This installment of “Award Seat Analysis†looks at the Chicago to Tokyo Narita nonstop market and I’ve researched availability from American Airlines and United Airlines in September 2012. I specifically searched for award seats at the minimum amount of miles required, namely MileSAAver awards on American and Saver awards on United. Any available seat is…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: United Airlines DC-10-10 w/lounge (1979)
When I launched this blog in November 2010, my very first Vintage Airline Seat Map was a United Airlines DC-10-10, my second favorite aircraft after the 747. It was the configuration I flew most frequently, but the one appearing below was seen flying in the 1970s and included a First Class lounge with swivel seats.…
Airfare transparency takes effect Thursday along with new passenger protections
On Thursday this week, the next round of passenger protections will take effect, including a requirement that airlines and other providers advertise airfare prices inclusive of taxes and mandatory fees. I took a tour around the web yesterday and noticed United Airlines (and Continental) have already begun advertising all-in rates. First, I stopped by United’s…
Virgin adds PHL, Frankfurt’s growth, Negotiator dies, hotel news and GDS politics
In other airline, hotel and travel industry news last week… Virgin America announced Philadelphia will be the carrier’s newest destination beginning in April 2012. Three daily LAX-PHL flights will commence April 4th and two daily turns SFO-PHL will follow starting April 10th. If history repeats itself, we should see some pretty decent fare wars in…
Video: Air Canada flight 015 YYZ-HKG from the flight deck and more
Here’s a pretty incredible video produced by JustPlanes featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Air Canada’s flight from Toronto to Hong Kong, AC015. It begins in dispatch and ends with a fantastic short-final video touching down in Hong Kong, also including incredible scenery from the polar route it flies in between. One of the pilots does…
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…
Travel tips from professional tennis player Bobby Reynolds
I’m a huge tennis fan and currently glued to television watching the Australian Open underway in Melbourne, Australia. A recent article in USA Today’s sports section caught my eye featuring Bobby Reynolds, a U.S. professional tennis player. In addition to revealing a bit more about himself personally, he shared a number of helpful travel tips.…
United Airlines offering elite status match/challenge all year
Status matches with airlines generally require calling to inquire about the possibility, but United Airlines now has a page on their website dedicated for matches requested between now and December 31, 2012. Primarily targeting American and Delta, it’s open to all competing frequent flyer programs with the exception of those that grant Star Alliance Silver…
Another Hilton social media outreach success story
Some companies understand the importance of social media outreach from customers, and some don’t (I’m looking at you, @TopGuest). Hilton is one of the former and has now impressed me twice in a row by responding to my simple Tweet, and they did so nearly instantaneously this time. My first issue this past October was…
Mileage Run Opportunity: $169.00 nets 6,273 United EQMs LAX-IAD-ATL-IAD-SFO-LAX r/t
United Airlines is attacking Delta’s Atlanta hub tonight, particularly from Los Angeles (the same fare is valid from San Francisco). Very special thanks to reader @kziel who notified me tonight via Twitter. Updated 1/19/12 at 9:30am PST: As suspected, this fare was pulled this morning and is no longer available. Routing: LAX-IAD-ATL-IAD-SFO-LAX Travel period: Now…