Life Vests Have Been Removed From This Airline; What Are They THINKING?

Did you hear about THIS one? In an effort to lighten the load on its aircraft, in order to get better fuel mileage, Jazz Airlines (a subsidiary of Air Canada) has come to the brilliant conclusion that using the seat cushions as a flotation device in case they, well, land in the water is enough of a safety precaution for its passengers. They have gotten rid of all the life vests!!

Well here’s the problem. If you are involved in a water “landing” and the water is very VERY cold, which is typical in Canada, how long can you hang onto a seat cushion’s strap? (Did you see the movie Titanic?) Life vests are designed to keep you floating with your face above the water even if you can no longer hang on.

But wait!  Safety issues aside, certainly the trade-off must be worthwhile financially, right? I mean, those life vests must really be heavy. Otherwise no airline executives in their right mind would think that risking passengers’ lives in an effort to save some fuel would make sense. Right?

Hey; who am I to judge? Let’s see. Jazz Airlines carries about 75 people per flight. Each life vest weighs about half a kilogram; multiplied times 75 gives us about an 83-pound saving per flight.   Well now, maybe that IS worth putting the passengers’ lives at risk for.  What do YOU think about this?

[FYI; Transport Canada regulations do allow carriers that fly within 50 nautical miles of shore to use the seat cushions as a flotation device instead of the vests; it's up to the airline.  On the other hand, Air Canada has stated that they have no plans to remove life vests from THEIR planes.]


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Credit Cards: How to Protect Them When You Travel

You’ll hear this from me over and over again; but I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to wear a money belt (whether it’s around your midriff, on your leg . . . there are many variations available) under your clothes. This holds true whether traveling here or abroad, or even if you live in a big city.

Inside the money belt, keep your passport, all tickets, most of your traveler’s checks, your credit cards (you don’t need to take ALL your credit cards on the trip), your driver’s license, your itinerary with confirmation numbers and phone numbers, and the key to your house. It’s not uncomfortable, and it won’t make you look heavier!

Yes; it’s a little inconvenient to have to step into a restroom for privacy when you know you’re going to need more cash or your passport or whatever. But think about how inconvenient LOSING any of those items would be. And don’t think it won’t ever happen to YOU.

If you have retrieved your passport or credit card for some reason, return it to your money belt as soon as possible. Don’t procrastinate. It’s not worth it. A mugger can grab your purse or briefcase and disappear in MOMENTS.

One more important tip: Before leaving on your trip, provide a trusted friend with a list of all your credit card numbers and the emergency number to call and/or online info (for each card) in case the cards are lost or stolen. Then, one call to your friend should get your cards immediately cancelled and reissued quickly. Give the same friend a list of all your traveler’s checks numbers and increments, plus a photocopy of your passport, detailed itinerary, and driver’s license, just in case the worst should happen.

REMEMBER: It’s always good to have a backup plan!!


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Watch Out for Hidden Charges

Whether you are renting a car or “renting” a room in a hotel for the night, don’t assume the price they are giving you is the complete price. ALWAYS ask if there are additional taxes or service charges BEFORE you sign a contract or accept a room. In some countries, the extra tourist taxes and service charges can increase your bill by 20-30%! It can happen in the U.S. too. No matter where you travel, get into the habit of asking:

  • Does this price include all service charges and taxes?
  • What exactly do I get for this price?

If you always ask these questions, you will rarely have an unpleasant financial surprise when it comes time to pay the bill.

Watch out for those hidden charges at restaurants!  Especially abroad, ask if that bread basket on your table costs extra.  (It might!)  Ask if there is a cover charge.  Those  wonderful, elegant, and expensive “fine establishments” have the most hidden charges.  Don’t assume ANYTHING!


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