As I mentioned in my original Vintage Airline Seat Map post, the DC-10 is absolutely one of my favorite airplanes. The 747 is right up there, so I’d be hard-pressed to ever commit to an all-time favorite. This week, I’m featuring a Northwest Airlines 747. I’m not exactly sure if this is a -100 or…
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The evolution of airline ticket sales
My interest remains high watching a little battle unfold in the travel industry regarding airline ticket sales and distribution channels. As I blogged about previously, American pulled its flights from Orbitz after the Online Travel Agency (OTA) refused to connect directly to American’s availability, thereby skirting the traditional Global Distribution Systems (GDS). This, then, would…
Watching stellar United Airlines gate agents in action last night
As I tweeted yesterday, I took a voluntary denied boarding (VDB) off my flight back to LAX last night and earned a $400 travel credit for future use, plus the obligatory hotel and meal voucher. I was dead tired from all my traveling around Europe for a couple of days, and ended up getting a…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: TWA L-1011-100 TriStar
I selected the Trans World Airlines Lockheed TriStar (TWA) L-1011-100 for this week’s Vintage Airline Seat Map. This is the three-cabin domestic and international version with 18 First Class, 40 Ambassador Class (business class), and 214 coach seats. You’d definitely find me in row 2 if I were in first class (2A probably), row 7,…
Reservations and revenue management systems at the new United Airlines
Last week, United Airlines made several decisions regarding which systems and technology platforms they will use in the merged airline. Matthew provides an excellent summary table in his blog post on the subject, and I’d like to add my thoughts on a couple of the areas. First, and creating the most discussion, is their decision…
The comfort of my travel routine & people watching at 5:00am
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…
United Airlines giveth back, American Airlines taketh away
Travel agents and other third parties who supply and sell airline tickets were winners and losers this week. United Airlines reversed its policy that restricted some U.S. travel agencies from using the carrier’s merchant service account when processing airline ticket payments with credit cards. These fees, which generally represent between 1 and 3% of the…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: Delta Air Lines 737-200
This week’s Vintage Airline Seat Map is the Delta Airlines 737-200 with 12 first class and 95 coach seats. What I found interesting here is that Delta opted for 12 first class seats on this short-haul workhorse, whereas most other airlines at the time maintained an 8-seater cabin up front. It’s unclear if the exit…
Review: Radisson Suites Hotel Buena Park, California
I blogged recently about my decision to stick with Radisson properties for the time being as my hotel loyalty program of choice, and I’ve been on the hunt for bonus point opportunities. Last month, I came across a rate at a fairly local Radisson Suites in Buena Park, California that included 10,000 bonus points, so…
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…