by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Qantas is not the most popular choice of airline to fly between New Zealand and Australia. However, despite its shortcomings, Qantas does have its virtues.
In the eternal race for passenger dollars, Qantas falls miserably in their trans-Tasman route, i.e., the route between New Zealand and Australia. While Qantas often has cheaper fares than many of the other more popular carriers, the difference is not so much that it can always convince travelers to sit through three to four hours with no entertainment on demand.
However, on my early morning June 2019 flight between Auckland and Melbourne, I found the Qantas offering to be spacious because the flight was not complete, the staff to be friendly, and the lack of seatback entertainment was especially conducive to sleep.
Spare Seats on Qantas
Having a spare seat next to one on a flight is like finding gold. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the sheer good luck makes one want to buy a lottery ticket immediately. Flying off-peak increases your chances of discovering airline gold.
I can recommend the 6:30 a.m. flight on a Saturday morning. If the flight is not complete, you may find the seat next to you has been blocked out for your comfort. Also, having a spare seat next to you makes it more convenient for stashing belongings and empty meal trays.
If you are a tall person, a spare seat next to you may not immediately alleviate the problem of knocking your knees on the seat in front, but it will at least let you splay your knees out wider.
Friendly Staff on Qantas
Qantas has not always had the best reputation for friendly staff. But not on the trans-Tasman route. The Qantas flights are serviced by their subsidiary, Jetconnect, which has a well-earned reputation for attracting quality cabin crew.
Even first thing in the morning, the crew are impeccably groomed and looking genuinely happy to be there. They hit the right note of friendliness and subordination, and of course, their New Zealand accents make kiwis feel right at home.
Entertainment on Qantas
For an airline that services the trans-Tasman route as frequently as Qantas, it seems bizarre that they would be so behind in updating their economy product regarding entertainment. Currently, there is no individual seatback entertainment, although that may change before the end of 2019.
However, for those not keen on watching movies at 6 a.m., the lack of seatback entertainment has several advantages:
- there are no distractions, which is conducive to catching up on sleep missed from having to get up early
- Some people find the individual screens too close to view comfortably, so the lack of screens eases pressure on the eyes; just for fun, try watching the movie which will show on various screens suspended from the ceiling, without the sound. You will be amazed at how much you can still follow the storyline.
Fly Qantas Between New Zealand and Australia
If you don’t mind flying off-peak and would rather play sudoku or sleep than watch movies, consider Qantas for your next flight between New Zealand and Australia. You may find yourself lucky enough to have a spare seat next to you, a friendlier cabin crew than you might be accustomed to, and more time to sleep or read instead of individual seatback entertainment.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Seize the opportunity to get as close as you can outside of Egypt to Tutankhamun, the ‘image of the living god,’ by visiting the touring exhibition.
The mystery and speculation surrounding the short life of Egypt’s famous boy-king, Tutankhamun, is one that many of my generations have enjoyed learning about. TUTANKHAMUN AND THE PHAROS AGE However, it is currently in Melbourne, Australia, which is the tour’s final stop before heading back to Egypt after November 2018.
The exhibition is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the relics of the most famous archaeological discovery in history. Take the audio tour for more information than what is posted on the exhibits. And do not miss the Egypt 3D movie, which is filled with additional information that helps place the exhibition in a historical context.
Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to see Egypt’s Treasures Outside of Egypt.
Almost everyone has heard of King Tutankhamun and the extraordinary discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. Melbourne is the last stop of the touring Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition, so it is the final opportunity to see the artifacts from this incredible archaeological find.
The exhibit is well executed. The mystery surrounding the boy king’s short life and death translates well with darkened rooms and spotlighted presentations designed to emulate the atmosphere of discovery and reverence. In addition, large black and white wall photos of the original resting places of many of the artifacts help to place them in context.
The final of nine rooms that house the exhibition displays the artifacts found on Tutankhamun’s body. An inlaid floor display conveys the size of the nested coffins and caskets that housed Tutankhamun’s mummy. It helps one to understand how his mummy was able to remain undisturbed for so long.
Outside of the exhibition, a replica of his preserved body accompanies information about the procedures to extract DNA and other scientific discoveries that infer information about his state of health in life and the likely causes of his death.
Opt for the Audio Tour of the Tutankhamun Exhibition for Additional Information
If you are like me and absorb information better when spoken, instead of having to read it, then the audio tour will suit you perfectly. The audio tour provides additional details to 21 of the 130 artifacts. The audio hardware is on a cord, so you can hang it around your neck when you are not using it.
