Elite Upgrade Notification

I love the Elite Upgrade Notification emails United sends because a good trip is coming soon (this weekend I hope).

United 757 First Class Section

Qatar Airways Joins oneworld Alliance Oct. 30

The first big Gulf carrier will join an alliance soon.  This is a large departure from previous standard operating procedure.  Gulf super carriers have preferred to go it alone or make tactical airline to airline partnerships (Qatar and United were partners for a while).  With Qatar joining oneworld, there will be a lot more award opportunities available to member airlines and it should boost revenues all around.  I doubt Etihad or Emerites will follow soon though.  Those airlines like their strong positions and fly to enough airports in Europe and Asia to not need the feeder traffic a global alliance provides.  Qatar is also the smallest, though still large, of the big three and is looking for new growth.  Doha is just a connection point while Dubai is becoming a destination on its own. 

Qatar A330 at FRA

I like this because my American and British Airways miles are worth more with the new redemption options.  I don’t expect Star Alliance or Delta/KLM (also called Sky Team) to pick up a major Gulf airline soon.  That’s ok for now, SPG points and single airline partnerships can get me on those carriers if needed.

Aloft Smart Check In Card

My Aloft Smart Check-In card came in the mail!  It's a smart card that acts as my room key at Aloft hotels, so I'll get a text with my room number and I can skip the front desk.  I don't have any Aloft stays booked at the moment, but I'll book one next time I have an excuse just to try it out.  It would be very cool if SPG could roll this feature out across their brands, but the Smart Check-In program needs to make it out of the pilot testing phase first. 

Aloft Smart Check In Card

Delta Purchased 40 Airbus Aircraft

The slow retirement of the 757 continues.  Delta announced an order for 30 A321 NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft and 10 A330’s.  The A330 is a solid performer, a little bit better than the 767 while also being cheaper and faster to acquire than the 787.  Nothing earth shattering with this A330 order.  The A321’s are news.  Delta inherited an Airbus fleet (A319, A320, A330) when they purchased Northwest a few years ago; previously Delta was an Boeing (McDonald Douglas included) operation.  It looks like the narrow body fleet might be transitioning to Airbus for longer routes.

Delta MD at Denver

Delta is a strange airline.  Most carriers focus on having a single manufacturer and fuel burn when buying aircraft.  A single manufacturer, at least for narrow body and wide body fleets simplifies maintenance, pilot training, and operational complexities.  Fuel burn is usually an airlines largest expense and fuel prices fluctuate making it difficult to estimate future costs.  Delta likes cheap airframes because they are buying 717’s and MD-80 series jets on the used market for next to scrap value.  These jets burn more fuel and take more maintenance per flight hour, but the math works out because you can buy 8 or more 717’s for less than on new 737 (educated guess, purchase prices are not disclosed).  Delta seems to be doing fine managing their hodgepodge fleet, so 30 new A321’s (same cockpit in all the A320 series jets and 90%+ parts commonality).

Airbus Engine Detail

I also suspect that the A321’s will replace the 757 jets running all but the longest range flights.  The 757 is a 1970’s design (one of the best decades for commercial airlines, see Concorde), but works great today.  The plane is large (182 seats), has a tremendous range (4,705 miles), and has no direct replacement.  Boeings 737-900ER has a 1,835 mile shorter range and 10 fewer seats.  The A321 seats 183 and has a 1,250 mile shorter range.  The A321 NEO though still seats 183, but the range is boosted to only a 750 mile shortfall.  The fuel burn is also significantly less.  This makes the A321 NEO close enough to the 757 to cover the same routes (transatlantic crossings excluded) and a significantly reduces cost per seat mile (cost to fly one seat one mile).  Hawaiian Airlines announced a big A321 NEO order that will open up lighter density routes from the west coast.  US Airways isn’t announcing A321 NEO service from PHX yet, the 757 is still best for that route.

757 Profile

I like the 757, it has a cool look, comfortable feel, and the highest ratio of first class seats to coach seats for narrow body jets (best upgrade chances).  I also enjoy boarding through the second door and turning left for first class, but the 757’s days are numbered.  United plans on replacing it with the 737-900ER on all but PS, transatlantic, and 757-300 (stretched 216 seat version) routes.  I enjoy flying the 757 and I’ll enjoy it a little bit more next time I fly it.

