The Air Porter

Tips for making your air travel enjoyable

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Planning for a trip out of town can be a very stressful task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below are 4 tips that you can follow to make your air travel as stress free and enjoyable as possible. Bookmark this page so you can easily access it, such as with a satellite internet connection from http://www.wildbluedeals.com.

1. When traveling, be sure to keep important items such as important medications or food items close at hand in case of an emergency. Delays brought on by weather, as well as other issues, might prevent you from reaching your actual luggage.

2. Keep your travel documents close by and within easy reach such as passports, drivers license, and airline tickets. This will save time when passing through security and other checkpoints.

3. When planning a trip, purchasing tickets online is convenient, especially when you have a fast satellite internet connection. You can compare rates of different airlines and can sometimes check in faster using e-tickets that you get when purchasing tickets online.

4. Make sure that you research the rules of the airport and also the particular airline that you are flying on. These may be items such as cost of extra carry-on bags, the time that you need to check in, size limits, or weight of carry-on bags, or what type of carry-on items may be illegal.

By following these tips you will be able to make your air travel go smoothly and effortless.

Important Air Travel Tips for Kids

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You should dress up your kids in comfortable and light clothes. Even when you are visiting grandma and would like to impress her with the best of your clothes, just carry them in then change upon arrival. This makes the trip much less stressful for everybody involved.

You should remember to pack an extra jacket or sweaters airports and airplanes can be really cold. Sometimes, you can also encounter an unexpected delay, its better to go prepared. If you feel stuck at the airport without a sweater and you’re feeling too cold, you can buy a sweatshirt from a gift shop. As soon as you board the airplane, immediately grab blankets and pillows. Sometimes they run short. If possible, try to bring along a pillow and blanket if you have some space to carry-on.

Also make sure that kids are comfortable to handle “bumps” they’d experience in air so that they don’t get upset over it. Bring along few books and/ or toys to keep your kids occupied in flight. If you possess an iPod, you can even download few audio books from internet and allow them to listen to some story. Some of these stories can last your entire flight!

You can ease the pressure build up in your ears by chewing the bubble gum. Try to opt for nonstop flights if it’s possible as it gets really hectic to hop from one plane to another one with kids.

Come back often For more travel advice and tips

Airports Using Full-Body Scanners

www.theairporter.com — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re like me, you like to know what’s going to happen before it actually happens so you can plan accordingly (or at a minimum take on some semblance of preparation). When it comes to the outcry of full body scanners we believe if people know what they about to be asked to do there might be less shock when actually faced with it. With that, we publish a list of U.S. airports that are using full body scanners (as of November 2010) so if you happen upon one you can face the eventuality with dignity and not shock.

Albuquerque International Sunport Airport
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Boston Logan International Airport
Boise Airport
Brownsville, Texas
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Cleveland International Airport
Columbus, Ohio: Port Columbus International Airport
Corpus Christie Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Denver International Airport
Detroit Metro Airport
El Paso International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Wayne International Airport
Fresno Airport
Gulfport International Airport
Grand Rapids Airport
Harrisburg International Airport
Harlingen/Valley International Airport
Hartford: Bradley International Airport
Honolulu International Airport
Houston Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport
Indianapolis International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport
Kansas City International
Laredo International Airport
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
Lihue Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
McAllen Miller Airport
Memphis International Airport
Miami International Airport
Milwaukee General Mitchell Milwaukee International Airport
Minneapolis/St.Paul International Airport
Nashville International Airport
New Orleans Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York LaGuardia International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport
Oakland International Airport
Omaha Eppley Field Airport
Orlando International Airport
Palm Beach International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Phoenix International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport
Providence: T.F. Green Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Richmond International Airport
Rochester International Airport
St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Salt Lake City International Airport
San Antonio International Airport
San Diego International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
San Jose Mineta International Airport
San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Spokane International Airport
Tampa International Airport
Tulsa International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington Reagan National Airport

Airports which were expected to receive the technology soon after the writing of this article (and which may be in place by the time you read this) include:

Chicago Midway International Airport
Houston William P. Hobby Airport
Saipan International Airport

If you have specific questions about the new procedure you might want to check out the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for current information.

