Staying alive in Portland

It has been proven conclusively that automated external defibrillators (AED) save lives, and the Port of Portland, which runs Portland International Airport (PDX), is trying to get the word out.

Last spring, the airport put more than 30 AEDs at strategic points throughout the airport terminal and parking structure. Then, the Port of Portland taught some 200 airport emergency responders, as well as dozens of airport employees, how to use the life-saving devices.

The final phase of the project is making the traveling public aware AEDs exist, and how to respond should someone need help.

JetBlue's new Puerto Rican portal

As the temperatures climb this coming Spring, discount airline JetBlue heads south with a couple of new routes to Puerto Rico.

May 3 is the launch date for daily nonstop service from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to San Juan (SJU) and Aguadilla (BQN). The move is a bit of a departure for the cheap seat carrier, which stages most of its flights out of New York JFK.

To create a buzz for the new service, JetBlue is selling introductory cheap seats on the route. These deeper discount airfares have to be purchased by Saturday, February 11, and are good for travel between Wednesday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 24. The one-way fare is $84. The discount airline's regular rates range from $104 to $299 on the Orlando-San Juan, and Orlando-Aguadilla runs.

Cancun calling

It's amazing how quickly Cancun has got back on its feet following last year's hurricane. It's equally amazing how many airlines are launching new routes to the Mexican seaside resort on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Now, Delta Air Lines plans to inaugurate Saturday-only hub-bypass service from Boston Logan International (BOS) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Cancun (CUN) from June 3.

The launch of the service is contingent upon Mexican government approval, but if (as expected) they give the go-ahead, Delta Flight 1667 will depart Boston at 10:10am and arrive in Cancun at 1:35pm, in plenty of time to unpack, head to the beach, and soak up the sun. The return flight, DL 1666, departs Cancun at 2:30pm, and arrives in Boston in the early evening at 7:23pm.

American Airlines goes gourmet

It looks more and more likely that if you want a free meal on your next flight you will have to reserve your first- or business-class seat now. With profit margins dwindling on coach-class ticket sales, airlines have to save every cent they can by charging economy travelers for food, drinks and snacks.

However this has not stopped American Airlines from unveiling indulgent new menus for its first-class and business-class customers.

The new menus will be served on transatlantic flights and are American's first changes to premium class food on these routes since 1999.

Mesa Airlines elbows SkyWest out of Cedar City

Local airline Mesa will become the essential flight provider for Cedar City in Utah, in a move that has met with some criticism.

The Phoenix-based cheap flight operator has been selected by the Department of Transportation (DOT) at the cost of SkyWest, who previously filled the spot.

The Cedar City service is part of the Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service Program, which sees government-subsidized flights serve rural communities.

American Eagle announces new Charleston service

American Eagle is adding a nonstop service between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW). The cheap flight regional affiliate of American Airlines is set to start the service on April 3 and fly two round trips per day.

The new route is likely to be welcomed by Charleston's leisure and business travelers alike. One of the country's top tourism destinations, Dallas/Fort Worth International also offers passengers onward flights to more than 100 cities worldwide.

American Eagle is the country's largest regional airline and the Charleston to Dallas service adds to the 1,700 daily flights it operates to more than 140 cities.

Schumer courts AirTran

© AirTran Airways

Senator Charles Schumer has been hard at work over the last week lobbying AirTran Airways to open new routes from Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) and Albany International Airport (ALB).

AirTran has 20 new airplanes scheduled for delivery this year and Schumer is keen to see some of them parked at airports in his region.

According to local press reports, Schumer has written to Joseph Leonard, CEO of AirTran, on more than one occasion, describing the Capital Region as "hungry for a low-cost air service" and Syracuse Hancock as "an ideal match" for AirTran.

New extended-stay lodging near Fort Lauderdale Airport

Candlewood Suites has just opened a new 71-suite extended-stay hotel near Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The hotel's location at 1120 State Road 84 makes it perfect for those flying through Fort Lauderdale to catch a flight (or cruise) to the Caribbean, and for those wishing to take in South Florida.

What makes this Candlewood Suites particularly interesting for travelers is its proximity not just to the airport, but to Port Everglades Cruise port, a prime embarkation point for travelers heading for Caribbean cruises.

Should you be in the area for a meeting, this Candlewood Suites might also be handy. It’s within decent distance of the Broward County Convention Center.

Logan to ease the way for passengers

Officials at Boston's Logan International Airport have launched a series of measures aimed at improving the experience of the 27 million passengers who use the airport each year.

The scheme will simplify the passage of travelers through the airport by improving signage and making navigation easier.

The first stages will see Logan's terminal D merged with terminal C on March 1. This will leave the active terminals named A, B, C and E, until terminal E is re-named terminal D later in the year.

ATA – Southwest alliance growing

ATA Airlines and Southwest Airlines have added another dimension to their working relationship.

As part of their existing passenger sharing deal, travelers on ATA's Dallas/Fort Worth to Chicago Midway service can now buy Southwest tickets onboard.

Southwest will also soon start to sell tickets for international routes operated by ATA, according to an interview given by Gary Kelly, Southwest CEO, to Channel 8.