Carrying On Your Luggage Is Not The Only Way To Assure Its Safety
By K. Kemper

Flying solutions for passengers, specifically; lost luggage and being stuck on the tarmac

In the 1920's, commercial airlines began carrying passengers in addition to packages and mail.

Our little planes began carrying a dozen passengers and “ramped up” quickly to planes carrying over 100.

When planes carried only 100 passengers and had propellers, our airports were rather simple and people carried their luggage right to the “gate” where it was put on the plane that the passenger was boarding.

When the gate luggage handlers places one’s luggage on board, there is no way to lose it. If a passenger had to switch 2 to 5 planes in the course of a day, the passenger carried the luggage from one gate to another gate and waited as that luggage handler placed that passenger’s luggage on board that plane. When that passenger needed, after landing, another airliner’s plane, he waited to get his luggage from his plane’s luggage handler and then, carrying his own luggage, he walked to the next airliner’s gate and repeated the process all over again. He may have needed to wait in 5 lounges every major trip, giving and taking his luggage but ALWAYS being in control of it once on the ground.

I have no problem whatever, with the man or woman who feels it is cumbersome to have to haul luggage around many airports throughout one’s travel day. It is cumbersome, time consuming and boring to have to wait at each gate to repeat such a process.

A reminder of the above–we have prop planes, a few million annual passengers, and a passenger that carries his luggage from gate to gate, staying in control of his luggage all the time the plane is on the ground. Thus, the amount of lost luggage per year; zero! Why zero? Cause the plane and passenger are always tied together until the passenger walks away from the plane with his luggage. He spends 5 to 55 minutes extra a day losing nothing in personal possessions.

NOW we skip ahead 80 years. We have monster airplanes, 200x times the number of passengers and we also have –for the first time–lost luggage. And we don’t only have one or two pieces a day of lost luggage but instead, 2 million pieces of lost luggage a D A Y!

When the airports took on the responsibility of the passenger and created an “efficient” luggage system that “automatically” followed the passenger, we created a bottle neck that is unprecedented. We even have a store in the east that sells ONLY those items that the airports lost and then found and could not trace the passenger and gave or sold the lost items to merchants. ABSURD.

Since no government body has ever created a system to make things more efficient or consumer oriented–luggage handling has become a nightmare.

It is easily solvable–and we don’t even need those marvelous RFIP [radar] tags].

Though we did not have luggage screening [and we rarely have it now], we can revert back to the good old days and things will be easier for everyone!

The muni workers and some flyers will say “but the airport handles the luggage so I won’t have to. That is the problem! Giving someone else YOUR responsibility!

[We still permit people to bring on board, ‘x’ amount of luggage which I think should be banned]

If we returned to the better luggage days, the scene would look like and be this way:

If we are booked on a flight and are bringing luggage, we go directly to security and our gate. We do not go to central ticket confirmation or luggage drop-off where we used to give our luggage to the ticket people.

After security, we carry our luggage to our gate and hold onto the luggage. [That will take up some more space but who cares?] We can also ship extra luggage on ahead but why take that much?

We hold onto our luggage till our plane is ready for boarding. My system exchanges poor security for perfect security and thus, slower boarding. As the plane we want comes in, we stay seated [or standing if no room.] When the de-boarding passengers come in, they wait in the gate area instead of walking to luggage pick-up. Luggage is removed from the plane however the luggage handlers do their job. As said luggage is removed, it is handed to a walker who carries it to the waiting passengers. IF the plane is parked away from the gate, all the luggage is unloaded one truckload at a time to a mini carrier, and that is carried to the gate and carried up to the passenger area. That does require more luggage handlers. As each mini truck is unloaded, the passenger shows his ticket and the luggage is handed to him. Like laundry, no ticket, no luggage.

When the de-boarded passengers are all taken care of and have left the passenger area of that specific gate, the boarding passengers hand their luggage to the luggage man and enter the mini corridor to get on the plane. As each passenger sits down, his luggage is placed on the belt and when the luggage reaches the luggage handler on the plane, it is placed as it is normally placed.

Using this system, more luggage trucks are needed, portable moving belts are used, each gate temporarily gets very very congested and passengers are responsible for their own luggage. If a passenger needs to move luggage several hundred yards to another gate or terminal, luggage carts are available that are either self-operated or run by employees. The key element is that the passenger again keeps control of the luggage and not the airliner or airport. That 22 million a year lost luggage problem disappears and boarding time is increased from 10 minutes to 25 minutes or so.

The passenger still has to hand her/his boarding pass to the employee who accepts those. It can’t be that much more complicated to also hand luggage and receive a luggage tag.

To make it faster, each gate can have mini luggage carriers so, when the passenger arrives at the gate, after “signing in”, the luggage can be put into a mini luggage truck and that truck would be held till the plane is ready for it. Thus, there is more than one way to easily skin the luggage cat.

So, we can examine this easily–in exchange for perfect luggage examination ]and security] and zero lost luggage, and in exchange, 10 minutes or less, slower boarding time, would you accept this system?

[ps; Denver ordered a newer centralized system that cost over $10 million dollars and it was scrapped!]

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Air Travel and Luxury Vacations - How Airlines Work
By Virginia Morgan

In this new age of information, the concept of people being able to book their own luxury vacations has permeated the mindset of many travelers. These new trends began when airlines made air tickets available for purchase over the Internet. This truly revolutionized the travel industry. But buyer beware, the truth is hidden! When you think you are getting the best air deal available, you may not get the whole story. Take a look behind the scenes on how airline ticketing works.

The Airline’s Goal

When the time comes for you to buy your airline ticket, whether it’s airfare for the beginning of a luxury world cruise or for a quick trip to visit out of state relatives, keep in mind that the airline’s goal is to make people pay in a hurry. By changing prices on a daily basis, airlines attempt to pressure travelers into buying the ticket at that moment. They wish to take you for as much as possible as soon as possible. To enforce this attitude, airlines also charge huge premiums for last minute tickets. Why? Because they can, and because the desperate traveler will pay for it.

Air Tickets and Travel Agents

Now more than ever, airlines are making tickets available online. Keep in mind; though airlines promise the best ticket price, they are talking about for that particular flight. This does not mean that all flights are made available for purchase. If you are dedicated to finding the best price on your own, you should call the airlines directly. But the best choice for all luxury travel vacations and airline tickets is to call your local travel agency. You will probably be charged a small service fee for air tickets, but may still end up paying less than you would online. They will save you the time and hassle of calling the airline yourself. But there are some key terms you need to keep in mind. You can “reserve” a seat with an airline, meaning it is placed on hold and you must pay for it one week before you depart. The only way to reserve is directly with the airlines, and some big name travel agencies like American Express Travel.

Airlines spend millions of marketing dollars to convince you to go to their website to book air tickets. For some travelers interested in purchasing cheap airfare to add on to their luxury travel vacation, the Internet may be a good place to begin. But airlines keep the pressure on by changing prices and holding the threat of selling out to attempt to make travelers pay the most money as quickly as possible. Use all resources available and call a travel agency or the airline direct. Don’t let anyone bully you into paying more!

Virginia Morgan is an expert travel writer for AMT American Express Travel. The Internet’s premier resource for American Express Cruises. Offering great deals to customers since 1996.

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Air Transportation - A Revolution
By Anirban Bhattacharya

In last few decades, there has been a constant increase in the number of commercial and charter airlines with a tremendous increase in the number of travelers. Due to its convenience, easiness and time-saving features, air transport is considered as the safest and fastest mode of transportation.

Online Air Transport Reservation:

Are you a frequent flyer and have less

time to make arrangements for your air transport? The Internet can take care of all your needs. Just login to some good website that feature advance search with an access to both scheduled commercial airlines and charter airlines. These websites hold an in-depth database and knowledge on personal and business jet, turbo prop, twin and single engine piston charter services for personal and business class travel, personal and business airline travel, and personal and business travel information. You can also compare the services of charter airlines with commercial airlines to get an unforgettable flying experience. Moreover, some of the websites provide information on services provided by different airlines, places nearest to the airport and other day-to-day usable detail. One can also find lucrative and attractive packages and offers for people who fly on a regular basis. Above all, a considerable amount of discount can also be availed on some routes too.

Businesspeople have an added advantage on using online air transportation websites. Keeping in mind their business air travel requirements, these people can make their reservation in advance and save their valuable time and energy. Moreover, booking your ticket through online air reservation websites can actually save a lot of money too. One can also get their tickets directly delivered to homes or offices. Online travel booking websites also provide customized services to their users. In customized services, a traveler can choose his airline with his preference. You actually can decide your route and enjoy your traveling time to the fullest. These websites also give a full detail on relaxation given to children and senior citizens and make sure their maximum satisfaction during the flight.

No doubt, the Internet has revolutionized the whole system of online ticket bookings. One needs to do a little home work while searching and selecting a perfect flying partner. These website can also give you a great deal on money advantage while making your reservation. So, why wait? Visit air reservation websites to get an unmatched piece of service and hospitality on air.

Myself webmaster of http://www.airlineexpo.com, a air charter services information directory for business air travel, private & corporate air charter.

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First, determine what flights are most likely to be overbooked:

• Routes frequented by business travelers, and on those routes, particularly on Monday mornings and the hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
• Departures after noon on Fridays or on Sunday evenings
• Pre- and post-holiday flights
• Transcontinental nonstops
• Popular routes
• Routes that have scant nonstop or direct service with no change of planes

Arrive early. airline rules typically state that if you don't arrive at least 10 - 20 minutes before the scheduled departure, you will forfeit your reservation and have to fend for yourself. In most cases, incidentally, airlines are not required to compensate you for the missed flight.

Never hassle the gate attendants. Arrive early and let them know you're a willing volunteer, then simply remain near the gate where they can contact you if needed. Asking about the status of the flight every five minutes or becoming rude or impolite will not make the attendants very anxious to hand you cash or free flight vouchers.

Before you volunteer, make sure its going to be worth it. Is it possible to get cash rather then a flight voucher? If not, does the flight voucher have a long enough life to make it useful for your travel needs? Does it apply to all airfares, even the lowest, most restrictive fares? Are there blackout dates? Is the alternate flight you are booked on acceptable or are you on standby for another oversold flight? In addition, don't be afraid to ask for extras -- meal vouchers, calling cards, free admission to the airport club, a seat upgrade -- the worst the airline can say is no.

How to avoid bumping

If you have obligations in your destination city and absolutely cannot afford to be bumped from a flight, arrive as early as possible to the airport, especially if you're taking a popular route. Better yet, check in online before you even leave for the airport. The last to check in to the flight are typically the ones who find themselves bumped involuntarily. If you're at the gate before the majority of the passengers have checked in, your chances of retaining your original reservation are favorable.

The Department of Transportation statistics show that in the second quarter of 2006, only 1.2 of every 10,000 airline passengers were bumped. This number often increases over the holidays and other busy travel seasons, but the volunteer system does in fact work very well, and it is unlikely you will be denied boarding on your next trip. The Transportation Department has specific rules governing overbooking procedures. From the DOT's Consumer Guide to Air Travel: The airline must give you a written statement describing your rights and explaining who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. If the airline arranges substitute transportation that gets you to your final destination within an hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.

If the substitute plane is scheduled to arrive one to two hours late on domestic flights and one to four hours internationally, the airline must pay at least the equivalent of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $200 maximum. If more than two hours domestically or more than four internationally, or if the airline doesn't make substitute arrangements, the compensation doubles, with a $400 ceiling. You can demand payment on the spot, and if you feel entitled to more, you can try negotiating with the complaint department.

Before you count your rewards, however, be aware that you must have a confirmed reservation. An "OK" in the status box of your ticket will suffice, even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer.

Also, federal bumping rules do not apply to charters, planes with 60 seats or fewer, or smaller aircraft that are substituted for originally scheduled ones. They don't apply to inbound flights to the United States or to flights between foreign cities, but airlines or foreign countries may have rules of their own.

If you found this useful and would like to read more detail about bumping or other secret techniques that airlines would rather you didn’t know about then you simply must read AIRTRAVEL SECRETS EXPOSED 2007. Learn how to upgrade to first class for free, get the best seat on the plane, get discounted fares, earn thousands of frequent flyer points without even flying and much more.

www.myflightsecrets.com

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