Fly thru Airport Security with no waiting with Flyclear.com

My flight out of JFK left at 8:30am so I got there at 7am like a good traveler. Didn't want to get stuck in airport security. Its always such a dice roll....get there early and have to wait and wait until your plane arrives, or cut it close only to risk a run for the gate if airport security is too backed up. This trip the airport security line was pretty short so I had plenty of time to wait for my flight. And I noticed something new, a separate - completely empty - security line with a big blue cube that said CLEAR. I investigated further at flyclear.com when I got home.

So here's the deal - you sign up for Fly Clear and you get to skip the security check like a rock star. Strictly front of the line service. You'll get to submit an application, and then go in person to get your fingerprints done and a eye scan (it feels so Bond) and you're new clear card and you're all set. So far they are set up at twenty airports across the country including the big airports like San Francisco, Dulles and JFK. Currently LAX is in the works, here's a complete list of the flyclear.com serviced airports.

And the cost? An annual membership at flyclear.com is $199. If your time is valuable and you do a lot of traveling its well worth the saved time. There are also discounts for multi-year purchases - save $40 on at two year subscription, $100 on three years, $300 on 5 years or a whopping $800 on a decades worth of quick lines. There are also special offers for Delta Skylines Members and Amex Corporate Cardholders. Both Hyatt's Diamond and Platinum Gold Passport Members and Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum Members can get a year for FREE. There's also referral discounts so if you get 12 people per year to sign up you can Fly Clear for Free too!

It looks promising - It will be interesting to see how far flyclear.com expands. Happy flying!

Today I Hate Southwest Airlines

I've always loved Southwest Airlines - cheap tickets, no stress, no hassle and some fun on the side. Lately though Southwest has been losing its luster. First there was that time earlier this year when my flight got canceled. I thought, "Hey, no big deal, happens to everyone eventually" until flew back a week later. I started talking with other passengers flying the same day to discover they had canceled about 30 flights just between Southern California and Northern California...not so cool.

Then there was this trip. It wasn't that they did anything particularly horrible. It was just a general feeling of frustration with grumpy and unhappy Southwest employees and Southwest's short hop addiction. I know, its my own fault for wanting to fly into Long Island instead of JFK. I knew I wasnt going to get there nonstop. I just haven't taken three legs to get across the country in a long time - wow! did it suck! Starting at 5am west coast time LAX to Phoenix, then a layover, then Phoenix to Chicago. Welcome to layover number two. Then Chicago to finally arrive in Long Island at almost 7pm east cost time. All told it was just a mere 14 hour project to get across the country.

At least I didnt have to worry about the flights getting cancelled. Every seat was taken on every one of those three flights. And I had slacked off and not checked in until 12 hours before my flight so on the second leg we were practically at the back of the line. Middle seats for everyone!

I did feel a bit of love for Southwest Airlines budding in me as I paid that $40 luggage fee to Delta on the way home. Southwest is still great for saving on all those stupid fees there are these days. Still I'm feelin a bit burnt on Southwest and will just be keeping them around for short hops. Maybe I'm just gettin old - but its time to focus on the nonstop service from now on. Thankfully getting back to one of my favorite places was worth it. As was the night in the city and the New York Pizza. And of course, Go Islanders!!!!

Cesky Krumlov - UNESCO World Heritage Site Plaque

This just touched my heart. Cesky Krumlov is a perfectly preserved wonder and I am grateful that the people there care enough to keep it up.


The text of the plaque is:

In the year 1992 the historical town center of Cesky Krumlov was added to the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Thus, the skills, feelings and love which our ancestors put into building this town over the past eight centuries have been duly recognized. It is our duty to enhance those values with equal love and preserve them for future generations.