Luxury Living Blog

From airline attendant to underdog superhero, and seemingly overnight, Steven Slater has certainly made his point.  What he likely didn’t realize was the multitude of other issues that would be brought to the surface in the mix.  So what is up with commercial air travel?

To recap, Steven Slater was a JetBlue flight attendant and self-professed “Bag Nazi”.  Slater made a dramatic exit, and headlines, quitting his position by grabbing two beers and sliding down an emergency exit slide following an altercation with an unruly passenger.   (see photos at right, nice sleeves officer...)

Surprisingly, it is not the cabin confrontation itself that is generating the most attention.  This event has effectively put a spotlight on the less than savory commercial airline industry.  It is much bigger than JetBlue, its employee, and commercial airline passengers.  What has erupted are feelings from all sides regarding the deterioration of public airline travel, an industry that seems to be imploding.

In the past, commercial air travel was something passengers looked forward to, and even dressed-up for.  These days, with severe budget cuts, airlines in bankruptcy, drastic security measures and low morale, most people feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety flying.  So with both the employees and clients feeling the pinch and feeling anxiety and stress, it was just a matter of time before an event brought this deeper issue to the front page.

Passengers are hit with more fees, including bags, taxes, insurance and new security measures are constantly imposed, coupled with the usual delays and long lines.  Airline workers are not making huge salaries, and are working long hours waiting on the now unhappy and stressed passengers.  This is a problem.  How will it be solved?

Well, if you have the means, private aircraft charters are a great solution, allowing you to completely avoid the hassles of commercial airline travel.  For the rest of the airline travelers, it remains to be seen what, if any, changes this episode will invoke.

Slater was released on a $2,500 bond, and was reportedly surprised by the media frenzy his story had created, saying,

"I knew there was a brouhaha about this, but while I was on the inside I didn't realize how much attention it got." he added that it feels "neat."
 

As for the 100 passengers from that JetBlue flight, they will all receive a $100 voucher, per the standard airline rule.

Follow links for more on private jet charter, celebrities and to see our luxury car rental fleet!
 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

It seems that South Florida has something to feel good about, other than the constant sunshine and marbled Atlantic coastline!  The local hotel industry is reporting increases for the first time in a while, which should help to bolster the economy.

The economic downturn, depression, however you prefer to label the financial catastrophe that has rocked the entire globe and changed so many lives seems to be retreating somewhat.  The South Florida Business Journal has reported that local hoteliers are experiencing higher occupancy rates, figures that are surely needed.

Recent national events deserve a nod of gratitude for this increase, such as the Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, Food Network’s South Beach Food & Wine Festival, FASHIONmiami and other luxury events that attract guests to our sandy shores and into our plethora of hotels, residences and luxury condos.

South Florida hotel occupancy increases by county:

•    Miami-Dade: 7.2 percent occupancy increase
•    Broward: 8.2 percent occupancy increase
•    Palm Beach: 7.5 percent occupancy increase

These figures reflect the time period around early summer, and the national average is a 5.9 percent increase, which means South Florida is doing better than most.  It remains to be seen whether this welcomed trend will continue, but with great digs like the new W Hotel South Beach, the Setai, or the plush Fontainbleau, it is difficult to imagine the struggle lasting for long.   Residents and hoteliers of South Florida look forward to a future of prosperity, posh parties, fine dining, entertainment, celebs and oh so much sunshine!

Check out our luxury property rentals and fleet of luxury car rentals on your way out!

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals
 

Top 5 Places to Watch Air and Water Show

Chicago’s Annual Air and Water show will draw millions of people to the lakefront, rooftops, and boats alike this weekend.  Imagine Lifestyles was wondering where Chicago residents think they capture the best view of the actual air show.  As well as getting a great view, we also think having a good time and enjoying the show should factor in as well.  Imagine Lifestyles Chicago attempted to compile our own top five list of the best places to enjoy the overall experience of the Air and Water Show.

1.  Yacht
2.  North Avenue Beach
3.  Rooftop
4.  Lakefront Condo
5.  Oak Street Beach 

1) Yacht - There is no comparison to watching the show from the comfort of your own personal luxury yacht charter.  The planes literally fly directly overhead and sound as if they might just come land on the water right next to your boat.  Having a spot on the water also enables you to see all the acts performed in the water and gain a better appreciation for how exciting and entertaining they are as well.  Viewing the Air and Water show from your own personal yacht truly is the best way to go.

2) North Avenue Beach - Aside from being out on the water, North Avenue Beach will provide you with the best view of all the activities going on at sea and in the air.  However, there will also be a million other people sitting next to you enjoying the same thing.  There is nothing wrong with a crowd, and sometimes it can add to the excitement.  The only recommendation we would have is to get there early, very early.  Bring a cooler, some lawn chairs, and plenty of sunscreen and sit back and enjoy the show.

3) Rooftop - Depending on whether or not you luck out and grab a spot on a high-rise roof top, this destination can also provide some fantastic once-in-a-lifetime views of all the action.  Any rooftop scattered along the Gold Coast up to Lakeview will do the job as long as you are above the tree line and have no buildings blocking your view.  The BYOB and barbeque style of all rooftops also gains them some points towards ensuring a good time.  If you are lucky, you might even get a flyover by the Blue Angels as they are looping their way back into formation.

4) Lakefront Condo - For those unlucky enough to not have a rooftop, a living room view out the window is not the end of the world.  Sitting in the air conditioning on the comfort of your own couch or loveseat is not that bad after all.  The sound of the jet engines might even get muffled as they roar by each pass.  As long as you have some big windows, this spot should not disappoint.

5) Oak Street Beach - With similar pros and cons to North Avenue Beach, Oak Street is the spot to catch all the action as they finish their flight path and head for the other end all over.  The crowds here will be just as crazy as North Avenue so be sure to arrive as early as possible.  Parking does not exist at this beach so expect to do some walking before you find your perfect resting spot as well.

Wherever you decide to watch the Air and Water show this weekend Imagine Lifestyles is sure you will have a wonderful time.  It really is one of Chicago’s greatest benefits during the summer.  Nowhere else in the world can you find a show this large and exciting for free.  For those of you who cannot seem to think of any rooftop parties you can crash or want to avoid the crowds of both beaches, contact Imagine Lifestyles Chicago to reserve your own private luxury yacht rental today.    

While you are in Chicago check out our fleet of Chicago exotic car rentals. 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I love skimming over your blog during my break everyday.  I just wondered why people rent luxury cars.  I mean, wouldn’t someone just buy a Ferrari if they want one?  I am trying to figure out the mentality in investing in a vehicle you will not own. 

Anyway, I enjoy reading your stuff and will wait for your reply.
 

Thanks,
Steve, Ohio

Hello Steve,

First off thanks for following our luxury blog, we appreciate all of our clients and fans!  Secondly, you raise a very good question asked by many in the luxury auto industry.  I am happy to explain why some opt to utilize exotic car rentals rather than purchase them outright.

Many people travel often, and in each new city, they are in need of a luxury car rental to keep up appearances and impress clients. 

There are also those who want to drive a luxury car like a Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini or other, but do not want the expense and pricey maintenance associated with ownership.  So rather than dropping around $300,000 to buy a supercar, then insure it, put fuel in it, maintain it and pay for pricey storage, they just drop a couple grand here and there and enjoy ours.

And what if you like variety?  If you buy an expensive luxury car and then get tired of it, what do you do?  When you choose to rent exotic cars, you have the choice to switch it up whenever you want, keeping the excitement alive and experiencing the latest models that luxury brands have to offer. 

We hope this helps to clear up the confusion Steve, and hope you will decide to try out a luxury rental car to see exactly what we mean! Please check out our fleet of Chicago exotic car rentals and Miami luxury rental cars.
 

Sincerely,
Imagine Lifestyles
 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals