No confirmed details yet, but I am getting word that two people are dead and two are seriously injured after a shooting at Frankfurt International Airport just minutes ago. A Kosovarian suspect is under arrest. With an office right in the...
United Embraces Functionality Over Creativity in New Ad Campaign
Details are emerging about the future ad campaign of the new United/Continental. Just as we said goodbye to the tulip earlier today, we can also say goodbye to United’s iconic abstract advertising campaign: Chicago-based United’s new campaign, the first...
United Phases Out the Tulip
While Damian already pointed out changes to the United Airlines’ website that popped up today, I must briefly add my euology for the United tulip, now formally phased out of United’s brand book. Thankfully, the new look to united.com hasn’t...
DOT Fines American Airlines for Deceiving Passengers
Back in August I stopped by an American Airlines’ ticket counter at SNA to book a ticket for a client using a voucher. Unbeknownst to him (and me), I found that AA levies a $30 fee to book at...
Would You Buy an Airline Ticket that Fluctuates with Fuel Prices?
Nevada-based Allegiant Air has written a letter to the Department of Transportation stating its intention to introduce a new whole new meaning to the definition of a flexible ticket: When making a purchase, consumer would be able to choose...
Seize the Moment: Travel While You Can
When the opportunity arises for travel, take it. Life on this earth is too short too sit on the sidelines and reason with yourself that you will do it sometime in the future. Next summer. After graduation. For my...
Review: Westin Grand Berlin
In a city with such a storied history, it came as no surprise that one of its grandest hotels has a rich history of its own. As Front Office Manager Wendy Stendel guided us on a tour of...
This is Why We Hate the TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) takes a lot of flak on this blog, and rightfully so. Despite my grave consitutional concerns with full body scanners, enhanced pat-downs, and America’s counterproductive airport security paradigm in general, the poor attitude displayed...
Up to 100,000 Miles from American Airlines on Facebook
In a brilliant move to boost its Facebook friendship count (another avenue of inexpensive advertising), American Airlines is offering between 100 and 100,000 AAdvantage award miles to link up on Facebook. Simply follow this link to Facebook, add AA as...
The 10 Airlines with the Hottest Cabin Crews
While the days of draconian age and weight restrictions for airline flights attendants are a relic of the past in much of the world, some carriers still manage to offer some very attractive FAs. I do not personally support specific age quotas, but...
See, I Told You So! TSA Full Body Scanner Fails to Detect Gun in Bra
Last March, the Government Accounting Office warned Congress that full body scanners have not been tested and may not be able to detect the very type of explosives material the machines were procured to detect. Few listened, as most members...
First United 747 with New Livery Enters Service
Fresh out of the paint shop, United’s first repainted 747-400, N127UA, is heading for San Francisco then on to Incheon tomorrow morning on Flight 893 at 11:05a. Photo by: Jon Ostrower The new livery is starting to grow on...
Air New Zealand’s Corporate Responsibility on Display in Christchurch
Another massive earthquake struck New Zealand today, again centered near Christchurch. 65 are reported dead and hundreds are missing. The 6.3 magnitude quake struck at midday, at a time when many were out and about. When natural disasters occur, it is...
Seattle Restaurant Bans TSA Agents
A restaurant near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington State has refused to serve Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, posting a prominent sign by the door stating they are not welcome. Is this is a good thing? The story came...
1,000 bmi Diamond Club Miles for Completing Brief Survey
Although the offer appears targeted, take a moment to fill out a brief survey from bmi. It only takes about two minutes so even if you get passed over for the 1,000 Diamond Club miles, it is worth the...
20% Bonus on Miles Purchased from bmi’s Diamond Club + Double Destination Miles
If my last post outlining the high award surcharges on bmi didn’t scare you away, now through the end of March you can receive a 20% bonus on miles purchased from Diamond Club. In addition, you can also earn...
British Midland’s Disgusting Award Surcharges
British Midland’s (bmi) Diamond Club award program boasts on its home page, "Free airmiles. Free flights." After forking out over £1,100 (~$1,800) in taxes and surcharges for two business class tickets, I think it is an insult and a...
U.S. Senate Agrees to Loosen DCA Perimeter Rule
Negotiations have been ongoing for many months, but the Senate has finally hammered out a tentative deal that would further loosen the perimeter rule at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. I provided a background on the history and politics...
Economy Plus Survives the United/Continental Merger
The news is over a day old now and Damian has already nicely highlighted United’s decision to retain and expand Economy Plus across the Continental fleet. I just want to add my two cents. With Delta’s announcement of a “premium” economy product (again,...
Enhancements to United’s Mileage Plus Award Booking Tool
Just days after loosening up award routing rules, United has now made booking an award online a little easier–at least in theory. New features rolled out this week on United’s Mileage Plus website include the ability to book: Mixed...
