Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 29, 2009 under Commentary / General Info, Continental Airlines | 
This has been well covered by many blogs, but I thought I’d add my 2 cents. Continental’s entrance into the Star Alliance is exciting news for many travelers. While we all know that American and AAdvantage are my preferred airline and mileage program, I don’t think I’m stretching things very much when I say that Continental is likely the best managed legacy airline in the United States of America. Continental’s ability to execute on its stated goals are renowned. And for good reason…they almost always deliver on their promises.
Once upon a time, I was Silver Elite in the OnePass program. Amazingly, Continental promised express luggage delivery for their elites on every flight. One hundred percent of the time, they delivered (for me). That, coupled with almost 100 percent personable customer service, made for a pretty good airline experience. No doubt, I liked flying Continental. That said, OnePass just didn’t measure up to American’s AAdvantage in availability and flexibility. Add in the fact that I’ve always had pretty good service on American, and I just couldn’t find a compelling reason to move my travel dollars to Continental.
With their entry into Star Alliance, the world really opens up for Continental OnePass members. Star’s excellent lineup of airline partners along with Continental apparently not blocking award availability on their Star Alliance partners really make Continental an attractive option for travelers.
I’m still committed to American, and AAdvantage, but I plan to follow Continental’s progress as it heads down its new alliance path. Living in Washington, DC, United and US Airways should be logical options for me, but neither airline gives me the confidence I need to commit to a loyalty program relationship. Continental is now a real option, and I will follow them closely. With their entry into the Star Alliance, OnePass has become a reliable loyalty program option for many more travelers.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 25, 2009 under Destination DC, Restaurants, Starwood Preferred Guest |
I recently completed a one-night stay at the fabulous new W Washington Hotel. This stay coincided with the anniversary of MrsMJonTravel and myself, and included a visit to Bliss Spa for her and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse for both of us. If you haven’t visited this hotel since the days of the Hotel Washington, get ready for a wow experience, especially if you are fond of W’s style. One note: the hotel address is 515 15th St NW, but the main entrance appears to be on the F Street side of the hotel. If you need porter service, have your driver drop you on the F Street side, or walk around.
Check in
We arrived at the hotel at approximately 12:30pm, which is a bit early. We were prepared to wait for the room, but needed to get to the hotel for her 1:30pm spa appointment. We were warmly greeted and checked into our room. The front desk attendant was very outgoing, recognized my Starwood Preferred Guest Gold status, and stepped us up to a “Spectacular Room” from the “Wonderful Room” I’d reserved. She noted that we were DC locals and asked if we were just staying for a nice evening out. I told her that we were celebrating our anniversary with a spa visit and dinner, and she cheerfully exclaimed that she was surprised we didn’t tell her. After exchanging pleasantries, we were off to our 8th floor room.
Later in the day we were pleasantly surprised with a split of champagne and some chocolates along with a note from the Whatever/Whenever desk thanking us for celebrating our anniversary with them. (Thank you note enroute to the GM with praise for the front desk whom I’m sure was behind our surprise.)
The Room
Our spectacular room was standard W “chic” with modern accessories. The desk was polished white along with the closet. There was big focus on brighter colors in the room where most W’s I’ve visited seemed to have a darker decor in the room. W did a good job of making the typically small rooms of an older hotel very functional. The electrical panel for the work desk was underneath the desk which made for a clean space. Wired or wireless internet is available in the room for a pricey $14.95. (2 hours of free wi-fi is available in the lobby.) There was a large LCD television and DVD player as well. I’d describe the bath as “Euro-modern,” pretty large, and equipped with a very nice walk in shower. They typical Bliss products were provided.
Around the Hotel
While MrsMJonTravel enjoyed the Bliss Spa, I enjoyed a glass of wine in the lobby, referred to as “The Living Room” by W. The wine was nice, but not worth $16.50 per glass. At least the internet was free. If you haven’t been since the old Hotel Washington days, you’re in for a surprise. W did a nice job with the lobby, and I thought it was beautiful. My visit offered the opportunity for some people watching and it was evident that the hotel was quite busy.
