YatTravel

Patrick Smith's "Ask the Pilot" is a regular feature of Salon.com, and Smith is one of the most rational voices discussing modern air travel in the business. His column from yesterday addresses the recent diversion and five-hour tarmac delay of an Airbus A340 operated by Virgin ATlantic:

Why, then, was a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340 stuck on a sweltering apron at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut for nearly five hours on Tuesday evening? The flight, from London-Heathrow to Newark's Liberty International, diverted into Bradley after thunderstorms clogged the arrivals paths into Newark.

It happened because the federal time limit does not apply to foreign-registered aircraft.

Expect a push to have this loophole closed.

According to press reports, the four hours that the plane was delayed in Hartford were a totally horrid experience for the passengers, but Smith tells a story from his personal experience of how what is reported in the press is often far, far, far from the truth.

When a flight is delayed, people are annoyed. When they miss connections, they go from annoyed to pissed. When a flight is diverted from its original destination for any reason, it's a recipe for lots of pissed off people. Toss in the added issue of several hundred people who have already been cooped up in a plane for 6+ hours and you have a recipe for unhappiness that a reporter will easily pick up upon and run with when given the opportunity. Just a few weeks ago, a Southwest Airlines flight I was on from DAL (Love Field) to MSY was unable to park at a gate after landing. Thunderstorms in Houston and Dallas had put just about everything into a ground stop. We were 30 minutes delayed in parking at a gate, and I was bordering on homicidal after 15 of those (mainly because of a child kicking my seat). Can you imagine what four hours of confinement does to some folks? Ah, embellishment.

Smith's analysis of the incident and his conclusion are why you should add his column to your blog reader:

What I'm sensing here is that the airline, the airport and our illustrious U.S. Customs and Border Protection team each had a role to play. And each, to some extent, dropped the ball. While it's easy to throw the blame entirely on Virgin Atlantic, things are never as clear-cut as they look from afar -- and probably aren't as lurid as the press describes them.

That's no industry apologist, but a clear head discussing air travel.

My most recent trip to Europe for Hitachi Data Systems took me to Stockholm, Sweden, to teach three classes on their enterprise storage arrays.  I was there for ten days, teachng a 3-day class from Wed-Fri, then two classes Mon-Fri of the next week.

Most of my adventures to Europe begin with a trip on a Delta Air Lines MD-88, as I fly from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), to catch a ride to Amsterdam or Paris.  This week, the long flight was to AMS, on an ex-Northwest Airbus A330 wide-body jet.

On wide-body jets like the B767 or the A330 (below), I usually try for a window seat.  Aisle seats invariably mean you have to let someone out so they can use the lavatory. 

I had seat 16C from ATL-AMS.  Not my preferred choice, but the young man next to me only got up once, so I was able to watch "Sherlock Holmes" on the in-flight personal video system and get some sleep.  The food was totally forgettable, like most Delta flights in coach. That's not a big deal, since I had a fantastic meal at One Flew South at ATL "E".

Breakfast! The KLM Crown Club on the "domestic/Europe" side of Schipohl (AMS). Dutch passport control now has an "elite" line for first/business class and gold/platinum flyers. I sailed through the checkpoints and had time for a bite and a coffee. My PortAPocket wallet was doing its job nicely so far!

Gotta love this place, in the big duty-free shopping mall at AMS.

My flight from AMS-ARN (Arlanda Airport, Stockholm) was an uneventful two hours.  KLM flight crews are great.  They always offer a ham or cheese baguette sandwich, along with something to drink.  I passed on food in favor of more sleep.  Once at ARN, it's just a matter of picking up the bag and grabbing a taxi--no passport control (I guess the Swedes trust the Dutch).

Home for the next ten days!  HDS is located in the same building as a Radisson Blu hotel in the Stockholm suburb of Solna.  Time for a hot shower, check in to see what's happened in the world while in-transit, and have a nap!

Delta Air Lines MD88, pushing back from D4 at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

xposted to YatPundit and YatTravel

MSY rated very poorly in a JD Power survey taken over the winter, ranking something like 31st out of 32 or 33 among small-sized airports.  I was surprised at this, mainly because I fly Delta so much and hide in the SkyClub (which is where I shot the above photo) that I don't really experience MSY as the average passenger does.  New Orleans is a "terminal" or "spoke" airport; we're a destination rather than a hub.  A couple of recent trips out of MSY have put me into the more "typical" passenger mode, however.  We went to DisneyWorld to see kiddo perform with his high school's band, so we took Southwest to Orlando for that trip.  On my last trip Helsinki, I went MSY-DTW-AMS-HEL, and the first leg to Detroit left from "C" concourse rather than Delta's home on "D," because they're doing a lot of construction on "D."  These trips gave me some insight into what sorts of complaints fliers have about MSY.

