Nature and the Mountains are Majestic. When your outside nature evokes feelings of grander, wonder and peace. After many years of being away from the ocean and mountains we drove from the High Desert of Utah to the Oregon coast. The closer we got I felt my mood improved. A sense of peace, wonderment, excitement and calm came over me. The same feelingsI get when going to the mountains of Grand Teton, National Park and so many more natural areas. For me it felt like coming home. I feel attached to mountains, coastlines, mountain meadows, peaks, lakes and streams. It’s a great feeling. It’s one I like to share. We should support organizations that work to preserve the natural world.
WWhen you feel stressed unsettled in your every day life go outside and claim your space in the world. Nature is calling you, listen to her call and go find her anywhere she is. Experience the Mountains, Ocean, Lake, Forest, Desert, a park in the city, wherever calls you.
The mountains are calling…(John Muir)
Enjoy and share your time outdoors and in natural.
IN SUMMARY Delta is rolling out antimicrobial bins in partnership with TSA starting this week as part of the Delta CareStandard.
Latest way Delta and TSA are partnering to keep travelers safe at all steps of the journey
Innovative bins coming to automated screening lanes at Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK this month
Beginning this week, antimicrobial technology in airport security checkpoints is making the airport experience at select Delta hubs even safer. Thanks to new security bins made of innovative antimicrobial material, travelers can rest assured that their belongings will remain clean and safe as they pass through security.Download
In partnership with the Transportation Security Administration, Delta is rolling out these antimicrobial bins to automated screening lanes in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK starting this week and continuing throughout the month. Delta will evaluate opportunities for expansion to other markets following the launch in these cities.
The new bins prevent the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria through antimicrobial technology that is built into the bin and continuously minimizes the presence of microbes throughout the bin’s lifecycle. A sleek black color and indicators on bin handles will help customers know their belongings are safely traveling through the security checkpoint protected by this antimicrobial advancement.
TSA also continues to adjust its security operations during the pandemic by implementing proactive and protective measures at security checkpoints to make the screening process safer — high-touch screening equipment and bins are cleaned hourly, and other surfaces are cleaned daily or as needed in airports nationwide. More information can be found at tsa.gov/coronavirus.
From blocking middle seats into January 2021 to changing high-grade HEPA air filters twice as often as recommended, this update builds on Delta’s already robust onboard cleanliness efforts as part of the Delta CareStandard. Layers of protection at the airport include touchless check-in with the Fly Delta app, plexiglass shields at all Delta check-in counters, distancing markers, hand sanitizer stations at check-in lobbies, at the gate, in Delta Sky Clubs and on all Delta-owned jet bridges, and electrostatic spraying across all of the airports Delta serves in the U.S. – including electrostatic spraying in the customs areas of all international gateways. Using the same innovative spirit we’re known for, we continue to evolve, always with cleanliness and safety top of mind.
Learn more about the Delta CareStandard and Delta’s health and safety protocols across the entire travel journey on delta.com.Related Topics:
The worldwide Corona Virus is causing us to re-think our World. Age airlines are getting hit hard but creative ideas and changes in products and operating procedures are making an impact. The post from blogger Sam Chui gives a great overview. Thanks Sam.
Traveling via air and social distancing? The Delta airport lounges offer a smaller environment, fewer people. Here’s how to access Delta’s Skyclub Lounge.
Take precautions, don’t panic.
Here’s the latest from the CDC.
Coronavirus and Travel in the United States
Should I travel within the US?
CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19, if there are other travelers with COVID-19. There are several things you should consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel.
Things to consider before travel:
Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going?
If COVID-19 is spreading at your destination, but not where you live, you may be at higher risk of exposure if you travel there.
Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded settings, particularly closed-in settings with little air circulation, if there are people in the crowd who are sick. This may include settings such as conferences, public events (like concerts and sporting events), religious gatherings, public spaces (like movie theatres and shopping malls), and public transportation (like buses, metro, trains).
Are you or your travel companion(s) at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19?
People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes). CDC recommends that travelers at higher risk for COVID-19 complications avoid all cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
Do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, in case you get exposed to, or are sick with, COVID-19?