Washingtonian’s will remember the rooftop of the Hotel Washington as offering some of the best views in the city. This hasn’t changed, but W has stepped things up a notch with its remake of the old rooftop bar now called P.O.V. (Point of View). After enjoying our fabulous dinner at Bobby Van’s we returned to the hotel and decided to enjoy a nightcap at P.O.V. The lobby of the hotel was packed with a party crowd, and there was a line for the dedicated elevator to the roof. However, a flash of our hotel keycard indicating that we were guests got us a spot on the next elevator ride to the top. The views are still unbeatable and the crowd was trendy. It was a nice way to end the evening, but this particular Saturday night was very busy at P.O.V. Based on my conversation with the bartender in the lobby, weekends can be quite crazy at the W Washington.
The hotel’s restaurant, J&G Steakhouse, has had some good reviews, but we did not partake. You can read descriptions of J&G and the other hotel lounge and dining options here.
Nearby Dining
You read my mention of Bobby Van’s. Our steaks were wonderful. I made our reservations via Opentable.com, and noted in the comments that we were celebrating our anniversary. We hadn’t been seated for more than a minute before our waiter appeared with champagne glasses in hand wishing us a happy anniversary. A great start to a simply fabulous meal.
Washington favorite, Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from the W as well. Old Ebbitt is part of the Clyde’s group of restaurants and has a similar menu. It can be relied upon for good food, and the half-price raw bar happy hour is not to be missed. It is a very popular spot, so I highly recommend reservations if you would like to dine there.
There are other restaurants within walking distance, but these are the 2 that I’m most familiar with. I highly recommend either of them. Just be aware that if price is a concern, Old Ebbitt will be your most economical option. But you won’t get a bone-in ribeye like I had last night at Bobby Van’s!
The Bottom Line
The W Washington is a great hotel in the center of everything that Washington has to offer. If you like the W brand, you’ll love the W Washington. Give it a try the next time you’re in town.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 24, 2009 under Destination DC, Starwood Preferred Guest |
We checked in a few hours ago, but I wanted to get this out there now. I’m really enjoying our stay at the W Washington. MrsMJonTravel is at the Bliss Spa while I peck away on my computer at the lobby bar!
We are celebrating our first anniversary with a trip to the spa for her and a trip to Bobby Van’s Steakhouse for me. I’ll post a full review of the W Washington this week, but do know that I really like the hotel.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on under American Airlines, Commentary / General Info, Hilton HHonors, JetBlue, Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, US Airways |
Airline Earnings
Airlines were out with their earnings announcements this week (and late last week). The results: the discounters shined a bit, and the legacies didn’t. However, most everyone surprised just a tiny bit to the upside, especially United. Consensus seems to be that things have stopped getting worse, and the airlines are experimenting with some fare increases.
On the surface, American’s numbers were noticeably worse than its peers. I wonder why?
I wonder if the airlines that charge for the first checked bag are losing business to those that don’t? Something tells me that they may be. I continue to believe that JetBlue’s policy of one bag for free and charging for the second is the right move, and I bet you money that Southwest matches that policy within 18 to 24 months, if not before.
Hilton HHonors Changes
I posted my first reaction to Hilton’s upcoming devaluation of HHonors. But we really need to wait and see what happens in January. You see, Hilton issued it’s new point chart, but won’t announce category changes for its hotels until January. Hilton has been ok to me this year aside from lounge access. I’m keeping an open mind, but have moved 2 stays to Marriott and Starwood. The Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express remains the best of the affinity cards in my opinion.
Continental Joins Star This Week
Continental makes the move to Star Alliance on October 27th. I’m still considering where to stash my Star miles, and Continental becomes a lot more viable with it’s entry into Star and associated OnePass enhancements. My US Airways Dividend Miles account should be the logical place. It’s predecessor, the Piedmont Frequent Flyer Bonus Program was the first miles scheme I ever joined (at age 17), but the recent history of US Airways’ actions in the mileage arena make me a tiny bit leery.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 20, 2009 under Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest |
Hilton HHonors announced today on FlyerTalk.com that they will be increasing the number of points required for HHonors redemptions. These changes are effective January 15, 2010, and you can review more details on Hilton’s website. Given that hotel rates are lower than they’ve been in years, this increase in the number of points required seems odd at best.
Granted, HHonors points seem to be easier to come by than some of the other programs, and the HHonors Surpass Card from Amex offers a very attractive collection of benefits. However, this move has me seriously considering whether or not HHonors will be worth the effort in 2010. I’ve already cancelled 2 paid Hilton stays for November, and rebooked with Marriott and Starwood. I’ll keep an open mind, but this coupled with my inability to secure lounge access as an HHonors VIP Gold member since changes were made to HHonors last year may cause me to book away from Hilton in 2010.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on under Airport Lounges, American Airlines, US Airways |
I don’t post much about US Airways, but I thought this was so newsworthy that it needed to be shared. One Mile at a Time reports that US Airways is introducing an honest to goodness enhancement to its US Airways Club product. Beginning October 30th, US Airways Clubs will offer complimentary beer and wine. When America West bought US Airways, they kept the name, and the pesky policy of charging for booze in the club. Let’s raise a glass to US Airways for improving their lounge product!