Here are some thoughts on improvements:

1.  Improve the atmosphere on "C" concourse
The "C" concourse, at the center of the airport, is the original set of gates from LANOIA's opening in the 1950s.  It's got a great high ceiling and windows set into the top of the high walls on either side of the main hallway.  In the daytime, this improves things a bit, but on a cloudy day or in the evenings, "C" is gloomy and foreboding.  Maybe it's because American and United depart from "C" that makes for so many unhappy people, but the overall appearance of the concourse could be improved with some bright colors, and a bit more New Orleans-style customization.  Maybe some purple/green/gold, or a local-themed mural or two would do the trick.  There's already a small history exhibit by the food court on "C," photographs of famous jazz musicians and bands from the early 1900s.  It's interesting, but stark and black-and-white.  While all of the airport could use a few more splashes of color, "C" is in serious need.

2.  Boost the Wi-Fi
Free wi-fi isn't a new concept for small airports.  It's been a factor in drawing people away from the bigger ones for a few years now.  With New Orleans expanding our presence in the cruise line industry, free wi-fi at the airport is one of those things that makes a visitor's experience all the nicer.  They've been out on the ship for days, where contact to the outside world is an extra charge (if available at all), so being able to check in with the online world on the way out is helpful. 

The problem is, the wi-fi signal on "C" is horrid.  It's not too bad over on the Southwest concourse (B), but it's just awful in the middle of the airport.  This is easily fixed with a few more access points. 

3.  Re-think the location of some of the security checkpoints
Most of the food and services at MSY are outside security, and that's problematic in the current airport security model.  The structure of the front of the airport is still pre-9/11 in many ways, when it was much easier to go in-and-out.  Once you've cleared security, you're at the mercy of Pampy Barre's godawful food, where there's a lot of good stuff, even for an airport!  I suspect that the low JD Power rating includes a great deal of dissatisfaction at the crappy food on the concourses.  Outside security, there's a decent restaurant, Popeyes, Sonic, and a PJ's Coffee. 

It would take some re-thinking and re-structuring of people flow, but it wouldn't be too difficult to push the security checkpoint on "D" out to include the now-closed restaurant location there behind security.  Same for the food places between "A" and "B" - make a single checkpoint for those two on that side.

4.  Bring back live music!
At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, the busiest airport in North America, there's often a live piano player out on the international concourse (E).  You'd be amazed at how much of an improvement that music is to the airport experience.  LANOIA used to have a brass band walk through the airport, but dropped them because of cost-that combo cost them $1000 a day. 

Perhaps a compromise can be worked out on music.  Admittedly, $365K is a lot of money, but perhaps bands could be booked for peak days, like around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other high-traffic, high-stress days.  Music well and truly does sooth the savage flier, and would be well worth the price to settle down folks.

5.  Set up more "kid-friendly" areas.
I'm not sure if this would be the responsibility of the various airlines or of LANOIA, but some kid-friendly areas would be helpful.  Kids trapped at an airport gatehouse get restless and miserable fast; get them busy and keep them occupied and everyone's stress levels drop. 

(from my UK trip in spring, 2009)

When exploring a new city, I tend to gravitate towards that town's biggest church/churches. They may no longer be the hub of activity that they were in earlier times, but odds are they're still significant. That and they tell interesting stories. Manchester Cathedral is no exception.

Model of the cathedral, in one of the side chapels. Don't pass these up if you're into the evolution of architecture. They provide interesting insight into what buildings looked like prior to WWII. For example, a model of the Dom in Mainz in Germany includes flying buttresses on the outside of the church. They're no longer there, victims of Allied bombing.

Regimental Colour (left) and Queen's Color of the 63rd (The West Suffolk) Regiment of Foot. In Great Britain, it's common for an Army regiment to have a "home church" in the city/town where it was raised. When a regiment is disbanded, its colors are often "laid up" in that church. The West Suffolk were raised in 1754, and were amalgamated (along with the 96th) into The Manchester Regiment in 1881. That regiment was subsequently merged into the King's Regiment in 1958, which was then amalgamated into the current Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (Kings, Lancashire and Border). British regiments carry two flags, or "colours." The one that is primarily the Union Jack is the Sovereign's (King's or Queen's) Colour. The Regimental Colour is usually the same background colour as the "facings" of that regiment's uniform. The West Suffolk wore the traditional red coats of the Army, with green trim. Of course, modern regiments don't take the colours into battle with them any more, but they still parade with them.

Wood carving in the side chapel dedicated to the West Suffolk and Manchester Regiments.  The Fleur-de-Lis was the central symbol of both regiments.

The "Lady Chapel." Most Catholic (and Anglican/Episcopal) churches have at least a side altar where folks with a particular devotion to the Blessed Mother can go to pray. It's also common practice at weddings for the bride and groom to make a fertility offering at an altar or chapel dedicated to Mary (usually while someone sings "Ave Maria.") This chapel is set up in modern Anglican configuration, so it appears that it is regularly used for the Eucharist.

The altar in the Fraser Chapel has an interesting altarpiece, a modern painting from Mark Cazalet. The center is a depiction of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (in feminine form), sharing a meal.  The left shows a 21st Century "St. George" freeing rather than slaying a dragon.  The release of the dragon from its chains represents the release of creative energy.  On the right is St. Denys, a 3rd Century martyr (and one of the saints to whom the Cathedral is dedicated) wandering the city centre.  St. Denys was beheaded, so he holds his head in his hands.

The octagonal-shaped Chapter House. Usually a Chapter House, the meeting area for the Bishop, Vicars, Canons, and other members of the Church's chapter, is a separate building. The Cathedral's chapter house was bombed in WWII. In an effort to restore the location quickly, a side chapel in the cathedral proper was converted for this use.

Ensign (flag) presented to the cathedral by the crew of HMS Manchester, a Royal Navy destroyer.

Very inspiring painting showing the feminine side of the Deity, something you don't see much of in Catholic churches. Of course, the CoE ordains women.

The nave of the cathedral, with the afternoon sun streaming in.

View of the cathedral tower.

I'll be signing Brothers of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans at the Brother Martin CajunFest today, from about 1pm until 5pm or so.  The book goes for $21.95 and all proceeds (including author's royalties) go to Brother Martin High School.  Also, if you've got a copy of New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line that you'd like me to sign, bring it along!

from last Spring, moving to Drupal blog

Continuing with York sightseeing...
 

St. Helen's Church
 

Walking through the streets of York, on the way to the Minster.
 

Memorial to Yorkshire soldiers in the Army who gave their lives in South Africa, 1899-1902

St. Michael le Belfry, located directly across the street from York Minster

The Dean's Park, behind York Minster
 

A neat old Citroen parked just outside the Minster grounds

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The Shambles, a narrow, winding street that reminds me of "Diagon Alley" in Rowling's Potter novels

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Saturday Market

Chocolate Heaven! 

A street musician entertains the crowd in a small square near The Shambles.

At the Sign of the Prancing Mouse

Merchants Hall, with the huge arms sculpted and painted over the front door.

look one post below...see the shot of the Empire State Building?  It's all done up in green, yellow, and pink for Easter.  Tonight, it's lit up in red, white, and blue.  I didn't know why, so I asked on Da Twittah.  My friend Noah explained to me that it's to honor The White House Project's EPIC Gala.  I got the link to the project's website from Katie's ESB Lights Project, which is a very cool site detailing all the lighting changes on the ESB, and some of the history of the building.   Just what a geek (and occasional NYC visitor) like me needs!

The Empire State Building, looking up from E36th and 5th Avenue.  Yellow and green for easter!

(from April, 2009)

Having completed my first week of teaching in Manchester, UK, I decided to get away from that city over the weekend and explore a place I've wanted to explore for years: York. 

York was originally a Roman city, constructed at the confluence of the Ouse and Foss rivers.  It became a "walled city" in medieval times and was almost made the capital of England.  It's also the seat of the Archbishop of York, who, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury, are the two "Primates" of the Church of England.  The most significant building in York (and the largest tourist attraction) is the cathedral, York Minster.  York Minster rates a YatTravel post all its own, so these are about the city proper.

I took the train to York, departing from Altrincham, taking Northern Rail from there to the Manchester Picadilly station, and changing trains to the cross-country train whose ultimate destination was Newcastle. My hotel was a Premier Inn just two blocks from the train station.

The Windmill, where I had dinner Friday and Saturday nights. The Premier Inn's main entrance is just to the left of the yellow pub. The hotel wraps around behind The Windmill.

After dinner and relaxation on Friday evening, I woke up Saturday morning ready to explore York. I entered the city through the MickelBar, one of the remaining gates in the medieval city wall:

Those crosses at the top of the gate aren't there for religious reasons, they're slits in the tower where an archer can aim a bow out and cut down would-be attackers.

The shield right above the archway is that of the Archbishop of York. The arms in the center at the top of the tower are those of Richard II. Below Richard's helm and shield are two shields bearing the arms of the City of York: St. George's Cross with the five lions of England superimposed on the cross.

View of MickelBar from the inside of the wall. The arms on the shield are those of the Kings and Queens of England from Henry IV to Elizabeth I.

MonkBar, the second of three remaining gates in the medieval wall.  The arms are those of the Kings of England including James I, Charles I, Charles II, and James II, with two shields bearing the York arms below.

Visitors are able to climb up into the two towers and walk along the wall from MonkBar to MickelBar.

Looking out over the wall. The sign on the building across the street is for "Bile Beans," a laxative product popular from the turn of the 19th Century until the 1930s. The sign has been on the wall since the 1930s, and is now properly preserved.

The River Ouse, on the western side of the city.

Introduction:  I'm going to do several articles over the next few days of various impressions of our trip to Walt Disney World last week.  The purpose of this trip was for Mrs. Yatpundit and I to see our kiddo march with the Brother Martin High School band.  The band does this trip every-other-year; kiddo went two years ago as an eighth grader, but we didn't go.  We figured it would be a good idea to go see them this year, that way if the schedules don't work out when he's a senior, we can at least say we saw them go down Main Street once.