If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19 during travel, you may be asked to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel. If you become sick with COVID-19, you may be unable to go to work or school until you’re considered noninfectious. You will be asked to avoid contact with others (including being in public places) during this period of infectiousness.
Do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition?
If you get sick with COVID-19 upon your return from travel, your household contacts may be at risk of infection. Household contacts who are older adults or have severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Is COVID-19 spreading where you live?
Consider the risk of passing COVID-19 to others during travel, particularly if you will be in close contact with people who are older adults or have severe chronic health condition These people are at higher risk of getting very sick. If your symptoms are mild or you don’t have a fever, you may not realize you are infectious.
Depending on your unique circumstances, you may choose to delay or cancel your plans. If you do decide to travel, be sure to practice precautions to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases during travel. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel information, visit CDC COVID-19 Travel page.
Question, traveling from Key West Florida to Miami or Cuba, which is closer?? Without looking at a map, which is it? You’ll have to read the story below, originally posted on Oyster.com.
Ok travelers, here’s “the rest of the story.”
12 Things You Probably Don’t Know About the Florida Keys
Katherine Alex BeavenJanuary 29, 2017
We love a good story, especially if it gives us a fresh perspective on an amazing travel destination. Lucky for us, every place has its own history and locals-only folklore that’s waiting to be discovered. Speaking of which, we’ve recently unlocked a few interesting tidbits about the Florida Keys. Since its discovery in 1513 by the famous Juan Ponce de Leon, the Keys have quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) shaped their story. So, grab a tropical drink, sit back, and prepare to be schooled on 12 things you probably didn’t know about the Florida Keys. (We were particularly fascinated by number five on the list.)
Ever see a cat romping around with six or seven toes? They are affectionately known as mitten cats, and rumor has it, thanks to Ernest Hemingway, who was given a white, six-toed feline on board a ship to the Keys, they came to America. Though Hemingway’s cat is long gone, the Hemingway house and museum have an unintended collection of the polydactyl kitties around the grounds. They are all thought to be descendants of Hemingway’s own cat and there’s a good chance yours might be, too.
2. The Florida Keys once got rich off shipwreck treasures.
For a period in the 19th century, Key West was the country’s most prosperous city per capita. During this time, the island collected their riches from the numerous shipwrecks off their coast. And while all the treasure may be gone, you can still snorkel and dive several of the shipwreck sights. There’s even a Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail, maintained by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Here, you’ll find nine historic underwater shipwrecks and artificial reefs extending from Key Largo to Key West.
3. The Florida Keys are made up of more than 800 islands.
The Florida Keys collectively make up a chain of more than 800 islands, though a road trip is fairly convenient thanks to a 113-mile, 42-bridge Overseas Highway that connects all the major Keys. There used to be an Overseas Railroad that connected all above-ground Keys, but it was destroyed by a powerful hurricane in 1935. However, you can still spot its remnants.
4. It has the highest year-round temperatures in the country.
Sorry, California — the Keys hold the title for the highest year-round average temperature. At a balmy 77.8-degree average, you can almost always count on packing a suitcase full of shorts and dresses. Tip: We suggest bringing an umbrella for sun showers during the rainier months (June to November).
5. The Conch Republic declared war with a loaf of bread.
Back in the early ’80s, the U.S. Border Patrol set up shop at the top of Highway 1, roadblocking all traffic leaving the Keys and checking cars for illegal drugs and immigrants. This negatively impacted tourism to the area and locals felt it cast an ugly shadow on the free-spirited islands. They demanded this roadblock be removed, and when it wasn’t, they took matters into their own hands. Then-mayor Dennis Wardlow declared war on the U.S. by throwing up a Conch Republic flag in Key West’s Mallory Square and hitting a local Navy officer over the head with a loaf of stale Cuban bread. But within one minute of the tongue-in-cheek bread beating, he surrendered and demanded one billion dollars in foreign aid. While they never received the aid, the roadblocks were soon removed. Each year, Key West still celebrates the anniversary of the Conch Republic independence. What’s more, the Conch Republic adopted the motto, “We seceded where others failed.”
