February 2005

True Blue Featured Trips

If you’ve ever fantasized about the old West, then gather up your friends and family for the Alumni Association's “Covered Wagon Treks in the Tetons” trip. From Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you’ll ride horseback or in a wagon and soak up the mountains you’re passing. You’ll spend your nights under the stars and singing songs around the campfire. Home-cooked meals, friendly staff and the chance to experience the life of the pioneers all make this an incredible vacation choice for families and those looking for a unique vacation. For details, including dates and prices, on this trip and the rest of our itineraries, visit True Blue Travel online.

Travel Industry News

Airline flight delays increased by 22 percent in 2004, CNN reports. Consumer complaints regarding service and mishandled luggage reports also increased during the year. The Transportation Department contends that the air traffic control system accounted for the increase in flight delays, while the Air Transport Association argues that passenger congestion and weather are the culprits. The Federal Aviation Administration has taken steps to minimize delays, including allowing air traffic controllers to hold planes on the ground longer if they are headed to crowded airports.

Hints and Tips

In order to minimize the hassle caused by all those delayed flights, take advantage of the Transportation Security Administration’s Security Checkpoint Wait Times Web site. The site provides historical wait time information for security checkpoints at the nation's airports. Coupled with information from your airline and airport, this tool will help you estimate your airport arrival time for your next trip.

When a flight is delayed or canceled, it can be frustrating and difficult to handle the situation and determine your next move. “The Air Traveler’s Survival Guide” author James Wysong offers five tips on how to save a canned flight:

• Contact the airline’s customer service and reservation center to rebook your flight. If the line is busy, keep trying.
• Carry a timetable of your airline’s schedule so you can look up connection possibilities from a different major city.
• Enroll in a frequent flier program—elite members often receive a special rebooking phone number in cases of cancellations.
• Stay alert—if you see the crew deplaning, that’s probably not a good sign. If you hear an announcement stating the flight is on a “decision,” that’s a signal that you might want to start making alternate travel plans.
• Be patient. There is always a reason (often safety related) the plane can’t get to your destination. Just know that the airline is responsible for payment and expenses due to your inconvenience.

Products and Gadgets

If you suffer from ear pain when you take off and land, check out “EarPlanes.” Just insert these into your ears before the plane takes off and reinsert them before it begins its descent. Made of soft, silicone rubber and CeramX filters, EarPlanes help relieve the pain brought on by rapid changes in cabin pressure. They are available in both adult and child sizes.

Association News

According to Business Week, savvy travelers should be aware of their airlines’ financial situations. Many airlines aren’t far from bankruptcy, and increased fare pressure can cause service disruptions. To protect yourself, purchase tickets with a credit card. Credit card companies will usually refund tickets if an airline files for bankruptcy and reduces service. Also consider purchasing the Alumni Association’s travel insurance, which offers protection for financial insolvency with airlines.

True Blue Traveler Comments

“Great trip! Well done! Our hosts went out of their way to make everything smooth, easy and pleasant on our trip to the Baltic States.” --Betsy and John Hammond, ’54, JD’58

Enjoy the Alumni Association’s “Jewels of the Baltic Cruise” on the Minerva II as you sail from Dover to St. Petersburg with visits to Gothenburg, Sweden; Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Discover the beauty and lore of these Baltic ports with regional experts who provide the onboard enrichment. For details, including dates and prices, on this trip and others, visit our Web site.