Private Jet Airlines

Flying on a private jet is luxurious. Famous people are the ones we see taking a flight like this. Being escorted to and from the plane, it seems that they own those jets when in fact, they really don't. Private charter flights or services can be availed of by any individual or group of people or company as long as they can afford. If you can book a commercial airline flight, you can also do so with private jet airlines. Surfing the Internet can help you find airline companies that offer private jet flights for you offering luxury services to customers. Best travel can be experienced through this way. It has been the trend nowadays for many people. They switch to this wonderful and full service.

Private jet airlines and commercial airlines differ so much from each other. Unlike the latter, private airlines services are not limited to flight and other services in the air. Even outside the trip, you can enjoy all the additional services they can render you which makes the entire travel experience a truly perfect and enjoyable one. They do not care about your limited travel needs. All your requests can be granted and they will let you experience a one- of- a- kind flight and make your dream air travel a reality. You will feel the convenience of this flight because you will not have to go through a congested jet travel. Getting to and from your destinations can be made easier and more easy. Your private jet will take off just as soon as you have boarded it. You do not need to think about your baggage because the services will take good care of them and ensure zero loss cases of your packs. All you need to do is relax and feel the utmost comfort they can give you.

Airlines

Private jet airlines see to it that every single small detail of travel plans is of high quality. They make sure that you will get your top most ideal vacation or business trip. With all those aforementioned benefits and more, you will now stop wondering why many people are now opting for these airlines' services instead of commercial airlines of which the offered and rendered services are limited. If you decide to settle for less, you can never have a trip that is beyond you can ever imagine. Air charter or private flight is a new face of enjoyable and comfortable travel.

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, there are other advantages associated with flying on a private plane. The company can also offer you a choice of cabin crew, pilot, food, etc. The time schedule of your flight depends on what you prefer for yourself. Their jet services can be availed of 24/7. Hence, in the event that you need to travel, you must book a flight for the same week or in advance. You will be charged for any untimely or uninformed cancellation of flight. Therefore, it is well for you to plan carefully and confirm you trip accordingly to avoid having a sudden cancellation.

One disadvantage of the services of private plane airlines is the cost. Their services can be so costly and not everybody can afford. Nevertheless, the comfort and luxury are worth all the expenses.

Private Jet Airlines

Which private jet airlines are the best? Read this Elite Jets review and compare features and services.

Blackboard Learning Management System

Learning management systems, or LMSs, are powerful systems created for the effective management of all business and organizational computer software and educational functions. Utilized throughout all types of businesses and organizations, learning management systems are vastly becoming a necessary resource in today's business, organizational, and education economies.

A LMS is customized toward a particular business or organization's needs and once implemented, proves to be an invaluable resource for success and long-term growth. History has told us, mismanagement in any organization often leads to failure.

Northwestern

One industry witnessing great amounts of success with learning management systems is the education industry. One of the leading companies providing a LMS within the education industry is Blackboard Worldwide with their Blackboard learning management system.

The Blackboard learning management system is a leading-edge, interactive education management system without equal. Offered as a group of software applications geared toward an enhanced online teaching and learning experience, the Blackboard learning management system is rapidly becoming the top choice in a LMS for many educational facilities such as Northwestern University.

A few of the reasons the Blackboard learning management system is so successful can be summed up as follows:

Web-Based Instruction:

The ability to create powerful learning materials by using internet 2.0 technology is allowing both instructors and students to teach and learn in a virtual environment like never before.
Web applications such as streaming video and other web-based interactive programs make it seem as though the classroom is right in front of you.

Such environments are extremely conducive to focused teaching and learning. There may be other students in the 'classroom', but the feel of a one-on-one teaching experience makes the Blackboard learning management system seem personal.

By utilizing the power and reach of the internet, students are now able to use the Blackboard learning management system to interact not only with their instructor, but other students as well. Capabilities such as these often encourage students to better interact with the course work, and participate in a more active manner all while building comfortable relationships.

For instructors, the Blackboard learning management system offers many benefits as well. Not only can they create exciting and new interactive instructional material, the Blackboard learning management system has built-in student assessment and evaluation capabilities. This allows both student and instructor to interact conference-style without the distractions associated with a live classroom setting. In short, the student and teacher are more at ease during the learning and knowledge-building process.

In summary:

The Blackboard learning management system is a powerful ally for students and teachers alike. The lessons are easily prepared and the students are more at ease, which often leads to a more positive learning environment.

Blackboard Learning Management System

Steven Ross owns and operates [http://www.bestlearningmanagementsystem.com]

Learning Management System [http://www.bestlearningmanagementsystem.com]

Discover the Sophisticated Side of Mickey Mouse

Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices.

Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You'll find them to be adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge.

Northwestern Airlines

Let me tell you about my favorites:

o Disney's flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside "palace hotels" of 19th-century America's Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella's Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a large sophisticated pool in the central courtyard, a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out the list of exceptional offerings.

o A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney's Yacht Club where guests find the sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, it's just a short stroll to Epcot's International Gateway entrance and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is the Yacht Club's 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools, a giant "shipwreck" waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart's content.

o The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius. The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms. In it's imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields, a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating. From common lookouts as well as from 90% of the guestrooms are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all.

o Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney's dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge's very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity.

What about Disney's dining choices? Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, Disney's reputation for dreadful theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of the incredible meals to be found at many of the over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.

Here are some of Disney's best restaurants:

o The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. Don't be discouraged if all the coveted window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird's-eye view of the fireworks extravaganza.

o For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to the Flying Fish at Disney's Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea blue sparkling mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars. Named a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it boasts an excellent international list. Don't forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.

o Fine dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually flawless service sets Victoria and Albert's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond awarded restaurant you're served a sumptuous seven-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparkling crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the newly-remodeled, 6-person chef's table found in a candle-lit alcove in the kitchen, a spot perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney's top chef in action.

o Epcot's Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.

o Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge's premier dining room is the seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of creations prepared with African flair are turned out in exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South African wine list, the largest in North America. And don't leave without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar's purses served with a honey dipping sauce, one of Disney's best desserts.

