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Dear Sky Steward is in the middle of a massive refurbishment similar to the one being carried out at Miami International Airport. Only ours will not take 20 years and cost $15 Billion. Be sure to visit us at our new home. http://www.dearksysteward.com
Dear Sky Steward,
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
Thank goodness! Seeing Southwest Airlines take over Frontier Airlines would be like watching redneck relatives of Sarah Palin blowing away a beautiful herd of deer. Southwest has so many wonderful things about them, but if you gave me a choice of who to fly, Southwest or Frontier, I would definitely be flying with the animals!
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You see, although I prefer airlines with a premium cabin; puff, puff :) I do love airlines like Frontier that take things to a higher level and their animals do a great job of adding 'heart' to a business that has become more and more cutthroat. Others are Virgin America and Jetblue of course and it would be so nice if the majors got the lead out and raised their standards a bit. Even Air Tran has managed to introduce WiFi fleet wide.
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
Everyone know that I absolutely adore Virgin America! They are coming to Fort Lauderdale on November 18th with 2 nonstops each way to both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Here are some photos from my last Virgin America flight.
Give them a try and I guarantee they will spoil you for other airlines. Let me know how much you love them.
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
I was waiting on some friends to fly into Miami on Swiss International recently. Swiss and many other international airlines use the new J concourse at Miami International Airport. A Carybe mural that was located in the American Airlines terminal at JFK airport has landed at Miami Airport near the international arrivals area of concourse J.
The AA terminal at JFK that was home to the mural was demolished and thanks to a group of American Airlines employees that took action to save the mural, there are many people that will enjoy it for decades to come.
Here is a picture of the AA terminal the mural was located in at JFK. This terminal has since been demolished.
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
The Sky Steward sounds off about airline loyalty programs. Some friends gently broke the news to him that they were considering leaving the AAdvantage program and moving on to airlines that have provided them with better service.
Did you know that the Sky Steward is still an active Purser for American? Yes, it's true and although he loves the airline, he can't help but understand where his friends are coming from.
Note of warning from the Sky Steward: "Some AA upper management that have not left to Jet Blue or Virgin America may be offended by the content of this video...Please accept my apology for any inconvenience this may cause you" (Have become very used to saying this...it just flows off the tongue)
Watch the video:
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
Many travelers, old enough to remember the days when people actually got dressed up to travel, sometimes long for a return to these time when flying was much more civilized. We must remind ourselves that back then, they did not have inflight WiFi and live TV at every seat; but they did have much more style!
I had a very enjoyable visit to the Flight Path Museum at Los Angeles International Airport. The museum is located along the runway just across from the passenger terminals. The building was actually used as a terminal years ago by MGM Grand Air, which operated luxury VIP flights from L.A. to New York.
My favorite part of the visit was being able to spend time with the elegant hostesses of the museum, all former airline personnel. Many of them were stewardesses trained at a time when hostess colleges were more like Miss Porter's Preparatory School than a generic corporate training complex.
If you have the time to visit the museum, it is worth the trip. There is no transportation from the terminals to Flight Path, but if you rent a car, it's about a five minute drive.
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
Woman's thirst for first class has her seeking air-travel advice
Yet another question posed to the Sky Steward regarding first class upgrades. Will the desire for first class luxury ever subside? Click title to see post on examiner.com
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
See? We're not crazy!This just in: U.S. airlines serve the worst food The Stew - A taste of Chicago's food, wine and dining scene Click on link for full story. One bright spot is the new Managing Director of Inflight Products (this includes meals) at AA. Not only is he hot, he has a great team that is on task!
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Months ago, I received a letter from a Sunwing Airlines customer who shared her frightening experience in which she witnessed a flight attendant creating sparks inflight by manipulating an emergency light in an effort to entertain her fellow crew members with a high-flying pyrotechnics display. The passenger wrote a letter to Sunwing describing this and the overall shocking behavior of this company representative.
