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We do have our baggage

6th July 20256th July 2025 funtime65

We do have our baggage but sometimes that’s what makes the trip so interesting, which is why we won’t get fined for excess luggage.

The perennial problem of fines at the gate has been ramped up.

With revelations over EasyJet putting ground staff on commission.

For fining customers in the line for breaking the weight limit on their carry-on luggage.

Portable essentials

First things first the best answer to the EasyJetstapo (now I’ve done it) is to not give them the chance to fine you.

The £48 fee charged for oversized bags from which the staff get £1.20 each piece.

Now drilling down, easyJet’s free allowance is a generous 45x36x20cm which you must be able to put under your seat.

And that poses this question… why should that not be enough for your portable essentials?

Because isn’t everything available to be bought at whichever destination you and your family are headed?

The rulebreakers

The last resort: Say a little prayer for me

And the stress and cost of paying a fine is not restricted to those who don’t follow the rules.

As we all know from being held up at the gate.

When a traveller argues the toss with the ground crew over paying.

Which incidentally they always do as the alternative of having your boarding pass blocked sharpens the mind.

The follow-up

That lost time and further delays when passengers clog up the airplane aisles trying to cram in bags to overload lockers which you never get back.

As I found out to my cost on my recent linked flight with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin to Chicago.

With our already delayed flight disrupted further because of a couple’s intransigence.

Yes, we do all have our baggage.

And credit here to the flight crew, who remained firm and fair.

Reminding everyone that the sooner bags were put in lockers the quicker we’d get there.

Hotfooting it to the gate

Now as a half-full sort I looked back on my experience with relief.

That I made my transatlantic flight at a, albeit with ten minutes to spare.

And pre-clearance completed, a great advantage of flying out of Dublin Airport.

But my luggage did not.

Understandable because humans on legs can get to the gate and on the plane quicker than luggage on wheels.

Good to go

Of course, every action has a reaction.

And so when I got to Chicago O’Hare Airport I did so without my suitcase.

Which turned up at my Palmer House a Hilton Hotel a full three full days later a day before I was due to leave.

Of course, looking back the support desk at the carousel were very helpful.

In helping me fill out the form and keep my reference number.

While I also got to know the bell hops at the hotel very well.

From checking constantly if my yellow suitcase had arrived.

And allowing me to use their phone to check of the luggage’s status.

While there was also a very accommodating mobile phone assistant who helped me top up my credit when that ran out.

As well as Ivan, my man on the inside at Aer Lingus, who smoothed the process and reunited suitcase with Scotsman.

Aye, we do have our baggage.

And it would help if we all considered each other and brought the right-sized bags to the gate.

Central America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin

21st May 202521st May 2025 funtime65

I’ve done the Guadalaharry ole, hung with The Three Caballeros and sung Mariachi so I reckon I’m Mex-ready now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin.

Guadalaharry’s was my first introduction to American working life.

If you discount being pressganged into moving dumpsters at the back of my aunt’s business The Irish Cottage in Queens.

A Mexican restaurant in Quincy Market in Boston back in the Eighties, I was employed as a bus boy .

And I was rewarded with a pittance and a cut of the waiters and waitresses’ tips.

And as well as clearing up the dishes and washing them I had to join the staff in celebrating customers’ birthdays.

Which involved Mariachi music and a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday from Harry’s, Happy Birthday oleeeeeeee.

Mariachi Murty

Not surprisingly the mariachi band who entertained us in Orlando years later hit their notes rather better.

And Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros at Epcot, well they have had years of practice.

While when it comes to Tex-Mex, well the San Antonians on the River Walk bandstand no doubt learned it at their mother’s knee.

And their love of Cerveza at their father’s.

A new Mexican wave

Because after all the Lone Star state of Texas is infused with Mexican heritage.

Where the lines have been blurred over the centuries and the best compromise of all is the sobriquet Tex-Mex.

Less well known probably is that Scots and Irish, my mixed bloods, enmeshed themselves in the rows between neighbours down in this part of the world.

With a bagpiper heralding the Battle of the Alamo and Irish emigrees too fighting to the death.

Today’s Scots and Irish head to Tex-Mex territory and the motherland for Tequila and Tacos and sun, sea, sand and sangria.

But up until today’s Aer Lingus announcement of direct routes from Dublin to Cancun that has involved circuitous stop-offs.

Ireland’s national carrier will operate three times weekly on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, operating from 6 January to 29 April.

Cancun cookin’

Of course, if you want to wander from the Caribbean beaches, the region is also home to awe-inspiring archaeological sites.

Such as El Rey, Ichkabal, Coba, Kohunlich, El Meco, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum.

All of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.

And because we got a taste for the enchilada back then in Guadalaharry’s we’re keen to tuck into the local fare.

And Cancun offers a wide choice from the smoky, charred richness of grilled meats to the region’s iconic zesty ceviche.

From Lobster Pizza, Queso De Bola,crispy sweet Marquesitas or freshly made Guacamole.

Friends across the water

And all this as Ireland and Mexico mark the 50th anniversary.

Of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

So it’s Areeba, Areeba from us and now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin we know what we’ll be doing in 2026.

Particularly with flights to Cancun available from €291 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.

Countries, Flying

Shorter queues for Brits a passport to success

18th May 202518th May 2025 funtime65

And after the shuddering shock of Eurovision some good news today with shorter queues for Brits a passport to success.

It would come as little surprise for ESC followers to see Britain languishing way behind winners Austria.

But to get nil points in the worldwide public vote has been a wake-up call on how Britain is seen globally.

Britphobia is most visible when we’re in airports which hopefully will be relaxed through current Britain-EU talks.

You’ll recognise Brits by our accents or by us drinking in bars first thing in the morning.

But also by us hived off since Brexit into our own queue like pariahs.

Ich bin ein Britainer

Brit’s all right: Sixth on passport index

And we’ll all have seen signs such as those we found in Berlin.

Advising Brits to leave an extra couple of hours to get through customs.

Of course, few would suggest us going back to a world without passports which existed before the First World War.

And the British book is still much sought after although not as in demand as the Irish document.

Sixth sense

The Brits in sixth on the Henley Passport Index and Guide Passport Index.

Behind Ireland in third equal alongside France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Finland.

With the Asians leading the way with Singapore ahead of Japan and South Korea.

We are guilty of taking respect which has been earned over generations for granted.

Bordering on the sensible

As I discovered when I crossed paths with international traveller Merry who told me of her difficulties as a Bangladeshi.

With her document ranked 95th in the Index causing all manner of visa challenges.

Would, of course, that we had the seamless crossing of borders that we found in moving from Austria and Germany.

Over the Tyrolian Alps and passing through an unmanned gate and landing obviously taking a selfie for prosperity.

That we could soon see e-gates to improve the flow of British travellers through European customs is a start.

And provide shorter queues for Brits a passport to success.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown

13th May 202513th May 2025 funtime65

The hour has arrived and Ireland is ready, so steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown with confirmation of a regular season game this autumn at Croke Park.

The big touchdown has been 30 years in the planning and will be a homecoming of sorts for the Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers who are rooted in Ireland.

Long-term American Football fans speak wistfully about the Pride of Pennsylvania, the Steelers’ visit to Dublin back in 1997 for a pre-season game against the Chicago Bears.

But there will be more than a passing connection too in the Minnesota Vikings through head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The Viking Irish

Despite the moniker Minnesota boasts a large Irish community.

Dating back to three demob soldiers in 1838, who will no doubt see the historic game as an opportunity to ‘come home.’

Minnesotans will, of course, be able to avail of direct routes from Minneapolis-Saint Paul with Aer Lingus.

One of 18 transatlantic routes it operates, and with pre-clearance.

Back in the late 19th century the flow of peoples was very much going westwards.

With Archbishop John Ireland a pied piper for Irish from the eastern seaboard and further afield.

The good cleric even attempted to settle his compatriots from the Old Sod.

In an area that reflected their roots, Connemara Patch around Graceville in 1880.

The immigrants who spoke only the Irish language struggled in the new colony.

Because of the cold but they were assimilated into greater Minnesota.

Minnesota mini-Ireland

Irish life and culture is rightly celebrated to this very day.

Every August the Irish Fair of Minnesota sees Irish-Americans come out in force for the craic.

Where you can dance, drink (this is Dyland and Prince’s state), sing and even learn how to play the bodhran (see picture). And all for free.

Being Irish too they take great pride in their St Paddy’s Day festivities in March in Saint Paul which date back as far as 1851.

When 300 waved the flag, made and listened to speeches.

And, of course, the Irish need little encouragement there, and fired a salute.

More surprising perhaps is the part played in early parades by The Irish Catholic Temperance Society.

With the 1956 iteration seeing the Benevolent Society of Erin host a dinner complete with toasts of cold water.

Croker is the real thing

Move aside: Croke Park, the home of the GAA

Thankfully these days since the revival of the parades in 1967, they have replaced the uisce (water) with uisce beatha (water of life/whiskey).

And now 100,000 revellers take to the streets with the Irish Music and Dance Association hosting dancing and live music.

All of which will be on display in Dublin’s Croke Park and throughout the city on Sunday, September 28.

Win lose or draw.

So steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown whether it’s Pittsburgh steel or the sharpness of a Minnesota Viking.

And for visitors from these shores to Minnesota-Saint Paul will shell out only €548.25 for flights with Ireland’s national airline carrier.

Countries, Flying

Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes

11th April 202511th April 2025 funtime65

And the answer to all our prayers, yes the return of an old favourite feature on this site and the end of another, Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes.

Boarding passes can, of course, be the bane of our lives as we pad our pockets a hundred times on the day of our departure.

And still doubt ourselves that they haven’t dropped out of our pockets or we’ve left them behind.

A lifetime of passes

Answer to our prayers: Facial recognition

Here’s a thing though, since uploading the passes to our phones and Rynair are planning on getting rid of all paper passes I’ve been getting nostalgic.

But for the Scary One and her constant spring cleaning of my War Room (I put pins in the destinations of a wall atlas) I’d still have a pile of my old passes.

With markers from everywhere from the Maldives, South Africa and Jordan to Morocco, the Caribbean and all across the States.

All of which act as mementoes which let you daydream and drift off to exotic climes.

On cold, wet, dark days of which there are many in Scotland.

And when you’ve got a list of chores around the house which you need to avoid.

Face values

Find your gate: It may be further than you think

Now we have the International Civil Aviation Organisation to thank.

For this new revolution in aviation travel.

The UN body wants to create a new ‘digital travel credential’ within ‘two to three years’.

Allowing passport information stored on devices and used for travel.

And meaning that you will be able to download ‘a journey pass’ where your face will be your key.

Of course, if you’re one of those accidental tourists, of which I can count myself a paid-up member.

You’d forget your head

Then there will be other challenges.

Such as not leaving your mobile phone behind.

As I did on my MLK50 odyssey through the Deep South.

And had to have a courier chase our coach 100 miles up country to reunite man with mobile.

Or misreading my airline and going to the wrong Lufthansa gate in Munich airport.

And despite breaking the speed record across terminals.

Having to lean on the stern but generous Bertha at the counter to move my flight.

So that I could hook up with my party in Athens.

But that’s another story.

I need now to readjust for the future, it’s all part of the ever-changing landscape that is, Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes.

Canada, Countries, Flying, Sport

Canada party on dude

23rd March 202523rd March 2025 funtime65

Yes way, new prime minister Mark Carney is pulling out all the stops with Mike Myers as they assert independence and say… Canada party on dude.

Myers didn’t so much wrap himself in the flag in the promo vid than pad up in ice hockey top with a message for America.

And so Carney cheekily tested the great comedian’s authenticity as an American because he’s Hollywood’s based.

And set him a number of quick fire questions.

Which we presume are easy for Canadians.

You a Canadian, eh?

International man of mystery: Austin Powers

And so there was no stuttering when the PM asked him to name the puppets on kids’ TV show Mr Dressup… Casey and Finnegan.

Some other popular cultural references are posed.

And a geographical gimme, the capital of Saskstchewan… Regina obviously.

Puck stops here

Before the premier sets Mike the big money question, an ice hockey tactical riddle.

Which having covered hockey among my range of sports I and Mike know.

That when you’re a defenceman defending a two on one you take away the pass obviously.

And that the two seasons in Toronto are winter and construction.

Always be a Canada

What the Doctor ordered: In Austin’s world

After which PM Carney gives a mock approval and tells Mike… ‘Wow, you really are a Canadian.’

