SkyKitty

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 20:57

Okay, by large size, how big are we talking? Bigger than a suitcase? If they've said it's ok, then it should be fine. I mean, if we're talking oversize, you're paying by weight not size, unless it's booked as freight. Which it's not, as you're going with it (if that makes sense it becomes baggage not freight) Oversize generally means surfboards, prams, skis, boxes that you cannot take onboard etc... Since you've called them I can't really advise anything else, unless you check online if there;s anything in writing. Or perhaps call again then get the name of the person you spoke to, and ask them to make a notation in your booking that will be visible a) on itinerary if possible and b) to the check-in staff HTH

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 20:50

Could be she had a bad dream that was about you, and of course when they're little it's hard for them to know what's real and what's not. I prescribe lots of cuddles... if you can get close w/o her freaking out, of course. Otherwise, nice calm voice and talk to her lots, without looking directly at her if that's what's setting her off... My mum told me I did the same with my dad when I was about three, for maybe 2-3 weeks... so seems normal at that age

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 20:46

Kristina I'm sorry :( I know how much you love animals, rest assured they felt that from you.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 20:43

Have heard good things about JadoPado too. If I get one I'll buy in US but that's becaue I have easy access. Maybe next time I go I should ask here who wants one and bring a few back.. is that legal if they're for personal use?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 20:37

my motto is "LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS" Especially in Dubai, you would think women would realise this. Leggings and a waist-length top is NOT decent wear in public... Even worse are women who wear opaques as leggings!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 16:59

THanks Louise, I saw it all already, just say you will be on the edge of your seat!! Hope they hurry up with the next season, I want to know what happens next!! Damien Lewis is just amazing in this, I hope he got an Emmy or something for this role...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 16:46

And make sure to stay away from the Fifth.... ;)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 14:29

I sit at the table to use the computer too, but I still take the extra second to lift my chair so as not to annoy the heck out of my downstairs neighbour. I suppose consideration is not as common as it used to be. Just because the cow upstairs doesn't care doesn't mean I shouldn't. There;s a difference between the odd scrape or two and it going on for HOURS. Especially if you have a baby/work shifts, and the only time to sleep is when they are dragging tables around. I suppose working shifts has made me more aware of the noise I make suring the daytime as well as at night.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:39

Lounge access is I belive in T3 restricted to Golds in J and F, I'll see if I can find the reference but I think Golds in Y can still use the T1 lounge, which some tell me they prefer as it's quieter. it also depends on the time, during peak periods they reserve the right to restrict access. Not being smart but these days 1/4 to 1/3 in economy are Golds, so it's not always possible. But if I can find it in writing somehwere I'll let you know. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 03/05/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:36

Must be friends with my upstairs neighbour. Furniture moving at all hours, and she wears her heels the ENTIRE time she gets ready for work, tap tap tap tap taptapataptaptap tap tap for about an hour at 3am!!!! I wear slippers and put my heels on as I walk out my door! I try to pick up my chair at night, even though it's a pain...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:24

It can be a disappointment but the reason they stopped access for Silver was because the lounge was getting so crowded that not even Golds or full fare J class passengers could get in. So imagine you'd paid a business class ticket or held Gold status and were told sorry it's full because everyone has a guest (who is travelling economy and/or not a loyalty program member) How would you feel? yes disappointed. So though some of you might think it's harsh really it's to keep the integrity of what the lounge is meant for- as a perk for premium cabin pax and Gold FFs, that is, the member themselves and not guest/s who are not travelling in premium cabin or a high tier themselves. If everyone can get in it kind of misses the point doesn't it? As mentioned, there are alternatives available when travelling with friends. I believe it might get better when the new concourse opens, but who knows really. The problem is, more and more people flying so the lounge space is getting outgrown. There were lots of complaints from Gold flyers who could not access the lounge, of course they listen to their most frequent customers. (Of course this is in no way official information, but what I have been told by airport staff)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 23:18

I was looking into this just this week, now I KNOW I saw it online for delivery to UAE, from a UAE based website, but do you THINK I can remember the name of the site??? Arrrgh!! If I think of it, i'll post. Otherwise, shop and ship? But since it's $200 in the US I guess it's not much ifference if you end up paying 1000dhs. ok i found it in my history: [url=http://www.mizado.com/Kindle-Fire-6743.html'>link[/url'> Just be aware it doesn't have e-ink like the write up says, if you want it for reading outside, it won't be very good, but apparently it's ok in shade and good at night. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 01/05/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 13:38

L'Oreal Elvive for coloured hair seems to do the trick. There's a red bottle, think it is for all colours though, not sure. Also if you use any leave-in, make sure it's for coloured hair. Wondered why my colour was going so fast and as I use a spray conditioner every day I realised it was that. Switched to one for coloured hair and it doesn't fade half so fast now.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 13:32

Iron the sheets? OCD much?? If you hang them right away and then finish the dry in the tumbler they come out fine!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 13:07

Ok thanks Sue, will look it up.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 12:50

thanks for your replies. I think the big sticking points for me are flash ability, and being able to use video chat. If I buy this as an "in-between" for an iPad then I want to do the things I use most- which is pretty much FB, email, Draw Something (which I have tried on iPad and love, and *know* you can play on the Fire, and of course Skyyyyyyype. I was leaning toward the Kindle Fire but the more I read, I'm thinking despite being able to work around the Amazon/Android reastrictions, that a 'proper' Android tablet might be better. Diamante, I know for a fact the Fire doesn't have the same 'reading screen' as other Kindles- this has been mentioned in many reviews where most people kept their old Kindle for outdoors and the Fire for everything else the other Kindles can't do (apps etc) Sue, can you tell me which model Tab you've got? I'm looking at the Tab 2 (7in) as it's only $50 more than the Kindle Fire but has- 1. expandable storage 2. Cameras for chat and 3) Bluetooth. So, really it doesn't seem that much extra to pay, and it's still able to have more capacity than the cheapest iPad 2 going at the moment. (I'd buy in the US and the Tab 2 sells for $250USD there) I'm not too sure about PlayBook, if I had a BB it might appeal more as you can integrate the two for extra features, but as I'm not planning on having BB any time soon I'm not sure it would be so good- whereas I have other Samsung products and have always been a fan of their quality. My first 'real' cellphone was a Samsung and it worked right up until they changed networks in Oz. In fact I think it still would run if I put the battery in it- but I'm pretty sure I put it in for recycling :/

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 23:07

Yes but I think it was to get the 'smeary' paint look :P

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 22:41

Try SeatGuru, they usually will tell you at the top of the seat map what kind of seat it is (lay flat, recliner, etc) and which rows are bassinettes. To be honest most 1 year olds are usually too big/heavy for them anyway.... if she's wriggly it might be worth booking a seat if you are able to... Unless I'm reading it wrong, this page [url=http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/services_for_children/child_fares/index.jsp'>link[/url'> seems to inply if you are going between two countries, the child must have a seat whether it sits in it or not, but that sounfs a bit strange to me. Must be the wording. What do you ladies think? maybe I'm just tired lol <em>edited by SkyKitty on 25/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 21:06

to be honst I have never seen one in row 20, I'll have a look again next time I'm there but if there are only 4 seats, I would say they are at row 6 and row 22 or 23.... will see if I can find it in my books anywhere....

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 21:01

Mm, haven't heard of them doing MEL-AUH direct as of yet... checked their site and all the direct AUH out of MEL are codeshare EY flights. As an aside, their "From Australia to the world" ad campaign is more than a little copycatting of EK/EY marketing.... lol... I mean, couldn't they come up with something more "Virgin flair" than sticking a V Oz girl next to a yellow cab? It's not very "them" if you know what I mean... <em>edited by SkyKitty on 25/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:57

When are you travelling? If I can get there to have a look at it I will, as I said they don't tend to get used much so good for me to refresh anyway :) Can't recall seeing any in 21 unless you mean 23A/K??

