Air Travel Handbook

By Dan Poynter

2nd Edition

This 144-page book would cost a lot more in printed form.

Become a Savvy Air Traveler

Flying is more enjoyable when you know what goes on behind the scenes.

You can be taken to the front of the line and be treated like a celebrity passenger.

Read the fascinating behind-the-scenes details of how the airline industry works.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dan Poynter
• Release date: Sep 19, 2010
• ISBN: 9781568601496

Dan Poynter

Dan Poynter is a pioneer in book writing, producing and promoting. His New Book Model or “Simultaneous Publishing” is revolutionizing the book industry and information dissemination. He is a frequent speaker, successful publisher and renowned book publishing consultant, who has a unique, pioneering approach to marketing books—which he so generously shares. Since 1969, Dan Poynter has written and published more than 100 books including Writing Nonfiction, The Self-Publishing Manual, The Skydiver's Handbook and The Expert Witness Handbook. He has also created more than 50 reports, nine audio CDs, four video programs, a dozen eBooks and more than 500 magazine articles. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). Dan is an author and he is a publisher who has experienced every phase of the book publishing process. He has sold his manuscripts to other publishers, he has published other authors, he has published his own books and his books have been translated and published in seven other countries. Dan does not just work in the book publishing business, he studies the book publishing business. He doesn't just talk about book promotion, he teaches book promotion. He is an evangelist for books, an ombudsman for authors, an advocate for publishers and the godfather to thousands of successfully-published books. Dan Poynter's seminars have been featured on CNN, his books have been pictured in The Wall Street Journal, and his story has been told in U.S. News & World Report. The media comes to Dan because he is the leading authority on book publishing. A well-known aviation speaker, Dan is a licensed pilot, a skydiver with all the ratings and a Master Parachute Rigger. He has served as vice-president of the Publishers Marketing Association as well as president of the Parachute Industry Association, chairman of the board of the US Parachute Association and president of the international hang gliding commis¬sion. Often described as “Mr. Publishing,” Dan Poynter shows publishers how to sell more books using some surprisingly simple marketing concepts. No one gives away more help, advice and expertise than Dan Poynter. He is a caring, sharing publisher who is dedicated to putting more than just something back into the system. Dan shows people how to make a difference while making a living by coaching them on the writing, publishing and promoting of their book. He has turned thousands of people into successful authors. His mission is to see that people do not die with a book still inside them. Book Writing-Publishing SizzleReel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWl0fnBu7bs Full CV http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Poynter Aviation career in Pictures. http://www.slideshare.net/Dan_Poynter/dan-poynterparachutes-skydiving-aviation

Book preview

AIR TRAVEL HANDBOOK

Tips, Tricks, & Secrets on Flying

2nd Edition

by

Dan Poynter

Smashwords Edition

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Published on Smashwords by:

Para Publishing, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.

PO Box 8206

Santa Barbara, CA 93118-8206

http://ParaPublishing.com

http://AirTravelHandbook.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Copyright © 2011 by Dan Poynter

Second Edition, 2011, Completely Revised.

Published in the United States of America

International Standard Book Number: 978-1-56860-149-6

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010936666

Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Poynter, Dan.

Dan Poynter’s Air Travel Handbook: by Dan Poynter. p. cm. of: Air Travel Resources. C.2011.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN: 978-1-56860-149-6 (eBook)

1. Travel, International. I. Poynter, Dan. Air Travel Handbook. II. Title. III. Title: Air Travel Handbook. 2010936666

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

Travel\Reference

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Read what others are saying about this book

"Dan has done an ‘amazing’ amount of research along with sharing his ‘extensive global travel experiences.’ If you want to be a savvy and happier air traveler, this is a must-read.

—Howard Putnam, former CEO, Southwest Airlines and

author of The Winds of Turbulence.

"I’ve flown more than 3 million miles and was amazed by how many new ideas Dan’s book gave me to: save time, save money, and save hassles. Don’t take off without the Air Travel Handbook."

—W Mitchell, past president of the Global Speakers Federation and

author of It’s Not What Happens to You, It’s What You Do About It.

Peace of mind may be the greatest benefit if you travel, especially overseas. An aware traveler is a protected traveler.

—Norman Zalfa, past Director of Security, ITT Europe.

Dan Poynter flies so much he’s practically in orbit and these are the resources that make his life easier. Passengers! Want to make your life easier? Get this eBook.

—Diana Fairechild, former international chief flight attendant

who flew 10 million miles.

Dan Poynter has finally collected, in one volume for passengers, information they need to identify and avoid known hazards, and implement their personal risk avoidance options. This book is an education both for experienced travelers, and for those who have not become familiar with the seamier side of international travel.

—Ira Rimson, retired forensic engineering specialist

in aircraft accident reconstruction and analysis.

This is the best book on travel I’ve ever seen—and I wrote one myself.

—Tim Gard, million mile flyer, professional speaker on air travel and

author of Just Plane Funny.

I LOVE this book. Not only does Dan give great and pertinent advice, he includes the links. As that info as is updated, so is the book. Brilliant! This goes with me on every trip now.

