Etripinfo Travel News

Clear Lanes Are No Longer Available

2009-06-23T13:51:00.005-04:00

Clear, which was supposed to speed registered travelers through airport security, is shutting down–and taking a very large pile of its investors cash with it.

The web site for Clear says it will cease operations at 11 pm PDT tonight because parent company Verified Identity Pass is unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations. No word on what happens to the $128 that its 165,000 members each shelled out as a yearly membership fee.

Boeing Again Delays Dreamliner Test Flight

2009-06-23T13:35:00.001-04:00

Boeing Inc. again delayed the maiden flight of its 787 Dreamliner, saying tests showed a structural weakness where the wings join the body of the aircraft.

The company, which said it will be several weeks before it will release a new flight and delivery schedule, will disclose the potential effect on earnings when it releases second-quarter results next month.

The news comes as another blow to Boeing, which had maintained that the first flight of the next-generation aircraft would take place by the end of June. The Dreamliner was supposed to enter service in May 2008.

Delta and American Express offer 30% bonus

2009-06-09T09:35:00.000-04:00

Register now and transfer Membership Rewards points from American Express into Delta SkyMiles and you'll be rewarded with a 30% bonus.

Membership Rewards points can be easily transferred—one mile per eligible point—into your SkyMiles account.

Plan a Vacation Using Social Media

2009-06-09T09:31:00.000-04:00

There is a great article written by Ben Parr over at Mashable on how to plan your vacation using Social Media. A must read for anyone looking to do some research on their next trip.

Airlines will ask birthdates for new TSA program

2009-06-01T12:53:00.000-04:00

Don't be surprised if you're asked to provide your date of birth and gender when booking plane tickets later this summer.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new program called "Secure Flight" to improve security and reduce misidentification of passengers who have names similar to individuals on government watch lists.

As part of Secure Flight, airlines will ask passengers buying tickets to use their name as it appears on the government-issued identification they plan to use when traveling. Later this summer, airlines will also begin asking passengers to provide their birthdates and gender. The program is being phased in over 18 months. Some carriers are already collecting the new data, but others won't be doing so until later this year.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is among a number of passengers who have been subjected to extra searches and screening at U.S. airports in recent years because their names matched those on the U.S. government's secret terrorist watch lists.

You can find more information about TSA policies and security rules at http://www.tsa.gov.

Radisson - Friday is Freeday

2009-05-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

Want to stay a little longer and see what your destination has to offer? Radisson Hotels & Resorts has come out with a summer promotion called "Friday is Freeday," available at Radisson properties in the western hemisphere, the Asia/Pacific region, and at Radisson Edwardian Hotels in the U.K. From now through mid-September, guests will get a free Friday night when they book and pay for two or more consecutive nights - one of which must be a Thursday or a Saturday. Go to www.radisson.com/freefriday, or call 800-333-3333.

Air France-KLM and Delta launch major joint venture

2009-05-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

The Air France KLM Group and Delta Air Lines announced a long-term plan to operate their transatlantic operations as one entity, "coordinating operations and sharing revenues and costs" of the network. In addition, "the airlines will cooperate on routes between North America and Africa, the Middle East and India, as well as on flights between Europe and several countries in Latin America," the announcement said. KLM and Delta subsidiary Northwest Airlines have had a joint venture agreement since 1997, while Air France and Delta inked a similar pact in 2007. Last year, the U.S. Transportation Department awarded antitrust immunity in transatlantic markets for the SkyTeam carriers Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta, KLM and Northwest after finding that the combination would not have an adverse effect on competition.

"Following the merger of Delta and Northwest, the next logical business strategy was to establish a single transatlantic joint venture," the companies said. Operating as a single unit, the new joint venture will control about 25% of all transatlantic capacity, they said, and will bring in revenues estimated at more than $12 billion a year. "The airline partners will provide their corporate clients with a broad, global offering that best meets their expectations for the most convenient airline system," they noted. The routes initially covered in the joint venture include all those between North America and Europe, between Amsterdam and India, and between North America and Tahiti. "On these routes, the business will be jointly operated with the strategy and economics equally shared among the Air France KLM Group and Delta," they said. "Whenever traffic rights permit, and notably between the United States and the European Union, flights will be mutually code-shared."

