The cost of flying Frontier, American, Delta and United continues to climb
Like a jet plane soaring to cruising altitude, the cost of flying continues to climb. "Crisis" is the word most often heard in airline circles. The latest news, tough on travelers but necessary given the unchecked inflation of aviation fuel, includes:
Frontier Airlines, which is already operating under bankruptcy protection, became the latest carrier to jump on the second-bag-charge bandwagon. Just before the long Memorial Day weekend, the Denver-based carrier announced that as of June 10, it will charge $15 per second checked bag costs $25. Also, the surcharge for oversize and/or overweight bags will rise from $50 to $75, and the cost of bringing a pair of antlers climbs from $75 to $100. Don't laugh. With a strong presence in the Mountain States, Frontier flies a lot of hunters -- and if successful, they like to bring their trophies home. Frontier’s mileage club members, active military duty personnel and people who purchase tickets before June 10 will be exempt from the extra bag charge, but presumably not the other increases.
The fee for unaccompanied minors aged five through 14 rises on two carriers. American is increasing it from $75 to $100 each way. Delta, which until now charged $50 for nonstops and $100 for connecting flights, is leveling all fees at $100, connection or no connection.
Pet policies and fees are changing as well -- and not favorably for animal owners. American and Delta are upping the fee for bringing pets into the cabin to $100 each way, up from $80 and $75, respectively. Checking a pet into the cargo hold rises to $150 each way on American, up from $100, and $200 on Delta, up from $150. Frontier is barring pets from airplane cabins altogether starting June 10. I wonder whether flying a live, crated animal will cost the same as a pair of antlers.
American, Delta and United are raising their fares by as much as $60 roundtrip for flights of more than 1,500 miles. People who track such things note that it will be the big airlines' 12th successive increase this year. Meanwhile, big-box retailers are promoting home, garden and patio enhancements for those who have thrown in the 2009 travel towel and are planning a "staycation" instead.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Southwest to Bid for Frontier
Leading no-frills, low-fare carrier to bid for Denver-based Frontier. Keep fingers crossed
Frontier Airlines is in bankruptcy protection right now. Republic Airways Holdings seemed poised to take over the Denver-based carrier, its convenient A-Gates at Denver International Airport and, hopefully, bring it out of bankputcy while retaining Coloradans loyalty for this home-grown carrier. A just just-released news from Southwest Airlines indicates that it too is now in the running. Republic indicated that it planned to operate Frontier independently. Whether Southwest would do so is an unknown, but its track record is fantastic. In the best of all worlds as I see it, Southwest's bid would be successful, and that company would run Frontier but under its original colors and with those clever "spokesanimals" on the tail.
Below Southwest's just-out press release as it relates to customers, with the section for the investment/financial community deleted:
Title: Southwest Airlines Developing Bid Proposal in Frontier Airlines Bankruptcy Court Proceeding
Date: 7/30/2009 1:20:00 PM
Low-Fare Carrier Seeks to Acquire Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)
confirmed today that the carrier is preparing a bid to acquire Denver-based
Frontier Airlines, which will be sold at auction in bankruptcy court next
month. The carrier has submitted a nonbinding proposal in accordance with the
bidding procedures established in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern
District of New York. The bid is worth a minimum of $113.6 million, which is
in excess of the bid currently filed by Republic Airways.
Submission of a nonbinding proposal gives Southwest an opportunity to
engage with Frontier in the due diligence required to determine the scope of a
binding proposal to be submitted by the court's Aug. 10, 2009, deadline.
"We are excited about the opportunity to submit a bid," said Gary Kelly,
Southwest's Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. "We see a strong fit
between our Company cultures, a mutual commitment to high quality Customer
Service, and similar entrepreneurial roots."
A successful acquisition of Frontier Airlines will allow Southwest to
expand its network with its legendary low fares, add jobs into Southwest, and
boost competition in Denver and other cities. Southwest is a qualified
investor and is still preparing its proposal; therefore, it is premature to
comment on the specifics at this point.
To view a Q&A with a Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President Corporate
Services and Corporate Secretary Ron Ricks, please visit:
http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-bids-frontier-airlines.
Frontier filed for bankruptcy court protection in April 2008. On June 22,
2009, Republic Airways submitted a bid to purchase Frontier for $108.8
million.
