Usually when I go on vacation, I try to either write a bunch of posts myself or wrangle up some guest posts. This time, that’s not happening. It takes a long time to prep posts, even guest posts, and the week leading up to vacation is stressful enough. So for the first time in a long time, the blog is going dark for the week while I’m sitting on the beach drinking fruity drinks. I’ll be back with a new post on Monday, September 29, but I’m giving you plenty to read here.
In the Trenches: Answering the Phone – Quickbooks Small Business Blog
This week I looked at the value of doing a better job of answering the phones.
The grind of air travel: Where did it all go wrong? – USA Today
It’s another article talking about the state of air travel today. This one is generally more balanced than most, and I have quotes saying how things are both better and worse.
Are low-cost carriers key to CVG’s future? – Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati has seen its first increase in traffic in a long time thanks to low cost carrier interest. I was asked if this was really good news. I’m not convinced yet.
And now, in case you’re looking for more to read this week, here are a few things that I’d suggest.
The WOW List – WendyPerrin.com
Many of you know that I’ve been on the Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist list for my work on Cranky Concierge for the past 3 years. The person who spear-headed that effort, Wendy Perrin, has struck out on her own and created The WOW List. So far, this list only includes destination specialists so the few outliers like me and Gary Leff for his award travel booking service aren’t on it yet. But if you need help designing a vacation on the ground, Wendy is a great resource.
Southwest Evacuation Drill – Ft Worth Star Telegram
Andrea Ahles from the Ft Worth Star-Telegram took video of us going through an evacuation drill at Southwest headquarters last week. She was kind enough to keep the camera rolling until I came down the slide. Watch my graceful technique here.
ExpertFlyer.com Announces Addition of US Airways Award and Upgrade Inventory for Customer Access – ExpertFlyer.com
As Delta pisses people off, American is going in the opposite direction. It has purposefully decided to add US Airways award inventory to ExpertFlyer. The quote from American is in sharp contrast to Delta, that’s for sure. Good job, American. Delta, change your mind yet?
People Don’t Like American’s New Meal Policy – FlyerTalk
In less positive news, American changed its meal policy on September 1, and people are generally not too happy with it. (The US Airways people are less concerned since they generally benefit.) If you’d like to waste time, here are nearly 300 posts with meal experiences on the airline since that time.
Exclusive: 45 shots of Spirit’s new livery – USA Today
Spirit’s new livery is garish, to say the least. But it’s also completely on brand. It’s hard to argue with that kind of move, even if you’ll need sunglasses every time you see the airplane pass by.
Allegiant Air Filmed a Game Show Onboard – AllegiantAir.com
This seems like a pretty creative way to keep you entertained if you’re flying Allegiant. The airline is filming a game show on board, and the pilot airs today in syndication. Check your local listings.
Have a great week, everyone.
5 comments on “Cranky on the Web (September 15 – 19) and Some Reading Material for the Next Week”
Well apparently I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.
Have a good vacation, and we’ll see you in a week!
Surely you can’t be serious? I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.
Relax and have a great time!
On which lovely beach will you be imbibing said beverages?
On the “Where did it all go wrong?” article there wasn’t a mention of the space on airplanes. Today we have issues over people reclining their seats because space is exceedingly tight on planes.
Back when the 747, DC-10 and L1011 were released airlines were using all this widebody space to add more room to move about the cabin with lounges, bars, etc. on board. Additionally, they were flying these large planes on domestic routes frequented by the masses.
Today in coach you are relegated to your tiny seat and don’t have anywhere to move, unless you visit the lav, and even that’s difficult on a narrow body when the drink cart is blocking the aisle. Claustrophobia is far worse than having and IFE screen to distract you.
Everyone needs a break; I hope that you enjoy yours! -C.