Archive for March, 2008

The $25 Charge Continues…

Posted on 29. Mar, 2008 by .

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Delta and Northwest Airlines will both also start charging $25 to check a second piece of checked luggage.

As the first airline to remove pillows and blankets, they will soon be the first legacy carrier to start charging for a can of soda. What’s next?

Free Checked Luggage Allowance for Northwest Airlines

* Domestic Travel (within the U.S./Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)
o Coach Class for tickets issued prior to March 29, 2008 for travel any time: Each ticketed passenger is allowed two (2) pieces of checked luggage.
1. Each piece: 50 pounds (23 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
o Coach Class for tickets issued on/after March 29, 2008 for travel on/after May 5, 2008: Each ticketed passenger is allowed one (1) piece of checked luggage.
1. Each piece: 50 pounds (23 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
o First Class: Each ticketed passenger is allowed three (3) checked pieces.
1. First two (2) pieces: 70 pounds (32 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm) per piece.
2. Third piece: 40 pounds (18 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 45 inches (115 cm).

Domestic: The following charges apply to luggage in excess of the domestic free luggage allowance. Domestic travel includes the 50 United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL
tickets purchased prior to March 29, 2008 for travel any time
Number of Excess Pieces/Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st – 3rd/$80.00
4th – 6th/$105.00
7th and subsequent/$180.00

DOMESTIC TRAVEL
tickets purchased on/after March 29, 2008 for travel on/after May 5, 2008
Number of Excess Pieces/Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st/$25.00
2nd and subsequent/$100.00

Example: If you check six (6) items within the size and weight allowances, the total cost for the excess pieces will be $345.00 USD for tickets purchased prior to March 29, 2008.

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The $25 Charge Continues…

Posted on 29. Mar, 2008 by .

0

Delta and Northwest Airlines will both also start charging $25 to check a second piece of checked luggage.

As the first airline to remove pillows and blankets, they will soon be the first legacy carrier to start charging for a can of soda. What’s next?

Free Checked Luggage Allowance for Northwest Airlines

* Domestic Travel (within the U.S./Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)
o Coach Class for tickets issued prior to March 29, 2008 for travel any time: Each ticketed passenger is allowed two (2) pieces of checked luggage.
1. Each piece: 50 pounds (23 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
o Coach Class for tickets issued on/after March 29, 2008 for travel on/after May 5, 2008: Each ticketed passenger is allowed one (1) piece of checked luggage.
1. Each piece: 50 pounds (23 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
o First Class: Each ticketed passenger is allowed three (3) checked pieces.
1. First two (2) pieces: 70 pounds (32 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm) per piece.
2. Third piece: 40 pounds (18 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 45 inches (115 cm).

Domestic: The following charges apply to luggage in excess of the domestic free luggage allowance. Domestic travel includes the 50 United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL
tickets purchased prior to March 29, 2008 for travel any time
Number of Excess Pieces/Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st – 3rd/$80.00
4th – 6th/$105.00
7th and subsequent/$180.00

DOMESTIC TRAVEL
tickets purchased on/after March 29, 2008 for travel on/after May 5, 2008
Number of Excess Pieces/Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st/$25.00
2nd and subsequent/$100.00

Example: If you check six (6) items within the size and weight allowances, the total cost for the excess pieces will be $345.00 USD for tickets purchased prior to March 29, 2008.

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$25 Charge for Second Piece of Luggage

Posted on 11. Mar, 2008 by .

1

I still have bad feelings about checking pool cues to be flown in the luggage compartment. Rough baggage handlers, expensive cues at risk of loss or theft, and the extreme temperature changes all make traveling with cues a nerve-wracking experience. I’ve opened my cue case right after landing in the hot desert and the cues seem ice cold. What is the temperature in the cargo hold at 38,000 feet anyway? It may get worse.

Effective May 5th, 2008, United Airlines and US Airways will begin charging domestic passengers an additional $25 to check a second piece of luggage. Exceptions to this rule: if you are flying first class or are part of their most-frequent-flier programs. [This charge is anticipated to generate an additional $100million in revenue.]

It only seems fair that they should at least increase the weight limit if you’re only allowed to bring one bag.

These are the only two airlines that have jumped on the bandwagon so far but we’ll just have to see who follows. This comes as a bad time for pool players as it’s just before Nationals in Vegas.

What does this mean for pool players?
Well, if you don’t already have one, you should seriously consider investing in a larger piece of luggage that is long enough to carry your pool cues and clothes altogether. Caution, however, most airlines have a 50 pound weight limit and it’s really easy to exceed that with all the extra room and weight from our cues/case.

See SammsPocket.com for an assortment of oversized duffels

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I liked your article about 8-Ball run outs. How about an example?

Posted on 01. Mar, 2008 by .

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Billiard Coach Answer:
Try to come up with your own ideas on the rack below and turn the page for further analysis.

Exercise your brain and put some of the principles from January’s column into practice. That column emphasized having a plan before taking your first shot. Take a good look at the table below. Your opponent has failed to make a ball on the break and spread them out nicely for you. One important fact that you need to know is the 3-ball does not pass the 13-ball, but the 13 can be made cleanly if proper position can be achieved.

run1.jpgThe table seems to present very few difficulties. Only the 3-ball doesn’t pass cleanly into a pocket. It is the only significant cluster on the table. In your analysis of the table, you may believe that either stripes or solids could be run. True. Stripes may be the better choice due to Key 8-Ball Concept #2: Do not bump into balls unless you have to. Selecting solids will require you to nudge open the 3-ball which leads to some uncertainty and loss of control. The opening shot would have to be the 4-ball in the side drawing back to clear the difficult 2-ball off the head rail. This plan is a good start, but it turns the 3-ball problem into a ticking time bomb. Key 8-Ball Concept #3: Get to your trouble balls ASAP!

Shooting the 10-ball first is an aggressive shot to begin a run out of the stripes. Playing the cue ball to the middle of the table with a firm stun stroke positions the cue ball with a shot on the tricky 13-ball. Slow rolling the 13-ball takes care of the first bit of trouble and obtains an angle on the 9-ball. It seems like most of the work this rack is done, but beware—trouble still lurks with every shot.

run2.jpgThe 11-ball is the trickiest ball on the table now, so try to follow one cushion to position ‘B’. This shot is extremely speed sensitive, but you’ll have options if your touch is off. Landing short of ‘B’ will yield a shot on one of the other three stripes. The 14-ball would be a wise shot playing the cue ball two rails to shoot the 11-ball in the same pocket. The 14 would also be the bail out shot if the cue ball went too far past ‘B’. If the cue ball hit the mark precisely, one might think “Game Over.” That is dangerous thinking. Playing the 11-ball as shown is deceptively touchy. Short controlled draw requires a well controlled stroke. Too much and you’ll be hooked by the 4-ball. Too little and you’ll have to deal with little to no angle on the 14-ball.

run3.jpgWith the cue ball at ‘C’, one rail position to ‘D’ is natural as with the remaining two shots. Just make the ball and let the cue ball roll naturally to the next shot.

This successful run out appears simple, but it is not easy. It is successful because it adheres to three maxims:
1. Have a plan before you shoot, but keep options open and re-evaluate the plan regularly.
2. Don’t bump into balls unless you have to.
3. Get to your trouble ball(s) ASAP.

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