Happy Labor Day Travels

Remember to bring extra patience if you are travelling this weekend.  Long lines and amateur travelers will be everywhere, but with a little patience, it should not ruin your trip.

Delta 737 at LAS

Free Shipping Code at the Boeing Store

Free shipping until August 28 at the Boeing Store.  T-shirts are reasonably priced and I picked up a 747 shirt.  Use code SHIPP813 at checkout.  Now if only Airbus set up a US based store, shipping from Germany is killer.

Part of the Boeing Collection at NRT

What Is A Mileage Run?

I was at brunch recently with some friends of my girlfriend and someone asked what I do for fun. I mentioned that I recently took a trip just for the frequent flyer miles.  They looked baffled and then asked if I was serious (legitimate question, I frequently use deadpan humor).  I said I was serious and that I flew to Puerto Rico six times last year and never left the airport.  I then proceed to explain my logic for mileage runs.

United 737's in Houston

It's not the destination that matters, but the number of miles accumulated.  There are two types of miles, elite qualifying miles (EQM) and redeemable miles (RDM).  Elite qualifying miles only count for status and reset every year.  Redeemable miles are used for award travel and don't expire as long as your account is active.  I enjoy 1K status on United because it gets me upgraded on 90%+ of my United flights and waves a number of fees (Three free checked bags at 70lbs each, free award ticket changes, free phone reservations, free same day confirmed flight changes, etc.).  To attain this status, I need to fly 100,000 paid miles on United and their partners (US Airways mostly for me).  Since my job doesn't have me traveling more than 30,000 miles a year, I need to make up the difference.

US Airways CRJ-900 at CLT

I close the gap by buying tickets.  Home for Christmas, a trip to Long Beach for the Grand Prix, and a few other leisure trips doesn't get me much closer to 100,000 miles.  To close the gap I need to fly just to acquire the EQM's I need.  The destination doesn't matter, just time and money.  For time, I don't want to take any PTO to do this, so I am stuck with Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.  Money factors in both the cost per EQM and hotels.  Hotel stays tend to ruin the math, so I try to overnight in air.  To find the lowest fares, I spend a good bit of time searching ITA Matrix.  I like to find fares in the 5c -6c per EQM range.  My Puerto Rico trips last year were about 3.8c per EQM so I booked every weekend last September.  I'm less gung-ho on good, but not great deals. 

United Airlines A320 at LGA

People still think you are crazy.  No matter how rational your explanation, no matter how much the other person smiles and nods, they will still think you are crazy.  It's ok.  This game isn't for everyone, if it was you could never find an award seat or cheap fare.

Feeling Aspirational

I can't wait to fly a narrow body Austria Airlines jet again.  The service is great, even in coach, and either the departure city or destination city will be fun, but probably both will be cool.

Austrian Jets at VIE

What Does Your Ticket Pay For?

Everyone seems to be making money off airline tickets, except for airlines.  Here's a good graphic to illustrate.

Source: Airlines for America

King Nut Airline Products

I love airline food. As a kid I liked the free food in coach. The Pigeon Strudel I had on a Lufthansa flight was the best meal I had anywhere in 2011. Even snacks are good.  US Airways has a tropical fruit crunch that is outstanding.  I enjoyed it so much, I purchased 150 pouches from their supplier King Nut.  I also got two bags of mini pretzels and two bags of the new American Airlines mix (each bag has 25 pouches).  They ship UPS ground from Cleveland, so it's economical to place large orders.  

Airline Snacks

$400 Cash Back From Chase

Note: I am not compensated for this post or for Chase referrals.

I signed up for the Chase Sapphire card and the 40,000 point bonus for spending $3,000 in three months (I have a business trip coming up, so that will help).  That's enough points for $400 in rewards or 40,000 United, Southwest, Hyatt, or Marriott points.  I like flexible cards, the SPG Amex is another example, and I could use a new sign up bonus.  I sign up for 4-6 cards a year depending on the offers to maximize my earning potential.  Some card have good bonuses, but are poor regular earners, so they don't all become long term daily cards.  Interestingly I haven't seen a negative impact to my credit score for having a number of short credit card histories.  The points game is only if you don't carry a balance, it won't pay back if you owe finance charges.

