Hello to everyone! I hope everything is well! I know I've been gone lately, due to writer's block, a busy schedule, and just pure laziness. Pathetic excuses, I know! But...I'm back! I've been contemplating what to write about, but I finally chose to write about airline meals. Here it is!

To eat, or not to eat?

That's the big question when it comes to aircraft catering. I think airline meals, depending on the airline, aren't that bad. Perhaps people over-exaggerate, or are just very picky. When I am very hungry, I will eat whatever. And if you choose wisely when the cart comes around, it shouldn't be an issue. That being said, some airlines are just awful in this department *cough* Lufthansa *cough*, seriously, how do you possibly screw up pasta?! Of all things!

First, its important to understand how airline catering works, usually. Typically, food is made in large amounts at a catering facility, portioned, flash chilled, stored for around 10hrs, and then loaded onto the aircraft. It is then heated in ovens by the cabin crew and served to you.

Anyways, here is my guide to dining in the sky. 

Breakfast: 

Safe: Continental breakfast, cereal, muffins etc. 

Okay: Pancakes. Its hard to mess these up, and the taste is pretty standard worldwide. Although if you are watching your sugar intake this is not a good option.

Hit and Miss: Mixed Grill. This option usually includes sausage, baked beans etc. Its simple, yet can easily become messed up if it is overcooked or under-heated in the galley. Its risky, but fine usually.  

Avoid: Eggs. These are almost always overcooked, and cold. Its tricky for the cabin crew who is heating it, as they must be careful about how long it is kept in the ovens. Plus, it must be heated to safety standards first. 

Lunch/Dinner:

Safe: Stew and potatoes. Once again, its pretty hard to mess this up. The stew and potatoes usually hold up fine in the galley conditions, so they are good once served. 

Okay: Chicken. It depends on the airline, so be careful. Qatar Airways has done a good job of mastering this, and usually serve it with a nice gravy or sauce. This may become overcooked however, and dry out if not done properly.

Hit and Miss: Rice. This can become dried out in the aircraft ovens, becoming unpleasant to eat. If its paired with a stew it may be fine.  

Avoid: Fish. Seafood in the aircraft is almost always not fresh, and has a gross taste. Its also easy to mess up, if it is too salty or too oily. 
 
Bypassing the food

While flying, especially for long periods of time, you will of course want to eat. Here are some ways to get around airline food.

1) Eat parts of it. This is what I do sometimes. I will bring a sandwich (or buy a sandwich in the terminal) and then only eat the salad and dessert that comes on the tray. Alternatively you could do the opposite and only eat the main course, and bring some fruit or granola bars to supplement, and to snack on during the flight.

2) BYO. Bring your own, or buy your own. A lot of airlines don't even give food, so this might be essential. Bring some snacks and maybe a sandwich, or buy some in the terminal to eat during the flight. Please make it something that doesn't smell, or require heating!

3) Starve. This might be an option, depending on your trip length. Don't eat the entire flight, just drink water etc. This might not be the best option...

And if you aren't feeling like eating when its meal time. You can always take the tray, and then keep it with you until you are hungry. Beware it will probably get cold, though. 

So there you go! I hope it was helpful, or entertaining to read....or at least not complete garbage :-P
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Honestly, who doesn't hate jet lag? For me, its just the worse ending to every flight, to walk out of the airport on a sunny afternoon and cringe as my body screams "Noooo its supposed to be 2am!" There is no straightforward cure for that miserable sensation known as Jet Lag. Although, there are lots of things you can do (and swallow in pill form) that might help to lessen its effects. So, lets jump right into it!


Jet lag pills are popular, but I personally don't recommend getting hyped up on pills just before a flight. Somehow doesn't seem like a good idea, considering you don't really know what is in those little capsules. Melatonin? Steroids? I'm pretty sure those pills aren't going to be eliminating time zones, so what exactly are they going to do? Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I stay away from those. 

Lots of people like to sleep before their flights. Fine, but consider what time it is at your destination. Don't take a nap if its 11am at your destination. What I do its try my best to operate on my destination's time for the few days before my trip. Obviously you can't always do that, so I recommend at least going to bed one hour earlier or later depending on what direction you are flying. If you are flying East-West try to go to bed 1 hour later every night. If you are flying West-East try to go to bed one hour earlier every night. Somehow this helps. 