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:41

FamnOz, that seems to make sense as you explained it! LOL yes I hate seeing this kids disappointed when it's not pasta, yet other crack a big time wobbly when it's "always pasta". CAN'T WIN haha

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:39

Thanks ladies, I find a lot of people are worried/afraid only because they either read sensationalised stories in the papers or don't fully understand some of the process. Take away that 'unknown' and often that's most of the problem solved! OP, did you decide who to fly with yet? I think V Oz only fly certain days of the week, maybe that's why you were having trouble finding flights. I think some are codeshares with Etihad as well.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:37

Sky Kitty - I've just come back from London with Emirates and the crew were very nice! They were nearly all women though! Much better than the last few times I have flown. Glad you had a nicer experience this time, Luddite. Hopefully the bad batch you got were just having a bad day, and not always like that. Plus, I try to give the annoying ones a kick in the pants when I can ;)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:36

there's just not a lot of space to store 2-400 small bottles of water... there are some, but not heaps. they tend to give us the 1.5L bottles than we can pour into cups, SkyKitty, I love your posts and was praying for you to be on my recent flights, alas it was clear that you were missing (cabin crew getting touchy/feely in galley, could not be bothered to offer or find mattress pads, would not bring me iced water etc etc). One of the crew pulled out the lukewarm bottle of water from the seat back in front of me, when I asked for iced water. I was disappointed. Sorry to disappoint!!! That seems a bit lazy, I would just use the bell and call them back and pointedly ask for a glass of ice. They'd likely realise they'd been a bit slack....

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:15

I'll take Pro Hart any day, the guys PAINTED WITH FOOD! Bet he drove his mum nuts as a toddler ;) [url=http://youtu.be/8qb4n8yc2so'>link[/url'>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 20:04

Here's some pics I hope will help give you an idea of what the cabin looks like. It's quite hard to explain to someone that has never seen it. As mentioned, every second middle row has a 'pair' of seats with a privacy divider that can be lowered if you are travelling with the one next to you. The crew refer to these as "sweetheart" seats so it might help to know this if trying to explain the seats you want. If there are four of you with seats, it's easy to try book two rows of these seats (they are always E & F seats) the ones in the other rows are on the aisle but separated by the minibars in between (D & G seats) All A/B and J/K seats are separate and better for solo travellers or people who don't mind not being able to talk to each other. If there are two of you or three of you, better to try for perhaps two Sweetharts and then the closest seat across the aisle, or a B & D or G & J seat (hope that makes sense) However as stated the basinettes are at bulkheads. So say if you were at 6D you might want to try get 7A for your other half so they're across the aisle, not 6G so you're separated by the center console. I looked online for some pics so I don't have to take any myself as I might not get a chance to Cabin Rear View [url=http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1024&bih=545&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=8Dit71nwxODBxM:&imgrefurl=http://www.44john.com/voyagers/up-in-the-air/&docid=X9rIfBEAROfDQM&imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/4283972583_9be26bb42f.jpg&w=500&h=375&ei=Ah6YT-yxG4GSOq6bncIG&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=555&vpy=208&dur=2355&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=156&ty=63&sig=104499905929043272656&page=3&tbnh=159&tbnw=204&start=21&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:21,i:148'>link[/url'> 6D, you can see the centre console where the basinette sits. To be honest I've never seen it used, but there is an extra support base fitted first that the basinette sits on. I believe it may sit just across the aisle, I'll have to have a look when I'm next in that cabin to be sure [url=http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1024&bih=545&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=9u5hZtYDzUyNxM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ausbt.com.au/do-bulkhead-seats-really-give-you-extra-legroom-on-a-plane&docid=Ve9QjqPB2ah-CM&imgurl=http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos/view/maxsize:467,622/4ed80a8faee8484a8f703f01767f2254-second-cabin-bulkhead-2.JPG&w=467&h=622&ei=Ah6YT-yxG4GSOq6bncIG&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=265&sig=104499905929043272656&page=4&tbnh=166&tbnw=115&start=33&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:33,i:154&tx=71&ty=41'>link[/url'> Top-down view of seats [url=http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=545&tbm=isch&tbnid=K30WtkTZmenh-M:&imgrefurl=http://www.emirates.com/english/flying/our_fleet/emirates_a380/business_class/full_flat_seats.aspx&docid=jLB4WRbOT5usvM&imgurl=http://content.emirates.com/english/images/4_full-flat-seats_tcm233-349584.jpg&w=545&h=320&ei=UB6YT9XVBpCgOtHt_LwG&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=688&vpy=200&dur=3251&hovh=172&hovw=293&tx=209&ty=57&sig=104499905929043272656&page=1&tbnh=153&tbnw=239&start=0&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0,i:110'>link[/url'> Another view of 6G/6D [url=http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=545&tbm=isch&tbnid=-edTnd3jQBg2gM:&imgrefurl=http://biztravelguru.com/photos/airline__aircraft_photos/Business-Class-Seat-on-Emirates-A380-Aircraft.aspx&docid=D_UluiX0PHoywM&imgurl=http://biztravelguru.com/photos/airline__aircraft_photos/images/957/425x283.aspx&w=425&h=283&ei=UB6YT9XVBpCgOtHt_LwG&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=262&sig=104499905929043272656&page=4&tbnh=167&tbnw=231&start=32&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:32,i:187&tx=161&ty=54'>link[/url'> 'Sweetheart" (centre) seats E&F [url=http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=545&tbm=isch&tbnid=K3I3yiJk6u_VMM:&imgrefurl=http://www.luxist.com/photos/emirates-a380/952114/&docid=yLgdD1WvAzuCIM&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2008/07/82085934_10.jpg&w=1000&h=681&ei=UB6YT9XVBpCgOtHt_LwG&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=365&sig=104499905929043272656&page=2&tbnh=159&tbnw=201&start=8&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:8,i:127&tx=35&ty=77'>link[/url'> Hope this helps!!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 13:49

Ok so that's to remove it totally, but can you put regular polish over the top, then take it off without removing the rest? I know it would probably ruin the 'shine' of the original colour but am guessing a top coat could fix that. Just trying to figure out if I can ever get 'fun' gelish or if I have to stick with natural ones as we can't have anything coloured at work (french/beige/pink/red only)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 11:22

silly question, but can you put another colour over the top of gelish if you want a change, and would it damage the nails to try take the colour off again? My friend got them and I'm thinking about it for work, as I heard they last a long time, but I'd want to put on a colour for 'fun' on my days off, but would need to go back to natural for work. Or would I have to remove the gelish at the same time as removing the 'fun' colour? Never had it before so no idea how it works...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 10:34

I think you'll find that wasn't all at once. Emirates is complying with the inspection schedule set out by Airbus to ensure the safety of the planes and once checked fit they have been put back into the schedule. So until such time as all of them have been looked at, there are some schedule substitutions with other aircraft (mainly 777) and schedules are still subject to change if there are any other issues requiring attention that take one out of action (e.g echeduled maintenance/inspection or technical issue requiring to be looked at) I saw at least 6 at the airport yesterday and most of them were moving ;) Trust me they would not be flying them if there were not confident i nthe safety of them, the only thing you really need to worry about is if the schedule might change if you really want to go on A380, but it seems they are trying not to affect the Sydney flight as it is almost always full lately. As for Prem Y I thought Virgin do it but I suppose that means going via London, so you then have the choice of SQ or QF as well on that route, I belueve CX have some Premium Econ out of HK as well. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 17/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 01:16

Yeah it's normal practice... since the plane stopped on the runway nothing else could depart until they were sure the situation was under control. Since the crew evacuated using the slides this takes longer than if it's just a tow-away job- the focus is then on the welfare of the passengers/crew and emergency vehicles are now occupied with the scene. At this aprticular airport the other runway cannot be used while the plane was where it ended up. so they reopened the other when the aicraft was towed. In the case of smoke/suspected fire in the cabin, the standard procedure is get it down at the nearest suitable airfield and if necessary, evacuate. Better to be out and wrong than in and right (about the fire) So no, not strange at all. At a bigger airport it's possible that they could have slowed down departures rather than stopping them altogether- it depends what resources, layout and emergency services coverage they have. In most cases, it's either a fume event (where a smell causes the belief there is smoke) or there is in fact smoke but it dissipates/ the extinguishers put out any ignition source before it could spread, as they are designed to do. Of course most of the reports are just rumour at this point but one suggestion has been that it was coming from the cargo hold- since the pilots only have sensors to tell them there is a fire, generally they will return/land even if they know the fire suppressant system has activated, as they can then get it properly checked (which it sounds like they did after the passengers were off) There are rare occasions where something can set the detector off without anything actually being on fire- so of course they err on the side of caution... <em>edited by SkyKitty on 17/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 11:14

