I mean, she didn’t have to eat at Sizzler. (But then it could have been worse — dinner at Red Lobster!)
Monthly Archives
Monthly Archives for June 2003.
American Airlines Makes Coach Even Worse (And You Didn’t Think That Was Possible – Hah!)
American Airlines is ending the practice of blocking middle seats next to it’s elite frequent flyers (filling those seats last to increase the likelihood of an empty middle next to an elite sitting in coach). They say it presented problems for kiosk check-in, raising costs because more people had to visit live checkin agents. So the coach experience at American, already being devalued with the elimination of “More Room Throughout Coach” on some routes, is being made worse. I know who I won’t be flying. (Thanks to David Rowell for pointing this out.)
Another Starwood Instant Gold Status Promotion Code
New Starwood Preferred Guest members can sign up for the program by calling 1-800-625-4990 and mention promotion code CV (from British Airways). That will sign you up at the gold level. Just worked moments ago for a colleague.Update: Folks have told me that calling the above number refers them to a 900 number. My bad! It’s 1-888 (not 800)-625-4990.
Travel Advisory
Men should stay away from Uran, India because of a rash of women attacking men and cutting off their penis.
Will the Repo Man Come-a-knocking?
Discount and charter airline ATA is making a little bit of money — unique among airlines — but not enough to cover upcoming debt payments. They don’t have sufficient assets to pledge against additional loans to cover their $300 million in required payments. On the other hand, with the used aircraft market as soft as it is, Boeing is unlikely to simply want the planes back. I expect ATA’s management to be able to refinance. Since there’s actually some profit rolling in, flexibility will be Boeing’s best shot at repayment.
Well, as long as it’s WITHIN THE GUIDELINES
We’re supposed to rest easy now that the Federal Government has taken control of airport security screening. After all, the Transporation Security Administration does background checks, although I’ve previously noted that convicted criminals slip through. But at least there’s rigorous testing. Or is there? Apparently the TSA gives test takers the answers in advance. The TSA probe, which concluded last month, found that 22 of the 25 questions on the final exam were also on lesson quizzes given during a week of training, Newsday reported Wednesday. The quizzes, which were open book, were given after each of five lessons, and the final exam was made up of questions from the quizzes, the probe found. TSA Administrator James Loy said in a letter to Sen. Charles Schumer that there was no wrongdoing because “training was conducted…
$249 to Singapore
Another one from ScottC’s airline and hotel deals mailing list. This one isn’t a fare error — just a really inexpensive fare. You can fly out of San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Newark to Singapore for $249 + tax. A maximum of 2,000 round-trip coach seats are available at this fare. It’s good for outbound travel July 1 through August 31, with return travel up to 30 days from the date of departure. Offer ends Saturday, June 14 at midnight or while supplies last. The deal can be found here.
United redux
Part four of the Denver Post‘s series on United is now online. It’s less interesting — at least to me — than the previous parts of the series, because it more or less just rehashes the current situation rather than providing color and detail to the histories and personalities of United.
More Airlines Participate: Free Flights for 3 Roundtrips
As previously mentioned, United, American, and Northwest are offering a free roundtrip ticket after three roundtrips. Now Alaska Airlines, USAirways, Continental, and Delta have all made similar offers. (Each requires registration via the aforementioned links.)
Earn up to 3,000 Miles Using SkyMiles Partners
Register to earn 1000 bonus miles every time you use three Delta partners between July 1 and August 31. You can use up to nine partners for 3000 total bonus miles.
