Miserable Travel Week, Except While In Air

What a miserable travel week; I'll have more details later, but for now I'd like to highlight a positive travel development.  United's new content streaming system is working and on a few of their Airbus aircraft already.  It's free to use and has good content selections, just be sure to board with a full battery because there is still no power on board.

Remember The Last Point

Bud Light Up For Whatever Air Charters

Bud Light ran a few CRJ-200's and an Atlas Air 767 from Denver to Crested Butte (Gunnison) as part of their Up For Whatever promotion where they took over a town for a giant party.  I spotted the jets parked at the A terminal in Denver.  The CRJ's had the full Whatever Bud Light Branding and the Atlas Air 767 just looked out of place (I've only seen their cargo planes).

Bud Light Whatever CRJ 200

Atlas Air 767 Charter

Smokey Cold Engine Start

On cold days, jet engines have smokey start ups when first turned over in the morning.  It looks troubling until a pilot explains the behavior as normal and nothing to worry about. It makes an interesting show though. 

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Scotish Independence

If Scotland votes for independence, will British Airways need to repaint their fleet?

No Blue Without Scotland

New Look For Frontier Airlines

Last week Frontier and Southwest decided to re-brand, though I'm not sure why.  Anyway, I spotter the new Frontier design when going through Denver this week. It looks good, but the old design looked good too.  

New and Old Frontier Designs

New Frontier Design

Fan Error

My laptop wouldn't start because of a fan error.  It's fixed now and posting will resume shortly.

A much more reliable fan

Orbitz and American Are Friends Again

Orbitz and American Airlines are friends again and will play nice. This is a bummer, I was hoping this fight would last more than a day.

American Will Play Nice With Others

Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE:OWW) announced today that it had reached an agreement with American Airlines to continue to offer American Airlines and US Airways flights on all of its sites. Consumers should see all available flights immediately. All tickets previously purchased on Orbitz Worldwide sites remain valid.

"We are pleased that our long-standing relationship with American Airlines allowed us to quickly resolve business matters and that we continue to offer a broad range of options, including American Airlines and US Airways flights, to the millions of shoppers who book travel on our global sites each day," said Sam Fulton, president of Orbitz.com.

American & US Airways Won't Sell Tickets on Orbitz

I use Hipmunk and Travelocity to book tickets and rarely pay to fly American or US Airways, so the news that American Airlines (US Air too) will stop selling tickets through Orbitz doesn't impact my travel rituals.  It is interesting that a major airline is removing their tickets from a major(ish) online travel site.  The fees Orbitz demands must be ridiculous.  American will lose some business from this, but it must be worth it.  Fighting the booking engine fees will also show the seriousness of threats made to other websites; American isn't bluffing.

Now Departing Orbitz for AA.com

None of this matters to Southwest flyers because Southwest tickets are only sold through Southwest.  Other major carriers can't copy that model now because too many people prefer comparison sites and won't check other airlines that aren't listed.

Not a Problem for Southwest

Fun Photo

United and Southwest 737's in Denver

United Trying to Make an Extra Buck With Cashless Cabins

United will sell you a prepaid debt card in the airport now.  The idea is to take a passenger's money two additional times because the card comes with a large purchase fee and then the passenger will promptly use it to pay for check in related fees or buy on board items.  Spirit Airlines is the best at ancillary revenue, but they haven't thought of this idea yet.

Airport Prepaid Card Vending Machine

Complex Sheraton Shower Handle

The Sheraton Phoenix Airport hotel wins the complex shower handle competition.  I've never seen one like this before and the hotel even includes directions for use.  The hotel is being renovated, so I hope on my next visit I can have regular plumbing.

Directions Required

T-6 Texan Flight With Commemorative Air Force in Arizona

I flew an airplane last weekend and have a new appreciation for the value of the rudder pedals.  The Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing offers rides in a few of their old military aircraft.  The B-17 and B-25 bombers are on a summer tour, but the transport planes and single engine aircraft are there all year. 

T-6 Texan in the Morning Light

I decided to go up in the North American T-6 Texan trainer.  It was a close call between that and the Boeing biplane.  The T-6 has the pilot in front and the student in the back.  The experience is about 50 minutes from engine start up to stop.  I showed up early, signed some paperwork and toured the hanger with planes that weren’t flying that day.  The volunteer staff loves what they do and are happy to share stories and answer questions.  

