tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26830839247577153992024-03-13T07:27:04.291-06:00Travel UnravelHumorous. Newsy. Insightful.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-74817360148676421612010-07-14T20:29:00.005-06:002010-07-14T20:37:33.892-06:00Top 3 travel items<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUstzWkCtSJpbQoClhF9Q8fnIIeAnLiSyaAsWXupANFI1M8_B7BCE-q3h5VXdjboaBDIRUbOZKxII5MmHXpX1Q51tdWiSdhHb_UGRv6kSpUkxr6M9U4yBE6NMY7Dk2OLZsWyrw1-Z0sE/s1600/Travel+companion_stuffed+animal.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUstzWkCtSJpbQoClhF9Q8fnIIeAnLiSyaAsWXupANFI1M8_B7BCE-q3h5VXdjboaBDIRUbOZKxII5MmHXpX1Q51tdWiSdhHb_UGRv6kSpUkxr6M9U4yBE6NMY7Dk2OLZsWyrw1-Z0sE/s200/Travel+companion_stuffed+animal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493955703290811010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">>Medications</span> (in your CARRY ON, not checked below)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">>Favorite companion</span> (person, book, music, stuffed animal...)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">>Flexibility<br /></span><br />What are the three things you never leave behind?Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-18660394154420157352010-04-26T20:10:00.003-06:002010-04-26T20:28:28.048-06:00New inspirationSince my last post, I've had the fun of going on several trips. From baby sniffles in Omaha and the thwack of clubs driving balls toward the pin in Escondido to crows holding court over Bunratty Castle in Ireland, cawing to greet the sunrise, sunset and wandering tourists. <br /><br />Thanks to a Designing the Photograph class at <a href="http://www.boulderdigitalarts.com/home.asp">Boulder Digital Arts</a>, I'm onto a new inspiration. When the instructor recommended writing about the practice of photography, more than just captions, but using words to describe the content as well as process, I thought, "Now this is up my alley." <br /><br />A photo of the day could be fun. There are so many factors to consider when shooting. I'm always convinced my shots will turn out better than they do. The class opened my eyes to the theory behind great photos--easy to understand, tricky to execute.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-53139634920286724222009-09-09T15:20:00.002-06:002009-09-09T15:58:57.984-06:00The Road to ProvidenceJust ending a lengthy travel day: Denver to Charlotte to Providence. I don't mind. It's exciting and nothing beats people watching at airports. After nearly forgetting my itinerary, wedding rings and watch (have to keep on a schedule)I headed to the airport. Checking in was a breeze. The breakfast stop at TCBY was not. It's never a good morning when you dump your coffee on the floor before you've even had a chance to give it a stir.<br /><br />Luckily, the flights went smoothly. And by smoothly, I mean enough overhead room for my roller bag and upgrades to economy-plus. Score! Even more heartening was the older gentleman who voluntarily held and calmed an infant while his mother got situated a few rows in front of me. Thank you, kind Samaritan.<br /><br />Connecting through Charlotte was a pleasant experience. The Providence gate was right next door, I had time for a bite to eat and once again had room for my roller bag overhead. Double score! <br /><br />The gentleman behind me told his life story to a perfect stranger twice during the hour and a half flight to Providence. Again, I don't mind. I could check in and out of the story as I pleased, and when I'd had enough I could focus on the sound the woman next to me emitted from somewhere near her esophagus as she caught a few winks. <br /><br />Traveling can be quite strenuous. But what an adventure.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-83249552599116505762009-08-19T06:26:00.003-06:002009-08-19T06:45:25.803-06:00A Whole Different Animal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lUB1Gvg9sI8uodMpIZemXmziBo7yYF6utMQqH-4cyUQRNevLbOQkve4o55f22S73J-P4GOPVyK22UI9BNOGErazxnVPpHMubnw98xrRPXa6o1ax9aLgXlAkREMsPndDjpfwla49FRK8/s1600-h/sean+menke.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lUB1Gvg9sI8uodMpIZemXmziBo7yYF6utMQqH-4cyUQRNevLbOQkve4o55f22S73J-P4GOPVyK22UI9BNOGErazxnVPpHMubnw98xrRPXa6o1ax9aLgXlAkREMsPndDjpfwla49FRK8/s320/sean+menke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371654663069999554" /></a><br />Not many would have predicted it, but Frontier Airlines will retain its brand under Republic Airways. And if the cost of doing business in Denver wasn't so prohibitive, Republic might have been planning a headquarters relocation by now. Denver still wins--saving its hometown airline and vital competitor in keeping the cost of an airline ticket low out of Denver International Airport. <br /><br />With Southwest's final bid at $170 million over Republic's bid of $108 million, the winner seemed obvious. But after seniority negotiations between Frontier and Southwest pilot unions broke down and Republic forgave Frontier's $150 million debt the scales tipped in Republic's favor. Menke's message to employees was consistent from the beginning, and in the prescient words from an insider: "...having the highest bid doesn't guarantee that a bidder will win."<br /><br />For a glimpse into sacrifices Frontier employees and leadership made starting in April 2008 when the company filed for bankruptcy, read <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13152415">"Flying critters off threatened list."