Lol! Without fail the SECOND my butt touches the toilet seat (with liner on, of course) there'll be turbulence. WITHOUT FAIL. It can be 14hour smooth as glass flight and the minute I try to go pee, turbulence! It's like they wait until I go in and do it on purpose ;)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:55

I know but it's a bit sad that education seems to be getting out of reach for more and more people...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:53

Have you tried online? I once got a programmable one, instead of a replacement from my landlord as they wanted $100 and I got it for $40 online. Can't remember the site but I'm sure they'd be easy to find. I think you need to have one that you can borrow and 'copy' though, so if it's only for your house and you lost the only one.... I'm not sure? Maybe Emax, Sharaf, or Plug Ins, or a car/alarm store.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:50

That seems ridiculous, no wonder so many people don't go on to higher edication these days... that's like a deposit on a house :/ Though I guess depending on what quals you need for your career, the higher earning potential could cancel it out

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:46

To be honest I see all kinds of behaviour on all kinds of flights, you know your daughter best. I know a lot of parents try to fly when their kids would be normally going to bed soon after take off time, and waking up as you land. But depends if you then want to deal with arrival process with cranky kids! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:42

Could it be the agency owner wants the support of the client as it makes for a stronger case? If it's he alone, you never know if the maid is guilty she could say anything to get off, like he is bullying her etc.... if there are two witnesses, well we all know how it goes locally- more witnesses are better... especially if the actual witness is a woman, is better for her to have the agency supporting her as well?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:35

My point is, it has never officially been told to me (or any crew I have ever worked with) to do this. Of course there's probably one or two that decide to do it because they want to (as there is in any job) but it is not an official, recognised procedure in the crew world. Hope this clears it up. Having the cabin hot doesn't actually make less work, as I have said- people *may* fall asleep but they tend to wake up a lot more as they get hot , want water/drinks, walk around more and then of course there's a lot more chance they will faint- thus causing a lot more work for the crew. So, anyone doing this to 'put their feet up' is frankly crazy... ;) DR, there is a difference between a crew making this comment to you (whether as a joke or not- many of them have 'attitude' and it being something crew are *taught* to do, that is what I was trying to say. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 15/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:33

I can't speak for all airlines but most I'm sure will keep your milk cold if you ask. Try packing it in an insulated lunch bag, then if they don't have space in the chiller you can at least put some ice inside to keep it cold at your seat. Again, as they seem to use different booking systems, it might be best to call and ask about the age issue. Though since you are booking and paying for a seat, I can't think it would matter if you said she was older than she is- the issue is the other way, when parents are trying to *avoid* paying a seat and say baby is younger than it is... :P Does their website have any advice?

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:10

Get a latter. If she has spots all you need is one doubtful staff member at the airport and you may be denied boarding. If you're not sure it's always best to have a doctor's letter stating fitness for travel. I know if I saw a child with spots, I'd definitely be asking questions even if the parents said it wasn't contagious. I'm not a doctor so I'm required to get an official opinion if there's any doubt about whether the passenger is contagious or not... Not saying you are, but it's not uncommon for passengers to tell tall tales about what they've got because they want to get home. This is how some serious diseases have spread in the past. So, airlines are usually cautious about this sort of thing. I'd call and ask what their requirements are- I'd be surprised if they don't want a letter. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 15/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:07

As for unborn babies, I guess you book it as an infant with "Baby Boy/Girl Jones" and the expected birthdate, then call up and explain the situation and ask what papers you might need. Many airlines won't let you book online with a baby anyway so you'll need to call up anyway. I'd suggest to ask the airline concerned and have them do it for you.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:06

