips to followers instantly. Other Citysearch features include a Tip Calculator and “Split the Bill” tool which help you avoid over-paying.
Please remember not to let these online resources prevent you from asking the locals about their favorite area restaurants.
While their advice might not be as “cutting edge,” the gleam in their eye and enthusiasm in their voice will tell you all you need to know about the establishments they recommend.
Using Your Mobile Phone When Traveling Overseas
April 28, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
You’d think it would be the last thing an international traveler would be worried about. Who cares about “staying in touch” when you’re about to see the world?
Ah, but we live in the age of instant communication and crave constant contact, regardless of which continent we’re on. Plus, the rates foreign hotels charge to use their phones are outrageous.
So, what’s the best way to use your mobile phone when traveling overseas?
If you prefer using your own phone, the easiest approach is to purchase a SIM card at your destination. These cards, which contain prepaid minutes and feature their own phone number, are available in vending machines and at news stands in most international airports.
A SIM card is a fingernail-sized computer chip which is inserted into the back of the phone. A number of carriers offer these cards which drives down both their initial cost (typically $5 – $15) and the rates ($.10 – .20/minute in country, and $1/minute to the US) you pay to replenish them.
If you plan to buy an overseas SIM card, you must first make arrangement to “unlock” your mobile phone. Contact your local provider, explain that you’re traveling overseas and request that they enable your phone to utilize another card (and, thus, the services of another carrier). Nearly all models other than the iPhone (with its proprietary network) can be unlocked.
When using a destination SIM card, be aware that voice and text rates will likely increase once you’ve left the country you purchased it in. Identify what these “roaming” charges are, and determine whether it would be more cost-effective to buy a new SIM card in each country you plan to visit.
Another calling option when traveling overseas is to buy a basic “pay as you go” mobile phone at your destination. They can be very inexpensive, and come in “locked” (exclusively served by one carrier and, therefore, the cheapest) and “unlocked” versions (pricier phones which accept other carrier’s SIM cards).
Renting a mobile phone is also an option, but their voice and data rates can be extremely high.
Even when seeing new and exotic lands, it’s important to be able to “reach out and touch” both our fellow travelers and the folks back home. Why else would the first word in mobile phone be “mobile”?
How To Stay Plugged In While Traveling
March 31, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
In this Information Age, it’s become a primary concern of the frequent traveler: How do you access the Internet while on the road?
In addition to most airports and hotels, many shops serving the public now offer free wi-fi. Starbucks and other independent coffee shops are well known for catering to laptop users’ Internet access needs (savvy travelers often access the “Starbucks finder” app or Google “independent coffee shops” when in unfamiliar cities). A number of McDonald’s and other popular restaurant chains also offer free wi-fi.
But use caution when accessing public wi-fi, for there are hackers lurking. You should always check the type of connection you’re making. Further, if you’re using a non-encrypted wi-fi connection, avoid any websites that don’t have “http” in the URL. Finally, if a security error appears on your screen while you’re connected to public wi-fi, log off immediately.
There’s also technology now available enabling you to turn your smart phone into a mobile wi-fi transmitter. These include software packages and a mobile transmitter (called MiFi) which can convert your mobile phone into a hotspot accessible by up to five people. The cost of the software varies by the type of smart phone you use, while the mobile transmitter typically costs $50 per month.
And, if you’re not comfortable accessing public wi-fi, you can always use your Blackberry, iPhone or iPad to access the internet, and send and retrieve email. Granted, the ability to open complex attachments can be somewhat limited, but you can remain productive while ensuring your computer’s security.
Also remember that a great way to transport and protect your computer is to use Travelpro’s “checkpoint friendly” luggage, which features a padded sleeve compartment that holds most 17″ laptops, and enable you to breeze through airport security without removing it from the case.
Constant access to the internet is crucial for nearly every traveler these days. A wide range of technology exists to enable you to stay “plugged in’ away from home. But, it’s up to you to keep your data safe while online on the road.
Photo credit: Frostwire.com (Flickr)
Should You Rent A Car Or Use Public Transportation When Traveling Abroad?
