SAS' Biggest Sale Ever: Cheap Flights to Europe

Spring in Europe is one of those things that just has to be experienced. Whether you’re intent on scoping out new fashion on the streets of Paris, sharing a pint with a local in Dublin, or taking in every ounce of history in Geneva, you’ll want to check out SAS’ cheap flights from the US to many cities abroad.

From now until Dec. 7 when you book a flight on SAS, you’ll get one-way flights across the Atlantic starting at $235. Fares are based on round-trip purchases, and travel is valid between Jan. 11 – March 25, 2010. Taxes and fees are additional.

Aviation Industry Opposes "Distracted Flying Act"

The two Northwest pilots that overshot their destination last month aren’t getting any breaks. Their oversight on location and focus on laptops in the cockpit have sparked lawmakers to develop proposals for banned or limited use of electronic devises. 

While the public may assume banning laptops is a surefire way to reduce distractions, the debate isn’t an easy one. Industry officials argue that getting rid of electronic devices in the cockpit could actually hinder safety, since some of the tools used on board are helpful for navigating.

In addition to safety, The Air Transport Association also opposes the ban, saying that ridding laptops also means ridding new, innovative technologies that will inevitably help the industry grow toward safer and more precise measures.

Continental Offers New Nonstop Flights to Munich

Munich is unique to the rest of Germany because of its Bavarian history that dates back to Ludwig II himself. Now, Continental and its new partner, Lufthansa are bringing you to the beer-loving city nonstop from Newark International.

Today the airline announces that it will bring nonstop flights from New York to Munich beginning March 27, 2010. The transatlantic flights will complement Lufthansa’s already existing routes, and will be operated by Boeing 767-200 ERs. Each plane will seat 25 passengers in BusinessFirst, and 149 passengers in economy seating.

AirTran to Include Advertisements on Tray Tables

This year, we’ve seen quite a few airlines try scheme after scheme to make up for the recession by charging passengers very detailed fees. From wireless Internet to bathroom fees, to luggage charges and expensive holiday fees, the list of new rates is endless. Now, AirTran has turned the tables, and is charging someone else to come on board: advertisers.

AirTran will now use advertisements the back of every tray table of its 138 Boeing jets. Strategically located, the ads are eye-level and unavoidable, since trays must be folded and locked during both landing and take-off.

Although Ireland-based Ryanair and England-based Easyjet, both have experimented with advertisements, AirTran remains to be the first in the United States to have an advertisement on every seat in every plane.

Delta Makes Offer for JAL to Abandon its Partnership with American Airlines

While American undergoes internal challenges, they’re also competing externally to keep Japan Airlines (JAL) as a partner. Delta, now the largest carrier in the world, is trying to lure JAL to leave American and its Oneworld Alliance, and join it and Skyteam to recover from its recent fiscal struggles.

Since the 1990’s, American has partnered with JAL, and collaborates on routes and rewards programs. While American stays firm in its stance that JAL’s best move is to stay with the Oneworld Alliance and work through its conflict, Delta is pushing back and making a lucrative offer.

American Airlines' Flight Attendants Stage Strike

In an effort to display their unhappiness concerning stalled contract negotiations, flight attendants for American Airlines staged a fake strike yesterday at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Picketing workers stood at entrances and handed leaflets to passengers detailing their point of view. They chanted slogans, mocked the CEO, and flight attendants in the air wore red badges that signified flights that they believed would not be able to fly without them.

Flight attendants for American Airlines have taken 33 percent pay cuts and benefits since 2003, and have received reduces pay raises annually, according to USA Today.

One Day Only! JetBlue Sale, $29-$129

Break out of your routine and capitalize on a little spontaneity, courtesy of JetBlue. Today only, you can take advantage of its sale until 11:59 MDT, and get cheap flights to big cities, family destinations, and hot beach locations.

Imagine laying on the beach in the Bahamas, or sipping martinis in Manhattan. Whatever you have in mind, JetBlue has the destination for you.

Travel from Dec. 2- Dec. 15, or Jan. 6 – Jan. 28. Some black out days and day-of-the week restrictions apply per location, so make sure to read the fine print. Rates are valid for both directions, except for when flying from Barbados, Cancun, Santo Domingo and Saint Lucia – from which only US origins are valid.

US Airways Vacations: Flights and 2 Nights in Vegas, from $162

Sometimes there’s nothing like taking a weekend and pushing it to the limit. Forget high last-minute fares, or hum-drum locations – US Airways Vacations is offering an affordable weekend in Las Vegas that includes flights and two nights in many participating hotels.

Sit back and enjoy the relaxation of your hotel pool or spa, or indulge in upscale shopping. Hop into any one of the luxurious casinos and spend the night at a famous club. The Strip is full of lights, music, celebrities and fun, so pack your bags and go.

Each hotel has its own book and travel-by date, so choose carefully.

United, Continental Partner on Upgrades

Good news frequent fliers: If you’re a United Airlines elite-level traveler, you’ll be entitled to unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades on Continental Airlines flights, beginning in mid-2010.

The new benefits, which are also available for Continental frequent fliers traveling on United flights, are thanks to the global partnership the two airlines created 2008. Additional benefits currently include the option for travelers on either airline to accrue and redeem miles on the other airline when traveling.

Starting in 2010, United elite-level customers will get access to Continental’s Premium Seating area for upcoming flights, and vice-versa for Continental customers.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer

Delta Extends Lease at Atlanta Airport

Delta Air Lines is extending its contract at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reports. According to the paper, the Atlanta City Council approved a seven-year extension of Delta's lease with the Atlanta airport.

The lease keeps Delta from leaving Atlanta as a hub location, and ensures additional Atlanta flights from Delta and its partners.

As part of the lease extension, Delta will contribute to a planned $1.3 billion international terminal renovation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer