Southwest

Category Archives for Southwest.

United’s routes, Envoy Class upgrades, Virgin to Philly, Allegiant’s carry-on fee and more airline & travel news

In other airline, hotel and travel industry news last week… United Airlines shifted its Washington Dulles to Buenos Aires flight over to Newark on Friday. They didn’t totally Continental it up, though, as they’re using a legacy United 3-cabin 767 on the route. The airline is also ending service to Accra and Copenhagen later this…

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Southwest’s bag fees, US Airways’ Wi-Fi, Lufthansa’s 747-8s, JAL’s 787s, O’Hare’s new runway and other news

In other airline, hotel and travel industry news last week… Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran in May last year and received a single operating certificate from the FAA last month, but each carrier remains an independent operation for the time being meaning AirTran’s baggage and other fees will remain intact. Unlike the relatively faster integration between…

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Delta’s Trip Extras, Virgin to PDX, Southwest’s Q1, DCA slot war, Google Flight Search & Hyatt’s TV technology

In other airline, hotel and travel industry news last week… Delta Air Lines introduced new ancillary options available at booking called Trip Extras. The initial offerings are priority boarding starting at $9 per segment, a mileage booster starting at $29 for 1,000 miles (terrible value!) and a 24-hour Wi-Fi pass for $12. Since Delta’s own…

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United, American, Delta, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa & Hilton, Starwood and Hyatt news

In other airline, hotel and travel industry news last week… Reservations and gate agents at United Airlines voted to remain unionized last week, marking a big win for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). A total of 16,720 people voted – 8,305 in favor of representation, 5,865 against – and they represent…

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United to Istanbul, Delta’s Wi-Fi & codeshares, American to re-gauge, US Airways objects to PHL expansion and more airline news

In other airline industry news this week… United Airlines announced new daily nonstop service from Newark to Istanbul effective July 1, 2012. Initially the route will be flown with United’s current international 767-300ER aircraft with three classes of service, but beginning August 28, the airline will swap in a new configuration that features BusinessFirst, Economy…

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Delta’s 747s, PeoplExpress returns, American’s loss, pets flying cargo, Spirit reenters Denver & more airline news

In other airline industry news this week… Delta Air Lines announced this week new interiors featuring lie-flat seats in BusinessElite and “slim line” seats with individual entertainment units as well as an Economy Comfort section in coach will be seen on all 747-400 aircraft by October 2012. A total of 48 seats will occupy the…

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Video: Washing a Southwest Boeing 737 in preparation for its C-check

Here’s a nifty video a friend sent me showing a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 getting a thorough wash before it goes in for its C-check in Houston. One of the lead mechanics provides audio commentary throughout the short video even noting, “The main purpose of the wash isn’t cosmetic. It’s to clean up components for…

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Southwest’s seats, AirTran cuts, TSA failure, Hawaiian expands, Airbus’ price increase, airfare transactions, pilot reinstated and U.S. travel

In other airline, hotel and travel industry news this week… Southwest Airlines will be adding an extra row of seats on their entire fleet of 737s with the introduction of new seat cushions and seatback pocket materials. The carrier claims the new seats are more comfortable than what’s currently flying, though seat pitch will suffer…

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Airline of the year, fuel stops, American’s cuts, airfare by weight, attendant assault, Southwest expands and Hawaiian breaks a record

In other airline industry news this week… Air New Zealand was named Airline of the Year by Air Transport World Magazine as part of its 38th Airline Industry Achievement Awards. ATW bestowed the honor to NZ due to “industry-leading innovation and motivation of its staff which resulted in exceptional performance across market position, customer service,…

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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…

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