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Spotlight on . . .
More than 80% of flights arrived on time last
month, as capacity cuts continued to help relieve
the congestion at major airports around the country.
Southwest Airlines claimed the top spot again among
major carriers with 85.7% of their flights arriving
on time. On-time rankings for February are as follows:
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Southwest 85.7%
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Northwest 82.22%
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Delta 82.21
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US Airways 81.85%
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United 81.38%
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American 80.05%
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Continental 77.6%
Unfortunately some airports were hit with severe
weather. Newark Liberty, San Francisco International
and LaGuardia reported only 58.5%, 61.4% and 66.9%
of flights arrived on time. For Newark Liberty,
February marked the fourth straight time the airport
was the tardiest among the 40 busiest North American
airports and more than 23% of EWR's late flights
were delayed by 45 minutes or more.
(Source: American Express)
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Southwest Airlines expects to have four aircraft
with in-flight Wi-Fi this month (you’ll be able to tell
if you’re aboard one from the placards you see upon
boarding and onboard instruction sheets). Southwest is offering
the service for free during the test period. Passengers will
be able to log on using Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops,
iPhones and smart phones. Southwest is also offering an in-flight
homepage with flight tracker and local news. Passengers can
follow the plane’s flight path and view points of interest
they’re flying over. Cellular technology will not work.
(Source: Southwest press release).
United Airlines and American Airlines are phasing out cash
in flight and will only accept major credit cards and debit
cards after a transition period. United is introducing EasyPurchase
March 23. After a brief transition, it will only accept credit
and debit cards on flights within the United States, including
Hawaii, and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central
America and the Caribbean. It will continue to accept cash
on flights to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South
America. This summer, American will begin its transition to
credit and debit cards on flights within the United States
and to and from Canada. (Source: United, American press releases).
Delta Air Lines said that Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks
members now can link frequent flyer accounts and transfer
miles between both accounts at no charge. Members who link
their accounts before March 15, 2009 will earn 500 bonus miles.
This means members who have SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts
can visit delta.com or
nwa.com, link their accounts
and transfer any amount of miles into either account on an
unlimited basis. Both accounts will remain open and functioning
until late 2009 when Delta plans to merge the two programs.
(Source: Delta press release).
The airline was launched to much fanfare as the first flight
departed from Sydney. The airline's new Boeing 777-300ER features
two bars -one in business class and the other in premium economy
- and the largest economy seats on any transPacific flight.
There’s even an in-flight entertainment system chat
feature that allows passengers to select a seat number and
send messages to anyone on the plane.
Ryanair's chief executive caused howls of protest last month
when he suggested that the airline may charge passengers a
pound to use its toilets. Michael O'Leary said that the carrier
had been investigating fitting coin slots to the doors of
aircraft toilets, similar to those installed at train stations.
Consumer groups reacted angrily to the proposal. The proposal
also sparked an online debate among pilots as to whether crew
would also be required to pay to use the toilets. (Source:
Times Online).
On March 1, US reintroduced free drinks to the coach cabin,
including sodas, juices, tea, coffee and water on all US Airways
and US Airways Express Flights. (Source: US Airway press release).
You’ll probably make fewer, shorter and
cheaper business trips this year and opt for basic efficiency
and good service from the hotels you do stay in, according
to a report by travel technology company Amadeus. Increased
scrutiny of how business—any business, not just those
using TARP money—spends money means companies want to
make business trips as productive as possible. Gyms and restaurants
count for little. Fast internet access is the most important
amenity; efficient check-in is also key. The report predicts
a “flight to trusted brands” and expectations
of a certain level of good service no matter where you are
in the world. (Source: Amadeus press release).
Hotel companies are enhancing their
loyalty programs. Hilton HHonors has launched a new premium
credit card, the Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from America
Express, and enhanced the existing Hilton HHonors Card from
American Express. Both cards let you earn points fast and
offer generous awards. The new Surpass card awards 9 points
for every eligible $1 spent at Hilton Family hotels; complimentary
standard membership in Priority Pass, which gives card members
access to more than 500 airport lounges worldwide; and the
ability to earn Hilton HHonors’ Diamond VIP status with
an annual spend of $40,000, Hilton HHonors Card enhancements
include upping bonus points (6 up from 5) for spending in
an expanded list of double point categories, and special perks
such as discounted and upgraded chauffeured car service. Carlson
Hotels Worldwide is offering its guests “3 for 3”
- an additional 3,000 bonus Gold Points for members of its
Goldpoints Plus loyalty program who stay three nights at any
global Carlson Hotels from now through April 30. (Source:
Hilton, Carlson press releases).
Summit Travel Group is committed to providing you with useful
information on the latest developments in the travel industry.
The preceding information has been compiled from a variety
of sources and is updated monthly.
www.summittravelgroup.com
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