Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Frequent Flyer - Delta A

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Frequent Flyer - Delta A Sep 27th 2012, 11:05 According to Delta Airlines - "SkyMiles helps you save time and money in all kinds of ways, from travel to telecommunications." SkyMiles phone 800-323-2323 Some of the features of Skymiles (from Delta Airlines) - Delta's SkyMiles members can book Award Travel with the ability to combine Coach, First Class/BusinessElite, SkySaver and SkyChoice travel into one ticket and save thousands of miles. "As an example, a member who travels from Atlanta to London in a SkyChoice BusinessElite seat and returns from London to Atlanta in a SkySaver Coach seat may now redeem 150,000 miles versus the previously-required 250,000 miles for the same itinerary. Or, a member can fly from New York to Los Angeles in a SkySaver First Class seat and return in a SkySaver Coach seat for 35,000 miles, which previously would have required 45,000 miles." For bookings, these are a few of the features offered to Delta frequent flyers: " An online calendar of availability at delta.com that allows members to shop for Award seats Delta Messenger upgrades notification, a tool that will automatically contact Medallion members when their complimentary upgrade has cleared. Or, if a Medallion member is still awaiting an upgrade to clear, Delta will automatically add the member to the airport standby list upon check-in Additionally, the program recently implemented technology to automatically request an upgrade for Medallion members -- Delta's most frequent flyers -- when they make an eligible reservation at delta.com, with Delta reservations, or with a travel agent." "The award-winning Delta SkyMiles program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle(r), the Delta Connection(r) carriers, Delta AirElite(r) and other SkyTeam(r) airlines. Additional mileage-building opportunities are offered through more than 100 partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, SkyMilesShopping.com, participating hotels, car rental companies, telecommunication services, restaurants, retailers and more."

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Security Surprise

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Security Surprise Sep 27th 2012, 11:05 The TSA has banned lighters in both carry-on and checked luggage, so if you are traveling within, to, or from the United States, you will need to leave your lighter at home. You may be surprised that despite the evolution of security at airports that has been occurring over the past few years that many potential "weapons" are being allowed to go through airport security and may be brought on board. There are various banned items depending on the country you are traveling from, but you may be surprised at what is allowed on board these days. Did you ever think of your tennis racket as a weapon? Because it is a sporting item, you'll be checking it in. As more governments worldwide take over the task of security screening at airports, it becomes even more important to know before you go or risk having some of your belongings being confiscated, or at least sending you back to check them in. In a recent CNN article, they reported some of the items still allowed for transport as carry-on in the U.S.. Be aware however, that depending on which country you are traveling to, or in, that the list of allowable items for carry-on will vary. In the U.S. corkscrews are allowed for carry-on, whereas in Canada corkscrews are only permitted in checked luggage. Toy weapons are banned as carry on in the U.K., Canada, and other countries, but only true-looking replicas are banned in the U.S.. Metal nail files are nearly universally banned, but nail clippers with no metal nail file are not. Any doubt of what you can or can't bring can be taken away by following the links to some of the government websites about airport security screening. Any further doubts? Then it is a good idea to call the airline directly as they will outline what can/not be brought on board, and can advise you not only about banned potential weapons, but about what the airline considers dangerous goods as well.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Saving Time Checking in for Yo

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Saving Time Checking in for Yo Sep 26th 2012, 11:05 Online check-in for your flights could save you some time from waiting in line and get you to your gate on time. Read on about some of the airlines offering check-in online from airline websites. Bearing this in mind, here are some of the features of checking in from the comfort of your mouse and keyboard: Advantages for the passenger Check-in before you get to the airport. Usually between 12 and 24 hours before flight departure. Print boarding pass ahead of time saving you time at the airport. Some airlines also offer the option of downloading your boarding pass to a PDA such as a Blackberry. Ability to change/confirm your seat assignment when available, thus a better chance at getting a seat number before you are even at the airport if you didn't have one already pre-reserved. Some airlines offer bonus frequent flyer miles. What you'll need to check-in online Your frequent flyer number (or other login information as outlined by the airline you are using such as a the credit card that was used to pay for the ticket). An airline electronic ticket that is paid for. A printer to print the boarding pass, or a PDA (only offered on a few airlines)to download the boarding pass to. Alternatively, you can have the boarding pass reprinted at check-in, or a self-serve kiosk. In addition, there is a potential problem if you now have your boarding pass, your flight is subsequently canceled, and the airline doesn't have a way to contact you. Thus, in the booking stages it is always a good idea to have more than one contact phone number, and a contact phone number for the destination you are at in case of a delay or cancellation for your return flight. Check-in Online Now Some of the airlines offering online check-in are: Alaska Airlines American Airlines Continental Airlines Delta Airlines United Airlines US Airways Southwest Airlines JetBlue AirTran Airways Air Canada British Airways Ryanair

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Delta Air Lines, Northwest Air

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Delta Air Lines, Northwest Air Sep 26th 2012, 11:05 An agreement has been reached, and barring any roadblocks from antitrust authorities Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines are merging and will operate under the Delta Airlines name. Richard Anderson, Delta CEO, said: "We said we would only enter into a consolidation transaction if it was right for all of our constituencies; Delta and Northwest are a perfect fit." Delta Airlines released information outlining the basic elements of the deal and what ramifications they foresee for both the new mega-airline, and its passengers. The list of benefits it sees by merging Combining Delta and Northwest will create a global US carrier that can compete with foreign airlines - foreign airlines that continue to increase service to the United States. Customers and communities to benefit from access to a global route system. More destinations means more schedule options, and more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles. A more financially stable airline. Delta customers will benefit from Northwest's greater service to Asian markets. Northwest's customers will benefit from Delta's strengths across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Delta and Northwest's complementary networks and common membership in the SkyTeam alliance will ease the integration risk that has complicated some airline mergers. The carriers participate in a joint SkyTeam frequent flyer program with common customer lounges and airline partner networks." Some of the details of the merger and what the merged Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines will look like: Delta's headquarters were in Atlanta, and the merged Delta will retain its world headquarters in Atlanta. A mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft with nearly 75,000 employees worldwide. Northwest Airlines shareholders will receive 1.25 Delta shares for each Northwest share they currently own. No hub closures The Delta pilot leadership reached an agreement on a post-merger contract including a 3.5 percent equity stake in the new company along with other enhancements to their current contract. From Delta, "Frontline employees of both airlines will be provided seniority protection through a fair and equitable seniority integration process, as the airlines are combined. In addition, U.S.-based non-pilot employees of both companies will be provided a 4 percent equity stake in the new airline upon closing." Some of the reasons cited for the merger An effective way to offset higher fuel prices. From Delta, "Record fuel prices have fundamentally changed the economics of the airline industry. Fuel is the highest single expense for Delta and Northwest, significantly eroding the financial benefits of restructuring and placing the airlines' new found strength and stability at long-term risk. At the beginning of 2007, oil prices were approximately $55 a barrel. Now, oil prices have nearly doubled. This dramatic run-up in the price of oil makes the transaction even more compelling." More efficient airline. Increase international presence. Ability to fund long-term investment in the airline business.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Secrets Your Pilot Won't Tell You

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Secrets Your Pilot Won't Tell You Sep 26th 2012, 11:05 Reader's Digest asked commercial airline pilots to share some of their secrets with their readers. From napping during flights, to safety issues, airline pilots responded, with Reader's Digest compiling it all in a feature of 50 secrets  - 50 Secrets Your Pilot Won't Tell You. Of the 50 shared secrets, I've included the 10 that struck me the most. 1. Behind Closed Cockpit Doors AS737700 / Flickr On the question of whether pilots sleep on the job... “Do pilots sleep in there? Definitely. Sometimes it’s just a ten-minute catnap, but it happens.” John Greaves, airline accident lawyer and former airline captain, Los Angeles 2. This Happens All the Time to Gate Agents Too I chuckled a little when I read this one. When flights are canceled due to weather, it is not necessarily the weather you see in the departing or arrival city, but can be prohibitive conditions en route. As a gate agent, I do hear a version of this...a lot. “This happens all the time: We’ll be in Pittsburgh going to Philly, and there will be a weather delay. The weather in Pittsburgh is beautiful. Then I’ll hear passengers saying, ‘You know, I just called my friend in Philly, and it’s beautiful there too,’ like there’s some kind of conspiracy or something. But in the airspace between Pittsburgh and Philly there’s a huge thunderstorm.” Jack Stephan 3. Breathe in, the Air is Clean up There I wrote a feature addressing the issue of recycled air on planes, and in fact, with the current filtration systems in use, many airplanes offer cleaner air than hospitals. “Cabin air is not as dirty as people think. A portion of the air is recirculated because that helps to reduce humidity. But it’s run through hospital-quality HEPA filters, and it’s actually cleaner than the air found in most public buildings.” Patrick Smith, commercial pilot and author, askthepilot.com 4. Flying Short of an Engine Arlene Fleming Note that most commercial airplane types can be flown safely with one malfunctioning engine. “We tell passengers what they need to know. We don’t tell them things that are going to scare the pants off them. So you’ll never hear me say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we just had an engine failure,’ even if that’s true.” Jim Tilmon, retired American Airlines pilot, Phoenix 5. The Safety of Babes in Arms Although in most cases, a lap baby is allowed until the age of 2, there is a call to end the practice of permitting infants under 2 to travel without his/her own booked seat. Patrick Smith comments on the issue: “Is traveling with a baby in your lap safe? No. It’s extremely dangerous. If there’s any impact or deceleration, there’s a good chance you’re going to lose hold of your kid, and he becomes a projectile. But the government’s logic is that if we made you buy an expensive seat for your baby, you’d just drive, and you’re more likely to be injured driving than flying.” Patrick Smith 6. The Truth About Turbulence With turbulence bringing on anxiety in so many passengers, a pilot's take: “Pilots find it perplexing that so many people are afraid of turbulence. It’s all but impossible for turbulence to cause a crash. We avoid turbulence not because we’re afraid the wing is going to fall off but because it’s annoying.” Patrick Smith 7. Commenting on Safety - and Running on Empty Public Domain This is the safety issue you hear grumblings of, but hope isn't true... “I’m constantly under pressure to carry less fuel than I’m comfortable with. Airlines are always looking at the bottom line, and you burn fuel carrying fuel. Sometimes if you carry just enough fuel and you hit thunderstorms or delays, then suddenly you’re running out of gas and you have to go to an alternate airport.” Captain at a major airline 8. A Smoother Flight for the Fearful Flier This is a strategy for first time and nervous passengers I hadn't thought of but makes an immense amount of sense, particularly during summer months with active weather, and often less stable conditions in the air. “If you’re a nervous flier, book a morning flight. The heating of the ground later causes bumpier air, and it’s much more likely to thunderstorm in the afternoon.” Jerry Johnson, pilot, Los Angeles 9. For Pilots, Lightning Can Strike Twice At the airport, there is usually a red alert when lightning is in the vicinity, and all activity stops outside. This choice is not available in the air, and a workplace safety hazard for pilots... “I’ve been struck by lightning twice. Most pilots have. Airplanes are built to take it. You hear a big boom and see a big flash and that’s it. You’re not going to fall out of the sky.” Pilot for a regional carrier, Charlotte, North Carolina 10. Why You Really Shouldn't Use Your Cell Phone Inflight Passengers often grumble about not being able to use cell phones during flight, how it is safe. Great perspective from a pilot on this topic... “People don’t understand why they can’t use their cell phones. Well, what can happen is 12 people will decide to call someone just before landing, and I can get a false reading on my instruments saying that we are higher than we really are.” Jim Tilmon

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Top 10 Ways to Get Upgraded

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Top 10 Ways to Get Upgraded Sep 25th 2012, 11:05 So are there any tricks to getting upgraded from economy class? Most times there are no tricks of the trade, it is often by being entitled to an upgrade if you are a very frequent flyer with an upgrade-able fare, and once in a while it is a little bit of luck. A lot of the following are also contingent on luck as it isn't really possible to bet on which flights are going to be wildly over or under sold on any given day. That being stated, these are the top 10 ways to get upgraded that I see as an airline gate agent most often: 1. Being a top tier member of the airline's frequent flyer program, and be in possession of a valid upgrade certificate. 2. If you aren't a top tier member then travel with a top tier member of the airline's frequent flyer program, and be in possession of a valid upgrade certificate. 3. And again being a top tier frequent flyer member pays - if you are a top tier member of the airlines frequent flyer program then traveling on an oversold flight will lead to more potential for a courtesy upgrade. 4. If you are traveling on a full fare ticket and traveling on an oversold flight then you also have more potential for a courtesy upgrade. 5. If you travel on a very empty flight where weight and balance is an issue the airline may require that some passengers be upgraded (best to have a seat somewhere in the middle of an aircraft for this) 6. If you are a top tier member of a partner airline's frequent flyer such as oneworld or Star Alliance, and traveling on an oversold flight you will likely have more potential for a courtesy upgrade. 7. If a flight is oversold and you are an infrequent traveler on a cheap ticket, volunteer to give up your seat - more likely to get upgraded if not on your original flight, then the one you have been rebooked on. 8. Again, if a flight is oversold and you are traveling alone, then dress in business / casual business attire and sit off on your own, but in the sight line of the airline agent at the gate. Sometimes we need to upgrade a passenger or two at the very last minute, and a well-dressed, solo traveler is easier to upgrade than one wearing sweatpants and sneakers. 9. If you ultimately don't care where you sit on a flight then don't prebook your seat on an oversold flight, and check in closer to departure time. You may end up with a middle seat, or one up front. This is a really risky strategy, as gate agents will try and upgrade frequent flyers and higher priced ticket holders first. 10. A smile goes a long way. If you are nice as possible to the check-in and gate agents then sometimes if a flight is oversold and you just happen to be one of the nicest passengers that a check-in agent meets that day, they may put a comment on your passenger record such as "nice passenger if you need to upgrade". NOT TO DO: Don't ask for an upgrade, especially if you aren't a frequent traveler on that particular airline. Airline agents tend to be agitated by this. Do not badger the gate agent saying that check-in said to ask for an upgrade even though you are on a reduced fare, then going on board and badgering the flight attendants. This happened on a flight where I was the gate agent and the crew was getting fed up enough that two passengers were nearly kicked off the flight. It is better to assume that if your airfare does not entitle you to an upgrade, you probably aren't going to get one. It may happen every once in a while but not often enough to have surefire ways to get upgraded for free every time you travel.

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Air Travel: What's Hot Now: Southwest Airlines Tickets

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Southwest Airlines Tickets Sep 25th 2012, 11:05 Southwest Airlines offers check-in online. What you need to check-in and a few of the details of their web check-in services: Southwest Airlines Check-in online up to 24 hours prior to departure. Need your confirmation number and name of passenger in order to use online check-in. Passengers traveling with infants without a seat cannot check-in online as identification proving the child is under 2 years old must be presented to a Southwest Airlines agent.

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