Amusement Centres

By John Mehrmann

 Rising fuel prices have impacted airline travel. Be prepared, and adjust your plans accordingly.

Continental Airlines plans to slash 3,000 jobs and reduce domestic flights in an effort to reduce operating costs. The cuts include pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, administrative personnel, and management.

“These actions will help Continental survive the crisis,” wrote Chairman and Chief Executive Larry Kellner, and President Jeff Smisek, in a letter to Continental’s 45,000 employees. In a move to demonstrate a personal response and commitment, the executives also announced that they would forgo incentive pay for the rest of 2008.

It has been estimated that charges for fuel will be $2.3 billion higher in 2008 than in the previous year. Beginning in September, Continental will decrease capacity by 11%, and will remove 67 airplanes from the fleet by the end of 2009.

United Airlines announced 14% reduction of capacity planned for fourth quarter of 2008. United Airlines is cutting 1,600 jobs.

United Airlines said that it will eliminate Ted, the discount arm of the airline launched in 2004. Ted catered to leisure travelers with only coach-class seating, but in the spring of 2009, the 56 Airbus A320’s will be reconfigured with first class seats and returned to the United Airlines fleet. At the same time, United Airlines will retire 94 Boeing 747’s as unprofitable planes and routes.

Delta announced 10% reduction of capacity in the fourth quarter of 2008.

American Airlines announced plans to reduce capacity by 12% in the fourth quarter of 2008.

As oil prices continue to rise, airlines are forced to respond with fewer flights, fewer routes, less staff, more passengers per plane, and higher prices. Reduced capacity translates to fewer flights, and this means that many of the smaller airports may be the first to feel the pinch. While some travelers may have enjoyed the convenience of smaller airports for proximity or to avoid the crowds of large airports, the availability of flight options may be greatly reduced. Airlines simply cannot afford to move aircraft with empty seats, so expect full flights, or expect that route to be on the chopping block.

In an effort to increase the number of passengers per plane, flights that do not have enough passengers may be cancelled to combine passengers with other flights to the same destination. While many frequent flyers have experienced this interruption in travel plans in the past, it is likely to become commonplace while the airlines adjust to the new demands. When incomplete flights are combined, the result is typically an overbooking situation, which means more passengers than seats. As a result, some passengers may be temporarily stranded in a city overnight, pending an available flight the following day. Overbooking will become even more common as airlines endeavor to keep prices down by filling every seat on the plane.

What does all this mean to you?

Expect full flights. You will be able to tell your grandchildren about the days when you secretly counted the remaining number of individuals boarding the plane in hopes that you would have an empty seat between the window and aisle. Your grandchildren will think that you are making up stories when you tell them about the complimentary meals and movies that you enjoyed on the plane ride. One day the free meals and movies may sound as ridiculous as allowing smoking on a plane, imagine that.

Expect longer delays at security and check-in counters. Yes it is true, security is becoming more efficient, and automated check-in counters are intended to facilitate faster service. Nonetheless, as routes are consolidated and oversold crowds are consolidated into flight patterns that maximize the productivity of reduced staff to handle them, human traffic jams will occur. It is inevitable that consolidation will occur in the battle to control price increases, and in many ways the check-in lines will more often resemble the crowded lines at theme parks, mouse ears and all.

When possible, book direct flights. While this may be slightly more expensive than those connecting flights that enabled you to eat lunch in Houston and dessert in Orlando, it will also decrease your risk of spending an unexpected evening in Texas. When making your travel plans, consider the risk of an unexpected hotel and transportation in a connecting city, while your luggage goes on without you. Try to schedule your travel on morning flights, as opposed to the typical evening business flights, to allow greater opportunity for another flight without an overnight delay. If you do need to book a connecting flight, make sure that you have at least one hour between flights at the connecting airport. Remember that next flight boards thirty minutes before the scheduled flight time, which means that your seat could be on the roulette wheel if there is any delay on your original flight. Take responsibility to check your travel carefully when booking flights, and reduce your risks.

Allow some flexibility in your schedule, just in case you are delayed. Whether your travel is personal or professional, you will get where you need to go, eventually. If all goes well, you will arrive on time, and without incident. In the event that you are delayed, or your plans need to be adjusted, remember to always be courteous to the individual on the other side of the counter. Odds are that the staff member has lost many good friends and colleagues in the workforce reduction, and is now striving to do multiple jobs at once. Have compassion, for they are attempting to resolve the personal challenges for every passenger, every inconvenience, and every emergency that comes over the counter. Show your compassion, and you are more likely to receive a little in return.

