BA flight crew now armed with iPads

FRIDAY, NOV. 16: British Airways aims to take customer service one step further with the announcement this past week that its cabin crew will have iPads.

This past summer BA armed about 100 of its top crew with the tablet so they can ID where every customer’s seat is and help with any special meal requirements.

It will also be used to keep a database of its top flying customers and their preferences.

Like some other airlines, BA will be able to ditch the rolls of paper containing the passenger manifest.

Strikes

If you have plans to travel to Europe this weekend, flight schedules are likely to be disrupted because of the strikes.

The European Trade Union Confederation strike call has been backed by unions in Portugal, Span and Greece.

If you have a flight cancelled, airlines will generally allow you to rebook at no charge, but check with your travel agent or airline for more details.

Venice

If you are travelling here you expect to be able to float down the canals in a gondola and explore the city.

But this week, the city experienced an unusually high tide due to heavy winds and rains with reports that 70 per cent of the city central was under water.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line has a really cool idea for its latest ship — a true Ice Bar on board.

The Ice Bar will be kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and will feature ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City, its year-round homeport. The Ice Bar will also feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails.

The Norwegian Breakaway will also have a unique artic-like frozen chamber.

The bar, seating and glasses will all be made entirely from ice.

Located on deck eight, the bar will accommodate approximately 25 guests at a time who will be given hooded coats and gloves to keep warm.

Entrance to the Ice Bar will come with a cover charge, which will include two New York inspired cocktails —  Spiked Apple Juice, Broadway Dreams, Yellow Cab, Times Square Lights, Central Park and Rock Centre.

The Ice Bar will also serve two non-alcoholic beverages — the Lady Liberty, made of strawberry puree, pineapple juice and lemon juice, and the Coney Island, with orange juice, vanilla ice cream and milk. 

Air Canada

You can get 50 free Aeroplan miles (I know, it’s not a lot) by renewing your Canadian Costco membership online.

You’ll need your Costco membership number, your Aeroplan number and e-mail address. The offer is good through December 31. It will take two to four weeks to get credit for your miles.

Go to aeroplan.com and look under the promotions tab.