Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Oscars take flight on United from O'Hare Airport]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/oscars-take-flight-from-ohare-on-united/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/oscars-take-flight-from-ohare-on-united/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/oscars-take-flight-from-ohare-on-united/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



O'Hare Airport had a couple of extra visitors this morning in terminal B. Joining the rest of the passengers heading to Los Angeles on the United flight dubbed "Oscar 1" was none other than Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His entourage consisted of several dozen short, gold men: this year's Academy Awards.

Mr. Sherak was personally escorting the awards from their birthplace at the R.S. Owens Foundry to the ceremony. Passers-by were stopped in their tracks when they saw the famous statue being passed from person to person, and even making an appearance on a nearby concession stand counter. Sherak cleared things up by taking to the intercom himself, inviting anyone who wanted to take their own photo with Oscar.

Airport staff and passengers alike had their fun with the award. Guests pretended to write acceptance speeches, thanked their parents, and a couple brave souls lifted the 8.5-pound award single-handedly to the sky. When asked questions about what metals the statue was made of, Sherak pulled out a cheat sheet from his pocket for help: gold on the outside, then Britannia (tin, antimony, and copper) on the inside.

The crew of the flight also got to spend a few minutes with Oscar, and he even took a trip to the cockpit, where Captain Mel Mason Jr. said he was the most prestigious non-human passenger he'd ever flown. The other 42 trophies were also on board, stashed securely in the plane's cargo. But preparing for the 4 1/2 hour flight, Sherak still had his Oscar in his lap, available for the passengers. Sherak was uncertain about their arrival time: "We'll see how the speeches go. It could be a seven hour flight."

Gallery: United Flies the Oscars

Oscars take flight on United from O'Hare Airport originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy awardsAcademyAwardsoscarunitedunited airlinesUnitedAirlinesThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[TSA PreCheck program to be expanded, details sketchy]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tsa-precheck-program-to-be-expanded-details-sketchy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tsa-precheck-program-to-be-expanded-details-sketchy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tsa-precheck-program-to-be-expanded-details-sketchy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TSA PreCheckThe TSA PreCheck program being piloted by The Transportation Security Administration is expanding and will allow some passengers to go through pre-screening then make it through security checkpoints faster at many more airports in 2012. The exact benefits of the program, however, are difficult to define.

"We are pleased to expand this important effort, in collaboration with our airline and airport partners, as we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more intelligence-driven, risk-based transportation security system," TSA Administrator John S. Pistole told the Los Angeles Times saying the PreCheck program and a similar effort for international travelers, called Global Entry, will help make the TSA screening process more efficient.

Designed to help TSA focus resources on higher-risk and unknown passengers while expediting the process for lower-risk and known passengers whenever possible, more than 336,000 passengers been screened to date through TSA PreCheck lanes.

Some passengers could qualify for expedited screening through U.S. airport security checkpoints via designated screening lanes. The TSA doesn't say exactly how the screening differs, citing security reasons but potential benefits may include keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on and keeping a 3-1-1 compliant bag in carry-on luggage. The TSA is quick to point out though that "at no point, however, is this program an entitlement. Passengers are always subject to random, unpredictable screening measures," on their web site.

Not everyone is eligible for the PreCheck program though. It applies only to members of airline frequent-flier programs who also must first apply with the TSA. If approved, they get a boarding pass with a special barcode signaling TSA workers to let them go through the fast lane.

Continue reading TSA PreCheck program to be expanded, details sketchy

TSA PreCheck program to be expanded, details sketchy originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesAirport securityairport security checkpointAirportSecurityAirportSecurityCheckpointAlaska AirlinesAMR CorpCharlotte/Douglas International AirportDelta Air Lines IncDenver International AirportFort Lauderdale – Hollywood International AirportGeorge Bush Intercontinental AirportHonolulu International AirportIndianapolis International AirportJohn F. Kennedy International AirportLaGuardia AirportLambert-St. Louis International AirportLas VegasLocalLos AngelesLouis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportLuis Muñoz Marín International AirportMinneapolisNewark Liberty International AirportO'Hare International AirportOrlando International AirportPhiladelphia International AirportPhoenix Sky Harbor International AirportPittsburgh International AirportPortland International AirportRonald Reagan Washington National AirportSalt Lake City International AirportSan Francisco International AirportSci/TechSeattle–Tacoma International AirportTampa International AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International AirportTrusted TravelerTrustedTravelerTSA PrecheckTsaPrecheckU.S.UAL CorpUS Airways Group IncWashington Dulles International AirportThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Why flight attendants might not open an emergency exit during an evacuation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/galley-gossip-why-flight-attendants-might-not-open-an-emergency/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/galley-gossip-why-flight-attendants-might-not-open-an-emergency/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/galley-gossip-why-flight-attendants-might-not-open-an-emergency/#commentsFiled under: ,

