tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70809769951056246372024-02-21T17:42:31.033+11:00In Case of Emergency...Life in the sky of an Aussie flight attendant. Trip photos, travel advice & tips and other flying gossip, this is my main crashpad on the net!Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-31315304539813683752011-09-07T14:42:00.002+10:002011-09-17T22:54:23.029+10:00Middle Eastern Airlines- What Are They Really Like to Work For?Recently I have been receiving a lot of questions & emails regarding recruitment for Middle Eastern airlines. Being that I don't work for one, I've had to do a little research to find out the answers to some of those questions. Luckily for all the wannabes out there, I have some 'spies' out there in certain airlines who have been willing to answer my nosy questions so that I can tell you what you want to know.<br /><br />So, just which airlines are we talking about here?<br /><br />The most well known ones are, of course, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar. In addition to these "Big Three", we also have Gulf Air, Bahrain Air, FlyDubai, MEA, Air Arabia, Egyptair and Saudi Arabian to name a few. I'm planning to write a series of posts on the subject, covering various areas that people ask about, such as training, living conditions and rules imposed on FAs working for those companies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRjeCcCkzlxKup1uK6YcqtgTkwfQf1B37aqkOJ2AnRbPEBkCDhR9Xebf3eT-ATFSFC3mNJ__0rbZ2mwi9OinlTQgn1f1-kP2xmiVrQW0-RvBalneQKJoysvBHXzZJ8IMSsL05D62k8hc/s1600/EKQREYGF.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRjeCcCkzlxKup1uK6YcqtgTkwfQf1B37aqkOJ2AnRbPEBkCDhR9Xebf3eT-ATFSFC3mNJ__0rbZ2mwi9OinlTQgn1f1-kP2xmiVrQW0-RvBalneQKJoysvBHXzZJ8IMSsL05D62k8hc/s320/EKQREYGF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653307610628362578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some of the questions I've received include:<br /><br />* What's the pros & cons of working in the Middle East? (I believe this one depends largely on where you are based)<br /><br />* Do all of the airlines have a curfew on their crew? I heard that they have tough rules and you cannot have visitors overnight.<br /><br />* What are the perks of working for these companies- how much vacation time do you receive & what is the salary like?<br /><br />* What kind of flying do they do- long or short haul? How long are the layovers? Do they have to share rooms with each other?<br /><br />If you have another question you'd like answered, leave a comment below, or you can also contact me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TraytablesTrvls">Twitter </a>or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook</a>.Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-80855913316065227772011-08-12T21:39:00.000+10:002011-08-13T22:54:41.852+10:00Travel Stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrnfHnY-F0zGEDfh6lx3lsBmzTBlfdbRuWWm_jOyYwVbHo_aLOMFRz-0rQHou29qE0Dym76dr20nYtf1d0d8QRoCV3BOAKZfjCBvtKxVaYqSvGYDHQrIHXbhyphenhyphen0X7AbKOdKKJka7D5j-I/s1600/gridit.jpg">
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<br />When you travel on the road, it's not uncommon to develop an (sometimes unhealthy!) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">obsession</span> with travel gadgets and tiny-sized toiletries. It's quite usual amongst flight attendants to have a comparison session in the galley of the most recently acquired "cool stuff", especially after a layover in a new city or one known for great shopping.
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<br />Here's a few links to some neat travel stuff I've spotted around in various places in print & on the web. As I just wrote down the links and not the place I was reading, I couldn't actually tell you where I saw these originally, sorry. I just thought they were cool. (I have also not been asked nor paid to feature these items, I just figured some of my readers might like them and are not responsible for any effects on your credit card!!) ;)
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<br />I'd always wanted one of these when I was a kid. Until I heard the joke about the Russians just using a pencil. But still, as someone who gets tired of cheap hotel pens running out of ink at the worst time, the Fisher Space pen seems like a pretty cool idea. Especially if you've ever ruined a uniform with exploding ink stains!
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<br /><a href="http://www.notemaker.com.au/products/fisher-space-pen-original-astronaut"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Notemaker</span> </a>has quite a range on their website as well, with all the different models. A bit on the expensive side, yes, but then again you should no longer have to be buying or <strike>stealing</strike> taking your entitled pens from hotel rooms 200 times a year.
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<br />Now, for all you Flight 001 fans, they now have their very own .com.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">au</span> site, full of all the travel gadget <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">geekiness</span> you know and love. One cool product I'm lusting after is the <a href="http://www.flight001.com.au/shop-for-your-trip/computer-bags/grid-it-grey.html">Grid-It</a>, a neat web of elastic bands to keep all your bits & bobs (especially electronics) in place.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrnfHnY-F0zGEDfh6lx3lsBmzTBlfdbRuWWm_jOyYwVbHo_aLOMFRz-0rQHou29qE0Dym76dr20nYtf1d0d8QRoCV3BOAKZfjCBvtKxVaYqSvGYDHQrIHXbhyphenhyphen0X7AbKOdKKJka7D5j-I/s1600/gridit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrnfHnY-F0zGEDfh6lx3lsBmzTBlfdbRuWWm_jOyYwVbHo_aLOMFRz-0rQHou29qE0Dym76dr20nYtf1d0d8QRoCV3BOAKZfjCBvtKxVaYqSvGYDHQrIHXbhyphenhyphen0X7AbKOdKKJka7D5j-I/s320/gridit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640322801056046434" border="0" /></a>
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<br />For someone who's always losing her phone chargers in a carry-on bag, this is a great way to keep track of everything & prevent tangles. (Hint Hint Santa)
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<br />The next product up is shown in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">prototype</span> form, but would be awesome for those long flights where you're stuck in a middle seat with nowhere to snooze. Basically, it's a <a href="http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/02/hooded-jacket-with-a-built-in-inflatable-pillow.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hoodie</span> with an inflatable pillow</a> built into the hood, so you always have a place to lean wherever you may be- airport floor, train, in your parent's car on those boring road trips... anyway, hopefully this one will be available soon. My notes show Burton as having one, but when I checked their website there's nothing there, so it's either sold out or not being made available here just yet. Still, pretty cool!
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<br />Hart & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Heim</span> is one of my favourite stores, and you can now shop online! I can always find something cool here, and for those of you who hate packing, or always forget something, here's the solution for you. The <a href="http://hartandheim.com.au/product_info.php/products_id/222/osCsid/8a480d4fafd67e88b2d6021bea86b854">Packing List</a> is a tear-off notepad with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">checkboxes</span> for all of the stuff you might need for your trip. Simply check items off as you pack them and you'll know exactly what's in your bag- even if you're the "pack three things then wander off for 3 hours" type. If you work in an office environment be sure to check out the rest of the pads & sticky notes, including the classic 'Sh!t List' and 'Do This Now' versions. Great cubicle-dwelling fun!!! =)
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<br />Have you seen any cool new travel stuff? What's your favourite gadget that makes your life easier?
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<br />Leave a comment below or head over to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Facebook</span></a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Twitter</a> to tell me what you found.
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<br />Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-90604000822641531882011-07-06T16:00:00.005+10:002011-07-06T18:29:00.969+10:00Giveaway Time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq_WOoSA608GlmlkPAPBg3hbTi1ee-6x-if_O3BOFTDBE2IkVxO_bLh2DY61_1-aQCk6P74ZhJ8YEE5mzJKfDgmxahsg7h7Ed6ZaAWRirJi13lYFjnZDl-bSKOHeIVvqBpB0vOCNhLAg/s1600/P7060738.JPG"><br /></a>Well it's been awhile in the making, but to celebrate passing 300 fans of my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook page</a>, plus all the fun I've been having meeting you guys & the comments on Twitter & Facebook, I'm having another giveaway!!! (Woo hoo)<br /><br />In keeping with the travel focus of my blog, the prizes I'll be giving away to some lucky winners all have a relation to travel or holidays.<br /><br />So without further ado, here's the details. I'll have 4 different prize packs up for grabs, each with certain items and a way to enter to win the prize.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AvGeek Pack</span>, pictured below. It contains an aviation-themed T-shirt (Size small, so probably will best fit the ladies or a guy on the skinnier side), a transport-motif notebook from "Paperchase", a set of airplane magnets I picked up in Hong Kong airport & an Air New Zealand light-&-noise keychain.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Tg5hnZor0CZE15H7EbW_aPYdO976riCwXY25KTCrmGQpNCiB42d06Md3AiOlobEv1vnINGJFZnZItw7mVKTrTDh3nodn4nONyszCyVbd6GxDFnxUfdyKGplzFAdctK09h7CSo7HYYeo/s1600/P7060740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Tg5hnZor0CZE15H7EbW_aPYdO976riCwXY25KTCrmGQpNCiB42d06Md3AiOlobEv1vnINGJFZnZItw7mVKTrTDh3nodn4nONyszCyVbd6GxDFnxUfdyKGplzFAdctK09h7CSo7HYYeo/s320/P7060740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626123970654241986" border="0" /></a><br />The next pack up for grabs is the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Comfort Pack</span>, it has a jewellery roll to keep your necklaces & rings safe on the go (From Thailand), a hand-made sleep mask with Koala motif (purchased at the Rocks Market, Sydney) and a little doll in traditional Thai dress (also from Bangkok)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWA2J-VhyphenhyphenLnHgoSI1qgFwgJ9qUmILxXATDyl1tajDqfs4gMjg2RSRtbtB5Yw49XOEEXWU4jDlli8pzmzWDK647KBlgf7erhPRV1nqiYM1BSbjMTB5zEVRbVUeDvpTMuEBPQETFIJKccs/s1600/P7060739.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWA2J-VhyphenhyphenLnHgoSI1qgFwgJ9qUmILxXATDyl1tajDqfs4gMjg2RSRtbtB5Yw49XOEEXWU4jDlli8pzmzWDK647KBlgf7erhPRV1nqiYM1BSbjMTB5zEVRbVUeDvpTMuEBPQETFIJKccs/s320/P7060739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626126028655566962" border="0" /></a><br />The next two prizes are virtually the same, save for some colour variation between the two <span style="font-weight: bold;">Accessories Packs.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzSjLUK72fzHN13x5y9_sx39X_HUOO7iZFmmY1NiU8qtP1J-vel4_4Og8k_mGcueppSHT6_avgZulLN4qP-rOecDoTXVNcO04lb7qeMd-hbjQJ_9N4ihpYGhtEzTk4-fwOkKLPw5KpJQ/s1600/P7060737.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzSjLUK72fzHN13x5y9_sx39X_HUOO7iZFmmY1NiU8qtP1J-vel4_4Og8k_mGcueppSHT6_avgZulLN4qP-rOecDoTXVNcO04lb7qeMd-hbjQJ_9N4ihpYGhtEzTk4-fwOkKLPw5KpJQ/s320/P7060737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626126041336926178" border="0" /></a>There's a Thai doll, some travel containers with jets on them, a luggage tag & pass case- Paperchase (for your train or subway pass) an Emirates light-&-sound keychain and either Paris-themed stickers (Accessorise) or travel-themed pin badges.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq_WOoSA608GlmlkPAPBg3hbTi1ee-6x-if_O3BOFTDBE2IkVxO_bLh2DY61_1-aQCk6P74ZhJ8YEE5mzJKfDgmxahsg7h7Ed6ZaAWRirJi13lYFjnZDl-bSKOHeIVvqBpB0vOCNhLAg/s1600/P7060738.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq_WOoSA608GlmlkPAPBg3hbTi1ee-6x-if_O3BOFTDBE2IkVxO_bLh2DY61_1-aQCk6P74ZhJ8YEE5mzJKfDgmxahsg7h7Ed6ZaAWRirJi13lYFjnZDl-bSKOHeIVvqBpB0vOCNhLAg/s320/P7060738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626126032694664754" border="0" /></a><br />To enter, you have to be a Facebook and/or Twitter follower of my Traytable accounts to be eligible. You can join today if you're not already following, it doesn't matter (I would prefer if you're joining because you like my page & blog, not just to win the prize ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prize 1- AVGEEKS</span><br /><br />To win the AvGeeks prize, leave a comment on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook page</a> (or via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Twitter</a>) telling me your best AvGeek story- something funny that happened to you in the pursuit of planes, or even better, post a photo of your best AvGeek experience. The winner will be the person with the best story or photo, as chosen by me. (This prize is not a chance draw.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prize 2- COMFORT</span> Tweet or Facebook me your best tip for being comfy when you travel. All the commenters will be entered into a random draw to win this prize.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prize 3- ACCESSORIES PACK #1</span> Retweet a link to my blog (http://traytables-travels.blogspot.com) with where you are from to be in the draw to win this pack.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prize 4- ACCESSORIES PACK #2</span>- This will be drawn from everyone who is a fan of my Facebook page at the time the competition comes to a close. There's no need to do anything to be in the running for this one other than click 'Like' on my page. =)<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RULES</span><br /><br />Each person can enter for Prizes 1-3 only once. Each person is eligible to win only one prize, in the interests of fairness. So if you really want to win a certain prize, then try only for that one. If you're happy with any prize, you can enter all three. (Prize #4 will be drawn last to prevent that draw from stopping you winning a preferred prize if you entered for Prizes 1-3.)<br /><br />The giveaway contest will close at 11:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time Sunday, July 10th. Winners will be contacted either by Facebook or Twitter if they have not provided email address. Prizes will be mailed by Wednesday 13th latest. Winners must contact me upon being notified of winning within 24hrs to claim prize (I'm a busy hostie you know and I have only so much time to haul butt to the post office) and provide a valid mailing address.<br /><br />Photos posted to enter the AvGeek prize must be your own. No taking photos from other websites. It's fine if someone else took a photo OF you, but the photo must otherwise have been taken by you if you are not in the photo.<br /><br />The giveaway is open worldwide. Postage cost will be covered by me. The winner is responsible for any duties/taxes payable on any items. If there is anything in the prize packs which is not permitted to be mailed to your country, do not enter for that prize. I take no repsonsibility for lost/misdirected mail.Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-60308135171579000352011-06-10T22:01:00.000+10:002011-06-10T22:02:19.177+10:00To Pee, Or Not to Pee?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tO1epje7ZIIGIM9rpjqX7foEP81g-2zcWNoAhWDUrzB6l8UUIlwfYwxn-jStrcDrSiaTQ0I5533q2vAsiVGaMSneTk7rUTe2n__qCGuzvuiHkoLX5cbhyTGHO44I7cWaMTnKb-K6VF8/s1600/BARE-FEET-PLANE1.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3jloc3vqXX1scBMB-VIur9brar7dudeF1PfwtPXvnLLo-gyaqLUxZ8mQFAaUv0ZBkWRJany_e7fOqQSlS2jv5ZDru7kc5zlcqeJ9HKTw3PkdvpS4iJuhdrUFerAne6WVHGt0iFURvPs/s1600/Airplane-Bathroom-Sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3jloc3vqXX1scBMB-VIur9brar7dudeF1PfwtPXvnLLo-gyaqLUxZ8mQFAaUv0ZBkWRJany_e7fOqQSlS2jv5ZDru7kc5zlcqeJ9HKTw3PkdvpS4iJuhdrUFerAne6WVHGt0iFURvPs/s320/Airplane-Bathroom-Sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557910233467986" border="0" /></a><br />A little while ago <a href="http://upupandagay.com/">Bobbylaurie(TM)</a> made a post about something he calls "Lavophobia", where passengers (and sometimes crew) are afraid to use the lavs onboard the plane- for whatever reason- and it got me thinking about some of the weird toilet habits I've seen or heard about on the plane.<br /><br />I'm no fan of the lav myself, as I think it's one of the ickiest places you can go, but I'll use it if I have to. I'll avoid it if possible, but I won't get so weirded out by it that I develop some bizarre ritual to deal with having to go tinkle in the sky...<br /><br />Here's a few that I've heard of.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Paper Towel Warrior</span><br /><br />This person is the one who opens the door using a tissue over the handle, and proceeds to paper every exposed surface with paper towel in order to create a shield between their body and any germy surface inside the lav.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XMl5x0awl47XGhiXXTRMouReHGmGtxzxpeV7HjGS6MvKxmU7qBKud9scNNwHSrT5g02FpoG6ETilKentU8PKXWFySFKhg2Sp7553arTTh-FBzfm1ptUuO2Vs-vbWI4SGFOHUywQiR34/s1600/17007SS00_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XMl5x0awl47XGhiXXTRMouReHGmGtxzxpeV7HjGS6MvKxmU7qBKud9scNNwHSrT5g02FpoG6ETilKentU8PKXWFySFKhg2Sp7553arTTh-FBzfm1ptUuO2Vs-vbWI4SGFOHUywQiR34/s320/17007SS00_full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557904005838354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Of course, this takes quite a while and is likely to annoy both the people waiting, and the crew who have to keep replacing the loo roll and/or hand towels every ten minutes on a transcon flight. (There are quite a few PTW's on flights these days)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The If-I-Don't-See-It-It-Can't-Hurt-Me Type</span><br /><br />They enter the toilet, cautiously peering out of one squinted eye, hoping the reduced vision level will prevent them seeing the horrors of the lav. They do everything by feel including wiping and/or papering the seat before sitting down, all the while thinking 'nice thoughts' to keep them from thinking about what might actually be on that seat. These people are also usually the kind that think if they can't SEE any dirty parts of the bathroom, then it must be relatively clean. (Haha)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hand Sanitizer Queen (King)</span><br /><br />This passenger (or crewmember) is happy to use the lav at any time, provided everything has been coated in a generous amount of sanitizer before use.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF6e8WA5C9BEj9_LmmkceBmBvekaA7XfFVEd62Z465f8-s1gFaXerryI6lEj9Bk9-J_A3BenJNeV3GlJ6uP9fZ-R6ATj4ZKd8qddhJ0dHQxYjSNPoOyB4Vk0sd1MaAOEJ6GWpnfYFyb8/s1600/Instant+anti+bacterial+hand+sanitizer+Nature+display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF6e8WA5C9BEj9_LmmkceBmBvekaA7XfFVEd62Z465f8-s1gFaXerryI6lEj9Bk9-J_A3BenJNeV3GlJ6uP9fZ-R6ATj4ZKd8qddhJ0dHQxYjSNPoOyB4Vk0sd1MaAOEJ6GWpnfYFyb8/s320/Instant+anti+bacterial+hand+sanitizer+Nature+display.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557928681507714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They can usually be recognised by the fact they own shares in Bath & Body Works, and always have a spare bottle in their bag to give to that non-believer who might just be converted to using Purell after their eyes have been opened.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The I-Can-Wait-To-Pee Type</span><br /><br />This flyer would rather risk their bladder health than use the icky loo on the plane. No matter how desperate they are, they just WILL NOT go. Even on a long haul flight. I once knew an F/A who was NEVER seen using the lav at any time, but on turns would run into the airport to use the restrooms in the terminal, screeching at everyone to get out of her way as she couldn't hold it any more. There was also an urban legend doing the rounds about a captain who was kind of on the fat side, and as he found it difficult to get in & out of his seat easily, would just pee in a bottle instead. Needless to say, those FAs wouldn't spend any time in the cockpit, much to the dismay of whichever First Officer he happened to be flying with that day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Number One Only Type</span><br /><br />Happy to use the lav onboard but only for getting rid of number 1's. Will hold it for everything else.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The (Much Hated) "I Don't Do Number Two's At Home" Type</span><br /><br />Out of courtesy to their loved ones/colleagues, they avoid going for a "newspaper break" at the home or office, but are only too happy to stink out the back of a 737 with their visits to the restroom. They don't even have the sense to use the air freshener AND I'm not allowed to light matches to counter the reek. I *hate* this type...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Barefoot Adventurer</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tO1epje7ZIIGIM9rpjqX7foEP81g-2zcWNoAhWDUrzB6l8UUIlwfYwxn-jStrcDrSiaTQ0I5533q2vAsiVGaMSneTk7rUTe2n__qCGuzvuiHkoLX5cbhyTGHO44I7cWaMTnKb-K6VF8/s1600/BARE-FEET-PLANE1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tO1epje7ZIIGIM9rpjqX7foEP81g-2zcWNoAhWDUrzB6l8UUIlwfYwxn-jStrcDrSiaTQ0I5533q2vAsiVGaMSneTk7rUTe2n__qCGuzvuiHkoLX5cbhyTGHO44I7cWaMTnKb-K6VF8/s320/BARE-FEET-PLANE1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557918972015410" border="0" /></a><br />This type of passenger is likely to complain that the carpet is not clean enough, the plane is a bit old or the person next to them looks a bit sniffly. They will then happily walk into the bathroom with no shoes on (or even worse, wearing socks, so they can soak up the germs to take home with them.) I love cheerfully informing them that it's not water on the floor in there. On long flights, my colleagues and I sometimes keep a tally of how many passengers go in barefoot. If we're feeling particularly cheeky, we'll tell them due to safety regs that shoes must be worn in the toilet. It's funny how many go back to get their shoes, and how many just shrug their shoulders and go in anyway. I think just for fun I might try making a sign on the computer with a "no bare feet" symbol and stick it on the door... :P<br /><br />One final note from me: Whichever 'type' you are- PLEASE flush when you're done, it's not a urinal!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwPjKerBAJPc-G7w-LgChDqN7omerrWfk3Kj-0CaUBXQfwxjboKGplWY707TJ8xzWqwB1O0-or-W8EiGvfN2DyRSKWYRBK1MJxeoWdY7Fg6yPNWrKL2YYOwOmkC7BYFqDVNWFf0M7iqw/s1600/06-airplane-toilet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwPjKerBAJPc-G7w-LgChDqN7omerrWfk3Kj-0CaUBXQfwxjboKGplWY707TJ8xzWqwB1O0-or-W8EiGvfN2DyRSKWYRBK1MJxeoWdY7Fg6yPNWrKL2YYOwOmkC7BYFqDVNWFf0M7iqw/s320/06-airplane-toilet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557893908968450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Have you observed any strange bathroom habits onboard? Are YOU a "Lavophobe"? What things do you do onboard to avoid the potential germs?<br /><br />Leave a comment, hop on over to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Tweet me</a> with your story!!Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-46450922919854622532011-06-10T21:42:00.004+10:002011-06-10T22:00:29.199+10:00To Pee, Or Not to Pee?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tO1epje7ZIIGIM9rpjqX7foEP81g-2zcWNoAhWDUrzB6l8UUIlwfYwxn-jStrcDrSiaTQ0I5533q2vAsiVGaMSneTk7rUTe2n__qCGuzvuiHkoLX5cbhyTGHO44I7cWaMTnKb-K6VF8/s1600/BARE-FEET-PLANE1.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3jloc3vqXX1scBMB-VIur9brar7dudeF1PfwtPXvnLLo-gyaqLUxZ8mQFAaUv0ZBkWRJany_e7fOqQSlS2jv5ZDru7kc5zlcqeJ9HKTw3PkdvpS4iJuhdrUFerAne6WVHGt0iFURvPs/s1600/Airplane-Bathroom-Sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3jloc3vqXX1scBMB-VIur9brar7dudeF1PfwtPXvnLLo-gyaqLUxZ8mQFAaUv0ZBkWRJany_e7fOqQSlS2jv5ZDru7kc5zlcqeJ9HKTw3PkdvpS4iJuhdrUFerAne6WVHGt0iFURvPs/s320/Airplane-Bathroom-Sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557910233467986" border="0" /></a><br />A little while ago <a href="http://upupandagay.com/">Bobbylaurie(TM)</a> made a post about something he calls "Lavophobia", where passengers (and sometimes crew) are afraid to use the lavs onboard the plane- for whatever reason- and it got me thinking about some of the weird toilet habits I've seen or heard about on the plane.<br /><br />I'm no fan of the lav myself, as I think it's one of the ickiest places you can go, but I'll use it if I have to. I'll avoid it if possible, but I won't get so weirded out by it that I develop some bizarre ritual to deal with having to go tinkle in the sky...<br /><br />Here's a few that I've heard of.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Paper Towel Warrior</span><br /><br />This person is the one who opens the door using a tissue over the handle, and proceeds to paper every exposed surface with paper towel in order to create a shield between their body and any germy surface inside the lav.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XMl5x0awl47XGhiXXTRMouReHGmGtxzxpeV7HjGS6MvKxmU7qBKud9scNNwHSrT5g02FpoG6ETilKentU8PKXWFySFKhg2Sp7553arTTh-FBzfm1ptUuO2Vs-vbWI4SGFOHUywQiR34/s1600/17007SS00_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XMl5x0awl47XGhiXXTRMouReHGmGtxzxpeV7HjGS6MvKxmU7qBKud9scNNwHSrT5g02FpoG6ETilKentU8PKXWFySFKhg2Sp7553arTTh-FBzfm1ptUuO2Vs-vbWI4SGFOHUywQiR34/s320/17007SS00_full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557904005838354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Of course, this takes quite a while and is likely to annoy both the people waiting, and the crew who have to keep replacing the loo roll and/or hand towels every ten minutes on a transcon flight. (There are quite a few PTW's on flights these days)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The If-I-Don't-See-It-It-Can't-Hurt-Me Type</span><br /><br />They enter the toilet, cautiously peering out of one squinted eye, hoping the reduced vision level will prevent them seeing the horrors of the lav. They do everything by feel including wiping and/or papering the seat before sitting down, all the while thinking 'nice thoughts' to keep them from thinking about what might actually be on that seat. These people are also usually the kind that think if they can't SEE any dirty parts of the bathroom, then it must be relatively clean. (Haha)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hand Sanitizer Queen (King)</span><br /><br />This passenger (or crewmember) is happy to use the lav at any time, provided everything has been coated in a generous amount of sanitizer before use.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF6e8WA5C9BEj9_LmmkceBmBvekaA7XfFVEd62Z465f8-s1gFaXerryI6lEj9Bk9-J_A3BenJNeV3GlJ6uP9fZ-R6ATj4ZKd8qddhJ0dHQxYjSNPoOyB4Vk0sd1MaAOEJ6GWpnfYFyb8/s1600/Instant+anti+bacterial+hand+sanitizer+Nature+display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF6e8WA5C9BEj9_LmmkceBmBvekaA7XfFVEd62Z465f8-s1gFaXerryI6lEj9Bk9-J_A3BenJNeV3GlJ6uP9fZ-R6ATj4ZKd8qddhJ0dHQxYjSNPoOyB4Vk0sd1MaAOEJ6GWpnfYFyb8/s320/Instant+anti+bacterial+hand+sanitizer+Nature+display.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557928681507714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They can usually be recognised by the fact they own shares in Bath & Body Works, and always have a spare bottle in their bag to give to that non-believer who might just be converted to using Purell after their eyes have been opened.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The I-Can-Wait-To-Pee Type</span><br /><br />This flyer would rather risk their bladder health than use the icky loo on the plane. No matter how desperate they are, they just WILL NOT go. Even on a long haul flight. I once knew an F/A who was NEVER seen using the lav at any time, but on turns would run into the airport to use the restrooms in the terminal, screeching at everyone to get out of her way as she couldn't hold it any more. There was also an urban legend doing the rounds about a captain who was kind of on the fat side, and as he found it difficult to get in & out of his seat easily, would just pee in a bottle instead. Needless to say, those FAs wouldn't spend any time in the cockpit, much to the dismay of whichever First Officer he happened to be flying with that day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Number One Only Type</span><br /><br />Happy to use the lav onboard but only for getting rid of number 1's. Will hold it for everything else.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The (Much Hated) "I Don't Do Number Two's At Home" Type</span><br /><br />Out of courtesy to their loved ones/colleagues, they avoid going for a "newspaper break" at the home or office, but are only too happy to stink out the back of a 737 with their visits to the restroom. They don't even have the sense to use the air freshener AND I'm not allowed to light matches to counter the reek. I *hate* this type...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Barefoot Adventurer</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tO1epje7ZIIGIM9rpjqX7foEP81g-2zcWNoAhWDUrzB6l8UUIlwfYwxn-jStrcDrSiaTQ0I5533q2vAsiVGaMSneTk7rUTe2n__qCGuzvuiHkoLX5cbhyTGHO44I7cWaMTnKb-K6VF8/s1600/BARE-FEET-PLANE1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tO1epje7ZIIGIM9rpjqX7foEP81g-2zcWNoAhWDUrzB6l8UUIlwfYwxn-jStrcDrSiaTQ0I5533q2vAsiVGaMSneTk7rUTe2n__qCGuzvuiHkoLX5cbhyTGHO44I7cWaMTnKb-K6VF8/s320/BARE-FEET-PLANE1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557918972015410" border="0" /></a><br />This type of passenger is likely to complain that the carpet is not clean enough, the plane is a bit old or the person next to them looks a bit sniffly. They will then happily walk into the bathroom with no shoes on (or even worse, wearing socks, so they can soak up the germs to take home with them.) I love cheerfully informing them that it's not water on the floor in there. On long flights, my colleagues and I sometimes keep a tally of how many passengers go in barefoot. If we're feeling particularly cheeky, we'll tell them due to safety regs that shoes must be worn in the toilet. It's funny how many go back to get their shoes, and how many just shrug their shoulders and go in anyway. I think just for fun I might try making a sign on the computer with a "no bare feet" symbol and stick it on the door... :P<br /><br />One final note from me: Whichever 'type' you are- PLEASE flush when you're done, it's not a urinal!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwPjKerBAJPc-G7w-LgChDqN7omerrWfk3Kj-0CaUBXQfwxjboKGplWY707TJ8xzWqwB1O0-or-W8EiGvfN2DyRSKWYRBK1MJxeoWdY7Fg6yPNWrKL2YYOwOmkC7BYFqDVNWFf0M7iqw/s1600/06-airplane-toilet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwPjKerBAJPc-G7w-LgChDqN7omerrWfk3Kj-0CaUBXQfwxjboKGplWY707TJ8xzWqwB1O0-or-W8EiGvfN2DyRSKWYRBK1MJxeoWdY7Fg6yPNWrKL2YYOwOmkC7BYFqDVNWFf0M7iqw/s320/06-airplane-toilet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616557893908968450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Have you observed any strange bathroom habits onboard? Are YOU a "Lavophobe"? What things do you do onboard to avoid the potential germs?<br /><br />Leave a comment, hop on over to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Tweet me</a> with your story!!Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-73790826062445552942011-04-25T12:15:00.000+10:002011-04-25T12:15:00.262+10:00Flying the Unfriendly SkiesIt's no secret to anyone who travels on a regular basis that people are getting, well, unfriendlier when they're in the air or on the road. Lack of consideration for other passengers, arguments over luggage space and at the extreme end threats & assaults on other passengers and crew are sadly becoming the norm rather than the exception in the airline industry.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRIx22PwKRzSoGUYCEaGTrHmT0NI0s2TEIof4N0zpcgE-IkThEaBlk0spw097SGXXVUAtrY7IOfV5DCtLKiNNP7IPDfR-5k5PqiQcOUA6GLaplg080WcXThpYzPP_wcEyuqPp0L4JQnc/s1600/airrage01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRIx22PwKRzSoGUYCEaGTrHmT0NI0s2TEIof4N0zpcgE-IkThEaBlk0spw097SGXXVUAtrY7IOfV5DCtLKiNNP7IPDfR-5k5PqiQcOUA6GLaplg080WcXThpYzPP_wcEyuqPp0L4JQnc/s320/airrage01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599105854833446146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Without getting into a social commentary on other aspects of society, it can be agreed that this 'misbehaving' in the skies is an alarmingly increasing trend.<br /><br />Blame oil price rises, extra security measures or Santa Claus all you like, it's not acceptable and shouldn't be tolerated as something which can't be fixed.<br /><br />The most notable recent case I've heard about is one on a flight to Darwin, where <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/04/24/227371_ntnews.html">a passenger became verbally abusive & threatening to both fellow passengers & crew.<br /></a><br />The article says: "<span style="font-style: italic;">Sydney man Simon Wilson Menzies, 31, was drunk and angry when he told the female cabin crew manager on a flight this week that he could "bring the plane down if he wanted." Menzies said: "I'm half muslim, half Aboriginal and everyone else is a white a*******. I could f******blow up the plane." He then began to sing a song about the plane crashing and everyone dying. </span><br /><br />After various altercations with other passengers & (allegedly) the flight's captain, Menzies eventually returned to his seat and was arrested & held overnight on arrival in Darwin.<br /><br />A court last week convicted him as the first person to be charged under new laws relating to threatening and/or assualting aircraft crew which came into effect on March 30th.<br /><br />Apparently the passenger had been mixing antidepressants & alcohol & gave this as the reason for his behaviour. Here's where it gets disappointing. According to the article,<br /><p style="font-style: italic;">(The magistrate) fined him <span style="font-weight: bold;">$400</span> and released him on the suspended sentence <span style="font-weight: bold;">in time for his flight to Bali the following morning. </span></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Under the new laws the <span style="font-weight: bold;">maximum summary penalty</span> for threatening or assaulting a flight crew member <span style="font-weight: bold;">is two years prison or a $13,500 fine.</span></p><p>So, under a new law which allows up to 2 years in prison & a $13,500 fine, this idiot got less than 5% of that amount in a fine and more astonishingly, was allowed BACK ON THE SAME CARRIER to continue his "family holiday".</p><p>For threatening a whole planeload of people (whether he meant it or not), the most he got was a slap on the wrist & little deterrent to doing it again. I hope the crew involved file a complaint with the union & the OH&S regulator for failing to provide adequate follow-up & a safe working environment for those crew who had to fly this jerk the next day. He was a known offender & yet was allowed to keep on flying, putting yet more passengers and crew at risk.</p><p>In my opinion this is an absolute farce & 'new laws' are only as good as the judges enforcing the punishments handed out under them. This guy probably spent the same amount of money on his airfare & holiday in Bali & the fine would have been no deterrent for anyone else thinking of doing the same thing. People get jail time for lesser offences like unpaid speeding tickets than this guy got. Until the authorities get tougher on imposing sentences to the full extent of the law, I'm afraid that this type of behaviour will only continue if not increase further.</p><p>Don't even get me started on the flight crew allegedly getting involved. I hope this part is only media beatup because if they in fact did come out of the cockpit, it was surely a mistake of huge proportions and someone deserves some retraining if this is how it played out! I do think though that the wording of the article may be to blame, and they could well have been talking about this occuring as the passenger was removed on arrival.</p><p>This incident follows another as passengers got into a<a href="http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/04/17/223121_todays-news.html"> scuffle in Hobart over "carry on" luggage</a>. Sounds like a carry-on, all right!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhQd3PJ24NEGrAfKD6MQ2N6Vw6V07wVSaszsHL98Q-A-cPQfwPRsgRGeSp9YcV1gy3ohYnLLbett6iiSoFPj4wbIRZ9-G9QYfnSzfdZkaQRwux6ElkIIBoBWbvwOcur46_VXUpm7zYGk/s1600/airrage02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhQd3PJ24NEGrAfKD6MQ2N6Vw6V07wVSaszsHL98Q-A-cPQfwPRsgRGeSp9YcV1gy3ohYnLLbett6iiSoFPj4wbIRZ9-G9QYfnSzfdZkaQRwux6ElkIIBoBWbvwOcur46_VXUpm7zYGk/s320/airrage02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599105858949444066" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /></p> <p>What do you think about 'air rage' and assaults in the air? Do you think it's increasing? Are the punishments fair or are people getting off 'scot free'? Leave me a comment or let me know what you think on<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls"> Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">(Photos: Restraint: avsec.com, Passengers: Mail Online)</span><br /></p>Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-86491861136825598352011-04-23T05:54:00.004+10:002011-04-23T07:09:37.788+10:00Ask the FA- How Do I Get a Bulkhead Seat?I get asked this question a lot, and with the economy the way it is, oil prices rising and thus fares going up, people want as much value as they can when they travel. For most people, this means the best legroom for as little fare as possible. I'll add the disclaimer here that various strategies work best for different airlines, however a combination of these will probably give you the best chance..<br /><br />There are several ways to increase your chances of scoring that coveted extra-legroom bulkhead seat.<br /><br />Some airlines have the frequent flyer programs where you can have a 'preferred seat' put into your booking profile. The only problem is, these seats are popular and if a higher-tier member also requests these, you will miss out.<br /><br />Web check-in is increasingly popular, so this may be another option, but you have to be quick!! Bear in mind depending on the aircraft configuration, some of these seats may be classified as 'emergency exit row' seats and depending on the airline may not be selectable during online check-in. (<a href="http://www.seatguru.com/">Seat Guru</a> may be able to help you check this & have great reviews on leg-room and other in-flight amenities.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szAlB_M8A8_zFtFp6rRvB_qf7iT-enwFwW2SHRNtsr8Ja7eF57-HKNRdCd50LxnK-dZXxnDFh7Tx0piRSMsFm3Td7pZ6CZe2u_T_SqNkgvk7NCpW8HeQnO8zrLmL4z79VbetW3WMDqg/s1600/bulkhead02.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szAlB_M8A8_zFtFp6rRvB_qf7iT-enwFwW2SHRNtsr8Ja7eF57-HKNRdCd50LxnK-dZXxnDFh7Tx0piRSMsFm3Td7pZ6CZe2u_T_SqNkgvk7NCpW8HeQnO8zrLmL4z79VbetW3WMDqg/s320/bulkhead02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598516155530929762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If all else fails, try to check in as early as possible, and ask politely whether any of those seats are still available. As they are popular you may be disappointed, ask only once! You would be surprised how far being pleasant to check-in staff will get you. Always answer questions about exit rows honestly- people sometimes 'hide' reasons they think will prevent them having the seat they want- but even if you get it, the crew responsible for that row can still move you out if they think you shouldn't be sitting there.<br /><br />These days, it's become increasingly common for airlines to charge a premium for bulkhead seats as they are so popular. In a worst case scenario, you may just have to pony up the cash to get that seat. Sold out? It's supply & demand baby! I often hear complaints from people who are tall or otherwise feel they need the legroom more than others. All I can say to that is, the onyl fair way for an airline to allocate bulkhead seats (aside from frequent flyer loyalty) is by a pay-to-use system. You want it, you pay, and as with many other things in life, it's first in, best dressed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nB7Vn1gxB5HVyC-SKCyuGQQ8_-KO7SUTjegSfp8G1xwqH7O8NcU7h3MXYPjhD_PpUcwXEvsAF1g5OwbCP_cFNSijdDSEkR-Qz1fsNOTCfOLNfwx3zcTKfumb2j0DQLLc8s6mnZSmoKU/s1600/bulkhead01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nB7Vn1gxB5HVyC-SKCyuGQQ8_-KO7SUTjegSfp8G1xwqH7O8NcU7h3MXYPjhD_PpUcwXEvsAF1g5OwbCP_cFNSijdDSEkR-Qz1fsNOTCfOLNfwx3zcTKfumb2j0DQLLc8s6mnZSmoKU/s320/bulkhead01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598516149955890674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One last thing- bulkhead seats (especially on widebody flights are often also the location of baby basinettes; if you still get one after all the parents have been allocated, think to yourself do you really want to be sitting near the crying babies all flight!!! :)Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-38719100401646493452011-04-12T06:30:00.000+10:002011-04-12T06:30:01.928+10:00Take Care...<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449162809622031234"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449162796381555058"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449162789938943538"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449162819922717330"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449162804451491154"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594353863654853458"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594353851984320274"></a><a name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594357994269584402"></a><br />Originally, I started writing this post back in February last year. I read about the sad death of a V Australia crew member in Phuket, after he fell from a hotel balcony during a room mix-up. However, a blogger glitch erased the post that I had worked on for hours and frustrated, I decided to continue it later. As often happens, other things took over and it was soon forgotten. Recently I found the half-draft in my archives & decided to finish the post to share with you.<br /><br />The Phuket story got me thinking about how sometimes crew can take hotel safety for granted, and ways to make sure you stay safe in hotels.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjPG8W35GaeNSfjkrJZ5wp3PQWc9oEY3ht2dvFW3-yxHAM6N7H-s9LtoIn4ZZIR9yTaEPBKvrmD4rnmYy-Jfj3xBQ0TjZDF-1FdYUKpGd2iKJKBigt0PKQu6bqYxZgFkHpgihcha_Nn0/s1600-h/Hotel-Hallway.jpg"><br /></a><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KA1OWkqXVtGYSLAY7VbPuq0Ohx3g4ixc9L6OGB4GF32lYZxqUOWn3UYHWmcoJSmJkCzY7HlaMNTZDwIZajgltkvuSvKe37TrQbzRqwSH789H1vb053EneMePzRJHWZlWUOr2yKz-2T0/s1600-h/holiday_inn_express_hotel_safety_sign.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KA1OWkqXVtGYSLAY7VbPuq0Ohx3g4ixc9L6OGB4GF32lYZxqUOWn3UYHWmcoJSmJkCzY7HlaMNTZDwIZajgltkvuSvKe37TrQbzRqwSH789H1vb053EneMePzRJHWZlWUOr2yKz-2T0/s320/holiday_inn_express_hotel_safety_sign.JPG" name="graphics3" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />For most flight attendants, spending time in hotels on layovers is common. We spend almost as much time in hotels as at home, if not more. Hotels become like a second home- especially if we layover in the same cities on a regular basis. We have our favourite rooms, make friends with the hotel staff and seek out the best places to eat and shop.<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatge5O_IHAiqmTG920FUtpJl5Dd8YtQQcjYD4qUID8hwnolrInncTHUP69YODJZwNNo1wOip7CQtAKGRdTAzpVXbwrMoXEKNBjOm_wp2YQsz0Yx77DM9Sej_TyzQa2unbhE5_od57v0c/s1600-h/restaurant_employees.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatge5O_IHAiqmTG920FUtpJl5Dd8YtQQcjYD4qUID8hwnolrInncTHUP69YODJZwNNo1wOip7CQtAKGRdTAzpVXbwrMoXEKNBjOm_wp2YQsz0Yx77DM9Sej_TyzQa2unbhE5_od57v0c/s320/restaurant_employees.jpg" name="graphics4" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="320" height="294" /></a><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />However, being away from home and often travelling solo has a darker side. Being in a strange city, around people you don't know and in unfamiliar locations can be dangerous to a flight attendant's personal safety in the wrong circumstances.<br /><br />In 2010, an <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/australian-flight-attendant-found-dead-at-thai-hilton-hotel-may-have-fallen-in-room-mix-up/story-e6frf7jo-1225830565333">Australian flight attendant was killed</a> when he fell from a hotel balcony/walkway while on a layover in Phuket. It appears he mixed up the room numbers and somehow, while trying to either find his room or gain entry to a room, fell from the balcony or walkway & fell five floors to his death.<br /><br />I'm no stranger to odd hotel layouts- one hotel I used to stay at had an 'open plan' garden layout similar to the Phuket hotel where V Australia stayed. We'd frequently come back from a night out, tripping over plants or other things in the dark and losing our way between blocks of rooms.<br /><br />Other hotels had complicated stairways, dimly lit walkways and were sometimes located in dodgy neighbourhoods if it couldn't be avoided.<br /><br />Flight crew safety has recently been put in the spotlight again with <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/cathays-female-flight-attendants-at-risk-in-saudi-arabia-20110310-1bokc.html">concerns from Cathay Pacific flight attendants</a> staying in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia reporting interference during layovers.<br /><br />Here's a few things I do to make things that little bit safer in hotels.<br /><br /><b>Check It Out</b><br /><br />On arriving, I always make a quick check of my room- inside the closet, the bathroom and under the bed. These are all known places for an assailant to hide until you've locked that door behind you. While checking, I'll close the door but not latch it until my check is complete, so I can open it quickly if needed.<br /><br />I'll also have a quick look to see whether I have a balcony with a sliding door, a normal door or a window. It's important to know not only if your window locks, but if it opens enough for you to use if you can't get out of the door.<br /><br />If the room is a joining one, I move something in front of the door- a chair, desk or other item which makes it difficult to open from the other room. At the very least, it'll make a noise to let me know someone is coming in.<br /><br /><b>Lock It Up</b><br /><br />Most hotels I stay in have either a chain or one of those door limiters on it so that you can open the door without it being able to be forced open. If you don't have one of these chains, or are staying somewhere where you don't trust that staff don't access rooms, you can find plenty of door security gadgets online. I had one a few years ago which worked well, the plus points were that it was made of plastic so I could carry it in my hand luggage and it barely weighed a thing. Sadly, I can't recall the name of it or seem to find it online.<br /><br />Of course if the fire department are trying to get in for whatever reason, it's not enough to completely stop them, for obvious reasons, but is enough to warn me that someone is coming in if they do. All-metal models might sound like a good idea, but remember in a fire situation that it may get too hot to handle & be difficult to remove without injury.<br /><br /><b>Stranger Danger</b><br /><br />If someone knocks on your door saying they are from maintenance, you don't have to open the door. Hotels don't usually do any work at night (unless it's an emergency) and genuine hotel employees are happy for you to wait to call the front desk and verify that they DID send someone to your room. The same goes for room service or porters. If you don't feel right about it, check with the concierge or reception.<br /><br />If I'm approaching my room and there's someone walking behind me, I wait until they've passed before I open my door. I've heard of crew members who have been followed into rooms and been robbed -or worse.<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjPG8W35GaeNSfjkrJZ5wp3PQWc9oEY3ht2dvFW3-yxHAM6N7H-s9LtoIn4ZZIR9yTaEPBKvrmD4rnmYy-Jfj3xBQ0TjZDF-1FdYUKpGd2iKJKBigt0PKQu6bqYxZgFkHpgihcha_Nn0/s1600-h/Hotel-Hallway.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjPG8W35GaeNSfjkrJZ5wp3PQWc9oEY3ht2dvFW3-yxHAM6N7H-s9LtoIn4ZZIR9yTaEPBKvrmD4rnmYy-Jfj3xBQ0TjZDF-1FdYUKpGd2iKJKBigt0PKQu6bqYxZgFkHpgihcha_Nn0/s320/Hotel-Hallway.jpg" name="graphics5" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="240" height="320" /></a><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />Just because you're inside a building, don't let your guard down. Again, it sounds paranoid, but would-be thieves take advantage of the sense of security a hotel gives people to get them when they least expect it. Especially as women, we can 'feel bad' that we'll offend someone by acting as though they're up to no good- would-be attackers can use this to their advantage. ALWAYS follow your intuition and remember- it's better to be thought rude than to have something happen to you.<br /><br /><b>Know Your Exits</b><br /><br />As a flight attendant, this sort of goes without saying, but you'd be surprised just how many flight crews have no idea where the fire exits are. This goes for the fire fighting equipment as well. Check the plan on the back of your door, and make sure it's correct. When you go to the lobby for your night out, have a look on the way past where the fire stairs are and where you can grab a fire extinguishers. It's a bit of a silly habit picked up on the job, but I just can't help checking that a fire extinguisher is actually serviceable when I walk past one.<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJptQZJs0bEMghhFEg4D8OC6COXiOonXEiRzNkAyxrcl3Rs5tndAdU-fkqK5eB5Q0P0sZlyKd_0947I0cFeMa2ypbK6vCsaz1ZadUfhJHjSoVZUx2e3P6Q0SrGQEn8G5FxUYXor-FUpE/s1600/fire_extinguisher_gauge.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJptQZJs0bEMghhFEg4D8OC6COXiOonXEiRzNkAyxrcl3Rs5tndAdU-fkqK5eB5Q0P0sZlyKd_0947I0cFeMa2ypbK6vCsaz1ZadUfhJHjSoVZUx2e3P6Q0SrGQEn8G5FxUYXor-FUpE/s320/fire_extinguisher_gauge.jpg" name="graphics6" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="320" height="240" /></a><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />Speaking of safety equipment, I always think it's a good idea to carry a small torch in my bag. It's come in useful so many times that it's more than paid for itself. Mine is just a small LED job I got for less than $10 at a Kmart. The batteries last a long time and the light is much better than conventional globes. Some hotels supply a flashlight in the closet. One hotel in Asia I stayed at even had smoke hoods- I wasn't sure to be reassured that one was there if I needed it, or worried that they were there in the first place!<br /><br />This is also where your earlier window check will help. Now you'll know if you can use your window to escape a fire as a last resort. How high is your room? Is there a balcony? Can you reach some other structure like the roof of the garage easily? At least you'll know this in advance, and it will only take you a few seconds to work this out when you're doing your room check.<br /><br /><b>Ring, Ring</b><br /><br />In the article posted above, some of the Cathay Pacific crew reported receiving nonsense calls in their rooms, firstly from outside the hotel and then from other rooms.<br /><br />Personally, unless I'm expecting another crew member to call my room, I don't pick up the phone. If it's an important schedule change or other work issue, there'll shortly be a note under the door. My supervisor and captain have the crew's numbers or can get them from crew scheduling if it's urgent. Also, my family will send me a text if they're going to call, or just call me on my cell. If you don't want roaming charges, you can always arrange to text them when you want them to call you.<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgnNdJkZImOnC1EI9TZxmmZPkRIXklijlnCx7pGjyVsGn1uIClcrkEBPWXfRCfKWYttOsB26uzwHpRQbvAabYqrfnSQInrFw05NHFFMTQtGWri9h7E7fxj-FRhA7IA64N2_lKa-FZ5KA/s1600/phone+hotelclubdotcom.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgnNdJkZImOnC1EI9TZxmmZPkRIXklijlnCx7pGjyVsGn1uIClcrkEBPWXfRCfKWYttOsB26uzwHpRQbvAabYqrfnSQInrFw05NHFFMTQtGWri9h7E7fxj-FRhA7IA64N2_lKa-FZ5KA/s320/phone+hotelclubdotcom.jpg" name="graphics7" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="320" height="212" /></a><br /><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It's also good to know how to contact various departments in the hotel. Know how to dial room-to-room. Check whether you have to dial an actual number, or just push a button to reach Reception or Hotel Security. This is especially good to know if you have to dial in the dark. If it's not noted on the phone, find out what the local police & fire numbers are. That way if your phone doesn't work you can at least try from your cell phone (make sure you know the dialling codes as well).<br /><br />Other good numbers to know include your airline or company's security department. Crew scheduling can be a good help, but security is a better option in the event of something major going down. Crew who were caught up in the Mumbai terror attacks reported getting assistance from their airline security department when they couldn't get through to the police. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eqXFbn3WGwUDHkhjqpwXXKhpK4BvmffZ1nKGlz9Mita-mg44HauLTHP08gxUaiKhOhpsE57hBZ0WrjmasdbI7PIcgVCgZS7frx9_qL7nX10nBer9UqEgg6dL9wcQxDmvfb9JkdUv9gU/s1600-h/taj-hotel-fire.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eqXFbn3WGwUDHkhjqpwXXKhpK4BvmffZ1nKGlz9Mita-mg44HauLTHP08gxUaiKhOhpsE57hBZ0WrjmasdbI7PIcgVCgZS7frx9_qL7nX10nBer9UqEgg6dL9wcQxDmvfb9JkdUv9gU/s320/taj-hotel-fire.jpg" name="graphics1" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="320" height="177" /></a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At the least, they can probably advise whether to stay put or leave in a security-type situation. Program these numbers into your phone: Scheduling, Security & your international help line if your company gives it. Every traveller should have an "ICE" (in case of emergency) contact in their phone.<br /><br /><b>Out on the Town</b><br /><br />There's nothing wrong with a good night out on the town- it's a great way to relax and let off steam after a tiring flight, or to bond with your crew. Having said that, you should take some reasonable steps when heading out to ensure a safe night for all. Try to swap numbers with at least one other person in your group, if you don't already know them. This way if you get separated, or someone's phone gets stolen, you can still keep in touch. (Remember, you also wrote down the hotel's phone number, didn't you?)<br /><br />Keep an eye on each other's drinks- especially if one of you goes off to dance. In some countries thieves work together to distract one member of the group while the other makes off with the valuables. Keep watch on bags and purses. Girls, if you're in a slightly dodgy area, make sure you visit the ladies' room together (This usually happens anyway!) ESPECIALLY if one of you suddenly feels unwell. You just never know what someone might have put in your drink, and you do NOT want her to be alone if that is the case!<br /><br />Ideally, make sure everyone gets back to their rooms safely, especially in hotels that are dimly lit or have tricky layouts. This might sound sexist but I often ask one of the guys on the crew to walk me back if we're in a dodgy part of town or failing that, we girls make sure at a minimum, we're in pairs if not a group.<br /><br />If you're heading out in a foreign city on your own, be sure to let someone know where you're going & when you expect to be back. This can be as simple as leaving a note on your bed- "Gone shopping in Mongkok, back by 1800". If you're not there for the crew pickup, at least that gives everyone an idea of where to start looking.<br /><br /><br />I don't mean to come across as paranoid, but it is a reality of the travelling life that we can face risks to our safety on the move. Implementing ways to keep yourself safe should be an important part of any traveller's routine.<br /><br />We all go off on our trips not thinking that we might not come home. While having fun seeing the world and meeting new people, be sure to take care so that your family can welcome you home again, safely & soon.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib40QjW78vkG5AQiar7ciOu85D92PFFYAjwdrvSihiIghkDJGcWjV_ja6rlaFz-q65nrKtgTfcc7ylL66k0keZITI1bFf7O_1oa0w5Zi0fCw7FCIB9iAbcQM_4xd9qq9566UGAH6YkyEA/s1600/greet.