Fattony

The only drawback is that the Japanese like to keep their planes very warm!

Not sure how many flights this poster used on which to base such a generalization. We flew JAL from Narita to Ho Chi Minh City. We were fine. But always good to dress in layers, since you don't know what the conditions will be on a specific flight, regardless of carrier.

Maybe you can check listings in online editions of "O Globo" and other newspapers. Note that many shows may have an announced start of 11 p.m., but the real start will be after midnight. If you could be more specific as to what you want to see, posters could give better input. Where are you staying? Your hotel's concierge desk may help, but they may steer you to typical places for tourists. Some nightclubs/discos will cater to those very young and/or single males looking for ladies for the evening.

It may be a bit early to look for specific shows featuring headliners.

What time are you arriving? Where are you staying?

Hoorah for United. Others are also-- shocking-- abiding by their published rules. It's largely about what the overhead bins can accommodate. Thosewho avoid the checked bag fees by taking only carry-on bags may need to rethink their strategies, or pay more for fare son carriers where it's less of a factor.

US totally stopped serving them years ago.

The small bag of dry-roasted peanuts, and cup (not full can) of soft drink I get on Southwest wouldn't be a factor in deciding on my carrier. There could, of course, be other factors. I flew Southwest last month. Snacks were not a factor.

I check dh and I in exactly at the 24 hour mark. We almost always end up in a A position. Often ahead in line of our friends who always pay extra for Early Bird! ;)

If that's true, Southwest is lying to their customers, assuring them that if they pay the extra they will get checked in 36 hours in advance. I'd be pretty steamed if I paid extra and got a lower #. Of course, checking in at the 24 hour mark (something many can't do when traveling), is no guarantee of getting an "A" number. Obviously varies by routing.

Fattony, I'm not concerned with my seat assignment on the next leg of our flight as that will be DTW and the end of our journey, so as long as I'm on that flight:rolleyes: or God forbid (not really), if we miss that connection, as DH will be newly retired by then, and having nowhere specific to be the next day(s) or days thereafter:eek:. I do plan on taking the next day off work myself. So here's to the final leg or adventure of our Alaskan cruise vacation. I did pay the extra $12.50 pp for early check-in in Seattle though. Hoping to be at the front part of the plane!

 

P.S. Has anyone seen the recent posting of the Southwest airline attendant giving instructions to the passengers before takeoff. HILLARIOUS!!! (Don't know how to post it on here, but I think if you "Google it", it will come up! She has her passengers in stiches before takeoff!!)

These skits have been done many times, and have been posted, and broadcast, many times. I was a bit surprised it made the news again, but kudos to Southwest for getting the publicity.

I think 40 mins. is very tight, but possibly doable. Yes, as has been described many, many times here and on other sites, you do not get pre-assigned seats. The standard system is to log on as early as 24 hours before your flight, and get your number for standing in line. You can pay $12 extra to have them check you in, and give you a #, before that 24 hours (advantage being you don't have to jump on a computer to get a lower-- not necessarily low-- number). See "Early Bird" option on their site. I did that recently flying from SEA to LAX, with a change of planes at OAK. I had #44 on the first flight, something like #28 on the next. People who pay Southwest's business class fare (no real business class since all seats are the same, but they can check in early), and some others board first. Southwest recently started a system to pay extra to get a lower number at the airport.

I've generally gotten a cup (not full can) of soft drink, and a tiny packet of peanuts, on Southwest. Sure, better than nothing, but I certainly wouldn't pick an airline based on this. Sometimes Southwest ends up being the least expensive, especially given the "2 free bags" (up to 50 lbs. each; anything heavier you pay extra for) factor, but sometimes they are not.

They are better than others on changing flights.

Back to your basic question: 40 mins. at DTW? They may be boarding by the time you get to the gate of your second flight, so you may end up with a "poorer" seat than you expect, but if you miss your connection, they, like most airlines, will put you on the next flight with available seats. This may not be the very next flight, so the number of other flights there are to your destination that same day would be a factor, at least in my mind.

Has Buenos Aires been annexed by Brazil? ;)

Well, they have fought over territory at times. I don't think Brazil would want to annex Argentina right now (the latter is having even more economic and labor problems than Brazil is).

You're asking for health-related advice from total strangers, and will get largely anecdotal evidence. You think Americans might get sick and others won't? I drank bottled water in Argentina to be on the safe side. I'm sure you'll find people who drank tap water without problems. Your risk. I've been in Brazil for years and don't drink tap water. In some cases, water may be safe at the source but the pipes can allow in contaminants. There is still some risk from water in which food is cooked (and some foods may not be completely safe, but that can happen in the U.S., as well).

I'd stick to bottled water, wine and beer. Keep in mind that ice in drinks may or may not be from purified water. It's obviously a personal decision.

Whenever I've gone through the scanners, it's been quick. No one taking the time to peer at what they might be able to see as the passenger passes through. It's not like it's an alternative to Internet porn sites. Not like Ray Milland in "Man With the X-Ray Eyes." In my case, I know what I look like naked, and know that no one will take the time to look at it longer than necessary, anyway. I think this issue has been blown out of proportion, but if one is not comfortable with the new scanners, there are often options.

While technically it is open jaw, airline Web sites typically use terms like multi-city (WestJet appears to use "multiple cities"; Delta uses "multi-city"). It's typically the only choice other than one way or roundtrip. What it's called isn't critical, anyway. I agree the fees would likely be paid to Delta. If in doubt, call either airline and ask them. Then you'll know for sure. To pre-pay with Delta, you may well need a Delta confirmation #, which could be different than the WestJet confirmation # you have. You can often call the airline you're flying on to pre-select seats, even if the airline you booked with says to just wait until check-in at the airport. I've run into this before. No biggie.

Question isn't what's "fair," but what you are likely to pay. You can do that by checking a number of airlines. It looks like you could pay a tad less using Southwest, from LAX, but of course you'd likely have a connection. Fares, of course, can vary widely by day of the week, on any airline.

A conspiracy? If you don't trust Delta, and think that even individual agents (who have no stake in getting you to book a more expensive flight) are in on the scheme, then don't use them. If someone encounters this problem repeatedly, why would they ever try Delta again? Fly with someone else. No fare, booked anywhere, is final until you book and pay for a ticket. I've had this happen with third party sites as well as airlines.

Penalty for cancelling a flight? For a non-refundable ticket? The price of the ticket. If you want to apply the funds to a future trip, the fee is $150 for domestic flights, I believe, but I don't know for international. United charges $300 per person for international flights.

LOL. 35k for r.t. to Sydney, even in economy class? Must have been an exceptional special deal or your friend was just wrong. Perhaps friend wasn't the one who actually booked their flights. Easy enough to confirm on UA's Web site. If it really was that low for your projected trip, you could pay to rebook. One could easily spend 35k miles r.t. on a domestic U.S. trip.

Good decision to not try to fit in dinner on La Brea before the flight, especially if on a weeknight. Better to go there another time. Oh, the things you must endure to go to Tahiti :-)

One has to admire the loyalty of those who suggest In-N-Out burgers so often here, for almost any situation involving LAX. I also can't imagine heading there before a flight, but to each their own. Until recently I would have suggested the Encounter Restaurant in the middle of LAX, but since that shut, the nearest restaurant I'd suggest is the Proud Bird, a couple of miles away. Not gourmet food, but nice ambiance, with lots of historic photos and a few old planes.

You'd be retuning a rental car? If eating off-airport, I'd try to get an early dinner, then return the car and then head to your terminal. If you're flying biz or first class, you could use the AF lounge? There are restaurants in all terminals I'm aware of, though TBIT likely has the biggest variety. I haven't been since the renovation, but it's something to consider, just to reduce hassles.

Asking for medical advice from total strangers? I take all major insurance plans. Or cash. ;-)

There is a wide, wide range in the quality and effects of such socks. Not all are alike. If a doctor has diagnosed you with a tendency for deep vein thrombosis, it's more important that you get a particular type, which the doc may recommend (even write a prescription for). I have had vein clot problems, and my wife (a physician) first had me wear compression socks, but , due to discomfort and difficulty getting the socks on each time, now I get an injection before each trip (she gives me the injection right before each trip-- a perk most can't enjoy).

Sounds like you had an allergic reaction to the material in the socks you bought (just a layman's opinion). If you go to a specialty store, or a doctor, rather than just buying online, you can discuss the different materials such socks may be made of.

Socks or not, you should still get up and walk as much as possible during a flight. At least every couple of hours.

That's what scares me. We are going in November and I'd really like to fly nonstop on southwest. Don't understand why they would discontinue them all of a sudden. :confused:

Not really "all of a sudden." You noticed the change now because Southwest came out with a new schedule, and that shows changes to a number of routes. Airlines often change routes best on passenger demand. Fewer passengers to one place and/or more demand for another, can lead to an alteration of routes. Routine.

"Scares" you?? Why? You can't get your preferred routing on your preferred airline, but you can still get there, either non-stop on US Airways or with a connection on WN (including, it appears, at least one option with a stop but no change of planes). So, non-stop on US or a flight with at least a stop (maybe a connection, for most of the options) on WN. Disappointing? Sure. Scarey? Hardly. You can get to your cruise.

A lot of people seem to have bad experiences flying in first and biz class. I have never seen anything like this. I've seen solo females, people dressed in the most casual of clothes, all sorts of people in both classes. It's not like first class on an old ocean liner (like in the film "Titanic"). If someone gets upset that another passenger gets served one of the airline's gourmet meals first, relax.

The fact that I'm better than the other passengers doesn't even bother me, as long as they don't get too close to me. I usually let my butler sit in the aisle seat so I can get my privacy.

You're question is a bit sweeping. It's a big country. I'm sure you know you're getting anecdotal evidence, and ultimately it's a matter of your risk acceptance level. You'll find people who drink tap water an entire trip and not have problems. You can also find people who don't take anti-malarial prophylaxis when in malaria areas and don't get sick. What conclusions you draw are up to you. We are in Brazil (my wife is Brazilian) and use tap water for toothbrushing and filtered water for drinking. We did the same in Argentina. Others did not. Of course, as in Brazil and many other countries, exact quality of water in Argentina can vary from locale to locale. When I worked in Rio several years ago, it was well publicized that the tap water at its source was safe, but that cleanliness could vary due to the pipes.