Cash Back or United Miles

Sunrise at CLT

I might be the only person who likes to be at an airport before the sun rise. Here's a glimpse of what most people miss.

767 at CLT

Hertz To Increase Award Prices October 1, 2013

In light of rising costs, we find it necessary to implement our first reward redemption point increase since 2008.  Beginning October 1, 2013, point redemption levels for Rewards will increase a modest 10-15% in the United States.

I appreciate the letter from Hertz Gold Plus Awards announcing the pending awards program change.  Advertising changes well in advance puts Hertz in the top 5% of travel companies (plus Starbucks) because most programs announce changes on short notice or after the fact.  I am interested to know what the new award chart will look like and that is something that should be included, but 10-15% points inflation isn't frightening.  Hilton points lost up to 50% of their value earlier this year, so most program changes pale in comparison.  Hertz also included a tease of new value to soften to blow: 

We will be enhancing reward redemption options with new locations and expanded choices.

I'm a strong proponent of new awards, even if they don't maximize potential points value.  More options benefit the consumer and versatility has a strong value on its own. Besides, the best value for points isn't on an award chart, but the value of dreams.  Miles and points programs bring otherwise unattainable dreams within reach, even if the dream trip isn't taken.  Bora Bora or Baltimore, it's fun to dream and know points can make it a reality.

Heathrow Airport Boarding Game

London Heathrow is taking the fun out of cutting it close.  They are implementing a "Positive Boarding" system that will stop you before security if you are cutting it too close (30 minutes before departure in most cases).  This will help planes depart on time because the ground crew can start removing checked bags when they are alerted of blocked passengers.  Great idea, except, it misses it's true potential.

LHR Action

The first issue is that you can't check bags and then get so delayed at LHR before security to be within the 30 minute window.  All the fun stuff is air side and airlines won't take bags less than 45 minutes before departure anyway.  However, this does prevent the business traveler from maximizing their time by not waiting in the airport (I'm still excited to linger around LHR, the stores and lounges are top notch).  If you are cutting it close, but not within the 30 minute window, it just tells you to rush to the gate.  It doesn't however get you a skip to the front of the x-ray line pass or anything else useful to remove time from the process.  A skip the line (or queue if you prefer) pass would be a great value add of this system because the security wait can be interminable. The Positive Boarding system has potential, but not how it is set up now.

Sheraton Stockholm & Lufthansa to Denver in Economy

The Arlanda Express train is a fast and economical (by comparison) way to go from ARN to the city center. I was only a few blocks away from the Sheraton Stockholm, home for the next two nights.  My parents stayed there a few years ago and liked it; it's also the only SPG property in town.  The hotel seems busy at all hours, luckily they honor the SPG elite lane and I was quickly checked in to a corner suite.  The room was a little bit dated and the air conditioning was woefully under powered (it also needs the air filter changed more frequently than the carpet is changed).  Luckily the windows opened, so I settled for a nice breeze.  The hotel is in a great location or tourism and work.

Sheraton Stockholm

The club lounge was the best part of the hotel.  Food and beer in Stockholm is expensive, so free food and beer are great.  The club lounge had an outstanding dinner spread with salmon, cold cuts, soup, and beer (wine too if you prefer).  The staff was also super friendly and kept everything in stock and the lounge was spotless. Breakfast was delicious too.

Sheraton Stockholm Club Lounge

I would return to the Sheraton if I'm in Stockholm again, but I hope the renovate the rooms before then.  I'd also like the Hilton to not be $400/nt so I can try the competition.

View From My Room

After my two days were up (royal palace, Vasa museum, wandering around), I was heading back to Denver.  My girlfriend was able to change my flights to remove a long stopover in Chicago and a short stop in Houston.  Originally booked for ARN-ORD-IAH-DEN I was now on a simple ARN-FRA-DEN trip with a brief, almost too brief, stop in Frankfurt.  

Lufthansa Coach Meal to Denver

The Lufthansa flights were very pleasant.  Their food is tasty in every cabin and the flight attendants are always superb.  It was especially nice for me because I got an exit row (these seats open up to general customers 48 hours before departure) and had no seat in front of me.  It made for a relaxing and comfortable flight home, even without a personal TV.

