Forget about the impacts of 9/11 and the recession, I still feel like airlines are sticking it to the customer. Cramped seating so they can make a few extra bucks, no free food (except junk), low grade beverages, negative attitudes, baggage fees, lost bags, delayed bags, supply/demand price gouging...I could go on. But what's a passenger to do about it? Simple--TALK ABOUT IT.

Share your experience not only with the offending airline, but warn other passengers too. If you aren't already sharing your stories about flying experiences on social media, now is the time to start. We've all seen the news coverage of the larger issues, like people with reserved seats being dragged off planes, disgruntled passengers that airlines dismiss because they are frequent flyers, etc. But the more we all just 'sit and take it' in terms of the lesser, but still negative, aspects of customer service, the more airlines get away with it.

Remember, the airlines are competing with each other! When you have a grievance with X airline, tweet to them and (if appl) mention how you didn't have the same issue with Y airline (include their handle too). Most airlines are pretty good at making things right--with the exception of an issue with Southwest per my very first post on this blog. I wouldn't bother with Yelp in these situations, because it's not likely they will see the review, let alone respond to it. All (smart) airlines have staff checking and responding to their social accounts. Hopefully too, they've empowered these people enough to not just say 'we're sorry for the inconvenience,' but rather, 'Send me a direct message so I can research this and help you.' (airlines, take note--this is the way to do it)

Keep them honest! We're spending a lot of our hard-earned money on flights, so get what you deserve--a comfortable, hassle-free, pleasant flight. Happy travels!

From the window...

So much is missed when we take naps on flights. The U.S. has some gorgeous spots! I snapped a few of these on recent flights between Portland, OR and Chicago.

Tip: Always keep your phone on airplane mode rather than turned off so you're ready when the opportunity arises!

Beautiful Fall Foliage - Portland, Oregon

Took a few pics of the changing leaves in my hood over the past two weeks. I love Oregon! 
Enjoy!

Travel Checklist for Chicks

General packing tips:

• Put all liquids and gels in Ziploc bags; if using TSA precheck, don't sweat the 1 bag requirement--I usually have 2-3 and they never care
• Get travel size items at Target vs. drugstore (cheaper)
• Always wear sneakers vs. flip flops, heels or sandals for air travel. If sh*t goes down, your feet are protected and you can move more quickly. Plus, better for running through airport
• Bring socks if you don't have TSA Precheck. Nothing grosser than going barefoot on public floors.
• Keep anything that could leak in a Ziploc bag
• The below referenced suitcase and its contents fit in the overhead for carry on
• Pre-plan your outfits, don't just bring random tops and bottoms-- unless they are so neutral in color that they will all match each other
• Bring just enough of the below for the amount of days in your trip. You can always buy more at your destination if needed.

SUITCASE:

Belt

Blow dryer (unless hotel has one—check web site)

Bottoms (pants, skirts)

Bras (appropriate colors for tops)

Brush and comb

Coat/jacket (check weather ahead of time)

Dressy Outfits? (receptions/special events?)

Evening purse/clutch

First Aid Kit (mini)

Gloves

Hair stuff (argan oil, styling lotion spray, leave in conditioner, travel-size hairspray)

Hair things (e.g. bands, clip for styling)

Jewelry (in baggie)

Feminine hygiene products

Pajamas (1-2 sets)

Plastic bags for dirty delicates and bathroom stuff; hotel laundry bags also handy for this

Running shoes (wear)

Scarves

Shoes (match to outfits; 2 pairs max in addition to ones you're wearing; flats are lightest and easiest to pack)

Sink plug in case you need to wash anything in sink (many hotel sink plugs don't work well)

Snacks/bars

Socks/Tights/Trouser Socks

Suntan lotion, goggles, beach towel, lip sunscreen (vacay)

Tops/Shirts/Sweatshirts

Umbrella

Underwear

Workout top, pants and socks (bring sneakers by default)

Shower bag: (place in plastic bag to prevent getting other items wet)

Facial cleanser and scrub (travel size)

Facial loofa

Body poof/loofa

Razor

Shampoo & Conditioner

Shave gel

Shower cap

Shower gel

Soap

Toiletry bag:

Antiseptic wipes

Medication/s and vitamins (just enough for the trip)
Contact lens case and cleaner

Deodorant

Emergen C (take/drink one the day before your trip, plus each day during trip)

Extra pair of contacts

Eye drops

Floss

Make up

Makeup remover cloths

Moisturizer (face and eye)

Mouthwash

Nail file

Perfume or body spray

Qtips

Scissors

Sharpener

Tide packets

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Tweezers

PURSE:

Cottonelle wipes (thank me later)

Glasses in their case

If renting a car, bring car charger for phone and cable for iPod

iPod (charge first) and earbuds

Kleenex

Neck pillow (if long flight)