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib40QjW78vkG5AQiar7ciOu85D92PFFYAjwdrvSihiIghkDJGcWjV_ja6rlaFz-q65nrKtgTfcc7ylL66k0keZITI1bFf7O_1oa0w5Zi0fCw7FCIB9iAbcQM_4xd9qq9566UGAH6YkyEA/s320/greet.jpg" name="graphics8" align="BOTTOM" border="0" vspace="5" width="285" height="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />Got a travel tip you think I'd like? Leave a comment, hop over to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook page</a> or send me a <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TraytablesTrvls">Tweet</a>! </p>Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-67405155958885080622011-04-07T10:39:00.000+10:002011-04-07T10:39:00.625+10:00Snapshot- Ray of Light<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxbCaVWxsO-LN7pZavmo6FkoMRLMGP-JOeStiZ3B-xAhHH6HR1NxL20Iq03DQyzJRFooYidsq4yWysKCIW9YsQh3mv8AwSgIXnwZpCED7-NE7jRwnXcLPBLe5HdZzUt63b4i0ICsK-Y8/s1600/snset01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxbCaVWxsO-LN7pZavmo6FkoMRLMGP-JOeStiZ3B-xAhHH6HR1NxL20Iq03DQyzJRFooYidsq4yWysKCIW9YsQh3mv8AwSgIXnwZpCED7-NE7jRwnXcLPBLe5HdZzUt63b4i0ICsK-Y8/s320/snset01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590392997343558690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another photo from a layover in Perth, Western Australia.Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-7061152529250536062011-04-06T23:43:00.006+10:002011-04-07T01:41:09.357+10:00A Newsworthy Week in AviationIt's been an interesting week in aviation.<br /><br />First there was the Southwest decompression that occurred after the loss of a large part of the fuselage. The crew managed to land the plane safety at an air force base and by all passenger accounts both the pilots and flight attendants dealth with the situation in a textbook manner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJHQL3AeGdxUyGSMFnWIxa66q2ipYfuDJtgsXHJ-64ZL01hsfJ0lgxaAkh4SRclITjwl9y8QwoCfIUAxx8SE2I-Iov4I2F9slokXFTetr1vgiqcnBR5W8a1G6knAZ2DTkzT8zhF5XPXg/s1600/SWAhole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJHQL3AeGdxUyGSMFnWIxa66q2ipYfuDJtgsXHJ-64ZL01hsfJ0lgxaAkh4SRclITjwl9y8QwoCfIUAxx8SE2I-Iov4I2F9slokXFTetr1vgiqcnBR5W8a1G6knAZ2DTkzT8zhF5XPXg/s320/SWAhole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592491910549456226" /></a><br /><br />The incident has now sparked a <a href="http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011/04/Jet-metal-fatigue-a-rare-risk/45808638/1http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011/04/Jet-metal-fatigue-a-rare-risk/45808638/1">massive inspection regime</a> ordered by the manufacturer of Boeing 737 aircraft of a certain age and model type due to fears of further metal fatigue.<br /><br />(I do disagree with the use of the term "sucked out" in the article; more accurately, people would be "pushed out" by the flow of departing air)<br /><br />Then we had the dramatic landing of a United airlines flight after the <a href="http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2011/04/united-airbus-a320-new-orleans/154594/1">pilots reported smoke in the cockpit</a>. Eventually, air traffic controllers had to assist the aircraft by verbally guiding them to the airport, as the pilots could not see well enough to land. All passengers and crew onboard were evacuated after the aircraft made a safe (if somewhat hair-raising) landing back at New Orleans airport.<br /><br />In a disturbing twist, the preliminary report into the crash of a UPS cargo plane in Dubai last year was published by the GCAA, aviation authority of the UAE. This flight also suffered issues with smoke in the cockpit & visibility of instruments. The report makes sobering reading, with a few key points being:<br /><br />- Emergency oxygen systems were inadequate<br /><br />- The captain was forced out of the cockpit to find alternative oxygen at a critical phase of flight<br /><br />- An extremely short amount of time between the flight recorder noting the first 'fire event' in the forward main deck, and then three minutes later, a 'fire event' in the aft of the main deck cargo area. That is very rapid & sad to say probably an impossible situation for those pilots.<br /><br />(You can read the full PDF file of the report <a href="http://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/ePublication/admin/iradmin/Lists/Incidents%20Investigation%20Reports/Attachments/16/2010-GCAA%20Accident%20Preliminary%20Report%20B747%20DXB%20.pdf">here</a>.)<br /><br />Thankfully the United pilots had the advantage of daylight and the correct radio frequency to be able to communicate with air traffic control. The UPS crew could not tune to change frequency and thus had to rely on other aircraft in the area to relay messages.<br /><br />The crash has also highlighted <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703806304576241563707603894.html">shortfalls in packing & shipping guidelines for lithium batteries</a>, something which was of concern prior to the accident, and even moreso now. The abundance of these batteries for sale at online auction websites is no doubt adding to the problem, with many sellers totally unaware that some everyday goods are actually classified as hazardous for carriage by air.<br /><br />Lastly, in an unexpected yet welcome development, investigators have <a href="http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/new-stories-in-here/auvs-locate-lost-air-france-flight">uncovered further wreckage from Air France flight 447</a>, which disappeared nearly two years ago amid speculaton and mystery as to the cause.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1keE6r9ATHHp7aJazCgHkyeLKt48AWTaQDAwOj8lXZJ_sLYTBzCYQDOOxmhkJG1K0fPC15Sv6mnZN0YibqHRrMLuXqw5YVnhyphenhyphenw8xDFphShYhfzNgH0sxYJjUAKxHkIRiN5-4R2s-bTQ/s1600/AF447gear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1keE6r9ATHHp7aJazCgHkyeLKt48AWTaQDAwOj8lXZJ_sLYTBzCYQDOOxmhkJG1K0fPC15Sv6mnZN0YibqHRrMLuXqw5YVnhyphenhyphenw8xDFphShYhfzNgH0sxYJjUAKxHkIRiN5-4R2s-bTQ/s320/AF447gear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592493340782035874" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully this new development will finally yield the black boxes and the answers the aviation industry has been waiting for with bated breath. Once and for all we will know if it was the weather, the aircraft or something else entirely which led to the loss of the plane and all on board.<br /><br />PHOTOS: SWA- AP/Ross D. Franklin, AF447- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstituteTraytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-41241860306042295052011-04-05T20:46:00.000+10:002011-04-06T08:57:21.966+10:00The Red Shoes<a href="http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/4/4/85715/36190/travel/Virgin+Atlantic+Flight+Attendants+to+Strut+the+Aisles+in+New+Red+Shoes">Jaunted</a> ran a story about the "uniform refresh" at Virgin Atlantic. This week, VS has had a few 'news' items including new routes, the launch of their first Airbus A330 aircraft and the arrival of the red shoes on female cabin crew.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt2J4If5lDHJrYkUD9ldT281DA20b6TIenNHBGoNpOmA3tl8F-IVG1Sevb_yZQEMjzlGxzrGp1goUUeowt4txf6GfWh0LeItME8CiDLDrMGNhU_gmZOi1Fnq5mwlyiQG9RgrO_5NjqPI/s1600/VSshoes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt2J4If5lDHJrYkUD9ldT281DA20b6TIenNHBGoNpOmA3tl8F-IVG1Sevb_yZQEMjzlGxzrGp1goUUeowt4txf6GfWh0LeItME8CiDLDrMGNhU_gmZOi1Fnq5mwlyiQG9RgrO_5NjqPI/s320/VSshoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592236866455986306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Apparently, the highly successful James Bond-style ad campaign from last year, which featured crew in red patent heels, resonated so much with the travelling public that they came to expect the new level of 'glamour' on the crew serving them on flights.<br /><br />The new shoes will be of a lower heels and different shape to those in the adverts, naturally, as stilettos don't exactly lend themselves to a long-haul flight.<br /><br />While I did like the look in the tv spot, something about the shoes for the crew just doesn't seem quite right to me. I think the style of the new crew shoe just doesn't work in patent red. Also, with a red suit I personally think it's a bit too much red. Of course, with just a skirt and white blouse it might look fine, but I think they'd have done better to go with black. Either way, those shoes won't last two weeks before "cart toe" takes over. I hope the crew are supplied with (non patent) cabin shoes as well!<br /><br />Photo: Virgin Atlantic via Jaunted.Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-63071273215544552572011-04-05T08:22:00.000+10:002011-04-06T08:26:26.041+10:00Blog ChangesHi everyone!!<br /><br />Just a quick post to let you know I am trying out some changes to the blog layout this week. It's been coming for awhile but until now I haven't had much chance to sit down and play with how everything looks.<br /><br />The first change I've made is to add tabbed pages to the top of the page. Before I remove the headings on the side bars, I'd like to know if you prefer the new 'Pages', or the old Blog List style.<br /><br />I know the Pages option isn't dynamic, so it won't show which blog is most recently updated, but on the other hand it will clear up the sides of the blog a bit for easier reading.<br /><br />I'm also considering a template change to make everything easier to read.<br /><br />Do you have anything else you'd like to see regarding the blog design/layout?<br /><br />I'm working on some new posts to go up in the next week or so. I know it's been a little light on posts around here lately, but you can also catch me when I'm on the road at my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028#%21/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook Page</a> or my<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls"> Twitter feed</a>.Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-72596516415434108172011-03-31T10:27:00.000+11:002011-04-01T10:38:42.315+11:00Snapshot- Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCpM93HpMmiKVklTvfdRarFwmBWmBX605smonQIhqPxhJUJlcnlVW6gaJVRTI8q4HJN7FixFVsdXzFu9pQB1EPIInFLATZ5AthRCQD4YME-zuQBms0JFCzYfVdnnMYUtlQj6wUIn3-5w/s1600/ocean.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCpM93HpMmiKVklTvfdRarFwmBWmBX605smonQIhqPxhJUJlcnlVW6gaJVRTI8q4HJN7FixFVsdXzFu9pQB1EPIInFLATZ5AthRCQD4YME-zuQBms0JFCzYfVdnnMYUtlQj6wUIn3-5w/s320/ocean.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590392315033023570" border="0" /></a><br />Taken at Scarborough Beach, Perth, Western Australia during a layover earlier this year. Beautiful, isn't it? These are the things I travel for =)Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-11692824174334267412011-03-16T23:32:00.004+11:002011-03-17T00:00:39.727+11:00British Airways & Unite the Union in Baby Battle- Why I Side With BA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSCYikuYnNnj_wf1zqBDshNjrbwlc84gR_adCKUwrrmWy5eowq-DyYITYkcK9zZdo5hxcDCRhmqtj5uvOwHY0XQvxiLAP2UCWPIiT-9Mbvr2k-vrtgZOfAzvPCUsRWz_GyLB3sSE-0i4/s1600/pregplane2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSCYikuYnNnj_wf1zqBDshNjrbwlc84gR_adCKUwrrmWy5eowq-DyYITYkcK9zZdo5hxcDCRhmqtj5uvOwHY0XQvxiLAP2UCWPIiT-9Mbvr2k-vrtgZOfAzvPCUsRWz_GyLB3sSE-0i4/s320/pregplane2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584659403029373570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While reading along the news headlines on Twitter, I stumbled across a link to a press release by Unite, the union which represents British Airways cabin crew.<br />They have taken issue with a decision by BA to require female employees who become pregnant and are unable to perform ground duties to take unpaid leave.<br /><br />The issue which appears to be a simple one, becomes a little more complicated when it's revealed that some of the crew concerned are what are known in the inustry as "commuters"- they live outside of areas of crew bases for BA -or even the UK entirely- and fly in to work their rostered duties.<br /><br />You can read the Unite article <a href="http://www.unitetheunion.org/news__events/latest_news/ba_shamefully_stops_pay_of_pre.aspx">here</a>.<br /><br />I have some points to make on this subject, and would like to know what my readers think on this issue. I must mention in advance, that my views are my personal views only & I apologise if you are offended by my opinion, but in the interests of debate I am writing this post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Point 1:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">BA cabin crew, that become pregnant and live too far to travel to Heathrow or Gatwick to perform ground duties, will now be forced to take unpaid leave by the airline.... (Unite article)</span><br /><br />In every airline I've worked for, if an employee has become unfit to perform their work through pregnancy, the contractual agreement is that to retain employment, the employee must undertake any duties re-assigned to them as the employer sees fit & as appropriate to their condition.<br /><br />For pregnant flight attendants and pilots, this usually meant administration, airport terminal or other customer service ground-based roles. If the employee is unable to do so because of personal choices (like place of residence) or is unwilling, then in my view unpaid leave is a fair option in trade of the employee keeping their job.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Point 2:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Over the years BA has recruited its cabin crew staff from all parts of the UK as well as from continental Europe. BA has closed its regional bases forcing workers to travel hundreds of miles to their place of work, yet it now intends to stop payment to any pregnant crew staff member who is unable to commute to BA’s last two hubs, Heathrow and Gatwick. (Unite article)</span><br /><br />When flight attendants are hired by airlines, we sign a contract of employment. Every cabin crew contract I've ever seen has contained a clause which states that the employee must, to continue employment, move at the direction of the company to a crew basing (on either temporary or permanent basis) to fulfill operational requirements of the airline.<br /><br />True, BA used to base crew in Europe. For whatever reason (either political, economical or other) they closed those bases. Imagine the outcry if BA had just sacked those crew. They did not, they allowed them to commute to keep their jobs if they did not want to move to another basing. Last time I checked, it was up to the employee to ensure they are able to get to work, not the other way around.