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Tagged With "Best airports"

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Re: TSA: More lines, delayed flights

Travel Rob ·
European airlines have taken a big hit this year with Europeans staying home more. It was because of terrorism before airport security and also in public places in Brussels and Paris. Isn't that more of a risk now? We have accepted that minor risk on other forms of transportation and still go about our lives. I'd vote to cut back on scanning 100% of the people in airports to occasionally, like we did a few years ago. We can still walk through metal detectors. I guess the added carry-on bags...
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Re: TSA: More lines, delayed flights

Paul Heymont ·
Several Senators suggested last week that the airlines kill the bag fees to speed up the lines, but there was an audible silence on that... Meanwhile, in Paris the lines have been growing, too, and causing delays at CDG; the airport authority is calling for more staff to speed up border controls.
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

DrFumblefinger ·
What a mess. The very agency that is to protect citizens from terrorist activity is creating an environment wherein "tent communities" are springing up at America's airports. How embarrassing is that. Talk about a target rich environment for the bad guys. The TSA's funding, even with "cuts", is about US$ 7.3 billion for 2016. In contrast, Canada, which has 1/10th the population of the USA, has an airport screening budget of about CDN $0.56 billion, and Transport Canada acknowledges it has...
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

Travel Rob ·
The few US airports that have private security companies handling the screening are reporting good results and I think that's a good option for the airports. My guess is for liability reasons, airports are scared to dump the TSA. After seeing the comments by DrFumblinger and PHeymont, I do think we can learn from Canada on this. I did a little more reading on Canada's airport security. It seems all major airports in Canada have private screening. The airports give out three year contracts.
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Re: How to spend 24 hours in Dublin

GarryRF ·
You can get a flight to Dublin from most anywhere in Europe - like here in Liverpool. Early flight to Dublin. Bus into the city. All day walking about. Bus back to Airport. Last flight back to where you're staying. Ryanair. Under $50
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Re: Is bad PreCheck planning responsible for TSA delays?

Travel Rob ·
I don't like the whole concept of PreCheck because when they started this added security at airports, they insisted terrorists could be anyone and that's why we need to check everyone. We enter trains, buses and metros without a PreCheck, and it doesn't take forever. There is a history of attacks on those means of transportation too. And now attacks could just as easily happen at the ticket counter at the airport as on the plane.
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Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling

Paul Heymont ·
We alternate, depending on trip configuration, on two "soft" but not very 21" Delseys and a single 25" Swissgear of similar construction. They're all from a lower-price territory than Eagle Creek, but have worked well for us. But my experience with the Swissgear has taught me to watch one thing I didn't think so important before: the wheels. The Delseys are a 'trolley' style with two wheels; they're easy to move over almost any terrain, even cobblestones. But the Swissgear is a 'spinner,'...
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Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling

DrFumblefinger ·
Good point about the wheels. It was while pulling a suitcase across cobblestones that I became devote to the trolley-style wheels. Even Eagle Creek and Pacsafe bags can be purchased on sale or at discounted travel supply vendors. Whatever you buy, be sure it is a well constructed bag with heavy duty zippers and latches that won't fall apart on you when you travel (which has happened to me with a cheaper duffel-style roller made by Sierra Design).
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Re: Free Unlimited Wifi at Spain's Airports by Years End

Paul Heymont ·
You might be interested to note that AENA operates all of Spain's airports but one, the former "ghost airport" at Castellon. The new system being installed will quadruple the current speed; there will also be a premium for-pay tier that will presumably include even higher speeds.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

Jonathan L ·
I know that the bank machines in the airport in Salvador Brazil had the worst rates in the city.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

PortMoresby ·
" I believe the facts are somewhere in between..." PHeymont In between what? I checked for locations on Barclay's website and reported what I found. What am I missing? I'm not surprised that airport ATM's are becoming a bad deal, expected it long ago, but the assertion by the article's author that there are no machines except Travelex's appears to be inaccurate, my only point.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