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
I've been hearing so much about inflight WiFi and
wanted to try it the last time that I flew between LAX and JFK; only the last time I was too tired to fire up my laptop. I had another chance this morning and I am writing you now from 40,000 feet up in my business class seat on American Airlines from JFK to LAX. You know what? It works like a charm! I've visited Bonobos online to do some trouser shopping (their pants are perfect for traveling), checked my bank account balance, and then I just could not keep myself away from the temptation to blog so here I am!
Dear Sky Steward,
Dear Sky Steward:
Dear Sky Steward,
I have a business associate that often listens to hypnosis podcasts when traveling. He says that it allows him to relax and reprogram himself. Have you heard of this? Does it work? If yes, Where can I get some? 
Sincerely,
Wanting to Stop Smoking
Charleston, WV
Dear Smokey,
Good news. It may be possible for you to lose your desire for cigarettes while taking just one "red-eye"!
Yes, the Sky Steward has not only heard of "in-flight hypnosis" as a way to reprogram and recharge while traveling, he has several of the downloads on his MP3 player.
Below, you will find an interesting article about this topic from Mark Tyrrell who founded a company that produces hypnosis podcasts. Let us know how it works for you.
Reassuring Reasons why Hypnosis is your Friend by Mark Tyrrell
Believe the hype or think for yourself
For too long hypnosis has had a bad or 'difficult' press. If a person doesn't understand something they have 3 options open to them.
1) They might be sceptical and therefore save the trouble of looking further and possibly benefiting.
2) They may conclude it is dangerous and to be avoided at all costs.
3) They may spend time discovering the truth behind the hype.
If you don't know much about a topic it's easy to be suspicious. Some people assume hypnosis is akin to a carnival side show, others consider it mystic mumbo jumbo or 'mind control.' For those who look beyond the hype the truth is far more illuminating.
The most powerful tool you possess
There are potentially huge benefits for those who use hypnosis as part of everyday life. When you understand hypnosis you start to see its potential to improve human performance in the physical, emotional and intellectual realms. For me, rumour, gossip and suspicion weren't good enough.
I determined to learn all I could about hypnosis - I learned every fact and practised every technique under the sun. I took several training courses - some good, some terrible. I invested thousands of hours of devoted study to hypnosis and discovered just what is possible. I hypnotised friends, neighbours and work colleagues. Hypnosis greatly changed things for me on a personal level
How hypnosis helped me
I used to be shy. Thanks to hypnosis I can now talk to thousands at a time and can approach anybody calmly and confidently.
I used to have poor concentration and procrastinate; thanks to hypnosis I can instantly motivate myself.
I used to find physical work outs and exercise exhausting but because of hypnosis I am now in the best shape of my life.
Incidentally I also stopped myself blushing with hypnosis. Now if ever I have a difficult call or conversation coming up, something I may naturally feel reluctant to do (you know the kind of thing) I spontaneously self hypnotise and rehearse the upcoming situation feeling good, with myself remaining calm. In this way I habitually set my own emotional 'blue prints' for up coming situations. Having said that it's naturally that some people have concerns or half digested 'hand me down' ideas regarding hypnosis. A common one is the one about 'mind control.' However what does this really mean?
Why you are more in control of yourself in hypnosis
If someone expresses concerns about being 'controlled' in hypnosis what they mean is they don't want to be like a robot, an automaton that is forced to obey the every whim of the hypnotist. We can't help but influence others but we don't control them. To understand why you need to understand hypnosis better.
So what is hypnosis like?
Hypnosis isn't like a coma. It's not unconsciousness - more a subtle shifting of consciousness. In hypnosis, you can still think logically but you also have access to the 'software' of your mind so that you can update instinctive emotional and physical responses. In fact the hypnotised subject (not the hypnotist) calls the shots. When I hypnotise someone I need to go at their speed and respond to their needs and expectations. Hypnosis will give you more control in your own life because of what it enables you to do.