Narrated by Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif, the information is both authoritative and entertaining. While he includes the same information as the descriptions on the exhibits, he gives a more significant explanation of the context with more information designed to fill out the historical and cultural significance of the artifacts.
View the Egypt 3D Movie Before Viewing the Tutankhamun Exhibition
Not included in the leading exhibition is the Egypt 3D movie. Therefore, it is an additional cost to the collection. Still, it provides an excellent preview and setting to appreciate better the historical significance of the treasures you are about to view in the top show.
The movie centers on the 1881 discovery of the final resting place of twelve of Egypt’s pharaohs. Hidden far from where was previously believed to be their last resting places, the coffins had been transferred to unmarked caverns deep underground to evade pillaging grave robbers. The film is an excellent prequel to the 1922 tomb discovery. The exhibition fills up the blanks.
The Golden Age of the Pharaohs
For those who have never been to Egypt but have always wanted to visit, an exciting method to tap into the enthusiasm and real-life mystery of one of Egypt’s most significant legacies. But, of course, it is not every day that one gets to stand right next to the coffin of a pharaoh or to gaze upon the golden treasures of a culture so the old one can hardly comprehend. Nonetheless, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is a must-see show.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
To fly or not to fly? Why do some airlines deem it safe to fly while others stay grounded during volcanic ash cloud disruptions?
In June 2017, the volcanic ash clouds from the eruption of Chile’s Mt Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano disrupted the travel plans of thousands of travelers. In addition, they ground hundreds of flights in Australia and New Zealand. While no one blames the airlines for this event, confusion emerged when some airlines such as Air New Zealand and Emirates continued to operate while others like Qantas and Jet Star stayed grounded.
For those airlines that remained grounded, were they playing it safe? And if one airline continues to fly, does that mean it is taking risks? Can an airline fly safely under or around an ash cloud, and if yes, why not all airlines? And why does one airline provide accommodation for affected travelers while others don’t?
Grounding Flights During Volcanic Ash Clouds
Something is comforting about your flight being grounded due to volcanic ash clouds in the flight path. Make no mistake. It is inconvenient, but if the recent coverage of the thousands of passengers stranded around Australian and New Zealand airports showed anything, it was overall, travelers understood.
The confusion only began to arise when travelers learned that some airlines continued to fly while others remained grounded. Qantas insisted that company safety standards dictated that where there was the known existence of any volcanic ash in or around a flight path, their flights would not operate. Moreover, because the information available to them could not determine any measure of the ash density, they would not be flying.
This satisfied travelers for the first couple of days but once the grounding of flights was leading into the fourth and fifth day, and other airlines such as Air New Zealand and Emirates continued to operate without any aircraft falling out of the sky, the tide of understanding began to turn against Qantas. Qantas travelers demanded to be transferred to other airlines. I was one of them.
What is the Risk of Flying Under or Around Volcanic Ash Plumes?
One must believe that an airline will not fly if there is any uncertainty about safety. It is a morbid thought, but with each passing day that I was delayed due to the volcanic ash cloud, I was heartened that Air New Zealand and Emirates were continuing to fly without any of the airplanes falling out of the sky.
Air New Zealand insisted that they could see where the ash cloud lay. Therefore, they could safely fly at lower altitudes beneath the ash cloud and skirt around the outside as deemed necessary. Of course, more fuel would be required because the journey takes longer at lower altitudes. Yet as seats were snapped up and flights were taking off without a single spare seat, I do not doubt that they recouped any additional fuel costs.
All the while, rumors started to circulate about why Qantas refused to operate their aircraft. Maybe they didn’t want to pay more for petrol. If this was false, it was understandable. In the last twelve months, Qantas has given redundancy to hundreds of cabin crew and senior-level management. In addition, it has struggled to claw itself into a better state of financial health.
In the past year, the airline has also been plagued by a string of bad press ranging from parts of its new Airbus A380 coming loose in flight, tires bursting on arrival, dramatic losses in cabin pressure causing injury, and continued staffing strikes. So it is no wonder that the airline did not want to enter into any situation that could be misconstrued as unsafe.
Communication with and Alternative Arrangements for Disrupted Travellers
When a natural event disrupts travelers on this volcanic event’s scale, the accurate measure of an airline’s contingency processes is rigorously tested. It also reminds travelers of some fundamental home truths when flying.