So, for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for kids, think again! It's a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the parks.

Discover the Sophisticated Side of Mickey Mouse

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com

Fliers Beware! Did You Let Airlines Damage Your Property?

If you travel with small children, you no doubt have taken a stroller, car seat or some other essential on board an aircraft. These days, with full flights, you'll most likely have to gate check the item. This means leaving your item at the end of the jet way as you board, and picking it up after your flight in the same place, or at baggage claim. We have found that this is a fairly convenient strategy.

In the rush of boarding and keeping track of kids and your belongings, you were probably asked to sign a tag which was then attached to your stroller. Like us, you probably didn't bother reading the fine print. But after a recent flight on Northwest Airlines, we did, and we were surprised to learn what the airline's legal department is up to...

Northwestern Airlines

The set up...

When you sign that tag, you are absolving the airline of responsibility for any damage to your stroller, car seat, etc. How? By stating that your item was already damaged when it was given to the agent at the gate. Of course you never said this - but it is what the fine print you signed contains.

Here is the text of what is on Northwest Airlines' Gate Luggage Claim Check:

"In consideration of carrier(s) transporting my property which has been damaged previously, I hereby release carrier(s) from liability resulting solely from such pre-existing damage."

Below this text is a line to enter a description of the damage, and one for your signature. You can see a picture of an actual Gate Luggage Claim Check by searching for 'check tag' at http://images.google.com/. Look for the pink tag.

So what's the big deal?

By signing the tag, you are acknowledging that the item is already damaged! The airline is saying they won't be responsible for this damage. That seems fair, but, here's the kicker: it is hard to prove when damage occurs. So they're covered if they ruin your stroller, because you said it was already damaged, and that gets them off the hook.

In our scenario, we checked a brand new stroller, purchased just for this trip. If it was returned to us at our destination damaged, the airline would no doubt say that the damage occurred before we handed it over to them, and the tag that we signed is their proof that we acknowledged previous damage. Pretty sneaky!

Again, on the surface the wording seems reasonable, as airlines can't be responsible for damage that really does occur before they take possession. And it isn't saying that they aren't responsible if they damage the item. But because it is hard to prove when damage occurred, and since you signed the tag saying it was damaged previously, the airline is in the clear for any damage that they cause.

The form does have a legitimate use, as I'm sure airlines do get strollers and car seats with existing damage. But the form should be rewritten so that the gate agent must identify existing damage in order to absolve the airline of responsibility.

So what do I do?

The next time you're asked to sign a gate check tag, make sure you print 'NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE' clearly, above your signature. You can use the damage description line for this purpose. By doing this, you are establishing the fact that your item was not damaged when handed over to the airline. So if it comes back to you all mangled, it is clear that the airline must have caused the damage, for which they are then responsible.

Fliers Beware! Did You Let Airlines Damage Your Property?

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Life Insurance Settlement - How Beneficiaries Get Paid

Life Insurance Settlement. Over the years I have paid many a claim upon the death of my clients. Everything always goes smoothly for me in these cases. The carrier usually wants proof of death and they also want to be assured that the beneficiary is who s/he claims to be. When a beneficiary calls to let me know of the death of an insured I always try to make it to the funeral. I also set up an appointment to help them get paid as quickly as possible. I advise them of the requirements of the life insurance company at that point.

To make certain that I don't miss anything I confirm everything with the claims department of the company before I go on the appointment. I then advise them that I will call from the beneficiaries home or place of business to to make certain all will goes well. As long as all the requirements are met the proceeds will be paid in a very short period of time. Most of my time on the field I was with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, now Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Because they are so thorough at the time of application for the policy when the time comes to pay it takes about one week.

Northwestern

There are several choices an insured has when it comes to the payment of proceeds.

One Lump Sum

More often than not the proceeds of the policy is paid in one lump sum. If the policy is small that is fine. When the policy is for a large amount I don't recommend payment in this manner. It is much better to provide an income rather than a lump sum. Income can be paid in many different ways. There are many options.

Interest Income Option

Putting a large sum of money into the hands of one who is not used to handling large sums can result in waste. As a result the intentions of the insured goes for naught. His or her plan is not achieved. The beneficiary of the policy can leave the principal with the company just taking the interest earned at intervals. The principal remains in tact until you decide to take it.

Fixed Amount Income Option

The beneficiary has the option of taking the money in the form of a fixed income. The insured can stipulate that this is how it should be paid or s/he can leave that up to those who receive the money. S/he may say, "pay out $x per month to my family, named person or persons, until the proceeds are exhausted". The actual amount paid is usually considerably more than the lump sum death benefit itself.

Fixed Period Income

This option is similar to the fixed amount option in that the amount paid out is the same. You say to the life insurance company - "pay this money to them in equal amounts over the next 10 years", for example.

Life Income Option

Some people may choose to have life insurance proceeds paid in life income form. This is particularly effective when dealing with large amounts. There are several life income options.

You can have income paid for life but when the beneficiary dies no more income is paid. This is a way of providing the largest life income but I see it as a gamble. I much prefer to have the beneficiary take an income for life but with a certain, or guaranteed period. Let us say the person receiving the income wants a life income 20 years certain. The income will be paid for as long as the beneficiary lives but if s/he dies after 5 years, for example, the income still must be paid out to an heir for an additional 15 years. 20 years certain was an example you may choose 5 years, 10 years, or 15 years certain.

More details: Life Insurance Settlement

Life Insurance Settlement - How Beneficiaries Get Paid

For more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and most admired life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable.

Donald's website is: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net

Delta Airlines - A Simple Way of Flying

Delta Airlines operates more than 1500 flights per day for which about 70000 people are employed in various capacities. Employees of the airline enjoy many facilities including free global travel after 30 days of employment; medical, dental and vision coverage; paid vacations; life insurance; holidays and profit sharing. Delta's partner airlines include - Air France, AeroMexico, Alitalia, AirEuropa and Aeroflot. The airline's employees also get domestic partner programs.