How can I be so sure?
Because over the decades I've seen all kinds of people, all ages and from all backgrounds turn their lives around thanks to hypnosis. When you use hypnosis for yourself it improves confidence in all kinds of ways. When you use it to change other's lives it just blows you away. This is what I mean.
When I first hypnotised someone to feel no sensation in a painful arthritic arm it was an incredible feeling. When I first cured life long phobias quickly and comfortably I was astounded. When I stopped hardened alcoholics from drinking and even got a heroin addict off the stuff and back into mainstream life again I started to feel angry that people could just associate hypnosis with entertainment.
With the aid of hypnosis I (and many people I have trained and worked with) have helped severely depressed people feel strong and positive again. The rewards and satisfactions are hard to describe. I'm going to take a stand against ignorance and short sightedness around hypnosis and here's why.
Why you need to reclaim hypnosis for yourself
Hypnosis is your birthright. It's nature's optimum learning tool. In fact to learn and perform anything well you need to experience a natural focussing of attention, a natural kind of hypnosis. To be successful hypnosis needs to be your companion and friend.
Successful people use it naturally all the time because hypnosis is natural. It's the way we learn new responses. Unlike medications its side effects are purely positive - one expectant mother I worked with to feel relaxed during child birth later reported that she was also more relaxed when flying!
Hypnosis is easy to learn and every body can benefit. Hypnosis is a safe environment to 'try out' new behaviours and emotional patterns before you experience them for real. So the young man can ask a woman out for a date many times in calm relaxed hypnosis so that by the time he does it for real it feels real and natural and relaxed. Sports people who use hypnosis learn new quicker and more accurately. So hypnosis gives you more control of yourself and your life, it's natural and gives you instant benefits and it's a way of 'trying on' and establishing new patterns of emotional response and behaviour, Hypnosis enables you to develop yourself as a human being.
HypnosisDownloads.com offer a free course called 'Learn Hypnosis in 5 Days'.
Article by Mark Tyrrell of Hypnosis Downloads.com.
The Latest iPhone Application That Reads to your Kids! Warning: Shown to reduce inflight seat kicking.
When traveling with the children, one of the biggest challenges is to keep them occupied while staying away from mindless videos or games. There is now an incredibly cool application that turns an iPhone into a very engaging storyteller. iStoryTime is offered for use on the iPhone and offers a library of illustrated and narrated children’s books that may be instantly downloaded over the air; making them available from virtually anywhere.
Children are able to choose whether they would like the book narrated by a child or an adult. The application is super easy to use since “it was designed for 2 year olds”, according to iStoryTime.
Here are some of the features offered by iStoryTime: 
Be sure to let us know your experience with iStoryTime. Connect with iStoryTime on iTunes
Dear Sky Steward,
What is your opinion about passengers that are too big to occupy a seat without invading the space of others sitting next to them? I had this happen to me recently and it was super uncomfortable!
Regards,
Squeezed in 24J
Dear Freshly Squeezed,
The Sky Steward has discussed this issue before on the blog, but it has surfaced again since United Airlines began enforcing its policy to protect the comfort of large customers and those seated around them. The Sky Steward believes that everyone should be comfortable. Unfortunately for the larger customer, it requires the purchase of extra space either by purchasing another coach seat or buying a more spacious seat in business or first class.
Dear Sky Steward,
I have a question. I am flying Delta to Italy in July and we are not flying business class. Do you have any suggestions for me so my flight won't be as horrifying as I think it will be for that long of a flight? I just want to be able to walk when I get off of the plane.
Sincerely,
Longing for Legroom
Dear L.L.
The Sky Steward definitely understands your concerns. He would like to pass along two different methods to deal with “coach-itis” as he calls it.
1. Make Coach More Comfortable. Here are some things The Sky Steward does to make his flights as a customer more comfortable on the rare occasion he ends up in economy :)
2. The Upgrade Bag. The Sky Steward claims a 57% success rate with this method. Of course, 
there must be seats open in the premium cabins in order to provide the most benefit. Create a special gourmet gift bag for your flight crew. This gift bag is to be presented to the Purser or Flight Service Director of your flight to be shared with the entire crew. With some Godiva Chocolates, a Mrs. Prindables Apple, and a bag of gourmet popcorn, The Sky Steward snagged himself an upgrade to first class on Air Canada from Tel Aviv to Toronto (12-hour flight)!
Create your upgrade bag by visiting your nearest gourmet grocery store and assembling items that may be shared by the entire crew. Cookies, candies (gourmet of course) nut mixes, and any other items you can place into an attractive gift bag will delight your crew and make you the favorite passenger of the flight. Visit Dean and Deluca for some ideas.
In cases where the premium cabins are full, The Sky Steward has achieved an 87% success rate of being treated like royalty from take-off to touchdown after presenting one of these bags to the crew. Is this just blatant “mile high bribery”? Maybe, but The Sky Steward says, “why not let the crew know they're appreciated and possibly get better service at the same time?"
Dear Sky Steward:
who was watching the movie, had to join me for an impromptu game of charades when out of nowhere, the entertainment system shut down as well. 
I wrote to Delta about this experience and have heard nothing. Am I being a whiner? What should I do?
Dear Readers,
The Sky Steward, Gailen David, was recently quoted in an MSNBC.COM article regarding the current state of commercial airline service in the US. You may find this article quite interesting.
The Sky Steward continues his campaign to improve travel by promoting Jetiquette. Here is a transcript of a recent address given at Washington Reagan National Airport:
"Hello, I’m Gailen David. In my campaign to promote Jetiquette; I’ve met so many people doing their best to provide exceptional service in spite of many years of challenges in the airline industry. You can’t open up a newspaper without coming across an article chronicling the deterioration of customer service provided by US airlines.
I often ask myself how we’ve gotten to this place and why some airlines in the US do not have the same difficulties satisfying their customers. The most obvious common denominator is the labor management relationship. It seems that the airlines that have more harmonious relationships with their employees, show higher rates of customer satisfaction. Companies with more adversarial environments are seeing higher rates of dissatisfaction among their customers; something that any company cannot afford, at least for very long.
We all know that Southwest Airlines has maintained its position as one of the most well regarded and successful airlines in the world. From the day that Southwest Airlines took flight in 1971, they’ve looked at their people as their most valuable asset. Southwest’s leaders have promoted a spirit of teamwork that serves as its foundation and that in the end results in a customer experience that has made their fun and friendly approach to air travel legendary. You could say it’s because Southwest’s employees are some of the most highly paid in the industry. Although that’s true..I don’t think that’s the whole story. I think it’s all about treating your employees the rights way that prepares them to take care of the customer.
Unfortunately, a much different picture has been painted at many of the nation’s legacy airlines. Despite their extensive route networks, fortress hubs, and vast resources these large airlines possess, they’ve been unable to improve their overall performance and change how their perceived by the general public, as unfriendly, undependable, and even uncaring. In my opinion, the root of the problems at the legacy airlines is the leadership or lack of leadership. These airlines remain plagued by the same problems that existed when many in management first took their positions, some decades ago, but the improvements are negligible. In some cases, as these airlines have laid off workers, grounded planes, and cut routes, these ineffective management teams have continued to take lavish bonuses. I believe that when a corporation furloughs employees or reporting losses, executives should not be permitted to take bonuses for a period of at least 12 months.
For many years, these teams have claimed that bonuses are required to retain talent…well, the truth of the matter is that today’s environment gives access to many talented managers that also have the leadership qualities necessary to keep these companies from suffering the same fate or need of bailout we’ve all witness recently in the banking and auto industries.