The first thing a flight attendant does before opening an emergency exit during an evacuation is assess the conditions outside. This is one reason why some airlines require passengers seated in the exit rows to keep their window shades up during takeoff and landing. The last thing you want to do is escape one bad situation only to find yourself in an even worse one. Think fire. Water. Captain Chesley Sullenberger.

BRACE FOR IMPACT!

That's what everyone on board US Airways flight 1549 heard right before Captain Sully ditched the aircraft into the Hudson River after experiencing a double-engine failure while in route to Charlotte, North Carolina January 15, 2009. There were 150 passengers on board and 5 flight crew.

Flight attendant Doreen Walsh did exactly what she was trained to do. After unbuckling her belt and jumping out of her seat, she looked through the tiny porthole window to make sure it was safe outside to open the door. This is when she noticed they hadn't landed at an airport, and that there was water outside! For a split second she wondered if maybe, just maybe, she could get the slide raft inflated before the water became too high to safely do so, but then quickly realized it was already too late. Before she could begin directing passengers to another exit, a safe exit, the window exit only a few feet away, passengers pushed Doreen out of the way and cracked the door open. Water began flooding inside until it was all the way up to their necks. With only a few seconds left to escape, Doreen ordered everyone standing in the aisle to crawl over the seats.

Three years have passed since the Miracle on the Hudson flight crew gave their testimony to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. And yet I just saw the video for the first time last week. I'm a flight attendant for a major US carrier. I write about travel. Usually I'm up on these things. So if I missed the short clip of the flight attendants detailing their experiences, chances are you probably did, too. That's why I've posted it here.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Why flight attendants might not open an emergency exit during an evacuation

Galley Gossip: Why flight attendants might not open an emergency exit during an evacuation originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Captain Sullenbergercaptain sullyCaptainSullenbergerCaptainSullyDoreen WalshDoreenWalshEmergency evacuationemergency exitemergency landingEmergencyEvacuationEmergencyExitEmergencyLandingevacuationsFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsMiracle on the HudsonMiracleOnTheHudsonUS Airwaysus airways flight 1549UsAirwaysUsAirwaysFlight1549Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tips for flying cheaper in 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/tips-for-flying-cheaper-in-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/tips-for-flying-cheaper-in-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/tips-for-flying-cheaper-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We're in a different world of air travel in 2012. Airlines have upped the ante in the a la carte pricing and fee game, and the Department of Transportation has taken steps to reduce the volume of nefarious fare marketing. American Airlines is now bankrupt, while Malev Hungarian is almost completely out of business and Spirit Airlines is on the full offensive. To put it mildly, the airline industry is a mess.

Despite the chaos, airfare remains competitive, with sub-$300 fares still commonly available from coast to coast and a glut of competition to keep prices low. The sales are fewer and farther between through, and only the savviest of travelers are cashing in on the best tickets. So we've compiled the cutting edge in airfare search technology into one simple spot for readers to do their research. The product, we hope, will ultimately save you a few dollars.

1. Check out Kayak's new search interface. Make no mistake, Kayak was already the top choice for savvy airfare searchers prior to this year, but as of January 2012 they've also made some nice improvements. Most useful perhaps is the flexible searching. From the main flight page on Kayak you can now click on "My Dates are Flexible" and then "Flex month" to get an excellent snapshot of when the cheapest time to fly from point A to point B is. If, for example, you know you want to get away to San Francisco for a few days next month, you can select a starting departure date and your desired duration of travel. The tool will then search for an entire month of flights taking place over your selected duration and then identify the best window for your travel.

Another nice application that Kayak has is the Explore tool. All that you need to get started with Kayak Explore is your point of origin; the system will populate prices around the planet that meet your criteria thereafter, whether you want a beach, ski or international destination. The result is a clean little application for inspiring travel for those without a destination in mind -- all while keeping a healthy budget.

