Go nuts at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

If you’ve been to Las Vegas, I’m sure you’re longing to go back! I know l was! Ever since I visited “Sin City” for the first time in my adult life last summer (and posted a video review in this post) it was clear to me that I was destined to return to this forbidden place. So when the opportunity presented itself over an adjacent long weekend to a business trip to close-by California, I grabbed the chance, booked a ticket on Virgin America and two nights at the Mirage.

But enough praise for this wonderful crazy city, after all, this is an airport blog and not a boring destination guide. Nor is it my personal diary, so let’s get down to business:

I trust it already came through in my video review last year, McCarran airport (IATA: LAS) is not your usual airport. But who would expect this in Las Vegas anyway? Surely you expect the airport to have slot machines everywhere, and it does, but did you know that it even features a language course vending machine? It’s true: in the A and B gates departure lounge, you can purchase Rosetta Stone language courses in every language from Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew to even, yes, you guessed it, English. For little more than your winnings at the Blackjack table on the Strip ($299.99) one of these courses can be yours!

But if study is not your thing and perhaps you’re dealing with the legacy of a huge night before, you can cure even the worst hangover with something perfectly greasy from the guys at the “Great Steak” outlet before the gates B17-25.

Maybe you’re still thinking about the scantily clad ladies dancing on the speakers of the XS nightclub at the Encore? Then probably a sweet, dice lollypop is what you are looking for: You will find it at “The Candy Shoppe” in the middle of the A and B gates lounge.

Finally, if you’re trying to be good to make up for some recent, umm, “indulgences” why not go crazy with a fine selection of fruit and nuts from the “Las Vegas Fruit and Nuts” store.

Hey, who said airports are boring?

Viva Las Vegas Airport!

Airport Name	Las Vegas McCarran International – Terminal 2
Website	http://www.mccarran.com/
IATA Code	LAS
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall

[Image from Flickr - some rights reserved]

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How the swine flu affects your travels

Today, the WHO classified the swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern.” And while more cases of swine flu were confirmed on Monday in the United States, Canada and Europe (Update: Britain is now also directly affected with one case), country organizations began to take actions, particularly by preventing and monitoring travellers to and from their countries.

Furthermore, financial markets have already “penalized” Mexican airports whose shares traded substiantially lower today: The airport owners are among the “most vulnerable” stocks amid the flu outbreak, UBS AG analysts wrote in a note today in which they cut Mexican equities to “underweight” writes Bloomberg.

It’s pretty clear that this latest threat of an influenza pandemic is going to have further implications on the economy. But how does it affect travellers? Various countries have already tightened their airport checks. Australia, for example, has trained airport staff to spot people with flu like symptoms. According to an article any passengers with flu-like symptoms would be met by quarantine officers. In addition, all incoming international flights would have to make an onboard announcement telling passengers to seek immediate medical advice if they felt unwell with flu symptoms.

Hong Kong, the epicenter of a SARS outbreak six years ago, announced some of the toughest measures anywhere on Sunday in response to a swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the United States, reports The New York Times.

So, what should you do if you are travelling to or from North America in the near future? Here is some advice:

1. Travelling to Mexico: in general it’s probably safe to say that if you can postpone your trip, then do so, otherwise check your countries latest travel advice (the UK foreign office’s one can be found here, Germany’s here, Ireland’s here, the USA’s here and Canada’s here). If you decide to go, then do make sure you check with your airline if the flight is still leaving as today several charter airlines (e.g. TUI in Germany) have cancelled their flights to Mexico.
2. Travelling from Mexico: be aware of extra precautions at Mexican and foreign airports. Prepare for additional screenings and questioning. Check your destinations country latest immigration advice. Your airline or travel agency should be able to help you.
3. Travelling to/from other North American destinations: expect delays at the airports due to tightened security and passenger screenings. Check with your local airline for the latest uptodate travel information.

[Picture from Flickr - some rights reserved]

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Airport food: 3 continents, 3 airports, 3 great choices

You know the feeling, it’s evening, you rushed to the airport after a long day at work and haven’t had time to eat. You then find out your plane is delayed, so that you won’t get your free business economy class dinner anytime soon. What do you do? Well, there is always the crappy sandwich shop close to the gate, right? Wrong!

Luckily today many airports realised people actually value quality food and offer descent alternatives to the ubiquitous fast food chains. Following are three options from three different airports around the globe that cater for the foodie in you:

London Heathrow – Terminal 5: Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food

The unsurprising favourite is “Plane Food“, a fine dining outlet by London’s only 3-Star-Michelin chef, Gordon Ramsay. Lulu from Planet Eye recently wrote

…this is probably the only airport restaurant with which I’ve actually made a reservation. Once you tuck into the foie gras and chicken liver parfait, followed by the Casterbridge rib eye steak, it’s really hard to be satisfied by the chicken or the beef options offered by your flight attendant.

I’ve always been a fan of Gordon’s food and this has to be a must-go for when you have some time on your side (and made a reservation…). In addition Plane Food now also offers a few take-away picnics (£14.95 for the lunch box). Enjoy!

Sydney International Terminal: Wagamama

It has sadly been a while since I have personally been at Sydney airport but one of the safe and tasteful choices is Hong Kong born Alan Yau‘s Australian subsidiary of Wagamama in the international terminal. You will be sitting on shared tables and have the choice of a variety of tasty Asian inspired dishes. Having tasted the Australian, the Dutch and the English Wagamama I must say I found the Aussie version the best – definitely worth a taste when you are in this magnificent city.

Miami International: Chili’s

Well, I’m going to follow a bit of a stereotype here by mentioning a chain restaurant as my choice for the USA’s most Latin airport. Sometimes you just want that uncomplicated, yet tasteful American comfort food. Go to Chili’s which you find in the G area and taste one of their wonderful Baby Back Ribs. They really are delicious!

[Picture from Flickr]

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Cartagena airport – gateway to Colombia’s Caribbean coast

Cartagena de Indias, often described as one of South America’s true jewels, certainly is a fascinating city. I have actually never seen so many colourful, colonial houses next to each other. And since Cartagena is the premier weekend destination for rich Colombians and the place of choice for festivals and exhibitions, the city is always packed with people looking for a good time.

And since the easiest way getting from Colombia’s major cities like Bogotá or Medellin is the air, Cartagena has a sizable airport which is even offering some international direct flights. Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA: CTG) as it is officially called is located only a short taxi drive north of Cartagena’s walled city. It’s not the most exciting airport, but there are (as always) still a few things you can do if you get bored:

• Enjoy a last Caribbean heat flash in the courtyard before the arrival hall
• Walk to Kekoriko (on the corner where the taxis get off the main road) and try this ubiquitous fast food chain (I wasn’t that impressed though).

And after security:

• Buy a last-minute-packet of Juan Valdez coffee
• Renew your flip flops at the small shop (from 35,000 pesos)
• Buy refreshments from the small yet surprisingly fully stocked stall in the waiting lounge
• Check your emails through the free Wifi (connect to “Sacsa”)

Airport Name	Rafael Núñez International Airport Cartagena de Indias
Website	http://www.sacsa.com.co/
IATA Code	CTG
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	no duty free Shop
	no duty free Shop

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Miami Airport – Gateway to South America

When you first arrive at Miami International Airport (IATA: MIA) you wouldn’t necessarily think you entered American soil as airport staff mostly speak Spanish and the general crowd looks different from what you would consider “typical” Americans. Of course this is no coincidence since Miami has long been a gateway to South America for the West and a first port of call for South and Central Americans visiting North America. Further more it is no surprise that throughout Miami and its airport you can easily get by without speaking English at all.

America’s third largest airport in terms of International passengers does feel fairly big with its nine different terminals or concourses as they are called here. These alphabetically named areas, A to J, are physically connected, however, once you go through security you can mostly not move between them. My Avianca flight to Bogotá (see related post about Bogotá airport) departed from the J concourse. This is Miami airport’s newest terminal which opened on August 29, 2007 under Miami International Airport’s South Terminal Renovation Project.