<br /><br />Staying in a closed base and commuting to your base of operation is a CHOICE, as is moving to a new base to keep your job. Deciding that commuting is not for you and you cannot fulfil the new requirements of the employment is also a CHOICE.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Point 3:</span><br />Many crew chose to live outside of the UK and commute to work, even in cities that were not crew bases, for various reasons. Whether they be lifestyle, tax benefits, or a cheaper cost of living is irrelevant. Those crew CHOSE to live overseas and commute.<br /><br />In the UK, crew are required to be grounded as soon as they discover pregnancy. This is due to concerns for the safety of both mother and child due to the strenuous nature of flying on the body. BA faces a dillemma- face accusations of 'discrimination' for giving unpaid leave to women unable/unwilling to perform alternative duties, or allow them fly to commute to their work.<br /><br />Clearly, they cannot allow this as the women would be working and therefore I assume subject to the same rules as flight attendants while pregnant. Therefore, instead of terminating the employment they offer unpaid leave. This is not good enough for the union. I must also point out that other female workers at BA who are not cabin crew, do not receive pay unless they remain working up until the "maternity leave" period begins. They cannot stay at home and not work while getting paid until their maternity leave starts, which is much later than cabin crew.<br /><br />I must also question if the crew residing outside of the UK are covered by those UK employment laws, as even though they are employed by a UK company, they do not live in the UK. I think they are, but it does rile me a little that they want either a better lifestyle or tax breaks than the UK offers, but also want to keep the protections of provisions like maternity leave under UK law.<br /><br />(I also do not think BA is refusing maternity leave, merely asking that the cabin crew performs other duties to get it.) Not unreasonable, considering that BA is a business and not a charity. Most non-airline companies require some kind of services for at least a portion of a pregnancy until the woman is no longer able to do so DUE TO HER PREGNANCY, not other factors like where she lives or how she gets to work.<br /><br />While I see the need for provisions such as maternity leave, in this case I do not believe the employer should be penalised for the choices of the employee. I am sure many BA crew would love to live closer to loved ones, or in Europe, but realise that the practicalities of commuting life do not make for a good working environment and possibilities for the future.<br /><br />Although I feel for these ladies wanting to keep their jobs, they cannot have their cake and eat it too. Either you live somewhere which is conducive to fulfilling your contract (whether that is flying or ground duties) or you find employment that allows you to live in that place if that is what you choose.<br /><br />When I originally applied to my airline, the only crew base available was on the other side of the country. I did not want to live there, for my own reasons, and decided that rather than commuting I would hold out in hope they would open applications for a basing in my city (They did, and I got it.)<br /><br />While I don't want to make a debate about maternity leave, I do want to give some perspective as to the fact that some things come down to discrimination, and some to choices that we make. These ladies knew when they accepted their jobs that there were certain requirements. Just because they want to have children does not make them exempt from fulfilling their contracts of employment.<br /><br />In some airlines, crew are not allowed to be unmarried and have children. They are aware of this when they join and if they decide they want children, they either marry or resign.<br /><br />I think in this situation BA have come up against an unforeseen issue with commuting crew. The solution may be to restrict commuting on the basis that crew will either resign on becoming pregnant or relocate to a non-commuting base to continue employment.<br /><br />This would not be feasible either as again, the issue of discimination arises.<br /><br />Campaign photo from Unite.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf8CiNx2uc2WVJu5WsMExbPqAoKd7-V7MjCCgcaAxXv2E6iJZXo1QzWZCRQyexke-VPMuIwuANggUqDyrNoKs4Ge5YuqCm4n6gQAsK-P0DB1lUzWnpDse2JQ-4AVfrED0GmvSvtn6opI/s1600/UNITEad.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf8CiNx2uc2WVJu5WsMExbPqAoKd7-V7MjCCgcaAxXv2E6iJZXo1QzWZCRQyexke-VPMuIwuANggUqDyrNoKs4Ge5YuqCm4n6gQAsK-P0DB1lUzWnpDse2JQ-4AVfrED0GmvSvtn6opI/s320/UNITEad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584657978043969426" border="0" /></a><br />Caption should be addended ("because she chooses to live outside of a crew base")<br /><br />I'd love to know what you think. Are the crew going too far in wanting to keep their jobs as a paid leave when they are unable to perform the duties required by their employer?<br /><br />Are BA being too harsh in this case? What do you think they should do?<br />Feel free to leave me a comment or drop by my <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook</a> pages.<br /><br />(Campaign Photo from <a href="http://www.leftfutures.org/2011/03/ba-stops-pay-of-pregnant-cabin-crew/">HERE</a>, pregnant woman: Google Image Search) )Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-50186071165134741122011-01-12T00:41:00.000+11:002011-01-14T00:45:35.290+11:00Picking UpCollecting used glasses, cans etc in the cabin-<br /><br />I pick up a tray in each hand, a glass of juice is still on the table. I'm about to tell the lady that I'll come back in just a second for the juice.<br /><br />Lady: "Hey hey you forgot the juice"<br /><br />Me: "Madam I will be back in a moment to take your glass."<br /><br />I take the trays to to galley and come back (now with free hands) to take the glass. As I'm leaning over to pick up the glass:<br /><br />Lady: (angrily) "Hey you lazy, you need to pick up the juice"<br /><br />Me: (In my head): <span style="font-style:italic;">Give me a freaking chance and maybe I WILL pick up the juice!!</span><br /><br />Seriously people, give your flight attendant a chance to do something before you berate him/her for not doing it. Odds are, they know what you're about to ask and are going to do it. Telling them off for not doing it before you've even waited to see if they're going to do it will just make them annoyed with you, and slower to come back next time. Free tip for you... :PTraytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-90928544960306673042010-12-31T23:00:00.000+11:002010-12-31T23:00:06.802+11:00Hello 2011!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpje4zK9Tnrkn6EMIBrT1fwR1xFrNAZ8dp98939n1Hw93b6GDxL3E0IZprCgkmkYkefAsBpiYmHp1lysfPBCck09xYOTK7YgWg1_upWsTgZ38w_kFELPOUPJp5VmhVhM-I1w5qeYHkQA/s1600/hny11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpje4zK9Tnrkn6EMIBrT1fwR1xFrNAZ8dp98939n1Hw93b6GDxL3E0IZprCgkmkYkefAsBpiYmHp1lysfPBCck09xYOTK7YgWg1_upWsTgZ38w_kFELPOUPJp5VmhVhM-I1w5qeYHkQA/s320/hny11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556785242414425762" /></a><br />Just wanted to pop by & wish all my readers & friends a Happy New Year for 2011. Hope that this coming year brings all that you wish for.<br /><br />Thank you again for all your support, comments, friendships & feedback, both here and on Twitter and Facebook.<br /><br />One of my resolutions is to re-vamp the blog and of course keep posting more often, with more interesting content, so stay tuned next year.<br /><br />Hope you have a great time whether you're working or celebrating.<br /><br />Cheers!!!Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-36872270670267327782010-12-16T06:33:00.003+11:002010-12-16T06:38:32.520+11:00Beating Language BarriersNo one in my section of the plane spoke a word of English. Their tour guide was clueless also. I stood there holding a meal tray, helpless, smiling stupidly and wondering how on earth I was going to serve meals to these fifty or so people. (FYI, I am *not* one of those crew who just puts a meal in front of someone without telling them what it is- you just NEVER know with food allergies these days)<br /><br />My feeble attempts at sign language only drew laughs from these passengers, and I couldn't for the life of me remember anything other than "hello" in their language. <br /><br />So how to communicate what the meal choice for this #flight was..? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae2cMotTYkS3JklMbViOh6L-MNo7FdEoPsoQWfocTlpM4OEYRdu6_bHHVU1GVv5vLyIq2O7M4iXk5nzPkP4Ye__3I67WgU3oRQMh7smmBtnY3_15BnzOSof_MRGSFaQpL9PYGj_e7D0A/s1600/barriers.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae2cMotTYkS3JklMbViOh6L-MNo7FdEoPsoQWfocTlpM4OEYRdu6_bHHVU1GVv5vLyIq2O7M4iXk5nzPkP4Ye__3I67WgU3oRQMh7smmBtnY3_15BnzOSof_MRGSFaQpL9PYGj_e7D0A/s320/barriers.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550995356300339554" /></a><br /><br />Ok so it's crude but it worked!Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-81324596360217592862010-12-07T05:04:00.000+11:002010-12-06T06:02:31.537+11:00Mind Your Language!The other week during a night flight, as I was walking to the back galley, a passenger waved me down and asked for vodka.<br /><br />A couple of other people asked me for Coke, juice and so on.<br /><br />I delivered the drinks and made my way to the cockpit with the pilots' meals. On returning down the cabin into Economy, the same passenger again requested a vodka. At this stage I'd already gotten lots of orders so by the time I made it back to his seat, he was asleep.<br /><br />I left the vodka, with a glass of ice & lemon on the table.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFQ0IGX6RGjrVCrFXMRW5De8OEEP-ojQscC49MZXRFro-ZdMy7ebPYhGacwrY25_P1RZCPYtRZqEmH053ZT80QtkqmEgkMHdZgivzW39k2lp-JflU0HZHdP6tvaUUuAfvFCfhd3P5La4/s1600/vodka.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFQ0IGX6RGjrVCrFXMRW5De8OEEP-ojQscC49MZXRFro-ZdMy7ebPYhGacwrY25_P1RZCPYtRZqEmH053ZT80QtkqmEgkMHdZgivzW39k2lp-JflU0HZHdP6tvaUUuAfvFCfhd3P5La4/s320/vodka.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547265895826861778" /></a><br />About thirty minutes later, my supervisor came back into the galley while we were eating, and she was laughing, but like she was trying not to show it. Behind her was the passenger who'd asked me for the drinks, looking quite agitated and holding a now-melted glass of ice with a vodka miniature in hand.<br /><br />My suprvisor explained to me that he was upset because he'd kept getting the wrong drink.<br /><br />Turns out this guy had a thick European accent (which had gone unnoticed via his one-word responses to our questions) and had actually been asking for WATER.<br /><br />Oh the fun of language barriers!!Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-24103733592390922252010-12-03T10:54:00.004+11:002010-12-03T11:32:27.558+11:00Once & For All...To answer the age-old question...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Q. If three people are sitting in a full row on the plane, who gets the middle armrests?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKyUu8hTarvW7YkCjGUbd2t0RdekhSRQvCYqnvpP9WA680Bsh797DMZyRgDrTxQXEsliaFKUsCiOYmkm_oPhGfBp-_qZ3nmrq5GS_m-ubDI97QXgs-rtxrft_RmjrvxB-rc93QwAqcQ0/s1600/Row+of+Oceanic+Airlines+plane+seats_660.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKyUu8hTarvW7YkCjGUbd2t0RdekhSRQvCYqnvpP9WA680Bsh797DMZyRgDrTxQXEsliaFKUsCiOYmkm_oPhGfBp-_qZ3nmrq5GS_m-ubDI97QXgs-rtxrft_RmjrvxB-rc93QwAqcQ0/s320/Row+of+Oceanic+Airlines+plane+seats_660.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546245665595358002" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A. The person in the middle.</span> Why? Because the person in the window gets to lean their head on the window, and the person on the aisle gets the aisle armrest and to lean out into the aisle* every so often. The sucker in the middle gets nothing but the solace of leaning their elbows on the two middle armrests to ward off the fat spillover of two complete strangers.<br /><br />(*But please, not when the beverage cart is in the aisle)<br /><br />Yes, I have had to have this discussion with passengers on board. And yes, they were all (outwardly at least) adults.<br /><br />If you have any other airline "mysteries" you'd like solved, leave a question in the comments!<br /><br />---------------------<br />Image: Prop airline chairs from the tv series "LOST"- from Google ImagesTraytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-27971675999791819172010-11-16T05:10:00.000+11:002010-11-18T05:46:42.592+11:00Happy Birthday to the Flying Kangaroo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg6laIqvFeKUFkpZ6pYAwmC6xA5xZfUfsmi2vXPXiD56iqZjoRK2v1lrmqZTcH639ka_KuvChk3B-BkNiXdW1Vsyt-20j16ZvSqecz9MfMNMfEp5y59w29sI6I6mgKcYhYdDGYnvA91s/s1600/Qantas+a380.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg6laIqvFeKUFkpZ6pYAwmC6xA5xZfUfsmi2vXPXiD56iqZjoRK2v1lrmqZTcH639ka_KuvChk3B-BkNiXdW1Vsyt-20j16ZvSqecz9MfMNMfEp5y59w29sI6I6mgKcYhYdDGYnvA91s/s320/Qantas+a380.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540591124212807634" /></a><br /><br />After 90 years of operation, it's time to wish Qantas a very happy birthday!<br /><br />Of course, they've had their fair share of bad press of late, but putting that aside, one has to marvel at the achievements of this airline over the years.<br /><br />Here's just a few of their milestones.<br /><br />In 1920 Qantas - which stands for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited (Q.A.N.T.A.S.)-registered in Brisbane on 16 November.<br /><br />1934 - Qantas Empire Airways (Q.E.A.) was registered in Brisbane - a joint venture between Q.A.N.T.A.S. and Imperial Airways of England - and awarded Australian Government tender to operate the country's first overseas air service between Brisbane, Darwin and Singapore which began on 26 February 1935.<br /><br />1943 to 1945 - Qantas pilots flew the world's longest route - an average of 28 hours - from Perth to Colombo (Sri Lanka) using twin-engine Catalina Flying Boats, undertaken mostly in radio silence to avoid Japanese attack - 271 safe crossings, 648 passengers, a total of almost one million miles.<br /><br />1948 - First female flight hostesses join their male colleagues in May on the Lockheed Constellation L749 services - the first to operate with all-Australian crew from Sydney through to London.