Travelography #120: Europe's Airline Woes

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Stories discussed in this podcast are from the Travelography Twitter Blog for the week of 21 July 2008. This podcast is also available at Blubrry.com and Travelgeography.info.

1. Germany | Pilot walkouts ground nearly 1,000 Lufthansa flights

   Meanwhile the German division of British no-frills airline easyJet said it hoped to cash in if Lufthansa is hit by lengthy strikes. "A strike at Lufthansa would of course be just fine by us,"...

2. Lanzarote, Turkey - close enough?

   The family had booked an all-inclusive holiday in a five-star hotel in the Canary Islands and were supposed to be flying into Arrecife, Lanzarote. But instead they found themselves in Bodrum airport, Turkey where they then had to pay a £10 visa charge...

3. World's most expensive tourist attractions

   A family of four would have to pay 549.30 pounds if they wanted to take part in all 10 activities in London, compared with 386 pounds in Paris, 376pounds in New York and 216 pounds in Rome.

4. Airlines deliberately ignoring safety regulations and getting away with it

   ...the majority of European pilots do not always report defects as and when they occur. They are delayed until it is more convenient for the airlines to carry out repairs.

5. International travel booming despite oil prices

   A report commissioned by Amadeus also showed that growing global migration would fuel thirst for international travel. Many migrants remain strongly connected to their country of origin with many reasons to return, such as visiting family and friends...

Travelography #118: Travel Woes and the Jamaican Bobsled Returns

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Stories discussed in this podcast are from the Travelography Twitter Blog for the week of 1 July 2008:

1. Car rental companies issue profit warning

   "...As with the entire industry, we are confronting rising fuel costs, weaker-than-expected enplanements, lower commercial travel volumes and lower time and mileage rates per day," said [the Avis Budget Group Inc] Chairman

2. Yellowstone reports record June visitation

   Visitation to Yellowstone National Park hit a new record in June, and is on a near-record pace for the first six months of the year. Park officials say Yellowstone recorded more than 612,000 recreational visits last month.

3. Rental Upgrade to Gas Guzzler? No T'anks

   When I went to the counter, they had upgraded me from a compact to a big SUV at the same price [as my compact reservation]. After arguing with the counter person, the manager came out...He then explained that all they had left were the big SUV.

4. China doubles the price of its tourist visas ahead of Olympics

   Many hotels in Beijing are struggling to find guests, some large travel agencies have temporarily closed branches, and people scheduled to travel here for seminars and conferences are cancelling...

5. Business Travel Coalition warns congress about airline industry failure

   "Unless something is done to move toward some kind of fix, we're going to see every one of our major airlines in bankruptcy....Virtually all airlines will be out of cash by early in 2009 if oil stays in its current range."

6. Canada's tourism industry on verge of crisis

   Many things have been blamed for recent downturn of the Canadian tourism industry including gas prices, the high Canadian dollar, the downturn in the U.S. economy, 9-11 and the SARS crisis.

7. New [US] Airline Passengers Rights Bill A Victory

   ...These plans must detail how the air carrier will provide food, water, restroom facilities, ventilation, and necessary medical treatment for passengers on board an aircraft that is on the ground for an extended time period without terminal access.

8. Bhutan increases tourism tariff for foreign tourists

   The country will increase daily tariff for tourists entering the country by US$50...from $200 to $250 [to offset the deline in the US$ and increase in tour operating costs]. However, the revised tariff will be applicable only during the peak seasons.

9. Australia | Desperately seeking a tourist trap

   Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has pilloried the previous government's "so where the bloody hell are you" tourism campaign, calling it a "rolled-gold disaster". Tourism Australia is expected to announce the name of the advertising agency this week that will...

10. TripAdvisor acquires VirtualTourist and OneTime

    TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel community and an operating company of Expedia, announced it has acquired VirtualTourist.com, Inc., a leader in user-generated travel content since 1999, and OneTime.com, Inc., a leader in travel booking comparison.

11. New Zealand tourism revenue hits record

    International tourism contributed $6.7 billion to total New Zealand exports, and domestic tourism expenditure was $8.6 billion, the agency said. International visitors increased 2.8 percent to 2.5 million in the year to March 2007...

12. Unique bobsled tourist attraction opens in Jamaica

    The expansive multi-million-dollar tourism attraction features an exciting and unique Jamaican Bobsled ride through the lush tropical forest, a chairlift journey over the verdant countryside, a zip-line canopy adventure through the treetops, an island...

Travelography #114: Families NOT First, $FO & Hello Kitty

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Links to this week's stories

(also available at http://twitter.com/travelography)

American and United airlines takes on family pre-boarding: Families with small children may request.. http://tinyurl.com/6ja7py

Americans take 41 million fewer flights, survey shows: More than half of respondents said either.. http://tinyurl.com/6f7x26

French tour operators say Chinese boycottof France ‘catastrophic’: French authorities are trying to.. http://tinyurl.com/6xvh3b

San Francisco rakes in billions in traveler dollars: retweet @latimestravel - On my last trip there.. http://tinyurl.com/5qnjj8

Hello Kitty to be appointed Japan's tourism ambassador: It will mark the first time a cartoon .. http://tinyurl.com/5jddjv

Eco-communities around the world open up to tourists: Environmentally conscious travelers can find .. http://tinyurl.com/6xz8me

Travelography #113: China, Thailand, UK, US, Iraq, and Airlines

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

THIS WEEK'S STORIES: China's Premier On-Line Travel Booking Site Launches in the U.S.: China's premier and fastest-growi.. http://tinyurl.com/58sppl about 22 hours ago
Tourism Authority of Thailand launches the amazing Experience Video Contest and the Thailand Portfo.. http://tinyurl.com/6rjn7u about 22 hours ago
Green Hotel Rating System Launched in Great Britain: The Green Start project aims to encourage a â€.. http://tinyurl.com/5wzdft 06:08 PM May 05, 2008
Iraq signs deals for 40 planes from Boeing: "Today, the process of developing economy has started,".. http://tinyurl.com/6kpmjk 06:08 PM May 05, 2008
Global Traffic Continues to Slow: The slowdown in the demand growth continues the sharp downward tr.. http://tinyurl.com/65warx 06:08 AM May 04, 2008 Airline torches woman's baggage: The airline reportedly issued Blewitt a "baggage irregularity rece.. http://tinyurl.com/5ocuds ----- THESE AND OTHER TRAVEL AND TOURISM STORIES CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT HTTP:/TWITTER/TRAVELOGRAPHY LOOK FOR THE NEW TRAVELOGRAPHY PODCAST COMING IN JUNE 2008

Travelography #112: Airline Bankruptcies - Global Implosion

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Bankrupt Airlines to date: Maxjet (December), Aloha, ATA, Skybus, Adam Air (Indonesia), Oasis (Hong Kong) - all in these past 2 weeks. Coming soon: Champion Air (pretty much confirmed), and Mesa and Go (rumors on the last two). My prediction: look for the airline bankruptcy disease to spread internationally in the coming months.

Experts see regional airlines at risk now (SF Chronicle)

Travelography #99: T-Day Travel, HI Superferry, and Japan Whales and Fingers

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Today's Stories:

- Weather, among other factors, help make for smooth traveling during the Thanksgiving weekend in the US.
- Hawaii's Superferry to re-start on December 1st between Honolulu and Maui.
- Travel boycott called against Japan as it dramatically increases its whale catch.
- Japan starts fingerprinting all foreign visitors to prevent terrorist attacks.

Story Links:

Fearing worst, U.S. air travelers find smooth going

Hawaii Superferry Employees Heading Back to Work

Boycott Japan - Save the Whales

Tourists given the finger

Geography for Travelers

Travelography News on Ning

Travelography News on Twitter

Travelography 2.0 on Utterz.com

Listen to Travelography on you phone +1 (360) 227-5594

NaPodPoMo - Travelography 2.0 - Daily Podcast Challenge - Week 3

Week 3 of National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo)

I joined NaPodPoMo a few days late, but you can find my posts week 1 (Nov 7-9) here and for Week 2 (Nov 11-19) here. Nov 10 + Nov 19 were my regular weekly Travelography podcast.

For 25 November 2007

• Orbitz TLC Letter - Surprisingly helpful letter from Orbitz.
  

