TravelCommentator

Category: Opinion

Opinion / Technology

Making tavel easier with smartphone apps, but do they?

There are some apps that are very useful while travelling and make the experience less of a worry and others that are just a waste of space. Traveller.com.au in a recent article mentioned ten apps that should make that easier. Here’s the list: Of all these apps the one that stands out the most is TripIt, which is free. There is also a paid version, TripIt Pro, but the free version has many of the bells and whistles that’s required to keep your travel plans in order. I’ve used TripIt and it’s great, but I’ve come to like another very similar app, TripCase (from Sabre), which is totally free and does not require a pro version. If you travel a lot and in particular...

Air Travel / Opinion

Are aircraft cabins clean?

Michael Gebicki is correct in saying it’s only a quick tidy-up when there’s a short turnaround. The best cleaning is done during the longer layovers in the airlines’ respective hubs. So yes, do take your sanitiser wipes with you into the cabin. You’ll need them sooner or later for the trays, armrests, lavatory door handles, etc. As for the air breathed. I wouldn’t worry too much. There’s no more germs in the air than what you’ll find in any other crowded space. The pilots also breathe the same air as the passengers so it can’t be all that bad! What is noticeable though is the dryness of the air. This cannot be avoided as condensation from humidity can corrode the airframe. Newer planes such...

Airports / Opinion

Security at Australian airports, sensible or neurotic?

Show of force and heavy handed security is not required at airports. Perhaps even paranoid…Anyhow, governments know security can be done covertly, but they prefer to be seen doing something and the best way is to show who’s boss. That’s why you get screened, scanned, x-rayed, proded and body searched. Only foolish terrorists will get caught, just like drug mules and users who think they can import illegal substances through immigration and customs. Terrorists don’t need to board planes to cause mayhem. They can do this anywhere on airport property and not pass any security checks at all. That’s the worrying thing. They will come up with new ways of causing death and destruction. Real security should start way before anyone gets near an...

Airlines / Loyalty / Opinion

Emirates tattoo scores passenger upgrades

A badly dressed teacher has earned himself some perks thanks to the airline’s logo tattooed on one of his arms…Emirates Passenger Scores Free Upgrades If this guy wasn’t a true frequent flyer with status I doubt anyone high up in the airline would’ve given him upgrades. Anyhow, don’t you all go out and do the same as there’s no guarantee you’ll get anything but a few thumbs up from check-in and the FAs. Besides you may end up being stuck with something you may regret later or if you decide to tattoo all your favourite airlines down your arm!! So stick with earning frequent flyer points, status by being loyal, and of course, dressing well! Cheers