Delta breaks ground with international checked baggage fee

2009-05-01T22:12:00.003-04:00

Delta Air Lines is planning to charge for checked bags on international flights. As with the domestic bag policies, Delta is starting out by attaching a fee only to the second piece of checked luggage; the new $50 charge will take effect July 1. Elite-level members of the Delta/Northwest frequent flyer programs do not have to pay the fee, and the first checked bag is still free for all passengers. Delta said it expects the international bag fee to bring in $100 million annually. However, since Delta is the first major U.S. carrier to impose a checked bag fee on international flights, it remains to be seen if that fee will "stick" - that is, Delta could change its mind if no other airlines match. On the domestic side, however, it didn't take long for all the legacy carriers to get on board with fees for both the first and second checked bags once American Airlines crossed that barrier.

Obama outlines plan for high-speed rail expansion

2009-04-24T11:07:00.000-04:00

President Obama has announced an ambitious plan to develop new high-speed rail lines in the U.S., and to improve existing lines so that trains can go faster — up to 100 mph. Obama has requested $5 billion in his new budget for rail transportation projects, in addition to $8 billion in stimulus package funding targeted for rail development. The White House announcement identified 10 regional high-speed rail projects, with lines of 100 to 600 miles, where trains could travel up to 150 mph or faster once they are developed. The projects include:

• A California line from the San Francisco Bay Area south to San Diego via Sacramento and Los Angeles.
• A corridor linking Eugene and Portland, Ore., with Tacoma, Seattle and Vancouver.
• A South Central network linking Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Little Rock.
• A Gulf Coast line from Houston to Atlanta via New Orleans, Mobile and Birmingham.
• A Midwest network based at Chicago with high-speed lines to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Louisville.
• Florida Corridor service linking Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
• A Southeast Corridor from Washington D.C. to Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte, Columbia, Atlanta, Macon, Savannah and Jacksonville.
• A Pennsylvania line from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh via Harrisburg.
• New York State high-speed rail connecting New York City to Albany and Buffalo.
• A New England project linking Boston, Montreal, Portland, Springfield, New Haven and Albany.

The White House said high-speed rail could reduce highway and air traffic congestion and could cut the nation's dependence on imported oil. In announcing the program, Obama noted that extensive high-speed rail services are becoming common in Europe, and suggested it is time for the U.S. to catch up with the technology. The new high-speed rail initiative is initially directed mainly at laying down the track and infrastructure; as for the eventual operation of the trains, it's unclear at this point if the Obama Administration sees these projects as something to be run by Amtrak, the private sector, or a combination of the two.

Hyatt upgrades benefits for Gold Passport members

2009-04-24T11:03:00.000-04:00

Members of Hyatt's Gold Passport loyalty program can now take advantage of new benefits. The company said that Gold level membership now entitles guests to redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates, among other rewards. Members at the Platinum level of Gold Passport (five stays or 15 nights) will now get the best available room in the category they book; free Internet access; and a dedicated check-in area. At the Diamond level (25 stays/50 nights), Gold Passport members will get the Platinum benefits and also upgrades to the best available room - including Regency Club or Grand Club rooms, but not suites -- and a free suite upgrade four times a year with paid stays. The expedited check-in areas are not available at Hyatt Place or Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels. The four suite upgrades for Diamond level members apply only for stays of seven nights or less.

Southwest Airlines starts LGA service for sale

2009-04-07T10:48:00.000-04:00

Southwest Airlines service to and from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is now for sale. Service starts June 28, and there are five daily flights between LaGuardia and Chicago/Midway and three flights between LaGuardia and Baltimore/Washington. In New York, SWA will be operating from the Central Terminal, Concourse B. In addition to the two nonstop destinations from LGA, there will be direct and connecting service to 45 more destinations.

Delta / Northwest up the ante and offer 3x Miles

2009-03-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

As posted earlier, the airlines are trying to rev up spring travel with offering double miles on qualifying fares. Delta / Northwest announced their new promotion on Tuesday March 24th, just a few days after AA, UA, and CO announced their programs. Offering 3x miles could potentially help the newly merged airline bring in additional passengers who are in the process of merging their Delta and Northwest accounts.

The airline is still in the process of combining operations and sent out emails on Tuesday to their respective frequent-flier members to earn miles.

Delta SkyMiles(R) members can register their account here.

Northwest Worldperks members can follow the following link.

Airlines offer 2x elite-qualifying miles

2009-03-24T14:43:00.000-04:00

American Airlines came out with a special promotion aimed at reviving sagging business travel this spring, and immediatly within 24 hours it was matched by United, followed by Continental. Nothing yet from Delta/Northwest or US Airways, but they are sure to follow suit.
All three carriers are offering their frequent flyer members the chance to earn double elite-qualifying miles on newly booked flights for travel through June 15.

American said its AAdvantage members must register before they travel at www.aa.com/offers, using promotion code DBEQM. The offer is good for all flights on American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection, but not for travel on American's code-share partners or other airline members of the Oneworld alliance.
United's Mileage Plus members can register at www.united.com/offer/mpw029 or they can see details of the promotion at www.united.com/eqoffer. United said the double elite qualifying deal applies for mainline and United Express flights, but not code-shares or flights operated by Star Alliance partners. Its elite qualifying miles also count toward the airline's Elite Choice program, in which customers can choose from awards like restaurant gift certificates and bonus miles when they reach specific flying thresholds. Information on that program is at www.united.com/2009choice. As an example of the benefits, United noted that a Chicago-Tokyo roundtrip, which normally earns 12,458 elite qualifying miles, would earn just over 25,000 with this promotion - enough for Premier status in Mileage Plus.
Continental OnePass members (www.continental.com) can go to the OnePass area on the web site, click on "OnePass News & Offers" and register with the "Double EQMs" promotion. The offer is for flights on Continental, Continental Express, Continental Connection or Continental Micronesia.

The double elite-qualifying miles don't count toward award travel, but they will help members in either program accelerate their membership into the next level of either carrier's elite status categories.

US Airways: Free drinks in coach

2009-02-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

The airline has announced that it will no longer charge coach customers for non-alcoholic drinks.

On March 1, US Airways is bringing back free drinks in their Coach cabin. This includes sodas, juices, tea, coffee and water on all US Airways and US Airways Express flights.

According to the company they state, “We believe in our pay-for-what-you-choose-to-use – or "a la carte" – business model, but it's a work-in-progress. We are committed to remaining competitive and that's the main reason we have decided to bring back free drinks.”

Customers will still have to pay for the things such as checked bags, Choice Seats or First Class upgrades. And, those services will continue to be free for their Preferred members.

Southwest Airlines Announces Intent To Begin Service To Boston

2009-02-21T16:06:00.000-05:00

Carrier Plans Conservative Start-Up to Complement Existing Network

Southwest Airlines announced its intent to begin service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in the Fall of 2009. The carrier has not released specific service details, saying only that it will begin with a conservative number of flights that will complement its 64 airport network. Visit the Southwest Airlines’ Blog (www.blogsouthwest.com) to see and hear footage of that announcement.

The Company will release additional details regarding its future Boston Logan International service in the coming months. The Logan service will be made possible by the airline optimizing its current flight schedule and repositioning aircraft. Southwest has not changed its previously announced plan to reduce the Company’s available seat miles by approximately four percent in 2009 compared to 2008.

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. At Southwest Airlines, fees don’t fly. Customers can check their first two bags for free (size and weight limits apply), there are no change fees, no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary!

Hilton, American Express debut new high-end loyalty credit card

2009-02-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

American Express and Hilton's HHonors loyalty program have come out with a new premium co-branded card for U.S. members called the Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from American Express. At the same time, the two companies have added new enhancements to the existing Hilton HHonors Card from American Express. The latter carries no annual fee; the new Surpass version costs $75 a year. The Surpass card provides all of the newly enhanced benefits of the existing AmEx/Hilton HHonors card, but gives cardholders nine bonus points for every eligible $1 spent at Hilton family hotels (the regular Hilton HHonors Card now provides six bonus points per dollar, up from five previously). In addition, the Surpass version includes membership in Priority Pass, giving cardmembers access to more than 500 airport lounges worldwide; and the ability to earn HHonors' Diamond VIP status with annual spending of $40,000. Diamond VIPs get free room upgrades, access to Executive Floor lounges, and a 50 percent bonus on HHonors base points, among other perks. Meanwhile, other enhancements to the regular HHonors Card include an expanded list of double-point-earning spending categories "including day-to-day necessities and paying household bills with the Card," retail and travel insurance coverage for purchases, and discounted and upgraded chauffeur car services.

Delta, Northwest frequent flyers can now link accounts

2009-02-10T13:44:00.004-05:00

Delta and its Northwest Airlines subsidiary have taken another step toward linking their frequent flyer programs: Delta said that customers who belong to both its SkyMiles plan and Northwest's WorldPerks program can now link their accounts, transferring any amount of miles from one to the other without limits.

"Both accounts will remain open and functioning until late 2009, when Delta plans to merge the two programs to deliver one best-in-class loyalty program for members in 2010," a spokesman said. The transferred miles can be used for any kind of award redemption in either program, including free flights, upgrades, merchandise and more. Previously, Delta said that members of either program can earn elite status by combining their flight segment count on both Northwest and Delta; and that they can get free first class upgrades on both carriers.

Continental will leave SkyTeam this fall

2009-02-02T13:17:00.008-05:00

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Continental Airlines CEO Larry Kellner told airline analysts his carrier will officially terminate its membership in the global SkyTeam alliance effective October 24, and will join the Star Alliance "shortly thereafter."

In SkyTeam, Continental is a partner of Delta/Northwest, Air France, KLM, China Southern, AeroMexico, Korean Air and others. Star Alliance includes United, US Airways, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Singapore, South African Airlines,Thai, ANA, Air China, Air New Zealand and others.

The newspaper noted that on November 1, Continental is due to begin new service from its Houston hub to Lufthansa's Frankfurt base, and that Continental and United are currently awaiting approval for a planned cost-sharing and ticketing partnership deal.

Packing the Right Credit Card

2009-01-28T11:21:00.025-05:00

The folks over at the New York Times have put out a great article on picking the right credit card for traveling overseas. The majority of US based credit cards add a foreign transaction fee when it is used anywhere except the US. The article strictly focuses on the cost of transaction fees. While they don't mention anything about service, purchase protection, or insurance it's still a great read to help make a decision on what card to use.

As always remember to call your card company prior to traveling to let them know where you are headed. This will alleviate any denials when traveling.

US Airways Flight 1549

2009-01-17T17:50:00.002-05:00

The airline industry is a crazy field to be in. As a "Crewmember" at JetBlue Airways, I was at work when US Airways Flight 1549 went into the Hudson. For the remainder of the day, meetings were postponed, phones were ringing, faces were weary and everyone was constantly hitting refresh on their internet screens. Though the industry is competitive, it is times like this where competition falls by the wayside, and the entire industry becomes a united family.

After all, this industry is an odd one. If a crash makes people afraid to fly, that does not only apply to US Airways. They won't fly JetBlue, American, Delta, or Southwest either. If the government passes legislation, it affects the entire industry-- an industry that is already hurting in this tough economy. But it is not only the financials that binds us.

I heard as soon as I joined the company (over four years ago) that "the industry gets in your blood." Once you work for an airline, it's very difficult to work anyplace else. Over my time there, I've seen proof of that-- many people at JetBlue started at US Airways, and still have good friends there. It wasn't only the concern for the entire industry that had them worried--it was concern for their friends and colleagues that they knew were still there. Who was flying the plane? Who was part of the Inflight crew? What other airline employees may have been pass riding?

JetBlue prides itself on being "New York's Hometown Airline," so the company knew it had to reach out and help. Our "Care Team" headed over to the crash site to provide food and warm clothing, and we offered up our Emergency Command Center and a variety of resources in case US Airways needed anything. Luckily, this story had an incredibly happy ending. With no casualties, and (seems like) not even any major injuries, this pilot deserves every bit of credit sent his way. Additionally, people often think of the Inflight Crew as those who simply serve the drinks and check seat belts. Having observed the in-depth training they receive, I can attest that this is far from the truth. The fact that every single person made it out of that plane in an orderly fashion reflects directly on the Inflight Crew--they are trained to evacuate airplanes in the most efficient way possible. Quite a task to complete when an airline is filling with water--don't you think? It's this type of event that they are trained for--though serving drinks is hopefully all the customers will ever see them do.

US Airways Flight 1549 is an incredible story, and there is already talk of a movie being made about the event. On behalf of all Crewmembers at JetBlue, our thoughts are with the pilot, the inflight crew, and all the customers aboard Flight 1549.

Top 10 Travel and Toursim Businesses - 2008

2009-01-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

The folks over at Springwise have compiled the Top 10 Travel and Tourism ideas for 2008. It's a great list with wonderful ideas. Have a look and enjoy.

Read the Story

AirTran Offers Standby Travel Program for Students

2009-01-06T20:19:00.001-05:00

AirTran Airways said it will open registration for its third year of the AirTran U standby travel program for young travelers. Now college students can visit family or friends and still have money left over for next semester’s textbooks. All applicants between the ages of 18 and 22 are cleared for travel on a standby-only basis to any of the 58 cities AirTran Airways currently serves (excludes Cancun, Mexico and San Juan, Puerto Rico) for a fare of just $69 per short-haul segment, or $99 per long-haul segment of travel.

To participate, travelers simply select the destination, dates and times they want to travel and arrive at the AirTran Airways counter no fewer than two hours before the scheduled time of departure. AirTran U passengers can also earn 1/2 A+ Rewards credits per completed trip. Visit www.aplusrewards.com to become an A+ Rewards member. Reservations cannot be made in advance. AirTran U travelers are permitted one carry-on item and one personal item, and luggage cannot be checked. For more information, visit AirTran U.

South African Airways Starts New JFK-South Africa Service

2008-12-18T15:29:00.000-05:00

South African Airways has announced that it will operate new non-stop service from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg beginning May 1, 2009.

Flight SA204, which will now depart at 11:35 a.m. and arrive in Johannesburg at 8:45 a.m. the following day, opens up a host of connections, taking more travelers to more of Africa through SAA’s Johannesburg hub. As an African airline with global reach, SAA’s unmatched African network will now make it possible to leave New York in the morning and connect throughout South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa as well as Africa’s Indian Ocean islands, all with seamless connections. Within South Africa, SAA offers frequent service to cities such as Cape Town and Durban, and the new flight schedule will allow travelers to arrive at these popular cities mid-day. Coupled with SAA’s commitment to excellence and its award-winning service, there is no better choice for service from the U.S. to Africa.

The same-day connections feature flights to Botswana, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Domestic airlines push ahead with in-flight WiFi, 2,000 planes in 2009

2008-12-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

After hearing that Delta would equip its entire US fleet with Aircell's Gogo in-flight WiFi in 2009, along comes a release from Aircell that says otherwise. In fact, it proclaims that "Delta Air Lines is expected to launch service before the end of 2008." Furthermore, the company has confessed that "most major US carriers are in advanced discussions with or are already contractually committed to Aircell," which certainly bodes well for avid travelers who take issue with long periods of disconnection. Aircell is hoping to have its in-flight internet tech installed in 2,000 commercial aircraft by the end of 2009.

Delta aligns its fees with Northwest's

2008-11-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

Delta said it is making changes in its fee structures to make them consistent with those of Northwest, which will eventually be merged into Delta.

Among the changes:

For travel starting December 5, Delta domestic travelers will have to pay $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second, the same fees that Northwest charges. Delta currently lets passengers check one bag free and charges $50 for the second. SkyMiles Medallion and WorldPerks elite members, as well as first and business class passengers, will be allowed to check up to three bags for free; full-fare coach passengers will be allowed two checked bags for no charge.
Effective immediately, Delta is scrapping the fuel surcharges that were instituted earlier this year at both airlines for claiming award tickets in the SkyMiles and WorldPerks programs.
Delta has started selling "Choice Coach Seats" on select flights for a charge of $5 to $25 — the same as Northwest has been doing for some time. The option is offered to persons using self-service check-in, guaranteeing them a preferred seat assignment. The fee varies based on distance and seat location. SkyMiles Medallion members, WorldPerks elites, SkyTeam elites and those traveling on full-fare Y or B tickets can select a Choice Seat for no fee when they check in online or at an airport kiosk.
Delta has cut the fee for telephone ticket purchases from $25 to $20, the same as Northwest's; the same fee reduction also applies to frequent flyer award tickets booked over the phone.
Effective December 5, Delta said it will eliminate its $3 "curbside check-in administrative fee" paid by passengers who check their bags with a skycap at airports worldwide.

Delta executive VP Steve Gorman said Delta does not expect to be affected by ending its first-checked-bag-free policy, since it is the last of the legacy carriers to add a fee. "The increase in bags being carried on board Delta aircraft this year tells us that customers are not differentiating Delta as the only major airline not charging for a first checked bag," he said.

Some commentary on this... Actually, Southwest is considered a major airline, and it does not charge for a checked bag.