For 24 November 2007

• Turkey Congee - I am amazed by all of the traffic heading north from Phoenix this weekend! And I talk about our traditional post-Turkey Day meal of turkey congee (rice porridge). Here is one of many turkey congee recipes available online: http://esyurl.com/2pj - also check out: http://napodpomo.ning.com/ For 21 November 2007

For 23 November 2007

• Black Friday Urban Fix

For 22 November 2007

• Happy Thanksgiving

For 21 November 2007

• Angkor Wat and Ha Long Bay - I talk about a couple of places that many people (especially Americans, I think) do not know about, but really should be on their must visit someday list of places: Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

For 20 November 2007:

• Report Airline Abuse @ FlyerRights.org

Travelography #92: The Summer of Flight Delays, and Two New Attractions

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

- 30% of US Airline Departures were late this summer, up from 25% last year, and passenger complaints against airlines have nearly doubled.
- AvoidDelays.com lists the airports, airlines and flights to avoid month by month
- Delta's is offering business class seats and meals, in downtown Manhattan
- Larry Craig's restroom at the Minneapolis airport has become the country's newest tourist attraction.

The Worst Times And Places To Fly

AvoidDelays.com

Nearly 30% of airline flights delayed in August:

Most flights in U.S. are late, and it could get worse

FAA Meets Gourmet: Airline Opens Eatery in NYC

Minn. airport bathroom draws tourists after Craig arrest

Geography for Travelers - this website

Travelography News on Twitter

Listen to Travelography on you phone +1 (360) 227-5594

Travelography #91: China Web Bookings, Flight Attendants, + Europe's Disabled

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Online bookings in China lag far behind much of the rest of the world due to thin travel agent profit margins. Flight attendants have one of the toughest jobs in travel. The Europe Union passes new laws to protect disabled air travelers.
--
Listen to Travelography on your Phone +1 (360) 227-5594

Links:

China's online travel services ready for take-off (?)

Flight attendants say morale is near rock bottom

Airline victory for disabled travellers in Europe

Geography for Travelers - this blog/website

Travelography News on Ning

Travelography #89: Seat Upgrades, EU Air Carbon Trading, and New TSA Airport Delays Coming

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Airlines in the US are offering more opportunities for upgrading to business and first class. Europe wants all airlines flying to and in the EU to participate in a carbon trading program. Now the US wants to fingerprint people leaving the country, which could seriously slow down the airport check-in process.

LINKS:

Why It's Easier to Get A First-Class Seat

U.S. Airlines Under Pressure To Fly Greener

Ready, Set, Wait

Geography for Travelers

Travelography News on Ning

Travelography News on Twitter -- Listen to Travelography on you Phone +1 (360) 227-5594 -- Try GoToMyPC free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/podcast --

Travelography #81: Private vs Commercial Jets - and - Airlines Banned in EU

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

Commercial airlines accuse private jets of not paying their fair share of the cost of upgrading air traffic controls in the US. The European Union bans all Indonesian airlines from Europe. And US airlines get and "F" for corporate responsibility.

Let's Fix ATC (air traffic control)

Get on Board - ATC reform

Airlines Seek Small-Jet Limits in New York for July 4 Holiday

EU extends airline ban to all Indonesian operations in latest blacklist

Big Six airlines fail crisis management 101

Geography for Travelers

Travelography News on Ning

---------
ADDENDUM: Correction to my comments on US Airlines and Crisis Management: American Airlines gave $500 vouchers (with limitations) to customers who they left stranded at the DFW airport last December to compensate for the trouble they caused.

Travelography #76: Airline News: FAA, Virgin USA, Greenland, North Pole, China

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

1. The US FAA will give airlines the option to either wait a storm out or fly around it.
   
2. Richard Branson has received approval to start his Virgin America budget airline this summer 2007.
   
3. Air Greenland launches first direct flight between the US and Greenland.
   
4. LTU starts the first scenic flights to the North Pole.
   
5. Direct US-China flights are set to more than double within the next five years.

Links to these five stories can be found at Travelography on PodcasterNews.com on Monday, 4 June 2007.

Travelography #75: Flying Backward, Yotels, and Renting Cars by the Hour

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

A proposed airline seat design (the Economy Freedom Seat) would turn the middle seats around to give economy passengers more elbow room. Yotels, or micro hotel rooms, are coming to London's two airports, for rent by the hour. And hourly car rentals are gradually growing in availability in some US cities.

Back to the future of seats on a plane?

Airport Check-in: London fliers can rest easy

More companies rent cars by the hour

Geography for Travelers

Travel News on Ning

Travelography #71: Dangerous Planes, Sleepy Crews, $10 Skybus, Cruise Dumps

Use the players on this page, or click the title above to listen to this podcast.

The US government warns of the dangers of flying on Indonesia-based airlines. A sleepy British Airlines flight crew delays a flight from India to the UK by 13 hours. Super-budget Skybus Airlines will offer $10 tickets on all flights starting May 22. And Florida tries to limit sewage dumping by cruises to nowhere.

USA warns against flying Indonesian airlines following crashes

British Air fliers delayed 13 hours after crew refuses to fly, citing sleepiness

Skybus starts with $10 air fares on May 22

Law would crack down on cruise ships

Geography for Travelers

Travelography on Ning

Travelography #67: Grand Canyon Skywalk Opens + Open Skies over the Atlantic

(click on the title above to go to the PCN TRAVELOGRAPHY web page)

Just two news stories today. The Grand Canyon Skywalk opened last week, though the ticket price is as steep as the canyon cliffs. And Europe finally approves an open sky agreement with the US, promising more flights, cheaper fares, and more jobs for both sides of the Atlantic.

First visitors set foot on Grand Canyon Skywalk

Canyon view for sale - AZ Daily Sun

Fliers could see lower fares, more choice as open-skies deal gets OK

Travelography News Feed

Travelography #63: Bill of Rights for US Airline Passengers + Lost Luggage $$

(click on the title above to go to the PCN TRAVELOGRAPHY web page)

US Airline News: Recent incidents of 6 to 10 hour waits on airport tarmacs have prompted the US Congress to consider an Air Passenger Bill of Rights. In the meantime, Jet Blue, whose passengers suffered the most a couple of weeks ago, has announced its own Passenger Rights policy. And you can now claim up to $3000 for lost luggage in the US, if you can get past airline road blocks.

PCNTravel on Del.icio.us

Petition for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights - TheTravelInsider.com

JetBlue woes spur call for fliers' bill of rights

'Bill of rights' for fliers questioned

JetBlue tries to make up with fliers

Airlines' actions put spotlight on passenger rights

Payment goes up for luggage lost by airlines

Travelography #60: Budget Long Haul on AirAsia X, and Nepal's Slow Recovery

(click on the title above to go to the PCN TRAVELOGRAPHY web page)

I am back from my trip with two travel new stories. Nepal's tourist arrivals for December 2006 were dissapointing. Malaysia's AirAsia X will be the first long haul budget airline in Southeast Asia when it starts flying in this summer.

Nepal tourist arrivals rise in November on peace hopes

Tourist arrival posts marginal growth in December 2006

AirAsia aims to X long-haul rivals

AirAsia X London flights from RM9.99 (US$3)

Travelography #52: Austria, Iraq, Fiji, Europe, iPods & China Love Cruise

(click on the title above to go to the PCN TRAVELOGRAPHY web page)

Austrian Airlines is first European to return to Iraq. Fiji's political problems are impacting tourism. First class and business passengers to get iPod video support. The US is losing out to Europe in attracting Asian business and leisure travelers. And a cruise from Shanghai for millionaires and attractive single women only. (I guess I wouldn't qualify!)

Austrian Airlines First European Carrier to Fly to Iraq

Tension grips tourism industry in Fiji

Fiji military to tourists: There will be no coup

Fliers with iPods may soon be able to plug in

U.S. business tourism suffers on travel restrictions

China love boat for millionaires

Travelography #49: Olympic Chinglish and Airline Profits and Mergers

(click on the title above to go to the PCN TRAVELOGRAPHY web page)

San Francisco is hoping its top ranking by Conde Nast Traveler magazine among US cities will give it a boost in its bid for the 2016 Olympic Games. Beijing is working to cleean up its poor English grammar (known as Chinglish) ahead of the 2008 Olympics. US Airlines are about to report their most profitable year in the last five, though continuing problems in the industry will likely result in yet more merger.

San Francisco Wins as Global Travelers' Choice for the Best U.S. Destination City

A fresh attempt from China to wipe out `Chinglish’ ahead of Beijing Olympics

Chinglish examples and definition on Wikipedia

American to get airline-profit party started

US airlines looking seriously at consolidation

Travelography #44: Thai Coup Impacts, China - US Travel, & Travel with Skype

(click on the title above to go to the PCN TRAVELOGRAPHY web page)

The coup in Thailand is impacting tourist arrivals, but hopes are high that a new government will have more success in dealing with Muslim rebel attacks in southern Thailand that killed a Canadian tourist last week. More Chinese want to come to the US and four US airlines vie for a coveted new route between the US and China. And Skype goes shopping for a travel industry partner.

Click on the title above to go to the PCN website for links to these stories.

Click Here for the .MP3 File