Check out these things to do when your flight departs from the H or J concourse (these two are connected):

1. Get yourself (or treat your girlfriend) a 10 minute manicure for $15 between the H and J concourse
2. Get another one of these delicious Coronas at “Corona Express” next to gate J4
3. Change into something warmer at the fairly spacious toilets as the air conditioning is freezing throughout the terminal
4. Recharge your iPhone at one of the many power stations
5. Read the poetry written on the floor all along the J gates and accidentally pump into that beautiful, Colombian lady

Airport Name	Miami International Airport – Concourse J
Website	http://www.miami-airport.com
IATA Code	MIA
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	$99.00 (£62.30)
	$38.00 (£23.90)

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Bogotá Airport mucho gusta?

My recent travel brought me to Colombia’s capital, Bogotá. Even now with improved security and a thriving economy, Colombia is still an adventure, even for the most experienced traveller. On the other hand, the contrast in this fascinating city, 2,640m above sea level, is stark. The south of the city is a very poor area and not safe for tourists while the north is wealthy and houses modern eateries and bars that don’t have to hide from top-notch addresses in other countries.

So how does the airport rate? Basically, the airport is divided into two passenger terminals: El Dorado International, the main terminal for all international flights, built in 1959 and Puente Aéreo Terminal (Air Bridge Terminal, in English), built in 1989 which serves Avianca’s and its subsidiary SAM’s, domestic and regional flights. As I had the pleasure to experience both terminals, here’s what you can do if your flight is delayed:

Regional Terminal
Make sure you don’t go through security until shortly before your flight as after that there is nothing more than a few toilets and a couple vending machines. Therefore the subsequent tips are for the area before security:

1. Buy some strawberries at “Aerofresas” for 4,000 pesos (they looked a bit unripe but tasted actually really nice)
2. If you are the sweet type, get some dark Lindt chocolate from “Colosinas”, not far from the strawberries place
3. And of course, don’t forget to taste another of these wonderful Colombian coffees. I had an Espresso at “Inter-Cafe”, right next to the chocolate place.
4. Now that you’re well fed you can walk south to the slightly more upmarket part of the terminal and stroll around the stores there
5. By now your flight should be ready, if not, you probably shouldn’t board it anyway. Just kidding. If you still have time, go to the Orbitel shop on the north side, call your family and tell them about how nice Bogotá was and that there is nothing for them to worry about.

International Terminal “El Dorado”
Again, the better area for spending time is before security. But here you don’t want to leave it to the last minute as you will have to go through the passport control and another security check before getting to your gate. Also, be prepared for a detailed bag search.

1. After you checked in, go upstairs as all the shops and restaurants are on that floor. If your flight is in the morning, go to “Crepes & Waffles” for a descent breakfast (if not see 2.). Even though I was not very lucky with what I ordered, the food looked really good and the place is an institution throughout Bogotá
2. If you are still hungry or your flight is later in the day, go to “El Corral”, Colombia’s best burger chain and order a 1/2lb “Corralisima”. You will have to wait about 15 minutes, but, oh boy, this burger is worth the wait - trust me!
3. Go to one of the music shops and buy that Colombian music you have heard throughout your stay. I bought the CD of Silvestre Dangond with the song “Me gusta, me gusta“.
4. If you still have time, go through security and buy that delicious coffee from the Juan Valdez store towards the end of the small stalls.

 The rating below is based on the International Terminal: 

Airport Name	Bogotà El Dorado International
Website	http://www.elnuevodorado.com/
IATA Code	BOG
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	$99.00 (£57.20)
	$50.00 (£28.90)

[Picture from Flickr]

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Viva, Las Vegas Airport!

Las Vegas, the adult playground capital of the world, Sin City, town in the desert where anything is possible, where weddings are held faster than you can lose $50 dollars at Blackjack. So, how would the airport of such a city rate? Watch my review video about McCarran International (IATA: LAS) and see for yourself!