</a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-77653038323061214782009-08-05T06:34:00.005-06:002009-08-05T06:49:06.237-06:00Frontier's Future<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOXez7dr9-I0g2m442CG9dQBNJhU1O6zxoMDm26JVucPo5lFnF_bidhijn6DFHkvI6rniBgxdfqxvCn0ZRX42Cz8ZPky03GnExu-g_7QAQ3iidS9arN_67N74mh2d9tf8Rgg2waqn3Wk/s1600-h/Republic+Airlines.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOXez7dr9-I0g2m442CG9dQBNJhU1O6zxoMDm26JVucPo5lFnF_bidhijn6DFHkvI6rniBgxdfqxvCn0ZRX42Cz8ZPky03GnExu-g_7QAQ3iidS9arN_67N74mh2d9tf8Rgg2waqn3Wk/s320/Republic+Airlines.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366460837215531746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3unqhOQtj75pu8mosUW3cvohSu59FIRsx3G9Rvnky_6w4X5JlyS7BVJoasX9ouoFzLyhMqkirg6t7JqBYJjS3L47k4h7o7s5ahQmhx3TUDnOfApU4jc1n-ZL5sVA5KKZM2GYs-l2Ufzo/s1600-h/Southwest+Airlines.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 89px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3unqhOQtj75pu8mosUW3cvohSu59FIRsx3G9Rvnky_6w4X5JlyS7BVJoasX9ouoFzLyhMqkirg6t7JqBYJjS3L47k4h7o7s5ahQmhx3TUDnOfApU4jc1n-ZL5sVA5KKZM2GYs-l2Ufzo/s320/Southwest+Airlines.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366460723031369218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl1FEK6iOGYelome7O-FRLMPURRwQ4O9mKhCawT9jLaFOOUEO8-f_jJ_OtL1sAETQONaMgbWUVCG20rfxs1xT3Uf9QZmlpeWWNn4ocmWPnMq1ykVYokzpFOF9glNYLDmAcGrt3QjklaU/s1600-h/frontier_logo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 27px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl1FEK6iOGYelome7O-FRLMPURRwQ4O9mKhCawT9jLaFOOUEO8-f_jJ_OtL1sAETQONaMgbWUVCG20rfxs1xT3Uf9QZmlpeWWNn4ocmWPnMq1ykVYokzpFOF9glNYLDmAcGrt3QjklaU/s320/frontier_logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366460662370700802" /></a><br />It's hard to accept the fact that Denver could lose its hometown air carrier. Now that Southwest airlines has entered the fray with a higher bid than Republic, it's looking more and more like this will be the case. Tom Clark, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's executive vice president, lays out the strengths Republic and Southwest bring to the Denver market in his <a href="http://www.metrodenver.org/blog/default.aspx">"Cone of Silence"</a> blog. The upside for consumers is, experts are predicting airfares out of Denver International Airport will stay low--DIA currently has the lowest prices in the nation.<br /><br />And in the midst of all this jockeying among Denver's largest airline competitors, travelers are complaining less than they did a year ago, according to a <a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/2009/August/200908ATCR.PDF">DOT report </a>released yesterday.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-2474484031604570602009-06-28T11:40:00.003-06:002009-06-28T11:53:28.939-06:00Frontier to Remain FrontierLast week, Frontier announced that Republic Airways has agreed to pay almost $109 million for the equity in Frontier Holdings, which includes Frontier Airlines and Lynx Aviation. <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12702220">Today, Frontier spokesman Steve Snyder said that the Denver-based air carrier will continue operating as Frontier Airlines.</a> Word from inside Frontier is, "I'm thinking it's a good thing. They don't fly [Airbus] 318s, 319s or 320s, so I don't think they'll fire all of us and sell the planes for parts. Also, their employees aren't trained on these aircraft so I think the in-flight crews are safe. Time will tell..."<br /><br />Time will tell indeed. Whether Republic Airways keeps the Frontier headquarters in Denver or moves it to Indianapolis is the big question. Frontier's future may be up in the air, but at least it's still flying.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-54353529233787811672009-06-23T06:43:00.003-06:002009-06-23T06:53:12.527-06:00Clear Pass Privileges No More<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNHj1qag9ljwA3hbtyMic6b_sDCTRHB-QmhQ07-EStPE4-q47z0ngu8GDv_utLOkOMr02Fat_74eQQY4hdncMU9Ssl0BHrtYQsbUPTYmMAohAy216NBhy9pFspxMufX5w8bASExPNsHg/s1600-h/airport+security+line.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNHj1qag9ljwA3hbtyMic6b_sDCTRHB-QmhQ07-EStPE4-q47z0ngu8GDv_utLOkOMr02Fat_74eQQY4hdncMU9Ssl0BHrtYQsbUPTYmMAohAy216NBhy9pFspxMufX5w8bASExPNsHg/s320/airport+security+line.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350505199503925170" /></a><br />Clear Pass holders will no longer enjoy bypassing the snaking security lines at airports. A brief announcement is all that is left on the <a href="http://www.flyclear.com/">Clear Pass Web site</a>.<br /><br />For an annual fee of $199, a background check and fingerprint scan, travelers were issued a pass card that allowed them access to the Clear lanes at 21 participating airports in the United States. All Clear lanes have been closed and word is still out on whether members' annual fees will be refunded.<br /><br />If you blinked, you probably missed the announcement, but here's the Denver Post's article: <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12668799">http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12668799</a>.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-18322919449320925462009-06-23T06:23:00.003-06:002009-06-23T06:42:37.277-06:00Denver's Hometown Airline<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3bJRIacxny_AKsFt4xCUSzJ9kzacETiJr1oR5AgDoQOKwliDaEwHaIiFtzUl1ooU6R00M6r1XFo4HjnyLxPVZkF8BHFGN0TaKQp7sacINVqsL5yRoYffYxSLe8HX4fFBK4gaiCVJrSY/s1600-h/Frontier+line-up.