Airplane p0rn - British Airways 757-200

It's that time of the week again, and to celebrate the last revenue flight of British Airways venerable 757's yesterday, this week it's a 757-200 in British Airways Chatham Dockyard scheme, taxing past Terminal 1 on a crisp morning earlier this month.

Whilst some 757's will remain with the Open Skies subsidiary, nearly all the remaining BA 757's are going to DHL to become freight dogs.

More airplane p0rn of course next week!

Safety Video Saturday - Cebu Pacific... now the boys are dancing.

It seems Cebu Pacific has been busy again - this time the Boys are at it after the girls have just danced.

So here come the boys with their guide to safety...



Another Safety video next week!

The weak end of screening: Cargo....

Yesterdays events at East Midlands Airport (Nottingham/Derby), Philadelphia International and Newark show the one problem with screening and security theatre: the distinct lightness that cargo screening suffers, and only when people talk does it come to light.

The packages that were heading to Chicago had packages allegedly originating from the Yemen, and various threat points have been identified:

• A suspect package found at Dubai
• A suspect package found at East Midlands Airport, UK
• Three cargo planes owned by  UPS searched in Newark and Philadelphia
• US fighter jets escorted Emirates flight 201 from Dubai into New York, with officials saying the action was being taken "out of an abundance of caution" because cargo from Yemen was on board
• Suspect package from Yemen examined on a delivery lorry in New York
• BA flight from London to New York met by authorities amid reports of search of its cargo

That's a catalogue and a half of events. 

Of course, President Obama has said

"... that new aviation security measures were being taken in light of the alert by the Department of Homeland Security, "including additional screening"."

Oh great.  With another threat comes more security, and normally aimed at the passenger, not the cargo end where these threats eminated from.

Expect more changes ahead in the name of security for seemingly little benefit....

BD: A small operating profit... but lots of costs....

Lufthansa has released the latest numbers for it's group and figures. Now I'm honestly not interested in the big numbers of LH Group, but instead looking at how little BMI is doing.

And it's small encouraging signs mainly, A 3rd Quarter operating profit of €3million has been made. However, don't cheer too much, as a Q123 loss of €90 million was made.

Ouch.

Most of this can be put down to the positive work that's being done with Middle Eastern and CIS routes, with Local/European routes not performing positively.

However they are expecting BMI to drag itself into profit by 2012. There is the re-affirmation of the cabin refurbishment work continuing apace.

Things are looking good. However, there is still the delicate matter of Diamond Club to address. And I'll be analysing the Flight interview later on this week....

BA: A shock - Q2 Profit!!!

That's right - hold the presses... British Airways has actually made a profit for the first time in two years!

A half-year profit of £158m, has been achived, in spite of the cabin crew strikes and the annoying effects of the ash cloud. This is in tandem with Iberia also reporting a profit of £46m

Revenues increases have pointed to with cargo doing excellent trade, and costs down by a reported 1.5%.

This marks a good turnaround from the high losses of £292m that were made during 2009 during the same period.

It has emerged also that British Airways and Iberia will merge on 21 January to form International Airlines Group. As reported before, both national airline identities will remain intact.

BA's Willie Walsh also went on the box this morning with all full on attack on APD (Air Passenger Duty) that is sadly due to go into effect on the 1st November - see http://www.ghettoife.com/2009/07/barking-up-wrong-horse-air-passenger.html (and I'll do a quick review of it again this weekend).

Well it's good to see BA finally back in the black. But someone else had made a few pennies...

Safety Video Friday *Extra* - Air New Zealand 777-300ER.. with Rico.

It seems Air New Zealand are working with Rico a bit more, and have drafted him in with every innuendo under the sun for their new Safety Video for ANZ's Boeing 777-300ER's.



Annoying, but if you're flying long haul, you should only have minimal exposure to him...

But at least Air New Zealand are trying - unlike some airlines....

Nude-o-scope or a nice tight feel? The TSA now gives you a choice....

According to ABC World News, the TSA (Transit Security Administration) are preparing to deploy their scanning techinques - and you'll have a choice of a Millimetre Wave Scanner or an "Intensive Pat Down"

So Full Body Pat Down... or X Rated Patdown (as ABC puts it) - including parts off of the body that were limits. A demo was shown, including full breast fondles and stroking (so for example if there was a bra, it would have to be pokes and stroked to see if there was anything in it).