And Mike asks the politician.. ‘will there always be a Canada?’

And Carney assures them there will and they greet each other in hockey style with ‘Elbows up’.

It’s good to see a newly-peroxised Mike who has been under the radar, back, and with a new Shrek to promote.

Yes, way

Whatever Mike’s views on Donald Trump, and they share Scottish ancestry, his Shrek is a better Caledonian ccent than mine.

While he famously channeled his English roots for Austin Powers.

It was, of course, as Wayne Campbell thar we were first introduced to the comic genius.

And it is a scene where Wayne and pal Garth make fun with signs behind their sponsor’s back on their home TV show that we recall.

And wonder at the fun they could have if ever they were invited to the White House.

Canada Aer

And Mike could tell him that in his country they say Canada party on dude.

The best way, of course, to support Canada is to visit.

And we always advise to go through Ireland with Aer Lingus and pre-clearance at £566.52 as part of a return fare.

America, Countries, Flying, UK

Fly me for a reason let that diversion be Scotland

21st March 202521st March 2025 funtime65

There are randomly some winners from the Heathrow shutdown, with a precious few saying fly me for a reason let that diversion be Scotland.

We learned from the many interviews with travellers of parties from New Orleans who had intended on coming up north from London.

And that this had saved them a journey.

Of course, not to make light of the hundreds of thousands of travellers who have been inconvenienced by the disruption caused by the fire at the airport.

But we’re reminded of visitors to this isle being rerouted to Scotland an age ago and causing a mighty stir.

Crazy Horses of the air

Exit doors,here,here and here: The Osmonds

The Osmonds were at Beatlemania height when they visited Britain in 1972.

And teeny heart-throb Donny recalled: ‘After our first flight into Heathrow, we were banned from further landings there.

‘When part of a balcony collapsed beneath the amount of fans who had shown up.

‘Gatwick wouldn’t take us either, so we had to fly to Scotland and take a train down to London.’

While Donny was big there was and never has been anyone as big as Elvis Presley who was also rerouted to Scotland.

Return to sender

When on March 3, 1960 The King‘s plane touched down in Prestwick, south of Glasgow for refuelling.

On his way back from American military camp in West Germany he was met by 200 screaming fans.

They’d heard on the grapevine of a VIP arriving in their backyard.

And took a punt that it might be Sgt Presley.

It’s now or never

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Miller recalled: ‘I remember it well. I got the job as Sgt. Presley’s escort.

‘Probably because I was a professional musician before the war.

‘He was an extremely pleasant, sincere young man who took the time and trouble to speak to everyone he met’.

Now, those weary travellers who have found themselves unwittingly redirected from Heathrow to Scotland are right to feel sorry for themselves.

But at least they can say that they have followed in the footsteps of The Osmonds and Elvis Presley.

And maybe others might want to say… fly me for a reason let that diversion be Scotland.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

Green for go for Paddy Day deals

13th March 202517th March 2025 funtime65

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was punching his weight in the White House in raising Ireland’s plane prowess… and here ain’t it green for go for Paddy Day deals?

The Micheál, over in Washington DC for the annual presentation of the shamrock, and The Donald did bants across court.

All smiles: The Donald and The Micheál. http://www.bbc.co.uk

With the President talking up Irish UFC champ Conor McGregor and his tatts.

And inviting Micheál to cite his Irish boxing dad and arranging a reunion at his own golf resort at Doonbeg. Co. Clare.

Ireland’s greatest exports

The Taoiseach was, of course, over in the US to promote Ireland and he was quick to promote its aviation industry.

With Ryanair and AerCap taking Seattle Boeings.

As a proud son of the Great Diaspora I gladly endorse that Ireland’s greatest export is, of course, its people.

And St Paddy’s Day and its promotions get bigger every year.

Ireland’s low-budget airline Ryanair is offering 20% or more on select hotels.

Book by 21 March for travel until 8 September.

The US of Aer

And if it’s North America you want then the national airline carrier is offering travel to its destinations.

Including its newest destinations, Nashville, beginning on 12 April and Indianapolis from May 3.

The Aer Lingus St Patrick’s Day Sale comes in at €249 each way as part of a return trip.