Delta Airlines fleet consists of different types and flight models. The airline has Boeing, and numerous airbus aircraft. Some of them were acquired after its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008. The airline has the largest fleets of Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 and it is also the largest operator of Airbus A330 aircraft in America. Different types of aircraft in Delta's fleet are - Airbus A319-100, Boeing 757-200, McDonnell Douglas DC-9-40, McDonnell Douglas MD-88, McDonnell Douglas MD-90, Boeing 767-300ER etc.

Northwestern Airlines

You can check the status of a Delta Airline's flight in which you or a loved one is traveling. Though more than 75% percent Delta's flights are on time, sometimes it can be delayed due to bad weather conditions and heavy air traffic. To track the status of a flight, log on to Delta's official website. In the sections provided enter the flight number or airport code of the flight you want to track. You can also call up the airline's flight information phone to know the status.

Delta Airline allows passengers to travel with their pets in their cabin with the owners, under certain restrictions. The pet must be kept in a kennel which can fit under the seat in your front. Passengers can check with the reservation department to find out the exact size of the kennel. The pet must be kept inside the kennel with the door closed in the aircraft as well as the lounge and boarding areas. Only one pet per passenger is allowed in the aircraft. To know other rules about carrying pets onboard, get in touch with the airlines.

Delta Airlines - A Simple Way of Flying

Written By: Shivendra Saxena
Know more about Airlines Information, Delta Airlines

Traveling to and Getting Around Grand Cayman Island

Out of the Cayman Islands, which include Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac as well as Little Cayman, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands. The island is made entirely of limestone reef and is approximately 22 miles long with an average width of four miles. Located just south of Cuba and Miami and northwest of Jamaica, the Island has been home to a variety of people who share the common juxtaposition of the easy-going lifestyle and luxurious living.

Traveling To Grand Cayman Island

Northwestern Airlines

Most commonly, airplanes are the best way to reach the Cayman Islands, as it is the quickest and most direct means of transportation there. There are several airlines that serve the Islands, including the national airline named Cayman Airways that serves Miami, Chicago, New York, Orlando, Washington, Honduras, Tampa, Kingston, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Havana, as well as Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Airlines that fly from the Mainland and other countries include American Airlines, USAIR, Northwest, Delta, Continental, Air Canada, British Airways and Air Jamaica. British Airways offers four direct flights from London to Grand Cayman and Air Canada operates flights directly from Toronto. All international flights enter through Owen Roberts International Airport. If none of these work for the customer, most carriers offer worldwide connecting flights, however the frequency of flights may vary seasonally. The airport also has a private terminal that accommodates private jets, a popular way for many luxury travelers to get to the island.

Grand Cayman Island is also a very popular cruise ship port in the western Caribbean, as there are also many cruises that either stop in or have the Cayman Islands as their main destination. Various cruise lines that either have a stopover or final destination include Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Radisson Seven Seas as well as the Royal Caribbean.

The Caribbean is also known for its incredible sailing. The best time for this mode of transportation will be from January to March, as July through November bring the summer rains and hurricane season. There are a number of different charters to choose from including bareboat, skipper bareboat as well as crewed charters.

Getting Around The Island

When the vacationer lands, most of the luxury homes in Grand Cayman are only a fifteen-minute ride from the airport either by boat or vehicle. In fact, vacationers can choose to take a private water taxi to the resorts or luxury homes to really take in the scenery. Many luxury resorts will arrange private luxury transfers to guests.

Living in Grand Cayman, there are a number of options for getting around on the island. Taxis are readily available at the dock and easily found all around the island. There is also a reliable bus system that runs throughout Grand Cayman, with the routes color-coded for tourists.

Car rentals are a popular way to go, with a number of well-known services offering car rentals. The one downside of renting a car is the vacationer must obtain a temporary driver's license from the car rental agency or the police station as there are some obstacles to overcome such as driving is on the left side of the road. Many rental car companies offer cars with the steering wheel on the right or left side so it's important to make that selection when reserving a car.

Grand Cayman Island may be a sliver of paradise, but that doesn't mean that there are not convenient modes of transportation for both getting to the Island as well as traveling around it. The ease of transportation makes getting to and from the luxury homes in Grand Cayman convenient for the vacationers.

Traveling to and Getting Around Grand Cayman Island

Chris Harmen is a writer who covers travel including Luxury Homes in Grand Cayman. Living in Grand Cayman can be enjoyed by a variety of vacation homes, from small condos to large estates.

Interesting Trivia Tidbits About Ireland

Ireland is one of the world's largest islands. It is nestled in the northwestern part of Europe and is known for its natural grandeur, exciting culture, and verdant scenery. Celts were said to be the first inhabitants of the country.

Most people who know about or have gone to Ireland are aware about how interesting this country is. If you don't know much about it and you want to know more about it for your upcoming vacation to this place, here are some interesting facts and trivia about Ireland.

Northwestern

• Ireland also comes by the name Emerald Island. This name was coined because of the lush greenery that the country is known for.
• Next to Irish and English, the most common language spoken in the island is Gaelic.
• Ireland is where the famous Claddagh Rings originated. The Claddagh Rings have a design that is composed of two hands holding a heart that is topped with a crown. The heart symbolizes love, hands represent friendship, and the crown stands for loyalty.
• St. Patrick introduced the religion of Christianity in Ireland sometime in the 430 BC.
• St. Patrick's Day is honored every March 17. It is a holiday observed in the entire country. Millions of people go to Dublin to partake in the festivities.
• Rosary originated in Ireland.
• Most of the people in Ireland are Roman Catholics.
• Most of the Irish castles contain a murder hole located at the entrance. Daggers or hot liquids were dumped into the hole to kill enemies who wish to enter the castle.
• The only reptile that lives in Ireland is lizard.
• Titanic was made in Ireland.
• The designer of the White House in Washington is an Irish. His name is James Hoban.

