Savvy Tips
Check back here often for news about travel bottlenecks - and how to avoid them.
Airport Alert - December 2009
Bangkok (BKK), Tokyo (NRT)
Transiting through Bangkok? Then you may want to resist the temptation to purchase Duty Free alcohol and liquids purchased onboard or at other airports. Bangkok airport security at transit points have been quite diligent in confiscating any containers with more than 100ml of liquids. This rule is also strictly enforced at many other Asian airports, including Tokyo Narita.
Airport Alert - October 2009
John F. Kennedy International Airport NYC (JFK)
Savvy Traveller alerts travellers using American Airline's relatively new Terminal 8 that the mid-field concourse (Gates 31-47) has relative few F&B outlets. Before proceeding to the mid-field concourse fuel up on food and drinks (including a new wine bar) just beyond security (and before you enter the tunnel). Also - economy class passengers face long line-ups at the baggage drop desk so leave plenty of time to check your bags (which are still charged at US$20/piece by AA).
Airport Alert - October 2009
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Price and congestion woes of getting to/from YVR are a thing of the past now that the new Canada Line rapid transit system is completed. Trains now whisk passengers between YVR and downtown in as little as 25 minutes and for just C$3.75!. The station is just opposite the International terminal.http://www.yvr.ca/canadaline/
Airport Alert - July 2007
Ataturk Airport (IST) - Istanbul
Istanbul is, by far, one of our favourite cities. Some travellers (those who qualify for visa upon arrival services) have faced difficulties purchasing visas upon entry, especially if they have do not have the proper currency. There is an ATM machine next to the visa office (adjacent to the immigration desks) but it may be out of order or not compatible with your ATM card. Our best advice is to arrive with a wad of local currency - or USD or Euros - in hand. Also note that visa fees border on the extortionate. Canadians are charged US$60 / EUR45 - even if they want to enter for the day (this compares to US$15 for a two-month upon-arrival Egyptian visa in Cairo). The visa kiosks might accept credit cards, but do note rely on this.
Note that as of 31 October 2007, nationals of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia must obtain a visa before departure to Turkey.
Stuck at the airport? IST has a swank Airport Hotel, accessible on the air side (arrival side) of the international terminal One. So no need to clear immigration (or buy a visa for that matter). Expect to pay EUR60 for about four hours.
Airport Alert - Vancouver (YVR) - May 2007
CANADA/US TRANS BORDER AIR TRAVELLERS
ALERT: Travellers transfering from domestic to US-bound flights in Canada take note: there are serious delays at the US Customs and Immigration processing desks. Many travellers miss their US-bound, connecting flights - even with connection times as much as 90 minutes.
LOCATIONS: Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Winnipeg (YWG), Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL)
ADVICE: If you are connecting from a domestic to US-bound trans-border flight, leave the secure area and re-enter the main secure area where there are more US Customs and Immigration agents on hand.
If you do miss your flight insist that the carrier re-book you on the next available flight - even if they have to transfer you onto another airline.
Narita (NRT) Airport - Tokyo
Frequent travellers are often disappointed with Japan's premiere airport. Lousy shopping, few high quality food outlets, and foreign exchange booths that dont open before 8am are among some of its well-known drawbacks. Currently renovation work has added to the airport's woes. Frequent travellers are advised that Japan Airlines lounges have been affected and to expect crowded conditions, especially during peak periods. Flight delays continue to be a problem as the field only has one runway. Caution is also advised with carrying liquids through. Even transiting passengers face having their duty free booze confiscated at security checkpoints.