Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Oscars take flight on United from O'Hare Airport]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/oscars-take-flight-from-ohare-on-united/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/oscars-take-flight-from-ohare-on-united/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/oscars-take-flight-from-ohare-on-united/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



O'Hare Airport had a couple of extra visitors this morning in terminal B. Joining the rest of the passengers heading to Los Angeles on the United flight dubbed "Oscar 1" was none other than Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His entourage consisted of several dozen short, gold men: this year's Academy Awards.

Mr. Sherak was personally escorting the awards from their birthplace at the R.S. Owens Foundry to the ceremony. Passers-by were stopped in their tracks when they saw the famous statue being passed from person to person, and even making an appearance on a nearby concession stand counter. Sherak cleared things up by taking to the intercom himself, inviting anyone who wanted to take their own photo with Oscar.

Airport staff and passengers alike had their fun with the award. Guests pretended to write acceptance speeches, thanked their parents, and a couple brave souls lifted the 8.5-pound award single-handedly to the sky. When asked questions about what metals the statue was made of, Sherak pulled out a cheat sheet from his pocket for help: gold on the outside, then Britannia (tin, antimony, and copper) on the inside.

The crew of the flight also got to spend a few minutes with Oscar, and he even took a trip to the cockpit, where Captain Mel Mason Jr. said he was the most prestigious non-human passenger he'd ever flown. The other 42 trophies were also on board, stashed securely in the plane's cargo. But preparing for the 4 1/2 hour flight, Sherak still had his Oscar in his lap, available for the passengers. Sherak was uncertain about their arrival time: "We'll see how the speeches go. It could be a seven hour flight."

Gallery: United Flies the Oscars

Oscars take flight on United from O'Hare Airport originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy awardsAcademyAwardsoscarunitedunited airlinesUnitedAirlinesThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[TSA PreCheck program to be expanded, details sketchy]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tsa-precheck-program-to-be-expanded-details-sketchy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tsa-precheck-program-to-be-expanded-details-sketchy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tsa-precheck-program-to-be-expanded-details-sketchy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TSA PreCheckThe TSA PreCheck program being piloted by The Transportation Security Administration is expanding and will allow some passengers to go through pre-screening then make it through security checkpoints faster at many more airports in 2012. The exact benefits of the program, however, are difficult to define.

"We are pleased to expand this important effort, in collaboration with our airline and airport partners, as we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more intelligence-driven, risk-based transportation security system," TSA Administrator John S. Pistole told the Los Angeles Times saying the PreCheck program and a similar effort for international travelers, called Global Entry, will help make the TSA screening process more efficient.

Designed to help TSA focus resources on higher-risk and unknown passengers while expediting the process for lower-risk and known passengers whenever possible, more than 336,000 passengers been screened to date through TSA PreCheck lanes.

Some passengers could qualify for expedited screening through U.S. airport security checkpoints via designated screening lanes. The TSA doesn't say exactly how the screening differs, citing security reasons but potential benefits may include keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on and keeping a 3-1-1 compliant bag in carry-on luggage. The TSA is quick to point out though that "at no point, however, is this program an entitlement. Passengers are always subject to random, unpredictable screening measures," on their web site.

Not everyone is eligible for the PreCheck program though. It applies only to members of airline frequent-flier programs who also must first apply with the TSA. If approved, they get a boarding pass with a special barcode signaling TSA workers to let them go through the fast lane.

Continue reading TSA PreCheck program to be expanded, details sketchy

TSA PreCheck program to be expanded, details sketchy originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesAirport securityairport security checkpointAirportSecurityAirportSecurityCheckpointAlaska AirlinesAMR CorpCharlotte/Douglas International AirportDelta Air Lines IncDenver International AirportFort Lauderdale – Hollywood International AirportGeorge Bush Intercontinental AirportHonolulu International AirportIndianapolis International AirportJohn F. Kennedy International AirportLaGuardia AirportLambert-St. Louis International AirportLas VegasLocalLos AngelesLouis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportLuis Muñoz Marín International AirportMinneapolisNewark Liberty International AirportO'Hare International AirportOrlando International AirportPhiladelphia International AirportPhoenix Sky Harbor International AirportPittsburgh International AirportPortland International AirportRonald Reagan Washington National AirportSalt Lake City International AirportSan Francisco International AirportSci/TechSeattle–Tacoma International AirportTampa International AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International AirportTrusted TravelerTrustedTravelerTSA PrecheckTsaPrecheckU.S.UAL CorpUS Airways Group IncWashington Dulles International AirportThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Advanced technology brings mandatory full-body scans to Australia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/advanced-technology-brings-mandatory-full-body-scans-to-australi/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/advanced-technology-brings-mandatory-full-body-scans-to-australi/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/advanced-technology-brings-mandatory-full-body-scans-to-australi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

