Airlines And Airports.....Again?!!!

Some folks ask me why I spend so much time talking about airlines, good and bad? I wonder about that too, especially since compared to the time we spend in selling their tickets, we make virtually nothing at all from the airlines. But, we have to answer as many airline questions each day as we do cruises and tours, so since they take up so much of our time.....we talk about them.

I'm disseminating some borrowed information again today that I thought interesting, borrowed from a great travel writer, David Rowell who publishes The Travel Insider each week. In regard to the most punctual airlines and airports, he noted that the “best major airport” award went to Tokyo Haneda, followed by Sao Paulo (Brazil), Detroit, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Seattle. For “large” airports, the big winners were Surabaya (yes, I had to look that up....Indonesia), Honolulu, Salt Lake City, Brasilia, and Brisbane. At least some of the U. S. airports were recognized. I'm wondering about DFW?!!

The world's most punctual airlines are Hawaiian Airlines where 90% of their flights arrived and departed on time. Copa Airlines (from Panama) came in second with 89%, KLM with 88%, Qantas with 88%, JAL at 87% and Alaska Airlines at 86%. My question is, where are American, Delta, United, and Southwest (our 4 major U. S. airlines)? Apparently not very punctual.

Then, one of my favorite travel agent writers, Richard Turin had some tips in TravelTruth that I thought important to relay regarding cleanliness on the airplanes. His recommendations on where your attention and consideration should go as you plan to sit in your seat are:

1. The filthiest piece on the plane is the tray table. Clean it immediately after sitting.

2. The on-board water fountain is next—use a cup from one of the attendants.

3. The overhead air vent is never cleaned unless you do it right after cleaning the tray table.

4. The bathroom flush button is loaded with bacteria, so take a wipe with you to the bathroom.

5. Would you believe, your belt buckle!! The smart ones clean this as you sit down.

So, that means that you need to visit your nearest market before you board that airplane and have in your purse or carry-on a package of sanitary wipes. I've never been that obsessive or compulsive, but I guess I better “get with the program” to make sure I stay healthy as I travel.

Rowell was trying to assess the status of airfares in the United States for 2017, and he thought as I do, there are very little signs that significant reductions are in sight. As I mentioned in last weeks comments, the airlines have such limited pricing competition in most markets that they have no reason to lower prices. Especially since the major airlines are reporting record profits and the flight loads are also at record high levels, they have no need to encourage more bookings with lesser fares. And as I noted last week, flying is still the easiest way to go from A to B, back to A, especially when most people realize that the most dangerous part of any journey is driving between their home and the airport at the start and end of the total travel experience.

Lots of travel agents in the U. S. are reporting increased bookings to Canada since they are celebrating 150 years (of something). This travel agency has experienced increased bookings especially to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Mexico,even Disney. Now is the time to get those reservations made for the summer and not be left behind because you didn't act quick enough.....like the couple who wanted to go to Alaska on our cruise in July....that ship is sold out of all their balcony rooms already!!!

So, call The Travel Factory for all your travel needs and get an experienced agent to help with your plans.We'll save you time and money. We can be reached at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.