March 24, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Among the many decisions you must make when traveling abroad is whether to rent a car or use the public transportation system.
As with most international travel decisions, the answer is: it depends. Your choice of transportation depends on your budget, itinerary, level of confidence, degree of patience and need for spontaneity.
As always, cost is a major factor. Renting a car, especially in major European cities, is very expensive, with gas often costing two to three times as much as it does in the U.S. Plus, extra fees may be assessed for cars with automatic transmissions and certain destinations, such as London and Milan, also can charge pollution fees.
That’s a lot of cost to bear, especially if you’re traveling alone and have no one to split the expense with.
As far as cost effectiveness goes, it’s hard to beat a Eurail pass and an up-to-date transit schedule for the destination you’re visiting. Many overseas cities have extensive public transportation systems that all but eliminate the need to drive.
The trade-off comes with the frequent crowding of these trains and buses, their periodic delays, the potential for transit strikes, and their limitations in serving “off-the-beaten-track” spots.
If your itinerary does include exotic destinations that aren’t readily served by train and bus routes, a rental car gives you far more flexibility. But, in addition to your desire for spontaneity, you’ll need both confidence and patience for such excursions.
Driving abroad poses many challenges. If you’re driving in Australia, the UK or Jamaica, you’ll be traveling on the opposite side of the road while steering the vehicle from what you consider the front passenger seat. And, in many parts of the world, driving patterns are widely unpredictable regardless what side of the road you’re on. When you throw in street signs in a language you don’t understand, the confusion quickly mounts.
If you have the patience for such a challenge, we strongly recommend renting a GPS unit with the appropriate map software (in English) installed. Just remember to always keep the unit with you when the car is parked.
Be sure to enjoy the region’s sights and sounds, regardless of the mode of transportation you use to access them. And, keep in mind that your choice doesn’t have to be an “either/or”.
Use public transit where possible and rent a vehicle when it makes sense. The key is to experience your destination fully.
Must-Have Items For Traveling Abroad
March 17, 2011 by Karen Amin · 1 Comment
The key to successful international travel is thoroughly planning for both for your convenience and safety.
As if “the road” isn’t inconvenient enough, traveling abroad often involves the need to transport more items over greater distances for longer time periods through unfamiliar areas. Which, of course, can be risky for both traveler and his belongings.
Austin House, a division of Travelpro and leading brand of great travel accessories offers a number of travel and personal security items perfect for those far from home.
Gatesafe: Simplify your trip through airport security with this boarding pass holder that provides quick and easy access to identification.
Hi-Lo Converter: You’ll need to account for voltage differences in order to avoid damaging any electrical items you bring. This device converts 220V/240V foreign electricity to 110V/125V for use with most North American appliances rated from 0–1875 watts. Research the voltage requirements for each country you plan to visit, and buy any adaptors you need from Austin House.
Digitime Alarm Clock: A dependable battery-powered clock that features a large, well-lit screen, snooze button and loud, crescendo alarm. Three Button Cell batteries are included.
Personal Safety Alarm: Protect yourself with this small alarm which is worn around the neck and emits a high pitch sound when its string is pulled.
Waist Safe/Leg Safe/Neck Safe: Protect your money and other valuables with these undetectable travel wallets. All are made from washable, lightweight poly/cotton material with Agion treated Cool-Max back panel to wick away moisture and kill odor causing bacteria. Each also features elasticized straps with fabric grip tabs that adjust to fit all sizes.
Compact Door Alarm: A protection device for the door (or window) of your hotel room which emits a high pitched sound when the clips placed between the door and door frame are separated.
In order to use your cell phone when traveling abroad, you may be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card from a vending machine at your destination airport. You’ll need to make arrangements with your carrier to “unlock” your phone beforehand (which some carriers may not agree to).
Finally, the best way to streamline international travel is to check one large Travelpro Rollaboard bag and carry-on a smaller bag that can be strapped to the rollaboard. Be sure to pack essentials (toiletries, medications and some clothing) in your carry-on, in case your checked bag is lost or delayed.
With a little planning and a few Austin House items, your overseas trip as safe as it is exciting. Safe travels!