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3bJRIacxny_AKsFt4xCUSzJ9kzacETiJr1oR5AgDoQOKwliDaEwHaIiFtzUl1ooU6R00M6r1XFo4HjnyLxPVZkF8BHFGN0TaKQp7sacINVqsL5yRoYffYxSLe8HX4fFBK4gaiCVJrSY/s320/Frontier+line-up.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350498031444830194" /></a> As an airline that is actually turning a profit, Frontier is in a class of its own and is in a good position to emerge form bankruptcy. Yesterday, <a href="http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/who-we-are/news-media/press-releases.do">Frontier announced </a>that Republic Airways Holdings has offered to purchase Frontier Holdings, which includes Frontier Airlines and Lynx Aviation, for slightly less than $109 million. Stay tuned for word from inside Frontier Airlines as the story develops. As it stands, the proposal hearing is scheduled for July 13. If the deal goes through, should Frontier still be called Denver's low-cost carrier? (<a href="http://www.republicairlines.com/whoweare.html">Republic Airways </a>is based in Indianapolis, Ind.)Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-28775115530006884842009-06-20T12:37:00.004-06:002009-06-20T12:56:54.698-06:00Lost Passengers, Death and Fees on Fees. Oh my!It hasn't been a pretty week for the airline industry. First as the height of UM (unaccompanied minor) season kicks off, <a href="http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx">Continental</a> sends two girls to the wrong destinations, <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_LOST_GIRLS_CONTINENTAL?SITE=RIPAW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_LOST_GIRLS_CONTINENTAL?SITE=RIPAW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT</a>. <br /><br />Unfortunately for Continental, when it rains it pours. During a trans-Atlantic flight on Thursday, Captain Craig Lenell passed away mid-flight, much to the surprise of passengers on board who only learned of the death upon arrival in Newark, NJ, <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WHEN_PILOTS_DIE?SITE=RIPAW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WHEN_PILOTS_DIE?SITE=RIPAW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT</a>. <br /><br />And finally, <a href="http://www.united.com/">United</a> announced they are adding fees to their bag-check fees, <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12651689">http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12651689</a>. On top of the $15 fee to check a bag, if you pay at the airport, you'll be charged an additional $5. So, what is that, a bag check fee-fee? Nice job with the Saturday morning announcement too...hardly anyone will notice, I'm sure.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-30239591238147813212009-06-08T18:32:00.004-06:002009-06-08T18:47:40.337-06:00IATA: Airline Revenues Will Tank<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikldcvdCR6O6IvrAxaCL_5uRdPpPt2XCwi5O6eEdjlEGXuz6PR9gZR5RY45dGlq-80ns-qIfXSXnsxJOoEpBO7RgubU70hdBiC_U5k2JJy6Y9sY3BsO_bbbYDWj2-_5MU2d0scKcZ15i4/s1600-h/Plane+crash.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikldcvdCR6O6IvrAxaCL_5uRdPpPt2XCwi5O6eEdjlEGXuz6PR9gZR5RY45dGlq-80ns-qIfXSXnsxJOoEpBO7RgubU70hdBiC_U5k2JJy6Y9sY3BsO_bbbYDWj2-_5MU2d0scKcZ15i4/s200/Plane+crash.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345123054713438946" /></a><br />Even with crude oil at $56 a barrel, the forecast for the airline industry is grim. According to the <a href="http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/2009-06-08-01.htm">International Air Transportation Association</a>, airlines around the globe stand to lose $9 billion collectively this year. That's nearly double the estimate just three months ago. <br /><br />In lighter news, more air carriers are opening the cabin to four-legged patrons. <a href="http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/animals.html">Southwest Airlines </a>recently announced that they will allow pets on board for a $75 fee if the owner is also on board. No unaccompanied pet program is in place currently.<br /><br />And when the airline industry is hemorrhaging money it's hard to believe a pet-only airline would actually take off. The brave souls behind <a href="http://petairways.com/">Pet Airways</a>, the only pet-only air carrier, are giving it a go.<br /><br />At any rate, <a href="http://www.petflight.com/airlines">Petflight.com </a>is a good place to start if you need to make arrangements to fly with your pet.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-42543784727532798952009-06-05T19:32:00.003-06:002009-06-05T19:53:59.784-06:00Make the Leap Frontier<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHu-Dj1ZMe-kAjlCvBFIFXgQ58wvPdWFa9SaE1MJupq7OAIZWh5rTrau1XRZ83X_vVzCgbKsYId_rfZ2BdMiRWenqC9aE8gOjAw5fb61AUp8OGNhb97d31_HKOwioybyaC6JHAnetyE8/s1600-h/Frontier+plane.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHu-Dj1ZMe-kAjlCvBFIFXgQ58wvPdWFa9SaE1MJupq7OAIZWh5rTrau1XRZ83X_vVzCgbKsYId_rfZ2BdMiRWenqC9aE8gOjAw5fb61AUp8OGNhb97d31_HKOwioybyaC6JHAnetyE8/s200/Frontier+plane.