The Flying Critic

No Free Ride a Parody by Bruce Hopman

Bruce e-mailed me today asking if I would share his new parody about the fee mania that has consumed the airlines.  You can also check out his parody blog at parodyandson.blogspot.com.

3 Year Old Left at TLV While Parents Fly to Paris

The Associated Press reports that Israeli parents forgot their daughter at Ben-Gurion airport on Sunday:

An Israeli couple going on a European vacation remembered to take their duty-free shopping and their 18 suitcases, but forgot their 3-year-old daughter at the airport, police said Monday.

Apparently the parents didn't notice the missing child because they were traveling with 5 children and presumably they weren't all sitting together.  But it seems shocking to me that you could forget your 3 year old.  The kid was put on a later flight.

According to the report a police spokesperson said that the parents will be questioned by police after the family returns from their holiday.

Do people actually buy this stuff? - Daily Travel Photo

At the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Tucson.

O'Leary's Crazy Transatlantic Plan

The Cranky Flier discusses Ryanair's leader Michael O’Leary's plan to allow blowjobs on transatlantic airplanes.

Southwest's Response to Fee Mania

Southwest Airlines is a savvy marketer. They have a new advertising campaign that highlights their lack of most fees.  I think the ad nails the feeling of many travelers.  Thanks to Tim Leffel's Cheapest Destinations Blog for pointing out the ad.

How to Avoid American Airlines New Baggage Fees

This hilarious idea comes from J. Peder Zane of the Raleigh News & Observer:

Singapore Kids Shooting Rubber Bands - Daily Travel Photo

While walking around the Arab Street area of Singapore I found these two kids who were shooting rubber bands in the air.  One of the rubber bands landed in my hair.  We all laughed.

Daily Travel Photo: The devil face taxi receipt from an angry cab driver in Las Vegas

During a visit to Las Vegas last year my cab driver was in a pissy mood.  I asked him why and he said his last fare gave him a 30 cent tip on a $9.70 meter to make an even $10 and then asked for a receipt.  So he wrote her a receipt.  On a napkin.  With a frowning devil face. He said she threw it back at him.  He cheered up a bit after I asked if I could take a picture of it:

Some Southwest humor

Thanks to The Onion for imagining Southwest's decision to abandon their 737s.