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Captive audience: crying babies and air travel {Gadling}
Mar 23rd 2010 1:15PM Definitely. The younger the kid, the more sympathetic I am. And the article is correct--many people will be a lot more understanding if they see the parent actively trying to calm the child down.
I pernally am not a "kid person", and certainly don't ever plan to have any of my own. That said, even I know that sometimes, a baby or a toddler just has the mother of all meltdowns, and there's nothing to be done about it. But if I can see mom or dad at least trying, I'll simply sigh and put in my earplugs. And I'll also give these young ones a pass on the first and last 15-20 minutes of the flight, where the pressure is changing and there's a lot of noise.
But...
If the bad behavior or screaming carries on for the whole flight and Mom & Dad seem to do nothing, then I'm mad. Also, any kid over the age of 5 should be able to behave for most of a flight. My first flight was to Germany from ORD when I was all of 4, and while I did get a bit rambunctious from time to time, I also remember staying in my seat and behaving because Mom & Dad made it crystal clear anything else was unacceptable. It wasn't easy for them (I was a hyper kid), but they did it.
Parents need to clearly lay out the rules of flying--stay in your seat, sit (relatively) still, use your indoor voice, and behave like you are somewhere "important" (e.g. church, etc.) Keeping a kid quiet and well-behaved on a long flight is not easy; it definitely takes some work from the parents. But it can be done.
The "girly-girl's" guide to packing for adventure travel {Gadling}
Jan 26th 2010 10:06AM Let me second the recommendation for "trail running" shoes--not just for adventure travel, but for any travel where you might be doing a lot of walking. They're really the best of both worlds--more support than a regular sneaker, but not as stiff (and in my case, cause blisters) as hiking boots. They do have great traction, and also are usually waterproof. I bought a pair a few years ago, and now I won't go anywhere without them.
Eight rules for renting a car in a foreign country {Gadling}
Jan 11th 2010 4:09PM I disagree... This is quite useful information. Rules of the road vary greatly from place to place-- try driving in Germany sometime. What most US drivers take as mere "sugguestions" (e.g. left lane for passing only, adherence to right-of-way rules) are written in stone over there, and not following them can be not only hazardous but very costly.
As for your comment about the retal company doing a walk-around? I'd be very surprised if they check the car that thoroughly. I've never seen any rental rep do that *anywhere* I've rented. Usually they just hand you the keys and a damage check form, and send you off on your way. It's up to you to check everything out, and personally, I'm not a big fan of putting my blind faith in the rental company. Sure, the car probably has a spare-- but is it still inflated enough to be usable? Is the jack still there?
My only (maybe) criticism would be that the first point should also include, "and don't overestimate your skills, even if you do know how to drive a manual." Trust me-- driving a stick around town in the US is a lot different from a) driving one over the Alps, and b) taking one on the Autobahn.
Overweight man barred from flight, misses uncle's funeral {Gadling}
Nov 25th 2009 12:53PM To Bill, Anna, and Jeremy:
First, I am 5'8', and a size 24. Yes, I am fat--I never said I wasn't. But I spent most of my life at the same height and a size 12-14. Know what??
The seats were still small, and definitely too close together.
Do you know that the airlines deliberately demand aircraft manufacturers to put in more seats that the company reccommends?? You would think the company that designed the plane would know its limits best, but apparently not.
The typical EC seat is between 17 and 18 inches wide, with less than an inch between them. Even if the seats are wide enough, there's no room between them. Let's not even mention the space between rows of seats.
Just a question: How many of you have been on a flight seated next to a thin but broad-shouldered man, or someone who either insists on sitting knees apart, or has no choice but to do so due to their height?
Still think there's plenty of room??
As for me personally, I *do* have health problems. I exercise, and I rarely overeat. I regularly consult my doctor for alternatives and recommendations, but I'm not in a situation where I can do much about it.
When travelling, I do my best to take my fellow passengers into account-- upgrading to business class when I can, volunterring to move if needed. I make every effort to be polite, understanding and apologetic to my fellow passengers and give them every accomadation I reasonably can.
Yet I am perpetually met with responses like yours.
So thank you for proving my third point.
Laptop desk that fits on your steering wheel ... {Gadling}
Nov 18th 2009 1:37PM How could miss referencing the best "user review" on there:
"My copilot and I both used these during our "daily grind" transcontinental flights from San Diego to Minneapolis. We had to modify them a bit to fit snug against the instrument panels (when we bought them we didn't realize the planes we fly don't have steering wheels!), but in the end it did the job. With our laptops firmly in place we were able to focus our attention on what really mattered, participating in raids with our WoW clan. During our last flight we were so immersed in trying to take down Eranikus that we overshot Minneapolis by a full hour and a half before some annoying flight attendant interrupted us, babbling something about "FAA and F16 fighters."
Galley Gossip: 5 tips for getting through airport security quickly {Gadling}
Nov 17th 2009 9:54AM Just something I would add-- instead of waiting until you get in line to start juggling everything, find a bench seat near the entrance to security to stop and prepare. I always do this-- stop, set my bag(s) down, stuff my "pocket junk" and big metal watch in my bag, take off my jacket if I have one, get boarding pass & ID ready, etc. Basically, I do everything but take my shoes off. Then, when I get in line, I'm ready to go. I just drop stuff on the screening belt, slip my shoes off, and go. Afterwards, I just pick everything up, get out of the way, and then find a spot to get myself back together.
I've found it's just easier to do this; it's easier to keep track of everything, and you have more room to do it. There's also not usually a disgruntled fellow traveler behind you giving you the stink eye, either. :o)
