Map Checking Ruled Prohibited Driving Behavior

 

The court ruled against the driver and made map-checking a GPS app on your smart phone while driving illegal behavior in California.

Posted on LimoDirect April 26, 2013


In March, 2013, a California court denied an appeal by a driver who had been ticketed for using his cell phone while driving in January, 2012. The driver went to court contending that he was not texting or talking on the phone, which, when not hands-free, is illegal in California. Rather, he said, he was using a GPS navigation application to find his way in unfamiliar territory, and since the laws are specifically about taking on a phone, texting and/or surfing the net while driving, the map-checking should be allowed. The court disagreed. In its decision to rule against the driver, the appeals court effectively made map-checking a GPS app on your smart phone while you’re behind the wheel, illegal behavior in California, because it is no different than texting or dialing a phone number.

The court ruled: “Our review of the statute’s plain language leads us to conclude that the primary evil sought to be avoided is the distraction the driver faces when using his or her hands to operate the phone. That distraction would be present whether the wireless telephone was being used as a telephone, a GPS navigator, a clock or a device for sending and receiving text messages and emails.”

The ruling makes California the first state to ban map checking while driving and more states are expected to follow. The general consensus seems to be that if a driver is looking away from the road, then the driver is looking away from the road! In that spirit, a ban on using phones while driving is meant to prevent distractions of all kinds. It would probably be next to impossible for a law enforcement officer to determine what kind of activity a person is conducting on their phone – talking, texting or map-checking – and it makes enforcement of a state’s law somewhat more difficult.

No one denies the dangers of distracted driving. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has its own website dedicated to raising awareness to the horrors resulting from something as “innocent” as a brief text behind the wheel. Distraction.gov presents ways the general public can get the facts, get involved and take action. DOT has also puts out a booklet, “Blueprint For Ending Distracted Driving,” that you can Download and learn about the country’s comprehensive strategy for ending texting and using handheld cell phones when you’re behind the wheel. It’s definitely worth sharing with every driver you know, especially the youngest among us.

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At Excelsior Limousine our town cars and SUVs are equipped with "built in"

GPS systems.

Romantic Cars for a Road Trip

10 Romantic Cars for a Road Trip

April 25, 2014 7:29 PM

 

The Top 10 Cars for a Romantic Ride



You can forget about wine and chocolate. These romantic rides are sure to wow
your date with their sexy looks, sumptuous interiors and seat-rumbling
horsepower. Perfect for intimate drives down romantic roads like California's
Pacific Coast Highway, Maui's Road to Hana or the winding routes of the
Cotswolds in England, GAYOT.com's Top 10 Romantic Cars range from cute
subcompacts to sleek sports cars. We can't guarantee the success of your date;
however, with a little luck, these cars will have you cruising down Lovers'
Lane in no time.

Aston
Martin DB9 Volante

The drop-top version of Aston Martin's high-performance coupe offers an
exhilarating ride with its 510-horsepower V12. Aggressive yet elegant, this
exotic convertible takes a scientific approach to sexy with its aerodynamic
design.

Ferrari
California

As the most affordable model in Ferrari's stable — and the first to sport a
front-mounted V8 engine — the all-new California is being touted by the Italian
automaker as a more versatile version of its notoriously aggressive speed
machines. And with a name that is evocative of sunny days and summer fun, this
sexy hardtop convertible is perfect for a romantic top-down cruise for two
along the coast.

Porche Boxter

Few things are more exhilarating
than the feeling of the wind in your hair as your Porsche roars down some
desolate road. Share the experience with your loved one in the Boxster,
a sleek two-seat roadster that boasts a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds while still
achieving moderate fuel consumption.

The Jaguar F-TYPE V8 S

The Jaguar F-TYPE V8 S swaps out
the luxury roadster's standard V6 for a beefy, 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that
boosts output to 495 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A powerful and sexy
convertible, the F-TYPE is sure to add some excitement to your date night.

Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

This turbocharged version of
Fiat's Cinquecento adds an aggressive edge to the iconic Italian car. Fitted
with a stiffer suspension, responsive vented front disc brakes and a
retractable soft top, the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio makes for a fun summer drive for
two

Mercedes-Benz
SL550 Roadster

Jetting from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds, this super-fast two-seat
convertible was made for romantic, late-night drives to nowhere in particular.

Volvo C70

Make your moments together
special with this luxurious, limited-edition convertible. With only 500 models
available in the U.S., the Inscription improves upon the already-impressive
Volvo C70, boosting the dapper drop-top's performance while adding several
subtle-yet-appreciated design improvements including gloss black Midir wheels
and a chrome-trimmed black grille.

Volkswagen Beetle TDI Convertible

This cute and playful cabriolet
is perfect for romantic rides on warm, summer evenings. As one of few diesel
drop-tops available in the States, the Volkswagen Beetle TDI Convertible is
both fun to drive and fuel conscious, earning up to 41 mpg highway.

