Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 9 February, 2010 in US Airports
Snow storms are rapidly making their way across the United States, so if you’re traveling this week, stay up to date with which airlines are canceling. So far, flights in the Northeast and Midwest are the most affected, but even airports that are experiencing fair climate aren’t exempt if you’re trying to make a connecting flight.
For the second time this week, airlines have...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 9 February, 2010 in US Airports
Controversial security scanners are going to be installed in 950 airports across the country, but some consumers worry that the machines will take up too much room and create significant delays for travelers.The Transportation Security Administration begs to differ. While the machines do take up more space and more time than traditional metal detectors, the TSA promises that delays won’t be...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 9 February, 2010 in Travel News
To culminate a very long decision making process, Tokyo-based Japan Airlines has decided not to partner with Delta, and to remain in the Oneworld Alliance with American Airlines.
The tug-of-war between Delta and American hit its peak when Delta offered to give JAL $1 billion to switch alliances, and American Airlines offered $1.4 billion (with a promise of $2 billion over the span of...
Post by Melanie Nayer on Saturday 6 February, 2010 in US Airports
While people prepare for the chaos on the ground at Dolphin Stadium, the Federal Aviation Administration is focused on minimizing the amount of traffic in the sky.The FAA announced two-tiered airspace restrictions for flights on Feb. 7, the day of Super Bowl XLIV. According to the FAA advisory, the following temporary flight restriction (TFR) will apply on game day from 4 p.m. -11:59 p.m....
Post by Andrea Mooney on Thursday 4 February, 2010 in Travel News
Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner has been getting buzz for the last two years, and now its plans are finally coming to fruition. Its mock-ups however, might have been more glamorous than the actual result, according to the Seattle Times.In a tour of the 787’s interior, advances to the passenger experience include better air flow, lower noise levels, more comfortable heating, meals prepared in...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Thursday 4 February, 2010 in Travel News
Calling yourself a tree-hugger and carrying a SIGG bottle doesn’t quite make you an environmentalist. Likewise, planting recycling bins on every corner doesn’t make a city a leader in environmental initiatives. Among crowds of “green-washed” hopefuls, there are few cities across the globe that not only can boast green roots of their past, but also have concrete plans to for a sustainable...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 2 February, 2010 in Travel News
Northwest Airlines is officially fading to black. As of this weekend, Delta moved into one of the final stages of its merge with the carrier, by combining the two reservation systems, retiring the NWA website and its flight numbers.Up until this weekend, the Northwest Airlines site referred its customers to Delta’s site but now it is non-existent and goes there directly. Its final flight...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 2 February, 2010 in US Airports
While most of the European Union is still debating whether or not to implement full-body scanners, the United States now plans to fill half the nation’s airports with the new security systems in 2011.
The $215 million project comes at the heels of the Christmas Day bomb scare, and has been the largest security revamp since the country’s reaction to the attacks on September 11,...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 2 February, 2010 in Travel News
The Federal Aviation Administration is charging American Eagle $2.5 million for not ensuring that weight records were accurate on each plane on dozens of flights in the past two years.When the crew of an airplane has incorrect information about the amount of weight in the cargo area, it affects how the pilot will gauge its take-off and landing procedures. A certain weight calls for the...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 2 February, 2010 in United States
Ladies and gentlemen, break out your brooms. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will unveil itself in Orlando in spring of 2010. From magical wands to flying broomsticks, secrets are swirling around the country as to what exactly will brew in the 20 acres of sorcery. After...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Monday 1 February, 2010 in Travel News
The highly anticipated Boeing 787 Dreamliner successfully completed its stall tests, as of Friday. According to officials, the initial testing program went well, and without surprises.The primary test was to test the jetliner’s reaction to stalling mid-air. “Stalling” refers to a rare moment when a plane would move so slowly that it would actually lose momentum and stop ascending. With...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Monday 1 February, 2010 in US Airports
Aiming to be the airline with the most routes between the US and Canada, Air Canada has announced seven new routes to major US cities that will operate out of its Toronto Pearson International hub.The new routes kick off April 6 with flights from Toronto to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. On May 17, new routes to Kentucky, Memphis, Portland, Maine, and Syracuse begin, and one...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Monday 1 February, 2010 in Travel News
In a lengthy decision between joining Delta Air Lines and SkyTeam, and staying with American in the Oneworld Alliance, Japan Airlines president Masaru Onishi has said that a decision will come soon, and it will not be influenced by any other previous conversations.The airline will reportedly decide on its alliance as soon as possible, but it will not provide a time frame for when the choice...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Monday 1 February, 2010 in Travel News
British Airways, American Airlines, and Iberia are negotiating with the European Union to settle an anti-trust dispute. The three airlines want to establish more of a joint venture – sharing revenue, schedules, and marketing -- but the European Union is hesitant to get on board, since the scheme may eliminate competition on some trans-Atlantic routes.British Airways and American have tried...
Post by Melanie Nayer on Friday 29 January, 2010 in Travel News
The newest innovation from the Apple engineers weighs in at 1.5 lbs and is only 0.5 inches thick (read: it fits in my purse or carry-on, and still leaves room for everything else). Apple's iPad is Steve Jobs' answer to the netbooks of today, and it's already creating chaos among Apple...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 27 January, 2010 in United Airlines
Not every airline was as successful as AirTran in its profit posting for the fourth quarter of 2009. Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have posted losses, and US Airways is expected to do the same thing.United’s loss is smaller than anticipated, and the carrier points to declining travel demand as a reason for the numbers. While its revenue trends continue to improve and its shares...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 27 January, 2010 in US Airports
In light of the upcoming delays that begin at New York’s JFK International Airport on March 1, 2010, airlines are preparing to make changes to avoid any massive delays. The airport is typically packed even during slow, less-demanding travel periods, so the runway closure will make flight scheduling more complex.Especially since New York is a hub both domestically and internationally,...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 27 January, 2010 in Travel News
In a year when airlines struggled to make ends meet, AirTran Airways’ Q4 results fly in the face of lost profit.In the final quarter of 2009, AirTran posted $17.1 million – 11 cents a share. Its revenue rose 1.5 percent ($598.4 million from $589.4 million), and turned in a record profit for the year of $134.7 million.Larger airlines like Delta and American reportedly lost money for...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 26 January, 2010 in Travel News
In light of 2009’s tug of war with fare sales and hikes, we are now seeing airlines back off from raising prices, according to Reuters.American Airlines kicked off the first price increase of the year last week, and added $6-16 onto round-trip flights. The move was closely followed by Delta and Continental, according to farecompare.com.But while dealing with the slightly depleted travel...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 26 January, 2010 in United Airlines
In part of a $3 billion renovation, Washington Dulles International Airport will unveil its AeroTrain today. The new train system has taken eight years of digging and construction, and over a decade of planning. Its implementation will help passengers get to their gates more...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Monday 25 January, 2010 in US Airports
In a combined effort, the Department of Homeland Security and the International Air Transport Association have begun a campaign to have US-bound travelers from 35 countries around the world register online before they board their flight.These countries include ones that don’t usually require their citizens to have visas, like the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. The goal is to make sure...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Monday 25 January, 2010 in US Airports
Soon to join the ranks of its neighbors San Jose and Oakland airports, San Francisco International Airport is on its way to getting full-service free wireless internet.
The deal, endorsed by the San Francisco City Purchaser, will potentially be approved tomorrow, and details are being worked out with the airport’s financial officials and T-Mobile. Possibilities for advertisements and...
Post by Evan Weber on Monday 25 January, 2010 in Travel News
Reports of airlines refusing to board some overweight passengers have the more than 1/3 of Americans who are obese wondering, am I too fat to fly?ABC News reports that the FAA’s only steadfast rulings for obese travelers are that all passengers must be able to properly wear seat belts, a passenger cannot be seated in an emergency exit row seat if a seatbelt extension is required, and no...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Friday 22 January, 2010 in US Airports
Winter storms may be rare in the southwestern desert, but the monster storm that has rolled throughout Arizona and Southern California has caused major upheaval in terms of transportation.The violent wind storm has stranded thousands of passengers in the midst of days of snow and rain, and has caused state-wide school closings and interstate shutdowns, including routes 40 and 17. According to...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Friday 22 January, 2010 in Travel News
In light of recent events surrounding Haiti’s tragic earthquake and developing recovery, airlines and other travel industry figures are donating their time and effort to benefit relief projects. While the world unites to aid Haiti in its struggle, American Airlines is among those who are rushing to help.“We have served Haiti for a long time, and have a great team and close ties to the...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 20 January, 2010 in United Airlines
In the aftermath of Haiti’s strongest earthquake in 200 years, industries, companies, and individuals have banded together to combine efforts in helping victims. With a current death toll between 100,000 – 200,000, the disaster has been compared to both the 2004 Indian Ocean...
