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American Airlines Finally Has a Plan to Offer Seat Power

by Gary Leff

Jan 25 2017

American Airlines has offered power to passengers, but US Airways didn’t. In fact, after America West acquired US Airways they removed power from the US Airways planes that already had it. The idea was to reduce weight and save fuel.

It’s been over three years since the American Airlines – US Airways merger. They’ve combined frequent flyer programs and reservation systems. They’ve bought back billions of dollars worth of stock. But most US Airways planes still have the same interiors — no Main Cabin Extra (extra legroom seating in coach) and no seat power. There hasn’t even been an announced plan to change domestic Airbus aircraft other than the A319s.

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More Competition Coming: AirAsia X Says They’re Approved to Fly to the U.S.

by Gary Leff

Jan 25 2017

Asian low cost carrier AirAsia X, affiliate of various Asia Asia short haul carriers, reports that it has received permission to fly to the US.

Whether or not AirAsia X serves U.S. markets in the near- or medium-term, the long term trend is greater low cost competition for international routes. Norwegian’s Irish subsidiary has been approved to fly to the US finally. Their UK subsidiary is in the queue.

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Upside Booking Site Finally Launched, Guaranteeing $200 Rebates Per Trip

by Gary Leff

Jan 23 2017

Upside is the new travel booking site from Priceline founder Jay Walker. It’s finally launched with its full functionality. They raised $50 million on a $200 million valuation even before they were fully operational. Because a new idea on how to deliver value to consumers from the guy who created Name Your Own Price bidding is a big deal in the travel world.

It’s also a widely misunderstood site.

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Dublin Airport Needs to Build a Big Beautiful Wall and Make British Airways Parent IAG Pay for It

by Gary Leff

Jan 23 2017

Two Aer Lingus employees and a potential illegal immigrant have been arrested as Irish authorities broke up an illegal immigrant smuggling operation at the Dublin airport.

The employees would use catering trucks to move inbound passengers directly from aircraft to a car park outside the airport facility, bypassing immigration. This operation has been ongoing for several years and authorities believe at least 500 people have managed to skip customs and border formalities using this Aer Lingus Catering VIP Arrivals service.

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United and American Blindly Copy Delta For All of the Wrong Things

by Gary Leff

Jan 23 2017

If you ask the top leadership at American what airline they admire most, it’s Delta. Now that former American Airlines President Scott Kirby has taken the President job at United, the same can probably be said for United.

But they misunderstand the lessons of Delta, and blindly copy Delta moves assuming that if Delta does something — since they run the more profitable, better operation — it must be both right and best for their airline.

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