Bentley Continental GT V8

In this collaboration between two
famed Italian design houses, the Fiat 500c gets the Gucci treatment with a
sexy, couture take on the cabriolet. Satin chrome details give the car a
refined, understated elegance, while unobrtrusive Gucci branding adds a bit of
fashionista flair.

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Based
on the same platform as Mini's World Rally Championship cars, the John Cooper
Works Countryman offers solid performance in a small package. A roomy cargo
area make the Countryman ideal for dates at the dog park, or a romantic weekend
getaway to the mountains

We may be partial, but at
Excelsior Limousine we recommend the Cadillac Escalade SUV or the Lincoln Town
Car—with a chauffeur –for your romantic ride along the PCH.

 

 

 

.         .

 

 

The Washington Monument Got a Makeover

Planning a Trip to Washington
D.C.in May?

     The Washington Monument will be reopening
in Washington D.C. after being closed for 32 months because of the earthquake
damage caused in 2011. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake left more than 150 cracks
in the structure. A re-opening ceremony will happen on May 12 at 10 a.m. and
public tours will begin at 1p.m. Tickets for the public tours on that day will be
available starting 8:30 a.m. on May 12 at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15^th
street between Madison and Jefferson drives, but tickets for future tours are
already available.

     If you are planning that flight to visit
Washington D.C. feel free to call Excelsior Limousine for your luxury town car
or SUV ride to LAX or Burbank Airport.

Aircraft Interior Expo

At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in
Hamburg, Germany, the theme seemed to be “less for more”. That meant how to
make less room fit more passengers. Yikes. Here were some of the ideas:

1. Putting passengers
face to face

2. Installing
seats in a staggered diagonal layout

3. Lavatories
designed to wedge in a few extra passengers in the back of the cabin

4. Thin, flip up
seats

It is an
ongoing trend for all airlines save costs. The most popular idea came from a
French company called Expliseat, which had developed a seat made of lightweight
titanium and composite materials. It weighs about 8.8 pounds, wheras newer
economy seats weigh about 24 pounds.

At Excelsior Limousine we’ll
stick to good old leather seats and plenty of leg room in our luxury town cars
and limousines.

5 Things You Should Never, Ever Count on While Flying

 

Another article on the joys of
flying:

5 Things You
Should Never, Ever Count on While Flying

By RICK SEANEY, CEO of FareCompare | Good Morning
America 

You
know what you can count on when you fly today? Reliable transportation that is
usually the quickest way to get from Point A to Point B.

That's
the good news. There are several things one should not count on.

5
Things You Should Never, Ever Count on While Flying

Feel
free to tell me what I've missed.

1.
On-time flights

In
general, airlines are getting better at landing when they say they will. But do
not count on it! Weather is always a factor. Take the statistics from February of
last year showing only about 80 percent of all U.S. flights were on time.
Unfortunately, in February of this year, only 70 percent were. And in January,
only 67 percent of flights were on time.

And
don't get smug now that spring has sprung; thunder and lightning can delay more
planes than snow and ice.

Tip
No. 1: Avoid tight connections. If your plane is supposed to arrive in New York
at noon so you can board a 1 p.m. flight to London, that's way too tight. Give
yourself several hours or fly in the night before.

Tip
No. 2: Always confirm flight times, but be careful. Just because a flight is
supposed to be delayed a few hours doesn't mean it will be. If the weather
clears or a mechanical problem is fixed quickly, the plane will take off
whether you're on it or not.

2.
Faster security

Maybe
it usually only takes you 10 minutes to clear security but that may not be the
case this summer. Airports will be crowded with once-a-year leisure travelers
who don't know all the rules and may slow everyone down.

Tip:
If you're a member of PreCheck, with its aster security experience, good for
you, but this program comes with no guarantees. From time to
time, you could be demoted to the slow line in the interest of “random”
security measures.

3.
Special assistance

If
you have a young child traveling solo or maybe a wheelchair-bound grandparent,
make sure to do your homework when it comes to providing them with all the
assistance they might need. Learn your airline's rules for unaccompanied
minors, have the child's necessary paperwork in order and confirm all details.
If elderly folks have any medical issues, call the TSA Cares helpline at
1-855-787-2227 to avoid the possibility of unpleasant surprises at security.

Luckily,
problems are extremely rare, but not unknown: Children have been sent to the
wrong cities and a grandmother was left on a plane alone when her wheelchair
attendant failed to show.

Tip:
Make sure everyone has a cellphone (and knows how to use it), complete with
pre-programmed numbers. Then confirm all details of the trip. Then confirm again.

4.
Comfort

On
today's flights, you get what you pay for (as Spirit passengers know better than anyone). If you
want a bigger seat, you'll pay for it, or try for an upgrade with miles. If you
want food, be prepared to spend some money (credit cards only). If you want
more attention from the flight attendant, get an upgrade to business class.