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344026457182920978" /></a><br />With a name like Frontier Airlines, you'd expect the company to be on the leading edge of the industry. Quite a firestorm has kicked off due to their absence from social media networks. After one bad experience, entrepreneur and social media guru Andrew Hyde took things into his own hands. He created a Twitter account (@frontierair) and started monitoring and responding to Frontier customers' comments. He was clear from the beginning that @frontierair was a fan account, not managed by anyone at Frontier. Things came to a head and Andrew offered to turn the account over to Frontier's communications department so they could take up the torch and communicate directly with their customers. Shockingly, Frontier refused. Here's the beginning of the story: <a href="http://andrewhyde.net/bad-move-frontier-airlines-sean-menke/">http://andrewhyde.net/bad-move-frontier-airlines-sean-menke/</a>, the middle: <a href="http://andrewhyde.net/frontier-airlines-customer-service/">http://andrewhyde.net/frontier-airlines-customer-service/</a>, nearing the end: <a href="http://www.prsacoloradoblog.org/?p=428">http://www.prsacoloradoblog.org/?p=428</a>, and what story would be complete without the final word: <a href="http://andrewhyde.net/frontier-airlines-customer-service/">http://andrewhyde.net/frontier-airlines-customer-service/</a>. And the buzz is spreading: <a href="http://econsultancy.com/blog/3975-frontier-fail-customer-service-choices-in-the-more-important-with-the-internet">http://econsultancy.com/blog/3975-frontier-fail-customer-service-choices-in-the-more-important-with-the-internet</a>. <br /><br />Although it took 10,000 page views of Andrew's post before Frontier was moved to respond, it behooves them to reconsider their "no interacting with customers outside of the already existing @frontiersale and @frontierstorm" policy.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-22723062800419726282009-06-01T20:38:00.013-06:002009-06-01T21:39:50.279-06:00Beantown WeekendThere's nothing like escaping the doldrums of suburbia for a long weekend in a new city. A three-day weekend, a best friend's relocation to Boston--a city I had yet to explore--and 50,000 airline miles about to expire lead to the obvious conclusion: it was jet-setting time.<br /><br />My crash pad for the weekend was a quaint third-floor condo in a converted house in Cambridge. And crash I did, arriving in Boston at 1 a.m. We were up and at 'em by 8 and headed to Sarah's Market and Cafe for breakfast. You can't be shy here. The tables are almost always full so play the game, pick a table and stand behind your desired seat until the other patron either a.) finishes their meal, or b.) scoops their unfinished meal up and stalks off in huff because someone's been looming over them for a touch too long. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zggdcC5METBK3Yn7xIdHRIoUuQ3lQ4WTCuIP8qy5rlRFx98Bl9rymXoWFlhlYXTHoSnpIGK6XDScYACFT4eSBp8kD8FTgi2jGiWdomS6BrshbQVqwh_-340Fz_RpaNvmRuHN3RrDqAg/s1600-h/IMG_7600.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zggdcC5METBK3Yn7xIdHRIoUuQ3lQ4WTCuIP8qy5rlRFx98Bl9rymXoWFlhlYXTHoSnpIGK6XDScYACFT4eSBp8kD8FTgi2jGiWdomS6BrshbQVqwh_-340Fz_RpaNvmRuHN3RrDqAg/s200/IMG_7600.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342558713421032898" /></a><br /><br />A quick tour of my friend's generous employer followed. The grounds are gorgeous; people are jogging and walking their dogs over rolling emerald hills and tree-lined paths. Not many people would recognize <a href="http://www.mclean.harvard.edu/">McLean</a>'s for the psychiatric hospital that it is. Really, the movie Girl, Interrupted took place here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DpdAU8irzfdO9tz8sa1BZ8nZTRNaIETgAsGlraTZIzMKeNOtOEBui4RedricD1lcbj7NgJ8nSRUCu5jCod2nNbHutrRas_qCSgeiyZdtSV6mKBuc96qj1qL4ai8XMg-zzeOIDcfAcGk/s1600-h/IMG_7623.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DpdAU8irzfdO9tz8sa1BZ8nZTRNaIETgAsGlraTZIzMKeNOtOEBui4RedricD1lcbj7NgJ8nSRUCu5jCod2nNbHutrRas_qCSgeiyZdtSV6mKBuc96qj1qL4ai8XMg-zzeOIDcfAcGk/s200/IMG_7623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342560562953881906" /></a>Next was Chinatown and dim sum at the China Pearl. The doughy BBQ balls were tasty and I nibbled on a chicken foot. It's true, here I am:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-6zDyyVfZV_ZpW4qRGWY5nrsO0S1oQMh_gZ17g9d2pCOI_6eAH6C6Sdtwr7c-ile3qDhlk3EWicGDwffsOfj7PZk6ntmXNJEybOyhefhzjSQubNP-7-ucCmrOz5W3eEJkwWhaLp8nHA/s1600-h/IMG_7620.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-6zDyyVfZV_ZpW4qRGWY5nrsO0S1oQMh_gZ17g9d2pCOI_6eAH6C6Sdtwr7c-ile3qDhlk3EWicGDwffsOfj7PZk6ntmXNJEybOyhefhzjSQubNP-7-ucCmrOz5W3eEJkwWhaLp8nHA/s200/IMG_7620.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342561213460820642" /></a><br /><br />Full of dim sum, we headed to the Freedom Trail. Sadly, we did not toast the venerable Samuel Adams in his resting place with his namesake's beverage from the tavern overlooking his headstone, but we dutifully followed the painted red stripe through the streets of Boston. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kF1A23jnqYSxyzV4Bcdd7vc9lwNOZdwyhTqweN2a08OBjsVnIgoJqOc69nrR_wyIv0meyvtJJGAgL1hZunTy5fsHv0zth8omBMy4YK3q01wIWK9kFC-DyJxxccG9BwKIfdze1gi2OQY/s1600-h/IMG_7625.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kF1A23jnqYSxyzV4Bcdd7vc9lwNOZdwyhTqweN2a08OBjsVnIgoJqOc69nrR_wyIv0meyvtJJGAgL1hZunTy5fsHv0zth8omBMy4YK3q01wIWK9kFC-DyJxxccG9BwKIfdze1gi2OQY/s200/IMG_7625.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342562403315146978" /></a><br /><br />A quick jaunt past Paul Revere's house and we were in the North End, Boston's version of Little Italy. The fried, cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers on the rooftop of Fiore are a must have.<br /><br />Mini-trips to Plymouth and Salem filled day number two. Plymouth rock was actually bigger than I expected. I think after witnessing the Liberty Bell in all its diminutive glory I was able to talk myself down from my great expectations of what became the cornerstone of many families' roots in the U.S. I still don't understand why they had to go and stamp 1620 into THE rock...in 1880. Was there a sudden tide of concern that washed over Plymouthites? Were they afraid that people would forget the year the pilgrims landed in Plymouth even though that horrible tragedy had been averted year after year for 160 years? We may never know. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nhoQV2sLZzCWVnjsw9YF-XAdZPzJfqWb1rJwt2xa8FX6SjSyMODTygRgDsl1LxrgQkPouhSEfH0mu_EsUEp42jzkG7UCbJ7QYQZ8wXdq6wnB-fHXbPGaiqf7qdjCmrop6n9sD4lnJkg/s1600-h/IMG_7653.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nhoQV2sLZzCWVnjsw9YF-XAdZPzJfqWb1rJwt2xa8FX6SjSyMODTygRgDsl1LxrgQkPouhSEfH0mu_EsUEp42jzkG7UCbJ7QYQZ8wXdq6wnB-fHXbPGaiqf7qdjCmrop6n9sD4lnJkg/s200/IMG_7653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342564670452576610" /></a><br /><br />We toured the Mayflower II. It's hard to believe the original carried one hundred passengers and their animals and belongings, a crew and provisions for all the passengers and crew. Not exactly standing room only, but can you imagine not being able to bathe or sleep laying down for 66 days? And, we had a little body art done not 20 yards away from the Mother Puritan statue. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76P4vaY-lsjKX-O4H9QEwARQmJkPUqWj6rX2IBhdmBZBN63H3Jhd-zMYouzxS1gN-5K34FHYMwECy7NUtFfRuUKfUxoGHooGo_psMM7SY0h44XqjpOFSa9tRCBztAcuUC-2hjKiqgwZs/s1600-h/IMG_7637.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76P4vaY-lsjKX-O4H9QEwARQmJkPUqWj6rX2IBhdmBZBN63H3Jhd-zMYouzxS1gN-5K34FHYMwECy7NUtFfRuUKfUxoGHooGo_psMM7SY0h44XqjpOFSa9tRCBztAcuUC-2hjKiqgwZs/s200/IMG_7637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342564520553853890" /></a><br /><br />Salem is a worthy day trip from Boston. Be sure to stay for an evening ghost tour though. I can recommend the Spellbound Salem Ghost and Vampirism Tour. Spellbound owner Bonnie is quite passionate and outspoken about the hysteria and history of Salem, and Tom was a brilliant tour guide. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74fLayw1jwwZ-gdTvebmlN4yNYArSmnwxB3nyc63Ra3S7tsDzswgKrseDjJgpDlWSQMI8ad7xmOTkR-WjLcm_wMIriv-3jT9LHlqHXuXYEe7mL-GaI-ioPC-quipxpvHOjjCtJVClGAU/s1600-h/IMG_7678.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74fLayw1jwwZ-gdTvebmlN4yNYArSmnwxB3nyc63Ra3S7tsDzswgKrseDjJgpDlWSQMI8ad7xmOTkR-WjLcm_wMIriv-3jT9LHlqHXuXYEe7mL-GaI-ioPC-quipxpvHOjjCtJVClGAU/s200/IMG_7678.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342566075364589138" /></a><br /><br />We also found an amazing used book store there. I couldn't tell you the name, but it was the kind of place you walk into wondering if any of the floor joists or walls are plumb. The book shelves are all cattywampus and where no shelves exist, books are piled vertically and held together by bungee cords. Transactions take place through a six-inch gap between two seven-foot tall stacks of books. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01wJ99wKaa7XSWLPssINOrQdMhzQ6GIXlTx5DwGBS3FJfeY9sUsUvPiRfLtO7jftTASFfs9H_Uaf0RCOItmE_AT-TGT9BJBV-V-3uynrgr28nnpteNQaq1phyN5GJU-q7SrYHY9lBWpY/s1600-h/IMG_7657.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01wJ99wKaa7XSWLPssINOrQdMhzQ6GIXlTx5DwGBS3FJfeY9sUsUvPiRfLtO7jftTASFfs9H_Uaf0RCOItmE_AT-TGT9BJBV-V-3uynrgr28nnpteNQaq1phyN5GJU-q7SrYHY9lBWpY/s200/IMG_7657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342566957736552226" /></a><br /><br />We ended our whirlwind Beantown weekend with a Duck boat tour. This was a great way to see the highlights of the city by land and by sea. Here's a gem of a photo from the tour: the Old Hancock Building reflected in the glass windows of the New Hancock Building. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEidGpXo-GPjrguuT-GX9mTDoC56CCjkF1bh9Ud9kReyy2Af5GAU300TpobnArkS7lMLKNLE_zP8fuou-vOYoH4gNx01m05k_NWu6Q9ty1ogyaZip9J0PR0ywKKEB8n8nO_v2dl34LLMw/s1600-h/IMG_7712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEidGpXo-GPjrguuT-GX9mTDoC56CCjkF1bh9Ud9kReyy2Af5GAU300TpobnArkS7lMLKNLE_zP8fuou-vOYoH4gNx01m05k_NWu6Q9ty1ogyaZip9J0PR0ywKKEB8n8nO_v2dl34LLMw/s200/IMG_7712.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342568017679408866" /></a><br /><br />We toasted each other, long weekends, cheesy tourist attractions and future fun-filled trips with rose champagne over deathly rich chocolate torte and tiramisu at <a href="http://www.finaledesserts.com/index.php">Finale</a> in Harvard Square to cap off our adventure. Fitting name, don't you think?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIWfrBix083ZC_MZziWds71bEvxqsU3PoMlmG6jLyEcg0IwL2JjPaR7dX_h9ZyZzlNu-g0g-QizHx0wN0ZHHXCRoN5STzHel1Q3QunHbOixIYfo9r5w9lopu6dzxoSdee2Mf6wTI1MMY/s1600-h/IMG_7721.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIWfrBix083ZC_MZziWds71bEvxqsU3PoMlmG6jLyEcg0IwL2JjPaR7dX_h9ZyZzlNu-g0g-QizHx0wN0ZHHXCRoN5STzHel1Q3QunHbOixIYfo9r5w9lopu6dzxoSdee2Mf6wTI1MMY/s200/IMG_7721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342569097054951842" /></a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-15303959182535420362009-05-07T18:05:00.003-06:002009-05-07T18:10:23.962-06:00Bad News PassengersYes, airline passengers really are misbehaved sometimes. And for flight attendants there's no escape until the jet bridge is attached and someone opens the door from the outside. No wonder a bag of chocolates from the occasional passenger can mean so much -- take note, frequent flyers.<br /><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Travel/Story?id=7509043&page=1">The Six Worst Airplane Passengers of 2009</a> (so far)Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-27934159205644986702009-04-29T19:00:00.004-06:002009-04-29T19:11:36.961-06:00Priceline tweets away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFhBAcyg2ixy5tqNPPx4yJjFVFBaXeuUlJztqeYNEtFUb3rUf6EhqElX3mleS4WjPnryU_Aw8PLmx5ALss5xx1Wz1UOa1TdjHUO3vgnOnWlUKHme0L9wfiOTeFrfGb-1tL3DuS2N5lXI/s1600-h/william+shatner.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFhBAcyg2ixy5tqNPPx4yJjFVFBaXeuUlJztqeYNEtFUb3rUf6EhqElX3mleS4WjPnryU_Aw8PLmx5ALss5xx1Wz1UOa1TdjHUO3vgnOnWlUKHme0L9wfiOTeFrfGb-1tL3DuS2N5lXI/s200/william+shatner.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330284571563304466" /></a><br />Brilliant campaign from Priceline.com starring William Shatner. It's amazing how offering something for nothing (or a simple Twitter follow) incentivizes people. Check it out: <a href="http://travelweekly.com/article3_ektid193738.aspx">http://travelweekly.com/article3_ektid193738.aspx</a><br /><br />Now the trick is to capture the actual ROI for Twitter outreach. Suggestions? Leave a comment.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-22608801495361464312009-04-27T18:32:00.005-06:002009-04-27T18:49:34.648-06:00Ice cream hot spots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEk2IZTZny01oWWNIw_vIAk-zK9W1OeyUWoUBI52Kl0LkX0amR3QVD0KWcvscJASlEy_tU6Ux6XJ2g1izbRpFtG-1bOSdIrCJqFM0wvJ0-SyDM71KYz9deqzlX_QG7yjOU6WmvEg6xUo/s1600-h/ralph's+ices.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEk2IZTZny01oWWNIw_vIAk-zK9W1OeyUWoUBI52Kl0LkX0amR3QVD0KWcvscJASlEy_tU6Ux6XJ2g1izbRpFtG-1bOSdIrCJqFM0wvJ0-SyDM71KYz9deqzlX_QG7yjOU6WmvEg6xUo/s320/ralph's+ices.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329537568208595906" /></a><br />Interconnectivity is the wonder of social media, is it not? Which brings me to my point. I just became a fan of <a href="http://www.ralphsices.com/index.htm">Ralph's Italian Ices </a>on Facebook. Therein lies the inspiration for this original content post. For all two of you reading this here they are in extremely important order -- the best ice cream joints in the world are:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.giolitti.it/home.html">Giolitti</a>, Rome, Italy<br /><a href="http://www.ralphsices.com/index.htm">Ralph's Italian Ices</a>, Staten Island, NY<br /><a href="http://www.leopoldsicecream.com/index.html">Leopold's</a>, Savannah, GA<br /><br />And winners for best local ice cream hot spot goes to <a href="http://www.powellsss.com/go/index.cfm">Powell's Sweet Shoppe </a>in Boulder and the <a href="http://www.walrusicecream.com/index2.html">Walrus</a> in Fort Collins, Colo.<br /><br />Staycation, business trip or romantic honeymoon, these fine establishments belong on every must do list.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-72380452639083739612009-04-25T08:26:00.004-06:002009-04-25T08:36:57.256-06:00Vacation libations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMmdJGJ26AyoVFJq9cYmBzO05Nlu2egu905n7d-OunnN24t1uMruKOSG0RXGOvdayDK3eyph0zjdEdsWh_6oaNfo3U5MHkpKhfBfRo-SISYDnzMLQdGv7XXkpErDJo6rJfkNu38tMN5c/s1600-h/guinness.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 86px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMmdJGJ26AyoVFJq9cYmBzO05Nlu2egu905n7d-OunnN24t1uMruKOSG0RXGOvdayDK3eyph0zjdEdsWh_6oaNfo3U5MHkpKhfBfRo-SISYDnzMLQdGv7XXkpErDJo6rJfkNu38tMN5c/s320/guinness.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328637623399067090" /></a><br />This <a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idINTRE53N2A020090424?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true">travel list </a>piqued my interest. And I've yet to touch down in any of the destinations -- perplexing, I know. If you've raised a toast in any of the listed establishments, or others that deserve a place on the hallowed Reuters Iconic Drinkeries list, leave a comment.<br /><br />In other important news, Guinness is 250 years old. <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Guinness-Celebrates-250-prnews-15019661.html?.v=1">Celebrate!</a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-80079107463050513392009-04-15T19:10:00.005-06:002009-04-15T19:23:02.617-06:00Worldly loos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKqMrkXvKu24MacZZNFfO3UFpSDEH1Srl7lpScTobYF-s4GUp658BTWaKQLeDKbOAeghfVxZ8eTzwfl_3PcCdUH8hV-gYZ1w4St90kpHIRzWeYXanY5-95AO06huUT4LQ-LX_5gIUQb0/s1600-h/Worldly+loos.