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How To Kill Time At An Airport

Just about everyone hates waiting at airports but it helps if there’s a casino, such as found in Frankfurt and Amsterdam’s Schiphol. Or how about Singapore’s Changi Airport: there’s a swimming pool, live bands and gardens?

If that’s not your destination, travel commentator Debra Ward has some more likely suggested diversions for that dreaded waiting time. “Over the years, I have found ways to make use of the seemingly interminable waiting time without burning through my credit cards or gaining five pounds at the food court,” she writes.

Some of these are probably known to you already but here are some suggestions:

• Besides the standard distractions of free WiFi and news on the TV screens, there is often great art at airports. Vancouver International Airport is just one example.

• For the shell-shocked parents among us, there are often decent kids’ play areas where the little ones can burn off some energy before boarding.

• If you’re ready to spend, the sky’s the limit. You can get a new outfit, a manicure or a massage. Most major airports also have medical clinics and dental clinics for those emergency teeth cleanings.

• Then there’s the bar. “It’s a great way to kill an hour or two, even if you don’t drink,” ward writes.

• And of course, there’s the shopping. Jewelry, fur, crystal, art and the latest fashions are available in exclusive boutiques.

• Then, for a quiet time, don’t forget the Prayer Room. All airports have one.

Now Malaysia Wants A Food Fight

KUALA LUMPUR - Laksa, nasi lemak, Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab are all Malaysian dishes, Malaysia’s tourism minister, Dr Ng Yen Yen, has declared.

In a report in the Malaysian Insider Dr Ng accused other countries of “hijacking” local dishes such as laksa and nasi lemak, and said it was high time that Malaysia claimed them as Malaysian.

“We cannot continue to let other countries hijack our food,” she said, without naming the countries, although her ire is almost certainly aimed at Singapore and Indonesia.

“Chilli crab is Malaysian. Hainanese chicken rice is Malaysian. We have to lay claim to our food,” the minister said after she launched the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival.

Dr Ng said that her ministry was identifying the popular dishes, which are also available in neighbouring countries, and would declare them as Malaysian in the next three months.

The tourism minister's announcement came as Malaysia and Indonesia were working hard to resolve a dispute alleging that Malaysia “stole” Indonesian culture such as batik and claimed it as its own.

Cathay Pacific Introduces Mobile Application

Cathay Pacific Airways’ recently launched “CX Mobile” application has already proved a big hit with users, helping to make the airline one of the industry leaders in offering mobile services to users of smart phones.

Most airlines currently only offer mobile applications for iPhones, but Cathay Pacific has gone further by extending its service for BlackBerry and Windows Mobile (with support for the latest Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices).

This means that more customers are able to take advantage of smart phone capabilities to check flight arrivals and departures, check in for their flights, read about the place they are flying to using “City Guides”, and access all mobile services at m.cathaypacific.com from the convenience of their own mobile device.

Cathay Pacific Manager Marketing Communication Celine Ho said: "We are the only airline to offer a mobile application for so many different platforms, enabling us to reach out to more customers. The application has already proved very popular and we are pleased that an increasing number of frequent business travellers are carrying the Cathay Pacific brand in their pocket. We intend to stay ahead of the game in offering the most relevant technology and mobile solutions to make our loyal customers’ journeys even more hassle-free.”

To download the application, iPhone customers can visit the iTunes store and download CX Mobile directly. Other smart phone users can use their mobile device and go to m.cathaypacific.com to download and install the CX application. Alternatively, they can use their PC to download the application from www.cathaypacific.com (under Manage Your Trip > Mobile Services) and then send themselves an installation SMS.

Emirates Flight Catering Wins “Caterer Of The Year” Award

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Caterer of the Year’ award by Delta Air Lines; with Delta Air Lines Managing Director IFS, Peter Wilander and his team travelling to Dubai to personally present EKFC with the coveted trophy.

The award which is presented under the category of ‘Best Business Elite Kitchen Outside of the United States’ is extremely competitive, with Emirates Flight Catering beating off 53 of the world’s top flight catering facilities to take out the title.

Gary Chapman President Group Services and Dnata and Haroon Siddiqui, CEO Emirates Flight Catering accepted the award on behalf of Emirates Flight Catering.

Mr. Chapman said: “Emirates Flight Catering is honoured to be recognized by Delta Air Lines with such a prestigious award. In-flight catering is a fundamental part of a passenger’s travel experience and this award is testament to our continued commitment in producing high quality cuisine for not only our own Emirates aircraft, but also our valued clients."

Emirates Flight Catering has been serving Delta Air Lines since 1st June 2007 following the inaugural flight from Dubai to Atlanta. Delta’s expansive international network covers 461 destinations in 96 countries.