Tip:
Bring all the comforts of home such as a lunch, a small pillow and blanket.
Electronic devices are nice, too.

5.
Sense of humor

I
hope you saw the video of that Southwest
flight attendant providing laugh-out-loud commentary during the usually dull
safety-briefing, but don't be fooled: Humor is in short supply. Most airline
and airport passengers are just too busy with service and safety tasks. Your
flight attendant will not be amused by efforts to flirt with her or the
constant ding of the call button.

Tip: Do not make jokes about bombs on a plane, at security
or on Twitter. The airlines have zero sense of humor on this topic and zero
tolerance. Just ask the teen who allegedly tweeted a bomb threat to
American Airlines recently. She can tell you all about her arrest.

At
Excelsior Limousine you can always depend on on-time arrival, safety, special
assistance, comfort and a sense of humor from our chauffeurs in our luxury town
cars and SUVs.

Red Cross Offers Travel Safety Tips for Easter Weekend

A helpful article from Red Cross...

Posted April 16, 2014

The Easter weekend is approaching and many
people will take to the highway to visit friends and family over the holiday.
Roads will be busier than usual and the American Red Cross has travel tips
everyone can follow to get to their destination safely.

Ten Steps to Highway Safety

1. Be well rested and alert.

2. Get your vehicle ready – clean the
headlights, taillights, turn signals and windows.

3. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive
impaired.

4. Observe speed limits, follow the rules
of the road, use caution in work zones.

5. Don’t follow another vehicle too
closely.

6. Pay attention – avoid distractions such
as cell phones.

7. Turn the headlights on as dusk
approaches or in bad weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights.

8. Make frequent stops. During long trips,
rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.

9. If you have car trouble, pull off the
road as far as possible.

10. If you are taking your pet with you, there are special things you should know to
make your trip more enjoyable.

Travel Preparedness Tips

1. Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get
too low.

2. Carry a Disaster Supply kit in your trunk.

3. Let someone know your destination, your
route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way,
help can be sent along your predetermined route.

4. Pay attention to the weather forecast
for your destination and find out what disasters may occur there.

5. Download our Red Cross apps
to have important information on hand for different types of weather disasters
and how to handle first aid emergencies.

Excelsior Limousine is dedicated to providing safe and
elegant ground transportation in our executive town cars, SUVs and limousines

 

Here's an interesting article courtesy of Huffington Post:

The Best Time To Book A Plane Ticket, According To New Study

The Huffington Post  | by  Suzy Strutner

Finally, there’s a scientific answer to that magic number of days before a flight when tickets are at their cheapest.

The answer? Are you ready? Are you reeeally ready?

Fifty-four days before takeoff is, on average, when domestic airline tickets are at their absolute lowest price. And if you don’t hit 54 days on the head, you should usually book between 104 to 29 days before your trip -- within the “prime booking window” -- for the lowest possible prices. In this window, ticket prices typically hover within $10 of the lowest price they’ll ever reach.

At least that’s what the data from 2013 tells us.

The folks at CheapAir spent the last year analyzing over four million airline trips. They tracked ticket prices from 320 days before takeoff all the way up until the day before, calculating precisely which day each one hit its lowest point.

Air travelers tend to believe they’ll find the lowest of low prices when they book “at the last minute.” This, according to all present data, is one hundred percent false.

The researchers found that, on average, a ticket was at its highest price on the day before the flight. The second-highest price was two days before the flight, the third-highest was three days before… and so on, all the way to 13 days before the flight.

This pretty much solidifies the rule that you should NEVER book your ticket within two weeks of a flight… a mistake that 36 percent of CheapAir users made when planning their trips.

While the researchers found that 54 days was indeed the magic number for booking on average, they’re quick to point out that this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule: your flight’s “best price” window depends a lot on the specific trip you’re taking.

If you’re going somewhere incredibly popular at an incredibly popular time -- like spring break in Florida, for example -- you should book well before the “prime booking window” begins. When there’s constant, strong demand for a flight, the researchers explain, airlines have no incentive to lower ticket prices as time goes on. The same principle holds true for flights to hard-to-reach airports in small cities: there’s little airline competition here, so ticket prices don’t drop nearly as much over their lifespan.

Foreign countries are incredibly popular destinations with hard-to-reach airports, so the researchers suggest booking much earlier than the 54 days recommended for domestic flights.

Here are the “magic numbers” for some common international destinations:

Europe: 151 days before your flight
Asia: 129 days before your flight
The Caribbean: 101 days before your flight
Mexico: 89 days before your flight
Latin America: 80 days before your flight

Happy booking, travelers!




_____________________________________________________________




No magic numbers needed for Excelsior Limousine's luxury SUVs or town cars. Same price whether you book weeks in advance or last minute.