Airport Name	Las Vegas McCarran International – Terminal 2
Website	http://www.mccarran.com/
IATA Code	LAS
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	$104.50 (£58.60)
	no champagne was available (can you believe it??)

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Shopping desert at San Francisco International

San Francisco is a destination I frequently fly to for my job. When I took off there last time, there was no delay and in fact, when you take off from San Francisco International (IATA: SFO) in 98% of the times your flight is on time according to Flightstats.com. The Northern Californian airport was also recently rated best US airport. Despite all that, there will still be the odd occasion when your flight actually is delayed (my colleagues who flew back with BA the next day were in fact delayed for about 2 hours), plus, with international flights it is recommended to get to the airport 2 hours prior to departure which often means you have plenty of time to kill before the boarding announcement.

So, what’s there to do at San Francisco International? Well, according to the airports own statistics, the terminal is the largest international terminal by square footage in North America. There are two different boarding areas, A and G with most non-US carrier flights departing from area A. Whilst the size of the terminal is definitely adding to your relaxation, you would also expect plenty of shopping opportunities (even more so with the current weak dollar). No such luck - there are hardly any! For example, if you hoped to buy that last minute Apple iPod for your friend at home, you will be disappointed as none can be found at SFO. So, better get your shopping done before you get to the airport. But what can you then do at the airport? Here are my top 5:

1. Sit at the North side of the terminal and watch the air traffic
2. Search the few stores for that one Vitamin Water flavour you haven’t tasted yet
3. Count the number of public announcements that were generated with a computer voice
4. Connect online and download your latest emails (connect through T-Online for US$6/hour or use your companies connection software)
5. DeleteUpload those crazy photos you took last Saturday night at that party in the Castro

Happy travelling!

Airport Name	San Francisco International (International Terminal, A Gates)
Website	http://www.flysfo.com
IATA Code	SFO
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	$66.00 (£33.20)
	$99.00 (£49.80 – or click to see other currencies)

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Kodak moment at Rochester airport?

Rochester, home of the Kodak corporation is a 200,000 people city in Monroe county, New York state, south of Lake Ontario. And despite the towns small size it actually has an international airport called “Greater Rochester International Airport” (IATA: ROC). Just don’t expect to fly there directly from anywhere far away, it’s not that international (in fact, I think the only international flight is across the lake to Toronto). But at least it features frequent flights to and from JFK. The only problem is that if JFK is disrupted for some reason, you’re stuck at Kodak’s home airport.

And that’s exactly what happened last time I went there for business: I was hoping to get back to JFK quickly in order to catch my flight back to London Heathrow. But unfortunately a major storm over New York caused my JetBlue flight to be delayed by several hours (and making me miss all possible flights back to London that day, but that’s another story…).

So, what was there to do at thrilling Rochester airport? Here’s my top 5:

1. Feast on JetBlue’s generous food and drink offerings (mind the cookies, but indulge on the blue crisps)
2. Make use of the free Wifi (while getting annoyed with yourself for leaving the charger in the checked bag)
3. Search for the one coffee shop which actually does have soy milk coffee (the one between the two concourses has!)
4. Calm down the lovely lady next to you who has tickets for the premiere of the Sex and the City movie at the Radio City Music Hall tonight
5. Bond with fellow stranded travellers and complain in loud voices about the lack of information (and the distasteful cookies, see 1.)

 What? You think that stained glass thing (see picture above) should have made it into the top 5? Common, stay focused!

(Picture from Flickr)

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Airport Installs 3D Body Scanners to Catch Criminals

This could be exciting – Kelowna airport in Canada installs the first 3D Body Scanners. Watch your flight time carefully next time your fly home from this British Colombia airport as starring at your 3D image could become addictive…

“The paddles rotate around the body. The radio frequency penetrates the clothing … bounces off the skin and gives … a 3-D holographic image of the body,” said Ian McNaugton, the National Sales Manager for L3 Communications, which makes the machines.

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