Cute.

Not that it would had catched the Underwear bomber as they might not 1) fondled there and 2) It would had been outside their remit anyway and 3) It's powder. How are they meant to catch that?

The TSA makes a weak defence, saying it's needed to ""stay ahead of evolving threats". And people still think the TSA can't do this least of all due to time and costs.

It's to the point where I think the TSA would prefer you strip naked before you get into a scanner when even then they'd even then prefer to do an internal scan.

And I've experienced this week, I've got ZERO Confidence in some of their screening techniques and methodologies (I'll reveal more in the Trip report coming, but the TSA person wasn't exactly paying attention - more interested in chatting which could had risked a false reading of a procedure they were carrying out).

As a personal objection, I personally would refuse to go through a MMW Scanner unless there was no other way through security. However, an invasive pat-down?

Paging an army of Lawyers. Get ready to issue writs for sexual harassment to the Transit Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DoHS)....

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/tsa-pat-procedure-airports/story?id=11998304

ORDIX: Mixed Classes - Infinite fun - Pictures going live

Well if you're looking to the sidebar you might have noticed a bunch of Trip Type Photoblog entries.

But if you're feeling lazy, feel free head to the ones listed below ;)

• To Heathrow and the Star Alliance Lounge
• United International Business Class - London Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare 
• The Hyatt Regency O'Hare  
• Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat tour: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 
• United Economy Plus Chicago O'Hare to Las Vegas 
• The Flamingo Las Vegas 

More trip pics will go live soon when photoblog gives me a few more entries and when the trip report is live (I'd say this time next week).

Normal news coverage and analysis will recommence tomorrow, including Security Theatre at UK Airports, and the state of BMI.....

Crossing the Chilterns....

And what a lovely part of the UK it is.





There IS more to the UK than London y'know....


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Quick review: DEN-LHR

Can be summed up as slurry with a few sparks of magic towards the end.

And greetings from Heathrow CBS... With luggage!



More from Ghettoife.com towers later...

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Quick Review of UA SFO-DEN

In simple terms:
- A ground stop
- A visit to the cockpit
- Food
- A go around
- Oh. And a race to the gate.

More in the full report. Next stop: LHR!

If you're sitting .... in San Francisco...

And greetings from the United SFO RCC.

Where there is no free wifi yet. Good thing I had a spare card just in case ;)

Quick reviews
LAS-LAX - I didn't know  I could down two vodka and oranges
LAX-SFO- I didn't know I could down another.

Good crews and good service... has the curse of Tilton lifted?

Guess I'll find out when I do SFO-DEN and DEN-LHR....

Greetings from LAS CO PC Club

Flamingo quick review: Could be worse.



Next stop: LA... Fore more drinking...

Not that I haven't exactly started...





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Viva las Vegas!

Apart from the crap hole that is the Flamingo, greetings from Freemont Street.



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Quick Review of United E+ ORD-LAS

Greetings from Las Vegas

Quick review of the flight - Choppy as hell, and I had an E+ theif next to me.

Shame chose that time to edit some of my other work ;)

Oh, I belive also Sears and Whirpool will have sale soon. Hang on till black friday though.

Not that I saw what Mr corporate thief was typing of course...

Almost time to hit the road again...

... and of course, I spent most of the night packing.

One day, I'll learn to have learn to pack better... or get a larger bag...

Airplane p0rn - BMI Airbus A320

It's just about Sunday here still, so it's time for this week's Airplane p0rn.

This week - it's a British Midland International Airbus A320 taxing at it's home base of Heathrow Airport

More next week!

Safety Video Saturday - Delta

Time to stow those tray tables of yours and put the seat in the upright position for another Safety Video Saturday - and the one that really kicked off the "modern" safety briefing video - the Delta safety briefing



So what do we take away from this? Apart from one part of the USA that actually calls a mobile phone a mobile phone, of course it's "Smoking is now allowed".

Another safety video next week!

Airplane p0rn special - Regional Jets

As I'm busy with other things in Chicago at the moment, I've cut the news feed for a few days.

However, I have spent some time with a camera on the balcony - which is conventlity on the flight path into O'Hare International Airport.

So over the next couple of days, it is indeed a special on what's been flying past my window!

Today... Regional Jets!

United Express CRJ-700 

American Eagle ERJ-145's

 United Express ERJ-145

 United Express CRJ-700

 United Express CRJ-200

Some more tomorrow - when we move onto real Jets....

One Time Exception: Chicago Architecture Foundation tour

Three words: Value for Money





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Quick Review of United International Business LHR-ORD.

Two words sums it up: Distinctly Average. 

More in the main trip report to come.

OZ: How to stick one on your fellow airlines.

(By the time this posts, I should be somewhere over Greenland - I love this schedule posting thing so sorry I if I don't write more sooner...)

Asiana Airlines is a little airline I came to love on my little trip to Seoul and Hong Kong.

But let it not be said they sometimes could be with... checking their charms sometimes. With the annoumcent on Monday of some changes to Asiana Club which on the outside look reasonable (and if they can lower the thresholds further for awards - even better).

Of course - one of the big things is extending the life of miles of up to 10 years (12 if Diamond) 

Whilst in itself, that isn't much, it then goes on to compare other airlines and how long their miles expire. Now normally, you'd expect a full knife sticking at rival SkyTeam and OneWorld.

This however is Asiana. They go for everyone including their fellow Star Alliance carriers!

 Source: http://eu.flyasiana.com/Global/EU/en/homepage?seq=1390&ctg=&page=1&searchWrd=&cmd=NEWSVIEW&fid=NEWS11000

Oh well, it's a different way of doing business I suppose.... 

On board ....

And surprise, channel 9 is off - as is my screen it seems....


And blogger isn't working right either. Anyone else say the words. "trouble" ahead?


More later.

Not so much running, more like rushing.

Greetings from the Star Alliance dark place Common lounge. With a little help from a coach driver who understands the term "putting his foot down".

More later on - but it's breakfast time to help myself of a bacon roll or 2....

(No picrtures I'm afraid as blogger is being "maintained". Bunch of waste.....

Moving...

45 minutes late. should just make check in... but there's going to be running


And lots of it..


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Oh Wonderful....

Coach has broken down... Thankfully at Birmingham.


The race.. Is ON!


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AR: Yet another "Quality" member to join SkyTeam

News comes from Argentina with Aerolineas Argentinas is to join the SkyTeam alliance, becoming the group's first South American member.

Aerolineas Argentina is aiming to sign an agreement this month to begin the process of joining SkyTeam, targenting an entry in 2012.

They operate a mixture of Airbus A340-200's, A340-300's, Boeing 737-500's, 700's and 800's, and Three Boeing 747-400's - 39 aircraft in total with their McDonnald Douglas aircraft being phased out. 

However, there is an image problem that SkyTeam needs to deal with itself shortly. Being the "Third" alliance, it shows with the quality of airlines that it attracts... and to be honest, none of them I'd particularly want to fly personally.

Still - if it works people, this should be a worthy addition.

Gatwick: Welcomes A380s...

As Gatwick continues to assert it's independance over BAA and get it's own identity, a welcome peice of news has arrived from Crawley Borough Council (the area Gatwick is based in) to allow operation of A380's through LGW.

This now puts it on par with Heathrow and Manchester as one of the few places that A380's can operate from without special permission. 

Of course, to home these beasts at the gate, two gates are now "A380 ready", allowing Gatwick to open up discussions with A380 operators.

The quote from Stewart Wingate (Gatwick Airport CEO) is aid: 

“The Airbus A380 represents the future of long-haul aviation. It’s modern, more efficient and uses less fuel per passenger and we want Gatwick to be at the centre of this exciting new era of long-haul travel.   

“We are pouring £1 billion into Gatwick to improve the infrastructure, modernise the airport facilities, improve customer service, bolster the rail links and drive competitive rates for airlines to encourage more passengers and airlines to the airport. If we can bring the A380 and other large aircraft to Gatwick, passengers will have even more reason to choose to fly to and from our airport and help us on our journey to becoming the London airport of choice.”  

Gatwicks position makes it a natural base for the South East of England, and agreement like this will help the airport forge it's own way. All it now has to do is convince the A380 operators to come to their airport...... 

Lies, Damn Lies, Marketing and United.com....

Well, I have a set of UA flights coming up, so I'm check the loads and seats regularly (least of all to see what bumping opportunities may arise on the trip, but mainly to see if anyone is sat next to me thanks to that wonderfully awful tool called "Seat Selection").

Imagine my surprise when I checked the seat of one of my domestic segments.

And then another....

What's this? United has upgraded it's Lay-z-boy recliners to full suites? Oh. Hang on. Magic words in small letters...

Ahh. Little details. I guess then it's back to the usual seat on a A319/A320 with United then.

But it does give a minor sense of at least false advertising and hope raising what the on-board product could be.

What's the term. "Lies, Damn Lies and Marketing?" I think the post title "Lies, Damn Lies, Marketing and United.com" is far more accurate in this case...

E*: Belgiums causing cancellations

(Yes, it's trains. After all, it's a TRAVEL blog...)

Already widely reported, but Eurostar services from London to Brussels are affected due to a Belgium rail strike in progress.

It isn't a wild guess to also say TGV and Thayls services are also hit, as well as domestic Belgium rail services.

A very limited coach service from Lille to Brussels is being operated, but passengers are being advised to rebook, with only the 19:34 departure from London will be making it through to Brussels today.

Eurostar - so wonderful, yet one little rail strike (saying that it's the same if ATC walks out in a country....)

In other Chunnel related news, the DB has been busy with one of it's ICE3 units, sending it back and forth through the Channel Tunnel in for testing purposes and evaluation to see if an ICE3 will meet the safety requirements to operate in the Tunnel, with a view of opening up a London -> Colonge/Frankfurt service (and taking on Eurostar at it's own game). 

This is thanks to open access coming to the tunnel - allowing other operators to access it and run services subject to safety (and if they pay enough for the paths through the tunnel). 

If this works, opens up a lot of routes and possible new services. However, to work (in my thoughts) they're going to have to pass the centre-to-centre test.

What's that you're asking?

It's time time from one Centre to another Centre, whilst factoring actual travel time, time waiting time in security and time getting to the main transit points. Eurostar works well against the planes for this - whilst the flight time is 50 minutes, the time to get to Heathrow (15 minutes to ~1 hour depending on part of London and mode of transport), an hour through check in, security and boarding, and anohter 30 minutes getting into london, suddenly the 1 hour 51 London to Paris train service with a 10 minute tube point to point suddenly looks very good timing.

And this is where new operators will have to compete on - convenience and point to point times.

Still - interesting times.

Airplane p0rn - Qantas 747-400

It's Sunday, so that means it's time for some more airplane p0rn.

This week, it's a Qantas 747-400 climbing out of Hong Kong International Airport. Taken from Victoria Peak.

More of course next week - and expect a special end of week post if I get round to it....

Safety Video Saturday - Eithad A330

It's Saturday again, so it's time to put those tray tables away, and pop your seat in the upright position as Eithad demostrate the safety features of their A330's.



Next week, it's one of the "Modern Classics" safety videos... so tune in!

Air Baltic considers iPad IFE, but opens more questions than answers to iPad adopters

Business Traveller has a little ditty about Air Baltic going to introduce Apple's iPad as an IFE (In flight Entertainment) device. 

Now whilst that's not news in itself (JetStar got there first), as a GhettoIFE blog (and other airlines adopting this), there are a few questions to be asked.

And I'm asking them!

1) How are you going to prevent the things being stolen? It's a simple enough question. iPads are small enough to go in a bad unnoticed and *vosh* gone.  Unless there is a "collection before arrival" policy and an exact count, these could easily go walks (Unless we're installing anti-theft devices on-plane...)

2) Long term power - how? Whilst the iPad has a great longevity, there needs to be consideration of how they're powered (either by a Dock connection on the plane, Charge-at-base or a mix of the two)

3) How is content going to be protected? Again, if I was a rights holder I'd be concerned about content being halfhinched.

4) How are you going to mount them up? I've seen current IFE system arms being used, also iPads based over current IFE monitors.  Sticking an iPad on a tray table isn't my idea of a good time as you need a reasonable angle of view. Therefore you'll need a case or a mounting point for the device (and I haven't seen sick bags large enough for an iPad - yet).

5) How much is this all going to cost? Even the smallest iPad is a reasonable investment at £429. Multiply that by a planeload (A320 sized 180 pax) leads to a list price of £77,220.  Multiply that through a fleet and the numbers become scary. Now obviously there will be discounts for quantity (or else IFE companies and system integrators don't know of the the word "negotiation"), but to pay for this, it will be the consumer who will have to hire a unit.  And consumers are becoming ever more price sensitive these days.  Therefore pricing is going to have to be reasonable for a good uptake.

Those are a few thoughts. I think as a personal IFE device its a great leap forward, and I expect the Android tablets to really push this forward as a personal travel entertainment device.  However, part of keeping it person will be the content.  And as I've stated time and again, it's the content that makes or breaks an IFE System.

Manchester Airport: Ok - Nude-O-Scopes are secondary screening devices...

Manchester Airport have quickly made a rebuttal in regard to this morning's report that they will be implementing Millimetre Wave scanners for all passengers.

The revised statement from Manchester Airport now say that these scanners will remain a “secondary device”, that will replace the traditional pat down hand search and that the scanners have been used only when the initial security arch indicates the presence of metal.

Thefore it is a secondary device.

Logic prevails at last. But as Heathrow, if you fail to agree to a scan when asked, you will be denied the right to travel.

A reason to avoid Manchester Airport: Nude-o-Scopes to be compulsory.

Well in another overreaction to security, it seems Manchester Airport has bitten the bullet, and has announced that All passengers flying out of Manchester Airport will have to pass through body scanners by the end of October, through all three terminal security areas, making it compulsory for all travellers.

Manchester Airport quotes "most people now preferred the scanners than the full body pat down.". There will be no option for a pat down instead, citing scans taking 25 seconds vs a 2 minute pat down, with95% of travellers prefer the scanners and queuing times have been radically reduced

Manchester airport accepts Nude-o-Scopes are like playing with a privacy fire stating

"We knew that the technology was controversial which is why we embarked on a trial”

"We fully respect that a small number of people have reservations about body scanners on privacy or medical grounds, but we have gone to great lengths to ensure the highest levels of privacy protection and expert studies have shown that the technology is safe."

The sheep known as The UK's Health Protection Agency (HPA) in September confirmed that the technology is medically safe as the exposure levels are so small. This is ignorance to a request from university based in Columbia-based university calling for more research.

Well I know which airport in the UK I'll be avoiding alas. And it was such a nice airport too...

Should you wish to object they have a Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/manairport

And yes, I still feel it is an invasion of my privacy, and prefer the US model of a full pat down if you wish to refuse the scanner.

Of course, anything in the name of security, and security theatre.

*Update. See the update above - it's still a secondary scanning device*

AZ: What? You still actually fly Alilatia? How does £30 off sound?

For those odd people who choose to fly Alitalia still, a little promotion came into my inbox (and it's a public voucher).

And it's £30 off a return fare.

Select your destination, type in the e-coupon code UK2SWEET2010 when asked and press the "Reprice" button.

Restrictions:

• Tickets can be purchased between 13 and 18 October 2010 to fly between 1 and 30 November 2010. 
• Valid for purchases made on UK website only for tickets departing from the UK
• Not valid on Italian domestic flights. 
• Not valid on One Way flights. 
• Not valid on infant and child tickets.

If you can use if - go for it. £30 off is £30... And dread the thought - some SkyTeam miles might head your way...

TG: Fancy a bit of Thai between Bangkok and Haneda?

Well it seems carriers and approvals are coming all together well, with Thai Airways International putting their stamp on a service from Bangkok to Tokyo Haneda

Services commence from 31st October 2010, and will operate on a daily basis.

Timings however are the usual HND madness, with the following listed:

DEP BKK   ARR HND    DEP HND    ARR BKK

14:50     22:30      00:20      05:20

All times are local.

Service is provided with a Airbus A340-500 in a two class (Business/Economy) configuration (and if it's anything like the service I had when I flew Thai regionally, it should be a cracking business class service).

Thai also runs four daily flights to Narita for those of you who think timings are a bit odd or can't make them work. No change in frequency has been announced for these flights.

With Haneda's popularity due to the simple fact it's a monorail ride to downtown Tokyo vs the long hike from Nartia, the demand for more slots will be needed soon, and slots at reasonable hours....

NZ: Those Kiwi's are at it again - Meet Rico.

Oooh dear. This could get Air New Zealand in trouble. Still, please meet Rico.

Or not. Featuring their new 777-300ER Products (Premium Economy and Economy)



and



Oh so politicly incorrect....

AF: Reduce frequency, add an A380... and that's a service...

Air France is continuing with it's A380 rollout programme announcing a service to Montreal, with the start of a new service from 9th May 2011.

This will form flight AF346 departing Paris CDG at 1610, arriving Montreal 1720 and AF347 departing Montreal 1955 and arriving Paris CDG the next morning at 0830 on the inbound. However, for the extra capacity to head this way, something has to give, and that's the 4th flight of the day, which is now consolidated into three flights linking Paris and Montreal together.

Currently, Air France operates A380 services to Johannesburg, New York (JFK) and Tokyo Narita. These aircraft have been delivered in 3 class configuration, with a 4 class re-configuration coming along shortly.

As more A380's slowly trundle off the production line, expect more new routes - and more route consolidation to occur....

U2: EasyJet can remain slightly Easy about it's name....

What is EasyJet without the Easy Brand?

We won't discover that as EasyJet has managed to agree a new licence term and revision with it's founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

In return for Stelios agreeing to surrender the right to appoint himself as chairman and end EasyGroup's right to representation on the carrier's board, EasyJet will pay royalties of 0.25% of its revenues, for using the "Easy" Brand. In the first two years, fixed payments will be provided of high amounts

With this EasyGroup and EasyJet will enter into a 50-year term licence, and a minimum 10-year commitment period.

For EasyJet, this means they have more independence to do what it wants commercially, and see how to enhance the wonderful world of ancillary revenues which previously were limited to 25% of it's revenues.

For Stelios... well... a few pennies to compensate him isn't a bad days work...

BA: Another new route - Gatwick - San Juan.

British Airways continues to be busy, with them launching a service to San Juan in Puerto Rica from March next year.

The service will operated via Antigua on a Twice a week basis commencing March 2011, operated by a 3 Class Boeing 777 - meaning this will contain Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller.

The service will depart LGW flight BA2157 as follows

DEP LGW  ARV ANU  DEP ANU  ARV SJU   DAYS

10:40    14:05    15:05    16:10     1,5

Returning as BA 2156

DEP SJU  ARV ANU  DEP ANU  ARV LGW  DAYS

17:40    18:50    20:05    08:50    1,5

Another little hole filled, with extra services on a small range always welcome. As Heathrow continues to jam up, Gatwick is becoming more the option for "leisure" services like this. It's also the first "direct" service from a London airport without the need to go via Miami or another US Airport.

Corrected for correct SJU airport....

Airplane p0rn - Cathay Pacific A330

It's that time of week once again, and it's time for some more airplane p0rn.

This week, its a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 landing and using it's thrust reversers at Hong Kong Airport.

More Airplane p0rn of course, next week!

Yes, the blog has got a little smaller...

... as the latest trip report epic is now archived off into the ether.

Of course you can get to it here or if for some reason you want to read up on some of my other adventures, you can always hit the Trip Reports section of GhettoIFE.com (and of course, it's on FlyerTalk as well!).

More importantly, a lot of the photographic content is now being released and will be available at my Photoblog.

I tend to keep the Photoblog as a seperate piece of work as it's not all to do with flying related matters (that it sometimes has NSFW pictures on it ;)).

So you can either keep an eye on the left hand sidebar, subscribe to the RSS Feed, or visit the following tags for Seoul and Hong Kong.

For those of you who are pining for another trip report however, there is another in the works, and it's shaping up to be another corker I hope with some of the build up going for it - when I get my backside in air.

As usual, the basics will be up after I fly the legs, and then the matter of writing.

I hope you're enjoying the Safety Video Saturday feature and the Airplane p0rn still.  If you have a request, drop a message to blog@ghettoife.com and I'll see what I can find!

Thanks for visiting :)

Safety Video Saturday - Luxair

It's Saturday again, so it's time to stow those tray tables and place your seats in the upright position, as we display this week's Safety video, from the small carrier Luxair (the airline of Luxenbourg)



More next week!

UA: Want Brunch in Economy on a UA PS flight? That's $24.99 please...

It seems United loves to come up with ways of fleecing out of more money.

The latest wheeze is to charge for Economy Meals on their PS Service. Yes - they've got the ghual to charge for something that was free oh so long ago.

"between New York Kennedy and Los Angeles or San Francisco - including a selection of sweet and savory brunch items and sparkling wine."

Ooh. Sparkling Wine. How Posh.

The two specialty brunch options are available to customers in United Economy® who pre-order 72 hours before departure at united.com.

Umm... 72 Hours? So UA now wants us to plan...

The first includes a quiche entrée, a fresh fruit plate, a cheese plate with dried fruit, a croissant with jam, salmon over cucumber dill salad and sparkling wine.

Bets please that the croissant will be stale enough to use as a projectile? Thank you....

The second includes a tomato and mozzarella sandwich entrée, shrimp cocktail, a cheese plate with dried fruit, Israeli couscous salad, Ghirardelli chocolate and sparkling wine.

Umm. Ok. However here's the killer..

Customers may purchase either brunch option for $24.99.

ERM? Colour me odd, but...

$24.99??????

Even by airport prices, that is close enough taking the peanut. Heck, Unless I was feeling flush, that's more than I'd pay for a good meal on the ground!

The "good" news is snacks boxes (where the most nutritional part of is.. the box) and fresh food offerings onboard will be offered still.

This has "taking advantage of your captive audience" written all over it....

America-Japan Anti-Trust immunity firming up for Star and OneWorld...

News arrives indicting that Department of Transport in the USA are close to giving the green light for OneWorld and Star Alliance carriers, connecting Japan and the USA.

Of course, something has to hold up this agreement, and that is the approval of an Open Skies agreement being signed, with the first part of it being the Tokyo Haneda slots being awarded.

In this case, the Star Alliance carriers are Continental/United and ANA, with OneWorld represented by American Airlines and JAL.

SkyTeam is not represented as they have no local partner in Japan (their nearest partner is over the sea in Korea)

Reasons for possible approval have been increased competition between the groupings in TPAC markets, lower fares and reduce travel/connection time.

It's now clear to see the price Delta has paid for not getting JAL to defect from OneWorld to SkyTeam, and why SkyTeam has been boosting its Asian Markets recently, with the joint venture threatening Delta.

Whilst Delta has a big hub in Tokyo, the onwards connections from there are fewer because of the lack of local partners, and with the JV's being tied up, Delta has to look further afield to access markets now.

BD: BMI Regional to Feed Brussels Airlines, Of course, we are one big happy fleet....

(Bonus points to those who can guess the reference in the title)

BMI Regional (the ERJ flying arm of British Midland) is realigning its timetables, and adding new codeshares to its flights to connect with Brussels Airlines (also owned partially by Lufthansa)

Marketing Brussels as an alternative to other busy hubs (or to you and me: London Heathrow), it's planned that you can use Brussels as inter-regional hub for both airlines and make your connections there in a quicker manner than going through a major hub.

Regional travel in the UK is an oddity as it is in the hands of FlyBe and Eastern Airways, with BMI Regional offering a smaller service. The aim seems to be get business regional travellers to reconsider BMI Regional as an option.

However, as we all well know, fares are what decide the fate of routes. And at an introductory price of £199 from EDI, EMA or LBA to various European destinations, it isn't what I'd call cheap at £50 a segment (where as it is possible to get from some of these destinations for £100 return if you look hard enough). In some ways Papa Lufthansa may be cheaper, or going down to London and paying parking might work out better. Again - it's a matter of sitting down with the numbers and what works for you.

Still, it throws an extra lifeline to BMI Regional - no bad thing in itself.

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/bmi-regional-to-feed-brussels-airlines-services

BA/AA/IB - New Joint Venture Routes announced.

Hot off the heels of the joint venture annouced, it seems the group is going to quickly consolidate their postion with a bunch of new flights, of which they are

• New York JFK-Budapest operated by American Airlines
• Chicago-Helsinki  operated by American Airlines
•  London Heathrow-San Diego operated by British Airways
•  Madrid-Los Angeles operated by Iberia

 In addition a mass amount of flights will now be codeshared as well.

Expect more fun from the other alliances as they work out how to respond to this.

Airplane p0rn Extra - British Airways Retro 757....

Time for some extra Airplane p0rn this week, courtesy of British Airways as they begin the last weeks of 757 services within the mainline airline.

For this event, they've painted up G-CPET into the classic 1983 Livery designed by 1983 “Negus & Negus”, in the classical red tail. 


Image: (c) British Airways - http://press.ba.com/?p=1475

BA was a launch partner for the 757, with a fleet at it's peak at 54 frames, and are dwindling down as the aircraft are being readied for withdrawal and selling onto FedEx for freighter conversion.

To celebrate the linage of the series, they have also named the aircraft after a castle - like most of the 757 fleet carried at one point - with the name of "Stokesay Castle” during its final month of service.

For those who don't want to cross over to the USA and fly 757's across the pond, BA's last scheduled flights for the Boeing 757s, which can carry up to 170 customers, will be on Saturday, October 30, 2010.

SQ: To launch BCN-GRU Route...

Signapore airlines are quietly beavering away in the background, and has recived route approval and lauced a schedle for Barcelona to San Paulo service as a tag-on to their Singapore - Barcalona route.

Flight No. Depart      Arrive  Depart     Arrive        EQU OPERATES

SQ068      SIN 01:35 – 09:15   BCN 1025   – 16:35 GRU   77W  146

SQ067      GRU 22:00 – 13:35+1 BCN 1445+1 – 09:35+2 SIN 77W  146

So for those who you who don't speak airline, operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday, with a 777-300ER at the local times stated. 

Oh and to keep the competition authorities happy, a JK code will be applied to the flight (Spanair)

Service commences 27th March 2011. 

Singapore - Barcalona will be served with 4 other flights a week via Milan, with Milan having 3 direct flights to Singapore. 

A very interesting play by SQ, and will strengthen the brand there.

There's nothing like being on hold to the USA....

.... when you have a 28 minute misconnect ahead in the USA.

The joy of 30 minutes plus on hold, ticket stock and ... Orbitz.

More later ;)

Airplane p0rn - TUIFly 737-800 "HaribAIR"

It's Sunday again, so it must be time for some airplane p0rn. Now yes, I know it's TUIFly 737-800 plane, but it's a very special livery promoting... well...

More less sweeter airplane p0rn next week!

Safety Video Saturday *Extra* - Cebu Pacific

Stop! Keep that seat in the upright position! Yes. We had two Safety Demonstration from Jeff at the combined United, but Cebu Pacific's flight attendants would like to direction to the front of the cabin as Lady Gaga and an annoying person gives a voiceover on a their safety video...


... whilst the crew just dances.



Thanks to Lucky where the moanfest of comments continue. Me? Make the video intresting and people might actually pay attention for once...

Safety Video Saturday - The New United/Continental Airlines Safety Video

After ensuring your tray table is stowed and your seatbelt is fasted, please let the new CEO of United Airlines - Jeff Smisek introduce the new combined airline safety videos

This is the Continental Version....


And the United version:


Now *that's* hot off the press both of these went live yesterday!

More next week!

CX: They want you to feel....

Ok, I've been waiting for a moment to unleash this and as the Hong Kong photos will be appearing on the photoblog in a few days, there is one reminder of Hong Kong (and Seoul for that matter) that has managed to burn into my brain.

And that's Cathay Pacific burning Robbie Williams into my head thanks to their sponsorship on BBC World News.

Lets have some examples:


(English Version)


(Cantonese Version)



and


(In flight noodles.... heaven! ;))

Of course, this part of Cathay's Pacific's "People" push, with the obvious website at http://www.cathaypacific.aero/people. Another fun site to kill a few hours.

However, there are strains of Robbie Williams's "Feel" playing through this, so I'll leave you with one of his better performances of the song (that was on the Thai Airlines IFE System I was using), at the Electric Proms 2009.

UA: Follows the other half, and AA, and free booze is now on offer.

Well the results of the merger are showing with United now trusting you to be adults in it's bars with alcoholic beverages in it's Red Carpet Clubs.

Of course, it's the same model as the AA/CO Lounges with "Premium" beverages available for purchase too.

Oh - in addition RCC Onetime passes are now usable at CO Presidents Clubs - and for those who wish to be connected - Free WiFi (which will probably be better than the T-Mobile offering that currently is available).

How true will these promises sound? Find out in October direct from muggins ;)

And also for those UA Drink Chit hoarders - your collection has become worthless. Sorry!

USA Today Publishes list of where you'll get stung when flying in the USA

Talk about a naughty and nice list.  USA Today has published a full list of the fees you can expect to pay if you don't fly that much

And it's confusing. Airlines turning into Confuseopolies?

Darn straight.

Get your calculator ready and head to http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-09-26-airline-fees-breakdown_N.htm?csp=tf and good luck working out what you'll pay to who and where.....