Now what does this have to do with you, the airline passenger? Unfortunately, when poor management results in a perpetually antagonistic relationship between labor and management, the customer undoubtedly ends up caught in the crossfire. I spend a lot of time speaking to employees about providing exceptional customer service and the biggest challenge I regularly encounter is a dysfunctional labor/management relationship. It does not have to be this way. The truth is, no one wins in these situations, including the stockholders. It’s a complex problem and the solution starts with having the right people at the top!
I remain optimistic that if everyone stands together and demands swift changes in the management at our nation’s largest carriers, we will all benefit. It’s time to make traveling by air enjoyable again. I’m Gailen David, the Sky Steward. "
Link: Compare executive bonuses at airlines and corporations such as Google
and sometimes twice per year. Needless to say, I've become very familiar with the Virgin Atlantic staff at the check-in counter through the years and have even noticed the changes that have taken place as the airline has adjusted to changes at Miami Airport and in the airline industry in general. For instance, I've come to recognize that some of the staff at the check-in counter are actual Virgin Atlantic employees and some are outsourced ticketing personnel. The outsourced personnel have always been extremely courteous and represent Virgin Atlantic very well.
The last few of times I've flown VA from Miami to London, I've witnessed very unprofessional behavior from one of the female VA supervisors when dealing with the outsourced ticket agents that check in customers. In one case, a ticket agent had a question for the VA supervisor and was scolded in front of the customers standing in the ticketing queue for having to ask "yet again" and was told that she "wasn't getting it". I felt so badly for the ticket agent who was being humiliated in front of her coworkers and the customers waiting to be checked in.
Dear Sky Steward:
attention to her. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to observe a name tag but she was a young female with long brown hair that was in a ponytail. During take off she was seated in the front of the aircraft with a male flight attendant of Asian decent. I began to observe more and more instances of unprofessional behavior by this woman to the point that I decided to start writing them down. I shall provide my notes below for your review. Please be advised they may not be in order.
Dear C.S.,
Lately it seems that the only airlines taking drastic steps to transform the in-flight experience into something extraordinary are in those based in the Middle East. Well, loosen up your seatbelt, because there is an airline based in the UK that is giving those of us who fly mostly in 
the west something to look forward to on our next flight. BMI Airlines has "Flying Chefs" onboard their long-haul flights to delight those passengers seated in business class with restaurant quality cuisine. BMI is based in the UK with major operations at London Heathrow and Manchester.
This innovative airline does not stop there. Customer benefit when it comes to the high standards they place on their aircraft interiors as well. The cabins of their business class and premium economy sections offer superior comfort. If you want to enjoy the scrumptious creations prepared by one of 18 of their professional onboard chefs, you'll have to spring for a business class seat.I'll give you more details about this delicious airline later. I've got to get on a plane!
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Miami International Airport is undergoing an extensive capital improvements program that is several years behind schedule. The South Terminal is completed, but the North Terminal Project that will serve the majority of MIA’s passengers who fly American Airlines will not be completed until 2011. In the end, customers will enjoy a very modern, spacious, and functional terminal with many shops and restaurants to choose from. Of course, we all love La Carreta, but we need some additional choices, if only to control our waistlines. I ate their Imperial Rice six times one month and gained about ten pounds.
I should get to my point. Miami Airport is still charging customers for WiFi access! With all of the inconveniences the airport imposes on those who pass through the terminal, the least they could do is offer free WiFi access. The main terminal is extremely crowded with cramped drop off areas, broken escalators, spotty a/c, and dated everything! The least they could do is offer free internet access to passengers. Here is a link to the many airports throughout the US that are displaying exceptional Jetiquette, by offering free WiFi.
Miami Airport is not the only airport that also owes it to their customer to add electrical outlets or additional recharging stations to all concourses. I went on a search for electrical outlets and found many to either be inactive or completely worn and loose so that electronics would not stay plugged in.
Leslie Fisher's Blog: And you thought you were safe from iPhone posts while I was in New Zealand
(Click title to be taken to story)
Here is a great post about how Air New Zealand is making traveling easier with apps for devices such as the iPhone. Check it out.
One of the reasons certain people suffer from anxiety when they must travel by air is simply because they feel a loss of control; asked to follow one instruction after another and in some cases, to put up with unfair treatment from personnel on the ground or in the air. I now know what it is like first hand to be the subject or object of a crewmember’s fury. I’ve been a flight attendant for over 20 years and I have also earned elite status in one particular airline’s frequent flier program, so I am able to see a passenger/crewmember conflict from both perspectives; at least that is what I thought. Nothing could prepare me for the feelings I had as a passenger that was not only misunderstood, but mistreated. I remember that my mother used to tell me, after I misbehaved, that my children would be ten times worse. I think the experience I am about to tell you about is a sure sign that the same principle applies to being a nasty customer service worker. When finally in the position of the customer, paybacks are hell!
Do you deal with the public? Are you fed up with the customers and/or your company? Would you like to be able to feel differently? Well, read my book :)Jetiquette...The Customer Experience and You
I flew as a non-revenue traveler from Barbados to Miami and was given a seat in business class. My seat was in the first row of the 757, just behind the bulkhead. As I waited for departure, I heard a few boarding announcements that sounded pretty snippy. “If you’re standing in the aisle...step in, you’re blocking other passengers”, not “Ladies and gentleman, welcome aboard. We invite you to be comfortably seated. If you’ve reached your row, thank you for stepping in to allow other customers to pass. We appreciate your cooperation….Again, welcome aboard from your flight crew.” Something like that would have really set a nice tone. Later, I was able to come face to face with the lady behind the voice. Rather than think too much about the irritating announcements, I decided to just sit back and have a positive attitude. After all, I was fortunate enough to be seated in Business Class right?
Now is where things really started to go downhill. As we pushed back from the gate, I heard a gentleman seated behind me tell his son that the aircraft next to us was a 747-400. I thought about what a great time it was for me to shoot a little video of the plane with my mini video camera. As I turned the camera on, I heard a voice, “Turn it off!” I looked up and it was a flight attendant that I had not seen until then. She just stared at me with a “come make my day” sort of look. I turned my camera off and I could tell that the look on my face that described my feelings of shock and amazement. Here is the dialogue that ensued:
“Any questions?” she said.
“Sorry, I was just trying to take a video as we push back” I replied.
“Well, it is FAA and you need to watch the safety video. Turn your camera off and watch the video”
A Quick Self Disclosure: As a part of my shtick as The Sky Steward, I often tell true stories about the period in my career when, as a flight attendant, I began to snap at and/or declare war on those passengers on my flight that committed any random act that for whatever reason disturbed me that day. It was a part of my career that I am not proud of but it is responsible for helping me to recognize one of the most important gifts a customer service career offers and that is the ability to positively influence so many people I come into contact with; whether or not the interactions start off pleasant. It begins with a decision that each and every interaction with a customer will be a pleasant one that will enrich all involved. I will not mention the airline in this story since employees have received instructions that we are not supposed to make public statements about the company. This airline even had me create a video of my journey from “nasty to nice” so that other flight attendants could benefit from what I had learned. It seems like it may be the perfect time to relaunch!
Next time you are frisked when passing through TSA, make it a pleasant experience.
I traveled through DFW's wonderful terminal D and passed through one of the best TSA checkpoints in the US! I love this security checkpoint because it is equipped with a $350,000 "COBRA" X-Ray machine that is similar to a CT Scan machine and allows you to leave your laptop and all other electronics in your bag and it gives TSA agents the ability to take a "virtual tour" of your bag.
While I was waiting for my bags, I thought about how charming all of the personnel were and thought it was about time that I let them know about it. Watch my video!
I want to hear about how you are treated while you are traveling. That is what I live for! As I campaign to be "America's Next Airline CEO" I want to take on all the things that we all find ridiculous about travel and bring more of all the things that we love!