After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines offers a reliable product
with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive
airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience
with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest recently
updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying
Southwest Airlines even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines
currently serves 66 cities in 33 states, and announced service to Boston
Logan, which begins Aug. 16, 2009, and to Milwaukee, which begins Nov. 1,
2009. Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more
than 35,000 Employees systemwide.
Frontier Airlines is in bankruptcy protection right now. Republic Airways Holdings seemed poised to take over the Denver-based carrier, its convenient A-Gates at Denver International Airport and, hopefully, bring it out of bankputcy while retaining Coloradans loyalty for this home-grown carrier. A just just-released news from Southwest Airlines indicates that it too is now in the running. Republic indicated that it planned to operate Frontier independently. Whether Southwest would do so is an unknown, but its track record is fantastic. In the best of all worlds as I see it, Southwest's bid would be successful, and that company would run Frontier but under its original colors and with those clever "spokesanimals" on the tail.
Below Southwest's just-out press release as it relates to customers, with the section for the investment/financial community deleted:
Title: Southwest Airlines Developing Bid Proposal in Frontier Airlines Bankruptcy Court Proceeding
Date: 7/30/2009 1:20:00 PM
Low-Fare Carrier Seeks to Acquire Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)
confirmed today that the carrier is preparing a bid to acquire Denver-based
Frontier Airlines, which will be sold at auction in bankruptcy court next
month. The carrier has submitted a nonbinding proposal in accordance with the
bidding procedures established in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern
District of New York. The bid is worth a minimum of $113.6 million, which is
in excess of the bid currently filed by Republic Airways.
Submission of a nonbinding proposal gives Southwest an opportunity to
engage with Frontier in the due diligence required to determine the scope of a
binding proposal to be submitted by the court's Aug. 10, 2009, deadline.
"We are excited about the opportunity to submit a bid," said Gary Kelly,
Southwest's Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. "We see a strong fit
between our Company cultures, a mutual commitment to high quality Customer
Service, and similar entrepreneurial roots."
A successful acquisition of Frontier Airlines will allow Southwest to
expand its network with its legendary low fares, add jobs into Southwest, and
boost competition in Denver and other cities. Southwest is a qualified
investor and is still preparing its proposal; therefore, it is premature to
comment on the specifics at this point.
To view a Q&A with a Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President Corporate
Services and Corporate Secretary Ron Ricks, please visit:
http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-bids-frontier-airlines.
Frontier filed for bankruptcy court protection in April 2008. On June 22,
2009, Republic Airways submitted a bid to purchase Frontier for $108.8
million.
After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines offers a reliable product
with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive
airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience
with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest recently
updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying
Southwest Airlines even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines
currently serves 66 cities in 33 states, and announced service to Boston
Logan, which begins Aug. 16, 2009, and to Milwaukee, which begins Nov. 1,
2009. Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more
than 35,000 Employees systemwide.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Intrusive New Airport Security Sceening
Explicit "full body scan" in place at six major US airports, including DIA
The Transportation Security Administration is at it again with an invasive new screening process. Denver International Airport (starting yesterday), Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport, Los Angeles International, New York's JFK International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International and Albuquerque International Sunport have installed L-3 Communications' millimeter-wave screening devices. These $158,000 machines bounce radio waves off the body to produce what has been described as "a graphic, whole-body image." While it is designed to reveal weapons and explosives that people might hide on their persons, it actually produces a controversial anatomically revealing image that is shockingly intrusive and invasive.
In a piece called "Airport Rolls Out Full-Body Scanning," Denver Post reporter Jeffrey Leib asked about travelers' legitimate privacy concerns:
There are unpleasant side effects too. In addition to an intrusive new system inflicted on any one of us card-carrying Americans, our government now abuses our foreign visitors both coming and going. We fingerprint and photograph them when they enter the country as if they were under arrest, and we now can subject them them to a revealing full-body scan when they leave. Did I mention that this millimeter-wave scanning device is also being sold to "justice centers" (i.e., courthouses and jails).
The Transportation Security Administration is at it again with an invasive new screening process. Denver International Airport (starting yesterday), Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport, Los Angeles International, New York's JFK International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International and Albuquerque International Sunport have installed L-3 Communications' millimeter-wave screening devices. These $158,000 machines bounce radio waves off the body to produce what has been described as "a graphic, whole-body image." While it is designed to reveal weapons and explosives that people might hide on their persons, it actually produces a controversial anatomically revealing image that is shockingly intrusive and invasive.
In a piece called "Airport Rolls Out Full-Body Scanning," Denver Post reporter Jeffrey Leib asked about travelers' legitimate privacy concerns:
"Travelers who do not want to submit to millimeter-wave screening can optFor a PG-13 version of how the system works, click here and follow the obvious links. The videos seem to be L-3 Communications', so they appear quite innocuous. The device works quickly and could, in theory, speed up the security process, but checking in has become such a long and tedious process that gaining a little time per passenger seems a high price to pay for this assult on personal privacy.
for a pat-down search instead, [David] Bassett, [TSA's federal security director
in Denver] said. The new technology is 'less invasive' than the pat down,
he said. 'Some people don't want to be touched.'... To deal with privacy concerns, TSA is offering protections on whole-body scanning, including blurring the faces on images of passengers being screened, examining the images in a remote room and offering no possibility for images to be stored, printed, transmitted or reproduced, Bassett said.
"Whole-body imaging 'is an extremely high invasion of privacy,' although
TSA's effort to ensure that images are never made public is 'commendable,' said John Soma, a University of Denver law professor and executive director of the
Privacy Foundation. 'The compliance level has to be extremely high,' Soma said
of TSA's need to adhere to its rules in order to protect passengers' privacy. A
sign at the entrance of the millimeter-wave machine at DIA tells passengers to
'Remove everything from your pockets before entering. This includes all paper,
plastic items, pens and wallets.'
"As a passenger stands in the machine, it takes 2 seconds for the image to
be generated and 10 to 12 seconds for a screener in another room to interpret
the scan. On Wednesday, TSA employees stood in the machine to demonstrate its
capabilities. In a tiny, closed room at the back of the checkpoint, screener
Bill Whitlock scanned the image that appeared on his computer screen. It was
graphic and detailed, and the face was blurred. A shirt button, a belt buckle
and underwire in a bra were visible. Whitlock used a two-way radio to tell
another screener stationed at the millimeter-wave machine that the image had
been reviewed and the person could exit the machine. A sign on the door to the
small screening room says, 'Warning: Following items prohibited beyond this
point. — cellphones — video cameras — image-capturing devices. '
"Bassett said millimeter-wave screening will complement other technologies
already installed at checkpoints, including explosive-trace-detection portals,
or 'puffers,' that blow jets of air over a passenger's body and analyze air
samples for explosive residue. 'The puffer is sniffing; this is seeing,' Bassett
said of the millimeter-wave technology."
There are unpleasant side effects too. In addition to an intrusive new system inflicted on any one of us card-carrying Americans, our government now abuses our foreign visitors both coming and going. We fingerprint and photograph them when they enter the country as if they were under arrest, and we now can subject them them to a revealing full-body scan when they leave. Did I mention that this millimeter-wave scanning device is also being sold to "justice centers" (i.e., courthouses and jails).
Hotel Review Sites: Useful or Misleading?
Thoughts about hired reporters vs. "volunteers" who post about travel
A few months ago, I needed a last-minute hotel/motel room in Santa Monica. I foolishly booked online without doing due diligence and found myself trapped in the Pacific Sands Motel, which I have described to friends as the "worst motel in the country." I blogged about here. Had I read the traveler-generated reviews on, say, TripAdvisor.com before booking, I might have suspected that it is a pit. But then again, when I looked later, I saw some positive write-ups that might not have deterred me. I've always suspected that some of the good reviews of bad places (and defensive comments to negative reviews) were plants.
Pauline Frommer, whose budget travel genes are as pure as Prince Charles's to the English throne, recently addressed that very topic, "Some marketing folks spend their time posting bogus reviews for the hotels that hire them. The practice of 'buzz marketing' has now become so widespread that TripAdvisor has recently started posting warnings on reviews it thinks may be fake. (I doubt very much they’ll be able to catch more than a small fraction of the fake reviews.)"
She went on to describe Oyster.com, which focuses only on hotels and, more significantly, "sends out a small army of young journalists (right) to write reviews....[who] post numerous pictures, crawl around on the floor looking for scuff marks and cigarette burns (or at least they say they do in their posts) and most importantly, compare and contrast the properties in an informed way."
Frommer praises their energy and accepts their objectivity, but she cautions that prices and price categories are the new site's major weakness. For instance, in examining the listings and reviews in New York, with which she is up-to-date familiar, she finds several properties misplaced, pricewise, and also believes that the averages were calculated in January and February, "the two cheapest months of the year." She added, "The reviewers also seem to be so focused on what’s going on in the hotel that they tend to ignore a key factor in picking where to stay: location. The amenities and charms of particular neighborhoods over others are glossed over lightly on the site." That is directly to contrary to the dreadful Pacific Sands Motel across from the Santa Monica pier, whose location for many people trumps its abundant flaws.
From where I sit in a fly-over state, a glaring flaw that still currently exists is its extreme geographic limitation: currently Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Las Vegas ("coming soon"), Miami and New York. Three Caribbean destinations and three mainland cities. That's it.
My travel plans include none of the above, and when I go to New York, my favorite and most economical accommodation is the Hotel Fold-Out Couch at a friend's place. Still, Pauline Frommer's recommendation, even with caveats, carries considerable weight, so I share it here.
A few months ago, I needed a last-minute hotel/motel room in Santa Monica. I foolishly booked online without doing due diligence and found myself trapped in the Pacific Sands Motel, which I have described to friends as the "worst motel in the country." I blogged about here. Had I read the traveler-generated reviews on, say, TripAdvisor.com before booking, I might have suspected that it is a pit. But then again, when I looked later, I saw some positive write-ups that might not have deterred me. I've always suspected that some of the good reviews of bad places (and defensive comments to negative reviews) were plants.
Pauline Frommer, whose budget travel genes are as pure as Prince Charles's to the English throne, recently addressed that very topic, "Some marketing folks spend their time posting bogus reviews for the hotels that hire them. The practice of 'buzz marketing' has now become so widespread that TripAdvisor has recently started posting warnings on reviews it thinks may be fake. (I doubt very much they’ll be able to catch more than a small fraction of the fake reviews.)"
She went on to describe Oyster.com, which focuses only on hotels and, more significantly, "sends out a small army of young journalists (right) to write reviews....[who] post numerous pictures, crawl around on the floor looking for scuff marks and cigarette burns (or at least they say they do in their posts) and most importantly, compare and contrast the properties in an informed way."Frommer praises their energy and accepts their objectivity, but she cautions that prices and price categories are the new site's major weakness. For instance, in examining the listings and reviews in New York, with which she is up-to-date familiar, she finds several properties misplaced, pricewise, and also believes that the averages were calculated in January and February, "the two cheapest months of the year." She added, "The reviewers also seem to be so focused on what’s going on in the hotel that they tend to ignore a key factor in picking where to stay: location. The amenities and charms of particular neighborhoods over others are glossed over lightly on the site." That is directly to contrary to the dreadful Pacific Sands Motel across from the Santa Monica pier, whose location for many people trumps its abundant flaws.
From where I sit in a fly-over state, a glaring flaw that still currently exists is its extreme geographic limitation: currently Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Las Vegas ("coming soon"), Miami and New York. Three Caribbean destinations and three mainland cities. That's it.
My travel plans include none of the above, and when I go to New York, my favorite and most economical accommodation is the Hotel Fold-Out Couch at a friend's place. Still, Pauline Frommer's recommendation, even with caveats, carries considerable weight, so I share it here.
Southwest Will Win Friends with Two-Bag Allowance
Low-cost carrier retains traditional checked-bag policies
On the heels of American Airlines' ill-conceived decision to begin levying a $15 charge for the first checked bag for most passengers and several carrier's recently instituted second-bag fee of $25, Southwest just sent out the following statement, which I quote in its entirety:
The entire issue of surcharges set travel consumer advocate Christopher Elliott off on a recent rant. He wrote "Five Airline Fees That Make Absolutely No Sense Whatsover" -- and that was before American decided to impose a fee for even the first checked bag.
On the heels of American Airlines' ill-conceived decision to begin levying a $15 charge for the first checked bag for most passengers and several carrier's recently instituted second-bag fee of $25, Southwest just sent out the following statement, which I quote in its entirety:
"Today's New York Times story on American Airlines' plan to charge for all checked luggage included a reference to Southwest Airlines that said, 'Other major American airlines, including Southwest Airlines, said Wednesday that they were considering matching the fee.' That is not true. The next line quotes a Southwest spokesperson saying, 'We're doing everything we can do to boost revenue, but it's not our goal to nickel and dime our customers.' That is true. We want to assure you that Southwest Airlines still allows you to check up to two free bags when you travel with us, and has no plans to change that. You can still count on Southwest Airlines to provide high quality air travel at a low fare, without a lot of extra fees. We look forward to seeing you onboard very soon. (And bring your luggage!)"As I noted in my blog post yesterday that included news of this American Airlines "revenue enchancer," I believe that this surcharge will backfire and many passengers will avoid American whenever they can. Fifteen dollars is not a fortune, but for the proverbial family of four on a tight budget, that additional $60 each way to check just one bag apiece, the new fee can make or break a trip. Now, perhaps driving becomes a more reasonable option -- and so is staying home and enjoying what has come to be called a "staycation."
The entire issue of surcharges set travel consumer advocate Christopher Elliott off on a recent rant. He wrote "Five Airline Fees That Make Absolutely No Sense Whatsover" -- and that was before American decided to impose a fee for even the first checked bag.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Airline & Airport News
American to Charge $15 for First Checked Bag
American Airlines is about to charge more and provide less. The carrier is culling 75 aircraft from its fleet, which will definitely mean an 11-12 percent reduction in capacity and probably result in the elimination and not just reduction of service to some current cities. Additional bad news is that anyone booking flights after June 15 will paying $15 for the first checked bag -- unless s/he is flying full-fare economy, first class or business-first; is flying on a government or military fare or active military; has reached premium status on America's AAdvantage frequent flier program, or is connecting to/from a codeshare flight not operated by American. Plus, of course, American is also charging most passengers $25 for the second checked bag on all flights. The airline is adding or inreasing other surcharges. It's probably just as well that American is cutting capacity, because travelers will probably avoid the airline if there are options -- unless of course other carriers fall into line. These decisions are not sitting any better with employees than with customers. Employees reportedly picketed the airline's Fort Worth headquarters during annual shareholder meeting.
Singapore Airlines Converting Airbus 340-500 to All-Business Class
And for a glimpse at how the other half flies -- the "small half," that is -- consider Singapore Airlines' conversion of its A340-500s to and from the US, where front-of-the-pl
ane luxury will soon be all-of-the-plane luxury as the carrier converts all five aircraft to all business class. The airline just inaugurated nonstop flights to Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN) from Newark International Airport (EWR) three times a week, which will increase to daily service by the end of June. It also flies LAX-SIN and SFO-SIN and will becomne the first carrier with all-business class transpacific service. Cabins are configured with just 100 30-inch-wide leather seats that convert into full-flat beds, with singles by the windows and two in the century of this wide-body aircraft. (In a three-class configuration, this plane can carry up to 313 passengers, which gives you an idea of just how much space each business class passenger has.)
This all-business class service includes new menus served restaurant-style and a new Passenger Corner area for socializing, drinks and snacks -- plus an enhanced inflight entertainment system. Passengers can now plug in their iPods, iPhones (for audio and video content only) and USB flash drives to view content on the system’s 15-inch-screen. Passengers on these flights won't be charged for checking bags.
British Airways to Upgrade JFK Facilities
Beginning next month, British Airways is also doing right by its front-cabin fliers as it furbishes its ground facilities at New York's JFK International Airport to the tune of $30 million. The 18-month project will enhance the check-in experience for for premium fliers with a dedicated curbside drop-off area for First and Executive Club Gold passengers; an upgraded check-in area for Club World and Executive Club Silver customers, and the renovation of lounges to the standards set at London's Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 5. Let's hope that the baggage handling system does not echo the problems when the new terminal at Heathrow opened in March, which I reported on here. After that fiasco, I am amazed that BA has the wherewithal to redo its JFK facility, but then again, with the strong pound and the weak dollar, it's a good deal for the airline now. The renewed JFK facility will aiming at Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Southwest Announces More Denver Flights
In addition to new Denver flights services announced earlier, Southwest Airlines is adding three daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and San Francisco and three daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and Omaha. These new flights begin September 2.
Mesa Airlines Subsidiary to Cut Service to 16 Communities
By June 30, it will no longer be possible to fly Air Midwest to Lewisburg, WV; DuBois and Franklin, PA; Athens, GA; Ely, NV.; Merced and Visalia, CA; Prescott and Kingman, AZ.; Farmington, NM; Columbia, Joplin and Kirksville, MO.; Grand Island and McCook, NB.; and Little Rock, AR. That's because parent company, Mesa Airlines, is shutting down this commuter subsidiary. Keep in mind that Air Midwest is not the same carrier as Midwest Airlines, which last time I looked, was still flying.
Continental Inaugurates Cleveland-Paris Nonstops
Tomorrow is the first day first day of Continental's new seasonal nonstop flights beteween its Cleveland hub (CVG) and Paris -- that's France, not Texas where Continental is headquartered. Continental will use Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG); Continental already flies Cleveland-London but utilizes Gatwick rather than Heathrow. The CVG-CDG flight will operate daily through September 1 -- just before Labor Day.
Delta and Northwest to Merge -- Probably
I've avoided posting items about mergers of major US carriers, because other engagements have been called off -- i.e., Delta-US Airways last year; America West-USAir in 2005, a merger that occurred in 2006 to create US Airways; United-US Airways in 2000. However, it looks as if Delta and Northwest will indeed the knot -- though exactly when is still a question mark and what it will be called has also not yet been announced. What will it mean? Other than a joint pre-merger website, perhaps eventually fewer flights, even though they claim that it will create a "premier global airline" and "is a merger based on addition, not subtraction, and it will open a world of opportunities for customers and employees."
China Earthquake Relief Donations Net Mileage Plus Credits
United Mileage Plus members who contribute $50 online or more through the American Red Cross's China Earthquake Relief Fund will receive a one-time 500-mile bonus. In order to receive the mileage credit, you need to forward your electronic receipt from the American Red Cross to ChinaRelief-Miles@united.com.
American Airlines is about to charge more and provide less. The carrier is culling 75 aircraft from its fleet, which will definitely mean an 11-12 percent reduction in capacity and probably result in the elimination and not just reduction of service to some current cities. Additional bad news is that anyone booking flights after June 15 will paying $15 for the first checked bag -- unless s/he is flying full-fare economy, first class or business-first; is flying on a government or military fare or active military; has reached premium status on America's AAdvantage frequent flier program, or is connecting to/from a codeshare flight not operated by American. Plus, of course, American is also charging most passengers $25 for the second checked bag on all flights. The airline is adding or inreasing other surcharges. It's probably just as well that American is cutting capacity, because travelers will probably avoid the airline if there are options -- unless of course other carriers fall into line. These decisions are not sitting any better with employees than with customers. Employees reportedly picketed the airline's Fort Worth headquarters during annual shareholder meeting.
Singapore Airlines Converting Airbus 340-500 to All-Business Class
And for a glimpse at how the other half flies -- the "small half," that is -- consider Singapore Airlines' conversion of its A340-500s to and from the US, where front-of-the-pl
ane luxury will soon be all-of-the-plane luxury as the carrier converts all five aircraft to all business class. The airline just inaugurated nonstop flights to Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN) from Newark International Airport (EWR) three times a week, which will increase to daily service by the end of June. It also flies LAX-SIN and SFO-SIN and will becomne the first carrier with all-business class transpacific service. Cabins are configured with just 100 30-inch-wide leather seats that convert into full-flat beds, with singles by the windows and two in the century of this wide-body aircraft. (In a three-class configuration, this plane can carry up to 313 passengers, which gives you an idea of just how much space each business class passenger has.)This all-business class service includes new menus served restaurant-style and a new Passenger Corner area for socializing, drinks and snacks -- plus an enhanced inflight entertainment system. Passengers can now plug in their iPods, iPhones (for audio and video content only) and USB flash drives to view content on the system’s 15-inch-screen. Passengers on these flights won't be charged for checking bags.
British Airways to Upgrade JFK Facilities
Beginning next month, British Airways is also doing right by its front-cabin fliers as it furbishes its ground facilities at New York's JFK International Airport to the tune of $30 million. The 18-month project will enhance the check-in experience for for premium fliers with a dedicated curbside drop-off area for First and Executive Club Gold passengers; an upgraded check-in area for Club World and Executive Club Silver customers, and the renovation of lounges to the standards set at London's Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 5. Let's hope that the baggage handling system does not echo the problems when the new terminal at Heathrow opened in March, which I reported on here. After that fiasco, I am amazed that BA has the wherewithal to redo its JFK facility, but then again, with the strong pound and the weak dollar, it's a good deal for the airline now. The renewed JFK facility will aiming at Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Southwest Announces More Denver Flights
In addition to new Denver flights services announced earlier, Southwest Airlines is adding three daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and San Francisco and three daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and Omaha. These new flights begin September 2.
Mesa Airlines Subsidiary to Cut Service to 16 Communities
By June 30, it will no longer be possible to fly Air Midwest to Lewisburg, WV; DuBois and Franklin, PA; Athens, GA; Ely, NV.; Merced and Visalia, CA; Prescott and Kingman, AZ.; Farmington, NM; Columbia, Joplin and Kirksville, MO.; Grand Island and McCook, NB.; and Little Rock, AR. That's because parent company, Mesa Airlines, is shutting down this commuter subsidiary. Keep in mind that Air Midwest is not the same carrier as Midwest Airlines, which last time I looked, was still flying.
Continental Inaugurates Cleveland-Paris Nonstops
Tomorrow is the first day first day of Continental's new seasonal nonstop flights beteween its Cleveland hub (CVG) and Paris -- that's France, not Texas where Continental is headquartered. Continental will use Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG); Continental already flies Cleveland-London but utilizes Gatwick rather than Heathrow. The CVG-CDG flight will operate daily through September 1 -- just before Labor Day.
Delta and Northwest to Merge -- Probably
I've avoided posting items about mergers of major US carriers, because other engagements have been called off -- i.e., Delta-US Airways last year; America West-USAir in 2005, a merger that occurred in 2006 to create US Airways; United-US Airways in 2000. However, it looks as if Delta and Northwest will indeed the knot -- though exactly when is still a question mark and what it will be called has also not yet been announced. What will it mean? Other than a joint pre-merger website, perhaps eventually fewer flights, even though they claim that it will create a "premier global airline" and "is a merger based on addition, not subtraction, and it will open a world of opportunities for customers and employees."
China Earthquake Relief Donations Net Mileage Plus Credits
United Mileage Plus members who contribute $50 online or more through the American Red Cross's China Earthquake Relief Fund will receive a one-time 500-mile bonus. In order to receive the mileage credit, you need to forward your electronic receipt from the American Red Cross to ChinaRelief-Miles@united.com.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Frontier's Larry the Lynx Commercial Wins an Emmy
There nust be something about airliners' tails....
Back in airlines' bright, shiny and profitable days ( i.e., the '70s) and when they sought to attract the traveling businessman with slightly provacative commercials, Continental Airlines ran a television commercial that claimed,
"We really move our tails for you. 
We make your every wish come true.
Fly Continental Airlines.
We really move our tails for you."
The follow-up described Continental planes, in their former livery (right), as "proud birds with golden tails." Ah, the fantasy of shapely young stewardesses aiming to please.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, when more overtly sexy commercials fill the airwaves (the current Cadillac commercial presented ad nauseum during the Tour de France), but even the most clueless creative department won't pretend that air travel today is sexy.
An ad campaign for Denver-based Frontier Airlines, which is about to be
come part of the Republic Airways group (but hopefully will retain its own identity), has been running an ad campaign that is cute, clever and memorable. Talking animals on the tails of Frontier planes extol the virtues of Frontier, and one of them is now a regional Emmy winner.
come part of the Republic Airways group (but hopefully will retain its own identity), has been running an ad campaign that is cute, clever and memorable. Talking animals on the tails of Frontier planes extol the virtues of Frontier, and one of them is now a regional Emmy winner. The honored ad features Larry the Lynx (right) and Jack the Rabbit, two of the "spokesanimals" adorning the tails of Frontier's planes, who explain that the airline has switched to leather seats. Larry adds that Frontier doesn't have a cow its planes, because "It would be creepy." Click here to see the Emmy-winning commercial.
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