Jonathan L ·
My purpose in posting this was to pass along information that I felt was reasonable, although I could not check it myself. I am glad to hear that it moght not be correct, although, as I stated above, in Brazil (my last international trip) I encountered something similar. As someone who travels to Europe once every 2 years or so I felt that this was something I was needed to know, and that I could share for others like me, as a warning of changes that are happening. Maybe I chose the wrong...
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

Paul Heymont ·
In my original comment, what I meant by "in between" was that the actual current situation lay between "Nothing's happening" and "Travelex has taken over all." Overall, I think the important message is "Hey, the advice printed almost everywhere in the past about using ATMs on arrival at the airport is now questionable...look for bank-owned machines as a preference, but be aware of rates, and if they are not good, take out only what you immediately need."
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

PortMoresby ·
I'm working on a series right now for TG about planning a trip outside the US. One of the items I plan to discuss is arriving with no cash and using an airport ATM on arrival versus buying a starter amount of currency through an online dealer. I haven't made up my mind but the online currency vendor I'm thinking of using just got points for non-usurious rates.
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Re: JetBlue aims Buffalo-LA flight at Canadian flyers

DrFumblefinger ·
There's a fair bit of competition for Canadians at the Buffalo airport. My cousin lives near Niagara Falls and often uses Buffalo as her preferred departure airport. Given her close proximity, it makes a lot more sense than driving to Toronto, which is about as popular with Canadians as JFK and LAX are with Americans.
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Re: Feb. 4, 2016: Speke Hall, Liverpool England

Travel Rob ·
A great place for sure! And it's close to Liverpool's world famous John Lennon Airport.
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Re: Now showing at an airport near you: Movies

DrFumblefinger ·
I can't imagine anyone going early to an airport to catch a movie, even if free. But if you have a long layover, perhaps not a bad idea...
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Re: Berlin: No, the airport won't open in 2017

DrFumblefinger ·
Your photo needs tumbleweeds blowing in front of the still unfinished terminal. I'm not sure if it possible to screw up a construction project more than this airport. A shameful waste of German Euros and, I'm sure, when sun shines on the issue we'll find many layers of graft and corruption, as well as obvious incompetence.
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Re: Going to Heathrow? Well, it's NOT in London!

GarryRF ·
Its hard to find an Airport in the US that I find convenient too ..... LAX - Los Angeles 18.2 miles PIT - Pittsburgh 19.1 miles IAH - Houston 20.1 miles DFW - Dallas 20.9 miles; Ft. Worth 24.5 miles MCI - Kansas City 21.0 miles DTW - Detroit 22.1 miles DEN - Denver 25.2 miles IAD - Washington DC 26.9 miles
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Re: Mediation for AA/US Airways Merger

Paul Heymont ·
In a nutshell: AA and USAir are making exactly the argument you are, and the Justice Dept. is saying, in effect, "We shoulda stopped them, too." Obviously a lot of issues (both in terms of fares and of maintaining service to smaller cities), but not clear why the line's been drawn here. Meanwhile, Texas pulled out of the suit, Florida may follow, mayors of cities with AA and USAir hubs have backed the merger, airport operators are chiming in...so the mediation may end up being Justice's way...
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Re: Wrong Airport: Help, I've landed and I can't get up!

DrFumblefinger ·
There are few stories more embarrassing for a pilot than the old "landed at the wrong airport one". Wonder how often this happens? This particular story is news because it couldn't take off easily without special clearance. In this era of modern flight navigation, one has to wonder how it could happen at all.
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Re: Wrong Airport: Help, I've landed and I can't get up!

PortMoresby ·
Years ago, flying with a friend into Montreal in a private plane and later than expected, after dark, we'd have been happy to see ANY airport. After a chat with controllers they flashed the runway lights for us and we made it in, safe & sound. Maybe that's the solution for everyone, there needs to be more light flashing for the confused at the right airport.
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Re: Wrong Airport: Help, I've landed and I can't get up!

DrFumblefinger ·
If there are confusing runways nearby, PortMoresby's idea of flashing lights is good. Different airports could have different colored lights. Today I land at the green light airport. Tomorrow it is the red light airport (to be distinguished form the red light areas in different cities).
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Re: The Hottest New Restaurant in Paris is...

Travel Rob ·
The funny thing was this summer I spent the night at the Marseilles airport and saw people buying food like crazy at the airport Burger King.I had no clue Burger King had even exited France and the return was the reason for the buying.
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Re: Tokyo on the Cheap

GarryRF ·
I've heard that- when visiting Japan - its best to have photo's on your phone to show people when asking directions. The Bus - Train - Airport - Beach - Drugstore - Market. Interesting read Rob. What are the rules for socialising in the evening ? Bars - Disco - Restaurants - Dress up and stay away from the Karaoke ? Is this part expensive ?
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Re: Tokyo on the Cheap

Travel Rob ·
Originally Posted by GarryRF: I've heard that- when visiting Japan - its best to have photo's on your phone to show people when asking directions. The Bus - Train - Airport - Beach - Drugstore - Market. Interesting read Rob. What are the rules for socialising in the evening ? Bars - Disco - Restaurants - Dress up and stay away from the Karaoke ? Is this part expensive ? Garry, I forgot to mention that bento.com also has reviews for bars ,clubs etc and gives prices. I've heard horror stories...
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Re: Would You Walk to Mexico to Save 100s on Airfare?

Paul Heymont ·
The plan is to charge about $13 for use of the bridge (about the cost of a taxi from the other crossings to the airport...didn't say what the parking was, although I assume you could also be dropped off at the lot without a car. The article cited a family of 4 that was saving $250 each on the cost of tickets, which makes the savings sizable. If they end up setting the rate too high, of course, they'll end up with what they have now: an empty lot.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #70

Paul Heymont ·
Could it be the roof of the Denver airport?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #70

PortMoresby ·
That was my first thought too, but the scale seems wrong. The airport roof looks much bigger in the pictures. I suppose this could be a part not in the pictures, but what appears to be bonsai in the planters seems all wrong for Denver.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #70

DrFumblefinger ·
Lots of interesting comments. It does indeed remind me of the Denver Airport, and it is specifically designed to make you think of a ship. It is actually part of the roof of Canada Place in beautiful Vancouver Harbor. I'll do a full discussion on it in a post tomorrow. Jonathan L was the first to correctly recognize the structure, and PortMoresby and Still Country Photo also figured out where it was. Excellent work, team! Another puzzle will be posted on Sunday morning.
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Re: Iceland's Keflavik airport aims to become major global stopover

Paul Heymont ·
I hope they succeed...Reykjavik is great...but I'm doubtful they can do this. Certainly it will make the airport a nicer place to be, but how will they get planes to stop there, when most people just want to one-hop it across the ocean? I can't see European or U.S. airlines stopping there routinely, although many of them have flights to and from Iceland.
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Re: Iceland's Keflavik airport aims to become major global stopover

DrFumblefinger ·
Traffic at the airport has about doubled in the past 10 years. Who would have guessed that the UAE airports would be so successful. After all, very few people actually get out there, We'll see what happens. Iceland is beautiful and unique. I'm fond of Icelandair's deal where you can stop at the Island for up to a week without extra cost enroute between Europe and North America. If they keep expanding their routes, that alone will cause significant increase in traffic.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark

DrFumblefinger ·
About time. I routinely fly in and out of Calgary International and have never had to wait more than 15 mins for customs/immigration (both US and Canadian customs located at this airport). That should be the standard they strive for everywhere.
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Re: Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark

GarryRF ·
You're both right of course. No one has the moral high ground on delays. When you transit an airport with several terminals you do need to enter the country first. But hub airports like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bahrain have all been so polite and helpful it makes you realise that there is a better way. I use Philadelphia airport now to enter the US. It rates alongside Orlando as a pleasant experience. Last year I went through passport control in Philly. When asked, I told the officer that...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 3, 2014: British Telepone Box, Malta

DrFumblefinger ·
I enjoy these British phone booths! I'm not sure the last time I saw a phone booth in North America. Maybe at an airport somewhere, but they've all but completely disappeared (thanks to near universal ownership of cell phones).
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Re: If you're happy and you know it...press here, please!

