Security analyst Bruce Schneider, a fierce critic of the TSA, brings us another example of the agency’s (in)competence: TSA screener finds two pipes in passenger’s bags. Screener determines that they’re not a threat. Screener confiscates them anyway, because of...
Another Bump on United Airlines!
I still wonder sometimes why I put myself through such torture, but it always seems to work out in the end… Instead of flying non-stop from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to get back in time for my 2pm class...
Alaska Airlines Hasn’t Got A Prayer
Is it appropriate for an airline to hand out a prayer card with your meal? After doing so for decades, Alaska Airlines announced this week that it would be ending the practice effective 01 February 2012. Reactions have been...
Humor: Leaked US Airways Memo on Philadelphia Expansion
A great brouhaha is going on right now in the City of Brotherly Love over the proposed expansion of Philadelphia International Airport. Not surprisingly, US Airways (which currently holds a dominant position in Philadelphia) wants to keep it that way...
Spanair Ceases Operations
Barcelona-based Spanair, a Star Alliance Member, has ceased operations effective 27 January 2011. The struggling carrier has fought to stay afloat recently, but after a recent round of talks with Qatar Airways failed to produce an investment agreement, the...
Spirit Airlines Bickers Over the Return of All-In Pricing
A refreshing change has hit U.S. airline websites this morning: the return of all-in pricing. Under a new directive by the Department of Transportation, airlines must now display all-in pricing initially and at all junctures of your flight search–not...
American Airlines Business Class Seats – Only $140!
Act fast and you can purchase not just one, but two American Airlines business class seats for only $140! Just watch out for splinters… Now that I’ve got your attention, allow me to direct you to the following craiglist...
Senator Rand Paul Detained by the TSA for Refusing Invasive Patdown
I want to be careful not to blow this story out of proportion, but there is a key point we can take away from today’s incident at Nashville Airport in which Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) was temporarily detained by...
TSA Carry-On Policy: Guns Yes, Cupcakes No
If the Transportation Security Administration was a Shakespeare play, it would be A Comedy of Errors. In an apparent case of mistaken identity and astounding sloppiness, an x-ray scanner picked up a .38-caliber revolver in a passenger’s carry-on baggage...
American Airlines Restores Free Beer and Wine in International Economy Class
Starting 01 February, 2012, American will re-introduce free beer and wine in economy class on their flights between the US and Asia, Europe, and select markets in South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay). Gary wonders if such a...
Continental Airlines Dissolves Partnership with Virgin Atlantic
Via Friendly Skies, Continental Airlines announced today that their partnership with Virgin Atlantic will abruptly end on 13 February. While the news was not unexpected, it also was not expected to happen so soon. Effective February 13, 2012 we...
Don’t Be Petty, US Airways!
Last night I ran into a three-hour mechanical delay on a US Airways flight from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia. Most passengers were transported to their final destination via Washington National or Charlotte, so there when the flight finally departed,...
The TSA Shows Their Humane Side
I am usually very critical of the Transportation Security Administration and will continue to be critical as I observe the out-of-control agency wasting tax dollars. But I am also a fair person, and will give them praise when praise...
US Airways: Thanks but no thanks…
Foul weather and a delayed Continental Airlines flight gave me the opportunity to sample US Airways yesterday from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. While I won’t be defecting to US Airways anytime soon, the experience wasn’t half-bad. The flight was...
Continental Airlines on the Phone vs. Continental Airlines at the Airport
I learned something today: do not bother to call Continental Airlines if you find your flight is delayed and want to re-route. Just go to the airport and sort it out there. Perhaps I just take it for granted,...
As American Airlines Departs, Opportunity for United at Burbank
News that American Airlines will suspend service from Burbank/Bob Hope Airport next month compounds a problem for an airport that continues to lose passengers even as it invests in a pricey infrastructure upgrade that will enhance the parking facilities...
TSA Defends Confiscation of Cupcake
After facing a barrage of media criticism for an agent’s decision to confiscate a cupcake from a woman’s carry-on baggage at New York La Guardia airport on Christmas Eve, the Transportation Security Administration dug in and defended the action....
Crisscrossing the World: 33K Miles of Travel to Begin 2012
Hello from the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul–I’ve still got 21 hours of flying ahead of me today and tomorrow, but the end is in sight. I like to get a jump start on status requalification each year and...
25% Discount on United/Continental Economy Class Award Tickets to Europe and Southern Africa
I wouldn’t call this the sale of century, but if you are planning an economy class award redemption to the lower half of Africa or Europe (not recommended–go in business or first), you can save 20-25% off the published...
Chase Adds Southwest Airlines as Ultimate Rewards Partner
Just months after becoming an American Express transfer partner, you can now use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel on Southwest Airlines. Although Southwest Airlines does not appeal to me due to their lack of an international route...
