David Lazarus has another travel column in the LA Times today that is filled with complaints, but lacking substance. This particularly caught my eye: Personally, I can’t understand how any business can get away with selling more of a...
When the Money Runs Out: Living on Airline Miles
With millions of miles in the bank, Ryan Bingham could live off his frequent flyer accounts for months. Others, must resort to more desperate measures. There are two kinds of business travelers. Those who have a goal in mind...
The Future of Budget Airline Travel: Load your own bags!
We’ve heard about Michael O’Leary’s plans for charging to use the lavatory and having "standing" sections in the back of the planes, but the good folks at Ryanair are really thinking outside the box: Ryanair says it is also...
United Eliminates Free Standby for Premier Executives and Below
United will eliminate free unconfirmed standby starting on April 28. Passengers wishing to take an earlier flight will be charged $50 if they clear the standby list. Passengers can still confirm a seat on an earlier or later flight...
Diplomat Jokes About Shoe Bomb After Smoking in Lavatory on DCA-DEN United Flight
Here’s a hint: if you decide you want to smoke in the lavatory, don’t cover it up by claiming you were trying to detonate a shoe bomb. A Qatari diplomat who caused a security alert aboard a United Airlines...
United and US Airways in Merger Talks…Again
Here we go again: UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and US Airways Group Inc. have resumed discussions of a potential merger that would create a global behemoth, people familiar with the matter said Wednesday. The talks are the latest in a decadelong...
Spirit Airlines to Charge for Carry-On Bags
And we thought Ryanair was bad… That lumpy person seated next to you on your next Spirit Airlines flight may not be so large in real life. The budget carrier announced Tuesday it will begin charging a fee of...
United Promises Picketing FAs They Will Match Continental’s Pay Scale–but there’s a catch
In another move that hints that a United-Continental merger is in the works, United is "offering to bring flight attendants up to the pay scale of Continental Airlines…in exchange for adjustments to work rules." The AP provides further details:...
Midwest, Frontier Will Officially Become One Airline
Not that I would ever fly either carrier, but: Midwest Airlines has planned an event for April 13 at which time it will release details about the combination of the Oak Creek air carrier with Frontier Airlines of Denver. Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings...
CPH-IAD on SAS, IAD-PHX-BUR on US Airways
Day 0: Introduction: Perfecting My Trip to Europe Using United Miles Day 1: LAX-YVR on Air Canada, Vancouver, and YVR-LHR on Air Canada Day 2: BD Number One Lounge at Heathrow and London to Lisbon on TAP Portugal Day...
7/7: So Far I’m Thrilled with United’s New Unlimited Domestic Upgrade Program
It still may be too early to authoritatively evaluate UA’s new upgrade program, but I’m 7/7 and a happy camper right now. Let’s review: ROUTE > FARE CLASS > EQUIPMENT > # OF FC SEATS > TIME CLEARED BEFORE...
Chris Elliott’s Response to My Post on "Mistake" Fares
Last week I posted my thoughts about airline mistake fares in response to Scott McCartney’s excellent “Middle Seat” column in the Wall Street Journal on the same subject. Today, Christopher Elliott decided to chime in. While I prefer not...
More Details Emerge About the Diversion to Omaha on United 142
More details have emerged about what exactly happened on my diverted United flight to Omaha: Charges filed Tuesday in federal district court in Nebraska identify the woman as Maria Rita Manzoni. Authorities seek to formally charge her with interfering...
RIP Fuel Dump
Thanks to the brilliant minds at airfarewatchdog.com, the fuel dump is no more. For those unaware of what a "fuel dump" is, it is removing the fuel surcharge from a fare–often more than $200-300. There were many ways to...
Full Recount of my Emergency Stop in Omaha on my United Redeye from San Francisco to Dulles
I reported earlier today that my redeye from SFO to IAD last night, UA142, was diverted to OMA after a passenger went berserk onboard. I have some nifty video and pictures, but out of respect for UA’s legal...
My SFO-IAD United Flight Diverted to Omaha due to Unruly Passenger
Currently on the ground at OMA. Details later.
My First Experience with United’s Unlimited Domestic Upgrade Program
Yesterday, I flew from PHL-LAX via IAD and MSY. I purchased the ticket a week ago and was on an M-fare (a relatively pricey Economy fare). IAD-MSY-LAX was operated by an A319 with only eight First Class seats, making...
Bad News For Us: A Discussion on Airline Mistake Fares
Nicholas Kralev’s mistake fare column was superior because it featured yours truly, but Scott McCartney’s latest column on mistake fares is well done. I particularly liked this: UAL Corp.’s United Airlines, Continental Airlines Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., JetBlue AirwaysCorp. and Singapore Airlines all say their policy is...
Delta to Introduce Shuttle Service Between New York (LGA) and Chicago (ORD)
Delta announced plans to begin shuttle service this June between LaGuardia and O’Hare. Highlights: 11 r/ts daily (on the hour) Flights will depart from LGA’s Marine Air Terminal Flights will be operated by Compass Air, using two-cabin ERJ-175s (12...
No More Hidden Airline Fees?
Speaking of airlines lobbying Congress, I doubt the airlines are happy about this news: Hate those hidden airline fees? A provision was added to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, passed by the Senate earlier this week, that would require airlines...