American Admirals Club, get on board!
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 18, 2009 under Continental Airlines, United Airlines |
You know that American AAdvantage is my preferred mileage program. And you also know that I fly Delta just enough to make that my second program. I’ve historically accumulated my handful of Star Alliance miles into United Mileage Plus. However, Continental’s coming entry into Star has me wondering if that’s the best thing to do. So I’d love to hear what others think. Should I switch my Star Alliance accumulation to Continental? Or should I think about US Airways Dividend Miles? Or continue with United. Share a comment, or send me an email.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 17, 2009 under American Airlines, Commentary / General Info, Travel Tips |
You read it here first. Somewhere between LAX and DFW this afternoon, I crossed the threshold for AAdvantage Platinum status for 2010. I had to take 2 trips that I might otherwise not have taken, but I do not care, it was worth it. The difference is palpable, and frankly I do not ever want to face flying again without some sort of elite status. Forget the bag fees (that I don’t pay due to my elite status), early boarding and access to an 800 number staffed with agents I can communicate with are worth the price of the extra flight or two.
My Amex card and elite status have one thing in common…I don’t leave home without them.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on under American Airlines, Commentary / General Info |
You may not know this, but I tend to arrive far earlier than I need to for flights. I blame my 10 year, 2 month, 7 day airline career for that. I’m a big fan of living a low-stress life. I can’t do a helluva lot about some stress (work), but stress in travel, I can sometimes control.
Well, this morning, I was cutting it just a tiny bit close for my 6am departure. How close? I departed my home at 5am, and arrived at the airport at 5:15am. I had checked in online the night before, and all things being equal, 45 minutes is more than enough time to clear TSA at National Airport on a busy day, much less, a Saturday morning. The wrinkle in this mix was that my upgrade cleared overnight, so I needed a couple of seconds to pick up a new boarding pass.
The DCA ticket counter was a mess, and the lines were six deep for a self-service machine. No problem, I’ll just drop by the Admirals Club. I get to TSA, and some American Eagle crew gums up the works by walking in front of everyone, and everything just stops. When I finally get to the front of the line, the walk-through metal detector is either hyper-sensitive, or I’m carrying new metal I’m not aware of. You’ve read my previous post about TSA’s newfound fondness for cavity searches if you happen to wear an insulin pump. Couple that with the metal detector firing off, and it was off to secondary for me. Cavity searches take time. A swab of the pump, my hands, and a probe with that hand wand (and just between us, I ain’t really into being felt up by people I don’t know), and I was officially running late.
No time for the club, I dash to the gate. I get there just in time for Zone 3, but still have plenty of time to grab my boarding pass, that is…if there’d been an agent at the counter. It seems there was only one, and they were boarding the flight. I spy 2 agents at the adjacent gate, and no line. I make a beeline for them. I explain my predicament… my upgrade cleared overnight, and I simply need a new boarding pass, but there’s no agent at the counter for my flight. This seems simple enough to me. And you may know that some of that 10 years, 2 months and 7 days at a certain AAirline was spent at the airport. Trust me, it is simple. But no, the agent hands my now invalid boarding pass back to me mid-sentence and is just about to gesture to go back to my unattended gate when the angel standing next to her mutters these words, “I’ll help him.”
“I’ll help him.” And she did. She entered a couple of keystrokes and approximately 6 seconds later, my non-problem that could’ve been a problem but should not have been, was solved. L. Z., you are wonderful. And an honest-to-goodness, typed, signed in ink letter will be on its way to American Airlines first thing Monday morning making sure your employer damn well knows it.
Six seconds. Seems like a minor investment in Customer service to me. And now you all know why I really left the airline business.
[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 13, 2009 under United Airlines |
United Mileage Plus officially announced the forthcoming changes to their elite program today. There’s no free lunch, and there is a cost for this switch. United fliers are losing confirmed regional upgrades which could be used to upgrade any domestic flight at time of booking.
Here’s a link to the details on united.com.