advanced technologyUsing advanced technology that makes passengers appear as stick figures, mandatory full-body scans are being rolled out at all of Australia's major airports. Successful trials at Sydney and Melbourne airports last year signal the end of a loophole in legislation that had allowed passengers to request a pat-down instead of having to pass through a metal detector.

"I think the public understands that we live in a world where there are threats to our security and experience shows they want the peace of mind that comes with knowing government is doing all it can," said Transport Minister Anthony Albanese in the Australian.

The new scanners, part of a $28 million overhaul, tested successfully year on more than 23,000 passengers in trials from August 2-19 in Sydney and September 5-30 in Melbourne.

The Australian government is touting the technology as the most advanced available, with the equipment able to detect metallic and non-metallic items beneath clothing with few radio waves emitted.

Continue reading Advanced technology brings mandatory full-body scans to Australia

Advanced technology brings mandatory full-body scans to Australia originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adelaideadvanced technologyAdvancedTechnologyAnthony AlbaneseAustraliaBrisbaneCairns, Queenslandfull body scansFullBodyScansL-3 Communicationsmandatory scansMandatoryScansMelbourneSydneyThe AustralianMon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Airport Carbon AccreditationEurope's Airport Carbon Accreditation program is now boasting fifty-five major European airports as members and making a significant dent in carbon emissions. The voluntary program has a four-level rating system that assesses and recognizes the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutral operations for all emissions over which the airport has control.

"It is clearly helping to move European aviation onto a more sustainable footing," European Union Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas told the Associated Press. "Genuine progress on greening transport ... can only occur when the regulator's work is complemented by citizens and businesses taking action of their own."

Airports are changing airport vehicles to electric or hybrid power, installing solar panels to generate the airport's own electricity, and involving the entire airport operation. Airlines, air traffic control, ground handlers, baggage handlers, catering companies, refueling trucks, passenger shuttle transport, airport maintenance services, emergency services, police, border control and retailers are all held accountable and encouraged to make a positive impact.

Aircraft engines are probably what we think of as major contributors to the carbon emission tally. At participating airports, specific taxiing techniques are used to reduce fuel burn. Apparently, common taxiing routes are not always the most fuel efficient, especially if the aircraft has to overcome steep taxiway elevations, sits still waiting for cross traffic to clear and/or many sharp turns.

Continue reading Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe

Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: 3:33PM EST: American expects to lay off "400 pilots, 2,300 flight attendants, 1,400 management and support staff positions and 8,800 ground workers and mechanics." source

American Airlines parent company AMR is expected to lay out the company's plan for moving forward from bankruptcy today and the news is not good. American Airlines may cut between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs across the company, outsourcing aircraft maintenance in a bid to keep flying.

"The surprise is going to be big and it's going to be bloody and it's going to be nasty," Vicki Bryan, a bond analyst at Gimme Credit LLC in New York, told Business Week adding 10,000 jobs "is not unreasonable." The airline will have to cut as much as $2 billion to gain competitive labor costs, more than the $800 million AMR estimated, she said.

Reporting a $904 million loss in December, American employs about 74,000 full- and part-time workers plus 14,000 at regional carrier American Eagle.

In December, Gadling noted the bankruptcy made American "among the last of the legacy carriers to finally concede to ultra-competitive pricing and sky high oil prices. It's a sad day for stockholders, but like many of the fallen giants they'll pick themselves up, dust off and continue to operate -- albeit a little bit leaner."

Continue reading American Airlines to cut jobs, work remaining force harder

American Airlines to cut jobs, work remaining force harder originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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san francisco airport yoga roomIf a long flight has you hankering for a sun salutation, San Francisco International Airport has got you covered. On Thursday, the airport will unveil the world's first dedicated airport yoga room, just past the security checkpoint in the newly renovated Terminal 2.