A good tip is to set your watch as soon as you step on the plane to your destination's time and behave accordingly. If you step on the plane and it is 7am local but 1am at your destination, try your best to sleep as soon as you step on the plane. But I know how hard this can be! I am not one of those people that can just sleep at the drop of a hat. Make sure to bring eye shades and earplugs! 

When you arrive, try your best not to sleep if its day, and try to sleep when its night. This might be hard, but just try. 

Also, avoid caffeine and alcohol onboard, unless you desperately need to stay awake. Its best to try to let your body clock work itself out instead of adding other factors. Its also good to avoid harsh sunlight, as this can further confuse your body.

One thing that I hate whenever I travel is being fully awake in a foreign hotel room in the middle of the night with nowhere to go. So make sure to bring lots of reading material!

The most important thing is not to risk your health. If you are feeling sick from exhaustion, go sleep. Your health is always the number one priority!

Any other tips? Share in the comments!

Happy Flying!


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The cabin bag 03/23/2012
 
Well, I thought I would do a post on what's in my cabin bag, and how I pack and prepare. I wasn't sure if I should combine this with a post on my checked luggage, so I'll leave that for another time. Keep in mind this is for my long-haul trips. If I have a short flight I usually don't pack as much. 

So...here it goes. 


I usually start packing my carry on the day before I leave, as there are some bits and pieces I can throw in, and I can make a note if I need anything. I start by laying everything out on my bed, and then putting everything in the bag once I've gotten everything. If I put things in as I get them, I will forget what I have and what I still need. I don't know if this would work for everyone, but it works well for me. 
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1)Size and weight. All airlines have specifications about the size and weight of your cabin baggage (and checked baggage for that matter), and usually you are allowed a cabin bag and personal item. A personal item usually means a duty free bag, purse or laptop bag. Basically something that can fit under the seat in front of you. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can have 2 cabin bags!  I try and stay away from rolling bags, as they are too big and clumsy. 
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   2) I usually start packing the essentials first. These are the things I cannot forget, so I put them in as soon as they are ready to go instead of leaving them laying around. Passport, tickets, credit cards etc. I also recommend bringing a pen and small notebook, as these always end up coming in handy. These should be easily accessible in a front pocket, and I even recommend investing in a travel wallet/pouch to store everything.

WARNING: Do not make the mistake of having all your valuables in one place. For example, you should have some cash in your pocket, some in your wallet, some in different locations of your bag. That way if you get robbed, you don't loose everything.
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3) I pack my toiletries in my little pouch, my spare change of clothes (don't laugh-anything could happen) and my snacks. My snacks are usually just a pack of crackers and a cereal bar in a baggie. 
In my toiletries I have lotion, chapstick (again, don't laugh!), mini toothbrush/toothpaste, mini deodorant, comb, and a small bottle of cologne. I also include wet wipes and hand sanitizer. 

Remember the 3-1-1 rule. All liquids must be less than 3oz, in a zipped bag (within my toiletry bag), in a 1 quart sized bag, and 1 baggie per passenger. 
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Next comes my cellphone, ipad, camera and chargers. Also my books and magazines, along with my work if I have any. To keep the cords and headphones from tangling, I put each cord in a small baggie, and place the baggies in a little pouch with my ipod.  Very neat and tidy! I try not to have a mess of cords and electronics, as it is messy and too much to look after. 

 I usually throw in a bottle of water after I've cleared security.

Tips:
  • If you have a pocket that has valuables, get a metal hook or keychain and just put it through the two zippers. A thief isn't likely to attempt to steal something if they have to fumble with a loud keychain. 
  • Roll clothes to compact them. 
  • If your clothes are wrinkled and you don't have an iron, hang them in the bathroom while you shower. The steam should lessen the wrinkles. 
  • If you need to quickly freshen up onboard, get a herbal mist (with moisturizer) to help wake you. 
  • Avoid alcohol onboard. 
  • Remember to move around the cabin at least every 45 minutes and do simple stretches while in your seat.


Have a great trip!
Any other packing tricks? Share them in the comments!