Post by Melanie Nayer on Tuesday 19 January, 2010 in Travel News
We know many people are anxious to get to Haiti and help with search and rescue efforts, but before you pack your bags it's essential to know who can and can't enter Haiti at this particular time. The information below is direct from the U.S. Department...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 19 January, 2010 in US Airways
This isn’t your average impulse buy or fix-up job, and it’s going to need a little more than a shiny coat of paint. The insurance company Chartis is offering up the Miracle on the Hudson Airbus A-320-124 for auction. In case you were wondering, the plane has some water damage, and engines aren’t included.It was one year ago that Captain Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger maneuvered the...
Post by Melanie Nayer on Friday 15 January, 2010 in Travel News
You've likely felt the stress of flying at one time or another - from lost luggage to delayed or cancelled flights to damaged in-flight entertainment systems, it seems there's always something going on with the airlines, and rarely are consumers shy about voicing their opinion. Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation is making it a little easier to get your complaints filed. The DOT...
Post by Melanie Nayer on Wednesday 13 January, 2010 in Travel News
Haiti was hit by the worst earthquake it has seen in over 200 years. Port-au-Prince, its capital, is partly destroyed, with high-rises, hospitals, churches, and parliament buildings crashing to the ground in the 7.0 destruction that was closely followed by aftershocks measuring 5.9...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 13 January, 2010 in US Airports
While the TSA has bumped up security quite a bit in the last few weeks, nothing compares with Boston Logan International Airport’s new innovation: a security robot.It doesn’t look like a traditional robot, it looks more like a small truck, but it will help to detect and disarm...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 13 January, 2010 in US Airports
Continental made two swift moves recently; one to please passengers, and one that might not. The airline has offered a new online check-in service that makes the airport process faster and easier. It has also raised checked baggage fees like its competitor, Delta.Let’s start with the good news. Now you can check in online, print your boarding pass (or have it faxed to you if you don’t...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 12 January, 2010 in Travel News
In the saga that has been Japan Airlines’ restructuring, the carrier has been courted by alliances all over the world. The draw to acquire JAL stems from the ability to use its destinations to expand other carrier’s route lists, and thus make them more attractive and useful.Recently, the Oneworld alliance has offered Japan Airlines $2 billion over three years in combined and enhanced...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 12 January, 2010 in US Airports
Yesterday, we told you about the prolonged power outage at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and as of today, all flight schedules are back to normal.On Sunday, 100 departing flights were suspended due to a fire. It began when road salt gathered on a utility pole, which caused a fire that disconnected power to the airport.Monday morning, check-in lines were long, and some...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 12 January, 2010 in US Airports
We've seen a few delays due to security, but that's not the reason that New York' s JFK Airport is anticipating delays. As of today, JFK International Airport has announced that its largest runway will be experiencing delays due to major renovations.The runway, which currently handles one-third of the airports traffic and slightly more than one half or its departures will temporarily be...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Friday 8 January, 2010 in US Airports
New security measures around the world and particularly in the United States have heightened. The use of body scanners is being actively debated, and one of the pertinent issues involves radiation safety. While some are concerned with the risks of radiation, new reports show that the risks in using body scanners are miniscule, if not non-existent. The radiation risk from these full-body scanners...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Friday 8 January, 2010 in United Airlines
We may be seeing a bit of airline delays in the wake of the Christmas Day scare, but according to the Associated Press, the government says that our nation’s airlines have set an on-time record in November 2009.MSNBC reports that the Transportation Department says that 88.6 percent of November flights arrived on time, which beats the record set in September 2008 for 88 percent of on time...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Friday 8 January, 2010 in United States
With his controversial dance moves, dreamy looks and inescapable charm, Elvis Presley rocked the nation, and subsequently the world. Today marks what would have been his 75th birthday, and what better way to celebrate and honor his impact than by making tribute to his most revered locations? See Elvis’ home in Memphis, his wild impression in Las Vegas, and his historic film locale in Hawaii....