Paul Heymont ·
It certainly has seemed to me that Heathrow doesn't care (it's probably true for JFK, too, but I'm not a stranger there). In fact, I go out of my way to avoid Heathrow. Between the airport experience itself (especially with a T3-T5 transfer) and BA's high surcharges, I've taken to trying to make all my transfers through Madrid or Barcelona. In fact, on my trip this month, I save a good bit by taking American on award tickets to Barcelona and paying my way on Vueling to Marseille. I could...
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Re: As if you didn't know: NY Gov calls NYC airports terrible

PortMoresby ·
I'm going to have to agree with the Governor. One must acknowledge a problem before it can be fixed. I believe La Guardia is just about the worst airport I've had the misfortune to use in recent years. I include any number of developing nations in the assessment. Most countries try to encourage tourism by giving a good impression on arrival. Even in places where infrastructure as a whole is lacking, the airports are often clean and new. I sincerely hope the Governor succeeds in this.
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Re: Eat 'Healthy' at DFW ?

DrFumblefinger ·
No question that the quality and variety of airport foods has increased tremendously these past 10-15 years. The more choice, the better.
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Re: United Campaign: Enforce carry-on limits, reduce complaints and crowding

PortMoresby ·
I hope this effort is a real and continuing one and that other companies follow. Carrying everything onto the plane, to my way of thinking, is like any trend where if enough people say it's a good idea, even when it's not, hoards fall right into step, like lemmings. If I was offered valet service for a nominal fee to have someone carry my suitcase for me and I wouldn't have to touch it from the time I arrived at the airport until the time I was leaving at my destination, I'd jump at the...
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Re: Walking in England

Travel Rob ·
Thanks for bringing walking in England to my attention. I have been walking more when I travel (beteen cities,from the airport. etc and have found out its very hard or impossible walking in and out of some places. I gave up trying to get out of CDG airport on foot one trip. Walking does give you a totally different perspective,thats for sure.
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Re: Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto. Where Gumbo was #77

Roderick Simpson ·
Thank you very much for the informative post. I have only been to Toronto once. I went up the CN Tower and took this picture of the Billy Bishop Airport.
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Re: Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto. Where Gumbo was #77

DrFumblefinger ·
In case you were curious, the pedestrian tunnel between Toronto and the island airport has been completed and is now open. It eliminates the waits for the ferry services for passengers who want to get to their departure gates. More on that story from Frequent Business Traveler at this link .
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AirAsia offers 1-month 10-city pass

Paul Heymont ·
AirAsia, one of the major budget arilines in Southeast Asia, is offerning a one-month pass for about $148 that allows travelers to fly free among 10 Southeast Asian cities. Airport taxes, etc. are extra.   The pass is designed to increase tourism...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Drayton Hall

PortMoresby ·
  On a recent visit to  Charleston, South Carolina,  I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Joseph Manigault House

PortMoresby ·
  On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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A Remote Canadian Village offers Indescribable Natural Discoveries

Marilyn Jones ·
  As I left the hotel in Winnipeg I was outfitted in all my brand new cold-weather gear headed for the airport and a two hour flight to the remote village of Churchill.  I prayed my preparation for facing the sub-zero temperatures and brutal...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Middleton Place

PortMoresby ·
  On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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For those who hate Heathrow, Gatwick plans new allure

Paul Heymont ·
London's Gatwick Airport, second only to Heathrow in British air traffic, is in a hot competition with Heathrow for the right to build an additional runway to accommodate growing air traffic in Southeast Britain. Part of its strategy is to line up a...
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Berlin's Brandenburg International Airport Delayed Again

Travel Rob ·
Berlin's new airport, Brandenburg International Airport (BER), was supposed to open in 2011. It's opening has been delayed several times and officials are now saying flights won't happen until the second half of 2017. It's become an embarrassment and...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Aiken-Rhett House

PortMoresby ·
  On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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