Lufthansa Coach Exit Row Seat 33K 747-400

Customs clearance in Denver went very quickly.  The US citizen line was short (usually the case when flying a foreign carrier) and my bag was one of the first to pop up.  A relaxing end to a relaxing trip.

Bumpy Flights

Spokane (GEG) always has a bumpy arrival and departure. Yup, that's the only thing of note from my recent business trip, DEN-PHX-GEG-DEN.  On a more interesting note, I'm planning another trip around the world with US Airways miles. It looks like United, Air China, Lufthansa, Asiana, and Turkish are all possibilities in business class.

Air China, United, Lufthansa

United Listened to Me

Small changes can make a big difference, like having consistent branding on a website.  United listened to my complaint (or had the idea themselves, the result is the same) and updated their Star Alliance airplane image to one of their planes.  Now to take on some larger problems.

United Branded Aircraft

Global Entry Pre Check Win

I finished my Global Entry registration this week and already am seeing the benefits (United paid for it, Platinum and 1K perk; otherwise $100 for 5 years).  Your Global Entry code also makes you eligible for TSA Precheck on all participating airlines, just enter your Global Entry code when booking or at check in. This is great because standard Precheck users are only eligible on a single carrier that sponsors their membership. This is a big win that will make flying US Airways today much more pleasant. 

Got PreCheck

Interesting Fairmont & RIMOWA Promotion

I read a fun email from Fairmont offering two free RIMOWA carry on bags with a stay in a Fairmont Gold room.  The bags retail for $595 and I set to work trying to find a way to make it a deal worth doing.

As a member of Fairmont President's Club, we are pleased to provide you with an exclusive opportunity! Enjoy Fairmont Gold and Suite accommodations at select destinations across North America* and arrive in style with two RIMOWA Salsa Deluxe Cabin Multiwheel® cases. An offer this good doesn't come around often—get ready to pack your (new) bags!

I ran the numbers and the cheapest trip would be about $1200 for two from Denver ($400 air, $700 hotel, $100 car + incidentals). Search airport codes YQB, YYZ, BOS, PHX, YOW, BDA, SFO in ITA Matrix if you want to give it a try.  If I lived in Phoenix, the $700 for a stay-cation (I hate that term and concept) and the carry on bags would be worth while.  Oh well, there will be other promotions and I love my Briggs and Reilly bag.  It was fun to dream for a minute.

Another Deal Will  Come My Way

Bid Miles On Simulator Time

United is auctioning off 2 hours in a flight simulator and bidding is only at 123,000 miles (bidding ends tomorrow). This is a truly unique award because you can't buy this experience with money and shows the real value of frequent flyer programs.  This isn't a discount, but an opportunity that would not be available without miles and makes the unattainable accessible. 

United Airlines A319

UPDATE 7/26 - The auction wound up going for 135,000.  Not bad considering the two free flights to Denver would cost 50,000 miles plus maybe 15,000 miles for the hotel stay.

Easy Way to Check International Travel Requirements

IATA has a great website to check international travel requirements, an outstanding resource to have handy.

Frankfurt is a Great Place to Connect

Pic of the Day

Fun shot taking off from Long Beach after the grand prix. 

CRJ-900 Take Off

British Airways Avios Award Chart

British Airways doesn't post their award chart, but lets you only price specific routes.  To save you the trouble of making your own award chart, here's the one I created.  The prices are for economy and are the same for British Airways, their oneworld partners, and Alaska Airlines.  Multiply by 1.5 for premium economy, 2 for business, and 3 for first.  Prices are per segment too, not total trip distance (find segment length or airport range), so avoid connections.  

Cost	Max Dist
4500	650
7500	1150
10000	2000
12500	3000
20000	4000
25000	5500
30000	6500
35000	7050
50000	7500

25,000 Miles To Go SFO-LHR On British Airways

GVA-FRA-Sheraton Frankfurt Airport-ARN

I wanted to change my United award ticket after I started travelling and it was easy really.  A few caveats, I’m a 1K member, so there was no fee, (a fee may apply to general members), also I was not changing my city pairs or connection point, and finally I verified availability before booking.  That said, the process went smoothly really.

