TC has learned that Hickory Travel Systems and YTB recently engaged in discussions to explore the possibility of YTB buying services from Hickory. However, officials said, there is "nothing" to stories surfacing on blogs to the effect that YTB is considering buying Hickory. Meanwhile, the talks that did occur went nowhere, at least for now.
You know you're having a bad day when people laugh when they hear that you've been nominated for an award. American Airlines, having canceled more than 1,000 flights on April 9, was a finalist that evening for a Travelzoo "Tzoo" award as a leading provider of domestic airfare deals in the category Runway Rockstar. The reaction among attendees at Chicago's Fairmont Hotel was even more vocal than when the name of now-defunct Skybus was also announced as a finalist. When American's name came up again in the international and overall categories (Jet Setter and High Flier), one attendee sitting at TC's table could no longer contain herself. "Booooo, booooo," she said. "I've got to get back to New York tomorrow on American. I am so screwed." TC, having already switched to a return flight on JetBlue, remained calm.
TC's well acquainted with the term "casually elegant," used to describe the evening dress code at Caribbean tourism events. Although loosely interpreted at times, it does rule out T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops. However, packing for Jamaica's upcoming tourism confab could present a problem. Suggested suitable attire for the prime minister's reception is a "lounge suit." A what? Is that a '60s leisure suit with updates? Google to the rescue: a suit and tie for men; a dress or outfit for women. Sigh. Time to put the classic, little black-polyester pantsuit back into mothballs.