Passport (if traveling internationally)

Reading glasses

Snacks

Spending cash, credit cards

Sunglasses and case

Travel itinerary

Electronics bag:

Mobile charger (charge first)

Cell phone charger

iPod cord for charging, cube speaker

Extra battery for mouse

LAPTOP BAG:

Laptop (incl. power cord/charger, travel mouse—turned off)

Notebook, agendas, other print outs

Pens and highlighter

TO DO’s BEFORE LEAVE:

Turn off heat/air conditioning

Charge cell phone

Remove expiring food from fridge

Do dishes

Empty trash cans

Close/lock all windows

Water plants

Why all the sloppy hotel housekeeping?

I'm a stickler for having my hotel room be as it should upon check-in. I've traveled a lot over the past few years, and have experienced a lot of little issues including no toilet paper in the room (no joke, happened to me in DC), blow dryers that spontaneously combust, light up mirrors that don't light up, dead outlets, mildew in the shower, condom left on the bed (unopened, thankfully) and getting the tail end of the kleenex box. I understand that hotel housekeeping staff has to move quickly to turn rooms for the next guest. However, it is also their job to ensure everything is fresh, clean, and new... and in working order for each guest. 

It's a pain in the ass for me as a guest to have to call down to the front desk and request something while I'm trying to get ready for work or a conference. In a lot of times, I will call the front desk and they will completely forget to bring the replacement item. For as much as we pay for hotel rooms he's days, and the fact that hotel staff expects a tip, I find this type of behavior unacceptable. 

I know there are staff that work very hard and do an awesome job, but I feel like there are a lot who just skirt by to earn a paycheck. Very frustrating.

Tips for a (relatively) Headache-Free Work Trip

I don't know too many people who truly enjoy work trips. Sure, there are nice dinners, receptions, team building events, etc., but it takes you away from your comfy routine, family, pets, etc. and can be exhausting. Of course, if you're young and single, it's probably still fun.

Flying is the biggest pain here. While it used to be exciting and fun to fly, it often feels more like a hassle. Unless you know a few secrets. Okay, they aren't really 'secrets', but I don't understand why more people aren't taking advantage of them. These are especially helpful for people who haven't flown in a while and got out of the routine. Enjoy!

• Get TSA Precheck already!: If you haven't applied for this yet, what's stopping you? It's $85 for 5 years. That means, for 5 years, you get to skip the long line, you don't have to take off your shoes/disrobe and you get through security a hell of a lot faster. Apply now at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/programs/precheck
• Take a Lyft or Uber vs. self-parking, parking far away, or taxi: It's cheaper, you can go right to security and it saves you a ton of time. Also cheaper than self-parking and taxis.
• Carry on vs. checking your bags: Make a travel list and remove anything you only 'think' you'll need. Get a carry on size friendly bag (for the overhead) and pack only 3 days' worth of clothes and toiletries. If I can do it, you can. Carrying on helps you avoid the line when you arrive and waiting eons for your bag after your flight. Pack lightly and also bring Tide packets and a sink plug to wash things in the bathroom sink if needed. For more ideas on how to pack light, check out this page on Rick Steves' website https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light 
• Sit as far forward on the plane as you can. For some airlines, this means you have to buy your ticket as far in advance as possible. For others, which don't have assigned seating, this means checking into your flight as early as possible. Whatever you need to do, sit as far forward as possible. Why? So you can get the frick off the plane as fast as possible once you land. This is especially critical if you have a connecting flight with a narrow layover window. I get so pissed off at people who take their sweet time getting off the plane. MOVE YOUR ASS!
• Wear comfy shoes and bring a sweater: Airports = walking, plus, and not to be morbid, but if sh*t goes down on a flight, you can more easily get around/run vs. those in flip flops or heels. On the note of flip flops, plane temperatures fluctuate (usually cold), so flip flops are no bueno. Also bring a sweater, because planes don't offer blankets, and even if they did, would you really want to use it? (think about what others have done with those blankets. Ew.)
• BYOF and BYOW: I have a ritual I do right after I get through security--I buy a bottle of water, plus 1-2 snacks for the flight. And not junk food, I typically buy raw veggies and/or nuts. Sure, some flights sell you food, but if you don't like what they serve (always check ahead of time for menus!), this enables you to have what you want/like and gives you more flexibility. 
• Treat yourself to a drink on the plane. Sounds obvious and basic, but why not give yourself a little indulgence? Full transparency: I fly to Chicago a lot and have been known to also pick up Garrett's Chicago mix popcorn (small tin) or donut holes at Dunkin Donuts, which some in a convenient drink cup with a lid. We work hard all week and are sacrificing a lot by being away from our families and pets, why not make it enjoyable?