Traveling with prescription injectables

www.theairporter.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:14:19 +0000

I recently had to travel domestically with my husband who has to take an IV injection once a day. At first we were a little panicked trying to figure out how his 10-day supply (yes, that equates to ten ominous-looking syringes) would be viewed by the TSA employees. Always being ones to anticipate a problem before it arises, we made sure to have a note from our doctor (on letterhead and dated within the preceding 30-day period) with us and readily available. On the outbound leg our bag went through x-ray and was stopped for closer scrutiny. As the TSA employee approached us we made sure to have the letter at the ready. Once read, we were ushered through. On the inbound leg of our journey our bag passed through x-ray without a hitch. I guess the point to this little blog is that you need to be prepared even if TSA doesn’t always follow their own guidelines since you never know when they’ll kick in and enforce. I’ve read some information where TSA requires that the actual prescription label be attached (affixed) to the medication, but in the case of refrigerated injectables that come via the mail to us that’s impossible. Fortunately we were not asked to provide this, and I guess we can only hope that future trips will result in the same outcome for us.

Plan for Strict Airline Security Regulations When You Pack

mgeedey — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:11:21 +0000

Airline travel today is nothing like what it was ten years ago, and new rules and regulations are constantly going into effect. On a hectic day of travel, the last thing anyone wants is to be held up at a security checkpoint because of some new policy you weren’t aware of. To help you avoid the hassle o such a situation, we’re offering you a little advice to help navigate some of the most recent changes.The 3-1-1 rule regarding carry-on liquids has been in effect for some time now, yet it still is one of the most common causes of delay in the security line. This regulation requires that liquids in your carry on must all be contained within one, one-quart size zip top bag, and each liquid within the bag must be carried in a 3-ounce container or smaller. Many people forget this applies to things such as toothpaste, lip gloss, and hand lotion. If you can’t fit all of your liquids into these size containers, you may have to either return to the airline desk and check them or throw them away. Most drug stores carry travel-size toiletries to help facilitate this regulation. Pack all of your liquids accordingly, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute to make them fit.One of the most frustrating recent changes in airline luggage policy is the change in baggage fees. While most airlines used to allow two checked bag at no charge, most airlines now charge you for even your first bag on a domestic flight. Stricter regulations on the weight limit usually result in overage fees if your bag weighs more than 50 lbs. Before you leave for the airport, weigh your luggage on a home scale, so you won’t be caught off guard at the airport. It’s also a good idea to leave a few pounds worth of room for souvenirs.These are just a few things to prepare for when you’re traveling, and you should always check with your airline before your departure.

Things to Remember before Leaving for the Airport

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:56:09 +0000

For many people, air travel is a very stressful thing. Families are always in a rush to load the car and make sure everyone remembered their toothbrush. Business travelers are more adapted to the world of air travel and leave for the airport like they leave to go to work. No matter what your flying style, there are certain necessities and things you must remember before leaving for the airport.Most importantly, remember all your bags. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people make it to the airport and forget their luggage. Equally important (if you’re traveling out of the country) is your passport and ID. With airport security as tight as it is, there’s no way you’ll make it to your terminal without some form of ID and a passport if you’re flying internationally. This all too familiar feeling of forgetting your wallet or identification was humorously depicted in the ABC sitcom Modern Family.In terms of airport guidelines and security, you should always check the rules and be sure to follow them. Weigh your bag to make sure it is no more than 50 lbs or risk paying hundreds of dollars extra for a few measly pounds. Be sure to only bring a purse and a personal item (like a book bag) or you will have to check any additional bags. Remove any bottles or lotions that exceed 5 oz. and any pocket knives or other sharp objects that could be mistaken as weapons. They will most likely be confiscated and you will most likely wind up being patted down.Though these pointers are common sense and widely known, thousands of passengers arrive at the airport every day who haven’t taken the time to review the guidelines and wind up sitting in airport security being asked to remove clothing or scrambling for a ride home to retrieve their forgotten carry on.

The Top 10 Airlines in the US

mgeedey — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:54:54 +0000

In today’s economy, air travel is less extravagant than ever before. You might get a drink and a bag of peanuts, but that’s about all you can expect from most airlines today (unless you chose to pay more and sit first class). Still, people need to get to where they’re going, and fast. Here’s the breakdown of the top 10 airlines in the US based solely on who passengers choose the most.

Delta Airlines: Offering skymile benefits and the most international flights out of the US, this Atlanta based airline rakes in the most passengers annually.
Southwest Airlines: Due to its low costs and rapid rewards, Southwest now has more passengers than ever before.
American Airlines: A personal favorite, American Airlines has long been the largest airline in the world but recently got beat by Delta and Southwest in terms of passengers.
United Airlines: This American airline gets most of its passenger base from Chicago and Denver, mostly flying pacific routes.
US Airways: Ever since they merged with American West, US Air has doubled their passenger base and continues to grow.
Continental Airlines: A national favorite and star alliance member, Continental has great deals, great service, great pilots, great passengers, great everything.
AirTran Airways: This airline offers low costs, great deals, and decent service.
JetBlue: This New York based airline loves traveling to the Caribbean and is known for its low costs and high level of customer service.
Skywest Airlines: this airline is a regional airline for Delta and United.
Frontier Airlines: Now merging with Midwest airlines.

