I didn’t think the National Championship Air Races, held in Reno, Nevada each year in September, were for me, but after seeing a thrilling, giant IMAX 3D movie about the event, I’ve changed my mind.

I saw the Air Racers IMAX 3D movie at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle (along with what appeared to be a lot of dads with their 8 year old sons) but if you scroll to the bottom of the film info page, you’ll see that the film is also playing in numerous cities around the country – and around the world.

Categories: aviation, Aviation history

“I’m on a boat. No, it’s a ship. And we will be at the dock soon.”

That’s what I kept telling myself during what I could not believe was an almost day-long bout of seasickness on a less than 48-hour cruise on the Celebrity Solstice from Seattle to …. nowhere.

The waters were calm. The scenery in the Strait of Juan de Fuca was lovely. And some people – not me – spotted Orca whales in the water.

I was a guest of Celebrity Cruises, so I toured the ship, watched a bit of a show and  made time for two (maybe it was three) scoops of guava gelato. I tried using the on-board wireless to get some work done, but because the service was complimentary for everyone on this short trip, the lines were were clogged up. (As were the bathrooms in my cabin section for a few hours.)

But I’m really glad I finally perked up and felt better.

Because the 2nd night on the ship I made my way to the top deck and watched an outdoor glassmaking show put on by a trio of entertaining and informative glass artists on loan from New York’s Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG).

They were not cruise-ship corny.

They were not selling anything.

They were not rushing through their show.

And each took a turn on the microphone enthusiastically answering questions from the audience while another created a truly lovely work of art.

It turns out that at least three of Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice class ships (Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Eclipse) include a permanent hotshop where CMOG staff present live, narrated glassblowing demonstrations.

Great idea!

Categories: Uncategorized

My office neighbor, Anna Williams, director of the public policy consulting firm, Perspectio, just got back from a business trip to Nigeria and was kind enough to snap some photos of the Abuja Airport- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport – on her way.

“There honestly was not a lot to take photos of,” she said, “The were two of areas with these fake plants that were spaces with unclear purposes. Are you supposed to stand in the middle and take your photo?”

Categories: Uncategorized

After running a test of the program in several cities, American Airlines has decided to make is official:

Passengers traveling with just one small carry-on that will fit under the seat in front of them will now be allowed to board earlier than other customers – before Group 2.

The program was tested in Austin, Baltimore, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Kansas City, Mo.,Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Washington-Dulles and the airline expects this new policy to speed up average boarding times.

No doubt it also expects to hear some whining from customers in Group 2 who will now  have to board a bit later in the process.

Categories: Baggage

Two good bits of news on the airport amenities front:

In September, a GoodLife Fitness Club will open in Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) offering cardiovascular equipment, strength training equipment and free weights as well as luggage storage, a lounge area with massage chairs, towel service and changing rooms with showers and lockers. No word yet on what it will cost to use the club, but workout clothing will be available for purchase for those who get inspired by the layout.

And fans of fast, free Wi-Fi at airports will soon be much happier when spending time at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

Advanced Wireless Group is replacing Boingo at DTW and by September will install a much speedier Wi-Fi system that will be free to use if you’re willing to watch a 30-second advertisement once every 45 minutes.

The current system offers only 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi access to travelers willing to watch a 30-second video ad.

Categories: free Wi-Fi, Layover, Wi-Fi