George Clooney’s character in “Up In The Air†had a specific and efficient routine when traveling. From packing his bag at home, to checking in at the kiosk, to getting through security and entering the lounge, it was essentially a well choreographed ballet. I, too, have my own routine, and while it is just that…
Airports
Category Archives for Airports.
The future of passenger screening and airport security
The airport security model used in the United States today is basically “you’re guilty until proven innocentâ€. Appropriately dubbed “security theatre†by many, it is a completely reactionary system with new technology and procedures introduced after each terrorist event or incident. Last Christmas we had the underwear bomber, and now have the incredibly controversial body…
Video: Lufthansa First Class trip report from Bangkok to Los Angeles via Frankfurt
I posted part one of my Lufthansa First Class experience last week, so here’s part two of my video trip report. While Lufthansa isn’t ranked quite as high as many of the Asian carriers in terms of inflight service, I had incredible crews on all of my flights and couldn’t have asked for more. Enjoy!
Southwest Airlines expands its routes and wings
This week brought a few noteworthy items from Southwest Airlines. First, they announced their frequency and city selections for all 18-slots they leased out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In August this year, Continental and United satisfied antitrust regulator concerns about their merger by granting 18 of their coveted EWR slots to fare-war-favorite Southwest.…
Video: Lufthansa First Class trip report from Los Angeles to Bangkok via Frankfurt
Instead of posting someone else’s video from YouTube this week, I’ll post one of my own. Here is part one of my video trip report from September this year, where I flew First Class from Los Angeles to Seattle to Frankfurt to Bangkok. I’ve heard good reviews of the Lufthansa soft product, and definitely wanted…
Listening to air traffic control onboard United Airlines
As a former student pilot, I appreciate listening to “From the Flight Deck” (Channel 9) onboard United Airlines flights. While it is the captain’s prerogative as to whether or not to offer it on each flight, I have found it available more often than not. It brings the flights to life and enables you to…
Stranded at an airport and need a cheap hotel?
One of the perks of being a 100,000-mile flyer on United Airlines each year is the level of service and accommodation they provide during irregular operations. In addition to getting me re-booked quickly and effortlessly, they have consistently provided hotel accommodations to me as a 1K even in the case of weather. While this is…
The 2010 Zagat Airline Survey results are in
The publisher of the popular Zagat restaurant guides surveyed its readers for their opinions on airlines and airports around the world, and the results are out today. The 8,007 respondents flew an average of 17.4 flights per year, and were likely seasoned travelers as the age demographic skewed older with 57% over the age of…
United Airlines Red Carpet Club rate increase & my thoughts on airline lounges
On December 7, 2010, United Airlines is raising the price to join or renew membership in the Red Carpet Club. Pricing depends on your Mileage Plus status, and the cash prices are going up $50 per year across the board. The rate for general members is increasing from $425 to $475 annually, with prices for…
“National Opt-Out Day” a non-event so far today
As reported by CNN mid-morning, the much hyped “National Opt-Out Day” appears to be a total non-event so far today. Basically, the premise was to refuse to go through one of the advanced imaging technology machines in an effort to “stick it to the man.” I’m sure there will be isolated incidents, but in the…