6. Key West was the only southern city to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War.
As you can imagine, the Keys are an important port city. However, you may not know that they used their southernmost positioning differently during the Civil War. Unlike other southern U.S. states, including Florida, Key West rebelled against the Confederacy and remained part of the Union. In fact, it was the only southern city to remain in Union hands during the Civil War. The heavy number of Union supporters at the military base of Fort Zachary Taylor were enough to extinguish any naysayers, and eventually, they held celebrations for the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
7. It’s home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
Just a few miles from the Florida Keys shoreline lies the Florida Reef. It’s the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. — and the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world. Spanning approximately 221 miles, the reef extends from Key Biscayne near Miami down to the Dry Tortugas, located west of Key West. This area is also home loads of marine life — nearly 1,400 species of marine plants and animals live here. And the whole reef system is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
8. The Keys aren’t all surrounded by sand beaches.
Contrary to popular belief, the Keys don’t offer up a plethora of sandy beach options along their shores. Think of it as a sacrifice made in order to have a fantastic coral reef system off the coast. The coral barrier reef acts as, well, a barrier for sand sweeps that would normally carry sand to the shore to create beachfront. But there are a few beaches along the coast, mostly with imported sand, if you need that beach fix.
9. There’s a massive underwater statue of Jesus Christ off the coast of Key Largo.
To reach the approximately eight-foot, nine-ton bronze statue (think underwater Christ the Redeemer), take a trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater park. Resting on the sea floor, about 30 feet under water, Christ of the Abyss awaits. Hands raised toward the sparkling surface, you can’t miss him.
10. Key West is closer to Cuba than Miami.
Believe it or not, Key West, the southernmost Key, is actually so far south that it’s closer to Cuba than Miami — by almost twice as much. Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba, while it takes approximately 150 miles to reach Miami. Maduros run, anyone?
The smallest deer species in North America can only be found within the forests of the Florida Keys. A subspecies of the white-tailed deer, the Key deer is elusive and hard to spot in the leafy National Key Deer Refuge. Unfortunately, drivers on the nearby roads also seem to have trouble spotting them and many die from being struck by cars each year. The deer, which also lost nearly an eighth of its already dwindling population thanks to a 2016 parasite epidemic, is on the list of endangered species.
12. Key lime pie was originally a sailor’s dessert.
There’s a bit of contention over the right way to make Key lime pie (some say it’s best with a pie crust and merengue topping, while others prefer a graham cracker crust with whipped cream). However, it’s likely that the original pie was neither. This tart and sweet signature dessert of the Keys is thought to have originated on boats, using the ingredients on hand. It’s believed that sailors used the citric acid from the Key lime’s juice to cook a mixture of condensed milk and egg resting in a stale bread crust.
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The competition continues. The airline industry is constantly trying to create a better product, stay up with passenger demands, and out do each other. For the flying public that’s a good thing. For the airline it’s a costly endeavor. Who does it best?
Here, the great blog, The Luxury Travel Expert gives us a rundown of current Business Class cabins.
(This post originally published at https://theluxurytravelexpert.com/2019/04/08/best-airlines-business-class/amp/?__twitter_impression=true#top.)
Today (April 8, 2019): Top 10 world’s best airlines for longhaul Business Class.
Each year, I give a round-up of my favorite 10 Business Class products in the world. Flying Business Class is purely aspirational for most, a lifetime experience for some, and a must for a select few. With Business Class, the journey itself becomes a fun experience: you don’t have to wait in line at the airport; you get access to airport lounges; you interact with attentive personnel; you are treated to gourmet food and quality wines; and you can sleep in a comfortable flat-bed for total relaxation. But which airline has the best Business Class cabin product anno 2019? I hereby present you my selection of the top 10 best Business Class cabins of 2019 (reflecting my own personal taste).
There is more information (with trip reports & Youtube clips) below my slideshow. Think I missed one? Leave a comment or take my poll below!