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This seems to be a big issue in the airline industry, for whatever reason. It just seems that some people don't know how to travel with kids, especially young ones. Whether its a quick flight down to see Grandma, or a long-haul across the world, there will always be that lost parent looking like a hot mess. You can read my previous posts on traveling smart, and traveling do's and don'ts, but this post will be specifically related to flying with kids. Hopefully this will make your flight a little bit easier, and decrease your chances of becoming a big nuisance in the terminal. When flying with kids, its important to prepare ahead. 

1) Remind your kids of the rules. Make it clear that they need to listen to the cabin crew's instructions and you will not tolerate screaming or tantrums. Tell them they need to stay in their seat unless you take them to the loo or for a walk.Obviously if its a baby this can't be done, but from a young age its important to get it into your child's head that an airport is no place to have a tantrum (if there is even a good place to have a tantrum). 

2) Pack smart. Get your young child a small backpack for kids to put their stuff in. This will reduce the amount of stuff you have to carry and allow for your kid to feel "grown up" with their own carry on. However, make sure they haven't lost it! In it, they might have a small soft toy, 1 or 2 coloring books and a small pack of crayons, a kids book, a puzzle and if they have any special toy to keep them occupied. A good idea is to have some paper and pencil for them to draw. Make sure it isn't too heavy, so that they can easily carry it. Put a luggage tag on it with your personal information. If you are flying with a baby, get a small diaper bag. If you are going to be pushing a stroller, have a large purse (that goes over the shoulder) or backpack instead of a rollaboard. Make sure to have a large ziploc bag (explanation below). Also make sure to have gum or mints to give your child for decent/ take off so that their ears don't pop. 

3) Load up the videos. If you have a laptop, ipad or ipod with you, I recommend loading it with some of your kid's favorite movies or tv shows, to keep them occupied through the flight. Don't forget the headphones! 

4) Snacks! Kids get hungry easily (don't we all know it!) and while traveling they may get hungry at odd times. In your cabin bag, I recommend crackers, cereal or granola bars, carrot sticks, apple slices and maybe a sandwich-which I recommend buying at the airport for freshness. Any of your kids favorite snacks. Just make sure they aren't hyped up on sugar! Its important that your child stays hydrated onboard, so I recommend buying a water bottle at the airport along with a small juice to keep blood sugar levels normal if you can't stop and eat at the time. Kids are more likely to get cranky if they are hungry. 

5) Clothing. Make sure your child is wearing comfortable pants, a tshirt and has a sweater. It would be best to have shoes that can come on and off easily, and that your child can put on by themselves (especially if you are stuck in a TSA security line). I recommend having a spare change of clothes, as kids are prone to spilling! If you have a baby with you, you definitely want a spare change, and maybe even a spare shirt for you as babies can be messy! 

6) Strollers. Check the airline's website and see their policy on strollers. Most of the time you use it at the airport and then hand it over at the gate, and collect it on arrival. I recommend a stroller that folds easily, is light, and has room to put your bag or your child's bag. 

7) At the airport. Remind your child again while driving to the airport of the rules. Tell your child to stay with you at all times, by keeping one hand on the stroller or on you. While waiting in the security line, get your child ready. If they are in a stroller, take their shoes off. Get out your laptop out and remove any belts or jewelry beforehand. You want it to be as smooth as possible. 

8) Onboard. While you are waiting to board the plane, get out any toys or books your child (and you) will use during the flight and place them in a big ziploc bag (this is why I mentioned it above). It will save you time congesting the aisle by getting things out. That way when you get to your seat you just place your bags in the overhead bin or under the seat infront of you and sit down.  Make sure you take your child for walks up and down the aisle (not while the carts are out!) and to the loo, to avoid them getting antsy. However, don't let them run wild! Make sure they don't enter any higher cabin (such as first class). This will most likely not end well!

There you go! My guide to traveling with children. If you have any other tips, I would love to hear them in the comments!
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This week Qatar Airways unveiled its new economy class and business class product, which will be fitted onto their 787's and eventually onto their entire fleet. Qatar Airways is expecting delivery of their first 787 this July, and 5 more to be delivered by the end of the year. They will be launched on intra-gulf routes, and then on the London Heathrow route. I assume eventually it will operate other long-haul routes. 

