Jesse Travis and Brent Hollowell

Brent Hollowell of Zen Class Travel joined us to discuss how their travels (he and his business partner have logged over 1,000,000 miles) inspired them to design the Nirvana Organizer and Travel Tote.  It can be carried as a tote using the padded shoulder strap, and when unzipped it slides over a seat back tray (or stroller, or car seat) to provide easy access to everything you need while cruising at 40,000 feet. [...]]]>

Jesse Travis and Brent Hollowell

Brent Hollowell of Zen Class Travel joined us to discuss how their travels (he and his business partner have logged over 1,000,000 miles) inspired them to design the Nirvana Organizer and Travel Tote.  It can be carried as a tote using the padded shoulder strap, and when unzipped it slides over a seat back tray (or stroller, or car seat) to provide easy access to everything you need while cruising at 40,000 feet. It is a perfect solution for busy road warriors, as well as an ideal solution for kids’ and infants’ gear.

The Nirvana Organizer now comes in a a luxury leather model, as well as durable microfiber. If you visit the Zen Class website you will find a comprehensive table listing all lthe things a person might need to carry on to a flight.  The organizer was designed specifically to accommodate all of these items on the list while mounted in the “open” position on a seat back tray table in-flight.  In the “closed” position for transport from place to place, the organizer bag can also carry all except the bulkiest items, such as laptops.  Check out the comprehensive list by clicking HERE

Nirvana Organizer mounts on tray table (leather model pictured)

With a company name like “Zen Class” you probably won’t be surprised by the corporate mission statement:

COMPASSION We open our hearts to cranky travelers and hope they find us soon.

INNER PEACE We celebrate the joy that comes from having travel needs met in simple, intuitive ways.

THE JOURNEY We know the journey is as important as the destination and should be enjoyed (or at least not induce travel rage).

PROBLEM SOLVING Much like turning on a light removes darkness from a room, so does a well-designed product remove hassle from a trip.

CALMNESS We strive for peace amidst chaos, aided by products that soothe the spirit and make journeys less brutal.

COMMUNITY We cultivate a like-minded community of travelers ready for change, finding inspiration in their wisdom.

To be part of the Zen Class community click HERE and follow them on Facebook by clicking HERE

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As we reported a few days ago, Spirit Airlines recently said it planned to charge up to $45 for carry-on bags that don’t fit under seats.  On April 18 Senator Charles Schumer said that he had commitments from American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways not to follow Spirit’s lead.

“We have begun to put the brakes on runaway and out-of-control airline fees,” Mr. Schumer said in a news release. “I am pleased some of the major carriers [...]]]> by Margery Wilson

As we reported a few days ago, Spirit Airlines recently said it planned to charge up to $45 for carry-on bags that don’t fit under seats.  On April 18 Senator Charles Schumer said that he had commitments from American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways not to follow Spirit’s lead.

“We have begun to put the brakes on runaway and out-of-control airline fees,” Mr. Schumer said in a news release. “I am pleased some of the major carriers have responded to our efforts and have agreed not to charge for something that has always been free.”

Mr. Schumer said he planned to urge other carriers to make similar commitments and was encouraging Spirit to reverse its decision.

Mr. Schumer and other lawmakers have proposed legislation that would block the fees by declaring carry-on bags as essential for air travel.

Things are not always what they appear, so don’t count on the carry-on policies to remain as they are.  European airlines have stringent limits for carry-on bags, and we may see these limits imposed for US domestic routes in future. (Meaning more bags could be required to be checked — for a fee.)  Airlines have found a solid revenue stream with added fees, so it will be interesting to see how creative they become in finding ways to add — and justify — them.

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Delta Airlines’ Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport will now have three shuttle destinations being operated to Boston, Washington National and now Chicago O’Hare. The New York-Chicago flights will offer the convenience that the air shuttle has always been known for since the concept was engineered by the Eastern Airlines’ Air Shuttle in 1961. Passengers will be able to use kiosks to purchase tickets the day of travel at Delta Shuttle stations and [...]]]>

Delta Shuttle (Steele Luxury Travel)

Delta Airlines’ Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport will now have three shuttle destinations being operated to Boston, Washington National and now Chicago O’Hare. The New York-Chicago flights will offer the convenience that the air shuttle has always been known for since the concept was engineered by the Eastern Airlines’ Air Shuttle in 1961. Passengers will be able to use kiosks to purchase tickets the day of travel at Delta Shuttle stations and then step on board.

The flights will operate with the Embraer 175 which is equipped with 12 first class seats and 64 economy seats. The shuttle will also offer meals in first class and complimentary wine and Sam Adams beer. On morning flights before 10 AM, there will be bagels offered to economy passengers as well. It will be interesting to see how United and American react to this new service by Delta. It may be time for these airlines to introduce their own shuttles offering walk-up service on one of their busiest “golden” routes. Let the games begin!

In addition to Delta’s new shuttle services, the airline is bringing more flights to its Los Angeles hub with nonstops to San Francisco, Columbus, Hartford/Springfield and Raliegh Durham. By June, Delta will be offering 81 peak day-departures to 26 nonstop destinations from LAX.

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Have you been pulled over by the TSA and “reminded” about the size limitations of liquids in your carry-on? Yes, there are things you can do, like switch to non-liquid alternatives like those suggested by Doug Dyment, the guru of  “packing light”, but if you are determined to hold on to your beauty regimen in its entirety (which has made you the gorgeous creature you are today), then we have some [...]]]> Your favorite beauty and grooming products are good-to-go!

Have you been pulled over by the TSA and “reminded” about the size limitations of liquids in your carry-on? Yes, there are things you can do, like switch to non-liquid alternatives like those suggested by Doug Dyment, the guru of  “packing light”, but if you are determined to hold on to your beauty regimen in its entirety (which has made you the gorgeous creature you are today), then we have some ladies that you’ve just got to meet. Kate Duff and Alexi Mintz, two beauty industry insiders, have created www.3FLoz.com which has brought some of the best beauty brands together in TSA approved, travel friendly packaging. High maintenance women and men rejoice along with  the Sky Steward with the arrival of 3FLOZ!

3FLoz.com is designed from the ground up for the modern traveler. They even offer a free upgrade to overnight shipping if you provide them with an itinerary with a departure within three days–even shipping internationally or direct to hotels without a problem. So you can close up your makeshift bathroom bottling facility and nix your monthly stop at the Walgreen’s trial size aisle. You now have a team dedicated to keeping looking and feeling luxuriously fabulous with on-the-go sizes of your favorite brands of beauty and grooming products.

Check out the growing list of brands available from www.3FLoz.com

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There is no hiding from The Sky Steward! He’s always peeking into the first class cabins of speeding  jetliners or hiding in dark corners of First Class Lounges of major airports, so be sure you don’t get on his Jetiquette Faux Pas list

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Airline checked baggage fees are causing even those with nerves of steel to lose their composure. Sky Steward fliers now have a simple reference tool to make travel planning a little easier. There are also direct links to each airline’s checked luggage information pages. Remember that if you are flying on a code-share flight, you will pay the checked luggage fees that apply to [...]]]> How much do airlines charge for checked baggage?

Bookmark this chart for future reference or to pass on to friends.

Airline checked baggage fees are causing even those with nerves of steel to lose their composure. Sky Steward fliers now have a simple reference tool to make travel planning a little easier. There are also direct links to each airline’s checked luggage information pages. Remember that if you are flying on a code-share flight, you will pay the checked luggage fees that apply to the airline in which you are using for check-in.

This chart will be updates as airlines adjust their policies.

Note from The Sky Steward: “If airline checked luggage fees are confusing to you, you’re not alone! 4 out of 5 travelers interviewed find it confusing”

Also, did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a guarantee that if your luggage does not arrive at the baggage claim  within 25 minutes of your arrival, you receive a travel voucher for the value of the checked baggage fee? That’s a move in the right direction.

Click the airline name to go to their luggage policy page for additional information.

**BTW, if you pay higher fares Y/B/J/C/F etc. or are an elite frequent flyer, these fees most likely will not apply to you. Please check the airline’s website for details.

Free luggage allowance search tool (opens new window)

Airline baggage fees are becoming the norm as airlines seek additional ways to increase revenue while keeping ticket prices competitive. The airline baggage fee chart illustrates the baggage fees that may apply for the first bag plus luggage fees for additional bags. Many passengers are surprised when they begin to check luggage and find that their bag is overweight or oversized. The chart also explains luggage fees that apply to oversized and overweight baggage. Be sure to click on the airline name to be taken to the airline’s own baggage fee policy page for more specific information.

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I am surprised that I am writing you from my hotel room and not a jail because I am so angry about my flight today. I boarded my flight and stowed my bag in the overhead compartment and then, to be considerate to other customers, placed my personal item under the seat in front of me. In the last few minutes of boarding, another customer shifted my bag around in the overhead compartment to [...]]]> Dear Sky Steward,

I am surprised that I am writing you from my hotel room and not a jail because I am so angry about my flight today. I boarded my flight and stowed my bag in the overhead compartment and then, to be considerate to other customers, placed my personal item under the seat in front of me. In the last few minutes of boarding, another customer shifted my bag around in the overhead compartment to fit his bag in and took his seat. When the flight attendant came around to close the overhead bins, she discovered that it would not close. She then removed MY bag and asked who it belonged to. Once I acknowledged it was mine she told me she would have to check it. I was outraged, but did not put up a flight. The last minute passenger (jerk!) said nothing. I thought I was going to self combust! Luckily, the flight attendant told me a moment later that she had found a place for my bag in first classJ

What could flight attendants do to keep this from happening to people like me who are following the rules? Could you tell me what I should have done in this situation?

Signed,

Carried Away from Concord, CA

KPAM Interview 

Dear Carried Away,

With more and more passengers carrying on to avoid checked luggage charges, there is an onboard space crisis erupting. The Sky Steward has observed that many passengers are still placing all of their carry-on bags in the overhead bin which is improper Jetiquette. With space at a premium, everyone should place one item under the seat in front of them and one bag in the overhead bin; leaving as much space as possible for fellow passengers.

Unfortunately flight crews are caught in the middle of a desire to create a pleasant travel experience for customers and FAA regulations regarding carry-on bags that limit where they are able to stow the overflow.

In this case, The Sky Steward says you were very generous to not make a fuss but you definitely had a right to speak up and let the flight attendant know (if there was time to do so) so that she/he could have pulled the correct bag out of the bin. The other passenger should be ashamed of himself. He most likely missed his connection

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