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit36C1hWMPFUov0WcRTNWEBhzCo_cPiKDRbdopwkRl4DUkRWuz6pjPHjEePqXwN_c_q-hSRRrGLVobO1YfpCQjU0-YqR5SA6wx3IO3P1fMYzD7n2oxQh-l0H9iOwOkvAdD2XPaLwaicJo/s1600/1960s-womans-angle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit36C1hWMPFUov0WcRTNWEBhzCo_cPiKDRbdopwkRl4DUkRWuz6pjPHjEePqXwN_c_q-hSRRrGLVobO1YfpCQjU0-YqR5SA6wx3IO3P1fMYzD7n2oxQh-l0H9iOwOkvAdD2XPaLwaicJo/s320/1960s-womans-angle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540591103984884738" /></a><br /><br />1958 - Qantas created aviation history becoming the first airline to offer round-the-world services between Australia and the UK via the southern and northern hemispheres.<br /><br />1959 - In July , Qantas became the first airline outside the United States to fly B707 jets carrying passengers from Australia to the UK across the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans and later also via Asia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgXiVm42w0QsJiPZtvXwQccQwRMNXh3vpFzRvBgLcYsI30FzWgj5S1uMNjKefVZ9E5HHuwUPkuky4sm65NmjYkjuZky2vCtxadZrkxgRy3msXZZEqzo4tjwWSZM-ej2H7MYBh0_ijeYw/s1600/Boeing-707-138B-Qantas-John-Travolta-N707JT-Australias-Overseas-Airline-Qantas-V-Jet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgXiVm42w0QsJiPZtvXwQccQwRMNXh3vpFzRvBgLcYsI30FzWgj5S1uMNjKefVZ9E5HHuwUPkuky4sm65NmjYkjuZky2vCtxadZrkxgRy3msXZZEqzo4tjwWSZM-ej2H7MYBh0_ijeYw/s320/Boeing-707-138B-Qantas-John-Travolta-N707JT-Australias-Overseas-Airline-Qantas-V-Jet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540591105775799794" /></a><br /><br />1975 - Qantas engineer Jack Grant presented with global aviation's premier safety award for his contribution to the development of the inflatable aircraft slide/raft equipment.<br /><br />1974 - World record for largest passenger load, evacuating 674 people with 23 crew on a Boeing B747 after Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin.<br /><br />1979 - Qantas became the first airline in the world to offer Business Class in a separate cabin with individual service on international flights.<br /><br />1989 - World's longest non-stop flight undertaken by a commercial jet aircraft from London to Sydney, the Boeing 747-400 aircraft City of Canberra.<br /><br />Aside from years of pioneering and innovation, Qantas became an Australian icon known worldwide. Ask any Aussie overseas and they won't deny feeling a pang of homesickness seeing the familiar 'Flying Kangaroo'. Qantas also became known to millions through the iconic "I Still Call Australia Home" campaign. The video is freely available on YouTube. When visiting family a year or so ago, I was delighted to see a refreshed version of this ad involving the Aboriginal children of the Australia Children's Choir- it can't help but bring a tear to the eye of any proud Aussie.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ze6D-59bLX0?fs=1&hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ze6D-59bLX0?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />So, from a self-confessed AvGeek who loved Qantas as a little kid, to a proud Aussie today, a very happy birthday Qantas.! Here's to 90 years more!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OlghvuTseypE4BYdWpizCCn7J_-3VF1tJvMDiyYFya1AMdUs9WZbavHc-UpmUrGQE1wnZlLzwEpcrWM9FLNRZCso_9khZmji0TcWJ0VZwVtt-t6qBqsXikW9JiUo1ReQYDLoWsiz_sg/s1600/qf90th02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OlghvuTseypE4BYdWpizCCn7J_-3VF1tJvMDiyYFya1AMdUs9WZbavHc-UpmUrGQE1wnZlLzwEpcrWM9FLNRZCso_9khZmji0TcWJ0VZwVtt-t6qBqsXikW9JiUo1ReQYDLoWsiz_sg/s320/qf90th02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540591126464919202" /></a>Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-89723251162016459832010-10-24T03:01:00.005+11:002010-10-24T04:40:06.599+11:00A Question of RestraintThis week, two Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) on a <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/21/us.brazil.air.marshals/?hpt=T1">Continental flight to Brazil</a> became tangled in a legal/political scandal when they fled the country after being charged with assault. <br /><br />Their 'crime'? Arresting a woman who became unruly on the flight and actually bit one of the marshalls. The twist? Said woman is the wife of a senior Brazilian court judge. Oooh, tricky!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrs7XxWJ6iYeHe3poqJraji-LRJ75DbGCRMfs8thcCptsmxnpczGkskQ7cR0ozp8qXDwtwYhTg7LhbsZ7cRyG5pzXQzh4JNMsIOGA70Bjbiw5lKuVsfi9-cZDvLtW29JJgyx5YGgjUgE/s1600/air-marshal03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrs7XxWJ6iYeHe3poqJraji-LRJ75DbGCRMfs8thcCptsmxnpczGkskQ7cR0ozp8qXDwtwYhTg7LhbsZ7cRyG5pzXQzh4JNMsIOGA70Bjbiw5lKuVsfi9-cZDvLtW29JJgyx5YGgjUgE/s320/air-marshal03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531294714205164898" /></a><br />The news reports that they "fled the country using alternate travel documents rather than face what they believed to be trumped-up charges, sources said."<br /><br />What piqued my interest in this story was the circumstances surrounding why the marshals acted. According to the article:<br /><br /><I>"a female passenger who appeared to be intoxicated tried to serve herself drinks by going to the plane's galley, one source said. The plane's crew asked air marshals to intervene, and two marshals approached the woman, who began struggling with them."</I><br /><br />The woman was arrested after biting one of the marshals. What jumped out at me is this part:<br /><br /><B><I>"The plane's crew asked air marshals to intervene"</I></B><br /><br />Really?? In an ideal world, the cabin crew should have no idea who or where the air marshals are. Only the captain should know. Indeed, this was the case at two carriers I worked for. The only way we'd know a marshal was onboard was if something happened and they chose to act. There was no way in the world we'd have any clue who they were (aside from our own guesses, which were probably wrong) and the captain would not tell us unless there was a very good reason for him to.<br /><br />Why? Well, after 9/11 the reasons are obvious. Reduce the amount of people who know the identity of the marshal/s, reduce the amount of people who could be coerced into talking.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx7V08y4cpdZ33hKmEwxgIsHeL6eJszw0f-u1Gn3DVXKXi3BBV0y-x_4eB7lkC7jQcwpG3L3LhaGaa64hvFYvCYasWd_4WnXJvAzVrgSUzRfDuB_Td-VVJXc_l2VBZs-b0SY3sW2C9lU/s1600/air-marshal05.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx7V08y4cpdZ33hKmEwxgIsHeL6eJszw0f-u1Gn3DVXKXi3BBV0y-x_4eB7lkC7jQcwpG3L3LhaGaa64hvFYvCYasWd_4WnXJvAzVrgSUzRfDuB_Td-VVJXc_l2VBZs-b0SY3sW2C9lU/s320/air-marshal05.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531294724301429394" /></a><br />I accept it as a sad reality of my job that should a hijacker/crazy person bent on taking over the plane threaten my life, the pilots would have to let me die rather than give in to demands to access the flight deck. (I wouldn't have it any other way- one is far better than three hundred!)<br /><br />So this does make me wonder, should the crew have known the identity of the marshals, and secondly, was it appropriate for them to ask the FAM to intervene?<br /><br />In my opinion, no. I say this with the disclaimer that I was not there, but going by the facts we know so far, an unruly passenger would not have me asking for help from a Federal Air Marshal (FAM) -if I even knew who they were.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIntIs3J8xCguOftnG5YZdPknoWRP5MM6oA7VgNvsn2F9GWJpziGHKF5ecoqLD2anhefRoz-KAcRFWr_yXNWzMeCTQ8aYWOhOG9euLpMwiFIsQjnfLMAq78Kylggy7-xIfENbG1AP0C5E/s1600/air-marshal04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIntIs3J8xCguOftnG5YZdPknoWRP5MM6oA7VgNvsn2F9GWJpziGHKF5ecoqLD2anhefRoz-KAcRFWr_yXNWzMeCTQ8aYWOhOG9euLpMwiFIsQjnfLMAq78Kylggy7-xIfENbG1AP0C5E/s320/air-marshal04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531294715968013762" /></a><br />By asking them to act, the crew have now compromised their cover, potentially letting someone with sinister intentions take them out in order to gain control of the aircraft unimpeded. Sure, the passenger could have been threatening the crew, but on the modern jetliner, a crew <I>should</I> be able to take down and restrain an unruly passenger if necessary, and has the training & equipment to do so. Unless the passenger was making an attempt to take control of the plane or enter the flight deck, the marshals should not have been put in the position to intervene.<br /><br />Then, of course, the possibility is raised that in fact the marshals <I>chose</I> to act. In this case, they are trained to make that decision but one does wonder what really went on if in fact they were the ones who initiated the intervention.<br /><br />Just for some background, here's a link to the TSA page on the <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/programs/fams.shtm">FAM Program</a>. Interestingly, it uses the phrase "defeat hostile attacks". <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW23XtBDN6YN0HDbWUhvy72VL-WIkzdFKgkN56l7L8p1bs08cosoL2YMtOVlhUzXn4V5u6FyT6HHg_Za7Xg-uyW312pC977XEI4D3087r8UVzyOG6Z1YxfmJYZEL82S3V-gEUHNuk9y8/s1600/air.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW23XtBDN6YN0HDbWUhvy72VL-WIkzdFKgkN56l7L8p1bs08cosoL2YMtOVlhUzXn4V5u6FyT6HHg_Za7Xg-uyW312pC977XEI4D3087r8UVzyOG6Z1YxfmJYZEL82S3V-gEUHNuk9y8/s320/air.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531294707974460226" /></a><br />While I know having a passenger freak out on a flight is scary, I doubt you could really call it a hostile act in the context of anti-terrorism.<br /><br />Wikipedia mentions in relation to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_marshal">Canadian CACPP program</a>, which notes that <I>"APOs, however, will not be involved in controlling unruly passengers"</I>. Interestingly, the article notes that in this case, flight attendants and pilots ARE aware of the presence of marshal/s. In light of this incident, it does beg the question- is telling the cabin crew the indentity of a marshal appropriate?<br /><br />What do you think? As a traveller, would you feel comfortable knowing your crew can ID an air marshal? Would you as crew be comfortable with that information? If a country decides that crew should know who the marshals are, what about making that voluntary? I personally would feel more comfortable having the choice to decline knowing that information. We don't know what we might say when push comes to shove.<br /><br />Leave a comment & tell me your thoughts, or as always <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Tweet me</a>!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCo1CPz-7El9tWSO7dJk0Q1SbijcOTMH0yHWpYr3mE0AXh0bB680wN4VTirHKjTowyPwgNoGcPKdPVg9-Le4VX5QX6uR8S8e-r1WRCeZVPjxCQ33FG70dsQovTZr2Ilsj-rlXpVeeESU/s1600/air-marshalls02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCo1CPz-7El9tWSO7dJk0Q1SbijcOTMH0yHWpYr3mE0AXh0bB680wN4VTirHKjTowyPwgNoGcPKdPVg9-Le4VX5QX6uR8S8e-r1WRCeZVPjxCQ33FG70dsQovTZr2Ilsj-rlXpVeeESU/s320/air-marshalls02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531292390260290562" /></a>Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-43881012240998727122010-10-04T07:29:00.001+11:002010-10-06T18:09:11.016+11:00A Perfect Potion For SleepA little while back my blogger buddy Robyn of <a href="http://www.girlonraw.com">Girl On Raw</a> asked me if I would write a guest post for her, about maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a flight attendant.<br /><br />Of course I said yes!!! I could pick any particular subject, so I chose one close to my heart, Sleep!!! You can read about my tips for <a href="http://girlonraw.com/2010/10/travel-wellness-week-managing-sleep/">managing your sleep over at her blog</a>.<br /><br />As a complement to this post, I want to share with you my latest discovery for helping in a good night's sleep. Recently while shopping in Sydney's Queen Victoria Building, I found the store 'Perfect Potion'. There's an outlet in Brisbane City, but I had thought it ws a stand-alone store. Nope, they've got them in other places too! Perfect Potion aims to make beauty and lifestyle products using organic and natural aromatherapy ingedients. I've used some of their oils before but never the face & body products.<br /><br />I used to like In Essence travel roller balm but thought I'd see if PP had anything different. I tried a few different products before I saw "Cool It Quick Fix". It's a blend of rosemary, peppermint & lavender designed for use as a quick "pick me up" when you're feeling stressed or tired, including to relieve those yucky tension headaches.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK3muB2rWT7xWFNlDuY5GgG9eztgmE_znTkhAe-1InSKE-13EfM_kmLMAiuBg6xIGFv4cQ_zVTwXkjmKtIdoIcTH6CGMZ8dH4iFHME7d_FMZmyndcOm2QYtITZDaKAcycfbmHqH5jD3o/s1600/Cool+It.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK3muB2rWT7xWFNlDuY5GgG9eztgmE_znTkhAe-1InSKE-13EfM_kmLMAiuBg6xIGFv4cQ_zVTwXkjmKtIdoIcTH6CGMZ8dH4iFHME7d_FMZmyndcOm2QYtITZDaKAcycfbmHqH5jD3o/s320/Cool+It.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524826195652001634" /></a><br />So far- I LOVE IT!!! I recently had gone 3 days without sleeping well and was feeling really rushed & stressed on a flight, to the point where I just knew I'd have trouble sleeping on demand when it came time for the rest break in the crew bunks. I took my Cool It with me and put some on my temples and wrists. The peppermint is really soothing (and has a bonus side effect of helping with travel related nausea) and I don't even remember falling asleep. For the first time, I slept solid for the whole rest time without waking up once.<br /><br />TT gives this the FA seal of approval!<br /><br />The good news is, Perfect Potion have an <a href="http://www.perfectpotion.com.au/Online-shop.aspx">online store</a> & you can also follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/PerfectPotion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Perfect-Potion/131927538729?ref=ts">Facebook</a>!<br /><br />(This post was not sponsored by Perfect Potion and is my personal experience & opinion only, individual results may vary.)Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-57841579396377447512010-09-09T20:46:00.007+10:002010-09-09T22:06:44.264+10:00On the Nose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaESnu0O_PGrOBppDdzKFJT5eIjU9gwshuc0sLaKHV4FghxwUK6oDJU3kiyOYDx9LH9mZfZEpiydmtD9pe3h169-KEzsRwNIK-btWRjv9B6kF2kacZSYtunM_-6exIHgB2i5fEzQ-Uk9I/s1600/Bad+smell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaESnu0O_PGrOBppDdzKFJT5eIjU9gwshuc0sLaKHV4FghxwUK6oDJU3kiyOYDx9LH9mZfZEpiydmtD9pe3h169-KEzsRwNIK-btWRjv9B6kF2kacZSYtunM_-6exIHgB2i5fEzQ-Uk9I/s320/Bad+smell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514882014771146434" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday I asked a question on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook page</a> regarding undesirable 'neighbours' on a flight. I wanted to know if readers had to choose between a screaming baby and a smelly seatmate, which one they would rather put up with on a long flight.<br /><br />I got some amusing answers, but most people favoured the baby to be stuck with, as at least there was a possibility the baby could be calmed down or would stop crying eventually. The smelly seatmate however, offered little in the way of solutions.<br /><br />(As an aside, the baby comment reminded me of a line in 'Sex & the City 2' where Big & Carrie are stuck in a hotel room between a screaming baby, and Samantha having a *very* good time with her latest man. When Big comments, "I don't know which is worse", Carrie responds with, "Samantha. The baby will tire eventually." It made me laugh out loud!!)<br /><br />Back to smelly seatmates. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position to be seated next to someone who is a little- ahem- 'fragrant', what can you do?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj302vUg-6U6bo3YkJuIjbPLE9UzrRj2MW18qnBDGb0s5IUK6ciN7KpqIwqxBSKDKIU4QTweXuAC8PYkXG4IA2qKnHfkQK5rWAChXJYNCLiO2RT-dtO5ESe3txh3QZRVK7rhRhvmZ6d2QA/s1600/skunk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj302vUg-6U6bo3YkJuIjbPLE9UzrRj2MW18qnBDGb0s5IUK6ciN7KpqIwqxBSKDKIU4QTweXuAC8PYkXG4IA2qKnHfkQK5rWAChXJYNCLiO2RT-dtO5ESe3txh3QZRVK7rhRhvmZ6d2QA/s320/skunk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514880494203603698" /></a><br />Well, it can depend on which airline you're flying with. Some airlines have policies in place to deal with malodorous travellers (Southwest in Airline, anyone?) while others have no official stance. <br /><br />First things first, check out the seating situation. Are there spare seats available to move to? If not, you're out of luck. Or are you? If you're one of those card-holding frequent flyers, you may just be able to upgrade your way to olfactory reprieve :P<br /><br />Discreetly speak to one of the flight crew. In most cases, there may be nothing we can do to help you, but we may be able to ease the situation using some of our little tricks. (At the least, a drink or two might help to numb the pain)<br /><br />So. You're stuck next to someone who dosn't believe in deodorant, the alcohol isn't working and the flight is barely one hour along. What else can you do to stop yourself from jumping out the nearest door?<br /><br />1. Physical Barriers<br /><br />If you're flying on an airline that still has blankets, get one and use it to cover your mouth & nose (or even your whole face, if the person is smelly AND ugly). It might not sound like much but it can help to reduce the amount of smell that gets to your nose. (As my FA friend M calls it, a "stink shield".) If putting a (possibly icky) blanket over your face creeps you out more than the smell does, ask the crew if they've been provided swine flu masks. <br /><br />They can serve the same purpose of restricting the airflow to your face and hopefully cutting down on the odour. An added bonus of using a mask is, you now look considerate, as if you are trying to stop spreading germs, rather than receiving them. (I always keep a face mask in my crew bag for just such emergencies, especially when I'm deadheading in uniform & unable to show my disgusted looks)<br /><br />2. Aircraft Amenities<br /><br />Use what the airline gave you. Open that air vent and use the airflow to blast the stink back where it came from. If you as the stink-ee have to suffer, then at the very least make the stinker feel your pain! :P This method, combined with the blanket, can be very effective.<br /><br />3. Scents & Sensibility<br /><br />If the whiffy person next to you is particularly offensive, the flight attendants are usually only too sympathetic. Ask them if its possible for them to discreetly blast a shot of air freshener in your general direction every time they pass by. If they can't (not all airlines provide freshener) or won't (could be too busy) pull out your own perfume/aftershave and go for it. If a person doesn't care about how they affect others, then you shouldn't care about possibly offending them. Maybe it's the hint they need!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof0NuTdWwdw9qpg2KObYLrNeKSH9t503b_WOFrOv_XRThEIvFjZw2bT2jsfq11b5rFHpmZhZppo2KWUypJQde1OvdZwOBz8yhAi7F2JULj4jMFlqnkaLw6bZl_gfK9kisaxPGh4udGEI/s1600/deoplane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof0NuTdWwdw9qpg2KObYLrNeKSH9t503b_WOFrOv_XRThEIvFjZw2bT2jsfq11b5rFHpmZhZppo2KWUypJQde1OvdZwOBz8yhAi7F2JULj4jMFlqnkaLw6bZl_gfK9kisaxPGh4udGEI/s320/deoplane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514880476482354946" /></a><br /><br />4. Police Assistance<br /><br />If you can't do anything else (aside from getting up as frequently as possible to escape the reek), use this tip a police officer once told me. She frequently worked crime scenes and as a cadet cop was often grossed out by the multitude of truly stomach-turning smells she experienced. On jobs, she always carried a small tube of scented hand cream (or perfumed body lotion for a potent punch). Take a small amount on the end of your finger and place it just inside your nostrils. You'll now be smelling the pleasant scent of your lotion rather than the passenger next to you. If you use an antiseptic lotion like Dettol, it can have the added advantage of helping to ward off icky cold/flu bugs. A Lanolin cream can have the side effect of stopping your nose from drying out- one of the first ways we get sick on a plane.<br /><br />If all else fails, there's this tried-and-true method:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGmzzwEk9k6finNUbfcl7CjLLCN6IbWsWJElkXo_sEOW_CefvXyqMrXLHCRL1EQhU3iFMdxH0aYLcIzLYGdp1Xt7AG__nWli8jpogmqzvBJbofdSt34SV5KNzPiVTU4I8tSNPNEQJVEY/s1600/pegonnose.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGmzzwEk9k6finNUbfcl7CjLLCN6IbWsWJElkXo_sEOW_CefvXyqMrXLHCRL1EQhU3iFMdxH0aYLcIzLYGdp1Xt7AG__nWli8jpogmqzvBJbofdSt34SV5KNzPiVTU4I8tSNPNEQJVEY/s320/pegonnose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514880486390071314" /></a><br /><br />If you have any other suggestions, leave a comment, or hop on over to <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Twitter!</a><br /><br />(Photos: Google Image Search)Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-50895606684894528432010-08-31T20:31:00.004+10:002010-08-31T21:46:17.787+10:00When I heard about the <a href="http://www.nuffnang.com.au/blog/2010/08/02/blogger-challenge-for-august-turn-your-blog-passion-into-a-book/">“Nuffnang August Blogger Challenge”</a>, it couldn't have come at a better time. For the last few months, I've been considering the idea of writing a book based on my blog, but as a total newbie to the publishing world, I had no idea how to go about it without considerable expense and time.<br /><br />Well, once again it's Nuffnang to the rescue!! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqWhsLg5zUQcKvzZpZxWN47bfiZlA-nDqIobsclEtr7KzzW74G6ozbmruJmxdBD2HKMZa4cTqucXb47sM3_lX4lhNVbTqaEpmh80XOYZ59oVDNQVa3_eozU-gxjukwQGIqMhZKKn5v1Q/s1600/nuffnang.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqWhsLg5zUQcKvzZpZxWN47bfiZlA-nDqIobsclEtr7KzzW74G6ozbmruJmxdBD2HKMZa4cTqucXb47sM3_lX4lhNVbTqaEpmh80XOYZ59oVDNQVa3_eozU-gxjukwQGIqMhZKKn5v1Q/s320/nuffnang.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511537785496211570" /></a><br />They think that everyone has at least one book inside of them, and want to know what that book would be.<br /><br />The kind of book I want to write is a kind of one-stop-shop for travel tips, flight attendant advice and insider info for those wanting to have an airline career as a flight attendant like me.<br /><br />Obviously, in real life there would be certain restrictions on a book, but, here I'm going to give you my "money is no object" style of book. Yay!!!<br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - <br /><br />Subjects:<br /><br />The book would have chapters covering topics like:<br /><br />General Travel Tips<br />At the Airport (How to Navigate Security, How to Get An Upgrade, and similar)<br />Packing Tips/How to Pack Light (Tutorial & example lists)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAkR6abGVszUaLebsWbSWUBwUpXnYrUrglmfjweUgHxlOpP6Vym8zRdSlgrndMkS71klJKupZjYiGqlSM4oHq83kBpwm-1QjVFTjAm5-gP6E996K20-uhjKOf_uN19zignJB4KGLUOUo/s1600/suitcase2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAkR6abGVszUaLebsWbSWUBwUpXnYrUrglmfjweUgHxlOpP6Vym8zRdSlgrndMkS71klJKupZjYiGqlSM4oHq83kBpwm-1QjVFTjAm5-gP6E996K20-uhjKOf_uN19zignJB4KGLUOUo/s320/suitcase2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511537795518295170" /></a><br /><br />How to Deal With Passengers From Hell<br />When Things Go Wrong (Saving Your Holiday, and Your Sanity!)<br />Tavelling With Kids<br /><br />On the job-hunting side of things:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMvogexbTZFVLKmeQ5B_qRcdbYp5kEz0mlXXgASw39TB67ApWru3Le8AybAxVSRqeQ9rxFqVyEyxAvEyqNiv9syfJOwSnAQouEWIJ4lwf8gdu3nLm0gVplcyyonD7vsRTNIwAZNxtGbQ/s1600/man-and-woman-walking-out-hanger-into-bright-sunlight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMvogexbTZFVLKmeQ5B_qRcdbYp5kEz0mlXXgASw39TB67ApWru3Le8AybAxVSRqeQ9rxFqVyEyxAvEyqNiv9syfJOwSnAQouEWIJ4lwf8gdu3nLm0gVplcyyonD7vsRTNIwAZNxtGbQ/s320/man-and-woman-walking-out-hanger-into-bright-sunlight.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511537791945056514" /></a><br />Brief Hstory Of Flight Attendants (With photos)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqa7ym8_kj4O2Y2ZUNXLsMA5PaeaK4sLc-rq-m3IEUY9W2ZgeIQChFBXaQAoNJEhQ4kHhDOpHTPL7HRRpMJsgD_l9YfuQf0xnQ9EUSTUpoGKFNXTUQpp-a7VV5t58HsPHeemjcJ19f4A/s1600/Flight_Attendants.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqa7ym8_kj4O2Y2ZUNXLsMA5PaeaK4sLc-rq-m3IEUY9W2ZgeIQChFBXaQAoNJEhQ4kHhDOpHTPL7HRRpMJsgD_l9YfuQf0xnQ9EUSTUpoGKFNXTUQpp-a7VV5t58HsPHeemjcJ19f4A/s320/Flight_Attendants.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511537781362936338" /></a><br />Pros & Cons of the Job<br />Flight Attendant Interviews (including example questions)<br />Interview Grooming/Makeup (Photos/Tutorials)<br /><br />Online Stuff:<br />Best of the Best Twitter Tweets<br />my Crew People & Their Best Bits of Advice<br />Great Crew-Related Links & Resources<br /><br />And of course, Frequently Asked Questions from my readers, Best of the Blog and some other new content.<br /><br />If money were no object, I'd like to include a companion CD with things such as podcasts, photos, how-to video tutorials and games to help prospective crew prepare for their interviews.<br /><br />As for the layout, I'd love to have the book cover printed with a range of illustations of flight attendants in different uniforms, so you could choose which one you like the best when you order the book. Kind of like a 'custom cover' :P The cover could be a boarding pass and there could be a cutout card 'plane' on a cord to use as a bookmark!<br /><br />So, that's my idea for my book. While I might not be able to have this exact concept in my real book if I win, it's something I definitely aspire to one day in the future! Comments & thoughts??Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080976995105624637.post-11689702294244491852010-08-31T15:35:00.003+10:002010-08-31T15:48:03.750+10:00A Great Hotel Service ExperienceAll too often, we only hear about the bad service our friends, or colleagues, received while travelling, dining or shopping. As someone who works in the service industry myself, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. I'll always try to at least thank/appreciate the person who gave me the good service. I do prefer to pass on my compliments in writing, as often this assists the employee in later career moves such as getting a promotion or salary raise. It also motivates the employee to keep on giving that great service, especially if they seldom get compliments.<br /><br />On to my experience.<br /><br />Once, when I spent a good deal of time in another city for work, I had packed a teddy bear in my luggage. (I know I'm not the only 'grown-up' to do this!) The teddy lived on top of the bed during the day while I was out and about or away working.<br /><br />A few days into my stay, I came 'home' to find that Teddy had taken up residence on the couch, tv remote in hand. Odd, I didn't remember leaving him there!<br /><br />The next evening, he was soundly tucked up under the covers, asleep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc3QEGmc-4R_2EloGoK-PVg3klxVqEIEpXlxNbyohpyi5Hz1fhihuKUFoOSkz2mdjc2mXEgq7s45caH1nNGtM0IoUFPstMv_mPMea4JREdSCfwYnPYK2f78mG1sZLOmDJls__7nB77BI/s1600/181259-bigthumbnail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc3QEGmc-4R_2EloGoK-PVg3klxVqEIEpXlxNbyohpyi5Hz1fhihuKUFoOSkz2mdjc2mXEgq7s45caH1nNGtM0IoUFPstMv_mPMea4JREdSCfwYnPYK2f78mG1sZLOmDJls__7nB77BI/s320/181259-bigthumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511446269548982946" /></a><br />The third day, sitting atop the (closed) toilet with a magazine in hand.<br /><br />Clearly, someone in Housekeeping had a sense of humour!!<br /><br />It really brightened my day to find out what teddy was up to next, he made full use of that room while I was gone, that's for sure! I don't know if it was just one employee, or several, but it was the best thing I've ever had done for me in a hotel. Needless to say I left them a nice tip, a note and some candy for their trouble. I hope they kept the note. My only regret is not forwarding a copy to their managers. <br /><br />Have you ever had an awesome "above and beyond" service in a hotel, or other place? Leave a comment, or hit me up on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Traytable/114449221899028">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/TraytablesTrvls">Twitter</a>. <br /><br />(Photo: Google Images)Traytablehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11480385741777998383noreply@blogger.com4