Check out our new website!
JOHNNY JET'S
TRAVEL NEWS, TIPS & STORIES
Airline Numbers Dot Com
***PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF JOHNNY JET'S NEW BOOK***

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR 7/9/2003
Web Cam's of the Week * Website of the Week * Bonus Mile Offers * Special Offers * Where's Johnny Jet? * Reader Tip of  the Week * SkyGirls ?'s * SkyGuys ?'s * Jet Captain ?'s * Celeb Q&A * Chicago Tribune * LA Times * NY Times * Washington Post * USAToday * Elliott's Commentary * Columnists * Other News * Yahoo * ABC News * CNN * MSNBC * Good to Know!

LIVE WEB CAMS OF THE WEEK
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • WEBSITE(S) OF THE WEEK
      tdf.org/programs/tkts/index.html
      NYC's half-price ticket booth for Broadway shows (TKTS).  Everyone knows about the one on 47th Street & Broadway in the heart of Times Square, but you probably don't know about the one in Lower Manhattan at South Street Seaport (corner of Front and John Streets, the rear of the Resnick/Prudential Building at 199 Water Street). Lines are usually much shorter there.  

      Not going to New York? No problem. Here's a list of TKTS and their sister agents around the world, from Sydney to San Francisco to London and more.
    BONUS MILE OFFERS
    • Talk your way to 10,000 bonus miles with telephone partners
    • AMERICAN OFFERS HAWAII AWARDS FOR LESS: AAdvantage members can save 15,000 miles when booking a restricted PlanAAhead award or 30,000 miles when booking an unrestricted AAnytime award in first/business class for travel between California and Hawaii. With the discounts, a PlanAAhead award is 60,000 miles and an AAnytime award is 120,000. Discount is for travel between now and Dec. 31, on American or American Eagle, between California and Hawaii only. Found On FrequentFlier.com .
    • MIDWEST DOUBLES MILES FOR MILWAUKEE
    • NORTHWEST OFFERS BONUS FOR NEW MILWAUKEE FLIGHTS
    • NORTHWEST DISCOUNTS MILWAUKEE AWARDS
    • Alaska Airlines has reduced the miles needed for award travel between select cities on the West Coast and Canada from 20,000 to only 13,000. Travel must be booked online and completed by August 27. There are no blackout dates for this promotion.
    • Alitalia’s MilleMiglia Bonus: Fly round-trip to any destination in Italy from any of Alitalia's U.S. gateways (Newark, JFK, Boston, Chicago or Miami) and earn 4,000 MilleMiglia bonus miles in Magnifica Class, or 2,000 MilleMiglia Bonus Miles in economy class. Offer is valid for new bookings made by July 31 for U.S. departures between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30. Book online at www.alitaliausa.com Some restrictions apply. Click here for more details . (Found On BTE)
    SPECIAL OFFERS
    WHERE'S JOHNNY JET ?
    Didn't have a chance to read last week's newsletter? Click here!
    KEY: BOLD = PICTURE, HYPER LINK = WEBSITE

    Happy Fourth! I hope that all of you (who reside in the U.S.) had a great holiday weekend. I did! It was such a great week to be in L.A. The sun was out every day, and we couldn't have asked for better beach weather: 84 degrees with a light wind, and the water temp a refreshing 69 degrees. Ahhh! More stories and pics from the beach later. First, let me tell you about my week.
     
    The night after we returned from our three-week trip, Amber Airplane and I headed out to Hollywood to attend MTV's Bash at the Palladium. It was MTV's first-ever Bash – actually, it was a roast -- and this year's honoree was Carson Daly. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about attending. I couldn't understand why anyone chose Carson as the roastee, but Amber talked me into going. And now I'm glad she did. 

    There were about a hundred 8 “tops” (100 tables with eight place settings at each) set up. The food was okay: It was one plate with a mixture of beef, sushi and some vegetables. But the service was fantastic. There was one waiter or waitress per table, and before you could take a second sip there was a replacement drink on the table. Almost everyone (but Amber Airplane and I) got smashed. 

    I don't know how they can air the show on TV, because every other word on stage was a swear. The comedians were hilarious, and completely politically incorrect. Every guest, from Britney Spears to Kid Rock, tore Carson to shreds. I gotta give him credit: He was a great sport. 

    Our table was to the far left near the entrance of the stage, which is the only reason so many of celebs hung out with us before going on. It was weird: They kept walking up to our table and making small talk. If they don’t edit it, the show will be great to watch. If you do watch, you might see my mug at the very end up on stage. The show airs July 13 on MTV.

    The only negative thing all night was they wouldn't let me (or anyone else) bring a camera in. That’s why this was the only picture I took. It's too bad, because I could have had some gems. It would've been great to get another pic with Pamela Lee .
     
    After the show Amber Airplane and I went to our favorite late night restaurant for chicken and waffles. Roscoe’s – mmmm, it's so good, so cheap, and only a couple blocks away the Palladium. Roscoe's House Of Chicken: 1518 N Gower St., Los Angeles, tel.: 323-466-7453.

    The following morning we had waffles again, but this time at Uncle Bill's Pancake House in Manhattan Beach. We turned breakfast into a mini-family affair, because my cousin AJ and (soon-to-be-wife) Jamie came out from New York for the day. They’re not here very often, so I called up our other cousins and we all met for a tasty breakfast.  Uncle Bill's: 1305 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, tel.: 310-545-5177.

    BTW: Those two tie the knot this Friday. Guess who's gotta give the toast in front of 320 guests? Wish me luck.   
     
    The other day Amber Airplane talked me into going to see the first showing of “Legally Blonde 2.” It was embarrassing buying tickets, because every guy in line was there for “Terminator 3.” The only people plopping down $7.50 for “Legally Blonde” were little 12-year-old girls dressed just like Elle (the movies’ main character) and Amber Airplane.  I didn't want to look like a wuss, so when I got to the window I yelled, “Two tickets to T3!” (Of course, Amber yelled, “Oh no, he means ‘Legally Blonde 2’”). That just caused more attention. All the guys around me just shook their heads and sent me the ol' "sucker" vibes! I deserved it, and ended up being the only guy in the entire theater.

    The first half of the movie was complete torture for me, but they tied it all together in the last half and it got better. I still don't recommend it to any guys out there, but Amber Airplane gave the movie an unbelievably high 8. I give it a 4. 
     
    It wasn't only movies Amber talked me into this week. Would you believe if I told you she had me wait in line 58 minutes for a hot dog? Yes, a HOT DOG! When I  drove by the most famous hot dog stand in America (Pink's), I said, “There is no way I’m going there.” She said, “But we’re in Hollywood, and all your readers would like to know about it. Do it for Johnny Jet!”

    Pink's has been around since 1939, and practically every  celebrity in the world has eaten there. They have all kinds of hot dogs, from a Three-Peat Laker Dog (three hot dogs wrapped in a giant tortilla, three slices of bacon, three slices of cheese, plus chili and onions) to an Ozzy Osbourne Dog (spicy Polish dog, nacho cheese, American cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes). I had the Lord of the Rings Dog (10-inch stretch dog, barbecue sauce, topped with onion rings). For other dogs check out Pink's menu online (you can also read their storied history ). Amber Airplane was happy for 30 minutes. Then the Three-Peat Laker Dog kicked in, and she said, “Why did you take me there?” I said, “I did it for Johnny Jet!” Pink's Hot Dogs : 709 N. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038.

    I guess most people took a four-day weekend, because on Thursday I received hardly any emails. So I turned my computer off around noon and headed to the beach. People were definitely in “vacation and party” mode down there, and so were we. Later that evening we rode our bikes to our friend Todd's house for a party in Hermosa. Nothing out of the ordinary, but we discovered it's so much more fun to ride your bike than drive to a party.
     
    Speaking of parties, the past who-knows-how-many-years 4th of Julys in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach have been out of control. It was so crazy you couldn’t even walk down the Strand (The Strand is a bike and walking path that is between the beach and the street) because of the sea of people. But for some reason this year was a lot  tamer .  It was so tame you could even ride your bike on the Strand.    
     
    We were back in Hermosa for the annual  volleyball party. It was right next to the annual Hermosa Beach Iron Man contest. This three-stage race is not your typical Iron Man contest. To become a Hermosa Iron Man you have to run a mile, paddle your surfboard ) a mile, then (here comes the hard part) chug a six-pack of Coors Light.

    If you throw up before finishing your last beer you are disqualified, unless of course you have the best… That's right – there is a prize for the "Best Puke  Award ".  The winner gets just what he needs: a keg of beer. Until this year the finish line used to be at some guy’s house a block from the beach. But somehow this year the police allowed the finish line party to take place on the beach. It was crazy !  
     
    After watching the Iron Man we played volleyball. Because the sand was so hot we played only a few games. Then  Amber , my cousin Arty and his girlfriend, Kim) headed to some other parties off the Strand.  The best one took place at the Beverly Hill's 90210 house on the Hermosa/Manhattan border.  
     
    Just a typical 4th of July in sunny Southern California!

    MEDIA ALERT
    • July 6, 2003 CABLE RADIO NETWORK
    • July 6, 2003 RAMBLIN WITH RAMSEY
    • July 5, 2003 KFQD 750AM- ANCHORAGE
    • July 4, 2003 WPON 1460AM- DETROIT
    • MEET JOHNNY JET IN ANCHORAGE!! Join us on JULY 16, 7:30pm at Title Wave Books. Don't miss this chance to meet our favorite travel guru: Johnny Jet . Title Wave Books is over on Northern Lights Blvd. in the same shopping center as REI, next to Kaladi Bros. Coffee. Check out Johnny's new book "You are Here with JohnnyJet.com". Buy it there and have it signed! Yours Truly will be there signing copies of the "Great Alaskan TourSaver". HAHA. It's a real page-turner! The two of us will host a "Travel Q & A" prior to the actual book signing. We'll host another signing in downtown Anchorage on July 18 at Cook Inlet Books on 5th Ave, between 7-9pm. TUNE IN EVERY SATURDAY on KFQD (AM750) to the Alaska Travelgram radio show. It airs 9-10am in Anchorage. Johnny Jet is a regular guest!