2. Credit cards, points and loopholes. 2011 was the year of points and promotions, a trend well underscored by the explosive growth of The Points Guy and View from the Wing. It's a culture of budget travel and reward points gaming that the blogs are basically selling, and each site expertly takes you through the variety of tools that the community uses. Primarily, you'll see a lot of discussion about airline credit cards, many of which allow you to skirt various airline fees such as baggage or rebooking fees while piling on extra miles good for future travel. And though the reward can sometimes be barely worth the credit score and time invested, keeping track of your miles and gaming the system can be a fun and addictive activity.

Continue reading Tips for flying cheaper in 2012

Tips for flying cheaper in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairplanebudget-travelcheap ticketsCheapTicketsflightTue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Airlines fed up, says government has hidden agenda]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/05/spirit-airlines-fed-up-says-government-has-hidden-agenda/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/05/spirit-airlines-fed-up-says-government-has-hidden-agenda/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/05/spirit-airlines-fed-up-says-government-has-hidden-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spirit airlinesThis week, Spirit Airlines, mad about new airline disclosure rules, started adding a $4 "unintended consequences of DOT regulations" fee to ticket prices. It's just the latest in a salvo of complaints by airlines over new fare disclosure rules they feel are unfair.

Spirit Airlines isn't happy with the new rule requiring airlines to include all taxes and mandatory fees in the quoted airfare price and posted a big "Warning!" sign pop-up on the carrier's website making that quite clear earlier this week. The pop-up is gone now but the information is still prominently displayed, urging consumers to contact their Congressional Representatives to complain.

In a direct attack on the new rules Spirit says "If the government can hide taxes in your airfares, then they can carry out their hidden agenda and quietly increase their taxes. (Yes, such talks are already underway.)" on their linked web site, keepmyfareslow.org.

Spirit believes that with the total price on display up front, it looks like airlines are raising their prices which could drive away consumers, something a low-cost airline can not afford.

"We're against these new regulations because we actually think it reduces transparency," Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza told Time this week. "We think it makes it harder for consumers to understand what they're paying for."

The new regulations of airline marketing also allow passengers to wait as long as 24 hours to pay for a reservation, a huge change from policies airlines have requiring immediate, nonrefundable payment for discount fares.

Here is where they might have a point: its a trade-off of sorts.

Continue reading Spirit Airlines fed up, says government has hidden agenda

Spirit Airlines fed up, says government has hidden agenda originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air faresAirFaresairlinesAllegiantdiscount air faresDiscountAirFaresSpirit AirSpirit AirlinesSpiritAirSpiritAirlinesSun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Airport Carbon AccreditationEurope's Airport Carbon Accreditation program is now boasting fifty-five major European airports as members and making a significant dent in carbon emissions. The voluntary program has a four-level rating system that assesses and recognizes the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutral operations for all emissions over which the airport has control.

"It is clearly helping to move European aviation onto a more sustainable footing," European Union Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas told the Associated Press. "Genuine progress on greening transport ... can only occur when the regulator's work is complemented by citizens and businesses taking action of their own."

Airports are changing airport vehicles to electric or hybrid power, installing solar panels to generate the airport's own electricity, and involving the entire airport operation. Airlines, air traffic control, ground handlers, baggage handlers, catering companies, refueling trucks, passenger shuttle transport, airport maintenance services, emergency services, police, border control and retailers are all held accountable and encouraged to make a positive impact.

Aircraft engines are probably what we think of as major contributors to the carbon emission tally. At participating airports, specific taxiing techniques are used to reduce fuel burn. Apparently, common taxiing routes are not always the most fuel efficient, especially if the aircraft has to overcome steep taxiway elevations, sits still waiting for cross traffic to clear and/or many sharp turns.

Continue reading Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe

Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftaircraft pollutionAircraftPollutionAirport Carbon Accreditationairport pollutionAirportCarbonAccreditationAirportPollutionAmsterdamBrusselsEuropeFinanceFrankfurtGatwick AirportLondon Heathrow AirportMunichSiim Kallasvoluntary environment impactVoluntaryEnvironmentImpactWorldSat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American Airlines to cut jobs, work remaining force harder]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/american-airlines-to-cut-jobs-work-remaining-force-harder/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/american-airlines-to-cut-jobs-work-remaining-force-harder/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/american-airlines-to-cut-jobs-work-remaining-force-harder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Update: 3:33PM EST: American expects to lay off "400 pilots, 2,300 flight attendants, 1,400 management and support staff positions and 8,800 ground workers and mechanics." source

American Airlines parent company AMR is expected to lay out the company's plan for moving forward from bankruptcy today and the news is not good. American Airlines may cut between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs across the company, outsourcing aircraft maintenance in a bid to keep flying.

"The surprise is going to be big and it's going to be bloody and it's going to be nasty," Vicki Bryan, a bond analyst at Gimme Credit LLC in New York, told Business Week adding 10,000 jobs "is not unreasonable." The airline will have to cut as much as $2 billion to gain competitive labor costs, more than the $800 million AMR estimated, she said.

Reporting a $904 million loss in December, American employs about 74,000 full- and part-time workers plus 14,000 at regional carrier American Eagle.

In December, Gadling noted the bankruptcy made American "among the last of the legacy carriers to finally concede to ultra-competitive pricing and sky high oil prices. It's a sad day for stockholders, but like many of the fallen giants they'll pick themselves up, dust off and continue to operate -- albeit a little bit leaner."

Continue reading American Airlines to cut jobs, work remaining force harder

American Airlines to cut jobs, work remaining force harder originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airline job cutsAirlineJobCutsairlinesAmerican Airline job cutsAmerican AirlinesAmerican bankruptcyAmericanAirlineJobCutsAmericanAirlinesAmericanBankruptcyaviation job cutsaviation jobsAviationJobCutsAviationJobsFinancejob cutsJobCutsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyWed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

disclosure rules

New airfare disclosure rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation went into effect this week requiring airlines to include all taxes and mandatory fees in the quoted airfare price. The new transparency should not affect the end price airfare, but lets consumers know up front what the total price will be. Travelers like it. Airlines don't and say the rule discriminates against air travel over other travel options.

"For the consumer, this is obviously very good," travel consultant Monika Dysart told the Salt Lake Tribune. "It's full disclosure of the fare upfront, instead of letting you get to the airport thinking you got a good deal and then having another $100 or $200 [added],"

Spirit Airlines, home of the $9 fare (which really is not once other fees are added) isn't happy with the new rule and has a big "Warning!" sign that pops up on the carrier's website making that quite clear.

"We're against these new regulations because we actually think it reduces transparency," Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza told Time this week. "We think it makes it harder for consumers to understand what they're paying for."

Continue reading Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason

Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disclosure rulesDisclosureRulesMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Presidential hopeful promises travel to the Moon, Mars]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/presidential-hopeful-promises-travel-to-the-moon-mars/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/presidential-hopeful-promises-travel-to-the-moon-mars/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/presidential-hopeful-promises-travel-to-the-moon-mars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

travel to the moonRenewed interest in travel to the Moon and Mars? It was just the song that Florida voters wanted to hear. After a virtual grounding of the U.S. space program not long ago, the promise yesterday by republican presidential contender Newt Gingrich to bring multiple daily launches to Florida was music to their ears. A permanent base on the Moon and new technology that would enable quick flights to Mars sweetened the deal.

"By the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon, and it will be American," said Gingrich at a rally in Cocoa on Florida's Spacecoast reports Spaceflight Now.

To pay for that and more, Gingrich suggested setting aside 10 percent of NASA's budget (about $1 billion) for prize incentives aimed at the commercial space sector with a focus on developing new technology (warp drive?) to make flight faster.

Continuing his grandiose plan, Gingrich added "We will have commercial near-Earth activities that include science, tourism and manufacturing and are designed to create a robust industry precisely on the model of the development of the airlines in the 1930s because it is in our interest to acquire so much experience in space that we clearly have a capacity that the Chinese and Russians will never come anywhere close to matching."

Continue reading Presidential hopeful promises travel to the Moon, Mars

Presidential hopeful promises travel to the Moon, Mars originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CocoaEric AndersonFlickrInternational Space StationMarsNASANewt GingrichSci/TechSpace Adventurestravel to the moonTravelToTheMoonThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Southwest airline interior evolves, gets planet-friendly]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/southwest-airline-interior-evolves-gets-planet-friendly/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/southwest-airline-interior-evolves-gets-planet-friendly/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/southwest-airline-interior-evolves-gets-planet-friendly/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Southwest
Called Evolve: The New Southwest Interior, Southwest Airlines introduced a new cabin layout this week at their Dallas headquarters. Due to be rolled out fleet-wide over the next year, the plan will cut 635 pounds off each plane and add six seats per aircraft in an eco-friendly way.

Many of the new developments were fabricated using products and manufacturing processes that favor the environment and the initial environmental savings reach far into the future. Products used are significantly more durable and recyclable so less replacement and repair will be needed.