I am compiling a list of items that have to go:
1. Long lines to check bags (We need agents that come to us! and more automation)
2. Bright florescent lights on the plane (Every airline needs lighting like Virgin America has)
3. Airports, Hotels, and Planes with mandatory WiFi (Enough testing, ROLL it OUT)
4. Airports without enough power outlets! BOS and MIA are two, but there are many more! Recharge stations are uncomfortable and crowded, plus just crumbs thrown at serious business travelers.
Add to my list! Twitter me: skysteward
Hi, I'm Gailen...Fly Me! and Watch My Campaign Video on YouTube Join me as I launch my campaign to be America's Next Airline CEO! Here is a link to the official press release. Rather than be disappointed with what is being done at airlines around the United States to create a civilized travel experience, I decided to do something about it! I am embarking on a journey towards a leadership position in the airline industry. Anything is possible! As an airline employee for many years, I know the significant difference one employee can make on just one flight. That is the message I want to deliver to each and every fellow airline employee; that they can make an amazing difference by making one customer's trip just a little bit more enjoyable. Watch my YouTube video as I ask for your vote to become America's Next Airline CEO!
US Helicopter has been flying since 2006. The airline, which offers luxury helicopter service, flies from Manhattan to both JFK and Newark Airports. In addition, there is service to Bridgeport, CT and in the summer they offer the quickest way to the Hamptons.
above the crowd. I was the only passenger on this particular flight so I used that opportunity to imagine what it must feel like to be The Donald. Well, it felt pretty good. I am quite sure Trump must shell out more than $159.00 to fly his helicopter from Manhattan to LaGuardia.
I was seated just behind the Captain for the 8 minute flight. She even pointed out a United Express jet that passed just below us as we neared JFK. Upon landing, I walked off of the helicopter feeling like I was a movie star. The best part of the entire trip was when I walked through the Delta terminal and a passenger asked me if I was the guy that just got off of the helicopter! Who says you can't buy celebrity?
Have you ever noticed that some of the 'buy on board' snacks are just a bunch of sugar and starch? Well, there is an alternative that is being offered on more and more airlines by a very together company that has its finger on the pulse of todays hip traveler. GoPicnic has put together very snazzy snack boxes full of upscale, healthy, and delicious snacks; enough in each box that they can even be shared!
Do you have a travel experience, good or not so good, that you would like to share with The Sky Steward? Write him now!
"I have been receiving many comments from women that feel they are being treated differently from men traveling on the same flight, in the same cabin, maybe even in the same row.
On the Dear Sky Steward Internet Talk Show, I spoke to an Air Tran passenger that claims she experienced this unequal treatment. But that's not all she experienced. The flight attendant on her flight could use a good 'Customer Experience Coaching' ".
Here is another comment regarding onboard gender bias:
The Sky Steward:
Dear Sky Steward,
I am completely fed up with being charged for everything when I fly coach. I flew Spirit Airlines recently and they even charged for a cup of coffee! Now, US Airways annouced that they will be charging for pillows and blankets. I can't believe it.
Dear N.D.,
My 'Luxury Sropover' at London's Milestone Hotel is one of my all time favorites. As a guest of American Express, I stayed at the Milestone for 3 nights in the absolutely enchanting Regent Master Suite, room 308. There are only 57 guest rooms, plus six gorgeous longer-stay apartments and many of the accommodations have direct views of Kensington Palace and Gardens locaed just across the street. Here is a picture of my the room I enjoyed during my stay.
-Each room is individually designed and decorated with custom fabrics and original artwork
-Complimentary wired internet in the rooms with wireless thoughout the hotel
-On-site fitness facilities including a heated resistance pool, full gym, and sauna. Treatments are also available.
The best part about staying at the Milestone is definitely the service. The Milestone team displays an amazing dedication to making the guest experience one that will never be forgotten. General Manager Andrew Pike leads a team of polished, poised professionals dedicated to seeing that each guest that experiences the Milestone will not want to stay anywhere else. They are succeeding as the Milestone has received top awards from Conde Nast and Travel Leisure; being named '#1 for Service' of the Top 500 Hotels in the World.
My "Luxury Layover" at the Milestone has forever spoiled me! Maybe next time, you will join me! http://www.milestonehotel.com/
Dear Sky Steward,
In coach (shudder at the thought), does either passenger have proprietary rights over the arm rest that divides two seats? I recall writing to you previously about this and you told me that you were always very sensitive to this issue with others, but what about others who have no sensitivity to the issue at all? Is it a shared facility (first come, first served?) or is there some code (such as) you get to claim the one on your right?
Signed,
Crowded in Coach
Dear Crowded,
The Sky Steward's first thought about armrests is that passengers must have an understanding that armrests are for their ‘occasional’ use when another passenger is seated in the adjacent seat. Fortunately, in cases when a passenger is seated in an aisle or window seat, they have an armrest to themselves with only the other being shared with a neighbor. As a courtesy, in a row with 3 seats, the passenger in the center should be given use of both armrests as much as possible.
The Sky Steward's suggests travelers position themselves in a way to not use the armrests very often (they are very hard and uncomfortable anyway) since there are better ways to find comfort.
Here are the best ways to avoid using the armrest AND be discover more comfort:
1. Put the tray table down and rest forearms on tray table (surprisingly comfortable)
2. Use a blanket, pillow, or jacket to cushion elbows as they press against the inside of the armrest, just below the top ‘resting’ surface. This is not only easier on the elbows, it is kind gesture towards the neighboring passenger.
The Sky Steward sends his wishes for pleasant travel and first class upgrades!
Dear Sky Steward,
I flew into Dallas today for meetings and although my flight landed this morning, I am still suffering with back pain this evening. It all started when I boarded my flight from Los Angeles and discovered that the person sitting next to me was extremely overweight. I tried to approach it with an understanding attitude, but this wore thin as this large person invaded my space. It caused me to have to practically twist myself as my torso and shoulders were practically pushed out into the aisle.
This person's obliques were literally on my lap. Well, I am exaggerating, but it was so absolutely miserable. What should I do the next time? I promised myself this would be the last flight in which I pay for a seat only to have someone else spill over into it.
Signed, Aching in Anaheim
Dear Aching,
The Sky Steward understands your position and agrees that it is not acceptable for you to be miserable as you travel. He has seen passengers leave the plane because they refuse to sit next to someone that is encroaching on their space. The truth is that people that are too large for one seat, must purchase two. Next time, you have to make the decision to discreetly advise a flight attendant or agent about the situation.
The Sky Steward knows that the last thing you want to do is to humiliate someone and that is why you did your best to endure the situation you had on your flight. Next time, enlist the help of those whose responsibility it is to enforce policies in place to protect the comfort of all.
I love to take cruises and my partner and I were looking for a Mediterranean cruise that was a bit on the exclusive side. Well, I found out about SeaDream Yacht Club. They're based right here in my hometown of Miami, but offer luxury cruises all over the world. I decided to give them a try. 
I found a cruise that left out of Civitavecchia (near Rome) and we were able to spend a couple of days in Rome before boarding a train to the port city. If I had it to do over again, I would schedule a car service from Rome to the ship.
I knew the cruise would be wonderful not only because of the reputation SeaDream has built (with top awards from Berlitz, Conde Nast, and Travel Leisure), but also because of the vessels themselves. SeaDream has only two small ships or yachts. These were formally with Cunard as the Countess I and II. SeaDream took them and completely rebuilt the ships. There is a wealth of information on their website, but I will tell you the ships are delightful. My favorite part was the sundeck and the Balinese sun lounges that you could actually sleep on under the stars if you wished. 
or other beverage of your choosing is supplied in your stateroom. Also, as you can see, I have found the plush robe to be very comfortable.
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