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.
The solution to all the problems at the TSA.
Gee, I know, why don’t they unionize!
Our secret is out
The subject of elite status and frequent flyer upgrades makes the New York Times.
For my (I mean the public’s!) good
Little new can be said in the debate to open up more flights at Washington National airport. The USA Today piece, though, points out that United is lobbying against it, and in an emporer’s new clothes moment explains that it’s because United has significant operations at Washington Dulles and doesn’t want the competition.
$89 for a ticket — but just try to check-in or board the plane
The cheapest tickets from Los Angeles to California can be booked on the website of Mainline Airways. Except that Mainline has no planes, no gates, and no employees. The government is acting against the pseudo airline, which is taking nonrefundable reservations. However, the airline’s “Chief Executive” says the action is all a hoax perpetrated by the airline’s competitors to discourage bookings.
Time to deregulate computer reservation systems?
The Transportation Department wants to renew regulations of computer reservation systems, while the Department of Justice is opposed. Jay Cochran explains that computer reservation system rules have been completely overtaken by market events and new technologies. A piece in yesterday’s Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that CRS giant Sabre wants to be deregulated but wants websites like Orbitz to be regulated. And, funny enough, Orbitz thinks that Sabre needs regulatory oversight… Meanwhile travel agents are getting together in Las Vegas to sound the death knell. (Well, actually to talk about their problems, but it’s unclear they can actually do anything about their problems.)