Rather than replace seats, new seating materials are fitted to the existing seat frames and traditional carpets are replaced easier-to-repair carpet tiles. Even new seat back trays are made of recyclable, durable aluminum.

Big win for passengers: New seats designs emphasize and increase personal space.

"A low profile cushion combined with fixed wing headrests are geared to position customers down and back into the seat, reducing the need to recline to begin with and provided better ergonomics,"reports NYC Aviation.


Photo: Southwest Airlines

Southwest airline interior evolves, gets planet-friendly originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineDallaseco-friendlyFinanceSci/TechSouthwestFri, 20 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flight attendant pranks passenger by hiding inside of overhead bin]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/19/flight-attendant-pranks-passenger-by-hiding-inside-of-overhead-b/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/19/flight-attendant-pranks-passenger-by-hiding-inside-of-overhead-b/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/19/flight-attendant-pranks-passenger-by-hiding-inside-of-overhead-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ever had a flight attendant surprise you from inside of a closed overhead bin? You may have if you were flying on Southwest Airlines. Twitter user Holly McNamara (@hollymac) captured a photo and video this evening of a flight attendant pranking a boarding passenger by hiding inside of an overhead bin and closing the lid. When the unknowing passenger opens the bin there's a noticeable stutter -- then he tries to close the bin again in confusion.

Southwest is known for its casual work environment and excellent relationship with its employees, which is why this particular flight attendant probably felt comfortable pulling off the prank. A video showing a rapping flight attendant on the same airline was was widely circulated back in 2009, and has since gathered hundreds of thousands of hits on Youtube.

As for this incident, Ms. McNamara reports that the prank was pulled off on a layover in LAX en route to Las Vegas. In the name of good fun, we tip our hats to the flight crew and the passengers who could take a good joke. Just don't tell Boeing that anyone is hiding in their overhead bins.

Continue reading Flight attendant pranks passenger by hiding inside of overhead bin

Flight attendant pranks passenger by hiding inside of overhead bin originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin America expands with service to Philadelphia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/virgin-america-expands-with-service-to-philadelphia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/virgin-america-expands-with-service-to-philadelphia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/virgin-america-expands-with-service-to-philadelphia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love Virgin America. The California-based airline has announced that starting April 4, 2012, they will offer three daily nonstop flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and two daily nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) starting April 10, 2012.

Connecting flights will also be available from PHL to Virgin America's San Diego, Seattle and Las Vegas destinations. "This is a great development for the entire Philadelphia region, including northern Delaware, southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "New airline service not only lowers fares for travelers, but it is also a major economic driver - stimulating business travel, tourism and local job growth. Virgin America's new flights also validate the strong and growing business travel link between our region's innovation-based sectors and those on the West Coast."

At a time when most airlines are cutting capacity, Virgin America will bring much needed nonstop competition from California's largest airports to PHL. Currently, only legacy carriers serve the West Coast-PHL routes nonstop. When entering markets that offer little low-fare competition, Virgin America has historically seen fares drop by up to one-third. In addition, 50% of travelers flying from PHL to the Los Angeles market now use connecting flights and 45% of those traveling from PHL to the San Francisco Bay Area are connecting passengers.

The PHL announcement was first shared with the carrier's social media fans earlier today, via a video that spotted the mysterious 'Greenman' from the FX television show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" near a Virgin America aircraft.
To kick off the fares, the airline is offering a "The City of Brotherly Love: Just Got Lovelier" sale, with PHL-LAX fares from $129 and PHL-SFO fares from $149 each way.

Virgin America expands with service to Philadelphia originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city of brotherly loveCityOfBrotherlyLovephiladelphiaphiladelphia airportPhiladelphiaAirportphlvirgin americaVirginAmericaTue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A funny letter of complaint to an airline with an unusual response from customer service]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/a-funny-letter-of-complaint-to-an-airline-with-an-unusual-respon/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/a-funny-letter-of-complaint-to-an-airline-with-an-unusual-respon/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/a-funny-letter-of-complaint-to-an-airline-with-an-unusual-respon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

plane Apparently, Southwest Airlines' passenger B.J. Schone had a rather unpleasant experience on his flight, or at least once he got off, as his brand new TravelPro suitcase had been damaged. Instead of taking the action that most people on a late-night flight home for Christmas would take (i.e. cursing out a staff member or writing a nasty letter to the company), Schone took a different approach and wrote the funniest letter of complaint I have ever seen, complete with animations, photos, jokes, and a polite ending asking for help.

