JetBlue. Best of the worst?

JetBlue is one of those carriers that you always read about in the paper but usually for the wrong reasons. The stories sound unbelievable and have the makings of a bad Seinfeld episode. I have never flown with JetBlue but based on what I read about in the media, I think it will be in my best interest not to fly with them based on some of the following stories.

• 8 month toddler removed from plane because she was on the no fly list - May 10, 2012
• Passenger put pilot in chokehold when he started acting strangely - March 28, 2012
• A passenger accused of punching a flight attendant and trying to bite his face - Nov 30, 2011
• Passengers stuck on tarmac for 7 hours on a plane - Nov 7, 2011
• JetBlue flight attendant flips out, grabs beer, quits job & gets arrested - Aug 10, 2010

You would think that these incidents would deter most people from flying with this discount carrier. Well you are wrong.  JetBlue actually surpassed their profit expectations last quarter and banked thirty million dollars. Yikes! And surprisingly, Skytrax has designated them as the highest rated airline in the United States, and the country's only four-star airline.

As Canadians, we are pretty much stuck with two airline carriers. And although they have both let me down from time to time, I would rather fly with these guys than have my next flight incident uploaded to YouTube. Now if the government could only fix those taxes…

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

What's in my Carry-on?

When it comes to packing, I would consider myself a pro. Averaging 4-5 trips a year, I am able to pack with confidence the morning of a 12 day trip and still manage to not forget anything. I think part of this is luck, but most importantly, planning.

Here are 5 items that, you can guarantee, are in my carry-on each and every time.

1. iPod. My 120 gigabyte gadget has helped me kill countless hours in planes and airports. Having access to all my favourite music is a great but where it really shines is the amount of movies and TV shows it can hold. On my last trip to China I was able to enjoy all three seasons of Arrested Development as well as some of last year’s Oscar winners. An iPod also allows you to block out a lot of the noise pollution found in airports and planes.
   



2. Change of clothes. A change of clothes (and a toiletry kit) is always recommended. One may never know when their bag will pull a disappearing act on them. I try to pack clothes that are compact but also soft on the skin in case I need to use a shirt as a pillow in an airport lounge.
   



3. Local currency. I always like to have a little bit of local currency for when I arrive in a new country. Having local currency accessible allows me to hit the ground running instead of heading straight to the foreign exchange counter in the airport. Local currency also comes in handy for when I get hungry or thirsty before I have reached my local hotel.
   



4. Aspirin, allergy, cold medicine and Pepto pills. These little guys have saved me time and time again. It is no fun being sick. It is even less fun being sick, looking for a drug store in a new city and trying to decipher the medicines’ packaging at the local pharmacy. Just remember when even travelling with any medicine, that it is in pill form or under 100mL.
   



5. Insurance. As travel professionals, we all understand the importance of insurance. But it is also important to ensure you have the correct type of coverage. For me, I always go with the deluxe options. Full medical coverage as well as trip interruption. I always have a copy of my policy number in my suitcase, wallet and local smart phone.
   
   

Having the above five items with me always makes my flight and first 24 hours in a new city much more comfortable. And do remember to make sure your carry on suitcase is small, light and has good wheels. Your back will thank you for it.

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Happy Family Day!

What better way to celebrate with the family than with a vacation!

We have quite a few specials this year but my two family favourites are:
12 Day Super China
• 2 for 1 from $2999 air & land
The perfect introduction for travelers looking for a taste of China

13 Day Super Yangtze
• 2 for 1 from $3999 air & land
Featuring a 5 day cruise on the biggest and newest 5-star ship on the Yangtze, the MS Yangtze 2 with outside cabins

The price indeed is a bargain! These tours include international and domestic flights, 4-star hotel accommodation, sightseeing, cultural shows and most meals. Space is limited so pass this on to your friends.

Best regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations