Originally Posted by Cycle Pilot (Post 1097274)

I agree. I like staying in Manhattan if it's 14+ hours. I absolutely hate the ********* near JFK. Definitely one of our worst hotels in the system. I cringe when I see it on a rotation.

Originally Posted by Scoop (Post 1097275)

Well if that is the case put me in with the TPA bites crowd. Not too much good about that place. MEM is now much better. :)

Scoop

Originally Posted by CVG767A (Post 1097254)

Downtown layovers are in our contract to benefit us, not the company. I have seen numerous times over the years where we have waived the downtown requirement for transit time, security, or availability of dining options.

Istanbul and Mumbai are no longer downtown. New York was once extended from 12 to 14 hours for the minimum downtown layover (is it still?). Any number of crummy layovers in the deep south were moved to the suburbs (Holiday Inns on the out lots of shopping malls were the norm in my DC9/MD88 days).

In my experience, it simply takes enough people complaining about a layover to get it changed. The company is happy to do it, since it generally saves them money.

I'm all for staying in the best possible location, wherever it may be. Removing the requirement for a downtown hotel from our contract would be the wrong way to handle the problem, IMO.

Originally Posted by hoserpilot (Post 1097229)

Back in my RJ days OMA was one of my favorite layovers. Downtown has cool places to eat and drink a couple brews (not as many as our FAA Chief!!).

Originally Posted by CVG767A (Post 1097298)

I agree. During my last years flying domestic 75/76, I was there every week.

Re the JFK ********-- I've stayed there, both on layovers and as a commuter. You're right, not much going on there, but there aren't many options close to the airport. There are better places east of the airport, but drive time becomes a factor.

FWIW, there's some good Carribean food to be had on Rockaway Blvd., about two blocks to the west of the *********. Not fancy places, obviously, but good. I probably wouldn't go at night, but I've gone for lunch. Plenty of good takeout places; mostly Italian and Asian.

Originally Posted by TheManager (Post 1097225)

At least you know what team he plays for:

From his bio.....

Prior to accepting his research position at MIT, Swelbar spent 25 years in the consulting world with a focus on airline labor cost restructuring, regulatory issues governing air transport, communication strategy and support, and air service development on behalf of airports and communities.

Hey,

Slow and Alfa, if your gig at DALPA evaporates, maybe he can fit you guys in over at his head shed.

Originally Posted by Imapilot2 (Post 1097325)

also watch out for airport layover hotel in ewr! stayed there last week, walked to corner beer store for some cheap beer and on my way back guy came out from behind building on bike after me. I went out in traffic against the flow to shake him. dont leave that hotel on foot!

Originally Posted by scambo1 (Post 1097338)

Lagos' layover hotel is pretty nice, but while there, you are on lockdown. Armed escort to and from the airport - lots of machine guns. Next door, there is a convenience store. A captain went next door to buy some beer, he returned in his skivvies.

EWR needs to step up its game.:eek:

Originally Posted by TheManager (Post 1097225)

At least you know what team he plays for:

From his bio.....

Prior to accepting his research position at MIT, Swelbar spent 25 years in the consulting world with a focus on airline labor cost restructuring, regulatory issues governing air transport, communication strategy and support, and air service development on behalf of airports and communities.

Hey,

Slow and Alfa, if your gig at DALPA evaporates, maybe he can fit you guys in over at his head shed.

Originally Posted by alfaromeo (Post 1097356)

Not sure exactly how to respond. First thought is I'm rubber you're glue, bad names bounce off me and stick to you. Second choice, is oh yeah you are a bigger poopie head. I will work on it.