SkyTeam just welcomed Aerolineas Argentinas as their 18th member airline late last month, so I bring you the carrier’s Club Condor (business class) amenity kit for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. I’ve actually had this one in my possession for about a year now, so I’m not exactly sure if it’s the current offering.…
Flight Review: Virgin America First Class Los Angeles to Seattle
I’ve wanted to try Virgin America since they launched service, but was always so focused on spending my dollars where I had elite status. I decided to finally give them a try this past Fourth of July weekend on a quick trip to Seattle. And with the relatively low First Class fares they had on…
Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel Industry News: September 17, 2012
Gary noticed an alarming statistic from yesterday and today. American Airlines canceled about 5% of their flights on Sunday and Monday, causing some to think it might be a pilot “sick out.” Last week American imposed new work rules on its pilots. Meanwhile at American, hundreds of flight attendants reportedly took a $40,000 cash buy…
United to Restore Fare Class Availability Online
United announced today that they will bring back “expert mode†flight availability to users who opt-in, as well as introduce Complimentary Premier Upgrade eligibility and status displays online. United’s announcement from MilePoint: While it will be a “couple of weeks†before we see the changes, I’m very pleased with the announcement. And I’m impressed part…
Poll: Should Award Redemptions for Others Inherit Your Status?
I’ve pulled myself away from my irritation over United’s fare class availability removal long enough to read another Flyertalk thread that got me thinking. And I have a quick poll at the bottom of this post asking for your opinion. My parents recently returned from a trip I booked for them on my miles. A…
ANA’s Unique First Class Amenities
I decided to take a closer look at the links in an email I received from ANA yesterday to discover some first class amenities I’ve never seen before. They apparently offer knit wear for rent, sleep support items including “power tape” (?) and a rather remote-control looking foot roller. I’m intrigued. What’s “power tape?”
How to Find United Airlines R-Upgrade Availability
While United Airlines did remove the online fare class availability display overnight, you can still search for “R-Upgrade†space, albeit via a bit lengthier process. It’s not ideal, but it is a way to do it yourself instead of having to call reservations. First, click on “Advanced Search†on the homepage. After filling in your…
United Airlines to Remove Fare Class Information Online
In an absolutely horrid and lack-of-transparency move, United Airlines is disabling the “expert mode†feature tonight on their website. It allows anyone to see inventory allocations in every fare class and “bucket†on a given United flight, such as: If this type of display is alphabet soup and meaningless to you, tonight’s change won’t be…
Airline, Hotel and Travel Industry News: September 6, 2012
The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that airlines place anti-collision devices on large aircraft thinking such equipment would reduce the likelihood of bumps and scrapes on the tarmac. It might not be a bad idea. Lufthansa is having a hell of a week. The airline cancelled 1,200 flights on Friday, including many from Frankfurt,…
Qantas Dumps British Airways in Favor of Emirates
Will Qantas also axe oneworld alliance membership? That question hasn’t been answered, but very significant news tonight/today was announced from Australia courtesy of my friends at Australian Business Traveller: Stay tuned for further updates.