"The room gives modern travelers a space that fosters and supports quiet and reflection," said Melissa Mezill, design director for Gensler, the architectural firm that designed the space. "Those aren't emotions that people typically encounter at the airport."

The yoga room joins the Berman reflection room, a space intended for silence and meditation located before Terminal 2 security.

The new room will feature soft blue light and a floating wall meant to symbolize "a buoyant spirit and enlightened mind". In the spring, felt-constructed rocks will be introduced in a Japanese garden-inspired pattern for added zen. Oh, San Francisco.

[via msnbc.com, image courtesy of San Francisco International Airport via msnbc.com]

San Francisco introduces first-ever airport yoga room originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love Virgin America. The California-based airline has announced that starting April 4, 2012, they will offer three daily nonstop flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and two daily nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) starting April 10, 2012.

Connecting flights will also be available from PHL to Virgin America's San Diego, Seattle and Las Vegas destinations. "This is a great development for the entire Philadelphia region, including northern Delaware, southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "New airline service not only lowers fares for travelers, but it is also a major economic driver - stimulating business travel, tourism and local job growth. Virgin America's new flights also validate the strong and growing business travel link between our region's innovation-based sectors and those on the West Coast."

At a time when most airlines are cutting capacity, Virgin America will bring much needed nonstop competition from California's largest airports to PHL. Currently, only legacy carriers serve the West Coast-PHL routes nonstop. When entering markets that offer little low-fare competition, Virgin America has historically seen fares drop by up to one-third. In addition, 50% of travelers flying from PHL to the Los Angeles market now use connecting flights and 45% of those traveling from PHL to the San Francisco Bay Area are connecting passengers.

The PHL announcement was first shared with the carrier's social media fans earlier today, via a video that spotted the mysterious 'Greenman' from the FX television show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" near a Virgin America aircraft.
To kick off the fares, the airline is offering a "The City of Brotherly Love: Just Got Lovelier" sale, with PHL-LAX fares from $129 and PHL-SFO fares from $149 each way.

Virgin America expands with service to Philadelphia originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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new airport terminalsNew airport terminals can add time-saving features to existing facilities, bringing the latest in technology and security. If and when they open. Local and worldwide economic conditions caused projects to be delayed or shelved for a while. Now, several new facilities are preparing to open and new projects are being approved, signaling a brighter future to come.

The long anticipated and twice delayed inauguration of a new terminal at the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, capital of the northwest province of Guanacaste, is happening this week.

"Costa Rica will be in a very advantageous situation, since we will have the best secondary airport in all of Central America, and perhaps one of the best in Latin America," Transport Minister Francisco Jiménez told Ticotimes. "This will be a very important part of the development of the northern Pacific region."

The airport will have the capacity to provide service to 1,500 passengers during peak hours and boasts security upgrades, temporary holding rooms for detained passengers, and dormitories for people in the process of being deported. Said to be the answer to notorious Liberia airport lines that sometimes stretch outside of the terminal, the new facility will be a welcome addition.

Continue reading New airport terminals, once delayed, prep for opening this year

New airport terminals, once delayed, prep for opening this year originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport constructionairport remodelingAirportConstructionAirportRemodelingAMR CorpCaribbeanCentral AmericaCosta RicaFinanceLASLas vegasLas Vegas, NevadaLasVegasLatin AmericaLiberiaLocalMcCarran International AirportMIAMiami International airportMiamiInternationalAirportnew airport constructionNew airport terminalsNewAirportConstructionNewAirportTerminalsNortheast RegionThe Miami HeraldU.S.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Futuristic travel more down to earth, collaborative says study]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/futuristic-travel-more-down-to-earth-collaborative-says-study/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/futuristic-travel-more-down-to-earth-collaborative-says-study/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/futuristic-travel-more-down-to-earth-collaborative-says-study/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

futuristic travelThoughts of futuristic travel often bring images of commercial low-earth orbit flights, man on Mars or rediscovering the Moon. A new study highlights real-world programs and technology being developed right now that is much more common, affecting us all.

By 2020, all airports will be paperless and bags will be electronically tagged, according to the From Chaos to Collaboration report released this week by Amadeus, a leading provider of IT solutions to the travel and tourism industry Just eight years from now, the report says, travelers will be using fingerprint boarding passes and eye-scanning passports.

"We wanted to avoid making techno-centric assumptions about the future of travel - and painting a picture of flying cars and intelligent robots in a world that is otherwise unchanged from today," Andrew Curry, director and co-author The Futures Company told Travelmole.

Continue reading Futuristic travel more down to earth, collaborative says study

Futuristic travel more down to earth, collaborative says study originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmadeusAndrew CurryFlickrfuturistic travelFuturisticTravelMarsSci/TechTim Jonestravel industrytravel techTravelIndustryTravelTechThu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strolling through the airport just got more exciting with the new musical floor]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/strolling-through-the-airport-just-got-more-exciting-with-the-ne/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/strolling-through-the-airport-just-got-more-exciting-with-the-ne/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/strolling-through-the-airport-just-got-more-exciting-with-the-ne/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Recent Design Academy in Eindhoven graduate, Jeriël Bobbe, has recently come up with a new way to make spending time at the airport more fun. His new design is a combination between public art and community musical instrument as it is a piece of flooring with wooden slats designed to play music when you roll your suitcase over it. How deep the grooves in the wood are control the volume, while the width between the ribs affect the pitch.

"The tiles are being deployed in airports to compete with the horizontal escalators," explains Bobbe. "In a playful way, the traveler is triggered to walk by himself. Which way do you choose?"

Check out the video above to see a preview of what you can expect from Bobbe's creation.

Strolling through the airport just got more exciting with the new musical floor originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport designsAirportDesignsart in airportsArtInAirportsbest airportsBestAirportsjeriel bobbeJerielBobbemusic in airportsmusical airport floormusical floorMusicalAirportFloorMusicalFloorMusicInAirportstravel videoTravelVideounique designsUniqueDesignsvideoThu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Airport parking made easier: JFK's parking app]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/airport-parking-made-easier-jfks-parking-app/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/airport-parking-made-easier-jfks-parking-app/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/airport-parking-made-easier-jfks-parking-app/#commentsFiled under: ,

jfk airport parking Want to make airport parking easier? Develop an app for it. JFK Airport's parking facility, SmartPark JFK, today announced the launch of their iPhone app for placing parking reservations. An update to the existing app, launched in 2009, now allows customers to not only make their parking reservation but also to earn free days with a Frequent Parking Program.

Also available online, the app is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

[Flickr image via Kriston Lewis]

Airport parking made easier: JFK's parking app originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While most people have experienced some form of bad customer service in their lives, I'd be surprised if it topped the treatment these two honeymooners receive trying to get on board a flight for F.U. Knighted Airlines. Luckily, the clip isn't a documentary of real life but a humorous skit directed and edited by Nathan "Party on Fifth Ave" Moore that pokes fun at bad customer service in the airline industry. The video was written by the actors who include Moore, Lana McKissack, and Paul Peglar. If you've ever had a bad experience on an airline, you will definitely appreciate this.

You can click the cast's names above to find more entertaining videos on their YouTube channels, or follow them on Twitter:

Lana McKissack: https://twitter.com/#!/lanamckissack
Nathan Moore: https://twitter.com/#!/TheNathanMoore
Paul Peglar: https://twitter.com/#!/ppeglar

F.U. Knighted: The world's worst airline originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad customer servicebad travel experiencesBadCustomerServiceBadTravelExperiencescouples travelCouplesTravelfu knightedFU Knited airlineFuKnightedFuKnitedAirlinefunnyfunny videosFunnyVideoshoneymoonvideoThu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amsterdam's Schipol Airport gallery opens winter exhibition (about winter!)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/21/amsterdams-schipol-airport-gallery-opens-winter-exhibition-abo/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/21/amsterdams-schipol-airport-gallery-opens-winter-exhibition-abo/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/21/amsterdams-schipol-airport-gallery-opens-winter-exhibition-abo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Amsterdam
I love airport art galleries. They offer the delayed passenger something far more satisfying than eating fattening toxins in the food court. The gallery at Schipol Airport, Amsterdam, is one of the best because it's run by the world-famous Rijksmuseum.

The gallery has just opened Dutch Winters, a collection of winter scenes by Dutch artists. Interestingly, the curators didn't go for the usual Dutch Masters and their depictions of the harsh winters of the 16th century, when Northern Europe shivered under the Mini Ice Age. Instead, they're displaying works from the 19th century.

A January Evening in the Wood at The Hague, shown above, was painted by Louis Apol in 1875. A member of The Hague School, Apol made realistic images typical of that school's style. Below is Charles Leickert's Winter View, which he did in 1867. Leickert's style harkens back to the Dutch masters with its rural scene, detailed architecture, and numerous lifelike figures.

Fans of the Dutch Masters of Holland's Golden Age won't be disappointed. The gallery has a permanent exhibit of some of their works.

Images courtesy Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Schipol Airport gallery opens winter exhibition (about winter!) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportairport artairport art galleriesAirportArtAirportArtGalleriesairportsAmsterdamAmsterdam tourismAmsterdam travelAmsterdamSchipholAmsterdamTourismAmsterdamTravelartart galleriesart historyart newsArtGalleriesArtHistoryArtNewsDutch artDutch mastersDutchArtDutchMastersHollandHOlland tourismHollandTourismmuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumsmusuemNetherlandsNetherlands tourismNetherlands travelNetherlandsTourismNetherlandsTravelSchipolSchipol airportSchipolAirportWed, 21 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft and Southwest Airlines team up for picture perfect holiday]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/microsoft-and-southwest-airlines-team-up-for-picture-perfect-hol/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/microsoft-and-southwest-airlines-team-up-for-picture-perfect-hol/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/microsoft-and-southwest-airlines-team-up-for-picture-perfect-hol/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Microsoft and Southwest Airlines want to make it a picture perfect holidayFor the second year in a row, Microsoft and Southwest Airlines have joined forces to offer free holiday themed photos and giveaway some great prizes as well. Between now and December 24th, you'll be able to score a Windows 7 laptop each day and be entered to win free travel for a year on Southwest.

The two companies have set up photo booths in 21 airports and 3 malls across the U.S. Visitor to these locations will be able get free photos with Santa, which they can then share with friends and family. The booths are located in major airports that Southwest flies in and out of, such as Logan International in Boston, Dallas Love Field, and Denver International. Additionally, the malls that are hosting the photo experience are located in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. For a complete listing of the locations click here.

Microsoft and Southwest haven't forgotten about those of us who won't be visiting any of those locations this holiday season either. We can still enter their online sweepstakes, where they are giving away a Windows PC every day through Christmas Eve, ten Epson printers, and the grand prize of free flights for a year. What traveler wouldn't want that prize? To enter, simply click here and fill out the online form.

Microsoft and Southwest Airlines team up for picture perfect holiday originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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airplane accommodations
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply a lover of quirky lodgings, these airplane-style accommodations are sure to fly high in your book. We're featuring a series of them. Up first: an Airplane Suite in the Netherlands.

Gallery: Airplane Accommodations: Airplane Suite

Fly "first class" with this luxe suite, which offers a Jacuzzi, infrared sauna, mini bar, three flat screen TVs, mini kitchen and more. The suite is actually an entire plane, an Ilyushin 18 that once served as a government plane. When operational, the plane could accommodate 120 passengers, plus a flight crew of four. You can take a seat in the fully-equipped cockpit, nearly 40 meters long, or watch out the window of your "suite" for a view of the platform and runway at Teuge airport.

An overnight stay for two with breakfast is € 350 via Airbnb.

Airplane accommodations: The Netherlands' Airplane Suite originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplane accommodationsAirplaneAccommodationsnetherlandsFri, 16 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 reasons to travel to Ljubljana]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/13/10-reasons-to-travel-to-ljubljana/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/13/10-reasons-to-travel-to-ljubljana/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/13/10-reasons-to-travel-to-ljubljana/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Ljubljana travel
When I found cheap airfare from Istanbul to Ljubljana, I didn't find many other travelers who'd been there or even say for sure which country it's in. The tiny of country of Slovenia is slightly smaller than New Jersey and its capital city isn't known for much other than being difficult to spell and pronounce (say "lyoob-lyAH-nah"). After spending a few days there last month, I quickly fell madly in love with the city, and recommend to everyone to add to their travel list.

Gallery: 10 reasons to travel to Ljubljana

Ljubljana's main squareTriple BridgeTivoli ParkCoffee al fresco at Cafe LolitaDragon bridge


Here are some reasons to love Ljubljana:

1. It's Prague without the tourists - Ljubljana has been called the next Prague for at least the last 10 years, but the comparison is still apt. Architect Jože Plečnik is known for his work at Prague Castle, but he was born in Ljubljana and is responsible for much of the architecture in the old downtown and the Triple Bridge that practically defines the city. While Prague is a lovely place to visit, it's overrun in summer with backpackers and tourists. In Ljubljana, the only English I heard was spoken with a Slovenian accent, and there were no lines at any of the city's attractions.

2. Affordable Europe - While not as cheap as say, Bulgaria, Ljubljana is a lot easier on the wallet than other European capital cities and cheaper than most of its neighbors. I stayed in a perfect room above the cafe Macek in an ideal location for 65 euro a night. A huge three-course dinner for one with drinks at Lunch cafe was 20 euro, and a liter of local wine in the supermarket is around 3-4 euro. I paid 6 euro for entrance into 4 art museums for the Biennial, and the same for all of the castle, including the excellent Slovene history museum, and the funicular ride there and back.

Continue reading 10 reasons to travel to Ljubljana

10 reasons to travel to Ljubljana originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affordableairportAlfrescoalpsbeachbledboutiquebuscapitalchocolateconnectionsCroatiadealsdesigndesignerduty freeDutyFreeeastern europeEasternEuropeeasyjetenglisheuroeuropeanfacebookfishfoodforeign languageforeign+languageForeignLanguagefunicularhelpinternationalIstanbulKranjlake bledLakeBledlanguageljuljubljanaLjubljana travelLjubljanaTravellondonluggagemeatmuseumsoutdoorsparispastapizzaplanningpraguePrague Castleseaseasideshoesshoppingshuttleskiskiersskiingsloveniasocial mediaSocialMediaspaspa resortSpaResorttourism boardTourismBoardtouriststraintwittervenicevineyardwestern europeWesternEuropewifiwineWorldzagrebTue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Fancy, Huh? Delta lures top travelers with Porsche transport program]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/06/you-fancy-huh-delta-lures-top-travelers-with-porsche-transport/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/06/you-fancy-huh-delta-lures-top-travelers-with-porsche-transport/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/06/you-fancy-huh-delta-lures-top-travelers-with-porsche-transport/#commentsFiled under: , ,

delta porscheIf you're a Delta Diamond member heading into ATL, you just might have a surprise waiting for you on the runway. Delta's being secretive about the details, but they're piloting a new program for their HVCs (High Value Customers), using a fleet of six Porsche vehicles to transport fliers to far-flung terminals or even to their cars.

Here's how it works - you'll get off the plane and find a Delta rep waiting with a sign, where you'll be escorted to the car and whisked away to your destination - sometimes right off the jetway.
Why Porsche? The luxe car brand is moving their North American headquarters to a new location just adjacent to the terminal, and of course Delta's hub is in Atlanta.

According to The Ticket Atlanta, Delta's only comment has been on the Flier Talk Boards to state that the cars are part of their partnership with Porsche, they didn't pay for the cars, and that the cars are for customers only - not executives.

What do you think? Smart move by Delta or a catering to the 1%?

[Flickr via SOCIALisBetter]

You Fancy, Huh? Delta lures top travelers with Porsche transport program originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantadeltadelta porscheDeltaPorscheTue, 06 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Snack food diplomacy in Vietnam]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/snack-food-diplomacy-in-vietnam/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/snack-food-diplomacy-in-vietnam/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/snack-food-diplomacy-in-vietnam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Snack Food Diplomacy in VietnamI've never been so happy to see a cockroach. There it was scurrying across the floor near my feet, around the empty snack food wrappers. It meant I was on the Saigon-bound train from Nha Trang. Which also meant it would (hopefully) skid into the steamy Vietnamese metropolis somewhere around 4:15am and give me about an hour to jump in a taxi, point it to the airport, and (barely) make my flight back to New York. Hopefully. This was a future chain of events that had to be perfectly synchronized in a Rube Goldbergian fashion. But at this point, I almost didn't care. One near miracle had already occurred today. Would it be divinely gluttonous of me to ask for two?

The day started like the 13 others I'd spent in Vietnam. Crawl out of bed, quaff three or four sugar-laced coffees, and then stroll down to the local market to consume as much as my stomach would allow (pho, chao, spring rolls, more pho). This was my last day here, ending my first trip to Vietnam. I came here to write an article on Saigon and then spent the last week traveling around the country, heading up to Hoi An and then, with Gadling's own Jeremy Kressmann, down to Qui Nhon and Nha Trang, where we ate and drank and rode backs through a leper colony and somehow ended up driving around with strangers in clunky cars late at night.

The day I was leaving Nha Trang, I got myself to the airport early enough to sip coffee in the business class lounge (it was the only ticket available for this Vietnam Airlines flight). My friend Richard Sterling--the so-called "Indiana Jones of gastronomy"--had a big night planned for my last evening in Vietnam: he was going to take me on an adventurous eating tour of Saigon. Then I was going to get approximately two hours of sleep before getting my flight home. I couldn't wait.

Movies and novels often begin by showing the protagonist having what seems like a normal day. They get up, they drink coffee, they take their kids to school, whatever. And then, as the formula usually goes, something happens. Something extraordinary. Usually something bad. In the biz it's called the "inciting incident." My real-life inciting incident occurred somewhere in the middle of my second cup of coffee in the airport lounge.

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Snack food diplomacy in Vietnam originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Airport advertising reaches new heights, literally]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/22/airport-advertising-reaches-new-heights-literally/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/22/airport-advertising-reaches-new-heights-literally/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/22/airport-advertising-reaches-new-heights-literally/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

air traffic control towerLiterally everywhere you look, from the media to public transportation to city sidewalks, you will find companies heavily advertising. Apparently, no place is safe from billboards, not even air traffic control towers.

Yes, you read that right. In Medford, Oregon, Jaunted reports that the city council has just approved 25x25 foot signs that will be added to every side of the air traffic control tower. The tower itself is about 100 feet tall, so the enormous ads should be quite a sight to see. But, I guess that's the point.

The reasoning behind this new advertising plan is to raise enough money to counteract some airport costs, for example, landing fees, that could help make the airport more desirable to new airlines and flight routes. Right now, officials are projecting that the ads will bring in an extra $3,000 per month.

While the Medford, Oregon, airport is the only one that we've heard of implementing this new advertising plan, we're wondering if this will become the norm at airports. Of course, making extra money is nice. However, it would be nice if some structures retained their actual purpose, like keeping passengers safe, instead of becoming gigantic advertisements.

What are your thoughts on this new form of advertising?

Airport advertising reaches new heights, literally originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingair traffic control towersair travelairlinesairport advertisingAirportAdvertisingairportsAirTrafficControlTowersAirTraveltravel newstravel storiesTravelNewsTravelStoriesunique travelUniqueTravelTue, 22 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vintage aircraft collection to feature Legends and Legacies Series]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/18/vintage-aircraft-collection-to-feature-legends-and-legacies-seri/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/18/vintage-aircraft-collection-to-feature-legends-and-legacies-seri/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/18/vintage-aircraft-collection-to-feature-legends-and-legacies-seri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

vintage aircraft collectionsFor aviation fans, visiting a vintage aircraft collection is about as good as it gets. Scattered around the United States from Richmond, Virginia to Galveston, Texas, aircraft of yesteryear are available to view and some even still fly. One collection, Fantasy of Flight in Florida, takes it all a step further with its Fourth Annual Legends & Legacies Symposium Series, which features new and seldom explored stories of World War II and the Vietnam War, told by some of the aviators who were actually there themselves.

"Each year, the Legends & Legacies experience is different from the last, with new guest speakers, new stories, new interactions with guests, and new topics to explore, including three all-new events this year," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. "The opportunity to hear firsthand from military veterans, especially those who fought in World War II and Vietnam, is a precious gift that we hope to share with as many guests as possible throughout the 2012 series."

Continue reading Vintage aircraft collection to feature Legends and Legacies Series

Vintage aircraft collection to feature Legends and Legacies Series originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black History MonthConsolidated B-24 LiberatorEntertainmentFantasy of FlightLocalNorth American P-51 MustangRosie the RiveterTuskegee AirmenU.S.VietnamVietnam Warvintage aircraft collectionsVintageAircraftCollectionsWomen Airforce Service PilotsWorld War IIFri, 18 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST