Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Delta Airlines adding hourly Chicago <-> New York service]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/20/delta-airlines-adding-hourly-chicago-new-york-service/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/20/delta-airlines-adding-hourly-chicago-new-york-service/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/20/delta-airlines-adding-hourly-chicago-new-york-service/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Delta airlines just announced the introduction of 22 new daily flights between Chicago and New York. The new flights will be operated as Delta Shuttle flights, and will start June 10th.

The new hourly service out of O'Hare replaces current Delta flights between Chicago Midway and LaGuardia.

Delta obviously means business - because they are also going to offer free coffee and newspapers at the gate, which will be located as close as possible to the terminal 2 security checkpoint.

More flights on this route means cheaper fares for everyone, because the other airlines will clearly be paying attention to this increased capacity. Delta kiosks will be available for same-day ticket purchases.

The route will be operated by an Embraer 175 jet - with 12 seats in first class, and 64 seats in coach. Because this is a narrow body jet, there are no middle seats. The flights will offer Delta's "enhanced shuttle service" which means meals in first class, and free wine and beer in all cabins.

Delta Airlines adding hourly Chicago <-> New York service originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago ohareChicagoOharedeltaDelta AirDelta Air LinesDelta AirliinesDelta AirlinesDelta Airlines DALDeltaAirDeltaAirliinesDeltaAirlinesDeltaAirlinesDalDLlaguardiaLaGuardia International Airportlaguardia-airportLaGuardiaAirportLaguardiaInternationalAirportLGAohareOHare AirportOHare Internationalohare modernization projectOhareAirportOhareInternationalOhareModernizationProjectORDSat, 20 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[White Collar Travel: Three perspectives on business travelers and their miles]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/white-collar-travel-three-perspectives-on-business-travelers-an/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/white-collar-travel-three-perspectives-on-business-travelers-an/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/white-collar-travel-three-perspectives-on-business-travelers-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What would you do with 300,000 frequent flier miles in your account - not to mention enough hotel points to get you 10 days in the blissful destination of your choice? Your imagination is probably running wild, as mine did when I got my first travel-intensive gig a decade ago. I had visions of southern France: soaking in the Mediterranean sun, roulette in Monte Carlo and smoking Cuban cigars from a balcony overlooking the ville.

Six months later, I fantasized about sleeping in my own bed for three nights in a row, in a one bedroom apartment I shared in a suburb of Boston. Eventually, I did burn most of my miles, some of them to Nice and Monaco, but not under the circumstances I expected. Along the way, I saw three major attitudes that business travelers had toward the points and miles they'd collected.

Continue reading White Collar Travel: Three perspectives on business travelers and their miles

White Collar Travel: Three perspectives on business travelers and their miles originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbusiness travelBusinessTravelmediterraneanMonteCarloniceWhiteCollarwhitecollartravelThu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[March is Deep-Vein Thrombosis awareness month]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/march-is-deep-vein-thrombosis-awareness-month/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/march-is-deep-vein-thrombosis-awareness-month/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/march-is-deep-vein-thrombosis-awareness-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

March 2010 is the seventh annual Deep-Vein Thrombosis awareness month.

DVT is sometimes referred to as "economy class syndrome" because the cramped airplane cabin often prevents people from getting the movement they need to prevent blood clots.

Of course, airplanes are not the only place where DVT can be a problem - even desk workers or people bedridden can be in danger.

The Coalition to Prevent DVT has put together a collection of videos that raise awareness of the dangers of DVT, and help people understand the basic steps they can take to prevent DVT.

The videos can be watched online, or downloaded for transfer to your portable media player.

The dangers of DVT are very real - the spokesperson of the Coalition to Prevent DVT lost her husband, NBC News correspondant David Bloom from complications of DVT while covering the war in Iraq.

So, do yourself a favor and devote a small part of your day to watching these videos and learning how to combat DVT. Your knowledge can also help others so forward the information to anyone you know that is regularly stuck in a cramped airplane seat.

March is Deep-Vein Thrombosis awareness month originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood clotblood clotsblood clottingBloodClotBloodClotsBloodClottingdeep vein thrombosisDeepVeinThrombosisDVTeconomy classeconomy class syndromeEconomyClassEconomyClassSyndromeThu, 18 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Check historical on-time ratings - Airlines tip]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/check-historical-on-time-ratings-airlines-tip/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/check-historical-on-time-ratings-airlines-tip/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/check-historical-on-time-ratings-airlines-tip/#commentsFiled under: ,

The uncertainty of flight delays can be nerve-wracking. Will you make that 40 minute layover... or will you be stuck in Newark for half the day? An alchemy of time of day, current weather, and the airports involved determine your fate.

You can obsessively check, but can't really predict, weather. The other factors, however, are a little easier to figure out ahead of time. Sites like the well-regarded FlightStats.com offer historical on-time performance for most routes. Punch in your flight info, and you'll be rewarded with average delays and details on past performance.

Maybe, now, you can relax.

Maybe.

Check historical on-time ratings - Airlines tip originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100 words or less100WordsOrLessairplanesdelaysflightplanestatisticsstatsThu, 18 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Flight attendant is sent to prison for sexy texting]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-is-sent-to-prison-for-sexy-texti/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-is-sent-to-prison-for-sexy-texti/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/galley-gossip-flight-attendant-is-sent-to-prison-for-sexy-texti/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recently someone said to me, "I travel on international flights all the time to visit family and I've noticed that the women who work for the airlines are getting older. Is this okay?"

Is this okay? Is this okay! I couldn't decide whether to laugh or throw whatever was in my hand at the time. Instead I took a deep breath and replied, "Of course it's okay! Women age. So do passengers."

I mean really!

After it hit me that the man was probably a foreigner and not used to the ways of airlines in the U.S., I added, "I plan on being one of those flight attendants who use the beverage cart as a walker. Because in the United States flight attendants are allowed to age. We're also allowed to gain weight, get married, and have children."

Crazy, I know!

Wanna know what else flight attendants are allowed to do? Send sexy text messages. It's true! Not that I'm a sexy text-er or anything, but if I wanted to send a sexy text I could, and I could do so without worrying about getting sent to prison for three months. Ya see here in the good ole US of A life is pretty darn nice. Especially if you're a flight attendant.

What in the world am I talking about? In case you haven't heard, an Emirates flight attendant and supervisor were recently sent to prison for three months for sending sexy text messages to each other. MSNBC reported that "the pair were convicted of 'coercion to commit sin' over messages and were initially sentenced to six months in jail"

Gulp.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Flight attendant is sent to prison for sexy texting

Galley Gossip: Flight attendant is sent to prison for sexy texting originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airlineairline workersAirlineWorkersCabin crewCabinCrewDubaiEmiratesflight attendantFlightAttendantjailprisonSexy text messageSexyTextMessageThu, 18 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin America announces new routes to Orlando, Toronto]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/virgin-america-announces-new-routes-to-orlando-toronto/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/virgin-america-announces-new-routes-to-orlando-toronto/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/18/virgin-america-announces-new-routes-to-orlando-toronto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The wait is finally over (and we know you've all been on the edge of your seats).

Early this morning, Virgin America announced plans to serve Orlando International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport with daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Orlando flights will launch Aug. 19, 2010 and, pending approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Virgin plans to start flying to Toronto as early as June 2010.

Amid all the excitement, however, is a bit of bad news. The airline has also announced that it will end service to John Wayne Airport (SNA) effective May 26, 2010. Silver lining: Virgin has promised all its John Wayne employees equivalent positions at LAX or in another area of the airline's business.

But what good is a new route announcement without a new fare sale?

Never fear, flyers: Virgin America's Los Angeles - Orlando fares start at $149 and San Francisco - Orlando fares start at $199 one way. Tickets are on sale today on Virgin America's Web site.

It's been a busy week for the Virgin team - on Tuesday, Virgin announced a partnership with Morgans Group Hotels, and rumor from the Virgin camp is the airline will announce at least three more new destinations to service in 2010 (our bets are still on Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas).

Virgin America announces new routes to Orlando, Toronto originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>los angelesLosAngelesorlandosan franciscoSanFranciscotorontoVirginAmericaThu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are Delta Skymiles worth anything any more?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/are-delta-skymiles-worth-anything-any-more/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/are-delta-skymiles-worth-anything-any-more/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/are-delta-skymiles-worth-anything-any-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The ire of Delta Skymiles members continues to grow stronger and more vocal.

To summarize, many loyal Delta passengers are miffed at the recent poor value of the airline's frequent flyer miles, or Skymiles. It's true that on the surface the airline claims to offer mileage redemptions for the same price as their competitors -- but when one actually goes to search for available tickets, those cheap seats are almost nowhere to be found.

The Cranky Flier sums up the problems pretty well over at his blog, where he simply states:
One thing I've found... is that Delta SkyMiles are really not easy to burn and when you do, they end up costing a lot more than on other airlines in terms of miles and dollars. As a loyalty program, SkyMiles is hard for me to love as a non-elite.
One can see from the rocking comment section beneath the post that there is unanimous agreement from the ranks. Want more insight? Head over to the Delta thread on Flyertalk where frustrated passengers have been venting for months.

For Delta's part they acknowledge the difficulties with their award calendar but don't seem really interested in finding immediate solutions. Blaming IT integration issues, they hope to have things ironed out by summer.

And until then? Diversify your mileage portfolio.

RELATED: Where did all the bargain fares to Europe go?

Are Delta Skymiles worth anything any more? originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairlinesbudget-travelcheap ticketsCheapTicketsfrequent flyer milesFrequentFlyerMilesmilesWed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sixteen-hour LAX to JFK "flightmare" fueled by four Pringles]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/sixteen-hour-lax-to-jfk-flightmare-fueled-by-four-pringles/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/sixteen-hour-lax-to-jfk-flightmare-fueled-by-four-pringles/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/sixteen-hour-lax-to-jfk-flightmare-fueled-by-four-pringles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Virgin America flight 404, bound from LAX to JFK, took a bit of a detour Saturday, reaching its destination in sixteen hours, instead of the usual six.

Due to 60-mph winds in New York, the plane was forced to circle JFK before it was diverted 90 miles north, to Stewart Airport in Newburgh. The plane then sat on the tarmac for approximately seven hours (until midnight), according to irate passengers.

Things got really ugly when frazzled, snappish flight attendants were forced to ration food and drink; each passenger was allotted a half-cup of water and four Pringles. The angry mob threw cookies and cursed the "flight from hell." One passenger had to be escorted off the plane by police, due to a panic attack.

Continue reading Sixteen-hour LAX to JFK "flightmare" fueled by four Pringles

Sixteen-hour LAX to JFK "flightmare" fueled by four Pringles originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesflight delaysJetBlueVirginAmericaWed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: 3 reasons flight attendants won't allow passengers to switch seats in flight]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/galley-gossip-switching-seats-in-flight/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/galley-gossip-switching-seats-in-flight/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/17/galley-gossip-switching-seats-in-flight/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear Heather,

What is the proper etiquette for switching to an open seat? Should I ask the flight attendant first? Is it okay to switch to another row if only one person is occupying the row?

Thanks,

Rich

Dear Rich,

Go for it! Switch seats. You don't have to ask. But you might want to wait until everyone is on board before making your move. Worst case scenario a flight attendant might ask you to return to your original seat. Big deal, so what if you have to move back? Most of the time the open seat is yours for the taking - as long as it's in the same cabin as your ticketed seat. Which brings me to the first class stowaway...

"Whenever I travel I always wear a nice suit and board last," said the passenger seated beside me on a flight years ago. I don't remember where we were going, but I wasn't working so he had no idea what I did for a living. "As I'm passing through the first class cabin I'll slide into an open seat. If the flight attendants say anything I'll quietly offer fifty bucks."

Continue reading Galley Gossip: 3 reasons flight attendants won't allow passengers to switch seats in flight

Galley Gossip: 3 reasons flight attendants won't allow passengers to switch seats in flight originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesairplanesfirst classFirstClassflightFlight attendantflight attendantsFlightAttendantFlightAttendantsgate agentGateAgentSwitching seatsSwitchingSeatsupgradeupgradesupgradingWed, 17 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Corporate travel comeback expected]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/corporate-travel-comeback-expected/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/corporate-travel-comeback-expected/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/corporate-travel-comeback-expected/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When you look at the woes experienced by the airlines through this recession, it's hard to escape the fact that there's only one solution: the business traveler. Recreational travelers may be important, but that's not where the real money comes from. Airlines salivate over the M&A banker who books a last-minute flight every week. As businesses were laying off and cutting costs, corporate travel suffered, dragging the airlines down with it. With a turn for the better expected this year, airlines are now looking for ways to attract these valuable passengers and the budgets the command. Bed-like seats are starting to pop up, and first class service is finding its way onto regional carriers.

According to airline consultant Bob Harrell, "The business traveler is the most profitable part of the traveler segment." As much as these folks can be a pain in the ass (and I sure was back in my day), they are probably the most important passengers the airline has. Harrell adds, in USA Today, that even in coach, the smallest domestic refundable fare paid by the business traveler tends to be five times higher than the rock-bottom price paid for a comparable ticket by a leisure traveler.

So, to bring the valuable customers in the door, airlines are rolling out the perks. Luxury lounges, in-flight gourmet meals and other amenities, the airlines hope, will put the corporate traveler back in their seats. The airlines are even paying handsomely for the business traveler: Delta, for example, is pumping $1 billion into enhanced up-market services through 2013.

Continue reading Corporate travel comeback expected

Corporate travel comeback expected originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairline industryairline sectorAirlineIndustryairlinesAirlineSectorbusinessbusiness travelBusinessTravelfirst classFirstClassTue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying on American? Use this 10% off code]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/flying-on-american-use-this-10-off-code/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/flying-on-american-use-this-10-off-code/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/flying-on-american-use-this-10-off-code/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've been recently suffering from the aforementioned high airfares that George highlighted this morning, this should provide some solace. American Airlines is giving away free 10% off coupon codes at Century in the Making.

By voting on four of the best football moments in the last century, each visitor to the site (with a unique email address) earns a code with which they can discount future travel. Votes can be cast four times over the duration of the promo, once per each category (High School, College, Special, Professional.)

Not a fan of football? Simply pick four random choices and press vote -- the 10% code will still be sent to your email address.

The discount may be used for ticket purchases made between March 1, 2010, and May 31, 2010, for travel between March 1, 2010, and May 31, 2010.

Flying on American? Use this 10% off code originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american airlinesAmericanAirlinesbudget-travelcheap ticketsCheapTicketscoupondiscount codeDiscountCodeTue, 16 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American Airlines passengers delayed because of... roaches!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/american-airlines-passengers-delayed-because-of-roaches/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/american-airlines-passengers-delayed-because-of-roaches/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/american-airlines-passengers-delayed-because-of-roaches/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



American Airlines passengers were treated to a 90 minute delay on their flight when a colony of roaches was found on their Washington bound plane.

According to a passenger, a flight attendant confirmed that about 50 of the bugs were found around the curtain between the first class cabin and the cockpit.

In the video clip above, you'll get some tips on how to deal with the bugs, including a tip I hadn't even considered - never unpack your suitcase on your bed, as you never know what may come crawling out of it.

Thankfully for passengers, it does sound like American Airlines handled the situation well, and nobody arrived home with any uninvited guests.

Continue reading American Airlines passengers delayed because of... roaches!

American Airlines passengers delayed because of... roaches! originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Continental to charge for meals in coach]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/continental-to-charge-for-formerly-free-meals-in-coach/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/continental-to-charge-for-formerly-free-meals-in-coach/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/continental-to-charge-for-formerly-free-meals-in-coach/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The other shoe has finally dropped. Continental Airlines, the one domestic airline still proudly boasting free meals in coach just announced that they'll be eliminating the perk come fall 2010. They'll be joining the ranks of all other domestic carriers that currently charge for food, a move that they estimate will earn them $35M per year.

Eventually, we all knew that this had to happen. With each carrier gradually moving towards an a la carte model of pricing, extra services from baggage to leg room to food now comes with a price -- that's partially what has kept airline prices so low for the last decade. So in order to remain competitive, Continental had to adapt.

More than anything, Continental's changes are symbolic of an industry changing. Like our parents bemoan the days of black tie air travel, I see myself one day telling my grandkids about how they "used to serve food for free on airplanes!" Perhaps we should just all be happy that we're still getting from point A to point B.

Continental to charge for meals in coach originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a la cartea la carte pricingairline foodairline mealsAirlineFoodAirlineMealsALaCarteALaCartePricingcontinentalcontinental airlinesContinentalAirlinesTue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin America teams up with Morgans Hotels]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/virgin-america-teams-up-with-morgans-hotels/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/virgin-america-teams-up-with-morgans-hotels/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/virgin-america-teams-up-with-morgans-hotels/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Exciting things are afoot over at Virgin America. We're expecting to hear about new routes any day now, but in the meantime, Virgin America is hooking up with a new partner: Morgans Group Hotels.

Starting today, Virgin America's Elevate Frequent Flyer program members can earn 1,000 points per stay at participating Morgans Hotel Group properties toward free Virgin America flights. The Morgans Group hotels have properties in New York, Miami, San Francisco, Boston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles - all Virgin-served destinations.

Here's how it works:

Stay at a Morgans Hotels property and earn 1,000 miles per stay, which can be used toward a Virgin America flight through December 31, 2010. To receive points, you'll have to book via 800.606.6090 or morganshotelgroup.com.

