I wondered how many seconds it would be before American formulated some kind of response to news reports that Delta Air Lines is considering an investment in Japan Airlines.  Turns out they’ve been working on something with JAL for a month or so.  I cannot fathom that American and Oneworld will let JAL leave for Delta and SkyTeam without a fight.

Here’s a link to a recent AP story.

Continental just announced some changes to its OnePass program which help align the program with its future Star Alliance partners.  Continental joins Star on October 27, 2009.  The most beneficial change from my perspective is that Continental will no longer penalize customers for purchasing discount fare travel through venues other than Continental.com.  The changes are summarized below just as they were sent from Continental:

Effective Oct. 1, 2009:
• There will be no same-day change fees for Platinum Elite members for tickets purchased on or after Oct. 1, 2009.
• As a part of our transition to Star Alliance, complimentary Elite upgrades will no longer be available on Northwest Airlines flights.

Effective Oct. 27, 2009:
• With our planned entry into Star Alliance, mileage requirements for reward travel will be changing, effective for travel booked on or after Oct. 27, 2009.  Link to Continental’s new award chart.
• A Saturday-night stay is no longer required for OnePass reward travel.
• 100% Elite Qualification Miles and Elite Qualification Points can be earned on discounted fares regardless of where the ticket is purchased or issued. (Big win!)
• The BusinessFirst® $100 Upgrade Co-pay will no longer be required of members using miles to upgrade from B fare class.
• Elite bonuses will be based on the minimum mileage earned instead of the actual flight miles flown.
• Upon our planned entry into Star Alliance, OnePass members will no longer earn Elite Qualification Miles, Elite Qualification Points or Elite mileage bonuses for travel operated by Amtrak, Emirates, EVA Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air, Kingfisher and US Helicopter.

Effective Dec. 15, 2009:
• New reward travel fees will apply for redeposits, reservation changes and flight bookings within 21 days of departure for rewards redeemed on or after Dec. 15, 2009. Platinum Elite members will pay no fee, the Gold Elite member fee will be $25, the Silver Elite fee will be $50 and all other members will pay a fee of $75. These fees will apply per customer instead of per reservation. OnePass travel reward changes outside of 21 days of travel will remain free if there is no change to the origin and destination.

Effective Jan. 1, 2010:
• All members worldwide will earn 125% base miles on F, C, J and D fare classes.
• All members worldwide will earn 1.5 Elite Qualification Points when they purchase and fly in fare classes F, C, J, D, Z, Y and B on flights operated by Continental.

Eight years ago today, my morning began much like any other early fall day.  I was roaming the airport in search of coffee and a bagel, mentally celebrating a successful morning launch of kick-off flights at Washington National Airport (DCA) on September 11, 2001.  I was one of two Customer Service Managers at DCA on duty for American Airlines that day.  My colleague was responsible for ramp operations while I was working passenger operations (gates and ticket counter).

During a visit with our operations agent, I heard a radio call from our first inbound flight of the day.  The crew had a question, “had we heard anything about an incident in New York involving a United flight?”  The operations agent and I both looked at each other in agreement that we had not, but I immediately got on the nearest computer to find cnn.com.  I’ll never forget the picture of smoke billowing from the first tower, and the caption “Aircraft Hits World Trade Center.  Details to Follow.”  I immediately went to our conference room where I knew I would find access to a television.  By the time I arrived there, the second tower had been struck, and the newscasters were spinning replays of the aircraft striking each tower.

By this time phones were ringing and my boss, the station general manager had arrived in the conference room.  He took a call, while other managers from flight, flight service and maintenance began to gather.  Upon hanging up the phone, he stated that they think 77 from Dulles is involved.  And with that, things got real.  I immediately returned to operations where our ops agent informed me that two flights that had just pushed were returning to the gate.  He’d just gotten off the phone with dispatch, and learned that American was grounding all of its flights and that we may have had an airplane involved in New York.

