Sue United for Delayed Flights, Maybe?

United Airlines flights were grounded for a few hours yesterday due to an IT failure.  Not the end of the world, but attorneys are trawling around the internet to start a lawsuit. That didn't take long.  I doubt there's much of a case, but that never stopped a lawsuit before.   

JetBlue Charges for Checked Bags Now

Southwest must feel great right now since their Bags Fly Free promotion now works against another airline.  JetBlue changed their fare structure, after recently changing top management, and bags now cost $20 or more on basic fares.  JetBlue is also adding 15 seats to their A320 aircraft.  At this rate, they'll beat Frontier in the race to be the next Spirit Airlines.

JetBlue Removing Unique Features of Their Brand

Happy 4th of July

Enjoy the long weekend.

F-104 Starfighter

4th Of July Travel Tip

I don't plan to fly this weekend because I prefer inexpensive and off peak travel.  If you are traveling, there's just one tip you need: be patient.  That's all there is too it.  Large crowds of infrequent flyers will be everywhere. Allow extra time for long lines of people who don't know what to do.  With that in mind, it will be hard to make a bad situation any worse.  Good luck!

Be Patient and Enjoy Your Trip

Fun Picture

I like this picture and miss these guys.

AirTran 717's at Chicago Midway

Upgrades Are Late to Clear

Using an upgrade certificate, regional or system-wide, on United once guaranteed immediate confirmation.  Now United is selling more seats in premium cabins and installing fewer premium seats on aircraft.  United is also trying harder to sell upgrades for cash or cash and miles. This leads to fewer upgrades clearing and the ones that do at much closer to departure, often at the gate. I don't like this model because it frays too many nerves before departure. It makes United, and the many other airlines doing the same thing, more revenue, so I won't bother fighting this change, I have too many quixotic travel ideas. 

United Airlines 767

Where Did All the Deals Go?

Airline stocks are doing well and carriers are filling seats on their flights, so there's no need for discounts to boost ticket sales. Also miles programs have changed their focus to high revenue customers, so general mileage deals are non-existent while international business class flights could yield extra miles. It's a slow time for my points hobby, but I am planning some trips that could be a fun use of miles when the slow season comes. I did pick up a Delta Amex with a 50,000 mile sign up bonus (NOT compensated for this link).  No, I don't intend to fly Delta, but Virgin Australia's new business class looks fun. 

Don't Use Delta Miles To Fly Delta