Ever since Kevin Smith was unceremoniously booted off a Southwest plane last February, we’ve read countless stories about the plight of people dubbed “too fat to fly.” But what about too tall? CNN has a story this week examining the “hell” of flying coach when you’re more than six feet tall. Height is unquestionably something you can’t do anything about, except for begging friendly stewardesses for an aisle seat—and even then you’re prone to get your elbows banged by the drinks cart or your feet tripped over every five minutes.
Two good deals this week: Virgin America is having a 48-hour sale on nonstop flights from Dulles to the West Coast. One-way trips now start at $109 for flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles, and $119 to Las Vegas, San Diego, and Seattle. Not only is it rare to find nonstop flights for this price, but it’s almost impossible to find a carrier with similar amenities (touch-screen entertainment, free onboard wi-fi). Taxes and fees run about $10 each way, so you’re looking at a round-trip flight for around $250. The sale ends at midnight tonight.
British Airways is having a sale on flights to London, with fares starting at $252 each way from Dulles. Even better, the price includes two nights at a three- or four-star hotel. Holiday travel is naturally more expensive, but if you fly at non-peak times, you’re looking at a round-trip fare of about $692, including taxes. “Top hole,” as we say in Blighty.
If London is a trifle too expensive, how about trip to the British stage? Shakespeare Theatre Company right here in DC is streaming a live production of Phèdre this Saturday at 2 from London’s National Theatre. The production stars Helen Mirren, and the show wowed audiences when it ran briefly in Washington last year. Tickets are $20. If Russia is more your scene, the Chekhov International Theatre Festival presents two plays next week (October 19 through 23): Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Chekhov’s Three Sisters, both in Russian with English surtitles. $22 to $60.
And finally, this week saw the launch of a travel Web site designed specifically for “yummy mummies.” Poshbrood.com is a new upscale family-travel site that offers recommended places to stay, travel tips, and breaking news about sales on family-friendly vacations. The site, set up by local travel writer Elizabeth Thorp, is currently running a promotion: Anyone who signs up for the weekly newsletter before October 29 is entered in a drawing to win a stay at one of four luxury vacation rentals. See Poshbrood.com for details.
