I’m starting a new series here on Frequently Flying analyzing award availability in markets where U.S. carriers compete with each other. This first installment looks at the Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow nonstop market and I’ve researched availability from American Airlines and United Airlines in February 2012. I specifically searched for award seats at the…
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New A380 & 787 routes, emissions tax threat, hotel rates, airline sales, pilot fatigue, Spirit makes bank and another new all-Business Class airline
In other airline, hotel and travel industry news this week… Thai Airways will take delivery of two Airbus A380s next year and will initially operate their first whale on regional routes, of which Bangkok to Hong Kong is probable. Once they take delivery of their second A380, service to Frankfurt will begin, followed by London…
Airlines’ ability to steer traffic to lower demand flights through screen bias
I follow the Australian airline industry pretty closely and one of my favorite websites to read every day is Australian Business Traveller. This week a reader asked the question, “Why does (Qantas) not want to sell me SYD-ORD via LAX on the A380?†I plugged in some sample dates on the Australian version of Qantas.com.au…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: United Airlines Boeing 747 with First Class lounge (1979)
I should have asked for a time machine for Christmas because I really would like to fly on the aircraft featured in this edition of Vintage Airline Seat Maps – a United Airlines Boeing 747 from 1979. I should note that I turned seven that year, so was around, but didn’t end up taking my…
Amenity Kit Review: Asiana Airlines First Class (November 2011)
Having just finished the final installment of my Asiana Airlines trip report, here is the next edition of my series on Amenity Kit Reviews featuring Asiana’s First Class offering. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post here. Bag/Container: Asiana provides a cream-colored leather zipper…
Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 202 Seoul-Incheon to Los Angeles
Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Introduction & Itinerary Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 201 Los Angeles to Seoul-Incheon Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 723 Seoul-Incheon to Hong Kong Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & CNAC Lounge Hong Kong Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Singapore Airlines…
Southwest buys jets, American leads oneworld, Cathay opens SFO lounge, Qantas’ woes, FAA certs, theft, fraud and GDSs
In other airline and travel industry news last week… Southwest Airlines placed a monumental order for 208 Boeing 737 aircraft this week that includes 150 of the manufacturer’s newest Max version, making the carrier the official launch customer. The first delivery to Southwest won’t occur until 2017. At list prices, the order value is $19…
Hotel news: Marriott steps down, 2012 rates, awards, Google’s Hotel Finder, expansions and more
In other hotel industry news this week… After 40 years as CEO and a total of 60 years with the chain, J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. is handing over the top spot to current President and Chief Operating Officer Arne Sorenson. This handoff takes effect March 31, 2012 and marks the first time Marriott will be…
Finding mileage runs without the FareCompare Flyertalk tool
I hate change. This week, two of my favorite airfare searching tools either went away or previous versions were disabled. I’m of course referring to the trusty FareCompare Flyertalk page being taken down and ITA Software’s Classic “Matrix 1†being totally removed. I feel sort of naked without them. The FareCompare site was bar none…
Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Asiana Business Class Lounge Seoul-Incheon
Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Introduction & Itinerary Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 201 Los Angeles to Seoul-Incheon Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 723 Seoul-Incheon to Hong Kong Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & CNAC Lounge Hong Kong Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Singapore Airlines…