    • *If you heard about us somewhere else or have the link to the story please email Johnny Jet media and let us know where!
    READER AIR-eMAIL
    • I love traveling vicariously through you & Amber Airplane - Robin 
    • John, glad to see that you are still swinging....you have a nice style....relaxed and personal.  Bob M- Connecticut
    • I truly enjoy reading YOUR newsletters - they are just so much fun. Dean - Duluth, MN
    • Johnny,  congratulations on your book. Didn't even know about it until Carol forwarded a newspaper review. Publishing a book is such a huge accomplishment. I know your mom would've been so proud of you and would've told every living soul to go out and buy it.  Laura P- New Jersey
    • I found the story about your mom particularly moving.  My mom has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and it has been a real difficult time seeing her cope with her diagnosis.  I was inspired that your mom traveled pre and post treatments, and I hope to get my mom to come and visit me.  M - Huntington Beach, CA
    • From now on with few exceptions, NO MORE PICTURES OF ME IN YOUR COLUMN.   Dad
    • QUESTION: Hi Mr. Jet,  I am going to Ireland on vacation in the fall, but unfortunately have to check work messages as well as home messages (in the USA) daily (or at least every couple days).  I am trying to find an easy and inexpensive way to make phone calls while in Ireland.  Are cell phones an option, and what about calling cards/credit cards? Also, if someone in the USA needs to reach me via phone while I’m in Ireland, what is the best (and cheapest) way to handle that?  Lastly, are there public locations in Ireland where I can check my email?  is public email an option to check non-emergency messages while overseas? (I won’t have a computer with me I really appreciate your help) REPLY:  Lindsay,  Thanks for the question.  I would buy an Int'l cell phone.  I use Cellularabroad.com .  Rates are cheap, you will have a local number and incoming calls from anywhere in the world are FREE!  Read my experience about it in Australia.  (If you mention Johnny Jet they will give you a discount, not sure how much but it's a discount!  In terms of email, you won't have any problems finding internet cafes. Have Fun!


    • *Please note that we reserve the right to post excerpts, perhaps edited, from your message on the Johnny Jet website and newsletter. We will not use your full name without your express permission. If you'd rather not have your message posted on the website or newsletter, just say so and it won't be.
    QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK:
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Stop staring
    READER TIP OF THE WEEK
    One hint is to book your hotels as early as possible. I sometimes book 10 months in advance, knowing which destination I intend to travel to. The earlier you book, the cheaper the price is. Thank You- Betty Druzin

    Have A Tavel Tip? (Send it to Johnny@johnnyjet.com)

    CHICAGO TRIBUNE (Free Registration)
    LOS ANGELES TIMES (Free Registration)
    NEW YORK TIMES (Free Registration)
    WASHINGTON POST (Quick Survey Required for first time visitors)
    USA TODAY (Free Registration)
    ELLIOTT'S COMMENTARY
      The Price is Right
      As the travel slump continues, even the snootiest inns are discreetly slipping rooms online at discount prices. There are plenty of takers. Dot-coms that feature ritzy vacation packages, like site59.com, are booming. If its spring bidding pattern holds, even Priceline.com, a favorite for bargain-hunters, will sell about 1.6 million high-end rooms this year, or about 300,000 more nights of luxury than the previous year. Here's how you can take advantage of the cheap rooms. > Details in US News & World Report

      OTHER STORIES FROM CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT:
      Four Best Hotel ChainsFractional Hotel Pricing - What a Bargain!Lose the Chocolates, Keep the Phones
    COLUMNISTS
    HELP SUPPORT JOHNNY JET! BOOK YOUR TRIPS THROUGH US
    SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST DEALS:
    AIRLINE TICKETS: Orbitz Expedia Travelocity Hotwire Priceline
    HOTELS (UP TO 70% OFF): Hotels.com1800USAHotel Lodging.com Priceline Hotwire
    CAR RENTALS: Auto Europe Enterprise Hertz Hotwire Priceline
    CRUISES: Cruise Deals Cruise 411Cruise WizardCruise Direct
    OTHER NEWS
    ABC NEWS
    CNN
    MSNBC
    GOOD TO KNOW!
    IBIZA, SPAIN
    Last week I did an interview for the Travel Channel Radio. Here are my notes about the Party Capital of the World.

    • WHERE IT'S LOCATED
    • HISTORY
    • WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER
    • HOW TO GET THERE
    • HOW TO GET AROUND
    • LODGING (INCLUDING WHERE I STAYED)
    • DINING
    • MUSIC BARS
    • WHERE TO PARTY
    • SIGHT SEEING
    • TIPS
    Click Here To Read My Notes
    HOUSEKEEPING

    This Newsletter is sent by permission only. If you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription at any time, please login HERE . If you have any questions or suggestions please send message addressed to Johnny@JohnnyJet.com

    Want to sign-up for this newsletter?
    Just enter your email below!
     
    HTML Text AOL
    Editor-In-Chief
    Johnny Jet

    Editor
    Dan Woog

    Editor-At-Large
    Dennis P. Kamoen