Continuously Adding Fees and Cuts to Frequent-flier Programs The times when frequent-flier award tickets were free are gone. Now, airlines are continuously adding new booking fees and other surcharges to frequent-flier award tickets. The Wall Street Journal listed fees and benefit cuts recently introduced by the major airlines. Beginning August 7, US Airways will stop giving bonus miles to elite frequent fliers. It [...]

Delayed Flights in U.S.: Newark Liberty, JFK, Chicago O’Hare Worst Performers in June According to the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Air Travel Consumer Report, in June, 335 flights arrived late more than 80% of the time they operated. Continental Airlines was involved — with ExpressJet on Continental Express routes, in half of the most-chronically delayed flights. Delta subsidiary Comair was involved in seven of the 25 most delayed [...]

Beginning Fall, Wi-Fi on Delta’s Domestic Flights Beginning this fall, Delta Air Lines passengers will be offered broadband Wi-Fi access onboard the airline’s domestic fleet. Delta’s service will allow passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, to access the Internet, corporate VPNs, corporate and personal e-mail accounts, as well as SMS texting and instant messaging services. Delta will charge [...]

TSA Searching Alternative to Shoes Removal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it is continuing to test shoe scanning technology in the effort to find an alternative for the unpopular policy of the removal of shoes at checkpoint. “Our experts and the private sector have been looking for ways to screen footwear while allowing passengers to keep their shoes on for quite [...]

Eateries in Baggage-claim Areas, Airport Emerging Trend Restaurants opening in arrivals and baggage-claim areas seems to be one of the responses to the elimination of in-flight meals. The emerging trend sees airport operators giving travelers a new array of meal options in baggage-claim areas. It is more than just an opportunity for revenue. The Vancouver Sun quoted John Infanger, editorial director [...]

Delta’s Introductory Deal Between Atlanta and Kuwait City To promote its new direct service between Atlanta and Kuwait City that will start November 7, Delta Air Lines launched an introductory one-way fare of $589. The fare does not include taxes and fees; it applies for tickets purchased before August 15. Travel period: between November 7 and December 13. The service includes four flights a week: [...]

One Step Closer To Ban In-flight Cell Phones The House Transportation and Infrastructure Commitee passed the Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace Act of 2008. The bill, also known as Hang Up Act, aims to ban the use of cell phones onboard flights permanently. If it will get the final approval at the full House of Representatives you will not be able to [...]

Slumping Economy Affects Hotel Occupancy, But Not in NYC According to Smith Travel Research hotel occupancy levels in the United States are down about 5 percent from last year. New York remains one of the few bright spots, as a weak dollar continues to attract international travelers. (photo by _viviandnguyen - CC license) The International Herald Tribune quoted Bjorn Hanson, professor at the Tisch Center for Hospitality [...]

OpenSkies To Add More Business-Class Seats on its Transatlantic Flights The new British Airways subsidiary OpenSkies announced it will add more PREM+ seats on its transatlantic flights. The carrier explains PREM+ is not to be confused with its Premium Economy. PREM+ is a Business-Class product offered at a lower price. A PREM+ from New York JFK to Paris Orly starts at $1,700, round trip. OpenSkies which [...]

How Much Taxes a Traveler Pays Daily at Airport A study being released Tuesday, July 29, commissioned by the National Business Travel Association, reveals that travelers not only pay a local sales tax, but they also spend 33% to 189% more in taxes aimed at visitors each day they stay at a hotel, dine and rent a car. USA Today quoted Bill Connors, executive director [...]