That’s one way to reset your safety record… After a deadly crash that killed 42 and injured 54, the Henan provincial government in eastern central China has told their namesake airline, Henan Airlines, to change its name. The EMB-190 crashed last...
The Story Behind the Nine Passengers Thrown Off a United Flight Sunday Night
For two days, all we heard was that UA refused to transport nine passengers on a Sunday evening flight from Dulles to Tampa due to security concerns. Few details filtered out and we were left to speculate what really...
JetBlue Joins Southwest at Newark, Will Offer Daily Boston Flights
In a move aimed to draw some of the limelight away from Southwest, JetBlue has announced plans to serve Boston next year from Newark’s Liberty International Airport. Right now, only Continental flies nonstop between Newark and Boston and commands a...
More Seats and Overhead Space on American Airlines’ 737-800s
American Airlines’ is retrofitting its 76 737-800s in a move that will double the capacity of the overhead bins, bring electrical outlets to more seats, enable WiFi, add drop-down LCD screens, and decrease legroom. Yes, the airline that once...
Singapore Airlines’ Cookbook – Make Your Own Lobster Thermidor!
While I don’t think a United Airlines’ cookbook would be well received (remove pannini from freezer, heat for five minutes, serve…) Singapore Airlines’ prides itself in offering gourmet in-flight cuisine and recently published a cookbook, featuring 50 recipes from...
Department of Justice may Veto ITA-Google Deal
The DOJ is taking a second look at the proposed acquisition of ITA Software by Google, citing antitrust concerns. Earlier this year, Google agreed to buy ITA for $700 million in cash in order to bolster its travel division...
Will United Step in to Fill Void Left by Mexicana?
Mexicana ceased flying (again) on Saturday and it is increasingly likely that the historic Mexican carrier will be joining the likes of PanAm and TWA in that great boneyard in the sky. That gives other air carriers a chance...
Philadelphia to Washington, DC on Megabus
When I’m in Philadelphia, I often spend weekends with friends in Washington, DC. While I would prefer to fly or take Amtrak, bus travel is so inexpensive that I usually opt for that. Up until a few months ago,...
Southwest Airlines to Serve Newark with Continental’s Permission
Southwest Airlines will begin service to Newark’s Liberty International Airport next March in a move that was actually encouraged by United/Continental. Southwest already serves La Guardia and Islip/Long Island, but will add service to Continental’s East Coast hub in...
Court Sides with Southwest Airlines, Allows Coupons to Expire
In California, it is against the law for gift certificates to have expiration dates. Furthermore, they cannot even lose value due to inactivity, as is stipulated in the fine print of many gift cards. Enter Southwest Airlines, who recently...
Delta Challenging AA: Planning Heathrow Service from Boston and Miami
In a move showcasing Delta’s emphasis on international expansion, the airline has announced plans to begin twice daily service from Boston to London Heathrow and daily service from Miami to Heathrow. With the recent approval of a joint venture...
Darn Those T-Fares on United…
I missed another upgrade this week. Although I’ve got more SWUs and CR-1s than I know what to do with, I figured I’d have no trouble clearing an A320 (12 first class seats) on a Monday night Denver to...
Airport Ticketing: Comparing AA, UA, and US
My uncle will be embarking on a multi-city trip to visit extended family members this winter and asked me to find and book the airfare for him, specifying only the days and times he wanted. He has no airline...
Hyatt’s "Great 10K" Promotion — No Faster Free Nights!
Hyatt announced their fourth quarter promotion yesterday and it took many by surprise, myself included. For many years, Hyatt has offered "Faster Free Nights" during the Fourth Quarter, similar to their "Big Welcome Back" promotion they offered this spring,...
Delta Adds Flights to Cancún
Bolstering its already impressive Latin America network, Delta Air Lines is adding service to Cancún from four U.S. cities. Starting in February, you will be able to fly non-stop to CUN on Delta from Columbus, San Antonio, Austin, and...
Bickering Over the Post-Merger Identity of United Airlines
With a Continental merger drawing near, the LA Times featured a great article yesterday on the struggle over the re-branding of United. I won’t quote from it, but it discusses the ongoing debate over the livery of the merged...
What NOT to wear when you are flying in first class!
Maybe the guy was just protesting intrusive TSA search protocols or lost a poker bet, but I have to question what motivates someone to wear this on a plane. Then again, I am they type of traveler who won’t...
Another Unique Air New Zealand Safety Video
Air New Zealand has fun with its safety videos. Last year it was body paint, this year: rugby. Take a look at NZ’s new safety video below. You’ve got to give them an A for effort and a few...
Waited too long to burn my Hyatt "Big Welcome Back" nights…
Ugh. I knew I waited too long too call… I’ve got a couple free nights left from Hyatt’s spring "Big Welcome Back" promotion, where you could opt to receive one free night at any Hyatt hotel worldwide for every...
New Landing Procedures on United Airlines?
I’ll take to the air again on Monday to see for myself, but was dismayed to read on FT today that UA is revising its landing procedures. Right now, usually around 20-30 minutes prior to landing, a double chime...