Baggage Fees Are Here To Stay
February 15, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
If you’re wondering whether the airlines are going to drop those checked baggage fees, a recent article in the Chicago Tribune tells us that, no, they’re not.
From July to September of last year, the airlines took in over $900 million in checked baggage fees (a 23% increase over the same period in 2009). Most airlines now depend on this ample revenue source to offset rising fuel costs and fluctuating airfares.
One prominent carrier, Southwest Airlines, doesn’t charge these fees and is aggressively promoting that fact as part of their overall marketing campaign. But don’t look for other carriers to adopt Southwest’s approach any time soon.
These fees vary by airline, and are typically $20 – $30 for the first bag checked. Higher fees are charged for additional bags, often twice the amount of the initial bag.
If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you’re subject to an overweight fee which is based on how many pounds the bag is “over.” Many airlines also assess oversized fees for luggage that have a combined length, width and girth exceeding 45 inches.
So what can you do to avoid these fees? Fly with Travelpro® Rollaboard® luggage, of course.
Travelpro has been serving the needs of business travelers and vacationers for decades, and we’ve developed a wide range of carry-on luggage that reduces not only baggage costs, but user fatigue and airport hassles as well. We offer carry-on sized Rollaboards, rolling duffel bags, totes, rolling totes, business cases and garment bags.
Constructed of state-of-the-art materials, our lightweight luggage is not only much easier to transport through airports, it is easier to carry on the airplane itself. In the United States, depending on the plane type, airlines generally allow travelers to carry on bags measuring 22″ in length (20″ on international flights).
Travelpro offers many carry-on models that meet these size restrictions, eliminating checked baggage fees and the headache of retrieving your luggage upon arrival. Plus, the carry-on’s light weight and side, top and bottom carry handles make them easier to lift into and out of the overhead bins.
In addition, Travelpro products are extremely durable. Any manufacturer can offer a bag that doesn’t weigh much. The challenge is to provide a lightweight bag that stands up to constant baggage handling and crowded conveyer systems worldwide. As our lifetime warranty demonstrates, we’ve more than met that challenge.
Checked baggage fees are likely here to stay. Fortunately, so is Travelpro carry-on luggage.
What Are The Best Sources For Travel Information?
February 10, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
With the wealth of travel resources available online, we at Travelpro are often asked which sites we recommend for comprehensive information on popular destinations.
Obviously there are many good sites catering to both common and exotic locales, but we have found that the four sites below consistently provide useful information:
Concierge.com: The digital version of Condé Nast Traveler, the industry leading travel magazine is published by Condé Nast Publications. The site offers extensive information on popular destinations worldwide organized in an extremely easy-to-use format.
Concierge.com allows you to quickly access information on the specific city, region or country you’re going to visit. Both detailed articles and user reviews on your destination’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, stores and nightlife are instantly available, along with photos, videos, trip maps and suggested itineraries. You can also explore the site by “interests,” which range from Active/Adventure to Arts & Culture to Green Eco-Travel to Spa & Wellness.
Travelocity.com: Travelocity is a full-service travel planning and purchasing website offering extensive flight, hotel, car rental, cruise and destination information, along with last minute travel deals. Plus they have the cool Gnome commercials.
TripAdvisor.com: TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site which offers advice from real travelers, plus a wide variety of planning tools. It is owned by TripAdvisor Media Group which operates 18 popular travel sites and attracts over 50 million visits per month.
Here, you can not only search flight options to your destination, but compare all fares available from online booking sites. Tripadvisor also provides detailed hotel, restaurant, cruise, vacation and activity information, along with valuable forum in which fellow travelers share their experiences.
Expedia.com: Expedia has everything you’ll need to research, plan and purchase your trip. You can access one of the broadest selection of travel products and tools in North America, as well as localized versions in Europe, and partnerships in Asia. Whether you’re a family booking an extended trip or a businessperson planning a sales trip, Expedia can get you from door to door.
In this computer age, there are as many excellent sources for destination information as there are destinations to visit. The choice, in both cases, is to find the best place for you.