[More information available here, via the company press release]

Virgin America teams up with Morgans Hotels originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotelsmorgans hotel groupMorgansHotelGroupvirgin americaVirginAmericaTue, 16 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Where did all the bargain fares to Europe go?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/where-did-all-the-bargain-fares-to-europe-go/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/where-did-all-the-bargain-fares-to-europe-go/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/where-did-all-the-bargain-fares-to-europe-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Will this be the summer of our discontent when we search for cheap airfares to Europe? Is the party over?

In January 2009, US Air kicked off the summer selling season with tax-included fares for peak summer travel to Europe in the $500's and $600's but that was nothing compared to the $200 and $300 fares that appeared later in the spring and summer.

But that was last year. The winter just ending is the first time in memory that we didn't see dead-of-winter deals to Europe. In winters past, the airlines went into panic mode, selling fares for February travel for as low as $250 or $300 round-trip including taxes, even on nonstops from New York to Paris. This winter, however, fares remained stubbornly stuck in the $600's, $700's and even $800's to most destinations, although there were a few fleeting $500 bargains to such places as Dublin, Barcelona and Madrid.

Even Frankfurt, typically the cheapest gateway to the Continent, saw no amazing deals as in past winters.

So what's going on here, and how does this bode for travel this spring and summer?

Of course, only fools dare to predict how an irrational airline industry will react, so we'll steer clear of hard and fast prognostication. However, the bargain-less winter does not give us much hope.

Continue reading Where did all the bargain fares to Europe go?

Where did all the bargain fares to Europe go? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airfareAirfareDealsairfaresAirfareWatchdogAirline ticket pricesairline ticketingairline ticketsAirlineTicketingAirlineTicketPricesAirlineTicketseuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUniongeorge hobicaGeorgeHobicahobicaTue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Airline buys competitor's cheap seats so you can't]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/14/airline-buys-competitors-cheap-seats-so-you-cant/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/14/airline-buys-competitors-cheap-seats-so-you-cant/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/14/airline-buys-competitors-cheap-seats-so-you-cant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You have to hand it to Climber Sterling, a Danish low cost carrier. When they found out that their competitor, Norwegian Air Shuttle was launching a massive fare sale, instead of letting consumers go out and buy the dirt cheap tickets they scooped them all up. Using a series of fake names and a lot of keyboard stokes, the airline was able to purchase over 650 seats, successfully preventing hundreds of travelers from getting in on the deal and in all probability, sending some business back to Sterling.

It's a clever trick, but highly noncompetitive and kind of low, and the airline's CEO officially apologized to its competitor, saying that the employees acted independent of the company's knowledge. It's worth noting that two of the airline's board members were also in on the operation, so one wonders how sincere that apology was.

Think that this has ever happened in US?

Continue reading Airline buys competitor's cheap seats so you can't

Airline buys competitor's cheap seats so you can't originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairplanebudget-travelcheap ticketsCheapTicketsSun, 14 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[British Airways "on again off again" strike is "on again"]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/13/british-airways-on-again-off-again-strike-is-on-again/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/13/british-airways-on-again-off-again-strike-is-on-again/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/13/british-airways-on-again-off-again-strike-is-on-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Poor British Airways - their staff had originally threatened to walk out during the Christmas vacation last year, but a last minute court objection stopped their plans. Now the staff have once again voted that it is time to strike.

As of right now, the majority of BA cabin crew members will be on strike on March 20, 21 and 22 and again on March 27, 28, 29 and 30.

According to British Airways, not all flights will be canceled, but they have stopped selling tickets for all flights during these dates. On the flights that will operate, you should expect to face some major inconveniences, long delays and other hassles.

Flights operated by BA subsidiary BA CityFlyer will operate normally, as will the London City (LCY) to New York (JFK) flights.

On other flights that are not (yet) canceled, you will probably receive a limited in-flight service, as the cabin crew may have been replaced by pilots who have been retrained on how to serve food and beverages (along with any other cabin crew tasks).

Bottom line is this - if you are currently scheduled to fly on British Airways between March 19th and March 31st, consider finding another airline or delaying your travel plans.

BA will issue refunds or allow you to rebook without any additional charges.

I have been stranded at Heathrow during a BA strike, and I can assure you that the experience is not something I'd ever want others to experience. For the most up to date information on flight disruptions, check out the British Airways strike status pages.

British Airways "on again off again" strike is "on again" originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fees passengers hate actually make sense]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/13/fees-passengers-hate-actually-make-sense/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/13/fees-passengers-hate-actually-make-sense/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/13/fees-passengers-hate-actually-make-sense/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I honestly don't have much of a problem with all the extra fees being tacked on by airlines. They have an obligation to their shareholders to deliver results: it's a fact of life. And, realistically, they don't do us any good if they can't afford to put planes in the air. But, I suspect I'm in the minority on this one. A recent online poll by Airfarewatchdog.com sought to learn which fee passengers hate most and found that 52 percent abhor having to pay to pick a seat. Only 14 percent had a problem paying for snacks. A mere 3 percent (my kindred spirits, I guess) said they were happy to pay for extra services.

George Hobica, Airfarewatchdog.com's president, observes that passengers are more tolerant of fees that come with an added expense to the airline. If you want a meal, someone has to pay for it. Sure, you're going to pay more than the airline does - as you should - but there's an understanding that the airline is picking up part of the burden. With seat assignments, he believes, the fact that there is no incremental cost is what irks passengers.

Continue reading Fees passengers hate actually make sense

Fees passengers hate actually make sense originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairline feesairline industryairline sectorAirlineFeesAirlineIndustryAirlineSectorfeespassengerpassengersSat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[United Airlines announces wireless check-in and paperless boarding passes]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/12/united-airlines-announces-wireless-check-in-and-paperless-boardi/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/12/united-airlines-announces-wireless-check-in-and-paperless-boardi/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/12/united-airlines-announces-wireless-check-in-and-paperless-boardi/#commentsFiled under:

A mere 24 hours after American Airlines announced the expansion of their paperless boarding passes, United Airlines becomes more mobile with their own services. The United Airlines announcement involves two new technologies - mobile check-in and paperless boarding passes.

With mobile check-in, you simply point your mobile browser to mobile.united.com, and enter your flight information. If you are flying out of Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York La Guardia, San Francisco or Washington Dulles, you can have your boarding pass emailed to your device.

For other airports, you'll need to pay Mr Easy Check-In a visit to have a paper boarding pass printed. Of course, if you have baggage to check, you'll still need to stop at a desk or use a Skycap.

With the paperless option, you save a bar code image to your device, ready for the checkpoint and boarding gate staff to scan.

United expects to expand the paperless option to other airports as soon as possible. Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland and Seattle are next on the list to receive the service.

At the United Airlines mobile site, you can also check flight status, flight availability, Mileage Plus statements, Red Carpet Club locations and airport codes. I'm happy to see airlines invest in these technologies - anything that can speed up the process of getting from the front door of the airport to the plane is great.

Have you used mobile boarding passes yet? How was your experience with them?

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United Airlines announces wireless check-in and paperless boarding passes originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital boarding passDigitalBoardingPassmobile boarding passMobileBoardingPassUnited AirlinesUnitedAirlinesFri, 12 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American Airlines expands mobile boarding pass system to 19 new airports]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/12/american-airlines-expands-mobile-boarding-pass-system-to-19-new/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/12/american-airlines-expands-mobile-boarding-pass-system-to-19-new/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/12/american-airlines-expands-mobile-boarding-pass-system-to-19-new/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday, American Airlines announced on Twitter that their mobile boarding pass system has been expanded to 19 new airports.

The system allows you to receive an email link to a mobile boarding pass on your (smart)phone, and to save the image to your device. At the security checkpoint and boarding gate, you simply show your phone, and allow the bar code to be scanned.

Now, this all sounds great on paper, but I've had my fair share of problems getting it to work correctly - the scanners at the checkpoint don't always work, and when you are in line at the gate waiting to board, you'll need to be sure you can pull up the image quickly.

When your phone goes into standby, it can take 20 seconds or more to get back to the image. Also, on the iPhone I've noticed that the image needs some zooming to work correctly. Back in 2008, our very own Grant Martin was one of the first to take the system for a spin - and had similar issues.

Still, paperless boarding is the future, and eventually the minor issues will be resolved, which means you no more late night hassles to find a working printer at your hotel.

The airports participating in the mobile boarding pass system are: Albuquerque (ABQ), Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), El Paso (ELP), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Jacksonville (JAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Little Rock (LIT), Los Angeles (LAX), Memphis (MEM), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Oklahoma City (OKC), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX), Santa Ana/John Wayne/Orange Counte (SNA), Salt Lake City (SLC), San Antonio (SAT), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), Tulsa (TUL), and Washington Dulles (IAD) airports.

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Continue reading American Airlines expands mobile boarding pass system to 19 new airports

American Airlines expands mobile boarding pass system to 19 new airports originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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