Packing Pointers

A little help from Travel + Leisure with packing a suitcase…

 

Do you know anyone who absolutely loves to pack? Neither do we.
But we do have techniques to make the process easier.

From August
2013 By Mimi Lombardo Appeared as "Packing, Four Ways"
in T+L Magazine

No matter who you are or where you’re going,
one thing is certain: you will need to pack. Some travelers plan what they’re
taking weeks in advance; others are more harried, tossing a few things in a bag
at the last minute.

To make the process more manageable for
everyone, we turned to our in-house packing master, Travel + Leisure’s
fashion director, Mimi Lombardo, for her hard-won tips.

Two favorite ways to pack: the roll-up
squeeze—coiling your clothes for maximum space—and the layer cake technique of
stacking your clothing items between sheets of tissue to prevent wrinkling.

“If I’m traveling with family I definitely do
the roll, because it’s casual,” says Lombardo. “But when I’m traveling for
business or fashion shows, it’s all about the layer cake!”

She shares step-by-step instructions, as well
as products that will give you more wiggle room, in our packing slideshow.

—Kathryn O’Shea-Evans

The Roll-Up
Squeeze

Fold each item in half, then carefully coil it up before placing it in
your carry-on and filling all the corners. The payoff: you’ll maximize space in
your suitcase. Another perk: your clothes are likely to arrive wrinkle-free.

—Mimi Lombardo

The Roll-Up
Squeeze: Steps

1. Fold article of clothing lengthwise.

2. Roll tightly, as you would a sleeping bag.

3. Arrange in your bag, with heavier items closer to wheels for
balance.

—Mimi Lombardo

The Layer Cake

Going on a business trip? This routine is a game-changer. Fold your
clothes as you would at home, then place them between sheets of dry-cleaner
plastic (or tissue), which helps keep wrinkles away. Also consider leaving
items on their hangers so you can just pop them into the hotel closet upon
arrival.

—Mimi Lombardo

The Layer Cake:
Steps

1. Layer dry-cleaner plastic or tissue between items.

2. Leave blouses and dresses on hangers for easy unpacking.

3. Fill suitcase, tucking belts and accessories into corners.

—Mimi Lombardo

 

The Shrink-Wrap

Packing something bulky? Consider investing in a few Ziploc Space Bags,
which look like supersized sandwich baggies...until a vacuum sucks the air out.
Fantastic for compressing, say, ski sweaters (from $20 for nine). The
only drawback: you’ll have to borrow a vacuum from housekeeping before your
return flight.

—Mimi Lombardo

The Porta-Pockets

A few separate inner pouches make finding your
accessories, undergarments, and sleepwear a cinch—plus, they can be moved
seamlessly from suitcase to hotel drawer. Our pick: the Pack-It Specter Cube from
Eagle Creek ($38 for a set of three).

—Mimi Lombardo

3 Simple Steps
for Packing Shoes

There is a definite method to packing shoes for a trip. Here are
three. 

1. If you are not using a shoe bag then keep the soles towards heaven
or facing away from your clothes, for obvious reasons; soles are dirty!

2. Shoes are one of the heavier items you will have in your bag so
give lots of thought to taking too many. Chose a pair that can be worn in a variety
of situations. Along with the one you are wearing, you’ll have enough.

3. Use the edges and corners of your suitcase to ensure every crack
and crevice are used.

—Mimi Lombardo

No matter how you pack, your Excelsior Limousine chauffeur
will happily help you with all of your luggage so you can relax and enjoy your
ride in one of our luxury town cars or SUVs.

Coolest First-Class Amenities in Flight - Travel + Leisure

From “holy water” skin fresheners to embroidered pjs, some
airlines have perfected the art of coddling passengers.

From March
2014 By Katrina Brown Hunt Travel + Liesure

Ana
Silva O’Reilly gets almost misty-eyed when she thinks about a souvenir from her
trip to New York several years ago: an Anya Hindmarch bag, featuring a black-and-white
photo of London Bridge, which she received while flying first class on British
Airways.

“There
was something special about the bags,” says the U.K.-based luxury-travel
blogger. “They were quite exclusive but, more than anything, very usable. To
this day, you see quite a few on security queues—and people smile at each
other.”

Even
for travelers who embrace all manner of egalitarianism on the ground, it’s hard
to argue with the VIP treatment you get while riding in business or first class
on long-haul flights. Of course, there’s the legroom and the increasing number
of flatbed seats. But for some passengers, the little creature comforts that
many airlines offer—like a set of cozy loungewear, or a live orchid blooming
over your seat—elevate the front-of-plane experience. “Although it’s not the
main reason why I select which premium class I fly to a particular
destination,” admits Brian Kelly, founder of frequent-flyer site ThePointsGuy,
“a great amenity kit can definitely make a difference to the in-flight
experience.”

The
airlines are paying attention. According to the International Air Transport
Association, “upper-class passengers” account for about a third of airline
revenues, even though they occupy a small piece of the plane’s real estate.

When
we looked around the world, we found several airlines (most, strikingly, based
outside the U.S.) that butter up their first-class passengers with high-end
goodie bags and instant-souvenir embroidered pajamas, along with fabulous
front-of-the-cabin perks (hot shower before landing, anyone?) that can mitigate
even the worst case of jet lag.

Almost
maddeningly, too, those perks are not always easily re-created on the ground.
Those BA amenity kits, for instance, have an “amazing lip balm that you can’t
buy anywhere yet,” says O’Reilly. “I have asked the brand and was told that I
would have to fly BA First again—and I could be tempted.”

Air New Zealand

Any airline that uses
characters from The Hobbit
for its safety video clearly doesn’t feel the need to embrace pretension.
Perhaps that’s why the amenity kit in Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Class
(the airline doesn’t even offer a first class) is a nice blend of luxe and
quirky. You get Clarins skin-care products, a pair of hipsterish striped socks
and eye masks with cheeky messages—such as “Beware I Sleep Walk”—written across
the front.

British Airways

The former home of the Concorde
has inspired a loyal following for its high-tone, cool-Britannia amenity kits.
The centerpiece these days is a Gladstone-style bag by Sloane Street retailer
Anya Hindmarch—marked with BA’s traditional seal—filled with eye gel, lip balm
and moisturizer by all-natural skin-care maker Ren, and accented with a
toothbrush set by D. R. Harris (a company that dates back to Victorian times). britishairways.com

Cathay Pacific

On this Hong Kong–based
airline, men get a dash of Milan style with a bag by Ermenegildo Zegna filled
with Acca Kappa toiletries, while ladies receive a clutch by Trussardi (once
the bag maker to the British royal family) stocked with products from Australian
brand Aesop. Everyone, meanwhile, can channel some classic Oriental style in
the airline’s heather-shaded sleep suits, featuring a traditional mandarin
collar, made by Hong Kong designer PYE. (Coordinate with matching sleep masks
and slippers.) To boost the good feng shui, first-class cabins even feature
wall-mounted vases with fresh orchids.

wDelta Air Lines

Thanks to the recently
refreshed BusinessElite class, Delta is one of two U.S.-based airlines to make
our list. Its anti-ballistic Tumi amenity bag features a Tumi eye mask as well
as lotion and lip balm by sensitive-skin-friendly New York apothecary
Malin+Goetz. The kit also comes with such essentials as socks, a comb, a dental
kit and, for the traveling germaphobe, antibacterial wipes.

El Al

Israel’s national airline goes Italiano for its
gender-specific first-class bags by Salvatore Ferragamo. The luxury brand’s
goodies are inside too: Ladies receive hand cream, body lotion, facial mist and
face cream, while men get shaving gel, aftershave, lip balm and their own
refreshing mist. First-class passengers also receive generous perks on the
ground such as complimentary chauffeur service from your house to the airport
and, once at your destination, from the airport to your hotel (within 62
miles).

Etihad Airways

The national airline of the
United Arab Emirates offers first-class amenity bags so personal that they
almost seem like bride-and-groom gifts. Gentlemen are presented with a leather
cuff-link box, while ladies get a Swarovski crystal–studded clutch—and both
include lotions and toiletries from Swiss-made La Prairie. The flat beds are
topped with glossy, dupioni-silk-and-cotton duvets, and you can slip into your
cozies in the luxury changing room, which has a full-length mirror. There’s
also no need to push the flight-attendant call button when you’re parched:
First-class suites come with their own mini-bars

JetBlue

JetBlue’s new Premium service,
called Mint—on flights between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco,
starting June 2014—promises seriously Gotham City–style perks at the front of
the plane. Passengers will get tapas and specialty cocktails created by NoHo
bar and grill Saxon + Parole, as well as an amenity kit with a rotating
selection of toiletries from Birchbox, a NYC-based company known for its luxe
travel-size goodies, such as Cartier deodorant, eucalyptus towelettes and even
Italian-made “strong mint” Marvis toothpaste (which also used to be a staple of
the esteemed BA amenity kit)

Swiss International Airlines

You’ll feel like a native in
first class with your medley of Swiss-made products: eye cream, hand cream and
lip balm by La Prairie; reusable earplugs by Phonak; and navy-blue, polo-collar
cotton pajamas by legendary underwear-maker Zimmerli. A spokesperson for Swiss
also says that flight attendants take notes on your druthers. If, say, you
request a medium pj top combined with a small size of pants during your flight,
they’ll keep that information on file for your next trip. In keeping with
Switzerland’s model of diplomatic neutrality, first-class passengers also get
an adjustable wall for privacy.

Singapore Airlines

The Asian airline dazzles its
first-class passengers with top-drawer Parisian brand names. On flights to and
from the U.S., the toiletry kit is stocked with lotion, facial cream and lip
balm by Sothys. Come bedtime, you get turndown service at your flat bed with
Givenchy-made linens, a duvet and even zippered Givenchy pajamas. To shut out
any racket while you watch your movie, you can use anti-noise headsets by
Phitek.Looking for even more creature comforts? On the airline’s A380 flights,
you can book a suite with a true flat bed—not just a seat that folds out.
Couples can even opt for middle cabin suites with double beds (two twins pushed
together).

Turkish Airlines

Like many airlines, Turkish
offers slightly different amenity kits in business and first class. First-class
passengers these days are given a Porsche Design hard case filled with Acca
Kappa toiletries—fabulous, no doubt, but business class is no downgrade. The
toiletries are by old-school Crabtree & Evelyn, while the 21st-century bag,
not so coincidentally, perfectly fits your iPad. Turkish Airlines also
distinguishes itself by offering a hajj amenity kit for pilgrims (riding in any
class) en route to Mecca. The bag includes a prayer mat, prayer counter, hip
bag, unscented liquid soap and fresh socks

Qantas

The Australian airline’s
his-and-her kits offer skin care by über-luxe global brand SK-II; dedicated
users have described the facial essence treatment ($100 for 2.5 oz.) as “holy
water.” For a little down-under protection, Qantas bags also include Rexona deodorant
(the Aussie cousin of Degree). Come bedtime, first-class passengers can put on
cotton-jersey pjs in charcoal gray, featuring an embroidered kangaroo.

Emirates

The
Dubai-based airline was already worthy of the first-class big leagues thanks to
its Bulgari amenity bags: Men score aftershave and cologne, and a razor from
Taylor of Old Bond Street, based in London, while ladies get Bulgari face
lotion, nourishing hand cream and Thé Rouge eau
parfumée. But the airline put itself in a different stratosphere
with one addition to its double-decker A380 (which flies to 21 cities,
including Rome, Moscow, Hong Kong and Auckland, New Zealand). The plane has an
onboard hot shower stocked with fluffy towels. The only hitch? You’re limited
to a five-minute soak.

At Excelsior Limousine we put
the “sure” in leisure. You’re always first class in our luxury town cars and
SUVs.

 

 

 

 

American, US Airways tweak fees, mileage rules - Yahoo News

DALLAS (AP) — If you use miles to get a free ticket on American Airlines, you may have to pay to check that suitcase.

American and US Airways announced changes Tuesday to their policies on checked-bag fees and redeeming miles for free flights.

Passengers traveling on American on miles they earned or who paid full price for an economy seat won't get free checked bags anymore. Some elite-level frequent fliers on both airlines will get one less free bag than before.

When it comes to redeeming miles for free flights, US Airways is ending blackout days. American will change the number of miles to get an unrestricted free flight — more on popular travel days, fewer on less-busy ones. And it's making an array of changes to the miles needed for international trips.

Suzanne Rubin, an American Airlines vice president who oversees the AAdvantage loyalty program, said the changes will increase revenue but she declined to give a figure.

The two carriers merged in December and formed American Airlines Group Inc., and Tuesday's changes are designed to bring the policies of the two closer together. Between them, they have 110 million loyalty-program members, Rubin said.

Other changes:

— For U.S. travel on or after June 1, American members can redeem miles for an unrestricted "AAnytime" award at 20,000 miles, 30,000 miles or 50,000 each way instead of the current 25,000-mile flat rate. The less-flexible "MileSAAver" awards will continue to start at 12,500 miles.

— Mid-tier elite members (platinum on American; gold and platinum on US Airways) will get two free checked bags; a reduction of one for the US Airways' Dividend Miles elites.

— Lower-level elites (gold on American; silver on US Airways) will get one free checked bag, a reduction from two for the American customers.

— Removing a charge for second checked bags on trips to South America.

Rubin said the company was not considering charging a fee for carry-on bags, as Spirit Airlines does.

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Excelsior Limousine--same great loyalty program: excellent, elegant, on-time and safe ground transportation in our luxury town cars and SUVs.

Canyon News - Excelsior Limousine Provides Top-Notch Service

Canyon News - Excelsior Limousine Provides Top-Notch Service




Excelsior Limousine Provides Top-Notch Service

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Posted by Ivetta Babadjanian on Mar 21, 2014 - 9:24:29 PM

Luba Dean and Maurice Dean of Excelsior Limousine.

LOS ANGELES—It often requires trial and error with multiple businesses to find one that suits your needs and provides quality service. The search ends with Excelsior Limousine as they are adamant to assure all customers have a great experience under their care.

 

Excelsior Limousine provides transportation via Town Car Sedans, Corporate SUVs, vans and stretch limousines. Professionally trained chauffeurs accommodate clients' transportation in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas for 24-hour reservations.

 

In addition, the company serves all local airports, both public and private, including the Los Angeles International, Burbank, Long Beach, John Wayne and Van Nuys. Customers are provided with vehicle and flight tracking as well as fax, telephone and email confirmation. The business also accepts corporate account billing and all major credit cards.

 

"We all work together as a team to accommodate customers from the minute we pick up the phone, to the minute we drop them off," said owner Maurice Dean.

 

Dean has owned the company for 12 years and has previous experience in the limousine business. His diligence transcends to anyone who decides to take advantage of Excelsior Limousine's unique customer service. Dean’s assurance for first-class service leads to a recurring clientele who refer the business to others that could benefit from the company.

 

A reflection of the company’s dedication can be seen in a recent incident that occurred with a customer. A customer came to the business for transportation, but initially transcribed the wrong time. When she called in to the office asking for the whereabouts of her vehicle, Excelsior Limousine had a driver attend to her needs within 15 minutes despite the fact that she had asked for a vehicle at a different time. There are not many businesses, in any field, that would go out of their way to assist their clients.

 

"It's more than simply giving rides and providing a service," said Dean. "It's selling an experience."

 

For more information or to make a reservation, visit excelsiorla.com or call 1-800-420-4252.

Economy Goes Luxury-ish

Extra legroom, complimentary wines, iPad docks: some airlines
are upgrading the economy-class experience.

By Mark Ellwood Appeared as "" in T+L Magazine

New
Yorker Marsha Sharpe, 31, travels constantly for her corporate music business
SongDivision—logging trips to Turkey, South Africa and across America. But
she’s no longer flying business class. “Economy has become the new black,” says
Sharpe.

Fortunately, even as
cash-strapped airlines raise fees and cut services, there’s a countervailing
trend that has gone largely unnoticed by disgruntled travelers: economy class
is getting better. Some airlines are introducing amenities and getting creative
with seat design to lure budget-minded travelers like Sharpe. Where once
business class was the primary revenue engine, it’s increasingly important that
every cabin and every seat is both profitable and comfortable.

This change started in the
early 1990s, when safety certification changes forced airlines to tweak their
seats across the craft, explains Vern Alg of Aircraft Interiors Expo

New materials like aluminums
and titaniums have brought about new design possibilities, he says, and due to
the rising price of fuel, “there’s pressure on airlines to have seats that are
lighter and more comfortable.”

Leave it to the Germans to
engineer a simple-yet-brilliant upgrade to economy-class seating. Lufthansa
embraced seat manufacturer Recaro’s pioneering design, purchasing 32,000 new
seats across the fleet. The seats themselves have been thinned down (without
compromising comfort) and the magazine pouch shifted from knee height to behind
the tray table to increase legroom. There’s no better catalyst for change than
competition, lately in the form of new models: the Airbus A380 and the Boeing
787. As airline companies snap up these new planes, they have a chance to
reimagine the economy-class cabin in hopes of placating both profit-seeking
shareholders and comfort-craving passengers. Japan’s ANA, for instance, is
outfitting its new 787 fleet with gender-segregated bathrooms that have windows
and bidet-toilets (“Washlets”) that offer warm, pressurized water jets for a
fresher clean than one-ply paper.

Of course, not all creative
ideas take flight. The semi-standing Skyrider seat that would offer just 23” of
legroom—an experience compared to riding horseback—was widely shunned last
year. But travelers have (literally) embraced a revolutionary loveseat-like
arrangement for couples that Air New Zealand has nicknamed “Cuddle Class.” It’s
an economy-class row of three seats that converts to a bed with the touch of a
button.

Now if only they could come up
with a seat that prevents jet lag.

Singapore Airlines

Economy-Class Innovation: Improved in-seat entertainment.

It
may share a name with one of the Kardashian clan, but Singapore’s KrisWorld
entertainment system delivers more than just reality stars. It’s like a hybrid
of Netflix and Spotify with 80 on-demand movies, 180 TV programs, a dozen radio
channels with hundreds of songs, and Dolby headphones for everyone. On almost
every aircraft, the airline is rolling out international Wi-Fi with OnAir for a
small fee. And even in economy there are USB ports for charging—or for
preparing presentations using a thumb drive and the built-in office software.

 

Air New Zealand

Economy-Class Innovation: A bed at your fingertips.

Imagine
if an economy row of three seats could convert to a bed with the touch of a
button. Well, AirNZ’s Skycouch does exactly that: arms retract, the seat base
extends, and the seatbelts lengthen to buckle up when reclining. Two passengers
can snuggle horizontally, leaning against the wall or lying flat. And the price
is a steal: pay a standard fare for each seat, and the third shared berth is
half price—or a 25 percent per-person premium. By the end of 2012, every flight
to America will offer this “cuddle class.” Until then, AirNZ has a last-minute
trick to help economy passengers sleep soundly on all its long-haul flights. If
available, an empty neighboring seat can be purchased for a bargain price at
check-in (often less than $60 one way).

Qantas

Economy-Class Innovation: More
comfortable seats.

Qantas deeded all its design
needs to industrial icon Marc Newson—and he hasn’t forgotten about economy
passengers or the little details that can make a big difference. On the A380,
seats have movable bases that recline as the back does, making for a smoother
nap. But his canniest tweak is a new riff on the footrest. Newson strung a net
from the seat like a foot hammock. It’s surprisingly comfy and a great
prophylactic against deep vein thrombosis as it keeps circulation flowing.

Jetstar

Economy-Class Innovation: iPad brackets.

The
Pinnacle seat by B/E Aerospace is an industry-wide, economy standard—more than
200 million have been produced. But the Aussie budget carrier Jetstar has
snapped up a new version with an ingenious tweak: an integrated bracket so that
an iPad can be snapped onto the back of the seat in front, creating a TV-like
screen. Passengers who don’t have their own iPads needn’t miss out: Jetstar
will soon offer an in-flight rental service for $8.40.

ANA

Economy-Class Innovation: Luxury
toilets.

Japan’s ANA is the first
airline to launch Boeing’s much-delayed and much-anticipated 787, nicknamed the
Dreamliner; the first delivery is expected by the end of September 2011. And in
all classes, ANA is introducing select women-only bathrooms and outfitting all
bathrooms with windows and the Japanese-style bidet-toilets known as Washlets,
which offer warm, pressurized water jets for a fresher clean than one-ply
paper. They’re common in Japan (60 percent of households use them) and will
surely make a splash internationally.

 

LAN Chile

Economy-Class Innovation: Breathe-easy cabins.

LAN
Chile will soon be using brand-new 787s, which have a hidden plus for cramped,
germ-riddled economy cabins: a state-of-the-art air filter and cooling system.
It strips ozone from outside air, and uses a HEPA filter to blitz bacteria and
viruses, and then a gas filter to take out any nasty smells. The result:
cleaner, fresher air throughout an entire flight. Although LAN Chile will be
one of the first to help passengers breathe more easily, it’s not the only
carrier: JAL, Air India, Royal Air Maroc, and Continental/United will also be
flying Boeing Dreamliners outfitted with this filter and cooling system.

Delta Air Lines

Economy-Class Innovation: Premium
Economy without a big price hike.

Many airlines now have some
kind of upgraded economy option, but usually for a hefty premium. Delta is
bravely trying to buck the trend with its new Economy Comfort class, available
on 160 aircraft beginning in summer 2011. Free for Platinum and Diamond SkyMiles
regulars, and otherwise offered at a scaling fee (nominal for Gold and Silver
SkyMiles), this new section has plenty to recommend it: priority boarding; 50
percent more recline; four extra inches of legroom; adjustable headrest and, on
some carriers, footrest; and free drinks throughout the flight. Cheers!

South African Airways

Economy-Class Innovation: Gourmet treats and a toiletry kit.

Forget
packing a sandwich at home or worrying about running low on snacks onboard
SAA’s long-haul flights to Africa. The airline now offers passengers many of
the delicious gimmicks usually restricted to the pricier cabins: grab-and-go
juice or water bottles always available at the galley, two full meals and a
snack with three different options, and a full, gratis bar stocked with South
African wines and unusual treats like Amarula, the local answer to Baileys.
Even better, every passenger enjoys not just a blanket and pillow, but an
amenity kit with after-dinner toothpaste and eye masks.

Lufthansa

Economy-Class Innovation:
Slimmed-down seats for extra legroom.

Trust German
engineering—whether it’s BMW or Recaro, the aviation industry’s answer to a
sports car. This seat manufacturer has just pioneered a simple-yet-brilliant
upgrade to economy seating that creates more legroom. Lufthansa has embraced
the design, purchasing 32,000 new seats across the fleet for $175 million. The
seats themselves have been thinned down (without compromising comfort) and the
magazine pouch shifted from knee height to behind the tray table. The result?
Stretching your legs a few more inches without stretching your wallet.

Airline To-Be-Determined

Economy-Class Innovation: Automated flight attendants.

Developed in Germany, this reinvented trolley leaves the rest
looking as outdated as a VCR. Via a touchscreen, the Skytender uses syrups,
water, and a carbonation pellet to produce almost three dozen different drinks,
among them hot coffee, tea, juice, sodas, and even beer or mixed drinks. (All
that, plus a major eco-boost since fewer bottles and cans will be discarded.)
It’s currently undergoing a few final design tweaks before its onboard test in
the fall; expect the Skytender to surface in flight by spring 2012.

At
Excelsior Limousine we’re all about the extra leg room in our luxury town cars
and SUVs