On the aircraft will be Android technology (the phone makers), who will provide the inflight entertainment. There is over 1000 channels of entertainment. There will also be WIFI and the ability to make calls and send/receive SMS. 


The new business class has a very private jet feel to it, in a 1-2-1 configuration allowing more comfort and private space. There are also larger, more plush seats, and a 17" TV. There are also new colors, which really add a whole other ambiance to the cabin. I almost mistook it for Virgin Atlantic!  It features hardwood and more sturdy materials. It even features a main table and a side table, allowing you to work and eat at the same time. 

Economy class just amazed me. There will be additional space, and in a 3-3-3 configuration it will provide more room than the competition on wide body aircraft *cough* Emirates *cough*. There is dual screens allowing for passengers to play games on an Android device attached to the seat while watching a movie or the airshow on a 10.6" TV. Two screens in Economy! There is also a greater pitch, and higher quality materials used.  The headrest has a cradle position, allowing passengers to sleep more comfortably. 

In addition to greater mood lights, there is also a new technology for the windows. Instead of the traditional up or down, there is a button which tints the glass, allowing you to see outside while not bothering people around you. Brilliant!

Overall this aircraft seems amazing! It looks very futuristic, and very comfortable. This will definitely be a game changer in the region. Can't wait to try it out for myself!

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1) DO
Pack your bags lightly. If you are going on a one week trip, you do not need 3 suitcases. It will save you time and effort from lugging bags around, and will give you a hassle free check in as you won't have to pay extra fees and whatnot. 

2) DO
Wear comfortable, loose clothes and no jewelry or belts if it can be prevented. This only slows you down at security to remove everything. Plus, have tight rings and belts are uncomfortable for long flights. A good example is converse type shoes, loose jeans or presentable sweatpants and a nice t-shirt. You want to be comfortable, but you don't want to be a hot mess.  

3) DO
Plan your meals. I can't tell you how many times I've been on 6+ hour flights where no food was available, and since when you travel your body clock is messed up, its best to have food with you at all times, even if its just some crackers. Having very light snacks may help with nausea on long trips. Its easy to pick up a sandwich (make sure it doesn't smell) at the terminal. 

4) DO
Be courteous to your cabin crew! Yes, they are there to assist passengers and provide them with amenities, but they are also there for your safety. Listen to their instructions, and just because you are at 35,000ft doesn't mean you can toss out "please" and "thank you". 

5) DO
Keep your children under control. I know more than anyone that children get tired, hungry, jet lagged etc, which is perfectly understandable. And I can totally excuse babies that cry during take off/ landing because of the change in pressure. But, don't let your child run loose in the cabin (the crew aren't baby sitters). Remind your kids of the rules before you leave for the airport. Bring toys and snacks for the kids. 

6) DON'T
Have a large carry on. This will hinder you at the airport, and it is also bulky on planes. Get a bag that can easily fit under the seat in front of you. Do not get a rolling carry on. 

7) DON'T
Pack more than you need in flight. Read my previous post about flying in comfort, and it will show you that you don't possibly need that much stuff in flight. If its not essential (like meds) or you are not using it onboard, save room and put it in the checked luggage. 

8) DON'T
Argue with airline staff or security officers. You can yell at them until you are blue in the face, and chances are you are only making the situation worse.  I know that you may be tired and jet lagged,  but always stay calm and think the situation over. 

9) DON'T 
Demand an upgrade. Its not going to happen like that. Also, for most airlines, cabin crew cannot authorize upgrades so don't try that stuff on board. 

10) DON'T
Be a seat slammer. That means reclining your seat at the highest speed possible so that coffee ends up in the person behind you's face. Read my previous post for the my opinion on reclining. Also, leave the toilet the same way you found it, don't press the call bell obsessively, or talk loudly. 