While many people who have seen the letter, which you can read by clicking here, are skeptical of its validity, what's even more shocking is the reply that Schone apparently received from a person named Verity from Southwest Airlines, which you can read by clicking here. Instead of just offering to solve the problem, the return letter is written in the same comedic and animated style of Schone's original, with a happy ending awarding Schone a check for new luggage.

Are the letters real? On Southwest Airlines Twitter account they sent a message to Schone on January 5 saying "Hey BJ! We saw your web site. Someone from our customer relations team will be in touch today!" Then, on Schone's Twitter account on January 12, he posted the response letter and tagged not only Southwest Airlines in the tweet but also Verity herself, followed by a message saying "Thank you very much. You guys rock!"

While the answer to the validity of these letters isn't 100% confirmed, it does appear that it is possible. Either way, they're definitely worth a read.

[flickr photo via MarinaAvila]

A funny letter of complaint to an airline with an unusual response from customer service originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b.j. schoneB.j.Schonebj schoneBjSchonecomedyconsumer activismConsumerActivismdear southwest airlinesDearSouthwestAirlinesfunnyfunny lettersFunnyLettersletter to southwest airlinesletters of complainLettersOfComplainLetterToSouthwestAirlinesripped luggageRippedLuggagesouthwest airlinesSouthwestAirlinesMon, 16 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New airport terminals, once delayed, prep for opening this year]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/new-airport-terminals-once-delayed-prep-for-opening-this-year/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/new-airport-terminals-once-delayed-prep-for-opening-this-year/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/new-airport-terminals-once-delayed-prep-for-opening-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

new airport terminalsNew airport terminals can add time-saving features to existing facilities, bringing the latest in technology and security. If and when they open. Local and worldwide economic conditions caused projects to be delayed or shelved for a while. Now, several new facilities are preparing to open and new projects are being approved, signaling a brighter future to come.

The long anticipated and twice delayed inauguration of a new terminal at the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, capital of the northwest province of Guanacaste, is happening this week.

"Costa Rica will be in a very advantageous situation, since we will have the best secondary airport in all of Central America, and perhaps one of the best in Latin America," Transport Minister Francisco Jiménez told Ticotimes. "This will be a very important part of the development of the northern Pacific region."

The airport will have the capacity to provide service to 1,500 passengers during peak hours and boasts security upgrades, temporary holding rooms for detained passengers, and dormitories for people in the process of being deported. Said to be the answer to notorious Liberia airport lines that sometimes stretch outside of the terminal, the new facility will be a welcome addition.

Continue reading New airport terminals, once delayed, prep for opening this year

New airport terminals, once delayed, prep for opening this year originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport constructionairport remodelingAirportConstructionAirportRemodelingAMR CorpCaribbeanCentral AmericaCosta RicaFinanceLASLas vegasLas Vegas, NevadaLasVegasLatin AmericaLiberiaLocalMcCarran International AirportMIAMiami International airportMiamiInternationalAirportnew airport constructionNew airport terminalsNewAirportConstructionNewAirportTerminalsNortheast RegionThe Miami HeraldU.S.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Galley Gossip: Improve your travel with Bruce Lee]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/galley-gossip-traveling-with-bruce-lee-10-quotes-to-think-abo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/galley-gossip-traveling-with-bruce-lee-10-quotes-to-think-abo/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/galley-gossip-traveling-with-bruce-lee-10-quotes-to-think-abo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The following quotes are from the book Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living by John Little.

1. Something for nothing - "There is only something for something, never something for nothing."

Think about that next time you feel nickel and dimed by an airline. Ticket prices are less than they were twenty years ago, so in the end you're still paying the same price you were in 1992, maybe even less. Keep in mind the Barbie Glam Vacation Jet costs $119.99 at ToysRus. That's more than most one way tickets.

2. Emptiness is the starting point - "In order to taste my cup of water you must first empty your cup. Drop all your preconceived fixed ideas and be neutral. Do you know why this cup is so useful? Because it is empty!"

Don't let what happened on your last flight affect your next flight. Often passengers will board and immediately want to rehash the details of what went wrong on another trip. Things don't usually go so well from here. How could it? I've just been linked to the worst flight ever!

3. "Is" vs. "Should" - "What IS is more important than WHAT SHOULD BE. Too many people are looking at "what is" from a position of thinking "what should be."

