The govenrment air traffic control system is near overload because more smaller jets are replacing fewer larger jets. Bob Poole of the Reason Foundation argues convincingly that a private system would work much better. Unfortunately, the Senate voted to prohibit privatizing air traffic control functions, over the President’s objections. While slightly different language than in the House FAA appropriations bill, it suggests that the final reconciled legislation will include a ban. This seems like a good time for President Bush’s first veto.
Low Cost Carriers — Better Amenities Than Their Full Service Rivals?
Amenities on low cost airlines are improving, even as mainline “full service” carriers cut back. For the average traveler, that will make JetBlue more attractive than Delta. This change has already entered the public’s consciousness. My boss’s assistant was excited that she was able to book him on JetBlue for an upcoming trip to the West Coast because “it’s supposed to be better.” Only my boss wasn’t excited. And this is why the full service airlines, while becoming less attractive to the infrequent flyer, are still more attractive to the road warrior. Two words: elite upgrades. While JetBlue’s coach product is probably superior to Delta’s, it’s frequent flyer program isn’t as generous and won’t take you nearly as far. Most importantly, though, frequent flyers get upgrades. Among the low cost carriers Airtran is unique in…
Just joined blogshares
Congratulations!
I just discovered my friend Laurel’s blog, only to learn that she’s getting married! I think that rates a permanent link to the right…
It was the customer’s fault
I mean, she didn’t have to eat at Sizzler. (But then it could have been worse — dinner at Red Lobster!)
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…
