Flying In By Helicopter...Feel Like a Celebrity and Even Become One

This is a very civilized way to get to the airport in New York! 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.

I had a chance to fly with USH from Manhattan to JFK and could very easily get used to flying 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.

My flight aboard the Sikorsky S76 helicopter, left from the E. 34th Street Heliport to JFK. I checked in and was whisked through the TSA checkpoint located right there at the heliport! No lines because, don't forget, I was the only one there. When my helicopter arrived, I was escorted out by one of the friendly US Helicopter representatives. I had a chance to meet the Captain, hand over my luggage, and take my seat. We took off backwards out over the East River, gained altitude, and then we made a swift left turn and headed to JFK.

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 Tasted These? GoPicnic; First Class Snacks1

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!

Recently, Virgin America and Allegiant Airlines began offering these high flying snacks to their customers.

GoPicnic is a well balanced idea to use for school lunches, events, concert snacks, movies (sneak them in), and more. You can order directly from GoPicnic and enjoy a 20% discount when you use our exclusive promo code: JETIQUETTE. http://www.gopicnic.com/

Do Female Travelers Receive Equal Treatment? AirTran Passenger Complaint

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:

• "This is one of my biggest gripes, I really dislike the gender bias shown by FA. I am holding my coat in my lap in an aisle seat and FA reaches across to take the window gentleman's coat to hang up. We both look at FA, then she begrudgingly takes my coat. I just want the service offered to others!"

New York to Washington, With Amenities, and a Low Price? Take the Bus!

The Sky Steward:
"As much as I love flying, I was intrigued when the Tripper Bus started service between New York and Washington. They are doing it right; with wireless internet and power outlets so that you can surf the web from D.C. to NYC and stay productive for the entire 4 hour trip. The best part is that you won't have to power your devices 'off' for take off and landing!!!!

It would be nice to have a bus attendant on here though (cocktails maybe), don't you agree?

Would I give up my airline seat for a seat on the 'hound'? Well consider the extra time that is normally required for airline travel in order to go through security, for transportation to and from the airport, and add a few minutes for the ever present airport delay (especially for LaGuardia). I think the Tripper Bus is worth a try. I will report back after I take my ride! If anyone uses the service before me, please report your experience.

Fares:
The Tripper Bus $1-$25
Amtrak $72-$198
US Airway Shuttle $129-$329

Visit the Tripper website

Check out service on other bus lines too:

Bolt

Stop Whining and Make Your Coach Seat Feel Like First Class

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.

Why don't the airlines understand that they are making their customers angry!

Signed, Nickled and Dimed

Dear N.D.,

The Sky Steward respectfully suggests that you 'get over it'. Since even the Sky Steward is seated in coach on occasion, he has chosen a new way to look at these charges. He sees the ability to purchase items as a way to make a coach seat feel more like first class (sans the extra-space of course). He enjoys purchasing a bottle of merlot or two, plus on American Airlines, they have a premium nut mix that is excellent for only $4.00.

So rather than the airline deciding which amenities you receive, the choice is left up to the passenger. When he travels in coach, he starts out by using a pillow and/or blanket to cushion his elbows in the seat, turns on his mp3 player, puts in his noise reducing earbuds, buys his wine and mixed nuts, and enjoys the flight! It varies from airline to airline. For instance, on Jetblue, you must also purchase your pillow and blanket 'comfort pack' for $7.00, but that all but guarantees that they will be available since not everyone puts comfort as high on their priority list as you and the Sky Steward do.

Since most airlines are now accepting credit and debit cards for these types of onboard purchases, be sure to keep it close to make all of this as easy as possible. Enjoy flying first class for only a little bit more than the price of a coach ticket!

Luxury Stopover in London's Milestone Hotel

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.

The property was so extremely quiet and private and felt like a luxurious home away from home. The common areas of the hotel are amazing and if I had not made so many plans to see shows, I would have spent much more time at this special hotel.

Some of the features I found to be worth mention would are:

-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/

My personal Milestone pictures will be uploaded soon.

Where's the Elbow Room?

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!

Is Being Big Impolite?

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.

Looking for a Dream Cruise? Look to SeaDream Yacht Club!

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.

The cuisine was remarkable for all seven days with plenty of cocktail receptions in between the fantastic meals. They even offer a trip to the market with the head chef if you wish to pick up some tips from the best.

When going ashore to visit you have use of a Segway Human Transporter to help you cover as much ground as possible. I think it is worth mentioning that SeaDream takes extra care to be sure that plenty of water 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.

Check out more about SeaDream Yacht Club at the SeaDream Yacht Club website

Some Unbelievable Customer Complaints!

The Sky Steward found this hilarious post on Flyertalk.com, one of his favorite websites! The Sky Steward also makes a 'tongue-in-cheek' suggestion for responding to such ridiculousness:

Dear Sirs,
I was a passenger on your flight XXX from XXX to London last night. On arrival at the airport, I had expected to find your flight cancelled due to the inclement weather in the UK, but to my surprise was advised that the flight was operating on time. This came as a shock since I had seen numerous news reports that airports in London had closed, and had accordingly rescheduled my meetings for the next day.The flight departed on time and arrived in London 30 minutes ahead of schedule. As a result of this, I have been forced to incur costs of £80 in taxi fares due to non-operation of trains, plus lost productivity for my rescheduled meetings. Under EU regulations, your company is liable for these damages and expenses.I also note that British Airways took the prudent step of cancelling their flight on the same route and were courteous enough to place all their passengers in hotel accomodation and not risk their lives on the icy roads in London. I have always flown British Airways in the past and had been reccomended to your airline, but after this incident I can assure you that I would never travel with you again and also ensure that none of my friends and family consider traveling with you.

Yours sincerely,
Lee XXXXX
0790XXXXXXXX

The Sky Steward believes in providing the best possible service to customers. However, he does take delight in offering a suggested form letter (repurposed content) for silly complaints such as this.

Dear Sir,

We at XXX airlines are extremely sorry about the inconvenience our service has caused you. We understand that you would like some sort of compensation.

I am Nancy Yaya Kouaku, besides being a customer service representative at XXX Airlines, I am the only daughter of late Mr. and Mrs. Yaya Kouaku. My father was a very wealthy cocoa merchant in Abidjan; the economic capital of Ivory Coast, my father was poisoned to death by his business associates on one of their outings on a business trip.My mother died when I was a baby and since then my father took me so special. Before the death of my father on 12 February 2008 in a private hospital here in Abidjan he secretly called me on his bed side and told me that he has the sum of Four million ,five hundred thousand United State Dollars.USD($4.500,000) left in a suspense account in one of the prime bank here in Abidjan ,that he used my name as his only Daughter for the next of Kin in depositing of the fund. He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned by his business associates.

As you know, times are tough in the airline business. The only way for me to compensate you will be to give you a portion of this money being held in the bank account. Help me, help you! Please, provide us a bank account into which this money would be transferred to so that I may compensate you ASAP!After the successful transfer of this fund into your nominated account overseas, and once you have deducted your compensation (considering the severity of your inconvenience, please deduct up to $500,000), you must send us the rest within 24 hours, or we will have to rescind our offer and bill you for our time in dealing with your particular situation.

We look forward to serving you in the future.

Regards,
XXXXX XXXXXX
XXX Airlines
Customer Service

What About Crew Jetiquette?

Dear Sky Steward,

There are so many posts on your blog about things that passengers

do to annoy other passengers. I want to make mention of the fact that I have experienced crew members that happen to be a little low on "Jetiquette". Am I the only one?

Signed,

Perplexed in Pittsburgh

Dear Perplexed,

The Sky Steward thanks you for asking. He does hear from airline passengers quite often regarding crew conduct. Here are some things that passengers have mentioned regarding flight crews:

• Flight attendants need to be available after the meal service in order to take care of follow on requests by passengers. Customers have said they feel uncomfortable having to ring t he call button in order to request another beverage since it is usually accompanied by a dirty look.

• Customers like to be treated like the special people that they are. All it takes is some eye contact and use of their name if possible.

• Passengers notice when "certain" other customers receive more attention. The Sky Steward has received information that 'hot' customers are receiving a higher level of service even though they've paid the same price for their ticket as the passengers the crew does not find as attractive (he only reports what he hears)

• Discreet flight attendant conversation also gets high marks from passengers. They do not enjoy listening to flight crew bashing their employer or complaining about their jobs. They also like the voice level from the galley to be low enough that they cannot hear it at their seats.

• Making announcements that are too loud and with a disciplinary tone are high on the list of airline annoyances. Overzealous electronic device policing is seen as unnecessary.

• Customers appreciate it when flight crew avoids using safety and security as an excuse for things that obviously have nothing to do with safety or security. For example, when a passengers wants to stretch their legs for a minute and they're asked to take their seat due to safety even when the seat belt sign is off.

The Sky Steward will share more passenger feedback with you in the near future. Stay tuned for a new, redesigned Dear Sky Steward Blog later this month!