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Etihad 02/24/2012
 
Etihad is an airline that has big dreams. But can they do it? They seem to be getting overlooked, as major airlines Emirates and Qatar Airways overpower Etihad. Qatar Airways is the world's 5 star airline, and Emirates has the glam factor. But what does Etihad have? It was voted airline of the year (I'm not sure why), but unless they really get into action, I just don't see them aspiring. Their route map is pretty limited compared to other airlines, and they still have teething problems when it comes to aircraft and service onboard. Having flown all three of the major Middle Eastern airlines, I can honestly say Etihad has been my least favorite. The flight was uncomfortable and never ending. Most televisions didn't work, and the seats are substantially more uncomfortable than other airlines. This may seem like little stuff, but to a passenger assessing the airline, it really makes a big difference. The food was OK on the outbound sector, but coming back it was atrocious. There were around 300 passengers in economy traveling from Chicago to Abu Dhabi, and there were 3 meal options. Seems good, except they catered majority of one option. This is a common occurrence in the industry, but the  option that was left was just awful. It was basically mushed chickpeas and rice, which wasn't very appetizing. When airlines do this, they normally have the majority option as something neutral, like pasta. Etihad had done this in an attempt to foresee passenger demand, except they had predicted incorrectly. After the first few rows, they only had the bad option left. But food wasn't a big factor for me. What really annoyed me was their ground operations in Abu Dhabi. Normally, I can deal with flights being delayed, but after traveling for over 24 hours, and having just a quick 40 minute hop to Doha to complete my trip, I got really annoyed when the flight was delayed for over 3 hours. Every 10 minutes we would hear "just 5 more minutes". Are you kidding me? Can't you even be honest with the passengers and say that you are expecting a few hour delay? I would have been less irritated had they kept us accurately informed. 
 Another thing Etihad does is the dine on demand in First and Business Class. I can see how this might work in First class, but in Business it just becomes chaotic. Everything must be hand delivered, like amenity kits before departure. It makes everything very crazy. Their dessert/coffee service in Economy was a nice idea, but I don't see the feasibility of it.  It requires more time, more energy on the crew's part, and makes the service seem never ending. If you add bar service, meal service and dessert service, there are often carts in the aisles for many hours on end. Umm, passengers need to use the loo! 
Another thing that I don't see working out for Etihad is their tactics. They don't seem to be expanding very aggressively, which is what they should be doing in order to compete with their competitors 


But enough complaining on my part. I'm beginning to sound like a regular prince! Overall, I think Etihad needs to reevaluate many things, and begin getting more aggressive if they want to really challenge their competition. 

Have a nice weekend! 
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I've been neglecting the blog the last few weeks, so I'll just give you guys an update. Bullet Point time!!

  • Attended Georgetown MUN 2012. It was amazing! I was the Delegate of Jordan, and I met a ton of new people. My reso failed, but the conference was still fun anyways. 
  • Decided after America this summer, I'm going to Greece! Gotta catch up with family and, of course, hit the beach! Very excited!
  • The weather is amazing! Its gotten warmish, but its bearable to go outside. Perfect day to spend outdoors!
  • Breaking a Guinness World Record today! Its the Largest game of Hide and Seek, to raise money for the Qatar Red Crescent Horn of Africa Campaign. Very excited!!!
  • Tomorrow is my birthday :-). Gonna spend it with family, and go out for lunch. 
  • There is a random cat that just sits by my door meowing all day. I think it has autism and it keeps wanting to be pet. It also tries to go inside whenever I open the door. I couldn't just leave it to starve, so I feed it everyday. Its annoying my house cat to no end!

That's about it. Have a good weekend everyone!
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When I fly, I like to be comfortable, especially if it’s a long trip. Each person has certain things that make them feel more comfortable onboard, and so I thought I would write a post on different ways to be comfortable onboard, and how I stay comfortable on those long redeye flights.

When I travel I have certain things that help move my flight along. I always have onboard my blackberry, my ipad, a sweater that is easy to get in and out of, and a book or two. My Ipad is probably the best thing to have onboard. In flight it becomes a TV, Ipod, notebook, games galore, a book and on wifi equipped aircraft, a computer. And if there is wifi onboard, I can even instant message with people on the ground (video chatting would be rude to fellow passengers). I was on a 15 hour non-stop flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi and my TV broke! Annoying, but out comes the Ipad! And voila, problem solved.