I think it's somewhat of a myth that airlines put up the temps to make people sleep. I have never, EVER been told to do this by anyone, ever, in my flying career. In fact we're very careful to avoid having it too hot as on long flights it tends to make people faint suddenly when they stand up after sitting for a long time. The issue with airplanes is, that they are large spaces and difficult to heat/cool evenly... so while you may feel roasting in the front, the rest are freezing in the back. Generally, it's better to be slightly warm as it's easier for most people to remove layers, rather than it being too cold and trying to warm everyone up (especially if there's blankets on the seats already and only a few spares- simply no room for two for everyone) Another thing is, there's usually a master temperature set by the pilots; any adjustments the CC make can only be within 2-3 degrees of what is already set on the cabin temp by them. It can take up to an hour (depending on the size of the plane) for any change to take effect- so often, people say that we've never changed it at all when in fact it just takes times. Some planes are 'colder' than others- depending o nthe age. Even two planes of the same type can have different temperature habits. In one company, we had an Airbus that was notorious for being colder than than rest so we took extra uniform with us to keep warm (company had taken away our cardigans in a 'uniform refresh') On long flights, after more than three or four changes, you get into a back-and-forth of up/down temperature changes that's uncomfortable for everyone so once we get a 'majority' happy we tend to leave it. Temperature is one of those tjhings that NO-ONE is ever happy with- including the crew. It depends if you are "hot blooded" naturally or not. I tend not to feel cold for ages, whereas other crew will be cuddling bottles of warm water in the galley as they feel cold. My best advice is to wear layers you can easily adjust and try socks if you feel cold- you'd be amazed at the difference. So no, to asnwer your question crew do not deliberately set the temps to try make people fall asleep. I'd say the crew who said so was being flippant with you. I have heard crew on some airlines give this response after being asked for the millionth time why it's so hot. I guess they just get tired of being asked about something that they actually have very little control over. It's something that the manufacturers work on, but doesn't really seem to improve- probably due to the fact that cabin air comes from outside, passes via the engines to be heated before entering the cabin, and you can imagine how hot they run at. (Again, just my opinion and what I have learnt over the years, nothing official) ;)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 13:55

'Be prepared' was general advice, not aimed at you. It's weird they didn't let you bring food through security- if it's not in liquid form, it shouldn't have been an issue. Can I ask which airport it was? If you need to keep food for a later flight, on most planes it's possible to keep them in the ice drawer or chiller, just ask if this can be done, then at least it's cold when you leave to go through the airport for your next flight. I notice a lot of people who byo have those little cooler lunch bags, helps keep it fresher for longer. If you're picking bags up at your connecting airport, consider keeping things in your luggage. I recently brought some food back with my from Oz to Dubai and when I got my bags the contents were still cold, packed among my clothes and put right in from the fridge. If you use a cooler bag I imagine it could stay cold even longer! If your daugher eats fruit, and you bring food for you, or don't eat the airline food, try ordering a fruit platter under your name as an extra, they are much easier to get at short notice and are the easist thing to 'conjure' onboard if one doesn't turn up. I know it's not very substantial but they seem more likely to turn up for some reason. I suppose because fruit is easily available in most places whereas gluten free might not be, as you found. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 14/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 13:35

Purple, see Point 10. Especially for coeliacs, I highly recommend BYO. My mother is gluten intolerant and we always just bring food as I know that sometimes things go wrong and there's nothing at all onboard. She shouldn't have shouted at you but once the passengers are onboard is generally too late for anything to be done- catering often arrives onboard well before the crew do and catering crew are on to the next flight before crew even get on the plane. Also, we have no idea who special meals are for until the passenger list comes- usually as the door is about to close. So, even if you asked her to double check, it's very possible she didn't have a list to compare to. Boarding is a very busy time as well, and the priority is to get everyone out of the aisle and baggage stowed, with people passing through galleys during boarding it can be almost impossible to get into trolleys to check anything. Of course people say they shouldn't have to bring food, and in an ideal world, they shouldn't, but when you think about how many points along the way deal with everything, it's easier to see how things go astray. It never hurts to have too much food rather than too little. I find that gluten free, coeliac and nut allergies are the hardest to deal with, simply because of the limited resources on board to make up something. To travel on an ultra long flight with nothing at all as a contigency is not a good idea, therefore I always recommend to anyone who asks me to bring something as a backup. At least they know it's something that they can have. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 14/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 13:09

Greenish, kids' meals are the bane of my life! LOL.... of course, kids are often fussy and won't eat it anyway, but still.... Also with kids, if they don't have a seat they don't get a meal, only baby food and the like. So if you want a full, proper meal, generally that comes with a seat as most 'infant/baby' fares are a percentage of the full fare. I always tell parents, to bring enough food to get you through, just in case. Then you're covered for if something doesn't show up, or if the kids hate what they're given. (Especially if you travel a lot- meals can get repetitive) Goes double for kids with special diets.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 13:03

Yeah, it sucks that you have to, but it's the only way I've found that works. With all these different booking systems floating around, there's more chances for 'miscommunication' down the line... Believe me, it annoys the h#ll out of me too. Nothing worse than scrounging around five different meals for all the veg to make up one plate for someone who can't/doesn't eat meat and hasn't gotten their meal... Oh yes, meant to add that he would have been offered a normal meal, as the crew don't know who orders for dietary reasons and who only orders to get variety- if that makes sense! If he had only ordered to have choice (as many do) and they didn't offer a regular meal, they could have gotten in trouble. So i'd guess that's why he was offered one. <em>edited by SkyKitty on 14/04/2012</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 12:54

In my experience, there a several reasons: 1) It's booked, but due to the time it's booked it's gone in as a waitlist and not as a guaranteed request (usually inside 3 days prior) 2) The travel agent has told the customer they've done it, and haven't 3) Passengers booked online, but didn't confirm the meal, or booked for only some and not all of the pax (this often happens with kids) 4) Passenger books online, then makes a change to the booking (either flight, date or change to name spelling, seat etc) On some systems this means you have to re-book the meal, as it's 'bumped' when you change the booking- but people don't know or forget to do this 5) There's a change to the flight, and catering get a meal list that doesn't reflect who's actually onboard (either they misconnect and get put on a later flight), or they receive the list after say, the passenger has 'lost' the meal when changing a flight number or seat. There may not be time to remake a meal depending on what food they have in stock- especially for Gluten Free and other specialty meals that are harder than say, Veg meals which are quite easy to make on the fly) 6) The airline messes up- either by the catering supplier or a fault in the system, or a check-in or other staff making a seat change and forgetting to re-attach the meal request to that passenger's booking reference (See: travel agents changing bookings). 7) Interline agreements. For example, on most middle east carriers, all meals are Halal. Other airlines might offer a Muslim Meal (MOML). Since all meals on the second airline are Halal, a pax travelling on another airline then changing to a Middle Eastern one would be shown on the list as MOML, however would just get a regular meal as all are considered MOML by default. 8) Passengers changing seats onboard and not telling crew. Flight is half full, everyone wants more room. They move around, but forget to inform the crew, Crew can't find that person, Or, someone else then sits in that vacated seat. Crew show up with meal. We try to confirm the passenger name but often people just say yes, without thinking that they are depriving someone else of a meal. This often happens with Vegetarian meals as say, lots of people forget or don't bother ordering, but want that meal, so they just take it anyway. Very annoying! Ways to avoid 'losing' a meal: 1. Double check when booking online 2. If using an agent, get your booking number an check later online to ensure there's a meal request in your booking 3. If you (or agent) make ANY change- re-check that your meal is still showing in your booking 4. Print your itinerary/e-ticket WITH MEAL REQUEST- and confirm a couple of days prior 5. Double check at check-in, if they make any changes (such as you were split up and now they are seating you together) 6. If you move seats onboard, tell the crew! 7. If you get a wrong meal, don't eat it- give it back as someone else might have yours. 8. Take backups, just in case, ESPECIALLY for Gluten Free (as this is very hard for us to make up from other food onboard- most else we can improvise) 9. If travelling more than one carrier, check their special meal policy. Some offer more range of meals and others offer none, so a request for a meal can go granted on one and not on the other. 10. Bear in mind things can go wrong, especially in certain parts of the world, and be prepared :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 12:39

Believe it or not, in the early days, you could open the windows! So if she were old enough to remember, I guess it would be puzzling! I've also had elderly people ask me the same thing. Bless.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 12:11

Mining- usually only for the 'qualified' jobs- if it's something that doesn't need a career (only training) then I don't think you can- i.e. specialtioes like geology etc- probably. Driving haulpacks or doing 'grunt work' probably not. THe only 'foreigners' I ever saw when flying workers to the mines were in upper level jobs or doing things like surveyors, architects, geologists, gem assessors etc

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 11:54

The list of elegible careers/jobs changes often, you could well find that by the time you qualify, that job is no longer on the list also. So, that can be a risk too. Nurses, teachers, doctors are usually always in demand.

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