Interesting Trivia Tidbits About Ireland

Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect Irish flag and buy Irish flag for sale.

Three Trends Facing Future Business Strategic Planning

Where does time go? What seems like just yesterday you were planning this year's goals and now it is 6 months or heaven's forbid 2 years later!

Looking to the future is many times difficult because we are so focused on the past and the present. Recently when speaking to both local leaders here in Northwest Indiana as well as nationally, I surveyed them as to the challenges that they see down the road the next one to 10 years. As someone whose business consulting and sales coaching practice is very much about determining future trends as part of the strategic planning process to help my clients secure their competitive advantage, I see these 3 critical issues facing all organizations from the smallest to the largest.

Northwestern Airlines

#1 Critical Business Trend is Succession Leadership. With the forthcoming retirement of the 65 million baby boomers, finding leaders and then developing those individuals in any organization will be as Ford Motor has stated: "Job #1." No longer will businesses steal human capital talent from their competitors because there will be none to steal. Everyone will be in the same boat. The announcement by Steve Jobs of Apple to step away for 6 months is a perfect illustration of the importance of succession leadership with the strategic plan. (The stock declined 10% within hours of his announcement.)

#2 Critical Business Trend is Strategic Planning. No longer will organizations adopt the role of Captain Wing It who is flying Sky High Airlines 135 heading for sunny Bermuda or is it flight number 351 en route to the Bahamas? The key resources of time, people, money and energy will continue to become even more valuable. Miss-directed actions that cost resources will land companies in the hole of No-Return. The 21st century is knowledge driven and how to leverage that knowledge through critical thinking skills.

#3 Critical Business Trend is Human Capital Talent Development. The greatest resource of any organization is its people and it is the most under-utilized. Each employee has incredible potential that is dormant just waiting for the right person to let the "genie out of the bottle." Current productivity research suggests between 20-25% of all employees are actively engaged on the job, meaning that they are giving at least the required productivity for every dollar received in compensation. This data suggests there is a lot of untapped performance (75-80%) just sitting along the sidelines not delivering a positive return on the investment. Strategic planning must address this wasted resource.

Take Action Strategic Planning Coaching Tip: Review these 3 issues and determine if they are important today or will be important tomorrow. Establish goals with your strategic plan to ensure that your actions will secure you a competitive advantage.

Three Trends Facing Future Business Strategic Planning

So what should be in a strategic plan? Get this free strategic plan check list.

Chicago Sales Coach Leanne Hoagland Smith helps to achieve Sales Goals because the real Issue is not "Do they (you) know it (Business Knowledge), but "Do they (you) want to do it? (Business Attitudes)

Receive a special offer for Leanne's sales coaching book on how to be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits.

Can Delta Airlines Stave Off Bankruptcy?

In a move thought by some as an attempt to stave off bankruptcy as well as to generate cash, Delta Airlines made the move on August 16, 2005, to sell one of its regional carriers, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, to Skywest, Inc. The sale comes in the face of rising fuel prices and a high debt burden that many U.S. airlines in addition to Delta are carrying.

As much as the 5 million selling price of the regional carrier will infuse Delta with cash, the carrier still has nearly billion dollars in outstanding debt and leasing costs to manage. Delta is expected to use some of the funds to reduce their debt and set aside the remaining monies as reserves. Delta must have a reserve in place totaling 0 million dollars as it negotiates with a credit card processor this fall to extend or renew its contract with the processor. Without the reserves and the extension, Delta would be certain to file for bankruptcy.

Airlines

While Atlantic Southeast Airlines is no longer part of the Delta portfolio, two other divisions remain and may also be sold.

Delta AirElite, the business jet sector of the company, is the most profitable part of the company. A sale of this company would probably signal to the industry that Delta cannot recover from its current financial plight. Cash rich Gulfstream Aerospace Company or TAG Aviation may serve as viable suitors for this company.

Comair, another regional carrier owned by Delta, could also be put on the auction block. Selling this regional carrier would leave Delta without a regional service provider, however.

Ultimately, these are bleak times for the venerable carrier. Odds strongly suggest that the company will seek bankruptcy protection this fall, particularly before changes in the U.S. bankruptcy law take place in October. High fuel prices and poor management decisions have contributed to Delta's current state of affairs; unfortunately employees and passengers will likely suffer the most should Delta go bankrupt.

Can Delta Airlines Stave Off Bankruptcy?

Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on just about any and every issue imaginable. You can preview samples from his high performing site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com

Low Cost Airfares Provided by Domestic Airlines in India

India is heading a massive economic infrastructural change with the reign of development of Computer Science & Technology that we have witnessed the rapid growth in the past 15 years, after the era of globalization and privatization arrived at the late 1990's. And Travel is such industry which is going hand in hand with the growing pace of Indian Economy where private airlines were given permission to run schedule services after the era of revolution in 1993.

Traveling has become an integral part of our life, with the growing needs and necessities of every individual, standard of living and lifestyle has increased hence forth people have got so busy in their schedule that they now go for transportation which arranges less time to reach. And Air Travel are the fastest medium of transportation that consumes less time, thus growth of low cost airlines has proven to be the turning point and the easy medium in travel sector for India. Moreover the introduction of various low cost domestic airlines in India, most importantly the launch of Air Deccan has set the booming industry to a major share of India's travel industry, and the other key airlines following the same trend which provides hassle free booking with cheap airfare associated.

Airlines

The main vision of these airlines is providing cheapest airfares across India focusing primarily on the budget class passengers traveling in Indian Railway AC coaches without compromises- its quality of service and safety at any cost. Cheapest Air tickets are offered by many major low cost airline players like Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air, Jet Lite, Air India, etc which covers all the major destinations and the metropolitan cities across India.

Low Cost Airfares Provided by Domestic Airlines in India

Vivek, is a free lens writer and loves to write about travel, adventure, day to day happenings. Here I have talked about how after the privatization and globalization in India have changed the lifestyle and standards of people, and the boom in the airlines industry which has resulted into cheapest airfare and cheapest flights in India.

Interactive Travel Guide - Technology to Help in Your Trips

For sure you have heard something about them, but as a recent invention I think it is good to talk a bit about what is it about and which benefits can it bring to have the support of an interactive travel guide during your trip. Also, I'll look in which places having some interactive travel guidance can be more suitable.

As a starting point, let's look at what we are talking about. I define an interactive travel guide as an electronic device that is aware of its position thanks to a GPS system for open wide spaces or an internal system of sensors for closed or little areas. This system detects where a tourist is and starts playing a recording teaching different cultural aspects of the place where the traveler is placed. Instead of the need of carrying lots of books and papers to your destination to make your trip a cultural experience or needing to get a guide explaining to a crowd of people, you can get this cultural immersions on your own way, either if you are in a museum or traveling with a campervan through a whole country.

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Benefits of the system? It really depend on where you are going to use it. As a first example, I'll put the wax museum in Salzburg, Austria. They have a device you connect to your ears which detects areas you cross in the museum and starts with an explanation of what it is about. This allows people to go into the experience at their own speed, repeat explanations if they haven't understood, and it is an advantage for the museum guys because they don't need to pay for a tour guide.

On the other hand, if your purpose is to go on a road trip across a country for example, I'll put the example of a device made in New Zealand for exploring the country. In fact, this device was the first one in it's class and many tourism organizations worldwide are buying the idea to improve the immersion experience to visitors. It uses a GPS system that is connected to the radio of your vehicle and it starts playing a recording every time your vehicle enters any area of special interest. It includes recommendations on hot spots, cultural background, history about the place, legends and myths, or it even recommends a restaurant or a special off the beaten path place where you can spend some nice time.

Advantages are many. You no longer need the help of a book for understanding more deeply any region you cross, you get some good advice about the places you visit and recommendations on what to do and you don't need of course any guide who travels with you in the campervan! The guys running this project have it always open for adding new places with new recordings and even ask New Zealanders to contribute with any of their personal experience in the country.

Finally, thinking ahead in the future, this device could be combined with audiovisual material (not of course while you are driving!) and even incorporate some interactive functionality that could allow you to explore a certain zone with a menu every time you enter it or, in the case of New Zealand and road tours in general, every time you tell the device your vehicle is stopped.

Interactive Travel Guide - Technology to Help in Your Trips

If you are planning a trip and want some help, you'll find it at Travel Planning Help. There you can also ask to see if any interactive travel guides in your destination are available to make your journey more intense.

If you look for 80-90% discounted hotels at your destination, you'll find the deal at Free Travel Certificates

Dani Alonso

Eurostar Vs Low Cost Airlines

Eurostar trains operate on a high speed line between London and mainland Europe, stopping at destination in France and Belgium. Figures for the beginning of the year indicate that more and more travellers are becoming attracted to this mode of transport with figures up twenty five percent.

A major advantage of travelling with Eurostar is that they run on time, with punctuality figure reaching almost ninety-four percent. A report in the Telegraph newspaper earlier this month demonstrates that this is nowhere near the case with British airways, who ranked 22nd out of 29 as one of Europe's poorest performers for punctual arrivals and even worse at 23rd for departures. This is not the story of every airline and Flybe has outperformed many of it rivals with a punctuality record on its London to Belfast route, but the figure of eight seven percent is still a long way short of Eurostar's record.

Airlines

London St Pancras International is a very convenient station to arrive at with no less than six underground links and seven mainline links connecting directly to it. Ebbsfleet International is situated just off junction two of the M25 and therefore convenient for those living in South East England, and there is also a free to this station and Ashford International on connecting Fasttrack buses and South Eastern trains. However it is not always as easy to find an airport close to home that is flying to the destination of your choice.

Booking is fast and easy with Eurostar who initiated Railteam, which is a joint venture between Europe's top high-speed train operators, and Railteam network is fast expanding which can only lead further improvements.

Today, many people have concerns for the well-being of the environment and many are starting to base their travel choices based on environmental concern. Additionally the new green rules, which demand planes to burn less fuel, are being viewed suspiciously because they might cause planes to crash.

All in all, Eurostar has a number of clear advantages over travel by low cost airlines, especially having partnered with Friends of the Earth to work together on the development of the Friends of the Earths, The Big Ask campaign and Eurostar's, Tread Lightly scheme.

Eurostar have made good progress in their initiative to reduce its environmental impact and ticket sales increased twenty five percent in the first three month period. An independent survey by "YouGov" shows that our views about travelling are changing, that we are starting to take action and expect others to do so as well.

Copyright (c) 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk

Eurostar Vs Low Cost Airlines

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New Mexico Travel

A journey to New Mexico can be a very enthralling and enchanting experience. The state, with its diversity, can be a unique travel experience, offering culturally and traditionally rich places as well as breathtaking natural beauty and charm. Travel can include cycling through the beautiful locales of the Kit Carson National Forest or the Rio Grande Gorge.

A journey to cites like Santa Fe and Taos not only acquaints the tourists with the rich cultural heritage but also satisfies the adventurous streak in them. While the former city is famous for art, literature and music and the desert, the latter is known for being a world- class skiing resort. The rare opportunity of viewing the works of George O'Keefe ad R.C Gorman in Santa Fe makes the whole experience memorable. A trip to the city of Albuquerque in New Mexico is ideal for indulging in horse racing, visiting the historic towns, national monuments, the tramway and participating in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is the largest and the one of its kind, in the world.

Northwestern

Traveling to New Mexico also assures exposure to the diverse Spanish, Mexican and native cultures. Similarly, Las Vegas with over 900 historical buildings is a traveler's paradise. In northwestern New Mexico, are the Aztec ruins. The journey to New Mexico is incomplete without visiting the national parks in Carlsbad called the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and The Lincoln National Forest, in Ruidoso. Cloudcroft is the perfect place for ice- skating cross-country. In southwest New Mexico, the places worth touring are Deming, Las Cruces and Silver city with its famous Gila National Forest. New Mexico offers the unique combination of the old and new, classic and contemporary lifestyles and is a haven for tourists. A planned holiday makes the trip more enjoyable and adventurous.

New Mexico Travel

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Mediation - A Better Way To Divorce

People who were considering getting a divorce last year but held off because of the holidays, will most likely take that step in the first six months of this year. Statistics indicate that with each passing year, the number of people getting divorced is rising. And each year, the children are the ones who suffer as their parents bitterly fight over every issue from money to visitation.

Can anything be done to make getting divorced an easier situation for all the parties involved? There is an answer, and it is mediation.

Northwestern

Exactly, what is mediation? Unfortunately, mediation is not very well known to the people who need it the most. However, mediation is gaining popularity due to its potential advantages over fighting it out in court. A few of these advantages are:

! Keeping the children's best interests at the forefront.

! Mediation cost less and takes less time than working your way through the court system for years.

! It allows for the parties to be in charge of their divorce.

! It fosters communication for the purpose of agreements.

"Mediation also has other advantages," says Brian James, president of C.E.L. & Associates, a certified mediator who specializes in pre and post divorce issues. " The payer of child support and/or maintenance is more likely to make monthly payments if agreed upon during mediation. Plus, you will spend less time in the court system."

Because a judge's calendar is so full, he or she has little time to really get to know the people getting divorced. A mediator takes the time to get to know the parties involved.

For further information on this subject, please contact Brian James at (312) 524-5829 or goto his website, http://www.celandassociates.com.

Mediation - A Better Way To Divorce

Brian James is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with offices throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. He started his mediation practice, C.E.L. and Associates, in late 2005.

Brian earned his B.S. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 1994 and completed training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Northwestern University.

The first 10 years of his professional career, Brian worked in the Criminal Justice System helping domestic violence and divorcing families resolve family conflicts. He assisted with the healing process that took place after these life-changing events had occurred. His approach to mediation is client driven. By aiding his clients with the resolution of their divorce issues outside of the courtroom, Mr. James helps create a win/win situation for all parties in a divorce.

For more information please visit Brian's website, http://www.celandassociates.com or give him a call at (312) 524-5829. He makes it a point to personally answer every call that is made to him.

Freeport In The Bahamas

Freeport in Grand Bahama Island is the closest of all the Bahamas to the USA. A quick 45 minute flight from Fort Lauderdale or Miami will get you into Freeport. It is a very popular destination because of its close proximity and the fact that US dollars are widely accepted. There are two main clusters of hotels and resorts on Grand Bahama Island. One is at the Port Lucaya area located on the south shore of island and the other is near downtown Freeport which is more inland. There are also other individual resorts scattered around the west and south shores of the 97 by 17 mile island.

I have traveled to Freeport twice and stayed in the Port Lucaya area both times. Most of the hotels here are next to the Port Lucaya Marketplace which is a collection of restaurants, boutiques and other retail services. In addition to the higher end retail, there are also small outdoor vendors selling cheaper goods such as souvenirs and t-shirts. One should be aware that much of the items available for sale from these vendors are not actually made in the Bahamas but overseas in Asia. There is also a nice sized marina here for those coming to the island via private boat. For those interested in scuba diving, the Unexso operator is very convenient since it is located next to the marketplace. There are also deep sea fishing excursions offered here as well. At the center of the marketplace is the Count Basie Square where free entertainment is featured on some evenings. A casino is on location here as well. The white sand beach is quite nice with no rocks in the water but it could use some cleaning up since I did see some cigarette butts and small litter scattered around. This is also true for some of the areas around the Port Lucaya area in general as it seems that nobody wants to take responsibility for bottles and other trash visible to tourists.

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The taxi fare to Port Lucaya from the airport was US. There is also a public bus service which utilizes vans to take people to other parts of the island. The fare is .50 US per person to downtown Freeport so this is definitely a much more economical way to get around. One can take this bus service to the nearest grocer called Winn-Dixie or the other major shopping area on Grand Bahama Island called International Bazaar. International Bazaar is actually next to downtown Freeport and near the other cluster of hotels there. This shopping area was similar to the Port Lucaya Marketplace except that it had an international theme. Unfortunately, the International Bazaar is rapidly going downhill as over half of the stores are now closed. This is not that surprising since even though there are attractive hotel rates and another casino located in this area, it is really too far from the ocean to make it a decent Caribbean spot to stay. Therefore, it is highly recommended to stay in the Port Lucaya area (or one of the individual resorts near the ocean if one prefers more seclusion).

Both of my trips to Freeport were primarily for scuba diving and with opportunities to dive with both dolphins and sharks here, I was not disappointed. There are other activities available in Grand Bahama Island including golf, horseback riding, sea kayaking and bird watching but these didn't seem to be too popular. From the conversations we had with other tourists, it seems that most people came to Grand Bahama Island for scuba diving, deep sea fishing or just to relax by the beach. Otherwise, one could get bored here quite easily as there's not much in terms of experiencing local Bahamian culture since much of the tourist services are Americanized.

Freeport In The Bahamas

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca, an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.

Relax and Enjoy Yourself With a Passenger Train Vacation

Traveling by train is a luxurious and leisurely way to see the world. With the ability to sit back, de-stress and enjoy the scenery on your own time, passenger train vacations can be the answer for folks who are looking to maximize their relaxation time.

The beauty of passenger train vacations is that travel destinations are virtually limitless. Want to trek across the flatland that is the heart of America? Take a train. Want to venture through the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland? There is no better way to see them but by train.

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Amtrak may be the most popular and well-respected train service in America. They offer extensive vacation packages that run throughout the entirety of America. Passenger train vacations allow you the time to explore great American cities, and to do it all without the hustle and bustle of driving a car. Who wants to get stuck in traffic while on vacation? And it's pretty difficult to eat a burger while driving. On a passenger train, the ever-changing scenery whisks past you while you chat, eat and lounge.

