Zoom Airlines, which already flies between London and JFK, is expanding its low-cost transatlantic flights to the United States. Service between London Gatwick and Fort Lauderdale begins May 22, 2008, and flights between San Diego and Gatwick start June 20.
While Zoom offers super-low one-way fares like many of the UK's LCCs, the company also has the nasty habit of tacking on vague surcharges. A round trip between Fort Lauderdale and Gatwick, for example, is listed at $398, until "departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges" bring the price up to $750. Still a good deal, to be sure, but a little transparency in the booking process wouldn't hurt.
The Fort Lauderdale flights are also interesting in that some of them stop over in Bermuda, making the Atlantic island easier to reach for flyers leaving London. We're not sure about traffic the other way, though. Are Floridians really clamoring for a chillier golf environment?
We had a connection last week in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (don't ask) and as we deplaned and made our way to the baggage claim in Terminal 3, we saw this public art sculpture. It was so strikingly weird that we snapped a picture right away.
Once we got back in front of a computer, we tracked down the meaning of this thing. Titled "Vendor with a Walkman" the piece was done by late sculptor Duane Hanson in 1990. Here is the official description from the Broward County Cultural Division:
Featuring a seated thirty-something male in a red T shirt and blue pants, listening to a walkman radio/cassette during a break. The installation accessories give additional clues to the narrative of the artwork: toy airplane, various signs and announcement for the shop, janitorial supplies... Hanson again presented a slice of Americana in the most unexpected locale.
Interestingly enough, the picture on the Broward County website shows the vendor with a Miller Lite hat. Our picture has the guy wearing some other sort of trucker hat. Looks like not much has changed since the 90s here. Oh well, we guess it's less shocking than sheep in formaldehyde.
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We put out the word for your airport WiFi tips, and you haven't disappointed. Our guide to airports that offer up free 'net access is growing almost every day.
Today's round of updates includes Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, a bigger airport than we're used to seeing on our map. We've also added some smaller airfields, including Albuquerque and Boise (pictured).
Also, we heard about the free WiFi at Delta's Crown Room club at JFK's Terminal 3. Park yourself near Gate 6, and you should be able to pick up the signal leaking out of the VIP lounge for free.