To become a flight attendant one must be flexible. Being able to quickly adapt to change is essential on the job. If there's one thing we can count on in the aviation industry, it's something is bound to go wrong. This is why we always have back up plans A, B, C, and D. So next time something doesn't seem to be going right, do what a flight attendant would do and instead of getting upset about what should be happening, focus on what is happening, and start making alternative plans - QUICKLY! Before all the hotel rooms are booked and the rental agencies run out of cars.

4. Anxiety - Anxiety is the gap between the NOW and the THEN. So if you are in the now, you can't be anxious, because your excitement flows immediately into ongoing spontaneous activity.

I can spot a fearful flier a mile away. If they're not asking about the weather, they're clutching the armrest and sweating profusely. A little unknown fact is more people die falling off donkeys than they do in plane crashes. Remember that next time you start to feel anxious. Focus on the fact that you're sitting in a somewhat uncomfortable seat and drinking the beverage of your choice. There's probably even a very nice person sitting beside you. If that doesn't work, tell a flight attendant what's going on and we'll do what we can to help. We're trained professionals. That's what we're there for.

Continue reading Galley Gossip: Improve your travel with Bruce Lee

Galley Gossip: Improve your travel with Bruce Lee originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bruce LeeBruceLeeFlight attendantsFlightAttendantsInspirational quotesInspirationalQuotesphilosophyquotesTraveltravel tipsTravelTipsFri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Futuristic travel more down to earth, collaborative says study]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/futuristic-travel-more-down-to-earth-collaborative-says-study/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/futuristic-travel-more-down-to-earth-collaborative-says-study/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/futuristic-travel-more-down-to-earth-collaborative-says-study/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

futuristic travelThoughts of futuristic travel often bring images of commercial low-earth orbit flights, man on Mars or rediscovering the Moon. A new study highlights real-world programs and technology being developed right now that is much more common, affecting us all.

By 2020, all airports will be paperless and bags will be electronically tagged, according to the From Chaos to Collaboration report released this week by Amadeus, a leading provider of IT solutions to the travel and tourism industry Just eight years from now, the report says, travelers will be using fingerprint boarding passes and eye-scanning passports.

"We wanted to avoid making techno-centric assumptions about the future of travel - and painting a picture of flying cars and intelligent robots in a world that is otherwise unchanged from today," Andrew Curry, director and co-author The Futures Company told Travelmole.

Continue reading Futuristic travel more down to earth, collaborative says study

Futuristic travel more down to earth, collaborative says study originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmadeusAndrew CurryFlickrfuturistic travelFuturisticTravelMarsSci/TechTim Jonestravel industrytravel techTravelIndustryTravelTechThu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel contest season is in full swing]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/travel-contest-season-is-in-full-swing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

travel contest seasonJanuary brings cold weather, post-holiday blues, dreams of travel and travel contest season every year. With few exceptions, sellers of travel roll out some of their best promotions during this time too. Aimed to make those dreams reality and have us focus on whatever travel product they are selling, travel companies want to bring our attention to their options over another.

Amble Resorts' Life-Changing Travel Contest has travelers looking at their new travel blog, The Ambler, for a chance to win a free flight anywhere in the world. Launched in mid-December, the contest is quickly gaining momentum as globetrotters from around the world share their most life-changing travel moments in the hopes of fulfilling resolutions to travel in 2012.

This contest asks visitors to reflect on their own life-changing travel experiences and draw inspiration from the stories of others, encouraging people to broaden their travel horizons and explore the world in 2012. The contest will reward one commenter with a trip to the destination of their dreams, in the form of a $1,500 travel voucher (OK, maybe not anywhere in the world) on the airline of the winner's choice, valid any time in 2012.

Continue reading Travel contest season is in full swing

Travel contest season is in full swing originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carnival Cruise LineCarnivalCruiseLineCelebrity CruisesCelebrityCruisesDream of a lifetimeDreamOfALifetimeFree cruisefree travelFreeCruiseFreeTravelTravel + LeisureTravel Contesttravel contest seasonTravel OnionTravel+LeisureTravelContestTravelContestSeasonTravelOnionTripFilmsWatch and win contestWatchAndWinContestWed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[5 airlines with great in-flight services in economy class]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/09/5-airlines-with-great-in-flight-services-in-economy-class/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/09/5-airlines-with-great-in-flight-services-in-economy-class/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/09/5-airlines-with-great-in-flight-services-in-economy-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

in-flight services economy class

Last week, I spent 13 hours desperately trying to fall asleep on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to London; my economy class seat didn't have a personal entertainment system and the cabin monitor was pitch black from my angle. The week before, my sister took a red-eye United Airlines flight from Honolulu to San Francisco without the benefit of a pillow, blanket, or snack.

