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.

4 Airlines Extend, Raise Surcharges for Peak Travel Times

At first it was just an extra $10 or $20 added to your Thanksgiving flight, but the airlines have raked in so much additional revenue from the surcharges they're extending -- and increasing -- the surcharges through peak travel times in 2010.

United, Delta, and Northwest are increasing their peak travel time flights by $50 in some cases through Memorial Day 2010. US Airways took another approach and is adding a surcharge equal to 5% of the fare price on all domestic flights starting May 8.

The $50 surcharge applies to flights on Feb. 8, the day after the Super Bowl. The other surcharges range between $10 and $30 and coincide with peak travel times in the Spring, which will affect Spring Break travelers.

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

Horizon Air Cuts Flights from Walla Walla to Seattle

We’ve told you about some of the major carriers in the airline industry, like Delta cutting flights in order to save costs, but the smaller regional airlines are preparing for financial strain as well. Yesterday, Horizon Air announced that it will cut one out of three daily flights from Walla Walla to Seattle, Washington.

The decision comes as a last resort, and one that has been worked on since last year. Back then, Horizon realized that its larger planes weren’t filling to capacity, and made a switch to smaller, 76-seat Q400. Still with not much success or demand, Horizon made direct flights to Seattle more profitable by adding a stop in Pasco.

Delta Offers Free WiFi for Thanksgiving Flights

If you're flying Delta Nov. 24-30 get ready to plug in: Delta Air Lines is offering free in-flight WiFi on their domestic flights. The LA Times is reporting that Delta and eBay are teaming up to match Google and Virgin America's free in-flight WiFi campaigns.

The catch: Delta passengers will log onto the Web and be immediately transported to the holiday page on eBay.

Delta Moves Closer to Cashless Cabin

Delta Air Lines is one step closer to a cashless cabin, according to The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. The newspaper is reporting that Delta will only accept credit cards for on-board food and alcoholic drink purchases starting Dec. 1 on all domestic Delta and Northwest flights.

Delta will still take cash and credit on international flights; and it does not accept credit cards on Delta Connection flights on its regional carrier partners such as Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

Other airlines on the cashless craze include JetBlue, AirTran Airways, American and United. The airlines, including Delta and Northwest, use hand-held credit card readers to process the in-flight transactions.

Delta and American Vie for Partnership with Japan Airlines

Delta-Northwest and American Airlines are competing for partnership with Japan Airlines. The Asian carrier has had a very public financial struggle this year, and has asked the government for more funding in order to keep afloat.

Currently, a partnership exists between Japan Airlines and American Airlines. The two companies share frequent flier benefits and international routes. In order to save money, Japan Airlines has cut certain routes, and is looking for more ways to gain capital.

Delta Offers Cheap Flights to Athens, Venice, and More

Athens has ancient ruins, Istanbul has diversity and Venice has its famous waterways. And, Delta Air Lines has flights to these cities and other European destinations starting at $239 each way.

Departures are limited to New York City (JFK), but travel is valid through March 2010. The blackout dates for each destination vary, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a flight.

In a search for flights to Athens, we found a fare in February for $782 round-trip, taxes and fees included. In a wider fare search, British Airways had the same route for $790 round-trip.

Book by Nov. 9.

Three Nights in Las Vegas - Hotel and Car Included, from $193

Everyone knows that the holidays are stressful. Whether you’re organizing family dinners or going nuts about shopping, there’s so much to do, and sometimes you just need a break. And where are the best breaks born? Las Vegas.

Now you can round-trip flights, three nights at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, four days of car rental, and all fuel surcharges when you mention Budget Travel’s special code, BT10897 with Delta Vacations.

Stroll down the strip and become a part of the glamorous nightlife, and see where the night takes you. From glitzy lounges to crazy clubs, there’s unlimited amount of fun in the City of Sin, and for this price, you might as well make some memories.