Mondays at 2 p.m., The Washington Post's travel writers and editors discuss your travel stories, questions, gripes and more at live.washingtonpost.com. Here are some edited excerpts from a recent discussion:
Q: My husband and I want to book a 10 day island trip for our 20th anniversary in September. We've been to Jamaica, Aruba, Anguilla and Saint Thomas and want to try a new island. Our biggest concern is hurricane season. Is there a great beach spot you'd recommend that might be a safer bet over others? We found a place that looked promising in Grand Case, Saint Martin but then read statistically they were due to be hit. Thoughts? Thank you!
A: As you know, September is hurricane season in the Caribbean. The farther south you go, the better your chances. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago are considered safer bets. There are travel insurance policies that cover hurricanes, but flights have to be canceled and evacuations ordered. Read the fine print. Some resorts offer hurricane guarantees, but their typically stringent requirements make them less than useful.
- Carol Sottili
Q: Since the Brussels attacks, I've heard that it's been taking people much longer to get through the airport security line. Does this depend on the airport, or is it widespread? I'm wondering because I have an upcoming trip and I don't know how much earlier should I arrive.
A: Security lines have been long in part because of spring break. Others attribute the extended waits to the recent attacks and/or a reduction in TSA staff. The airlines recommend arriving two hours in advance for domestic, three for international.
If possible, give yourself at least 90 minutes. You can find airport security wait times on the My TSA app.
- Andrea Sachs
Q: I was outraged to learn on Southwest Airlines kicking that Berkeley student off a flight for having the gall to speak Arabic, and then flabbergasted to learn this has happened several times on Southwest this past year. It's also frightening to hear reports of how people are treated once they're kicked off a flight, by the airline's own security people as well as the FBI. These "security experts" seem to have no understanding at all of how to detect actual security threats (vs. viscerally reacting to their own, and others', bigotry), and none of this makes any of us safer, plus it's a huge violation of innocent people's civil rights. Is there anything ordinary, sane people can do to improve the situation and make the worst offenders like Southwest reform their ways?
A: I agree, this is troubling. In the past, all you had to do was invoke security concerns, and people stopped asking pesky questions about civil rights and fairness. Until that changes, airlines will be able to kick anyone they want off a flight, for any reason (just remember to invoke "security" afterwards). A lawsuit or legislation might also help. In the meantime, try not to speak Arabic on your next Southwest flight.
- Christopher Elliott
Q: I recently tried to get a seat reservation on a flight from Dulles operated by Austrian Airlines, which I'd booked as a United code-share, and was surprised to learn after the fact that I would have to rebook the flight with Austrian — for $1,800 extra — to get a seat assignment. British Airways just charged me some $200 for a seat assignment, also on a flight from Dulles, which it did not refund when I had to change my plans. And these were business class seats! I thought the Open Skies agreements that permitted expanded flights from the US were based on non-discrimination principles. What gives?
A: No, unfortunately these shenanigans are allowed under the current codesharing agreements. I wish you were right.
- C.E.
Q: When is a good time to go to London? May? September? I assume avoiding summer would give us better rates and airline prices?
A: Winter is the cheapest, except around the holidays. Spring and fall have lower prices and fewer tourist crowds. But London is London - always popular.
- A.S.
Q: I will be traveling to London and Paris with teen girls (15 and 17 in August). Which areas should I consider staying in that will allow them a measure of freedom to safely walk around in and give them restaurant and shopping options close to the hotel?
A: Areas popular with tourists in both cities are relatively safe. In London, the Piccadilly and Mayfair sections may be a good fit. In Paris, the area around the Champs-Élysées is very nice.
- C.S.
Q: I have a ticket to fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador, next week. The trip will be for a mix of business and tourism in the central and eastern part of Ecuador. Do feel there is any reason at this point to try to delay the trip? My ticket was purchased through a travel agent.
A: It is never wise to visit a place that has just suffered a natural disaster, for safety reasons and out of the respect for the emergency aid organizations and victims. According to LAN, Guayaquil and Quito airports are closed for safety reasons but should re-open slowly.
If you can change your ticket, even by just a few weeks, you might enjoy the experience more. Often, airlines and hotels waive change fees in the aftermath of a tragedy.
- A.S.
Q: I have to be in Italy one weekend and Ireland the next in June 2017. What can I do in the week between that is fun but will allow me to work my way north so I can hop to Ireland easily?
A: Not sure of your definition of fun, but I could easily spend a week in Paris. Or you could combine Paris with a few days in the French countryside.
- C.S.
Q: I am all for being comfortable while flying (especially with seat sizes the way they are), but I sure miss the days when people would actually dress up a little for a flight. I'm not talking suit and tie but pajamas? For a three hour afternoon flight?
A: I feel like everyone is flying off to yoga class!
- A.S.