On most long distance routes, you will find sleeping accommodations within the passenger cars. Private and public bathrooms are also available for use. Everything from a "Roomette" which accommodates two adults, but sans the toilet and shower, to the full sized "Bedroom Suite" allowing enough room for 4 adults, and includes 2 in-room showers and 2 in-room toilets. Sleeping cars have become as luxurious as hotel rooms with fresh linens daily, newspapers and complimentary bottled water.

Some passenger train vacations come complete with dining cars with sit down restaurants. On board chefs prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners, all with the quality you would expect on a vacation.

Popular routes taken include:

- Adirondack - This train route covers the northeast and both Montreal and New York City are served on this route.

- Cascades - Enjoy the northwest and see the beautiful Pacific cities such as Vancouver, Portland and Seattle

- City of New Orleans services the south and Midwest with stops in Chicago, New Orleans and Memphis.

- Heartland Flyer runs between Forth Worth, Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, also known as "The Horse Show Capital of the World."

Excellent Reasons to take a Passenger Train:

- Save Money. With gas prices rising daily, train trips don't take so much bite out of the wallet as airplane tickets and auto trips do.

- Train fares remain relatively the same. When booking a plane flight, there is much anxiety over when to purchase the ticket such as what day of the week, what time of day, how long to stay, whether or not to spend a Saturday night. Train tickets are virtually the same at any time.

- Can take more luggage. These days, airline carriers are charging hefty fees for checked luggage. Taking the train allows for at least one more checked piece of luggage than airlines do.

- Convenience. Usually if you miss a train, there will be another departing soon. There is much less hassle traveling by train than by plane as there are no security inspections, no rationing of liquids brought onboard, the experience is much less stressful.

- Charm. In today's world, technology is making everything and everyone move faster. Trains may move quickly, but their charm will take you back to a day when the world and its people moved much less hastily.

Relax and Enjoy Yourself With a Passenger Train Vacation

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about passenger train vacation [http://vacationonatrainsite.info/relax-and-enjoy-yourself-with-a-passenger-train-vacation], please visit Vacation on a Train Site [http://vacationonatrainsite.info] for current articles and discussions.

Locating the Cheapest Airline Tickets

With summer approaching many families are eager to start looking for the best places to find airfare; to destinations like Florida, Caribbean, Mexico, and other places to catch fun in the sun.

The internet provides numerous resources in locating discounted airfare. But website to locate discount airline tickets is Travel By Deals. TravelByDeals.com publishes internet travel specials for airline tickets, cruises, hotels, vacations, and rental cars.

Northwestern Airlines

As the price of airline tickets has increased with the cost of fuel, airline bankruptcies, consolidations and airline closings, the market has decreased and fares are higher. The top airlines to find the lowest price on airline tickets are all low-fare carriers who are now setting the bar for traditional airlines to follow.

Spirit Airlines - Spirit Airlines may be a small airline with a hub in Fort Lauderdale, FL. But they fly to a lot of destinations in the Caribbean, and Mexico. With an impressive streak of deals, Spirit always impresses consumers with flights as low as , which often occurs bi-monthly. On a weekly basis you should be able to find fares from Spirit as low as if you catch their "Syber Specials"

Airtran Airways - With most of the United States covered, Airtran can get you where you need to go. Visit travel sites weekly and your likely to see their discounted specials. They do not service markets outside the United States except for Grand Bahama Island, but if Florida, New York, Vegas, or California is your destination you should consider Airtran Airways.

And the last airline to top the list in finding discount airline tickets is Jetblue Airways - Customer service and low fares all wrapped up in a blue and white plane, Jetblue has wonderful discounted fares. Jetblue not only has discounted fares, but offers FREE in-flight entertainment (Direct TV Satellite Monitors) at every seat. Jetblue serves a lot of destinations like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. This fairly new discount carrier always has fares from and they also cover a lot Northern America.

Locating the Cheapest Airline Tickets

These wonderful deals and more are always published online at http://www.travelbydeals.com Travel By Deals is the premier internet publisher of travel deals from the best names in travel. We do not endorse these airlines. We at Travel By Deals observed a trend in these airlines providing discount travel accommodations for consumers.

Travel Destination: Philippine Beaches

The Philippines is an island archipelago in Southeast Asia with more than 7,100 islands. With a coastline twice the length of that of the United States and at least a beach on every island, the Philippines is Asia's beach capital. Just the mention of the Philippines brings images of warm crystal blue waters and long, white sandy beaches. Here is a list of the most popular Philippine beaches:

● Boracay Beach - the most popular beach located on the northwestern tip of Panay island, Western Visayas. Boracay has 4 kilometers of powder-white beach touted as the "finest beach in the world". Today the island of Boracay has numerous restaurants, bars, cafes and has one of the most vibrant nightlife among Philippine beaches.

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● Macatan Island, Cebu - located also in the Visayas, Cebu's Mactan Island has hotels and resorts water sports facilities, bars and restaurants to guarantee every tourist an enjoyable stay during the day and a nightlife of music, food and drinks.

● Panglao Island, Bohol - Panglao is a small island on the southwest of the bigger island, Bohol. The island has several resorts along beach with accommodations, restaurants and bars. Panglao is famous for its splendid underwater corral reefs surrounding the island.

● Puerto Galera, Mindoro - A favorite vacation hideaway for local and foreign travelers due to its proximity to Manila. Puerto Galera is composed of several beaches in northern Mindoro where tourist can choose which beach to go. Puerto Galera has accommodations for all kind of travelers - from the classy to the basic. For the budget conscious, Puerto Galera is the beach to go. It also has one of the best dive spots in the archipelago - a favorite for diving enthusiast.

● Honda Bay, Palawan - North of the capital city of Palawan is Honda Bay. One can find islets dotting the bay with fine sand beaches. Take a boat ride and island hop to the different islands to swim, snorkel, dive or have a picnic on the beach and enjoy the view of clear blue waters. The bay is studded with patches of coral and sand. The rich marine life of the bay will surely make snorkeling and diving more pleasurable.