All airlines seek to give as much notice of disruptions to travelers as quickly as possible. But they need the traveler’s contact information to do so. Therefore, when you make a flight booking, you advise the airline of your mobile phone number and frequent flyer number. For example, duringWe were phoned and texted by Qantas during this disruption to notify of delays.
In the event of a weather disruption out of the airline’s control, it is not the airline’s responsibility to find accommodation for travelers. A few airlines will see it as a gesture of goodwill. However, it is unreasonable to expect an airline to accommodate thousands of disrupted travelers for an indefinite time due to an event beyond their control.
An event such as this is a timely reminder of why travelers should never travel without travel insurance. Travel insurance should always be factored into the cost of travel. My travel insurance for this trip saved us thousands of dollars in additional flights and accommodation.
Volcanic Ash Disruptions to Air Travellers
The grounding of flights in Australia and New Zealand during the recent Chilean volcano ash plume was controversial. Qantas played it safe but will have suffered for it financially to the tune of reportedly AUD21 million. However, air New Zealand modified its aircraft patterns, minimized disturbance, and emerged victorious on the day.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Flying Delta is now an application in mobile. Checking in for flights from Salt Lake City and other cities is now available on most web-enabled cell phones.
I received a Delta email a few weeks ago. I assumed it was an update on my travel itinerary to Hawaii. I was excited to go on my first real vacation in a few years, and I was secretly hoping to read that I was generously upgraded to first class. I was not, unfortunately, elevated, but I was invited to download a Delta application for my mobile phone. The email informed me that the application would allow me to keep track of my frequent flyer miles, check for flight status updates, and check-in for my upcoming flights. The email even promised to add 1,000 miles to my account to download and use the application, so I decided to try it.
Check-in was a breeze.
Before leaving for my flight, I checked Delta’s Mobile Check-in instructions. I checked in to my flight from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas on my cell phone, downloaded my boarding pass, and proceeded through TSA. I wasn’t sure what to do when I approached the security agent, so I handed him my phone and driver’s license. He verified my information and then instructed me how to scan my phone under their electronic device. Getting through the first checkpoint was hassle-free.
As it came time to board the airplane, I showed my phone to the agent at the gate. She helped me scan my phone. There wasn’t anybody behind me, so I asked the agent how many people use this E-boarding Pass. She said she sees maybe ten passengers use smartphones to check-in and download their boarding passes a day. So I was the first passenger to use my phone as a boarding pass for the day.
Check-in from Las Vegas to Los Angeles—yes, I had many connecting flights in this boarding pass experiment—was just as smooth. Unfortunately, when it came time to board for my flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, I could not log in to the application. After a minor panic attack, I wondered if I would be stuck in the airport and not be able to continue to my vacation destination. I got in a long line to talk with a ticketing agent, but then it dawned on me—my frequent flyer number is listed on the application’s login screen. I could quickly go to any one of the ticket kiosks, type in my number, and print out a paper ticket for my flight. The issue was resolved in a flash.
E-boarding Pass
As it turns out, the boarding Pass is currently available in approximately 70 airports serviced by Delta Airlines. Passengers who choose to use their smartphones for their travels would be wise to check Delta’s website before checking in through their phone. Another downside of this service is the cell phone reception and service availability at different destinations, but Delta continues to have traditional check-in desks and kiosks at all airports.
The boarding pass is available on most web-enabled phones and PDAs through the following service providers: AT&T, Alltel, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon within the United States. In addition, applications can be downloaded to many Android and iPhone smartphones. Unfortunately, I haven’t received my 1,000 frequent flyer mile bonus for downloading and using the application yet, but I hope to see it added to my account soon.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Travel insurance is a must-have nowadays. The insurance will cover canceled trips and flights and medical help if you are injured.
Why not ensure your trips like your house, vehicle, and health? Unfortunately, there are stories of those on vacation who find themselves without a holiday because the flights were canceled or the hotel canceled your reservation, or worse, lost your reservation. Every day, luggage gets misplaced, and it is increasingly becoming the norm.
Things happen while on vacation, and there is nothing anyone can do about that, but there are ways to make the adverse events more palpable. Even the worst vacation stories will probably not make you cancel your vacation. Travelers have been spared the drastic effects of a vacation snafu, allowing them to return home and regale their family and friends with tales of a break interrupted.
Travel insurance will save the day by ensuring the traveler for insurable events before or during a vacation. For example, you are covered if your holiday is canceled or interrupted. Your baggage is protected if lost or stolen. If you incur medical expenses, including hospitalization, you are covered, but only if insured.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance for You
No one travel insurance policy will cover every little detail of the vacation, but it will cover loss due to trip cancellation either before or during the trip. It will cover the loss or damage of personal property or loss or damage of rental vehicles, cancellation of hotels and flights, and other travel alternatives. Travel insurance will also cover medical care and hospitalization, and evacuation in case of severe illness or injury. Make sure you check out the travel insurance plans carefully and thoroughly.
Before choosing your travel insurance package, list where you are going and what you will do when you get there. For example, you might not need anything in the heavy-handed hospitalization area if you are a typical sight-seer. On the other hand, if you are skiing or skydiving, your travel insurance includes hospitalization and emergency rooms. You may find out that country status might void your health insurance coverage, and having access to medical care while on vacation is essential.
If you are visiting an area of the world where strife might flare up, and it will be in your best interest to evacuate, you will be lucky to have travel insurance to help you do that. Otherwise, you may hurry to take refuge in the local embassy, canceling all of your enjoyable plans.
The Cost of Travel Insurance
The cost of travel insurance varies, the person’s age to be insured, the length of stay, the destination, and any preexisting medical conditions you may have. The more that is covered, the more costly the policy will be.
A comprehensive plan is usually available, and one most travelers seem to take. It covers the most unexpected events that could ever take place. You will have adequate health coverage and a variety of related travel coverage.
A medical plan covers health-related incidents such as accidents and illness. It is a favorite of those who do a lot of hiking or cross country skiing or related physical activity.
Domestic coverage is suitable for those who are not traveling beyond the country’s borders.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Travel insurance is advised before a vacation. The chance of the traveler experiencing difficulties is more significant than you think.
Acquire travel insurance straight from a provider. Additionally, some premium credit cards provide travel insurance that may be appropriate for your situation. Buy in person, via phone, or online. If you often travel, you may have a standing travel insurance package set up with your travel insurance specialist, or you may buy a package that covers all trips during the year or a specified time frame.
If you opt to buy travel insurance through a premium credit card, check the terms and conditions carefully for any limitations placed on travel. You may also be required to pay for your trip with that credit card to take advantage of the travel insurance. However, some premium credit card travel insurance programs are free. In contrast, others may charge a minimal fee for the coverage, which could be less costly than an independent travel insurance package.
Make sure the coverage offered fits your trip entirely and will cover any elements undertaken during the trip. For example, if you are going on a skiing or skydiving vacation, the coverage should include hospitalization and death benefits.
Checklist for Travel Insurance
Ensuring your health is critical while traveling. If you are abroad, your health insurance may not cover any health-related issues, even if it is persistent. If your health care covers health-related matters while on vacation, it may only cover certain aspects of a certain level of expense. The best travel plan will include unlimited medical coverage no matter where you travel.
Before choosing travel insurance, understand what you are covered for and what coverage does not include. The details of the plan are always available in a disclosure brochure. The information can be requested from the travel agent insurance provider or found online. Read the material attentively and comprehend the strategy.
The travel insurance plan must cover the events you will participate in or encounter while away. For example, if you embark on a skiing or bungee jumping vacation, make sure plenty of hospitalization is included, especially evacuation and transport back home for medical care or with medical attendants if necessary.
Check the travel insurance plan if there is coverage for weather or environmental-related events and the necessity to leave that country immediately. For example, if you are visiting a country where strife and unrest break out, is there a plan and coverage to allow you to leave the country and seek a haven before continuing home?
In addition to health care coverage, you want your travel insurance plan to cover the cost of a canceled trip in whole or in part. The point of insurance is to prevent the trip from costing money and not being able to take advantage of it. Other things to make sure are covered canceled flights, lost or damaged luggage, alternate transportation, and housing. Travel insurance usually does not cover travel expenses incurred if you cancel or revise the travel plans for no apparent reason.
Other Travel Insurance Coverage
Some travel insurance plans cover car rentals in case of an accident, mechanical failure, or personal property theft from the vehicle. The coverage may also include a car you hire consisting of a driver and a rental you drive yourself. If you utilize a car for many of your trips, be sure the vehicle is covered somewhere in your travel plans.
