Flying high to Minneairpolis with Delta

23rd September 202323rd September 2023 funtime65

Season of trips and mellow flyfulness, Autumn is here and we’re flying high to Minneairpolis with Delta.

The Autumn, or the Fall as the Americans so lyrically refer to the third season of the year, is ripe for new flight routes.

And Ireland, or Airland as it could easily be called, is among one of the most connected countries per size in the world.

Only this week we see routes open up from May 24 with Delta Airlines from Dublin to Minnesota.

Minneapolis, where the doves (and Delta and Aer Lingus) fly, has seeped into our consciousness because of one Prince Rogers.

And all purple roads (and yes they have coloured their signs in Prince plum) lead to Paisley Park.

Take me to the Mall game

So let’s go, let’s go crazy.

And we all know when two Irish women get together then they’ll persuade each other to hit the shops.

And when that mall is the biggest shopping centre in the States, the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, the Mall of America.

Then you’ll not see them all day.

We’re thinking then that the only way to keep an eye on them is to go along on a couples trip.

And if you’re the sporty type then you’ll want to explore the Twin Cities’ teams.

Home run

Happens that the Mall of America is an appropriate place to start.

Because there’s a plaque in the mall’s amusement park commemorating the former location of home plate.

And one seat from Met Stadium was placed in Mall of America at the exact location it occupied in the stadium.

It commemorates a 520ft home run hit by hall of famer Harmon Killebrew in 1967.

All of which you’ll be dreaming of seeing at the new ball park, the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome, also home to the Vikings American Football team.

Of course The National Sprawl of America (3 million sqft of retail space/520 stores) boasts entertainment galore within its walls.

Life is a roller coaster

With the largest indoor theme park in the States, the Nickelodeon Universe, formerly Camp Snoopy at its centre.

The rides include the roller coasters SpongeBob SquarePants, Rock Bottom Plunge, Fairly Odd Coaster.

It also boasts an 18-hole astroturf miniature golfing section Moose Mountain.

While at the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, guests travel through a 300ft curved tunnel through 14ft of water.

To view over 4,500 sea creatures including sharks, turtles, stingrays and many more.

And what gets even better is that Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium offers sleepovers, scuba diving, snorkeling and birthday parties.

Delta’s seasonal service will operate five-times weekly.

The Minneapolis route will complement the airline’s existing seasonal flights to Atlanta and Boston.

And the year-round service to New York JFK.

Delta will also return service to Shannon adding a seasonal service to New York effective May 25.

Countries, Flying

Coladays and Don’ts on flights

20th September 202320th September 2023 funtime65

We often just skip refreshments on flights because of the prices so it’s good to know when it comes to Coladays and Don’ts TUI puts U and I first.

Now maybe you reckon it’s your holiday so you deserve a ‘proper’ drink.

But what about the juniors… the cost of those sugar fixes soon build up.

Toast of the skies

U in the middle: TUI

Global luggage storage company Radical Storage did the sampling.

And they found the company that puts you in the middle has the cheapest coke in Europe at £1.63 and Pringles snack at £1.74.

Still, you want a beer so here’s our Aledays and Don’ts on flights.

Well, we have to dig deep with TUI the cheapest in Europe at £4.12.

And experience tells us they’re small cans.

Air for the beer

Now why our Asian friends should get better value we don’t learn.

But Air Asia is the cheapest airline in the world with a Coke £1.12, Pringles £1.49, and a beer £2.30.

Now you’ll see your own favourite airlines on the list and inevitably fall on the budget ones.

And while Jet2 wins on the soft drinks and snacks over its rivals Ryanair Michael O’Leary knows his customer.

And Ryanair’s beers are cheaper at £4.62 against Jet2’s £5.10.

While EasyJet weighs in at £5.70.

Food for thought

Now our friends at Radical Storage have done all the heavy lifting here.

And they have a section here for the most nutritious-friendly and vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-conscious fleets.

And we’ll leave you to find which box you tick.

But I know you and you want the skinny on Coladays and Don’ts on flights.

And where to get the cheapest beers.

So drink up, we’re saving you money by telling you where the best value is in the skies.

America, Countries, Flying

Seattle’s listening – 30 years of Frasier

16th September 202316th September 2023 funtime65

Most TV spin-offs are forgettable but not so our fave sitcom which is why we say today Seattle’s listening – 30 years of Frasier.

It’s no exaggeration to say that American TV has been our window to the States.

And so the fact that Kojak filmed in my Uncle Petie’s bar in New York filled my childish mind.

With the dream of saving my pocket money to visit one day.

Thankfully my Dear Old Folks stumped up.

And then when we were choosing where to go on our post- university working holiday in America, we had to see Cheers in Boston.

First listening

Of course, all Cheersheads and Frasierphiles know the doc relocated back to Seattle.

And on this day too on September 16, 1993.

Although we had to wait in Europe until 20 April.

Frase has, of course, had some detours over the years.

And is now back in Boston with the next chapter out soon.

But it is Seattle we are celebrating today and Kelsey Grammer’s alter ego has done as much to promote Seattle as anybody.

Whisper it because like Cheers the bulk of the set was in LA.

But aptly they filmed on location for the 1,000th show.

Frasier Crane Day

The plot, as if we need to tell you, surrounds Frasier’s accident-riddled vain attempt.

To attend Frasier Crane Day which marks his 1,000th show in 1997.

And the first we see of Seattle is of course the money shot, Seattle Space Needle.

Which is, of course, where everyone in the Frasier world takes their guests.

The pivotal scene is where Frasier and Niles walk past the Pike Place Fish Market.

And wee bro gets hit by passing seafood and spills his half-caf cappuccino with a dash of cinnamon on Frasier’s suede shoes.

Of course, Frasier’s odyssey to replace his shoes sets in course a hilarious set of events.

Including them getting mugged in a lane, of their money.

The Monorail Thing

All of which means they rob a blind girl’s bowl in Regrade Park for money for the payphone.

And get chased down First Avenue by actual girl scouts from Seattle.

Like so much in the Cranes’ life they get frustratingly close to their destination…

Ground to a halt on the Monorail , looking out onto the Space Needle.

Frasier, or at least Kelsey Grammer, did get to Frasier Crane Day, held in Seattle.

Where he sings Tossed Salad And Scrambled Eggs.

We’re singing it today while watching reruns and we know Seattle’s listening – 30 years of Frasier.

And dreaming of getting out to Seattle and knowing that our friends at Aer Lingus fly out there directly.

With us finding a random October 6-11 round trip from Dublin with pre-clearance from €674.42.

Countries, Flying

Holidelays and Don’ts

30th August 202330th August 2023 funtime65

As you wait in the airport for your plane during the air traffic delay crisis (or GateGate as we call it) some Holidelays and Don’ts on how and what to claim.

And all those Brexiteers will no doubt be aghast that passengers are still governed by EU law.

And will therefore not claim compensation for delays of three hours or more.

Say your prayers: That your flight will take off

Our friends at the International Drivers Association point out that compo depends on the following conditions:

Departure from an EU airport, or arrival at an EU airport with an EU airline.
Delay is more than three hours.
The airline is responsible for the delay.

Watch your pennies

Ensure you cancel any booking or parking to avoid surcharges.

And keep your expenses minimal.

Many travellers tend to go overboard with unnecessary purchases during delays.

So steer clear of this trap and mind your budget and stick to buying only what is necessary.

This includes meals, drinks, transportation, and even accommodation if necessary.

How to lodge a claim

I’m on it: Flying around the Greek islands

Contact the airline, refer to the airline’s delay/cancellation policy, and state your claim.

Include your flight details, length of the delay, and incurred expenses.

Arm yourself with knowledge and persistence—sometimes, airlines might initially reject your claim.

But if you’re eligible under EU laws, don’t shy away from appealing the decision.

The downside is if unusual circumstances (like extreme weather or security risks) caused the delay, the airline might not be obligated to compensate you.

But it doesn’t hurt to check.

Your roadmap

Follow these actions whenever a severe delay occurs:

Contact the airline ASAP.
Keep a record of the delay.
Retain all relevant receipts.
Lodge your compensation claim.

With these strategies, you can transform a seemingly difficult situation into a manageable one.

And maintain control over your finances, time, and overall travel experience.

I owe you

In truth, I definitely owe hard-pressed airline staff far more than they owe me.

And if I’ve let a four-hour Ryanair delay slide without claiming compo (it’s still there from Edinburgh to Dublin) then it’s small change compared to the help I’ve received at check-in desks around the world.

So when I misread the small print on my connecting flight from Munich to Athens Bertha at the Lufthansa desk my little boy lost act.

And put me on the next flight without paying an extra Euro and avoided turning a Greek tragedy into a crisis.

Add to that flights back from London to Dublin when either me or my trip providers got the times wrong.

Or when a certain Scary One wasn’t on the list for our Air France flight to Amsterdam.

All were resolved.

Of course for thousands of passengers stranded in airports and across Europe they clearly have not been so fortunate.

I only hope these Holidelays and Don’ts help and that you’ve had a good break.

Because money can always be replaced… memories can’t.

Countries, Europe, Flying

God tur to Bergen

24th August 202324th August 2023 funtime65

We’re reminded here of our proximity in northernmost Scotland to Norway’s gems… so God tur to Bergen.

That despite its remoteness in the Norwegian fjords it is still the nearest train station or airfield to the Shetland Islands.

Which the Scots took from Norway in a medieval royal dowry which the Viking islanders will never let you forget to this day.

Bergen and the fjords are, of course, best negotiated, as they traditionally always were, by ship.

But with the time pressures of the modern traveller that isn’t always possible.

The Wilderoe North

Just as well then that Wilderoe, the largest airline operating in the Nordic countries, is at hand.

And flies from Aberdeen and London to Bergen.

For us, coming from Dublin as we were in our 13 years there, then it was a bit more circuitous, but deliberately so.

As we flew in to Hamburg, then up to Kiel before hopping on an MSC cruise up via Copenhagen to the fjords.

We know though that you might be strapped for time.

And/or you want to explore further afield in Norway… and that’s where Wilderoe’s extended timetable comes in.

Embraer force

For Irish Nordic lovers or Vikings returning home, Wideroe have been filling that gap.

Operating the Dublin to Bergen route since April.

And for this winter, flights will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using the compact Embraer E190 Jet aircraft.

At the convenient departure time of 12.15 from Dublin and return time of 11.05.

And now I know about this bird having flown on her wings down from Dublin to Waterford on a memorable morning back in my days on my other island.

Flight time from Dublin is just 1hour 45minutes offering an ideal break to the beautiful coastal city of Bergen.

Convenient onward connections operate to many Norwegian cities, including Tromso, known as the Paris of the North.

Troll through the fjords

Now we’ve shared here with you the charms of Bergen, its lively Fish Market.

Its Grieg, Munch and Dahl art at the Kode and its walks, shape-shifting trolls and goats.

While, of course our friends at ASM-Ireland remind us that it is perfectly situated between the two biggest fjords in Norway, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord.

And that Bergen is an ideal starting point for fjord excursions.

Norway in a nutshell

While they helpfully point us in the direction of the legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour.

Which will take you through Norway’s UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery.

So God Tur to Bergen. And what does that mean?

Well, look closer, it’s written there on your headrest.

Countries, Europe, Flying

Van Gogh Museum at 50

3rd June 20233rd June 2023 funtime65

It’s apt that the Dutch are celebrating the Van Gogh Museum at 50 with sunflowers, it’s blooming marvellous.

Flowers are one of the things the Dutch are known for which is why Vincent and his fellow artists are so darned good at them.

I’m thinking my school art teacher Mr Cairney missed a trick with us budding Scottish artists giving us apples to draw.

Although he probably thought the Scottish national flower, the thistle, might not have been the most aesthetic.

Flowers of Amsterdam

Flowers are at the heart of the Dutch story with tulips the must-have status symbol of the 17th century.

The rarest of which was as expensive as a Dutch townhouse.

With the demand in the bulb causing a run which led to the world’s first financial bubble.

All of which you can learn more about at the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam and check out Breughel’s observations.

And how tulips saved the Dutch during the last winter of the Second World War.

Vincent Sun Gogh

Whether Van Gogh was giving in allowing others to paint the Dutch national flower (unlikely) we’ll never know.

But he never painted one tulip in his lifetime although there is one named for him, a reddish-brown one that reaches 50-60cms.

Perhaps though he’d realised that sunflowers were more his thing.

They’re certainly the Dutch Royal Family’s.

With Queen Juliana symbolically presented with a sunflower at the museum’s opening back in 1973.

And Princess Beatrix the same, although a new flower obvs, this week at the Museumplein.

Drone rangers

Earlier in the day, employees distributed tens of thousands of sunflowers, transforming the Museumplein into a sea of flowers.

As a gift to the city of Amsterdam, a drone display took place at 11pm.

The Sunflowers represented generosity to Van Gogh and he painted three in the Yellow House in Arles.

And hung two in the guest room when Paul Gauguin came to stay.

One of which the Frenchman asked if he could have which may have sparked the row which saw Vincent hack his ear off.

Play to the gallery

We’ll never know but we do know he painted two more and we’re just grateful one hangs in the Van Gogh Museum.

Alongside the Potato Eaters, Bedroom in Arles and Almond Blossoms among others, Starry Night is at the MOMA in New York.

The Van Gogh Museum is indeed the gift that keeps on giving as you explore the Pictures of Amsterdam.

So as we celebrate the Van Gogh Museum at 50 we’ll be sure to add again to there 53 million who have already been through its doors.

And we’ll be flying into Schiphol, one of our fave airports, with Dutch airline carrier KLM… check out site for best offers.

And maybe pushing the boat out to stay at George and Amal’s fave Dutch hotel, the Dylan.

Asia, Countries, Europe, Flying

Plane tips for flying toddlers

28th May 202328th May 2023 funtime65

We were so grateful for the air steward’s unorthodox way of calming our screaming baby we thought it might make these plane TUI tips for flying toddlers.

You know, putting lukewarm teabags over your kiddie’s lugs to curb air pressure.

Babe in arms: With the Son and Heir in Liverpool

All of which meant we and the Son and Heir hit the ground running on that TUI trip.

Treat them to a new toy

And also make sure you pack some of their existing toys (ours was Lego).

It’s even worth investing in a couple of new toys if you have a longer flight.

This tip alone can help to keep your little one entertained throughout the entire flight.

Let them watch out the window

We can all remember feeling like we’re floating on a cloud.

On those first giddy flights as children.

Which is why we should treat our kids to a window seat.

And let them follow too the world map on the sensor to help your child identify where you are.

That’s entertainment

Dig your old colouring books out of the attic or garage.

While sticker books are always reliable and try theming it with your holiday.

Read them a book

Taking a flight with your child gives you a great opportunity to bond.

For the Son and Heir a memorable trip to Turkey saw him holding his place in his Harry Potter book as he walked through market.

In-flight entertainment

Not that we’re against modern technology.

Where there aren’t screens for films, you can download movies to a device they can watch.

Keep them refuelled

How bazaar: But we love a Turkish marketplace

So let’s start at the very beginning with babies.

It’s definitely worth taking a bottle of milk for the flight or breastfeeding on take-off and landing.

The sucking motion can help to stop their ears from popping.

You can carry more than 100ml through security and the cabin crew can heat it up for you on the plane.

If your child is older, try giving them a drink or something to eat instead.

So seeing that TUI has us covered on their planes let’s jump on this sample Turkey offer with a free child place.

Deal us in

And because Turkey is the ideal destination for kids and big kids here’s what’s on the radar.

Seven nights self-catering at the Club Candan on August 21 from €1,849 (2+1), €2,439 (2+2).

America, Countries, Flying

Air Miles and Hurry Styles

27th May 202327th May 2023 funtime65

And I’m back with more pins for my world map… but only after a 26-hour trans-Atlantic odyssey of air miles and Hurry Styles.

Now they say the last yards are the hardest for a runner to which my 16-year-old Scottish long-distance champion can testify.

And I had to put the sprint of all sprints on along Princes Street and into Waverley Station to catch the last North Berwick train.

After the peacocked Harry had left Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and its environs in gridlock and our Citylink bus running at snail’s pace.

That said chapeau to the bus driver for negotiating the back roads of the city.

To get me to the snaking Waverley station with half a chance of my connection.

Deep in the heart of Texas

Get off your horse: John Wayne in Alamo City

It had been a long day’s journey into night.

Starting out at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, my base over four days of the annual American Travel Fair, IPW.

Where I had booked a taxi only to cancel sheepishly when he arrived when a colleague kindly offered me her Uber ride.

My glee at saving a few precious bucks was tempered though when my airline carrier American Airlines charged me $70 for my check-in bag.

But I’d arrived five hours early, the advice is three for international travellers, but better safe than sorry.

And I couldn’t book online, I’m old school and irrationally don’t trust the digital pass.

And then the British Airways app crashed.

Dallas mini-series

Now for all that Alamo City, San Antonio is America’s seventh-biggest city it is smaller in comparison to Dallas Fort Worth.

And with only a couple of hours to play with I’d lie if I said I wasn’t anxious.

Particularly with a shuttle to my terminal to negotiate.

What the duck: Heathrow, but the Coronation is still going on

If my last leg would be the longest my flight out of the US alas was seemless.

And here was me hoping it would be cancelled and I might be offered a free night in Dallas.

With the new pal I’d made in the line, the Dallas Stars basketball fan, celebrating a comeback play-off leg win that night.

American nights

Refuelling: With Philly cheesesteak and an Arnold Palmer

American Airlines has been a new experience for me but save for the baggage check-in surprise it went off smoothly.

Randomly I got front of aisle seating to help for the overnighter with those long legs I’d need later.

And timely films to take in such as the Civil Rights epic true story Till which brought back memories.

Of MLK50, walking in the footsteps of Martin Luther King through Tennessee and Mississippi.

Alas, and isn’t it always the way, the hardest leg was the home one?

My British Airways London to Edinburgh flight pushed out and then held up a couple of hours.

Making the whole experience longer than the nine hours it took to get from Dallas to London.

My heart is ticketying

Mind you, American Airlines were as good as their word and got my baggage home.

Albeit my address slipped out of its Universal Orlando Shrek and Donkey ‘Are we there yet’ luggage tag.

The question I fired off like a repeater all through our crawl through the Harry Styles traffic to the train station.

Now Waverley with its random platforms is a challenge at the best of times…

Thankfully the train was delayed a couple of minutes and got on, a sweaty mess, just in time.

I’d made it home after all those Air Miles and Hurry Styles.

And the Scary One was there on the platform waiting for me.

Now to break it to her that I’m off to another Travel fair in early June.

Leeds should be a breeze but my travels are rarely ticketyboo.

Still it wouldn’t be any fun following my misadventures otherwise.

America, Countries, Flying, UK

Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo

20th May 202320th May 2023 funtime65

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.