Lufthansa Cityline E190 Coach Seat Recline

Geneva was proving to be a bit dull, so I wanted to grab an earlier flight into Frankfurt.  I had booked an overnight connection and was happy to get to the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport in time to grab a bite in the outstanding club lounge.  Lufthansa had plenty of availability too, so it was looking promising.

Business Class Seats Lufthansa Cityline E190

The one complication was that I had no way to economically call United (this type of change can’t be made online).  Google Voice is charging for calls originating from outside the US and I never signed up for Skype.  Luckily my girlfriend was able to help.  I gave her my United number, pin, directions on the flight I wanted changed, and an overview of what to expect.  After a few minutes, I got an itinerary update from United and a reply email reporting success.  Easiest flight change ever, I didn’t even have to wait on hold.

Intra Europe Lufthansa Snack

Another bonus is that I went from coach on a full CRJ-900 to coach on a 40% full ERJ-190.  The E-190is a great 100 seat plane and there was plenty of space for everyone.  The flight from Geneva to Frankfurt was only an hour and light snack was served in coach.  It was a bumpy flight, but things went smoothly on arrival.  My bag quickly appeared at baggage claim and it was a quick walk across the terminal to the Sheraton. 

The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport hotel is my favorite airport hotel in the world.  I even stayed there when I was visiting Frankfurt rather than going to a hotel downtown (the rail link form the airport is fast and reasonably priced).  The hotel service is very good and the club lounge has an outstanding breakfast (including omelet station) and dinner presentation.  The rooms are fresh and well maintained too.

Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Club Level Room

Things did not go as smoothly the following morning.  I was scheduled on the first flight to Stockholm at 7:10 AM.  The security lines were long and slow (last time I went through the First Class Terminal with no problems), so I didn’t have much time to grab a bite in the lounge (also packed with long lines).  I soon had to go to the gate and the plane was at a remote parking position so a bus ride was required.  I always like being one of the last to board so I am not stuck on the bus forever. 

That idea didn’t go well because the first bus filled up and pulled away with 12 passengers waiting for the next bus, which pulled up immediately.  Then we waited for 30 minutes until we were told the plane left without us.  We were rebooked on the next flight 2 hours later and given €250 cash vouchers (really, they just added $315 to my checking account).  I’m fine with being paid $100 an hour to sit in the Senators lounge and waiting for the next flight.

Lufthansa A321 Intra Europe Snack and Seat

The flight to Stockholm was fast and enjoyable with great views heading north.  The aircraft was a new A321 and the middle seat was empty.  The sandwich was good too.  Upon landing there was a cabin announcement apologizing to those that missed the earlier flight and informing us that our checked bags had already arrived.  I quickly grabbed my bag, bought a ticket for the Arlanda Express train and was heading into Stockholm.

Can you explain flying just to get “miles”?

Can you explain the manner by which some people are able to fly just to get “miles”?
Thank you,
Jack

Thanks for asking. It comes down to a cost/benefit analysis where the cost in terms of money and time is less than the benefits of status and award miles.   Flying for miles is a great way to boost award mile balances and elite status miles.  In essence, the purpose of the flight is the miles accumulated, not the distention.  Often times, I don't even leave the airport on these trips. It is not an especially efficient use of time and can cost 3 to 7 cents per mile flown, but I feel it is worth while (some of my friends think I'm crazy).

US Airways Jets at CLT

I flew to Puerto Rico six times last year and never spent more than 90 minutes on the ground.  On four of the trips, I took the same airplane I arrived on and was back in the air less than an hour after landing.  I flew because I was able to go 8,500 miles for $300.  These flights boosted my mileage balance and got me from mid tier status to top tier.  Each trip did take up a day and a half of my weekend, but I felt it was worth it.  I've also had shorter trips, like going to San Antonio to see the Alamo and then home, if the price per mile is low enough, I'm in.

The maximum price per mile to pay depends on the person and situation.  The first consideration is if the trip is needed to reach a status goal.  Status is incredibly valuable when flying, so spending a few hundred dollars to reach the next tier is very worthwhile because of better upgrade chances, shorter lines, waved fees, and a more pleasant experience overall.  The next consideration is the value of the award miles earned.  Each Puerto Rico trip netted 17,000 award miles and those are worth about 2c each, my flight paid for itself with the award miles earned.  Not every trip works out that well, but it does help offset the expense (if you just need award miles, credit card sign up bonuses are a faster and cheaper solution).

ANA 777's at NRT

The key to being able to fly for miles is finding cheap fares; I use ITA Matrix to search for flights.  It's a great tool to let you quickly search a specific airline (or alliance) across multiple dates and destinations.  They even let you sort by price per mile.  I like taking month long looks at 0 night flights to the Eastern time zone on United.  I also get tips from like minded coworkers on good trips.  If you have the time to invest, a multi-city reservation can be great.  Denver, my home airport, rarely has cheap flights and isn't very far from anywhere.  But I can fly to the east coast, then west coast, then east coast, then home to yield more miles at a lower average cost. Go to where the cheap fares are, then go from there to the other coast.  Nesting a trip within a trip like this helps control costs and reduce total time in transit.  Also connections are cost effective ways (sometimes only $3 more) to boost the distance; Houston or Chicago is always out of the way.

Another theory is to fly as far away as you can, Singapore and Sydney are good bets, and make a small vacation out of it.  I doubt I would enjoy flying to Singapore to turn right around, but a day or two in town would be a fun way to stretch my legs.  One long trip could save a few weekends of domestic hops.  Again the goal is to acquire miles, the final destination is a secondary concern. 

Frankfurt Action

Flying just for miles is a strange concept for most people, but it's a logical and cost effective solution for flyers needing extra status or award miles in their account.  Jump on cheap fares when you find them, they rarely last. Keep your goals in mind and plan out how to reach you target.  50,001 miles gets you the same status as 68,750 miles.

You've been selected for Smart Check-in - Aloft SPG Program

This sounds interesting, I'll let you know how well it works when I get the card in a few weeks.

Congratulations — you've been specially chosen to participate in Smart Check-In, an exclusive program at select AloftSM hotels. Sign up now to enjoy this innovative and convenient check-in process! Here's how it works:

•  You'll be sent a special Aloft-brand SPG® card that will double as a room key, allowing you to bypass the front desk and go straight to your room whenever you stay at participating Aloft hotels. •  On the day of your arrival, we'll send a message to your mobile device containing your room number. •  When you arrive at your participating Aloft hotel, skip the front desk and go directly to your room. Just touch your Aloft-brand SPG card to the door to unlock it — you'll be checked in automatically and have full access to the Aloft front desk throughout your stay.

To reserve your spot in the Smart Check-In program, please respond within 10 days. You'll also be invited to fill out a short survey following each stay to tell us about your experience with Smart Check-In. Thank you and congratulations on being selected for this exclusive program!

IATA Global Passenger Survey

Take the IATA Global Passenger Survey and help shape the future of air travel.  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the international airline trade body and helps shape policy and products.

MUC International Gates

Pic of the Day

Will the US Airways legacy paint schemes will survive the merger?  I hope so, they are fun to spot when travelling.

US Airways Allegheny Tail

I Disagree: The Dumbest Fee in the Airline Business

I just read an article titled "The Dumbest Fee in the Airline Business" and I was anticipating a good laugh at a foreign carrier fee for oxygen masks or something like that.  Instead I read a long complaint about standby fees on domestic carriers. 

"Charging a change fee to fly standby when a passenger is already at the gate seems not only avaricious but also disadvantageous for the airline.  The charge could easily mean that a plane departs with an empty seat, which immediately becomes worthless. It also denies the airline the flexibility that comes with an empty seat on the next flight. Possibly that seat can be sold. Possibly it can accommodate a passenger who missed a connection. Possibly bad weather or congestion or a mechanical failure will delay that flight, pushing all the passengers onto future flights, creating unforeseen complexities and expenses for the airline."

US Airways A320 Take Off

The core of the author's argument is that free standby lets everyone win.  Except it doesn't.  The airline wants to maximize their revenue and they do that partially by charging more for flexibility and comfort.  A passenger will pay to get on an earlier flight if they are at an airport, everyone's time is worth something.  The problem is, everyone's time is worth something different and the value of an individual's time changes depending the situation (business vs leisure travel or grumpy vs relax mindset). This makes it impossible for airlines to charge each person the most they are willing to pay for a service.  One option would be a reverse auction at the gate for standby passengers, but this is complicated and time consuming (big problem when the plane is loaded and ready to go).  So airlines just set a flat fee they think will maximize their revenue (this includes the cost of so called "unforeseen complexities and expenses for the airline").  A simple and intuitive solution for customers and staff.

