My dreams of Virgin Australia joining Star Alliance have been dashed. After Ansett Australia collapsed in March 2002, there have been extremely limited options to get around Australia if you’re loyal to Star and want to earn and burn miles. It appears new options will continue to remain very distant in the future. Virgin Australia…
New American and United bonus mile opportunities
There have been quite a few new bonus mile opportunities released by both American and United that I’m just now catching up on. Here’s a summary of some of them: American Airlines BOS-NRT: In celebration of the new nonstop service on Japan Airlines between Boston and Tokyo Narita, earn double redeemable miles every time you…
First Class and elite member security lanes at airports going away?
This is not a belated April Fools. Senator Ben Nelson from Nebraska introduced legislation that would remove preferred security lines from U.S. airports. Citing them as having nothing to do with safety (doesn’t he realize the pun there?), he feels that since all passengers pay the same “security” fee in their tickets, everyone should be…
New American Airlines Citi Platinum Select AAdvantage Visa Signature card
[Updated: This offer had expired.] In case you haven’t already read about the new Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature card from other bloggers, here’s the scoop. This card has now become more competitive in terms of ancillary benefits compared to previous iterations and those cards of competing airlines, such as the Chase United…
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…
April Fools Air New Zealand style
Leave it to the always clever folks at Air New Zealand to come up with an April Fools’ Day joke that had me pause for just a moment. It is April 1st already down there, after all, and they “introduced” new StraightUp Fares as follows: When you click on the button to book one of…
My problems redeeming a United Airlines e-certificate
I may have spoken too soon regarding my smooth sailing with the United Airlines system changeover. Earlier this week, I tried to redeem an e-cert (customer appreciation certificate) online for a new booking and received an error message that the cert couldn’t be found. I called United and the agent asked me to build a…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: American Airlines Boeing 727-100 from 1985
Last week I posted a pre-deregulation seat map of an American Airlines Boeing 727-100 and I thought it would be interesting to compare it against a version flying the skies eight years later for this installment of Vintage Airline Seat Maps. American pulled out one row of First Class, removed the coat compartment and bar…
EVA Air expected to join Star Alliance in 2013
As reported late last year, EVA Airways has been looking to join an alliance and it appears they’ll eventually become a full-fledged member of Star Alliance in 2013. Speaking with the Australian Business Traveller today, a spokesperson said: A formal announcement between the airline and Star is expected this Thursday in Taipei, the carrier’s home…
Whacky United Airlines MileagePlus flight postings
I’m certain I’m not the only one noticing issues with how United Airlines flights have been posting to MileagePlus lately. Initially, I was going to remain silent as the errors have been – until now – to my benefit, such as upgraded flights reflecting 150% EQM as if they were paid premium cabins. Now, however,…