Frankly, I'd play it safe and stick to beer and wine. The water used in it is well filtered. Do keep in mind that ice in drinks may be from tap water. You can ask.

I have no idea what a biro is. I regularly travel with a ballpoint pen or two in my hand luggage, for filling out customs forms, etc. Never had any problem whatsoever. Never. Nowhere in the world. I imagine many people also travel with the "pens" used on tablet computers, etc.

Now, if I had an old-style fountain pen, or a James Bond-style shooting pen, there could be some delays.

If you want to complain about an airline's service, why not do it directly to them? I guess you can get some sympathy here.

I've never had an experience like this in domestic first class or international business class. DL, AA, UA, US, AS. Taking of orders has seemed quite systematic to me. Of course, with my winning smile and adorable personality, perhaps I'm pushed up into the elite category :)

In domestic fc, I've never had a selection of meals so great that it mattered much to me whether I got first choice or not. And, of course, those who ordered special meals (e.g., low-fat, low-sodium, Kosher, etc.) may get served first and seem to be getting "special attention."

Want to complain about a class system? Look back at the poor folks in economy. I imagine some of them would be reluctant to shed a tear for those who don't get first choice of meals in fc.

Fortaleza is probably best known among tourists as a jumping off point for the isolated beach village of Jericoacoara (about 6 hours) . Otherwise it has its own beaches.

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It would help if you gave an idea of your interests, and what shore excursions the cruise line offers. In Fortaleza you certainly won't have time to go to outlying beaches. The beach in front of the hotels are so-so, not the cleanest, but fine for lying on the beach or sitting at a "barraca" and having something to eat or drink. Do NOT walk there from the port. Take a taxi. Somewhat further away but still within Fortaleza is Praia do Futuro, with somewhat cleaner water and bigger waves, and lots of barracas/restaurants with chairs and umbrellas to rent. You can get lessons to surf or kite surf.

Most people will likely take the regular tour to the large, multi-story Mercado Central, to buy a wide range of souvenirs, from ordinary t-shirts to lace to some jewelry (lots and lots of stalls selling basically the same stuff; you can bargain). Not someplace for the highest quality good, but a decent place for inexpensive souvenirs to take home to friends though, of course, the country is spelled "Brasil," not "Brazil," on virtually everything. I think all cruise ships have shuttles going there. A few blocks away, and smaller, quieter and with higher-end products, especially lace (both hand and machine made), but likely requiring a taxi is the Museu de Arte e Cultura Popular/Centro de Turismo, on the site of a historic prison. http://www.fortalezaemfotos.com.br/2010/08/centro-de-turismo-do-ceara-emcetur.html

There are also the usual shopping malls. Closest to the port are Shopping Aldeota and Shopping Patio Dom Luis.

The above places are in the Centro part of town. Be very cautious walking on the streets there (which you may not do if going just to these shopping sites). And, as noted, do not walk from the cruise port into town. Use a taxi or one of the cruise ship's shuttles. Taxis are metered. Not easy to hail one on the street, but easily found at many hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, etc.

There is a very large water slide park outside of Fortaleza, but I don't think you have time. It's also expensive.

Yes I know how both economics and the airline industry work. It was a joke. And of course several airlines fly to Kansas City other than WN. I am Executive Platinum on one of them and fly them most weeks (including 6am this morning). But WN is king in Kansas City, and there is no denying it.

If the Chiefs had done better this past season, after such promise, perhaps more airline would have considered flying there :-)

KC is a fine city. We drove through it once. How many cities did Roger Miller sing songs about?

I don't know about Chile, but in Brasil it's the same as in the US.

Well, yes and no. I'm guessing you were in Rio, where the voltage is 110. In many other areas, including up here in Fortaleza, and, apparently, in parts of Sao Paulo, it's 220, with various types of outlets (though becoming standardized). Fluctuations in electricity are another problem.

http://www.liveinbrazil.org/electricity-in-brazil-220v-or-110v-when-travelling/

Keep in mind that an adaptor may allow you to plug in your item in another type of plug, but that doesn't mean it affects the voltage. From what I've read, Chile uses 220V, as noted above. I think computers are usually dual voltage. Maybe cameras, too (easy enough to check in advance). Leave things like hair dryers at home. Your hotel will know what voltage is used.

Good price. Just over 1/2 the price on US Airways from PHL. Be happy.

I can remember about a thousand years ago when you had to show a claim ticket to an attendant before leaving the baggage area with your bags. They checked the ticket with the tag in the bag. This was definitely at LGA and LAX, I want to think at SFO, ORd, and DFW as well, but not positive about the last few. Too bad they don't still do his, it would go a long way I preventing baggage theft and even people accidentally taking the wrong bag.

 

 

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

This was the common practice at many airports, not so very long ago, in the U.S. and elsewhere, such as Brazil. I distinctly remember it at LAX. I think it was dispensed with due to expense for the airports (and passed along to airlines and passengers) and/or complaints about delays getting out of the baggage area.