US Airways Airbus

The fee system does mean airplanes will fly empty seats when there are passengers around to fill them.  Though it sounds like lost revenue, it isn't.  It's likely that many seats fly empty no matter what on a given day. Airlines don't have to fill every seat to maximize revenue either.  One seat sold for $400 on the day of travel is better than selling three for $125.  That's why same day bookings are so expensive, sort notice bookings are price inelastic.  Maximizing revenue can be done without filling every seat.

That's what happened in this situation, US Airways tried to maximize their revenue, not fill an open seat as an end to itself. The customer knew there was a fee when booking (or could easily have known) and decided to buy anyway, so there should not really be any disappointment (they are asking to receive something of value for free, how often does that happen?).  If flexibility is so important, buy a flexible ticket, if not, don't complain about not getting something for nothing.

Intercontinental Hotel Geneva Review

Other than being expensive and having the UN, I had no specific expectations about Geneva. I was booked for five nights at the Intercontinental Genève, two blocks away from the UN.  The rooms and public spaces are superb.  The hotel is older, but appears to have been recently renovated and exceptionally maintained.  For 35,000 points a night, it's a bargain.  The staff is helpful and the hotel is on the 5 bus line with their own stop (public transit is free for hotel guests and top notch).  The wireless internet is free, but everything else costs a fortune.  I also had to change rooms mid stay due to 'security concerns of a visiting delegation' that required an entire floor.  That's a first.

Intercontinental Geneva King Room

Intercontinental Geneva Bathroom

Geneva sights to see are the UN, the lake, and the old town center.  That's about it. The UN tour is well worth the hour or so.  The Palais des Nations is an interesting design.  The old building from the 30's has an amazing art deco design and is very impressive.  The new building from the 60's is a typical architectural disaster; the design is almost nauseating.    The tour guides are friendly and informative and it was fun sitting in on a conference and using the interpreter earphone devices to listen in on the live translations.  

UN Geneva

UN Geneva

UN Geneva

Geneva is a small city and easily navigated. There is a pleasant path along the north side of the lake from the botanic gardens, a short down hill walk from my hotel, to the city center. I poked my head in a McDonald's and confirmed the Big Mac Index was right, Switzerland is expensive. It's also pretty.  The lake is peaceful and the mountains are a great backdrop.  The old town is pleasant and there are plenty of windows to look in at watches, watches, and more watches. Nice place, but one day I was there was a public holiday and everything, including retail, was closed.

Lake Geneva

Water Taxi Included in Free Transport Card

Even with the EBACE13 conference, five days proved too long to stay in Geneva (it would be more fun with an expense account or state sponsor to pick up the tab).  With some help, I was able to change my flights to get out of town earlier than planned, but more on that process in my next post.

British Airways Cabin Classes

How many cabin classes does British Airways have?  Right, eleven.  No really, eleven. Four are standard for intercontinental flights, three are unique to Openskies, one is for their A318 service from London City to JFK, two are for intra-Europe flights, and one is for UK flights. Confusing, right?  Well the intent is to be as clear as possible and set realistic expectations that they can deliver on every time.  Each class has a different service level and seat combination.  The seat differentiation is great because they want to deliver on their promises. United took forever to upgrade their business class from recliners to flat seats, but you couldn't be certain what you would get and the prices were the same.  British Airways wants to avoid seat disappointment  especially with business class customers, hence there are five classes that could be considered business class if the differentiation was not as thorough.

All Eleven Cabin Classes

I'm sitting on about 100,000 British Airways miles (Avios to use their branding) and itching to use them on a unique experience. I think Club World London City would be the most interesting use, except it's impractical for me because then I would need to go to LGA or EWR to get a flight home. World traveler Plus, especially their new configuration, would be a fun and new experience. US carriers don't have a true premium economy section, but rather have basic economy with a few extra inches of room.  Trying out a new and innovative product would be a blast.  I also want to fly on a Speedbird; that's British Airways' ATC call sign and the coolest in the industry.

Speedbird a IAD