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKqMrkXvKu24MacZZNFfO3UFpSDEH1Srl7lpScTobYF-s4GUp658BTWaKQLeDKbOAeghfVxZ8eTzwfl_3PcCdUH8hV-gYZ1w4St90kpHIRzWeYXanY5-95AO06huUT4LQ-LX_5gIUQb0/s320/Worldly+loos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325092316967371506" /></a><br />The toilets at <a href="http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/TheRoyalMews/TheRoyalMews.aspx">Buckingham Palace's Royal Mews </a>drip with elegance from the colorful tile mosaics to the linen hand towels. You'd never expect a horse stable to provide such finery. Then you have the self-contained and cleaning airstream-type facilities that dot the rues of Paris. Not the best if you're claustrophobic. Hidden secrets of foreign cultures are there for the discovering. For all aspiring anthropologists, here's an entertaining slide show:<br /><br /><a href="http://travel.msn.com//Guides/MSNTravelSlideShow.aspx?cp-documentid=1003838>1=41000">http://travel.msn.com//Guides/MSNTravelSlideShow.aspx?cp-documentid=1003838>1=41000</a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-13112901930189417582009-04-11T17:40:00.003-06:002009-04-11T17:57:52.218-06:00Corporate Travel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZLA7piNTotEorKsbsYmk4i2y6eVZvAMK8o4w70ErhHfkvJZ830IbpNj1-nHqbwnbGSz2g-HozYIQZ9hXoPvDjGow46okBZdAusGC461NjKqItP7H_7I-_ONYm2NmuCpc8QX3z7ZzOQ4/s1600-h/CTM+photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZLA7piNTotEorKsbsYmk4i2y6eVZvAMK8o4w70ErhHfkvJZ830IbpNj1-nHqbwnbGSz2g-HozYIQZ9hXoPvDjGow46okBZdAusGC461NjKqItP7H_7I-_ONYm2NmuCpc8QX3z7ZzOQ4/s320/CTM+photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323587097677902226" /></a><br />Here's an interesting article about corporate travel managers. Aside from occasional blunders (<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Wallstreet/story?id=6285739&page=1">auto execs breezing into D.C. in corporate jets</a>), they're the grease that keeps companies moving. Any CTM worth their salt considers comfortable accommodations as well as the company's bottom line. And although I couldn't do it, I'm sure many CTM's do their jobs without dwelling on the ultimate injustice: spending their careers making travel arrangements, rather than traveling.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cobizmag.com/articles/pin-a-medal-on-your-corporate-travel-manager/">http://www.cobizmag.com/articles/pin-a-medal-on-your-corporate-travel-manager/</a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-27824398470991536152009-04-07T19:02:00.003-06:002009-04-07T19:08:00.448-06:00DOT: Fewer airline complaints<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_B3DZR-kk75cjDvfAqyUY05eC-_hzRHvB2S9T9OpTB86mwECyQueek3AnK5_GyUAUIYfAhB3aaLZElhCkaQbgZwH4l82n4Zj0cytRrhublVHt_ZUD4Drf5ddWFqMOsaYnELJkozi4q0/s1600-h/airplane+drawing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_B3DZR-kk75cjDvfAqyUY05eC-_hzRHvB2S9T9OpTB86mwECyQueek3AnK5_GyUAUIYfAhB3aaLZElhCkaQbgZwH4l82n4Zj0cytRrhublVHt_ZUD4Drf5ddWFqMOsaYnELJkozi4q0/s320/airplane+drawing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322120832320627778" /></a><br />Breathe a sigh of relief. Whether you're racking up the miles as a seasoned business traveler or towing the kids and all the gear to Arizona for a week at Grandma's, things are looking up for you. Either we've become complacent with the level of service offered by commercial airlines and have given up on complaining, or we are actually finding less to complain about. Whatever the reason, there has been a drop in customer service complaints made to major airlines.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12086303">http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12086303</a><br /><br />That is, unless this guy is your pilot.<br /><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12089681">http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12089681</a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-78747970815766415622009-04-06T05:59:00.002-06:002009-04-06T06:10:50.710-06:00When Tables TurnGoing through airport security is a major stressor. Ever thought how the screeners feel -- staring at a 13-inch television screen for hours at a time, reminding travelers to remove their shoes and pocket change? Denver's International Airport's screeners are micro-managed and harassed by their supervisors to the point that their job performance suffers. Something to think about the next time you're stepping through that metal detector.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12074470">http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12074470</a>Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-27662785696891069582008-09-17T21:06:00.002-06:002008-09-17T21:16:35.400-06:00Ah, the memoriesAlthough I really should be turning my attention to other tasks, I couldn't help it. A former flight attendant classmate of mine has found my blog. I'm not a big promoter -- although a very select few may beg to differ -- so I'm honored that she sought me out and added me to her blog roll. <br /><br />The number of classmates still working as flight attendants are dwindling, but I'd like to highlight blogs from two of the nicest women I had the pleasure to work with. They were nice in that I-value-you-as-a-person-and-will-go-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-but-I'm-also-damn-good-at-my-job-and-I-can't-let-you-do/have-that-right-now kind of way. Susan's <a href="http://toes-in-the-sky.blogspot.com/2008/07/peace.html">Toes in the Sky</a> blog and Kelly's <a href="http://whoamitoflyinthesky.blogspot.com/2008/06/hello-again.html">Who Am I to Fly the Sky </a>blog are bursting with flight attendant humor and wisdom.<br /><br />Here's to you, ladies. I have many fond memories of early morning studying, Bennigans debriefing (may they rest) and stern discussions from Marco about Mr. January. Thanks for the memories, safe flying and happy blogging.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-18264241352696047002008-09-10T20:36:00.004-06:002008-09-10T20:53:07.456-06:00GQ Man on the RTD Bus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCiMex4k_A7OLkrBYCkSFajVPZ0OcL0RHZAAL9iA9HmVfqLnCDkxfznNEu1c_cMUoYlbFScf659N331KLm1BVIRS1HHwug63CuPenYb9-iKZQ_znj22FAcmS4KR0rNuaCUd3dajUqhtQ/s1600-h/GQ+Man.