Get the US Airways Credit Card While You Can

I am NOT paid for this post

Sign up for the US Airways credit card this month because it will soon be gone.  50,000 miles after your first purchase and paying the $89 annual fee.  That's a great deal and the miles will transfer into your American Airlines account.  50,000 miles is enough for a one way trip to Europe in business class.  AA lets you book one way mileage awards, so you can use a different program's miles on the way home.

You Don't Have to Fly American with the Miles You Earn

New SFO Control Tower

I got a glimpse of the new control tower at SFO recently. I like that it's styled rather than the cookie cutter tower that went up at US airports for the last 15 years.  I don't like that they replaced the old one from Dirty Harry and Bullitt. 

New Construction at SFO

It's the Rolls Royce of Jet Engines

Rolls Royce jet engines are made by Rolls Royce, a British company.  Rolls Royce cars are made by BWM, a German company. Boeing and Airbus jets are powered by Rolls, while Rolls Royce cars are powered by BMW. Confusing? You bet, they use the same logo too.  

This Roll Royce Doesn't Make Cars

Treat Someone Flying KLM

Surprise someone flying KLM with a special something delivered in flight.  KLM has a broad set of offerings including meals, jewelry, toys, and more.  I'd like the hat, MD-11 model, or the beach bag.

KLM MD-11 - Now Retired

United Airlines First Class Morning Flight

I was upgraded on a 6am United Airlines flight and couldn't sleep.  The flight had free DirecTV, but it was too early for anything good.  Breakfast was served and, despite the appearance, was tasty.  I was able to have a few drinks and enjoy the view out the window.  Not a bad flight, but I wish I could sleep better on airplanes. 

United Airlines 737-800 First Class Seat

First Class Breakfast

No Map Required

I know where we are!

Do You Know This Airport - Many MD-80's There

Flying from JFK to LGA

Bad weather around New York forced some flights to divert from LGA to JFK.  Not a bad option if passengers are permitted to deplane.  It does create a silly situation of flights from JFK to LGA.  There were at least 8 earlier this week.  If I were diverted and not in a rush, I'd try to take that flight, just to say I flew from JFK to LaGuardia once.  Besides, it's only a 16 minute flight (11 miles direct, 65 miles flown for UA 682). 

UA 682 - JFK to LGA, from FlightAware.com

The Dilemma of Fuel Surcharges with British Airways’ Miles

I’d like to fly to London or Paris this spring for vacation and since I have a six figure British Airways Avios miles balance, I naturally thought I could use them to fly direct to London from Denver.  I’m most excited about flying British Airways’ premium economy class; even though they have a newer business class and I have the miles for it.  I’ve never flown premium economy on any carrier (extra leg room seats on domestic airlines are not premium economy) and I think this product will take up more space on aircraft in the future.

British Airways 787 in Austin, Texas

Premium economy class has different seats than economy class, but aren’t as good as business class.  Usually they are wider, 7 across rather than 9, and have more legroom and better recline.  Only Air New Zealand has flat beds in premium economy, other carriers offer recliners with a foot rest.  The catering up upgraded too and larger luggage allowances are provided.

Lufthansa is Adding Premium Economy Seats Too

The problem is the taxes and fees on the reservation.  The fare is 75,000 miles for the round trip then British Airways adds $805 in taxes and fees, including carrier fuel surcharges.  To pay with cash, the premium economy fare is $2,500, so 75,000 miles save me $1,700.  That’s about 2.27 cents per mile; not bad value, but not great either.  I then searched for economy fares and I can fly round trip in coach, with a stop each way, for only $860.  $55 more in cash, no miles spent, miles earned (credited to Delta unfortunately), and I still visit London.  I think I’ll just pay cash and go coach.

Delta Only Has Business and Coach

Delta Has The Wrong Idea About Me

Delta ran an ad for their TechOps MRO service in my twitter feed.  I'm not in a position make this type of purchase decision and I wonder what my browser history had in it to make this ad appear.

Unexpected Twitter Ad

Indianapolis Airport Art Display

The Indianapolis airport, IND, has a world class collection of art on display in the terminal.  Here's a few examples.