As airline travel is impacted, it will have a domino effect on the rest of the travel industry. As prices increase, leisure travel diminishes, and routes are eliminated, so too must car rental companies adjust the inventory of available vehicles at appropriate airports. Consider booking your car well in advance, especially when traveling to a popular destination or busy airport. It will become more likely for car rental agencies to sell out.

The hospitality industry will also be impacted by decreased activity. Although this will be a delayed result, based on the adjusted number of travelers, the good news is that hotels may offer competitive discounts and incentives to retain loyal customers. You should sign-up for programs and be vigilant for special deals.

Those special airline rates for leisure travelers, and the last minute special deals for under $100, are likely to disappear. Prices for all seats are expected to increase, and fewer route options with fuller flights will mean that special discounts will be placed on the endangered species list. And for those hardy business travelers who have saved those frequent flyer miles in hopes of tropical vacation paradise, expect black-out periods and greater advance planning to use those miles in the crowded skies. If fuel prices continue to rise, consider your options to use those accumulated miles this year. Rising costs will force some airlines to introduce even more restrictions on the use of accumulated miles, since these free seats become a liability to cash-flow. Airlines have adjusted the policies on mileage in the past, and are likely to do it again in 2009. Your mileage may not be protected if your carrier of choice is forced to merge, be acquired, or enforce restrictions as a part of an economic reorganization plan. Take a break of the bad news of rising gas prices and fuel charges, and use your miles to go on a well earned vacation while you can still get the most for your miles.

It’s not all bad news. If hotels offer special rates, you might find some nice local vacation packages before the end of 2008, and early 2009. Rising fuel prices, reduced routes, and prohibitive restrictions on air travel may encourage more businesses to use teleconferencing, VOIP, and other technology to collaborate over long distances. A little less travel may mean a little more time at home, and that is always a good thing.

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Words of Wisdom

“The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.”

- Mark Russell

“The saying “Getting there is half the fun” became obsolete with the advent of commercial airlines.”

- Henry J. Tillman

“Here’s what I think the truth is: We are all addicts of fossil fuels in a state of denial, about to face cold turkey.”

- Kurt Vonnegut

______________________________________________________

John Mehrmann is author of The Trusted Advocate: Accelerate Success with Authenticity and Integrity, the fundamental guide to achieve extraordinary sales and sustain loyal customers. John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital. www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com provides resource materials for trainers, sample Case Studies, and educational articles. http://www.InstituteforAdvancedLeadership.com provides self-paced tutorials for personal development and tools for trainers. Presentation materials, reference guides and exercises are available for continuous development.

Top 10 Easy Airline Travel Tips To Reduce Back Pain
By Clydette Clayton

 Traveling is not what it used to be! So I realized I had to change my bad habits to better protect my aching back.

This became quite clear. On my first recent trip, I did everything wrong. I aggravated my back and created unnecessary back pain.

Then I got smart and figured what to do so I didn’t arrive in agony with an aching back. It made so much difference I’m going to share them with you.

Airline Is Not Easy On Your Body

Flying causes us to use our bodies in ways that are not normal for us in our every day life. When traveling, we are twisting, turning, and lifting heavy suitcases in ways that are abnormal. We are bending over to take our luggage off the baggage claim tram. We are putting our carry on luggage in the over head bin. This is like weight lifting! It is certainly not what we do in our daily life.

Then, let’s not forget the uncomfortable seat on the airplane with the cramped space the airlines leave you today.

So here are the 10 tips that I want to share with you to keep your back from aching, too.

Airline Travel Tips

1)Pack light - Think about the clothes you will pack. Choose the lighter ones. Coordinate outfits so you need fewer clothes.

2)Order a wheel chair - Don’t be proud! Believe me, you can save yourself a lot of pain if you let someone else ‘taxi’ you to the gate. This is really important with short connecting flights. But frankly, you get special treatment when you are going through airport security. I’ve found that wheel chairs have priority for security checks.

3)Preboard - You will have help with every aspect of your getting seated. The Flight Attendant will help you to get settled, and you won’t be rushed. He or she should offer to put your luggage in the luggage rack. By the way, if you are in a wheel, you will be preboarded.

4)Don’t lift your carry on luggage into the luggage rack - Let the flight attendant help you. Or ask a gentleman near you to put it up and take it down for you. If there is no one around to help you, pick up the luggage in stages. First, put it on the seat. Then move it up on the arm of the seat. Then to the back of the seat. Then into the luggage rack.

5)Don’t twist while moving any luggage - Twisting is disastrous for your lower back, especially when you are moving something heavy. Instead move your feet in little steps to get into the right position.

6)Reserve an aisle seat - There are many benefits to this. You have more space. You can get up easier and don’t have to twist and contort your body as much. You can also move about the cabin easier to move your body so it is better oxygenated to reduce the pain you might have otherwise.

7)Use a seat support - If you have your own, this is the best. Otherwise, make sure you have an extra blanket and/or pillow for back support. Recline your seat as often as possible. You take pressure off your back by doing this. Also, keep your knees at a right angle to support your back. Use a pillow, your carry on luggage, or an inflatable device to put under your feet to get the right angle.

8)Take your pain relief meds - I always use a topical pain relief product. I put it on my lower back and anything else that is hurting before I leave for the airport. This helps the back pain from flaring up as much.

Also, I use my 1 Minute Pain Relief immediately after I get off the plane. I see no need in letting pain get the better of me by pretending it won’t rear it’s ugly head.

9)Drink lots of water - This will help keep your body oxygenated and help flush out toxins in your body that add to and agitate pain. Don’t hesitate to ask for water if the flight attendants don’t offer you what you desire.

10)Walk up and down the aisles - You will avoid becoming as stiff by moving about the airplane and stretching. Do be careful. Stable yourself by touching the back of the seats. You do not want to fall. Try to move about the cabin every 30 minutes.

I hope these tips have helped you. Please share anything you’ve discover so we can help our fellow pain victims.

The Best of Health

Clydette Clayton is a specialist in Pain Relief. She overcame pain herself using the same natural pain relief techniques that she now shares with others. Access her free newsletter on Pain Relief by going to http://www.1MinutePainRelief.com and entering your name and email in the form provided.

Your Source For The Top Amusement Theme Parks Around The World

Hiking - Tips For A Safe Adventure
By Paul Hata

 Are you, your family, your friends, or your romantic partner planning to take a hiking adventure soon? As you likely already know, it can be fun and exciting, but it can be dangerous at the same time. Of course, there are a number of different steps that you can take to protect yourself on your next adventure and a few of those steps are outlined below.

If you have yet to choose your hiking trail, you will want to do so soon. The sooner that you choose your trail, the easier it will be to familiarize yourself with where you will be hiking. When choosing a trail, it is advised that you take the difficulty level into consideration. For instance, you can find trails in the United States that are designed for beginners, as well as those that have advanced experience.

Once you have decided which trail you would like to hike on, you will want to take the time to fully familiarize yourself with the trail. If you are able to acquire a map of the trail in question, you will want to closely examine it.

You will want to know exactly where you are at all times, as well as how to get out of the area, in the event of an emergency. If you do acquire a map of the hiking trial that you plan on hiking, you will want to make sure that you bring a copy of the map with you. This will also assist you in the event of an emergency.

You will want to think about familiarizing yourself with the security of the hiking trial or park in question; get their contact information so you can contact them in the event of an emergency. Speaking of contacting security guards, you will want to make sure that you bring a cell phone with you.

A cell phone will allow you to call for help if you or someone in your hiking party has an accident or wanders off the trail. If you do not own a cell phone, you may want to think about buying a cheap prepaid one or borrowing the cell phone of someone that you know.

Although it is important that you bring a cell phone with you on your next hiking adventure, a cell phone is not all that you will want to bring. Even if you are only planning on hiking for a day or two, you will want to make sure that you have enough food and drinks, just incase something went wrong. Many hikers are urged to prepare for the worst, just incase. For that reason, you may want to think about packing a number of extra snacks and drinks.

Another great way that you can stay safe on your next hiking adventure is by making sure that you have all of the right hiking equipment or hiking supplies. In this aspect, you will want to make sure that you are dressed for the hike. Hiking should involve sneakers at the least, but you may want to think about buying a set of hiking boots.

You will also want to review the weather before leaving. Even if it will be bright and sunny, you may still want to think about bringing a light coat with you, incase of rain or incase you become stranded on the trail overnight.

Perhaps, the best way that you can go about staying safe on your next hiking adventure is by letting your friends and family members know where you are going, when you will be leaving, and when you will return.

Should you not return on time, those that you know should be able to find you, or at least have a generalized idea of where you are. You may also want to think about writing down the same information and leaving it at a safe place at home.

The above outlined hiking safety tips are just a few of the many that you may want to think about practicing. As a reminder, the adventure can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous as well.

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