The TSA’s Sense of Humor Makes Me Nervous [Image Cache]
This is a photo of the TSA booth by the security check-in point at Indianapolis International Airport. Take a close look at the wallpaper on the computer in that booth. Nervous yet? More »
Posted: November 12th, 2010
at 6:11am by Rosa Golijan
Topics: Airports, Aviation, Cavity search, Cavity searches, Humor, Image cache, Security, Travel, Tsa humor, airport, airport security, tsa
OpenWays makes your smartphone a hotel room key, provides a different kind of ‘unlock’
For years now, hotel chains have been toying with alternative ways to letting patrons check-in, access their room and run up their bill with all-too-convenient in-room services. Marriott began testing smartphone check-ins way back in 2006, and select boutique locations (like The Plaza Hotel in New York and Boston’s Nine Zero) have relied on RFID, iris scanners, biometric identifiers and all sorts of whiz-bang entry methods in order to make getting past a lock that much easier (or harder, depending on perspective). This month, InterContinental Hotels Group announced that they would soon be trialing OpenWays at Chicago’s Holiday Inn Express Houston Downtown Convention Center, enabling iPhone owners to fire up an app and watch their room door open in a magical sort of way. Other smartphone platforms will also be supported, and as we’ve seen with other implementations, users of the technology will also be able to turn to their phone to order additional services, extend their stay or fess up to that window they broke. There’s no word on when this stuff will depart the testing phase and go mainstream, but we’re guessing it’ll be sooner rather than later. Video after the break, if you’re interested.
OpenWays makes your smartphone a hotel room key, provides a different kind of ‘unlock’ originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 May 2010 01:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Posted: May 30th, 2010
at 5:31am by Darren Murph
Topics: Chicago, Holiday Inn Express, HolidayInnExpress, Hotel, Hotels, InterContinental, OpenWays, RoomKey, Travel, app, cellphone, key, marriot, open ways, room key
Airplane Seat Back Valet Keeps Everything You Need At Your Fingertips During Flight
By Chris Scott Barr
Next month I, along with my fellow OhGizmo writers will be heading off to Las Vegas for CES. While I’m looking forward to seeing the city and all of the latest gadgets, I’m not looking forward to the 8+ hour flight. I have various means for keeping myself occupied during the trip, but it’s a pain to keep all of those handy while in your seat. However, this Airplane Seat Back Valet might make things a bit easier.
I chuckled a bit when I first saw this, thinking it to be rather lame. However, after thinking back to the numerous flights I’ve taken, it would be great to have. I could keep track of my books, DS, PSP, laptop, drink and any other things I’d want during the flight. If you’re forced to fly on a regular basis, you might want to consider investing $40 in one of these.
[ Hammacher ] VIA [ RedFerret ]
Inside An Emirates A380
By Evan Ackerman
When the gigantihugenormous Airbus A380 was still in the prototype and demonstration phase, there were all kinds of wild ideas about what manifestations opulence would get stuffed inside its belly. The interior of the production A380 has been toned down a bit, of course, but that hasn’t stopped Emirates Airlines from including sleeper berths, showers, lounge areas, and wet bars (I say “bars” because there are two on the plane). More pics from some lucky sod who probably spent more money on that flight than I’ve made in, uh, ever, after the jump.
And coach? Still coach:
Because you can’t really enjoy your flight in first class without a bunch of unhappy people on the lower deck.
[ Sergey Dolya ]VIA [ English Russia ]
Bike-Carrying Flight Case Advertises Its Contents
Traveling with a bicycle is always a scary proposition. You can either do your best to pack your bike safely in a cardboard box or a bike bag and pay over-the-top surcharges for sports equipment, or you can pack the bike safely in a hard case, paying the same rip-off handling charges. Either way, you’ll have to cross your fingers and hope you don’t get to the destination with a bent fork or buckled wheel.
The best alternative I have seen so far is the S and S Coupling, which involves slicing your bike across the top and down tubes and having this specially designed coupling installed. It means the bike will break down and fit into a 26 x 26 x 10-inch box, which is under most airlines’ maximum size for checked baggage and – best of all – you can lie at check in and pretend it isn’t a bike.
However, not all of us want to, or can afford to, chop our rides. This is where the Aerotech Evolution comes in. The 25-pound case is made from ABS and has straps and clamps inside to stop the bike parts form rattling around. Sadly, it is also big, although that’s more the fault of your bike than of the case. Add to this the picture of a bike molded into the side and you start to see that it mightn’t be the stealthiest way to transport your ride.
Worse, it costs €720, or $1080, which is roughly the same an an S and S conversion plus a flight case (and the advantage of no more airline fees). Still, if you are transporting an expensive carbon fiber bike, you might jut appreciate the extra protection.
Product page [Aerotech via Core77]