While British Airways’ Business Class (dubbed Club World) raised the bar worldwide two decades ago with the introduction of the first fully lie-flat seat and an innovative “Ying/Yang” seat plan, the seat concept itself is now dated and outclassed by some of its competitors. So you would not expect British Airways to end up in a top 10 list like this one, but it remains one of my preferred airlines for longhaul travel, because the product is consistent across its wide-body fleet and the seat is extremely private (as long as you don’t end up along the aisle). And as I recently experienced myself, British Airways dramatically increased its onboard experience over the past year, with improved catering (from DO&CO), excellent bedding, and stylish amenity kits, which rivals the best in the skies. In July, the airline will also introduce a new suite concept onboard its A350 planes, with direct-aisle access, a suite door for greater privacy, luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, enviable 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens, and 40 % more storage space per seat (including a vanity unit and mirror).
The success of Emirates’ Business Class product is very much based on the comfort and space of its Airbus A380 fleet, and that’s why the mega plane is rolled out on all major international routes of the Dubai based carrier. With a staggered 1–2–1 configuration in Business Class, each passenger is assured of direct aisle access and a significant amount of privacy. The window Business Class seats are perfect for solo travelers, while the dual and more intimate seats in the center of the cabin are perfect for partners traveling together. Mammoth amenity kits, a huge inflight entertainment selection, and a roomy and well-appointed bar on the upper deck makes flying Emirates’ A380 quite an event, and in addition, the ground service matches the flying experience (e.g. chauffeur service, a gigantic Dubai lounge). Unfortunately, the Business Class cabins in most of Emirates’ Boeing 777s are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration (with no direct aisle acces for all passengers), which is significantly inferior to the one offered on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet.
Business Class seats on selected JAL planes are named JAL Sky Suites, since each seat is located in its own private space. The seats come with retractable privacy partitions (which can be lowered when you are traveling with a companion), ample storage space beneath an ottoman, and a 23-inch (58 cm) LCD monitor (one of the largest in its class). Comfortable bedding is offered as well, consisting of a highly resilient airweave mattress and pillow, which will send you off to dreamland even if you have trouble falling asleep on a plane. In 2017, JAL began outfitting its B787-9s with a new version of the suite, the so called JAL Sky Suite III which are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing all passengers with direct aisle access. On top of that, JAL offers some of the finest Business Class food in the skies, with both Western and Japanese menus created by chefs that are working in leading restaurants around the world. You can order in-flight meals from an a la carte menu by tapping a liquid-crystal touch-panel controller, in any order, at any time, and as often as you wish.
Taiwan based EVA Air calls its international Business class ‘Royal Laurel Class’, providing passengers with comfortable sleeping space for a sufficient rest that is free from disturbances. The seats in Royal Laurel Class onboard EVA’s B777s and B787s are configured in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout that maximizes space. Privacy is assured through fixed panels that help create your own personal area. At the push of a button, each seat converts into an approximately 82 inches (2 meter) long bed, enabling passengers to lie down, get comfortable and sleep on long-haul flights. Thoughtful touches include a space to hang your jacket, a shoe cabinet, a retractable armrest, and a cocktail table. This excellent Business Class product is complemented by exclusive amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones, Fiji water, mouth-watering cuisine from all over the world (ranging from luscious beef steak to delicious lobster), and the warm, friendly service EVA Air is known for. To top it all, EVA Air is one of the few airlines to offer pajamas in Business Class; loose and comfortable, these garments are perfect for slumbering on long-haul flights.
Business Class on Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft features 37 private suites (that convert into the length of a queen size bed) in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 cabin layout. The aisle seats face outwards towards the windows and the center two seats face inwards towards each other on a roughly 30 degree angle. Customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and donnas make for a good night’s sleep on the airline’s longhaul routes from Australia to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. Virgin Australia is also the first airline to have a lounge onboard a single deck aircraft, which offers a selection of nibbles and bites, beer, wine and spirits as well as a hot beverage selection with petit fours. The carrier also offers its passengers continental breakfast at the bar prior to the full breakfast service, or the opportunity to enjoy a full breakfast at the bar rather than in the suite. A new signature service element includes cocktails and movie snack service each hour throughout the flight.