I proceeded out to the gates to assist as our flights returned.  The first passengers were coming off and I was immediately stopped by one of them who wanted to know about the possibility of getting rebooked on another airline.  No, I’m not making that up!  She was nice enough about it, but wasn’t interested in giving me a minute to figure out what was going on.  As we stood there discussing the situation at DCA’s gate 28, she happened to glance out towards the north, and immediately asked “what’s that?”  I turned to see the strangest color of smoke rising just above the tree line in the direction of the Pentagon.  I responded that I wasn’t sure, but that I thought that it might be a good idea to leave.  Within seconds, an announcement was made throughout the terminal to evacuate the building.  I didn’t know it at the time, but our flight 77 had just crashed into the Pentagon.

I could tell you a lot more about that day, and the weeks that followed.  The mass exodus from the airport on foot as F-16s criss-crossed the skies above, and the sick smell of burning jet fuel wafting through the air.  I was certain more aircraft would follow at this point, and half expected to see one plow into the Washington Monument, the Capitol or for that matter, our airport at any minute.  I could tell you about taking a team of airport agents to Dulles to stand in while the folks at Dulles grieved for the loss of one of their beloved colleagues, a 45 year AA employee, not to mention the shock of being the origin of flight 77.  I could also talk about walking through an empty National Airport terminal at 5:30am a few weeks later.  It was an eerie place with most of the lights turned off and none of the escalators running, the silence only broken by the sound of my shoes hitting the floor as I walked through on my way to pick up the lay off packages I would have to deliver to people that didn’t deserve it.  I could say a lot, but I won’t.  I think I’ve made my point.

I remember.

Just completed a one-night stay at the Aloft Washington National Harbor hotel over the Labor Day weekend.  This was a short “staycation” for Mrs MJ on Travel and me, our first visit to the National Harbor, and my first stay at one Starwood’s newest brands, Aloft.  Billed as a vision of Starwood’s chic W brand, but at a lower price point, you won’t have to look far to see the W influence.  Music fills the lobby, and the place has a certain…well…vibe.

Check-in

Check-in was swift and pleasant.  We were warmly greeted upon approaching the desk, by a staff member who was on his toes.  My Starwood Preferred Gold status was immediately recognized, and soon we were on our way to our 7th floor river view king room which was touted as an upgrade by the front desk staffer.

The Room

The room was spacious enough, and we had a great view of the Potomac River as promised.  My first thought upon looking things over was that I felt like I’d landed in Sweden.  The furnishings are very European in style and function.  A 42″ LCD television was mounted on the wall, and the work desk included an electronic “box” with a/v inputs to the TV as well as electrical outlets.  Wired and wireless internet access are provided free of charge.  The bathroom was much like the entire room, European in style, with a large walk-in shower stocked with dispensers of the necessary Bliss products.

The hotel has a nice fitness center and indoor pool.  I didn’t try these services so I can’t comment on them.

The Area

National Harbor, the convention-entertainment-residential multiplex, is located just south of Washington, DC on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.  Anchored by the huge Gaylord National hotel, National Harbor offers dozens of retail outlets, numerous restaurants and bars, and no shortage of people watching.  We sampled a bit of everything dining on small plates at several restaurants, beginning with Rosa Mexicana, and proceeding around the complex with stops at McCormick and Schmicks as well as Cadillac Ranch.  Service and food at all were acceptable, with Rosa Mexicana being our favorite for taste and quality, but getting more of a “C minus” for speed of service.  Whatever you choose to do, you won’t have any need to leave the complex to keep yourself fed and entertained.  The hotel itself, hosts the WXYZ Lounge, which was empty at its 5pm opening, but every seat at the bar was occupied when we returned to the hotel late in the evening.

The Bottom Line

I liked the hotel, and am really intrigued by the Aloft brand in general.  Aloft makes a lot of sense for any number of potential customer groups, from families with children and pets to hard-charging business travelers.  The W influence gives this great value hotel a cool vibe that makes it worth checking out.

Mileage Promos Abound, What Does it All Mean?

American announced another Double EQM promotion, and United quickly followed suit.  I don’t know if Delta and the rest will match or not, but I do wonder what this says about what kind of business traffic (or lack thereof) the airlines are seeing for this fall?  Call me crazy, but economic recovery or not (and I believe the recession has ended), it’s going to be a long, cold, nasty winter for the big “legacy” airlines.  But American pretty much guaranteed that I’m going to book some useless weekend trips I didn’t need just to take AAdvantage (get it?) of the double elite miles opportunities.