With the offer running to March 21 for travel during May, June, and September.

Ireland rocks: The Donald and The Micheál

Aer Lingus flies 16 direct routes from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to North America.

And so it’s a big thank you to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and to our Irish airline providers.

For making it green for go for Paddy Day deals.

Countries, Europe, Flying

Turkish Airlines’ taxi for Istanbul

9th January 20259th January 2025 funtime65

And sometimes it pays to have an airport layover so you can avail of Turkish Airlines’ taxi for Istanbul.

Because not everyone can afford to while away the time in their award-winning Business Lounge.

Complete with saunas, cinemas, golf ranges, gaming F1 tracks and the best culinary and drinks.

Of course, better than even that is the experience and entertainment down the road.

On the metropolis on the Bosphorus.

Which is why our friends at TA offer a whistle stop tour of the great Euro/Asia city before your connecting flight takes off.

Sites for sore eyes

So if you have a connecting international flight in İstanbul with a layover between six and 24 hours.

You are entitled to a complimentary Touristanbul service to discover Istanbul.

By selecting one of the tours offered by Touristanbul according to the time best suited to your layover.

You can select one of the six tours offered by Touristanbul.

According to the time frame best suited to your flight arrival and departure schedule.

During the tours, you can visit İstanbul’s most notable historical sites and enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine.

Right track: Istanbul TA Business Lounge

After landing at İstanbul Airport, you will be picked up by a vehicle and driven back to the airport at the end of the tour.

Although the tour times are carefully arranged and planned, if a guest is unable to make their flight in cases that are TA’s responsibility.

They will ensure that the passenger reaches their destination smoothly via the next flight.

Istanbul Airport features two Touristanbul desks:

One located in the transfer area and the other on the arrival floor.

Whizz around Istanbul

A sample itinerary shows us that you could get whizzed around.

The Yenikapi Harbour, the Beyazit Square and Tower, the Old Book Market and Grand Bazaar.

There’s also the Column of Constantinople who once gave his name to the city.

Hippodrome Square and the Egyptian Obelisk and Obelisk of Tehosdosius.

And all in five and a half hours with a visit of Hagia Sophia Museum.

And dinner thrown in, and hopefully kofte meatballs and Turkish tea.

So, don’t hang about… Turkish Airlines’ taxi for Istanbul.

Countries, Europe, Flying

Benidorm after the floods

30th October 202430th October 2024 funtime65

It is one of the challenges of a travel advisor to promote a destination at a time of disruption and tragedy, and so it is with the Valencia region, and in particular party favourite Benidorm after the floods.

Spaniards are, surprisingly to many visitors, accustomed to rains but not on this scale.

And we will leave it to others to pour over whether climate change is to blame.

And if it has contributed to the heatwaves across the world.

But just as I wrestled with how to promote Miami after their hurricanes and countless other forces majeures.

Then so it is right and informative to flag up what we can look forward to coming up in this part of south-east Spain, and especially Benidorm after the floods.

Particularly as our embattled amigos dropped their plans for next year in our inbox.

With Benidorm prepping for a party year in 2025 all of which will be a treat for those who follow the TV series.

Music to the ears

Now for those of us of a certain age our first introductions to Spain corresponded with party hit and Eurovision favourite Viva Espana hitting the charts.

And Benidorm gets right into the swing of 2025 with a Euro staple, playing host to the competition to pick Spain’s entry.

Live performances, concerts, and interactive fan activities make this week-long celebration from January 30-February 1 an unmissable experience for music enthusiasts.

The Benidorm Lowdown

The Low Festival is your summer sizzler with a line-up of national and international bands.

With three days of unforgettable performances.

And music fans partying to a dynamic mix of genres which draws thousands from around the world.

Fiestas and fancy dress

Pencil in the Fiestas de Benidorm, the heart of Benidorm’s cultural calendar, from November 8-12.

When the locals will throw parades, dances and street performances all in the name of city patron saints, the Virgin of Suffrage and Saint James.

While if it’s a fancy dress party you’re after then dig out your outfit for Benidorm’s Fancy Dress Party on November 13.

When it becomes the capital of costume parties for a day.

And nobody would dare rain on their parade.

Ryanair flies to nearby Alicante from £27.99.