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCiMex4k_A7OLkrBYCkSFajVPZ0OcL0RHZAAL9iA9HmVfqLnCDkxfznNEu1c_cMUoYlbFScf659N331KLm1BVIRS1HHwug63CuPenYb9-iKZQ_znj22FAcmS4KR0rNuaCUd3dajUqhtQ/s320/GQ+Man.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244590977107305794" /></a><br /><br />An <a href="http://rtd-denver.com/">RTD bus </a>friend and I were talking about our most mindless jobs today and he springs this one on me.<br /><br />"Well, I guess my most brainless job had to be when I was a male model in college," he said after half a second of reflection.<br /><br />"For art classes?" I asked, trying to imagine my near-retirement, non-profit administering friend as a nude model for a forms class.<br /><br />"No, it was more runway stuff for men's clothing," he explained as we disembarked.<br /><br />Snapping open cans of Coke and purveying beverages with a cocktail napkin tucked neatly beneath while maintaining corporeal balance at 38,000 feet in a metal tube pressurized to 9,000 feet can't hold a candle to that occupation. Admittedly, both are glamour-filled, but I didn't get nearly the number of cat calls as my friend did.<br /><br />"My friends took to calling me <a href="http://men.style.com/gq">GQ</a> because I would get free clothes from my modeling gigs," he said with a squint of a grin on his face.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-11528535082943289482008-08-12T20:06:00.002-06:002008-08-12T20:17:42.539-06:00Bus MatesNow that I no longer fly the friendly skies, I've taken to riding the regional bus an hour and a half one way to work in an effort to save the planet (and my budget). I've gone back to riding on the same route at the same time, so many of the people I got to know while I was commuting prior to my flight attendant gig were there to greet me on my first day back on the bus. <br /><br />Not only was it great to see familiar faces and catch up with each other on the past year of our lives, but this impressed upon me that even though my daily travels no longer involve the glamour of the airline world on a daily basis, I will still be traveling among the masses, witnessing and being drawn into other people's lives. The fodder will not falter!<br /><br />Speaking of fodder...how about the guy from up in the hills who's been living completely off the grid for over 25 years because the utility companies wanted to charge him thousands of dollars to bring service lines out to his property? "I don't even know what a utility bill looks like these days," he exclaimed to me.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-84140729065551176952008-08-06T17:01:00.003-06:002008-08-06T17:18:00.931-06:00Good Bye Friendly SkiesLast week marked the end of my career flying the friendly skies. I thought I would give myself a week to mull over some of the important lessons I'll take with me from my tenure as a flight attendant so I could come up with a compelling list. While I'm still grasping for anything profound, here are a few fun observations:<br /><br />*Please and thank you, heck, even a smile go a long way towards getting your own way.<br />*People travel for a variety of reasons, handle the confusion and congestion of airports differently, and for the most part react warmly to a simple greeting and smile.<br />*A startling number of people are willing to walk into the lavatories bare foot.<br />*Screaming infants and/or toddlers with sticky fingers are usually seated next to business men pecking away on their laptops (I think gate agents secretly arrange it that way).<br />*Even though (most) people pack their own bags, load them into the trunk of their cars, pull them back out and wheel them through the airport all by themselves, there will inevitably be a few passengers who feign the inability to stow their own luggage once aboard the aircraft.<br /><br />And why focus on solely on the passengers?<br /><br />*Yes, Botox parties are hosted and attended by flight attendants.<br />*You would think that schlepping luggage from one city to the next as part of you job requirement would encourage some of the most super-efficient packing techniques, but sadly this is not the case -- many flight attendant injuries are personal luggage-imposed.<br />*If you're looking for a pair of stylish, yet comfortable black heels, ask a flight attendant where she got hers.<br />*And finally, have crew badge, get discount.Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683083924757715399.post-28628913336091594452008-08-06T16:54:00.004-06:002008-08-06T17:19:27.430-06:00Shameless Self-PromotionHere's a bit of shameless self-promotion, but travel related, nonetheless. The travel website I freelance for, <a href="http://www.52perfectdays.com">52perfectdays.com</a>, is running a contest and rewarding the five contributors with the most hits on their articles. (The prize isn't specified and could be a used toilet brush for all I know, but it would be exciting to win).<br /><br />So please, if you are infected by the travel bug at all, click on <a href="http://www.52perfectdays.com/contributors/maura-oneal">my contributor page</a> link and then click on each of the articles. Feel free to leave comments. And of course, if you have any suggestions for more perfect days in Colorado, by all means, make them known!<br /><br />Happy clicking!Maura O'Nealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772072908838511717noreply@blogger.com0