Post by Andrea Mooney on Thursday 7 January, 2010 in US Airports
This week, heightened security has been a top travel story around the world. From extra scrutiny at international hubs, to airport delays all over the U.S., the explosive scare on Christmas Day has pulled the reigns in on American and trans-Atlantic flights. Now, the European Union is divided on whether the installation of body scanners is either necessary or unwarranted.According to USA...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Thursday 7 January, 2010 in United States
If you thought 2009 was the year for cheap travel, then think again. This year is shaping up to be a stellar time to book vacations on the cheap, from flight sales to reduced hotels. MSNBC and Budget Travel have put together a list of the world’s new best-value destinations in 2010. Check them out and book a cheap flight.Portland, Oregon
This Pacific Northwest gem is the place to be if...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Thursday 7 January, 2010 in US Airports
It’s no secret that airport security has been taken to new heights since the Christmas Day Northwest Airlines scare. As of yesterday, two more busy airports in the country endured delays due to suspicious baggage. In California, a dubious-looking bag called officials’ attention, and in Minnesota, a suitcase containing Gatorade bottles filled with honey tested positive for TNT.The bag in...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Thursday 7 January, 2010 in Virgin
Yesterday we told you about legacy carriers hiking prices in the New Year, but low-cost airlines are doing the exact opposite. Budget-savvy travelers don’t have to settle for expensive flights in the coming months, because carriers like Virgin America have discounted rates through spring.Virgin America’s most recent sale reduces flights from both the east and west coasts until June....
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 6 January, 2010 in Travel News
Today, the union representing British Airways employees said it agrees with management to hold further negotiations until the near future, despite the fact that the union still plans to prepare a new strike vote. The upcoming talks will cover the employees' job security, pay and working conditions.If you haven’t been following the chain of events, it all began with Unite (the union company...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 5 January, 2010 in United States
While the once most-visited Orlando boasts year-round sunny skies, adventurous theme parks, and a multitude of family attractions, it’s New York that takes the cake in the most popular US destination. More than 45 million tourists visited the Big Apple in 2009, and tourist officials predict even more of an upswing – precisely 3.2 percent more – in the following year, according to USA...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 5 January, 2010 in United Airlines
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more, but you still want to save money, then pay attention to which airlines are hiking prices. According to the Associated Press, larger domestic airlines like United have added $6-10 onto their normal fares.Smaller airlines like JetBlue, AirTran, and Southwest haven’t raised their prices just yet, and may not need to. Reports say that...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 5 January, 2010 in US Airports
In the wake of the Christmas Day bomb scare, Newark Airport recently went on lockdown for six hours in response to a man who unknowingly walked through a secure area in the airport’s Terminal C. Thousands of passengers arrived at their destinations as late as last night, and were subjected to massive crowding and lack of resources both in the airport and on planes.Two hours after the...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Tuesday 29 December, 2009 in Travel News
All eyes were on the recent global climate conference in Copenhagen, but in small hangar in Switzerland, engineers focused on a future-changing aircraft that could alter the face of travel. Dr. Bertrand Piccard has assembled a vehicle that he believes to be the solution to global climate change in the realm of transportation.Deemed the Solar Impulse, the solar-powered plane uses no fossil...
Post by Melanie Nayer on Monday 28 December, 2009 in US Airports
As a result of the Dec. 25, 2009, attempted terror attack on a Detriot-bound plane, new rules and regulations have been put into effect by the Transportation Security Administration.We are thankful all passengers on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 are safe, but as a result of this incident, the TSA has put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong....
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 9 December, 2009 in Travel News
Northwest Airlines has certainly had its share of controversial news stories this year. From reducing flights to allergy concerns to those famously distracted pilots, the Delta subsidiary has had quite a bit of explaining to do.Now, a Detroit woman who flew on the carrier’s plane to Las Vegas is suing the airlines because of a knee injury. Kathy Kuhn hurt her knee while trying to get out...
Post by Andrea Mooney on Wednesday 9 December, 2009 in Travel News
People who suffer from a fear of flying can sometimes miss out on the joys and experiences of travel. Earlier this year, we told you about Virgin Atlantic’s iPhone application for “Flying Without Fear” and now there is another comprehensive way to learn how to overcome that anxiety.The Takeoff Today Program is anchored in helping scared fliers travel in peace. Jeffrey Skiles, co-pilot...
