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Status of my NEXUS Membership
It’s been almost six weeks since the incident with US Customs at Winnipeg James A Richardson Airport. In that incident, the officers took away my NEXUS membership card and told me my membership would be terminated.
Earlier this week I checked that status of my membership online – still says active. Hmm. I looked a little more into the appeal process. Looks like US Customs has to send me the details of my “violation” in writing and then I can appeal it. But I haven’t received that yet either.
US Customs Does Not Allow Conference Speakers?? – My Experience
Affiliate Summit West 2010 started this weekend in Las Vegas. I was honoured to be a speaker at this conference.
I knew the Winnipeg airport would be a little bit crazy, especially flying internationally. But I am a member of NEXUS, a trusted traveler program between Canada and the US.
Important note to the story: I changed my last name this past fall. Changing all my documents was no problem, but the folks at the NEXUS office had trouble getting everything updated. After a few visits in November, they assured me everything was updated. Today was the first time using NEXUS since doing that update.
Hey Air Travellers – Keep Your Shoes On
Hey good news for those who travel by air frequently, or even infrequently! Canadian Air Transport Security Authority issued a bulletin to front-line officers outlining the new policy.
Security officials can no longer require you to remove your shoes before passing through the metal detectors. This means no more scrambling to get your shoes off while holding up impatient people in line behind you. No more embarrassment over your mismatched socks or socks with the big hole that your toe pokes out of.
One exception and this should come as no shock to anyone – passengers heading to the United States. The standards set by Washington overrule the new Canadian policy.
SMX Advanced and SES Toronto
It was a bit odd at first to go from traveling somewhere almost every weekend to not going anywhere in three months. I admit, it’s been nice, but I’m feeling the itch to get out out of Winnipeg lately!
Good thing it’s almost June. I’m attending back to back conferences next week. From June 2-3, it’s Search Marketing Expo Advanced in Seattle and from June 8-9, it’s Search Engine Strategies in Toronto.
Update to Airport Post – YYT
Thanks to @Bloggeries for letting me know that there actually IS an airport out there that offers free WiFi!
Of course, you’d have to go to St. John’s, Newfoundland to get it. And hey if you’re going to go to St. John’s International Airport, you might as well fly WestJet! 
Airports!
Seriously.
Okay I work for an airline, and I’d say I fly anywhere from 6-10 times in a month. Most of the time that’s standby so I do a LOT of airport waiting.
You’d think airports might take into consideration that travellers are often tired, and possibly stressed or irate because of flight delays, cancellations, etc.
Right now I’m sitting at the Buffalo International Airport, thanking the good Lord that I found an unused plug and can just work with my headphones on. Why? Apparently someone decided it would be a good idea to have ALL the carts that have to drive through the terminal have a constant “BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP”, like a reverse indicator. Really, wouldn’t a horn suffice? Just use it as needed.
Google includes flight info in search results
For a while, Google’s flight tracker tool has allowed searchers to enter an airline’s flight number, showing a link to that flight’s updated information on www.flightstats.com.
Google announced yesterday that it is now included those flight stats right in the search results. See below for WestJet’s flight WS 208:
This is great for the user – a simple and effective way to find out if his or her flight is on time. Of course, WestJet guests also have the option of visiting WestJet.com’s Flight Tracker to find out the status of flights.
Transborder Travel
Well, first of all, I had an absolutely fabulous week in Las Vegas. As soon as I got on the plane to come home, however, the fatigue and hunger I’d been ignoring all week hit me. All of the sudden I regretted choosing a flight that connected in Vancouver.
As I deplaned in Vancouver I hurried along my way, hoping to get to my next gate with enough plenty of time to enjoy Vancouver Airport’s traveller’s lounge (complete with hot buffet, WiFi and comfy leather seats). I knew I had to pass through customs, but it shouldn’t be too bad right?
Tales of the San Jose Airport
Not really knowing what to expect, I planned to arrive at the airport for my flight home to Winnipeg nice and early.
As the taxi rounded the airport and we passed Terminal 1, the line for Southwest was outrageously long. I’m thinking to myself, WOW am I ever glad I’m three hours early.
But then we got to the United area of Terminal 3 and no one is waiting. Well that’s good anyway.
I cleared security at about 8:30, but the flight doesn’t leave until 10:55. Looooooooong wait. But thankfully I found a seat next to a plug and forked over $10 for Internet access until we depart.
Internet at the Hilton San Jose
I haven’t taken my laptop down to the WIFI spots here at the Hilton yet – frankly, my laptop is a piece of crap so I’m leaving it in my room.
I was rather disappointed to learn that not only is WIFI not available in the guestrooms, but wired high speed internet is not free. Okay, so I pay my $53 or whatever it is, and am happy because I’m at least connected for the rest of my stay.