For many airlines, it looks like in-flight services in economy class are going the way of liquids on board. But thankfully, there are still some airlines that understand that service, entertainment, and even a few extras are a part of the customer experience, even for the peons in coach. These five are leading the pack.

Virgin Atlantic
Not only does Virgin offer one of the best personal entertainment systems I've ever experienced, they also offer a uniquely British flight experience on their Heathrow-JFK service. From complimentary English publications like Hello and Tatler in the waiting room, to free toiletry kits with socks and eyeshades, to a high tea service with scones and clotted cream, the attention to detail is there.

Continue reading 5 airlines with great in-flight services in economy class

5 airlines with great in-flight services in economy class originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairlinesairplaneairplanesbest in-flight services economy classBestIn-flightServicesEconomyClasscoachcomforteconomyemirates airlinesEmiratesAirlinesin-flightin-flight amenitiesin-flight entertainmentin-flight servicesin-flight services economy classin-flight wifiIn-flightAmenitiesIn-flightEntertainmentIn-flightServicesIn-flightServicesEconomyClassIn-flightWifijetbluesingapore airlinesSingaporeAirlinesthai airwaysThaiAirwaysunited airlinesUnitedAirlinesvirgin americavirgin atlanticVirginAmericaVirginAtlanticMon, 09 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Need status on American Airlines? January is your month!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/need-status-on-american-airlines-january-is-your-month/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/need-status-on-american-airlines-january-is-your-month/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/need-status-on-american-airlines-january-is-your-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A combination of promotions on American Airlines makes January a particularly fruitful month for members who want to join their elite ranks. Usually, passengers need to fly at least 25,000 miles to reach gold status on the airline, but a double miles promotion (until the end of January) has reduced that to only 12,500. In addition to that, residents of Illinois, Texas and California can earn an additional round of double miles for flying select routes through the end of March, effectively earning some passengers triple miles.

This means that instead of the normal 3490 elite miles that one would accrue between Chicago and Los Angeles (round trip) a total of 10470 miles can be stacked up -- or 40% of the way to Gold Status. And once you reach gold status? A whole host of benefits are available.

For many, this elite status is what helps make traveling easier and justifies a full carriage of longer, more interesting travel in the years to come. Some even go out of their way to take a mileage run and accrue that status, though you should carefully consider your future travel plans (and balance sheet) before you make that commitment. For me, our Huffington Post offices and editors in California were worth making the trip to Los Angeles once or twice this month. And if it fits into the equation of your long term travels then it might be worth your time too.

Make sure you travel before the 31st of January for the global double miles promotion. You have until the end of March until the geographically based promotion runs out.

Need status on American Airlines? January is your month! originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american airlinesAmericanAirlinesbudget-travelfrequent flyer milesFrequentFlyerMilesmileage runMileageRunSun, 08 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

world's worst places

What comes to mind when you think of the world's worst place? While it is easy to complain about rural Wal-marts, La Guardia, Applebee's, and any government office with motor vehicle in its title, none of those places escalate the game from nuisance to immediate danger. All of them can be horrible, yes, but a threatened existence they do not pose.

The places on this list are the bad places. Some have run out of hope. Others have fought war for so long it is the new normal. Most are exceptionally dangerous and heartbreaking. And while none of them are fighting for write-ups by travel bloggers or inspiring travel with the NetJet set, some of these locations may someday be on the travel map. After all, it was not long ago that current hot-spots like Cambodia and Croatia would have made such a list.

Gallery: World's worst cities

10. Harare, Zimbabwe9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (ship)

Continue reading World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012

World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanbrasilBrazilCite SoleilCiteSoleilciudad juarezCiudadJuarezDemocratic Republic of the CongoDemocraticRepublicOfTheCongodrcfaminehaitiharareJustin DelaneyJustinDelaneykandaharKinshasaLiberiaMexicoMOGmogadishumonroviapapua new guineaPapuaNewGuineaport au princeport moresbyPortAuPrincePortMoresbyrio de janeiroRioDeJaneirorocinhasanaaSocotrasomaliatop 10Top10warworlds worst placesWorldsWorstPlacesYemenzimbabweFri, 06 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST