And Maybe Those Talks Didn’t Break Down
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 29, 2008 under Commentary / General Info | 
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Apparently, the CEOs of US Airways and United are still talking.
United – US Airways Merger Talks Break Down
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 28, 2008 under US Airways, United Airlines | Be the First to Comment
The New York Times is reporting that merger talks between United Airlines and US Airways have broken down. Details here.
Why Do We Hate Airlines?
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 25, 2008 under Commentary / General Info | Be the First to Comment
I am in a pondering mood today as I sit on my hotel balcony on the Chesapeake Bay. As I watch the ships come in for ports in Norfolk and Baltimore, I ask myself why I didn’t pick sailing instead of flying for my chosen occupation?! As they say, “if I knew then what I know now” I suppose things would’ve turned out differently.
Americans have a love-hate relationship with airlines. They love the mobility and freedom of movement they offer at prices that most can afford, but they hate flying on them! Ever wonder why? I have few ideas. Shocking, I know.
Traditional airlines are not easy to do business with. Buying a ticket for transportation between two points on a map seems simple enough on the surface, but it really isn’t. Need to change that ticket? That’ll be $150 dollars please. And that’s if you are lucky enough to find your same fare on the new flight. Same fare not available? Cough up the difference in fares PLUS the change fee.
Once you’re on the flight that you just paid half your savings for, don’t ask your seatmates what they paid. You’re likely to find as many different answers as the number of people you ask. And they likely paid far less than you dear business traveler!
And now, the latest fad, charging for the first checked bag. As I’d previously posted, I am not really upset about these fees as I am exempt as long as I maintain elite status, but I certainly understand why some might be bothered by them.
All of this, among other annoyances, adds up to an airline industry that has conditioned the average joe to wait for the best possible fare while the airlines’ best customers (business travelers) are convinced that they are getting shafted everytime they purchase a ticket. Not a recipe for endearment.
I’ve only scratched the surface of why we hate airlines. But for now, I want to watch the ships and wonder why I didn’t join the Merchant Marine!
AA’s First Bag Policy
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 22, 2008 under American Airlines | Be the First to Comment
Now that AA has announced that it will begin charging $15 dollars for checking one bag, the internet chat boards are all a tither about how the world is ending, American will be sorry, shock, awe, etc. Folks…chill. Is it the worst thing in the world? Hell no! I know it’s easy for me to say that because I’m exempt from the fee as an AAdvantage elite member.
Do I like the fee? Not really, but I’m sure as hell not upset about it. It may not even stick if competitors don’t match. And seriously folks, I really mean it when I say that the airline industry in general, and AA in particular is faced with a challenge far more daunting than it was facing immediately after 9/11. This business is NOT built for $130 dollar a barrel oil, and there will be changes. This fee is just one.
AA to Charge for FIRST Checked Bag
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 21, 2008 under American Airlines | Be the First to Comment
Big news… American Airlines has announced that it will begin charging $15 dollars for the FIRST checked bag effective June 15th. They will also be grounding 75 mainline and regional aircraft. This is big news! Details to follow.
From The Gulf Coast
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 17, 2008 under Commentary / General Info | Be the First to Comment
Just a quick post from sunny Florida. I made it safe, sound and on time yesterday. An on time arrival on ASA/Delta Connection is not something I take lightly!
I will post a complete write-up on The Water Color Inn when I get home. But suffice it to say that we are enjoying our stay.
Now, back to my beer!
Friday Flights-So Far So Good
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 16, 2008 under Delta Air Lines | Be the First to Comment
I’m flying from Washington (DCA) to Panama City (PNF) this morning on Delta Air Lines. I am using SkyMiles for this trip, and the best I could do was a double connection in Cincinnati and then Atlanta. At least it’s free!
My flights have been on time and service has been stellar so far. I’m sitting on the plane in Cincinnati as I type, with a three hour layover to look forward to in Atlanta.
But I’ll be staying at the Water Color Inn and Resort this weekend, so it will all be worth it. I’ll post more soon.
United Drops the 500 Mile Minimum
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 14, 2008 under United Airlines | Be the First to Comment
Well, I’d been wondering how long it would be before someone followed US Airways’ lead and dropped the minimum miles earned per segment from 500 to actual miles flown. And go figure, United was the second shoe to drop. You can read the details here.
I’m not really bothered by this. Those miles are nice to have, but truth is, I usually fly more than 500 miles, my trips to Raleigh excepted. And United will still allow you to qualify for elite status by segments, so all is not lost.
Expect the other airlines to quickly follow.
Another Reason I Stick With AAdvantage
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 13, 2008 under American Airlines | Be the First to Comment
I wasted 15,000 miles today on a one-way upgrade award on a 2.5 hour American flight from DCA to MIA. It was a waste because I think using miles to upgrade any flight under three hours is a waste. But I did it anyway. Why? I am flying to Miami to catch a Bahamas cruise which happens to be my bachelor party. I figure I may as well enjoy myself. It’s a dinner flight, and I can kick things off right!
My call to AA was answered immediately by a pleasant lady who was obviously not based in India. My upgrade transaction was handled in minutes, and the call was done. The rep knew exactly what I wanted and handled it efficiently and with care.
While I suppose I’d rather have the option of doing this online like you can with United, it’s nice to know that at least one “legacy” airline has the kind of domestic based staff that I got to speak to today. That’s just one reason I continue to stick with AA and AAdvantage.
Jet Fuel
Posted by Marshall Jackson on May 11, 2008 under Commentary / General Info | Be the First to Comment
I read this week that the spot price for a gallon of jet fuel hit $3.80 per gallon this week. That is beyond shocking, and I don’t know if airlines will ever be able to raise fares to a level that will allow them to make money with fuel prices approaching $4 dollars per gallon.
I do believe that the speculative bubble that oil prices have become will eventually burst, but I certainly don’t know when that will be. In the meantime, airlines are in deep yogurt. I really think they are facing a challenge that exceeds that of 9/11, and if you’ve read my blog, you know I don’t take 9/11 lightly.
Jet fuel at these prices is a game-changer. Expect widespread schedule cuts and aircraft groundings in the near future, and with that, employee layoffs.