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Friday, June 15, 2012
Events We're Watching

South Africa - Police Warn of Criminal Attacks

Law enforcement authorities in Cape Town issued an advisory to motorists June 8 concerning a new crime trend on the N2 highway in the Western Cape. Criminals have begun employing a tactic of littering the road with rocks, blocks of cement and tree branches, forcing motorists to stop and then attacking them with knifes or screwdrivers to steal cellular phones, cash, and other property. In some cases, criminals have caused accidents by throwing items at a targeted vehicle or walking out in front of it in order to get the driver to stop so they can rob them. Local law enforcement authorities are advising motorists not to stop if they encounter a section of road that is blocked by rocks and other large obstacles. Police recommend that motorists turn around and immediately report the incident to the nearest police station.

Bangladesh - Severe Internet Service Disruptions

Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company authorities on June 11 said the repair work of the severed submarine broadband cable near Singapore would take at least a month to complete, at which time Internet connections in Bangladesh would stabilize. The country has been facing complete Internet outages or extremely slow connections since the cable network was cut June 6. Services that rely on the Internet, such as automated teller machines, will likely be affected.

Portugal - Rail Strikes

Rail unions have called for strikes June 13, 24, 28, and July 4 over austerity measures and wage cuts. Local, regional, and international services will be affected. The severity of the disruptions will vary depending on the date and the number of rail staff participating in the strike; however, widespread disruptions are unlikely.

Thailand - Sporadic Flight Disruptions

Periodic flight disruptions may occur at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport through early August as a section of the eastern runway is closed for maintenance. Aviation officials said that heightened air congestion is likely, especially during peak hours, and could result in multi-hour delays. Some flights may also be diverted to Don Muang Airport should severe disruptions occur.

Taiwan - Heavy Rains and Flooding

Torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding and mudslides across Taiwan. Heavy rains will likely continue through at least June 17. As yet there are no reports of flight disruptions, but minor delays and/or cancellations are possible. Rail disruptions are also possible. Telecommunications disruptions and further power outages could occur.

Mexico - Tropical Storm Carlotta

Tropical Storm Carlotta continues tracking northwest toward the southwest Mexican coast and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall just south of Acapulco by June 16. A hurricane watch is in effect for Barra De Tonala to Punta Maldonado. Expect flight delays, especially at Acapulco and Huatulco airports. Power outages and telecommunications disruptions are likely. Significant transport disruptions are possible, as flooding could block roads and rail lines, poor weather could cause flight delays, and rough seas delay maritime freight. Ports will likely close until the storm passes, and power and telecommunications outages are likely.

Philippines - Typhoon Guchol

Guchol is now a strengthening typhoon and remains on a path that puts the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan in harm's way. The typhoon is expected to continue intensifying through this weekend, potentially reaching the strength equal to that of a Category 2 hurricane. This weekend, Guchol will make its closest approach to the Philippines, threatening to brush the nation's central and northern islands with its outer rain bands. After leaving the Philippines, Guchol is expected to track northward offshore of Taiwan around Monday before reaching Okinawa late on Tuesday. Guchol is expected to weaken as it takes aim on Japan but should still remain capable of unleashing widespread flooding rain.
Q and A

When I checked in for my United flight I was in a different seat from what was on my itinerary. Why?

In March 2012, the new United migrated to the old Continental reservation system. Since that time "computer glitches" have been numerous. One of the most frustrating for travelers is the unexpected last minute seat swap. In some instances this is due to a change in aircraft type and other times there is no obvious reason. Sometimes the swap is from one fairly comparable seat to another (aisle to aisle, exit to exit, etc.) so that, while mystifying, it isn't likely to ruin anyone's day. Other times travelers, even elite level Mileage Plus members, with the carefully selected and confirmed window-over-the-wing or Economy Plus aisle will find themselves in a middle seat or in the back of the plane or in some other seat that just doesn't suit individual needs. United states that they are working hard to find and fix the "computer glitches" that are causing these changes in a two-tier approach. Within the next 60 days the solution will be in place to ensure that Economy Plus seating is not lost or changed. Tier two will address changes to non-Economy Plus seat assignments. Please see the "Doing the Seat Hokey-Pokey" article below for more information.

  • The Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum is the most visited museum in the world
  • Mexico City has more taxis than any other city in the world
  • It would cost more than $170B to build the Great Wall of China today
  • There are at least 5 underwater post offices, located in the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Japan, Malaysia, and Vanuatu
  • Most countries in Africa, Asia, and the northern part of South America do not observe Daylight Savings Time
  • Vatican City is smaller than the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and one-eighth the size of New York's Central Park
  • Svalbard, Norway, home of the northern-most school in the world, has no births, no deaths, no unemployment, and no retirees

Important Reminder for United Mileage Plus Members

If you have not already updated your online profile with your new 8-character United Mileage Plus number, please do so now. The grace period during which United Airlines continues to accept the old numbers is winding down. To ensure that you receive the correct mileage credit for your travel it is important to update your profile. If you don't know what your new number is, here is a simple short-cut to find out: Go to www.united.com and enter your old Mileage Plus number in the MileagePlus Sign In area. Leave the PIN/Password blank and click the Sign In button. The system will tell you the sign-in attempt failed - but it will display your new Mileage Plus number! Since no PIN/Password is needed, admins and travel arrangers can use this trick on behalf of their travelers.