New Favorite Airport Hotel

I have a new favorite airport hotel, it's the Westin SFO. I have a great view from my room and get superb reception on my ATC scanner. Also the airport shuttle runs frequently, the rate is low, and the breakfast is nice. It is a slightly dated Westin, but I can overlook that. You want to be on the top floor in rooms 701-714 or 767-780. As an added bonus, it is across the street from a park with great views of the field, a nice walking path, and cool bay breeze. I sadly only brought my iPhone this trip, but next time I'll bring a real camera.

View From The Park

View From My Room

Alaska and Delta Break Up

Alaska and Delta had an It's Complicated relationship status for some time. It's official now, they are breaking up. Alaska is still friends with American Airlines. I guess I'll have to credit my Delta trips to Delta now.  Added bonus: short distance trips on Alaska cost fewer miles.

Delta is now Alone in the North West

Raytheon's Strange 727

Here is an interesting 727-223 at LAX. I don't think it came from Boeing looking like that. It's operated by Raytheon, so I guess they like adding aftermarket design touches.

VooDoo1 - Raytheon Experimental Test Bed

Alaska Now Owns Virgin America

I'm a Denver based flyer, so this has no impact on my travel. In the off chance I'd fly a Virgin route, it would be nice to grab some Alaska miles, but that may never happen for me.

All Boeing Fleet

All Airbus Fleet

TSA Confiscates Teddy Bear

This is a sad story. It could go through the checked bag x-ray machine. Also your tax dollars paid for the post and depressing back story.

Why does this gigantic teddy bear look so sad? He was abandoned by his owners at LAX after the airline and TSA determined that he was just too big to be screened as a carry-on and taken on the plane. It’s a good idea to check with your airline prior to traveling with overly large items as cary-ons. If you see this wayward bear strolling the streets of LA, please feel free to feed him. #TSATravelTips ***UPDATE*** The passenger had actually bought a ticket for the bear. After the airline and TSA decided the bear was too large, the airline offered to refund the ticket and the traveler was given the option of checking the bear as checked baggage. The traveler opted not to check the bear and left it behind.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Dec 14, 2016 at 2:21pm PST

Long Sappy Commercials Around Christmas - WestJet & LHR

WestJet has an uplifting offering about the families hit by the large wildfires in Fort McMurray this summer.  London Heathrow has some cute teddy bears traveling.

25% Off Boeing Models

The Boeing Store is offering 25% off all models until December 24th.  Free shipping on orders over $100 too. I've ordered from them before and they do a great job.

This Full Size Boeing Model Is Also Discounted