My American Airlines flights this past week were all packed.  But my Platinum upgrades cleared early, and often.  Take it for what you will, but I take it as a sign that business travel remains low.

The major airlines reported traffic this week.  I only gave a fleeting look at the results, but it appears that even though traffic is off, airlines did a good job of bringing down capacity, which resulted in slightly higher load factors.  However, one of the most telling numbers for me was American’s cargo traffic results, down 24.8 percent from last year.  Nearly 25 percent!  That’s gotta say something about the impact of the global recession on commerce as a whole even after taking the fact that American is flying less into account.

The No-Fee Airline Adds a Fee, or Did It?

Southwest announced its new EarlyBird Check-in product this week.  You’ll have the opportunity to purchase EarlyBird Check-in any time from ticket purchase up to 25 hours prior to scheduled departure.  Basically, for $10 dollars each way, you can move yourself up the boarding group pecking order.  EarlyBird customers will be allowed to board immediately behind Business Select and Rapid Rewards A-List customers.  A lot of folks will call this a fee, but I see this as an actual, honest to goodness, value added service.  Frankly, I like the idea, and see it as something I would definitely use in certain circumstances.  In addition to the press release link, you can learn more at Southwest’s excellent blog.

Surf on over to www.aa.com/elite and register for American’s latest promo.

http://www.aa.com/elite

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

I just completed a 3 night stay at this wonderful historic hotel.  The Skirvin opened in 1911, and was wonderfully restored a few years ago and reopened as the Hilton Skirvin.  The new owners did an indescribably teriffic job of maintaining many of the hotel’s historic touches from the tile floor in the lobby to the original elevator doors.  The Skirvin’s warm and friendly staff are a great finishing touch on a stay you are sure to enjoy.

Check-in

Checked in late Sunday night with no wait at the front desk.  In fact, the hotel seemed empty.  As a Hilton HHonors Gold member I was offered my choice of breakfast in the hotel restaurant, free internet or 1,000 HHonors bonus points.  I chose the internet.  My HHonors benefits are pre-selected at Hilton.com, and my choice is to receive a room upgrade when staying at Hilton, but none was offered.  However, I did receive a standard corner room on the 11th floor.  Hilton’s website seems to indicate that the hotel has an Executive Lounge, however, I was not offered access.  I realize that’s no longer guaranteed as a Gold member.

The Room

My 11th floor room was nicely appointed and equipped with all the modern amenities one would expect in a recently remodeled hotel.  Large flat screen TV, work desk with multiple electrical outlets, and wired or wireless internet.  The bathroom was of average size, but nicely appointed with Bath & Body toiletries and a nice shower.  Two plush robes were hanging in the somewhat smallesh closet.  But speaking as someone who lives in a home about the same age as the Skirvin, closets were not a priority 100 years ago!

Dining

I did not dine in the hotel restaurant, but I understand from my colleagues that it was quite nice, and breakfast was an especially good value.  I did visit the Red Piano lounge on two evenings.  Bar service was Oklahoma friendly and fast.  Better yet, prices were quite reasonable for such a nice hotel.  Try the 337 Cabernet if you’re here.  The lounge features live music most nights, with drink specials varying each evening.

The Skirvin is located within an easy walk of Oklahoma City’s Bricktown area.  Take in a baseball game or dine at any of the several restaurants.  If you enjoy a good cigar, do yourself a favor and visit Maker’s Cigar and Piano Lounge.  I never visit Oklahoma City without stopping by at least once.

Other Stay Details

I did not utilize the services of the business center which is located in the basement of the hotel.  I understand internet access on the business center computers was $.69 cents per minute.  A pretty tidy sum considering internet costs less on most cruise ships I’ve sailed!  The gym and pool are located on the same level.  I did make use of the nicely equipped gym which is stocked with some of the latest Precor fitness equipment.  Valet parking is a reasonable $20 dollars per day, with more reasonably priced, but less convenient parking available in a nearby public garage.

The Bottom Line

I really enjoyed my stay at the OKC Skirvin Hilton.  The history and beauty of the hotel is unparalleled in Oklahoma City.  If business or pleasure bring you to Oklahoma City, I highly recommend a stay at this beautiful hotel