Boeing PT-17 Stearman

T-6 Engine Detail

I was the first to go that morning and the pilot, "Sky," did preflight checks on the T-6 then invited me over to introduce me to the aircraft and some safety notes.  I was buckled in, shown how to operate the canopy (needs to open for takeoff and landing to facilitate a quick exit), instructed on the intercom and shown the controls.  I was excited to go and liked to idea of flying in a convertible until the 350hp engine started.  The noise and wind were incredible and we were still parked.

Stearman Biplane Taxi

Me and the T-6 Texan

The power was increased and we taxied out to the runway.  It was a busy morning at Falcon Field and a few flight school planes and the Boeing biplane departed before us.  Our turn came quickly and we were at full power with the canopy open.  The roar of the engine and the rush of the wind were tremendous.  The tail lifted off first then the main gear and we headed to the east and gained altitude.  I closed the canopy after we left the airport and started shooting away with my camera.

I feel the need - the need for speed!

Taxi To Runway 4R

We flew over to the Tonto National Forest and I took in the sights.  Pretty soon "Sky" came on the radio and said he was going to give me a quick lesson and hand the controls over to me.  I caught onto the stick movements and the rudder movements, but doing them all together didn’t quite link up in my head.  No matter, I was at the controls and having a blast.  I started with banking left and right, adding the rudder inputs on a delay. Then I tried nose up and down and had fun making my own roller coaster at the limits of my air sick tolerance.  It was fun and I soon got the hang of it, though not perfect, the instruments and were acting like I wanted.  "Sky" said I was doing well and tool back the controls to give me a challenge.  We started banking heavily left then right and back while he was explaining the challenge.  I came on the intercom and stopped him before he could finish mentioning my stomach wasn’t up for it and we did some straight and level sightseeing before heading back to airport.  I had the air sick bag out, but didn’t need it. 

Back Seat Driver Controls

View in Air

We landed smoothly and zig zagged back to the hanger.  I was able to stumble out of the plane and felt like I needed a walker.  After standing still for a while, I was able to tour the museum and look at more classic war planes.  It was an amazing experience and I’d go back if I’m in the area again, but ride the biplane instead; all those passengers were able to walk normally when they climbed out.

Check Your Award Reservations For Changes

I booked an award reservation for a friend earlier this year for travel in September and forgot about it.  I recently was on United.com looking at my reservations and pulled up this award flight to find there was a change.  United downsized a CRJ-700 to a CRJ-200 and my friend lost his first class seat. The reservation message wanted me to click ‘Continue’ to accept the change and move on.  I didn’t want to accept the change and instead clicked to the home page and looked for a better option.  I was able to find a first class seat on an Air Canada E175 and called United to make the change.  The agent found the award seat and updated the reservation.  My friend now has a larger seat, TV, meal, shorter lines, and free drinks.  Just because United updates your reservation, you don’t have to accept it.  The agents can be very flexible too because it was an airline initiated reservation change.

Air Canada A319 in Denver

United Global Services Mercedes SUV Houston

There was a big spender on my flight to Houston because United sent a Mercedes SUV to take them to their connecting flight.  Oddly the person was flying coach or not observant because the agent was still waiting in the jetway for them after first class had emptied.  United offers transfer service at hubs to Global Service (top 1% revenue passengers) members when able. There was an agent in the jetway with an iPad showing the passenger's name waiting for the flight to arrive.  It's a cool service, similar to part of the Lufthansa First Class service, but isn't guaranteed. 

United SUV Transfer in Houston

Same Day Standby Problems

There's an AP story with the headline "Empty seats increase at United Airlines" and I don't believe it.  From my observations United is flying planes 95%+ full 90% of the time.  Take today for example, I'm trying to stand by onto an earlier flight, but there is not one available seat, even with connections, for the 12 hours before my trip.

United 737-824 Pushing Back Full Probably

DFW Spends $1.2M to Study Airport Lounges

DFW wants to issue a contract for $1,200,000 for consultants to study international airport lounges and make a recommendation on what DFW should do (existing lounges aren't of the caliber foreign carriers expect).  That sounds like an amazing consulting gig, travel around the world and spend large amounts of time trying out all the features of airline lounges.  I wish I had bid on this contract (I did conduct a customer experience analysis at Helsinki Airport).

United First Class Lounge at SFO

Boeing Store Free Shipping Coupon

Free shipping at the Boeing Store with coupon code PROFIL14; offer good until Wednesday.

Boeing Products Last, This 737 is from the 80's

O'Hare Airport Moved the Wildcat WW2 Fighter

The Wildcat WW2 fighter like the one Butch O'Hare flew has moved at O'Hare Airport.  It was always next to the windows in terminal 2 on the way to terminal 1.  It moved to where a security checkpoint was by the terminal lobby. The new position is less prominent and opens up some prime retail space for a restaurant or bar. I hope the airport expands the display with the new space and revenue; the fighter is my favorite feature of ORD.  Also Midway airport has a large and interesting display on the Battle of Midway, so maybe a similar display could be added at O'Hare.

Grumman F4F Wildcat Fighter in ORD Terminal 2

Prime Retail Space Where the Wildcat was Displayed

Airline News Emailed Every Day

The Airlines for America SmartBrief email is a great collection of airline news from around the country.  It is a great read every weekday and you should sign up.

CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 in Denver

United is Selling Half of Premier Status

The United Airlines premier qualification system is somewhat complex with four components.  To qualify you have to do the following in a calendar year: fly four segments on United (Express and Copa count on all these), spend a certain amount of money on fares on United (taxes, fees, and Star Alliance partners not included), and either fly (all partners count) a certain number of segments (PQS) or miles (PQM).  A tad complicated for my tastes and most members too I suspect. 

United 737-900ER in Denver

If you are running short of segments or miles, United will sell them to you for an exorbitant fee, 15,000 PQM / 15 PQS - $1950 14,000 PQM / 14 PQS - $1820 13,000 PQM / 13 PQS - $1690 12,000 PQM / 12 PQS - $1560 11,000 PQM / 11 PQS - $1430 10,000 PQM / 10 PQS - $1300 9,000 PQM / 9 PQS - $1170 8,000 PQM / 8 PQS - $1040 7,000 PQM / 7 PQS - $910 6,000 PQM / 6 PQS - $780 5,000 PQM / 5 PQS - $650 4,000 PQM / 4 PQS - $520 3,000 PQM / 3 PQS - $390 2,000 PQM / 2 PQS - $260 1,000 PQM / 1 PQS - $130.  I’d rather just book a cheap flight or two and enjoy a weekend of flying around.  These trips also help with spending requirements while also adding to my million miler total.  My goal is to hit a million miles with United and relax because I’ll have lifetime Gold status.  Until then the annual premier qualification math and email offers like this will bug me.

Frontier Airlines Coupon Craze

Frontier must be having a difficult time filling airplanes because they are couponing their flights nearly every week.  Add on fees like bags, seat selections, TV, and soda aren’t on sale, but the coupons could make it a good deal.

Frontier Fox in Austin

United Same Day Standby Woes

I needed to leave on a later flight last week while on a business trip.  United offers free same day changes to some members (Gold and higher, Silver has no discount), so there was no cost and a good flight option too.  Unfortunately everyone had already been upgraded on my new flights, so I was relegated to coach.  There was a lot of room to stretch out though.

Tons of Room in Economy Plus

The 747 Is Still the Best Aircraft for Advertising

The 747 is falling out of favor with airlines around the world.  777’s are the most common replacement, but the A380 and the new A350 are also moving into the 747’s space.  The newest 747 model, the 747-8, can carry more people with the same amount of fuel.  Lufthansa is currently the only passenger operator and they have 10 more seats, 26 more business class seats and 16 fewer coach seats, so much better revenue options.

Delta & SPG Lift Ad

The 747 is still best airplane for advertising.  An SPG and Delta cobranded promotion I saw in an aloft lift (yes, that’s what they call it, and that’s part of the brand) used Delta’s 747 to grab attention.  It works too.  The silhouette of the aircraft is beautiful and I enjoy seeing them every time.  I doubt that ad would work nearly as well with a 737, A320, A330, or 777.  Delta also decided not to use their newly acquired 20 year old 717’s either.  The 747 is still the best aircraft for advertising jobs, too bad airlines don’t think it is as well suited to move passengers.

Dull Delta 717

Frontier Airlines Coupon Code

Frontier will offer a 12% discount on domestic fares from Tuesday, July 15, 2014 through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, Thursday, July 17, 2014. The discount will apply to regular and sale fares for domestic travel August 20 through December 12, 2014. Blackout dates of November 21-26, and November 29–December 1, 2014 apply.  All fare rules will apply.

Tickets must be purchased online at FlyFrontier.com using the promo codeHITTHEBOOKS. No exceptions will be made.

Frontier Flight in Houston

United Is Serious About Carry On Sizes

United has a new warning message on the online check in about carry on bags. The airline must have finally noticed the large contraptions passengers have been attempting to shove in overhead bins recently.  I applaud this move, but the real test is with gate agents using the bag sizer and not letting large bags on, then charging for a checked bag.  The rules aren't new or hard to find, but just need to be enforced.    

Carry On Bag Reminder

UPDATE:  They also had messages on the self check in machine and on the boarding gate monitors.  None of the gate agents checked the sizes though.

United Airlines First Class Late Night Snack

United Airlines serves full meals in first class on flights longer than 900 miles, but don't try too hard for departures after 7:00PM and only offer one cold plate meal option. Here's a recent example of humus and some other stuff.  I liked the cold chicken and pasta salad, but I guess budget cuts make every meal the vegetarian option. 

United First Class Snack - Humus and Other Stuff

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental For Sale - Brand New

Need a new 747-8 Intercontinental, but don't want to wait in line?  Well you are in luck, a 747-8 purchased for VIP use is for sale, brand new and ready for cabin outfitting.  Lufthansa is the only operator of the passenger 747-8 at the moment and cabin outfitting can take two years or longer, so don't expect to be flying around in a 747-8 without a crane on the tail soon. 

The 747-400 Isn't Very VVIP Anymore

Happy 4th of July

Happy travels!

I Like The US Airways Design

US Airways Company Store Coupon

Get an additional 20% off your entire order plus free shipping on all orders over $75.* Here's how:     Shop for gifts online July 2-7, 2014 Enter discount code JULY4 after you add the first item to your cart Your 20% discount will be taken off your order

US Airway Airbus Looking Like American Airlines

I Need To Fly For Miles Again

When United announced a minimum spend component to elite qualification, I was concerned because I believed I paid about 6c to 8c per flight mile while the qualification minimum was 10c per mile. I thought it would be the end of flying cheap flights for miles. Also I wouldn't receive any spending credit for flights with partners, so I'd be at a larger deficit.  

United A320 at IAH

My travel this year has not gone as planned; I took a few short and expensive trips on United and not much else. US Airways leaving the Star Alliance has stopped my partner airline flying after only 2,042 miles flown in January.  I've also flown on Southwest points a few times this year, removing a few earning possibilities. The result is I've paid about 17c per elite mile this year.

United Express Jets At Denver

I can book some cheap trips for miles this year after all because distance is coming up short rather than expense.  I've been searching for some fun fares from Denver, but without much luck.  I may need to take a few PTO days and spend them flying coast to coast.  I can also fly to Singapore and return after 6 hours, but that seems like a bad idea (it would be in coach) even to me.  

United Airlines First Class Breakfast Snack

United Airlines serves a fairly good breakfast in first class, but the flight needs to be about 2 hours or longer.  On shorter flights they serve a light snack, like this scone I received. They also have the full bar open, so they aren't cutting back everywhere.

First Class Breakfast Snack

Free Shipping At The Boeing Store

There are some good deals on lower priced items at the Boeing Store.  Promotion runs through 6/27 and use coupon code USSHIP14 at check out.

Detailed Look at Delta's 757

Grenada - Granada, What's the Difference?

I once booked a 9PM flight to Oakland rather than a 9AM flight.  It was my error and after a gate agent noticed the PM on my departure time, I was added standby to a San Jose flight.  It was my fault for not noticing what I purchased wasn't what I wanted and I bore the costs.  A Florida man is suing British Airways for flying him on the itinerary he purchased to Grenada (GND in the Caribbean) rather than Granada (GRX in Spain). This man should have noticed a few things were wrong, like the flight time, price, destination spelling, aircraft size, passport requirements, and (hate to be repetitive but) the destination. I would hate to see this guy win his $34,000 lawsuit because he should have exercised due care to ensure what he purchased is what he wanted.

British Airways LHR-AUS

United Express Embraer EMB 170 Seat 7B

The Embraer 170 is my favorite United Express aircraft, it has two bathrooms, wider seats, overhead bins that can store roll aboard bags, and large windows.  It only has 6 first class seats, so upgrades aren't too frequent.  That's hardly a problem because row 7 has amazing legroom (it is Economy Plus, so United charges non-elites to reserve the row).  I flew in seat 7B and didn't have anything blocking a good stretch.

View From Seat 7B Economy Plus