I was inspired by seeing a United DC-8 stuck in the Chicago snowstorm of 1979 pictured here, so this installment of Vintage Airline Seat Maps showcases a United Airlines DC-8-70. I had the privilege of flying on several of these birds in the late 1980s before they were retired, and I’m glad I did. They…
Continental Airlines economy & first class trip report with video
Last weekend I was on yet another mileage run, but this time flying Continental Airlines. I had never flown Continental up until now, so I was actually pretty excited for the new experience. My itinerary was Los Angeles to Cleveland to Chicago, and back the same way. Although I had checked-in online and printed my…
United Airlines’ average fare per passenger in 2010 of $240.60
Last week I posted some financial and other interesting facts United Airlines released with their earnings data from 2010. One of those items had me scratching my head, so I did a bit more digging around into the source of the results. It was reported that in 2010, the average fare paid per passenger was…
Downtown Denver and the airport from 37,000 feet
Last Saturday on my Los Angeles to Chicago flight, our routing took us just south of Denver and the airport, so I was able to snap the following pictures from 37,000 feet. It was cloudy the entire way from Los Angeles to that point, and then again right after Denver, so the quick break in…
My first Continental Airlines flight & a seat map anomaly
I’m flying on my first ever Continental Airlines flight this weekend, and I almost have that “flying for the first time†feeling I had as a kid. I’m really looking forward to it, and I’ll be getting a taste of Continental’s coach and first class service. I didn’t clear the advance upgrade on one of…
United Airlines releases 2010 financial results and other noteworthy items
Yesterday United Airlines (technically United Continental Holdings, Inc.) released their 4th Quarter and full-year 2010 financial results. I generally find these numbers easier to read in a table, so here are some of the items that stood out to me from their consolidated (United & Continental) pro-forma statement: Fuel jumped way up, and one source…
Video: Rear facing seats in economy class?
I came across this video on YouTube from 2007 showcasing the “Freedom Economy Seat” manufactured by Premium Aircraft Interior Group. The concept of rear facing seats in Business Class is basically a win-win situation for airlines and passengers alike, whereby the airline can offer flat beds without sacrificing sacred cabin space. But what about coach?…
Instant Hilton Silver status & fast-track to gold in 4 stays
The Hilton HHonors program is offering instant Silver elite status, and requires only 4 stays in 90-days to achieve Gold status just for being a United Airlines Mileage Plus elite member. They’re also being smart to further entice you with an additional 2,000 bonus award miles on United after the 5th stay. Currently I’m a…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: Braniff 727-200
For this installment of Vintage Airline Seat Maps, I selected a single-class Braniff Boeing 727-200. Seating 160 people, I thought it was interesting Braniff elected to only have one galley area for a relatively high density aircraft. On most other airlines operating the dash-200s, you’d find a second one near the rear exit doors. Braniff…
American Airlines is making headway & Online Travel Agency market share
American Airlines is holding firm in their commitment to further the evolution of how and where the carrier’s tickets are shopped and sold. As I previously blogged, American is seeking to reduce distribution costs by steering away from the legacy global distribution system (GDS) model used by most online travel agencies (OTAs). New signs are…