Too fat to fly?

Ask Randy Members, You might be interested in this piece of news: "Philippine flight attendant too fat to fly"... I can't decide whether it's funny or way too harsh. http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=5&ContentID=105654 A bit off topic, but I wanted to share.

Renewing a silver card

Hi Randy, Are airlines more likely to renew your silver frequent flier card now that travel is taking a hit in this economic crisis? I ask because Cathay are sending me letters dropping the goal for renewal, but I'm still a ways off. I would have thought that the airlines would be trying to keep their customers loyal, happy and wanting to travel with them in 2009. Harriet.

Cuba travel agencies in-country

Randy, next month I'm visiting Cuba under a U.S. journalist's license. My travel/tour arrangements are being handled by an agency in the U.S. (Ya'lla), but they are, in turn, working through an agency in Cuba named Mare Nostrum Turismo. Have you had any dealings with this company? It supposedly has fully taken care of my airport contacts, lodging, driver/guide, car rental, car insurance and gasoline. However, I have had a few instances of miscommunication with Ya'lla, and Mare Nostrum doesn't seem to have an English-speaking presence on the Internet. My concern is that I may get to Havana and receive only blank stares when I explain what my itinerary is supposed to include. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Bumpy Rides

Randy, You have no doubt spent a large amount of time travelling around so I am guessing you are not a nervous flyer. It appears that the older I have become, the more any semblance of turbulence gives me the jitters! Any ideas what would help me relax... Any comments gratefully received. Simon Shephards Bush London

Virgin Atlantic

Hi Randy, Welcome to iloho, it's very exciting to see you here! I'm writing to ask - and I apologize as I'm sure you've had this a million times before - about the best way to get upgraded from economy class to premium economy on Virgin Atlantic. I fly with them for almost all my long-haul trips and am a member of The Flying Club. Sadly, many of my miles were not transferred from an old account to a newer one, so I'm still on the Red tier. I'm flying with them tonight on a plane that is packed to the rafters. I'm on my own and find it so frustrating that I'm ferried straight to the back of the plane instead of being considered for an upgrade. I'm smartly dressed and not obese (so I won't take up 2 seats). I appreciate that Virgin will have many people on the same flight who travel with them more frequently than I do, but I've got the bum seat right next to the washroom, so I thought whilst this is bugging me I'd ask for your advice. I know you're a very busy man, so appreciate that I'm at the back of the deli queue, but any tips for the future would be incredibly gratefully received. With best wishes, Sophie.