Direct from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Indy 500 Roadster

United Airlines Economy to Oslo & Back

I flew to Oslo again just for the miles and only spent 90 minutes in Norway before returning.  I did this trip once before for miles and enjoyed it very much because I was upgraded to business class.  This time was different, I was stuck in coach, an exit row, but still coach.  It wasn't too bad though.  On the way out, I had an empty middle seat and on the way back I had my own row.  Being able to spread out helps more than I expected and I was also able to enjoy a movie and sleep well.  Alcohol in coach to Europe on United is not free, otherwise the catering could be described as decent.  Next time I go to Norway, I'll leave the airport and not go in the depths of winter. 

United Coach Breakfast to Europe

United Coach Lunch from Europe - Beer Costs Extra

United Coach Dinner to Europe

I Was Upgraded to EWR on a 757

United Airlines First Class Lunch - 2015

Always take the soup, it won't disappoint.  Unfortunately, the meals in first class this year are mundane and bland.  United can learn a ton from Lufthansa's catering team.  Here's a few examples of filling, but uninspired meals I've seen this year.

Ham and Cheese

Asian Chicken Salad

Chicken Wrap

W Hotels That Were Something Else First

The W hotel brand started in 1998 and there are some fantastic new hotels in the brand's portfolio.  My favorite is the W Boston followed closely by the W South Beach.  Unfortunately not all W hotels are new constructions, like the W Chicago Loop.  The give away that this was an old hotel, among other things not including the small rooms with poor sound insulation, was the mail chute by the elevators.  These are the marks of nice, but old, buildings.  I did mail some post cards with them, so they are fun and practical too.  

Sign of an Older Building

Airlines' Long Term Technology Investments

Airlines like to hang on to investments for a long time.  Take the MD-80 as an example or that US Airways just retired their last 767-200 after 25 years of service.  They are also the only industry clinging to perforated paper printers, the highlight of mid 1980's technology.  Luckily airlines can order paper and ink on the internet or these printers would be in the trash next to floppy disks and Zip drives.

30 Years Old and Going Strong

Broken Seat Back TV

Is it worth taking a delay for the aircraft's seat back TV system to be fixed?  It can be reset in air, but it's a much longer 8 hour flight without it.  I'd say push back and press your luck with the reset procedure.

TV Resetting

Ewwww - Oatmeal Raisin

Midwest Express did the in flight cookie best.  It was chocolate chip every time and everyone got one.  They even sold them at Brewers games in Milwaukee. United does not live up to that standard.

Ewwwww

United Airlines 757-200 Business First Class Seats

I love the 757; it's a wonderful aircraft without rival (Boeing and Airbus are working to change that). The aircraft is over powered, has amazing range, looks cool, and boards through the second door so first class passengers turn left.  Fewer United Airlines passengers are turning left these days though. The 737-900ER is taking over most of the 757 routes. The legacy United 757's are swiftly being retired to be parted out or converted to freighters for FedEx.  The legacy Continental 757's still in service are the stretched -300 version and the international configuration -200 version. These have 8 fewer first class seats, so upgrades are difficult to find. I was lucky recently to have an upgrade from IAH to EWR and enjoyed the big screen and the bed.  The seat was great and I slept very well. 

Seat 2A For Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing

Seat 2A Reclined

Seat 2A Flat Bed

Southwest A-List Fast Track Offer

The tempting Southwest Airlines short cut to A List status offer only gives status through December 31, 2015.  If the status lasted through December 31, 2016, I would have flown the three round trips for status, but it isn't worth it for me for 10 months of status.

Southwest 737 at Las Vegas

Mr Bussa, we’re making changes to the Executive Club

I dread emails from airlines announcing changes to frequent flyer programs.  They are never good news. Prices are raising for premium cabin travel, first class is 33% more, business class 50% more, and premium economy 33% more. Coach is the same, but the expensive fuel surcharge fees make coach a losing proposition anyway. Book before April 28 to avoid the higher prices, full details here.

I Can't Afford a Business Class Ticket With These Changes

Thoughts on an MD-80

Here's a nice obituary for an MD-80.  Airports have had American MD-80's for as long as I can remember, it will be a big change when they are gone.

American Airlines MD-80's

New Camera - Sony W830

My dependable Canon point & shoot has retired.  One of the in inner lenses got some dirt on it and repairs are not cost effective. My new point & shoot is the Sony W830. My iPhone is great for quick snaps with no zoom and good lighting, but I need a small camera that is good in low light and with an optical zoom. I settled on the Sony because I got a smoking deal on it.  I'm still getting used to the differences between Sony and Canon and am excited to post some new pictures. Contrary to many recent news stories, there still is a need for point & shoots, even though the market has shrunk.

New Photo Machine

Dirt That Forced My Canon To Retire Above Terminal

There's a Slight Shutter Delay - Still Learning

Have the Shutter Delay Under Control

A few samples

The joy of optical zoom

Works at night too

Negative 19 Minute Connection Confuses United.com

I made a negative 19 minute connection in Houston this week.  My flight from EWR was 37 minutes early and the next flight to Denver was a 4 minute jog away.  Even with the lackadaisical nature of people deplaning in front of me, I made it to the Denver flight before the paperwork was finished.  I was added to the flight in seat 2A; happily a first class passenger didn't make it and his seat hadn't been filled by someone else.  I saw on United.com that their IT didn't quite know how to show a negative connection time.

Yes, I Did Make This Connection

Alaska Airlines' New Logo

I don't like it.  Alaska Airlines is now just Alaska and I think the new logo and branding loses some of the brand's charm.  The new logo is bolder (typographically not emotionally), drops "Airlines," and changes K to not overlap the final A.  It's easier to read, but is missing something.

I Don't Like It

Southwest A-List Status for $275

The Southwest fast track to A-List status offer I received got me thinking.  I only need four flights and I can go to OKC for $69 each way.  Elite status for less than $300 is very tempting.  Add in that I've never been to Oklahoma, so I get to check off another state (I'm at 42).  I might spend a little more if there isn't much to see in Oklahoma City; MCI, SEA, LAX, SLC, and PDX are all less than $100 each way.

Southwest Moving In On United

Southwest Status Offer for Denver Flyers – 2015

Southwest Airlines is offering a fast track to elite frequent flyer status for Denver area flyers in 2015.  Six one way flights, rather than 25, and you are set.  This is a good way to boost ticket sales originating in Denver and will likely tempt low level United elites and demoralized Frontier regulars.  Southwest is the second largest airline in Denver and they are still pushing to gain market share.  This promotion lowers the switching costs to flyers with elite status on competitors and cheaply creates new Southwest regulars.  I doubt United or Frontier will match.  A-List status would cost less than $400, so I'm tempted to take them up on the offer.

Sun Rising On Southwest Travel

Fine print: Only the Rapid Rewards Member who received this offer from Southwest Airlines® is eligible for this promotion. Offer is nontransferable. Member must register for this promotion between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015 to quality for promotional A-List status and must do so prior to commencement of travel. Member must either complete three qualifying roundtrip revenue flights (or six one-way revenue flights) or earn 8,750 Tier Qualifying Points between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015. Qualifying three roundtrips (or six one-ways) must be booked between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015.

San Francisco Approach

I had a great view on my 6am flight to SFO this weekend.  I witnessed an amazing sunrise on the snow covered mountains. Even with the free DirecTV in United Airlines first class, I enjoyed the window view more.

View From 3A

Extra United Miles From Marriott

Sign up for Marriott's bonus miles promotion here: http://www.marriott.com/rewards/promotion.mi?promotion=MM15.  Your profile needs to be set to earning miles rather than points to participate.  This deal is good enough to merit a switch in earning preferences.

Easier Miles Than Flying A Turbo Prop

Simpler Hotel Program

The Omni Select Guest program is now Discovery.  Simpler name and a simpler program.  The Discovery program covers several high end hotel chains around the world and is shift their focus from rebates to value adds.  Traditional loyalty programs give rebates in the form of rewards.  Discounting is easy and easy to mimic, so it doesn’t foster the strongest loyalty with customers.  Higher end chains eschew discounting and prefer to focus on creating powerful and memorable experiences as a path to loyalty.  This strategy is difficult and does not scale well, but can create very strong relationships that are hard for competitors to challenge. 

Better Customization On Long Trips

Airlines, NetJets excluded, have too large a scale and too few chances for customization, so they rely heavily on discounting, like free upgrades, fee waivers, and the miles currency to buy discounted services.  Airline discounting is being reduced as award programs change and try to increase margin.  It’s refreshing to see some programs are adding value even with reduced rebates.