● El Nido, Palawan - Surrounded by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most scrumptious soups specially found in Chinese restaurants - the Nido Soup, made from the bird's nest found on the cliffs that abound in the area. Palawan is known as the country's last frontier; with its virgin forest, unspoiled beaches, corral reefs, caves and beautiful sceneries unmatched anywhere in the Philippines.

● Pearl Farm, Davao - located in the Philippine island of Samal, off the coast of Davao City, Mindanao. Pearl Farm is a world-class beach resort that was once a pearl farm where thousands of oysters were cultivated for their white, pink and gold pearls. The pristine island of Samal boasts of its beautiful white sand beaches, panoramic landscapes and seascapes. Pearl farm is a relaxing vacation retreat set in a tropical paradise.

Travel Destination: Philippine Beaches

Arnold A. Alvarez is the author and webmaster of several Philippine themed websites including a Philippine travel guide featuring popular Travel Destinations in the Philippines.

Getting a Great Seat on Southwest Airlines (Without Engaging In Fisticuffs With Other Passengers!)

So you want to fly for a dollar on Southwest, but you're tired of sitting in the middle seat, at the back of the plane, smelling the restroom sanitizer spray? Yes, THE SECRET isn't some law of attraction, it's getting a good seat on an "open-seating" flight. After flying on gazillions of Southwest planes, touring as a corporate comedienne, I've figured it out! Here are ways to raise the odds that you'll get a decent seat too.

IF THE PLANE ISN'T COMPLETELY FULL AND YOU'RE IN THE "A" OR "B" LINE. . . you of course want to get in a row where the middle seat stays empty!

Airlines

Sit in rows 5 through 8. According to my unscientific research of watching people-patterns (no lab rats involved), I've noticed a people-pattern. Passengers tend to fill up the front couple rows first, THEN, starting with about row 5, if they see a person sitting in that row they head to the back, searching for a better seat! I HYPOTHESIZE (like a scientist) that they can't see the back until about row 9, and then it's too late to do that salmon swimming upstream move, so they're stuck. Park it in rows 5-8, where one person is already sitting, and there's a really, really good chance that the middle seat will stay vacant. BONUS TIP. . .I've even noticed (ahem, studied) that people fill up the LEFT side (as you're walking down the aisle) first; so you should sit on the right side.

Sit in a row that already has one person in it. If you sit in an empty row, there's the chance that TWO people traveling together will sit next to you.

Sit in a row with one person in it. . .where the overhead bin is FULL. Most people have a carryon the size of Kansas, with all sorts of valuable toothpaste that they have to sit near. So if the bin is full, they'll keep going! You of course checked your luggage, so you're a free agent to sit underneath the bin-filled seats. If you have a carry-on, make sure you sit in a seat where your bag fills the bin up. This is a good time to have a bag the size of Kansas.

IF ALL THAT'S LEFT ARE CENTER SEATS BECAUSE YOU'RE A "C" PERSON. . . you still might avoid the "C is for Center seat" fate.

Look for people who match, with an empty middle seat in-between them. Twin Budweiser T-shirts or the same Harley tattoo means they're probably traveling together. Eureka! Start to sit in THAT middle seat, because, guess what? One of 'em will move over to be near their honey, and you'll get an aisle or window even though you're a "C" person. Brilliant!

Sit behind the exit row. If you've got a short (like 30 minute) flight to a hub city like Phoenix, and you're not changing planes, but rather going on to an even longer flight, sit in the row behind the exit row, even if it's the center seat. Chances are the exit row people will exit at the hub and you can move up. BONUS TIP. . . Don't wait for the flight attendant to let you move. Do it while everyone is getting off the plane (just make sure you're seated for their headcount!). And NEVER sit in the row in front of the exit row . . . those seats don't recline.

IF THE PLANE IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE FULL. . . you can still have a decent ride.

Hand pick your partner. You're gonna be stuck with potluck if you aren't proactive and make eye-contact with desirable people. Lure them in with a quick smile and show them that you've got a book, which is the universal travel sign for "I won't bother you with my chatter." Of course YOU define "desirable". . I'm tall, so I'm looking for small people who look like they bathed. BONUS TIP. . .As you're waiting in line, memorize the first person in the "C" line. When the "C" leader starts through, you'll know it's time to get serious with your "come hither" looks.

BONUS, BONUS TIPS. . .

A bag on the seat does not mean someone is sitting there. Ask, ask, ask because that person is being rude, rude, rude. They could be trying to hog a whole row by pretending the seats are full.

Bolt for the exit row. If you're one of the first people in the "A" line, check out the exit row immediately upon boarding. Many, many people only think to sit up front, and forget about the great leg-room in those seats. I've gotten the exit row being 20th or later in line!

Check in 24 hours in advance. Even if you're in a hotel and can't print the boarding pass, you can check in, and then print the actual pass at the airport. (FYI if you print your boarding pass on your printer, look at the number at the left hand bottom. That number is the number you checked in at - I'm #1 lots of times!)

Take the first flight out in the morning. Because the plane is there, it's not coming from somewhere else, so you have a better chance of an on-time flight. AND no one is sitting in the prime seats, like the exit row, from an earlier flight.

Of course a friend of mine who was split up from her son, got to switch seats by handing him a barf bag and telling him (loudly) to "use this when you get sick." The person next to him switched seats with her. Hey, use what you got! Here's to more comfortable travel. . .for a buck!

Getting a Great Seat on Southwest Airlines (Without Engaging In Fisticuffs With Other Passengers!)

Jan McInnis, The Work Lady, is a corporate comedian and comedy writer who has performed at hundreds of private events, flying Southwest A LOT. She was recently featured in the “Wall Street Journal” as one of the “popular convention comedians.” Jan also sells comedy material to radio & TV daily, and she can be reached at http://www.TheWorkLady.com