In 2017, Delta Air Lines redefined transatlantic and transpacific Business Class travel with the introduction of a Business Class cabin that features a sliding door at each suite. The suites offer passenger a private space accessed by a sliding door with thoughtfully designed personal stowage areas, an advanced in-flight entertainment system, and premium trim and finishes to create a comfortable, residential feel. Service in Delta One (which is how Delta calls its international Business Class cabin) includes chef-curated meals, wine pairings by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, terrific Westin in-flight bedding, TUMI amenity kits featuring Kiehl premium skincare, and in-flight loungewear on select flights. The Delta One suite is currently only available on Delta’s A350s and some retrofitted B777s, which flies on selected routes such as Los Angeles to Sydney or Tokyo. Delta will refurbish all eight of its 777-200ER and all ten of its 777-200LR aircraft and expects to have taken delivery of 13 A350s by the end of 2019. The bad news is that when you don’t get to fly the A350 or B777, the experience will be less than stellar.
Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific offers a consistent and solid Business Class product, featuring a flat-bed that is just over 82 inches or 2 meters long. A bed extension increases its width by 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm to provide additional hip support, while the side storage compartment offers extra knee space for sleeping on your side. For sleeping, you may choose to leave your armrest up for more privacy, or down for more space. In fact, Cathay’s Business Class seat is identical to the one installed on American Airlines, Finnair, and Air France, but Cathay deserves to take the top spot for their difference in customer service, impressive lounges, cabin crew training, and award-winning cuisine, whilst ensuring their price point still remains competitive. The carrier’s newest Business Class seat is found on its A350 planes, although it is basically a refreshed design of Cathay’s ‘old’ Business Class product onboard its B777 and A330 planes. Keep in mind that Cathay’s top-notch Business Class product is not available on some B777 planes with a regional configuration, so plan your travels accordingly.
Business Class with the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates is not business as usual. The Business Studios on Etihad’s A380s and 787 Dreamliners can be customised to suit every stage of the journey and are the embodiment of style, simplicity and functionality. The cabin has a unique dovetail design with forward and rear facing seats that creates a sense of space and freedom, with direct aisle access and convenient storage spaces. Upholstered by Poltrona Frau, the 22-inch (56 cm) wide seat converts into a comfortable fully flat bed of up to 6 feet and 8 inches (203 cm). The Business Studio offers a space for everything, including a concealed storage, a meal table and a separate large side table that can be used for laptops and other personal belongings when you are dining. Located between First and Business Class, there’s also a lounge on the A380 that seats up to six guests and is fitted with seatbelts, power supply and connectivity ports. Unfortunately, Etihad Airways’ A330, A320 and B777 planes feature a less glamorous Business Class product and the carrier is facing financial challenges.
Singapore Airlines has always been synonymous with lavishing luxury in the skies. And they do not fail to impress. With their width of 30 inches or 75 cm, the carrier’s Business Class seats on its A350 and B777 aircraft are the widest in the world (too wide for comfort, according to some). The unrivalled space between each seat is a hallmark of the four-abreast (1-2-1) configuration that offers all passengers direct access to the aisle. Designed by JPA and introduced in 2017 on their A380 aircraft, the carrier’s new Business Class seat – albeit more narrow – is even better than the previous incarnation of the seat. A large back shell on every seat creates a cocoon-like feel for more privacy while the centre divider can be fully lowered to form double beds, making the two centre seats an ideal choice for customers such as families travelling together. Singapore Airlines also offers a fine restaurant-style setting and culinary service at 30,000 feet. Each menu, specially created by a panel of celebrated chefs from around the globe, is sure to appeal to the discerning epicure within you.
In 2017, Qatar Airways – which is still facing challenges following a severe diplomatic crisis in the Middle East – took its Business Class product to a new, unprecedented level of luxury and style, raising the bar for all of its competitors. The so-called ‘Qsuite’ features not only Business Class suites with sliding doors for total privacy but also double beds, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the center four seats also allow colleagues, friends or families traveling together to transform their space into a four person suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialize together. Each seat is crafted with thoughtful and luxurious details such as hand-stitched Italian leather and satin rose gold finishing. To further complement the customisable on-board seating experience that passengers will now enjoy, Qatar Airways is also launching a new food and beverage concept, introducing a menu that offers a host of new dining choices. The Qsuite, which makes Business Class look First Class. is only available on selected routes and aircraft (A350-1000s and some retrofitted B777s and A350-900s).
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