Checking a Firearm on Southwest Airlines

Southwest is a great airline to fly if you need to travel with firearms because every ticket comes with two free checked bags.  Since firearms need to be checked, this saves a noticeable amount of money.  Firearms need to be in a hard sided case and that case needs to be locked (full details).  The case can then go into your suitcase if it fits.  You need to be able to open the case at the airport if asked, so keep the key or combination handy. When checking your bag, tell the agent you are checking a firearm.  They'll give you a Southwest Airlines Firearm(s) Declaration card to fill out and inform you of next steps.  These vary by airport, but, in general, the TSA will examine the bag and you will need to be available to open it if requested.  Plan on the process taking an extra 30 minutes.

Southwest Airlines Firearm(s) Declaration

I understand that the carriage of a loaded weapon is a violation of federal regulations. I therefore declare the following regarding the firearm(s) contained in my luggage: 
1. The firearm(s) chambers are free of a munition in the magazine clip has been removed (when applicable). 
2. Loaded magazines or clips are package to prevent accidental activation of the primer.
3. The unloaded firearm(s) is inside a hard – cited locked container and I alone am in possession of the key or combination.
4. My total allowance of checked luggage contains no more than 11 pounds of ammunition and it is securely packaged in an appropriate container.

I also understand that state laws vary regarding registration, possession, and carriage of weapons. I acknowledge that I am responsible for knowing and following the firearms laws of the states to and through which I will be traveling.

Southwest 737's in Vegas

A Few Things Not To Expect In 2015

There are a few things that I grew accustomed to in previous years of flying that I won' see in 2015.  AirTran Airlines is one.  I'll miss seeing their planes hopping around the county; they looked good and helped bring fare competition to places I travel.  Southwest bought them to take out a competitor rather than expand their service.  There are plenty of cheap 717's and 737's in storage so, for a modest investment, someone can recreate AirTran's business model of small (cheap) planes to small and medium destinations.

AirTran 717 at Chicago Midway

I also don't expect frequent flyer programs to stand still.  There have been many large changes in the past few years and I suspect there will be more to come.  The next target will probably be earning elite status.  I suspect is will change to a pure spend calculation with four or five tiers.  Award miles will be given based on spending amounts, so why not simplify and give status on the same metric.  I don't expect it to be too simple, airlines like complexity and partner flights will need to generate credit in some way.

Earn Miles While You Can

My miles earning ability will be severely curtailed this year.  My first problem is I will be dropping in United status from Platinum to Gold on February 1.  Gold members used to earn a 100%, but since the Continental merger, it now earns a paltry 50%.  Then on March 1, United will award miles based on fare price, not distance.  This will take the fun and value out of mileage runs (flying just to collect miles).  It will also remove value from cheap flights over long distances.  Lastly my credit card portfolio is weighted to cash back rewards. This can change, but I enjoy 2% back or more on my spending.

I do have two mileage run trips booked this month with about 21,000 miles flown.   This will be a great last hurrah.  It will also get me a good start on 2015 status and closer to my million miller goal.

Destroying an Airliner

Here is a sad video of an airliner being dismantled in less than five minutes (the process takes slightly longer due to time lapse video tricks).  

The Crush from Sii on Vimeo.  Original video from Stewart Industries.

Best Starwood Preferred Guest – SPG – Awards in New York City

The most popular SPG point award in 2014 was the Sheraton NewYork Times Square Hotel and I’m disappointed to hear that.  I stayed there once and did not care for it.  The hotel is huge, but the rooms are tiny. They were so small; I had to use the bed to get from one side of the room to the other.  The dresser and bed left space too narrow to roll my bag through.  The club lounge was closed when I visited and lines were everywhere.  I felt cramped everywhere I went.  I hate to think this hotel is the aspirational award most redeemed in the SPG program.

Delta Departing LGA

The Sheraton Times Square is 12,000 points per night.  The new Element New York Times Square West and newer The Westin New York Grand Central are both 12,000 points and much nicer properties.  New York is spread out and easy to get around, so there’s no need to stay close to Times Square.  The Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel is another great 12,000 point option in a relaxed area.

United Departing LGA

It is good value to spend points rather than money in New York because the hotel rates, plus 15%ish tax, are exorbitant.  2 to 3 cents cash value per point is available at almost every hotel.  I’m sure the travelers spending points are seeing a good return at whatever hotel they select; I just hope next year they try to find a better hotel.