Now that I’ve done my bit to advocate the Ipad, what do I wear onboard? Typically, its converse type shoes, jeans and a t-shirt or polo shirt with a sweater over. If it gets hot, I can take off the sweater, and if it’s cold I have the sweater. I also make sure I don’t need a belt and my shoes come on and off easily, particularly on flights involving the United States. That way I can keep the security line moving along. A lot of travelers nowadays show up wearing what looks like pajamas.  I just can’t stand going out wearing sweats and flip flops, it’s just not my style. But whatever floats your boat. Some people like to use the inflight socks, and take their shoes off. That’s perfectly fine (provided there is no odor), but I find that it makes your feet swollen and it’s unhygienic, especially if you go with socks to the toilet.

I find that when flying a long distance, over many time zones, it helps that once you enter the plane you attempt to behave as if you are on your destination’s time. So if I get on a plane in London at 3:00pm, and its 7:00am in Seattle, I would attempt to sleep minimally on the flight because when I arrive it will be 5:00pm. Make sense? I love those planes with the alarms in the entertainment system, because if I only want to sleep for an hour to avoid jet lag, I don’t have to worry about dozing for seven hours.

I ensure that I’m comfortable while travelling by making sure my carry on is ready for anything. I don’t like those big roller boards, because they just cause hassle. I usually take with me a laptop size bag or a backpack and that way it can fit under the seat in front of me instead of consuming overhead bin space. I usually just pack my trusty ipad, a book or magazine, chargers, blackberry, sweater, toiletries to freshen up, documents, and, just in case, a change of clothes if I have a connection. Things can go wrong and you may end up at an airport hotel overnight. Then I have my medium sized suitcase and I’m all set for my vacation.  If I know that there is no food onboard, or if I don’t think the food will be any good, I usually buy a sandwich from the terminal I can stick in my bag. I try to avoid taking food onboard that is difficult to carry or if it smells. I remember on a United flight someone was eating a pasta that was loaded with cheese and onions, and stunk up the whole cabin.

Anyways, we have come to end for this post. Happy flying and tell me in the comments, how do you make your flight comfortable? 

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Well, I wanted to talk today about two airlines that are major global players. They each serve close to 200 destinations, and have managed to control transatlantic flights for a while now. These airlines would be British Airways and Lufthansa. They may not seem like they are competing, but they are juggling trying to get passengers to travel via their hubs and fighting off the Gulf airlines, which in itself is a whole other post. Well, what sets these two airlines apart is the question. Is there even a difference? To me, and to other travelers, I am sure there is a distinct difference. Heathrow has become a labyrinth which takes you up to an hour to get across, and has become famous for being a connecting passenger’s nightmare. However, Frankfurt airport, while still uncomfortable, still manages to be a little more under control. On to the flight! Now, British Airways have been around for a while and their aircraft sure show it. On my British Airways flights I have experienced overhead bins that won’t close, seats that will not go up from reclining, and seatbelts tearing off and on 2/3 of my BA flights the TVs have not worked.  Could you at least bother to make your airline look somewhat appealing? But the thing is, they don’t need to. They already have the business of people traveling from Europe to America/Canada, so why bother? Plus, they have a history with international travelers, and are quite established. Lufthansa at least tries to bring people in. They update their aircraft, and it actually looks quite nice inside, except for their ugly 747s. Lufthansa is a very average international airline, not too shabby but no quite up there with the glam of Emirates. And one thing that both airlines do, that I find annoying, is having the same meal option on all flights at all times. On British Airways, it is a disgusting casserole that I have gotten sick from before, and on Lufthansa it is a pesto/tomato pasta dish that is simply nasty. Can’t you bother to have a few different meal options? When someone has traveled across the world with your airline, they may not be in the mood for a fifth pesto dish. I know its airline food, but come on! I really think the issue it that they don’t have to bother trying to get business. Even though they have the rival gulf airlines on routes between North America/Europe and Asia, they don’t really have to bother trying to lure people flying between Europe and North America, or within Europe, because they already have the business. And I have been less than impressed with their crew. On British Airways, the crew I have encountered have been cold and sometimes rude, and pretty much the same thing on Lufthansa.  It’s basically distant, not eager to get involved, professional but cold. Of course, I haven’t flown with every crew so I am sure there are fantastic crew with both companies. Well, now I am sure you are getting sick of this and I am beginning to sound kind of whiny, so I better come to a conclusion. Overall, I have to say I prefer Lufthansa. But tell me, which one is your favorite? 



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