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...
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...
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...
Bedbugs Inflict United Airlines Passenger
Not a very comforting letter published in yesteday’s NY Times: To the Editor: Re “This Bedbug’s Life,” by May Berenbaum (Op-Ed, Aug. 8): I recently flew back to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C., business class on United Airlines. In...
Airlines Raiding Desert Boneyards as Passenger Traffic Increases
Last week I booked a Sunday night redeye from Los Angeles to Chicago on United and was pleasantly surprised to see that the flight would be operated by a 747-400. Like Kevin’s experience last week, the aircraft featured the old...
Another Thaw in StarNet Blocking – My Award Trip is Now Complete
It’s too early to tell if StarNet blocking is gone on UA or just on another hiatus, but I was able to book transatlantic Lufthansa flights today–a marked change from last week. As I mentioned in an earlier post...
United 1K Line Calls Me the Wrong Name on Skype!
United’s IT staff may not win m/any accolades, but one thing I do is appreciate is not having to enter my Mileage Plus number each time I call reservations on my mobile phone. Because that number is the primary...
Continental/United Update Livery
I still am rooting for this design, but at least the merger team at Continental/United is making some progress on the livery of the combined carrier. When UA and CO announced they were getting hitched in May, they revealed this livery for...
A Note to the Disgrunted Passenger at UA Baggage Claim Last Night at LAX
Dear Disgruntled Passenger, Hi. I was the young man being assisted at the United baggage claim counter last night at LAX when you stormed in and demanded to cut to the front of the line. It was apparent that...
Partner Blackout Dates on United Airlines
Beyond the scope of StarNet blocking by United, some Star Alliance airlines simply do not make award travel available on specific dates, usually around major holidays or in high tourist season. While UA is very cautious about releasing any...
Delta to Begin Service to Iceland Next June
Yesterday afternoon I received an e-mail that Delta was starting service to Reykjavik, Iceland next June. The once daily flights will depart late from JFK, arriving the following morning in KEF and return late morning from KEF, arriving just...
United Airlines "Mechanics" Show You How to Recline Your Seat
I haven’t had the pleasure of flying on UA to Sydney this year, but apparently first class passengers flying from Los Angeles to Sydney are receiving a more personalized touch. The following request is from United’s representative on FlyerTalk:...
Time to Invest in a Lifetime Continental Presidents Club Membership?
I’m at the point of the year again where I’ve reached a fork in the road. I’ve re-qualified for 1K status on United, so my elite benefits are safe through at least January 2012, but now I must decide...
Free Alcohol in United’s Economy Plus August 6-16
United will offer passengers flying in Economy Plus a free alcoholic drink during the first beverage service August 6-16. While UA has not explained why it has chosen to do this, I would guess it has something to do...
Discounted Shorthaul Awards now Available on AA too
Responding to United’s recent promotion, American is offering discounted awards for trips of 700 miles or less (each way). Travel must conclude by December 15 and tickets must be booked by August 31. At 17,500 miles roundtrip or 8,750 miles one...
Tinkering with my award reservation
Perfecting an award itinerary is an art requiring patience and skill. With the ability to make free and unlimited changes on United awards (1K/GS benefit only), segment by segment you can construct an ideal award itinerary. As I mentioned earlier, when I booked my trip China...
Newark to Frankfurt via Brussels on Continental/Lufthansa for $263 a/i
SN Brussels Airlines is offering a tremendous deal right now on economy tickets from Newark to Frankfurt via their Brussels hub. Many dates have already sold out, but try out different dates in October and November if you are...