—Beth Terry, CSP, Author & Speaker.

Address: 38,000 feet over Phoenix.

"Dan is the most experienced world traveler I know. Anyone who travels, a little or a lot, needs Dan’s Air Travel Handbook. It’s packed with 215 pages of great tips and tricks that will make your air travels much easier, and even lots of fun. Anyone who travels can benefit from Dan’s wealth of experience and knowledge."

—John Cali, author, publisher, traveler.

You will find everything you need to know about air travel in this book. So many links to valuable articles and information, it is an amazing resource. Take a look before your next trip and it may save you some time, money or grief.

—Jennifer Gance, publisher and

Assistant Vice President Human Resources.

Dan’s new book, the Air Travel Handbook, is a gem for travelers and travel writers. The hundreds of inside factoids and processes should make your trip logistics quicker and easier. There’s a ton of linked info too that will stay current and usable whenever you go. A great, deductible source you can carry digitally anywhere.

—Gordon Burgett, author of the Travel Writer’s Guide

This book looks great, Dan takes his own advice very well — write what you know!

—Arlene Prunkle, PenUltimate Editorial Services,

Vancouver, Canada.

* * * * *

"When once you have tasted flight,

you will forever walk the earth with

your eyes turned skyward,

for there you have been,

and there you will always long to return."

—Leonardo da Vinci, (1452 - 1519)

Italian engineer, painter, and sculptor.

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Table of Contents

Chapter One. On the Plane

A. Flight Information

B. Seating

C. Food

D. Entertainment: Reading, Listening, Viewing

E. Delays

F. Safety Briefing

G. Unpleasant Passengers and Situations

Chapter Two. Luggage & Packing

A. Luggage

B. Packing

C. Lost Bags

Chapter Three. Health

A. Vaccinations

B. On the Plane

C. On the Ground

Chapter Four. Security & Safety

A. Security in the Airport

B. Security on the Plane

C. Safety off the Airport

Chapter Five. Airlines

A. Airlines & Ratings

B. Airline Alliances

C. Loyalty Programs

D. Airline Speak

IATA Codes for airlines, airports, meals, time zones, etc.

Chapter Six. Air Traffic Control

Chapter Seven. Airports

A. Airport Ratings & Statistics

B. Club Rooms

C. Boarding

Chapter Eight. Country Information

A. Travel Statistics & Advice by Country

Embassies

B. People/Leaders

C. Canada

D. U.S.

Chapter Nine. Trip Planning

A. Places to Visit

B. Visas & Vaccination Requirements

C. Passports

D. Clothing

E. Dining: Eating & Food

Chapter Ten. Borders

A. Customs

B. Immigration

Chapter Eleven. Events Around the World

A. Calendars of Events

B. Video Conferencing vs. Being There

C. Specific Countries

Chapter Twelve. Money, Credit Cards, Exchange Rates, Fees & Taxes

A. Money

B. Credit Cards

C. Exchange Rates

D. Fees and Taxes

E. Tipping

F. Airline Frequent Flyer & Hotel Stay Programs

G. Airfares

H Air Travel Insurance

Chapter Thirteen. Communications in the air and on the road

A. Electrical power

B. Telephone

C. WiFi

D. Email

Chapter Fourteen. Equipment & Technology

A. Computers

B. PowerPoint

C. Batteries

D. Public Address Systems

E. PDAs

F. Programs & Apps

G. Video

Chapter Fifteen. Maps, Distance Calculators & News

Chapter Sixteen. Time & Time Zones

Chapter Seventeen. Hotels

Chapter Eighteen. On the Ground: Cars & Trains

A. Automobile Renting/Hiring

B. Train, etc. Travel

Chapter Nineteen. Expressing Yourself

A. Writing about your travel

B. Speaking about your travel

eBooks do not need indices. Use the Table of Contents above and/or the search feature in your reading program to find the specific information you seek.

The Air Travel Secrets are out

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About the Author

As an author and professional speaker, Dan Poynter flies more than 6,000 miles/9,000 kms each week. He has completed 20 round-the-world itineraries, visited more than 50 countries (including skydiving into the North Pole), and spends more than 40% of his year outside the U.S. He has flown more than 2 million miles on United Airlines and has earned the coveted Global Services status (The Black Card).

Dan is the editor of the Global Speakers Federation NewsBrief, a twice-a-month newsletter on international professional speaking and travel.

Dan has been a book publisher since 1969, is the author of 127 books, and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). He is a licensed pilot, FAA Master Parachute Rigger and United States Parachute Association Instructor/Examiner.

Dan studies, writes and speaks on travel, aviation, and book writing/publishing.

* * * * *

A Word from the Author

The Air Travel Handbook is about air travel. This book contains inside tips discovered by frequent flyers.

This handbook is a book of resources. I summarize each message and cite the source for the full article or web site. Rather than print information that will become dated, I lead you to websites that are kept up-to-date.

It is not a complete encyclopedia of all the lists and information on commercial flying. Instead, it contains little-known information and tips in several categories.

This is the only book on air travel written by a passenger (and licensed pilot) who has been up there. It is not a book on general travel. It is confined to air travel and it is for frequent flyers.

People have often said Dan, you travel so much; you should write a book on air travel. My reply is always the same "Air travel changes so frequently, much would be out of date in a few weeks.

Then it came to me: an eBook is quick and easy to update. However, one limitation of the eBook format is size. Since a Smashwords file can’t be more than 5 Mb in size, I had to remove scores of photographs. The photos have been retained for the blog but aren’t included here. My apologies. See http://airtravelhandbook.com/blog/

Occasional flyers will find this book fascinating; frequent flyers will find it essential. Both will find it fun.

I hope to see you at 35,000 feet.

* * * * *

Acknowledgements

I am deeply indebted to friends and travel experts for their flying information and encouragement.

Howard Putnam, former CEO, Southwest Airlines and author of The Winds of Turbulence.

Diana Fairechild, former international chief flight attendant who flew an amazing 10 million miles.

Joe Brancatelli, Editor of JoeSentMe.com. The Home Page for Business Travelers.

Norman Zalfa, past Director of Security, ITT Europe.

Tim Gard, professional speaker on air travel and author of Just Plane Funny.

W Mitchell, past president of the Global Speakers Federation and author of It’s Not What Happens to You, It’s What You Do About It.

Ira Rimson, Retired Forensic Engineer specializing in aircraft accident reconstruction and analysis.

Danny O. Snow, Publishing expert and author of U-Publish.com

Maryjean Ballner, author of Cat Massage and Dog Massage. http://www.DogAndCatMassage.com

And many thanks to all the people cited in this book that contributed items, and are noted for them.

* * * * *

Warning—Disclaimer

This book is designed to provide information on travel. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, aviation, or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

It is not the purpose of this book to reprint all the information that is otherwise available to travelers, but instead to complement, amplify, and supplement other texts. You are urged to read all the available material, make online searches, learn as much as possible and tailor the information to your individual needs.

Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes, both typographical and in content. Therefore, this text should be used only as a general guide and not as the ultimate source of information. Furthermore, this handbook contains information that is current only up to the publishing date or was available up to the publishing date.

The purpose of this handbook is to educate and entertain. The author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book.

If you do not wish to be bound by the above, you may return this book to the publisher for a full refund.

Legal Notice

* * * * *

CHAPTER ONE

ON THE PLANE

A. Flight Information

B. Seating

C. Food

D. Entertainment: Reading, Listening, Viewing.

E. Delays

F. Safety Briefing

G. Unpleasant Passengers and Situations

•

A. Flight Information

In the U.S. the median age of a flight attendant is 44. They have a much flying experience and hope they have seen it all.

CONFIRM YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT PLANE

On entering the cabin, confirm the destination with the flight attendant at the door. Are we going to Seattle?

Twice, in LAX and SBA, I was among passengers sent to the wrong aircraft. Even after your boarding pass is scanned, you may be misdirected. One simple question can prevent a complex dilemma.

WHAT FLIGHT ATTENDANTS WISH PASSENGERS KNEW

The two busiest times in flight are boarding and preparing the cabin for landing. These are not good times for special requests.

Many airlines allow closing of the doors 10 minutes early, so if everyone shows up a bit early, they can depart 10 minutes early.

• Do not open the galley curtain. Flight attendants need a break sometimes, and this is their break time.

• Do not interrupt a flight attendant when he or she is eating.

• Never touch/poke a flight attendant to get his or her attention. Use your voice or the call button.

• Flight Attendants have more power than you realize. If you choose to start a fight with them, YOU WILL NOT WIN. There are laws that favor flight crews.

More fascinating advice; some you may not have heard yet.

http://bit.ly/a6UkKr

WINDOW SHADES UP FOR TAKEOFF AND LANDING

The window shades should be raised and the interior lights should be dimmed for several reasons. In the case of a crash, flight attendants and passengers will be able to see any fire or water to help them determine the best direction to evacuate. It also helps them to keep oriented—which way is up.

Post-crash, rescuers will be able to see into the cabin if the shades are up.

Dimmed cabin lighting makes the emergency-path lights on the floor easier to see.

REASONS TO DOUBLE-CHECK E-TICKETS BEFORE YOU FLY

E-ticket confirmations should be examined for some all-too-common errors.

Take a good look at names, times, seat assignments, upgrades and connections.

Print out the ticket and boarding passes. Without a hard copy, it’s easy to miss details and hard to prove you are right.

http://bit.ly/9BCBhT

FLIGHT STATS

This application gives you instant access to worldwide flight status. Search by flight, route or view all airport departures and arrivals by time of day. See the websites.

http://www.flightstats.com/go/Home/home.do

http://bit.ly/90qUUO

WHY MORE FLIGHTS ARE ON-TIME TODAY

Airlines have adjusted their flight arrival times to achieve a better record for on-time arrivals. That is why planes usually arrive ahead of schedule.

BTW, Mussolini didn’t really make