Chicago Flying
Posted by Noid on December 28, 2007 in Travel
O’hare has long dominated the airways above Chicago. It bounces back and forth with Atlanta Hartsfield for our nation’s busiest airport, and if you have ever been to O’hare, you know what I am talking about. In many ways, the centrally located city is perfect for the hubs of major airlines like United, however this particular city does get quite a bit of weather.
The main problem with O’hare is that is just packed too tight. There is no room for error. The Mayor is fighting the neighbors for more run ways because without them O’hares growth projections will just not add up. This week (a holiday week) United canceled 5% of their flights due to O’hare. Flights were still being canceled up to three days later.
O’hare is just become the russian roulette of travelers, and it is far too risky to fly in or through O’hare if you can avoid it. Alternatively, Midway airport in Chicago got through most delays and caught up to delayed traffic within the same day. I personally had a relative fly into Midway from the Northeast (which was hammered with weather right before Christmas) and only sustained a 45 min delay. So next time you fly, fly to the less popular airport!
Holiday Cheer — At the Airport?!?
Posted by Trippp on December 28, 2007 in Travel
Like so many consultants, I spend a good 2-5 hours in the airports each week. Tack on the holiday rush, holiday weather, crabby kids all around you, delays…well, you get the picture, it can really bring a person to their knees. For example last week when pushing out from the gate, the ground was so icy, that it took an extra hour to get enough trucks around and people to pack sand under the tires of the trucks just to get us away from the gate. I mean, it’s an airport, you would think that they would have heated areas so that the gate area would stay ice free. Little things like that can push you over the edge if you let them. But don’t you let them!
II Thumbs Up for III Forks
Posted by chiz on December 21, 2007 in Restaurants
All those years of traveling lead to lots of airplane magazine readings. Because I love a good steak, the page that always caught my eye was the “Top 10 Steakhouses in America”. For as long as I’ve been reading those magazines (close to 10 years now), III Forks has always made the list. Yes I know the Dallas location is what makes the list, but the same entrepreneur recently opened up a 2nd location in Austin. Finally, while in Austin, I got to visit this mythical steakhouse. Let’s just say it’s exceeded my every expectation. USDA Prime steaks, fresh fish and cold-water lobster were the big menu items. In typical Austin fashion, it’s a nice place where you’ll find folks in suits sitting next to those in jeans. Just my style. I had the Filet and it was the juciest, most prime piece I’ve ever tasted. The server was very educated on the wine list (thankfully considering it was the biggest mark up I’ve ever experienced). I opted for the Stag’s Leap 2004 Cabernet. At 100 dollars a bottle it represents about a 120% markup on the price you’ll find at your local Whole Foods. The trade off is one of best atmospheres and wine lists you’ll experience, all in the heart of Downtown Austin. If you’re entertaining a client, or simply looking to impress a date, spare no expense and try this place out.
Southwest Airlines, The Business Airline Of Choice?
Posted by Noid on December 19, 2007 in Travel
I will be the first to admit it…I used to be a pawn in United Airlines game. I just grew so sick of it. The employees are miserable, they never smile, it takes them forever to turn around an airplane, they consistently put me in the back with no leg room, 80% of the fliers of status (and are quite rude as well), they do not enforce their boarding rules, and on and on…