Orlando Airport Delays Could lead to Big Fines for Airlines

The Department of Transportation has put into effect new rules for airline businesss when a plane is stuck on a tarmac (airport runway) during a long delay, in an effort to protect passengers. These rules were designed to prevent travelers from spending more than 3 hours without food and water while departing or arriving to airports within the United States. Airlines that break these rules could receive a fine of up to $27,500 per passenger. Bad weather, which is the main cause for delays, is not a valid exempt for airlines under the new rules.

According to airline executives, the new rules could add up to more cancellations. Airlines may be forced to cancel flights instead of delaying them.

For the most part, the new rules will be positive for airline travelers since now they will be able to go back to the terminal sooner, walk around, and have something to eat or drink. However, there may be situations where travelers will get stir when they get their flight cancelled and there are no later on flights available. In those cases, I think there will be more people sleeping at the airport, or staying in a nearby hotel or alternative lodging.

Rentalo’s free destination-based inquiry assistance that may be useful for travelers stuck in airports searching for last-minute accommodations. All they have to do is click the “INQUIRE NOW” link on any destination, complete a short inquiry form, and within minutes they can get calls and emails from owners that can pick them up from the airport and drive them to their lodge.

With bookings for summertime flights filling up quickly, the next few months will be the real test of whether the new rules will lean less misery for travelers. Have you planned your summer vacation yet? If not, start your planning today! Let Rentalo help you find a great place to stay for your next vacation.

As an alternative to traditional hotels, more and more travelers are considering renting fully furnished vacation homes, villas, cabins directly from owners or property management companies. An increasing number of vacation planners are trying vacation rentals as they are appealing to those seeking for a great value, cost savings and more privacy. If you are looking for standard room accommodations, then reserving a room in a hotel, motel or resort is a safe way to go. Hotels, motels, and resorts are the most popular option among business travelers and people traveling alone or with large groups. Bed and breakfasts are also a great choice for couples seeking romantic getaways, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, and travelers interested in a unique lodging experience.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Historic May 14 Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis

On May 14, Central Florida residents and visitors will have a chance to view the historic last launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center.  Atlantis is one of three remaining shuttle orbiters, each of which is scheduled to have its final flight between now and the end of the year.  The mission designation for the flight is STS-132 (which stands for Space Transfer System mission #132).

Atlantis’ 12-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will deliver a 23-foot long, 17,000 pound Russian-built research module that will provide additional storage space and a new docking port.The module will be permanently attached toone of the existing sections of the ISS and will carry important hardware on its exterior including a radiator, airlock and a European-built robotic arm.  Three spacewalks are planned to install spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a Ku-band antenna and spare parts for the Space Station’s Canadian-built robotic arm.

This and the other final flights of Discovery on September 16 and Endeavor no earlier than mid-November will be the last opportunity to transport large components and spare parts to the ISS, which can only be delivered using the large cargo bay provided by the Shuttle.

This will be the 32^nd flight for Atlantis, which lifted off on its maiden voyage on Oct. 3, 1985.   Later missionsincluded the launch of the Magellan probe to Venus in May 1989,Galileo interplanetary probe to Jupiter in October 1989, the first shuttledocking to the Mir Space Station in June1995 and the final Hubble servicingmission  in May 2009.

Atlantis is named after a two-masted sailingship that was operated for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute from 1930to 1966.

In total Atlantis has logged 115 million miles of space flight has spent 282 days in earth orbit.

The scheduled launch time is 2:20 pm, given favorable weather conditions at the Kennedy Space Center and at its downrange emergency landing sites in case one is needed.

For those who wish to be as close as possible for the launch, prime viewing sites are along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1 especially in Titusville, the Beachline Expressway Rt. 528 where it crosses over the Indian River, in Cocoa Beach off Route A1A, and at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral.  Plan to arrive at least 3-4 hours prior to launch.

 

Republished by Blog Post Promoter