My Well Mannered Traveler column on MSNBC.com this week is all about courtesy – and the efforts to encourage it – on buses, subways, and trains. Many of the strategies public transit agencies are trying out could help air travelers get along with each other inside airports and on airplanes as well.

For example, wouldn’t you like to be able to point at this poster from NJ Transit next time there’s a loudmouth on their cell phone sitting next to you in an airport gate area?

One strategy I didn’t get to include in the column this week comes from Jodi R.R. Smith, of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, who created her own subway courtesy campaign:

“…. Since I boarded the train at an early stop, there were almost always seats. I would sit, until I saw someone who needed the seat more than I did. Then in a firm tone, I would offer my seat… It was interesting to notice that on the days that I offered my seat, those around me, at subsequent stops, would also offer their seats to those in need. However, on days when I sat with my nose in a book, rarely would any seats be offered. Remember, your good example can set off a positive chain reaction.”

Categories: Cell Phones, Etiquette
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According to this note by Terry Maxon in the Airline Biz blog, in response to price dips in the cost of fuel, Air Canada is dropping the fees for checking a second bag beginning next Tuesday.

That’s good news and, hopefully, the beginning of a trend.

And those fuel surcharges? Well, you won’t see those anymore. But you will pay them: the airline is folding those fees into the airfares instead of showing them to you as an extra fee.

Categories: Fees
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I wrote earlier about the North Terminal opening today (Sept 17, 2008) at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

There’s been a lot written about the 35 shops and restaurants included in the new DTW terminal, but there hasn’t been much in the news about any new art.

Over at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), though, where they’re putting the finishing touches on their new terminal, art is definitely on the agenda.

Scheduled to open on November 11, the new Indianapolis International Airport (just down the road from the old one) will have $4 million worth of newly commissioned artwork.

Included: “whimsical and functional seating” in the baggage claim area by New York artist Ron Baron that has been “created by casting actual pieces of luggage in bronze and painting them to look like their originals… The slightly old-fashioned look of the suitcases and travelers recalls the joy and wonder that was associated with air travel in a bygone era.”

There’s lots more. Stay tuned.

Categories: Art, Openings
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I got a chance to visit Oregon’s Portland International Airport yesterday and ventured just beyond it to be on hand for the opening ceremony at the new aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station.

aloft is Starwood Hotels’ new uber-hip, high-tech line of hotels. This one has a cool bar complete with weekend DJs, loaner bikes for use on the nearby bike trails, plug and play gadget boxes in the well-insulated rooms and, soon, an in-room feed from the airport control tower so guests can identify the planes taking off and landing out front.

The hotel is part of the “Lifestyle Center” of shops (including an IKEA) and amenities that has popped up right next to the airport.  And while the hotel is brand new, it has a reassuring “old” Portland connection. The local company that built, owns and manages the hotel – Pollin Hotels – also built, owns and manages the Sheraton Hotel at the airport, which was the first hotel built at Portland International Airport, about 35 years ago.

Categories: Hotels
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Feeling lucky?

Today Southwest Airlines is celebrating 15 years of service to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

The airline is offering special on-line “DING!” fares for travel to and from BWI and handing out free anniversary cookies at the airport. Many travelers waiting for their flights at BWI will also have a chance to win free plane tickets.

Categories: Free Stuff
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