More baggage scale woes. Can luggage suffer from water weight gain?

by Jamie Rhein on

On my last airplane trip, my daughter and I took only carry-ons so baggage scales were a minor thought. Not long ago I wrote a post on the problems with scale calibration at American Airlines check-in counters.

Jeffrey chased that post with another scale problem missive. This time the scale culprit was discovered at the Tuscon International Airport. After reading this Jaunted post about what one honeymooning couple discovered in the Caribbean, it does appear one might be a bit suspicious if your baggage has had a weight gain.

Although people may retain water on different days–or at different hours of the day, which might explain weight fluctuation, I’m not sure that luggage does. Or does it?

As this Jaunted story goes, upon arriving at the St. Lucia Hewanorra International Airport to hoist their luggage on the scale as one of the steps to departing from a honeymoon in paradise (I hope it was paradise), the couple discovered their bag must have been eating while they weren’t looking. How else can you explain 15 pounds? Even water weight gain doesn’t fluctuate like that.

Daily deal – Panasonic Lumix FS3 digital camera for $99.95

by Scott Carmichael on

My daily deal for today may be a little out of the realm of the “stocking stuff” budget, but it is still a fantastic deal.

The Panasonic Lumix FS3 is an 8 Megapixel camera, with a 3x optical zoom. The lens is made by Leica and features optical image stabilization.

The FS3 has 50MB of internal memory, and can be expanded by adding SD memory cards, which you will have to purchase separately. The FS3 also supports the new larger SDHC cards, allowing you to add cards larger than 2GB.

Inside the camera, you’ll find scene settings for anything from beach shots to snow scenery. The unit runs off a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack, which is rated for 330 photos per full charge.

The camera comes with a USB cable, video cable, battery charger and of course the unit itself with a battery pack.

The Panasonic Lumix FS3 usually retails for about $170, but if you can settle for a pleasant shade of green, you’ll be able to order one for just $99.95, with free shipping from Amazon.

Get $250 back with a booking on OpenSkies

by Grant Martin on

With the economy down and whatnot, it’s not hard to fathom that airlines like OpenSkies and even the Virgin Atlantic and BA business products might be suffering. And what do you do when demand drops? Inspire with a fare sale.

Just this past week, OpenSkies announced a $250 coupon on any premium flight that that the airline flies. All that you have to do is sign up for their e-newsletter and the goodies roll in.

All that you have to do to redeem the coupon is book a ticket to Amsterdam or Paris in First (Biz) or Business (Prem +.) Which is still a pretty big deal — the least expensive Prem + tickets to Amsterdam that I could find were in the $1600 range while Paris is a shade under that.

But you have to put it in perspective: for the shade more that you’re paying for a seat on OpenSkies, you’re getting giant, comfy seats, excellent meals and premium service all around. If you’ve got a few extra shares of Google to dump, you can justify that real quick.

Check out Gadling’s review of OpenSkies here.

Gadling take FIVE: Week of Dec. 6-12

by Jamie Rhein on

Humor is a great travel tool, particularly if you’ve had a bit of bad luck like I did when I was pickpocketed this week in Copenhagen–or if the tide is high and the streets have flooded, such as what has happened in Venice. In Venice’s situation, as Jeffery points out, there’s hope in boots.

Or, perhaps that travel companion you thought you were in love with has turned out to be a bust. Brenda has a few tips to prevent that from happening. But just in case you are stuck with Ms. or Mr. Dreadful, a laugh can help.

Whether you’ve had some bad luck, or you just want a reason to smile, here are some of the stories this week that have a humorous edge.

  • Scott’s post on learning British accents in 7 minutes may help you speak like a Brit, or not. The guy in the video does present various sayings you may not have considered before.
  • Aaron’s post on Steven Colbert’s chat with TSA critic Jeffrey Goldberg provides a humorous look at how airplane security is currently a waste of time.
  • Although air rage is not a funny matter, particularly when it’s happening to you, the behaviors Abha describes in her post on what happens when people do get surly on board have a certain chuckle factor. Plus, reading about how badly other people have behaved makes me feel better about my own tense moments. At least I’m not that bad.
  • The picture alone in Mike’s post on the Babykeeper Basic made me smile. When I read his description of how the contraption also keeps a child from absconding with belongings while you pee, I laughed.
  • Then there’s Annie’s post with the video of a slowed down version of an in-flight safety video. Smoooooookinggggg is noooooooottt allooooowed. Clever.

Here’s hoping there’s fun in your life this weekend.

Oh, Paris! to take us into the weekend

by Grant Martin on

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long, terrible week for me, one of those extra heavy ones that threatens to ruin the weekend ahead of it.

Lest any of you out there are headed towards the same fate, take Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele with you on your way out the door. In addition to cheering you up, it should hopefully bring back some good memories of your travels in Paris. And what better to take with you on your cold commute home?

Have a great weekend, everyone. <3 Gadling