Getting to the Boston Logan Airport

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:49:37 +0000

If you’ve ever flown before, you know the hassle associated with getting to and from the airport. Do you choose to leave your car in an airport lot and pay for parking? The thought of leaving your car unattended in the unpredictable weather is a bit unsettling. Maybe you ask a friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up? Though they say they don’t mind, it probably still feels like you’re inconveniencing them. Then there’s always the option of calling a cab and paying the fareputting the fate of your arrival in the hands of a stranger. Most people are unaware, but there is a great alternative available in most cities for getting to and from the airport.The Air Porter is a shuttle service in Waltham, Massachusetts that provides door to airport transportation. The drivers are professional and friendly, unlike most cab drivers, and the van is roomy and clean. The shuttle van holds up to six people, so it’s perfect for family trips. However, the vans usually try to take full loads so if you’re traveling alone or in a small group there’s a good chance you’ll stop to pick up more passengers along the way. A roundtrip to and from the airport is typically 100, which is what you would be paying to park your car at the airport.Though it runs somewhat pricey (it’s still cheaper than similar services in the area), the Air Porter in Waltham is 100 reliable. They are always on time and always get you to where you need to be when you need to be there. Past Air Porter customers rave about the service they receive, emphasizing the friendly courteous characteristics of the drivers and the safe yet effective rate of speed. If you’re looking for a safe, affordable, reliable way to get to the Boston Logan airport, the Air Porter is the method of transportation for you.

Find Shuttle Services no matter where you go

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:48:06 +0000

Wherever your airplane takes you, Air Porter services can provide the next step. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination with all of your luggage in tow, then waiting in line for a subpar taxi fully equipped with an obscene taxi driver. Most cities and major airports recognize your need for better transportation to and from the airport and fulfill these needs with respectable shuttle services.Whether you’re looking for a high class limo service or a budget friendly van shuttle, the right shuttle service is available for you; you just need to know how to find it. The easiest way is to use www.airportshuttles.com. This notable online shuttle site allows you to enter your place of pickup, your drop off destination, your flight type, the dates and times of your flight schedule, and the number of passengers you require services for. After filling in this information, airportshuttles.com selects all possible shuttle options that suit your specific needs. The simple set up shows you the fare per person and total cost, the company and the company’s characteristics, the available pick up and return pick up times close to your listed times, and an option to book the shuttle service online. Servicing over 300 airports around the world, www.airportshuttles.com eases the stress and hassle of airport transportation.If you didn’t plan your trip in advance or want to use more traditional ways to book your shuttle service, there are many possibilities for you. If your trip was spur of the moment, airports usually have a transportation services office that can set you up with a shuttle service. Shuttle services are almost always listed in the phone book and have informational websites online. If you know the times and dates you’ll be needing shuttle services you can book reservations online or by phone.

Arrive at the Airport in Style

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:46:01 +0000

Massachusetts highways are speckled with classy limousines toting the glamorous from point A to point B. However, limos are not exclusively reserved by the rich and the fabulous. If you’re looking for a stylish and glamorous way to get to and from the airport, spend a few extra dollars and rent yourself a limo. These sleek stylish luxury vehicles will provide a smooth relaxing ride and earn you multiple stares from onlookers as they try to figure out what celeb is hiding behind the tinted glass windows. Here are some of the best limo services Massachusetts has to offer.

Boston Limousine: This limo provider offers a special fleet of luxury vehicles specifically tailored for airport transportation. You can choose from a variety of gorgeous luxury cars that embody class and quality without going over the top. Chauffeurs are well dressed, well versed, and well equipped to handle your baggage and transport you wherever you wish to go. Rates range from 40-80 dollars depending on your location and destination distance. Town Car Transportation is 55.00 per hour.
Le Limo Limousine: When it comes to airport transportation, Le Limo knows what they’re doing. They offer a variety of luxury Cadillac and Lincoln town cars for airport services that comfortably seat three adults or a variety of SUV options if you’re looking for a larger vehicle. These cars will take you wherever you need to go for a fairly reasonable price.
Boston City Ride: The Boston Logan Massachusetts Limousine service provided by Boston City Ride has a fleet consisting of a Cadillac Escalade SUV, Luxury Mercedes-Benz and Luxury Lincoln Sedans, Passenger vans that seat up to 14 people, and black or white Lincoln limousines that seat 6, 8, and 10 passengers. Emphasizing their punctuality, efficiency, and comfort, their transportation services are highly regarded in the Massachusetts area. Visit their website to make an online reservation and customize your rate.