Airports

Airports blog has moved to QuickAid.com

2011-01-03T22:41:00.001-08:00

Airports and Airlines blog is now at QuickAid.com

Mexicana Airlines Suspends Operations "Indefinitely". Refunds available.

2010-08-29T10:39:00.001-07:00

Mexican has suspended operations "indefinitely" due to financial problems with the Mexican Airline. Their statement reads as follows:

Mexicana Airlines (Grupo Mexicana) suspends its operations indefinitely

The current administration received the company seven days
ago under Business Reorganization (Concurso Mercantil) and
technically bankrupt.

Financial deterioration and lack of agreements force Grupo Mexicana to stop flying.

Grupo Mexicana deeply regrets all inconveniences caused to
its passengers.

The Mexicana.com Website home page appears to be down as of Sunday Morning, but here is the advisory portion to help you arrange for refunds or alternative flights.

Mxicana Airlines Suspends Operations

Airports Blog has moved to http://quickaid.com/airports-blog/

2010-04-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Airports Blog is now part of the Airport and Airlines information at the QuickAid.com Airport Directory: http://quickaid.com/airports-blog/ | Airport Information | Airports Blog

BCIA Airport, Beijing. Parking Structure. 637

2010-03-14T23:17:00.001-07:00

BCIA Airport, Beijing. Parking Structure. 637
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

NOTE: the Airports Blog is now part of the Airport and Airlines information at the QuickAid.com Airport Directory: http://quickaid.com/airports-blog/ | Airport Information | Airports Blog

The Beijing, China Airport Parking Structure contributes to what is probably the world's most provocative Airport Design. Rising from the flatlands outside of Beijing like a massive bug, the beautifully designed BCIA is one of the world's most modern Airport facilities, one of many massive buildings China designed and built before the Beijing Olympics as symbols of the new China - the world's upcoming economic powerhouse.

Loaded with restaurants, duty free shops, and some wonderful decor this appealing Airport is an attraction in and of itself, though note that it can take up to an hour or more from the city as the Airport is NOT near the City Center, so make sure you allocate time and expect a cab fare of $20+ USD

LAS Airport, Las Vegas McCarran Baggage Claim CES-2010-LasVegas 394

2010-01-13T00:23:00.001-08:00

The Airports Blog is now part of the Airport and Airlines information at the QuickAid.com Airport Directory: Airport Information | Airports Blog

McCarran Airport in Las Vegas offers some of the smoothest transitions from bags to ground transportation. Take the $7 shuttle to the strip if alone, but if 2 or more probably best to use a taxi for $14-$20 depending on your hotel location. Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Luxor, Excalibur, Tropicana, Hooters, MGM and more are at the McCarran end of the strip while Circus Circus and Stratosphere are at the North End. Wynn, Paris, Venetian, Bellagio, CityCenter (Mandarin Oriental, Vdara, Aria) are basically near the Center of the strip though you should always orient yourself with the strip before a trip to Vegas.

Do note that the Shuttle times seem to depend a lot on several factors such as wait time at the Airport which can be as much as 15+ minutes while the shuttles wait for more people and also the location of your hotel on the strip. I suspect but I'm not sure that drivers also tend to drop folks off sooner at the higher end hotels all other things equal.

Walking is almost out of the question for distance (2+ miles to center strip) and security reasons (route is tricky, route is not really designed for walking safely, few other people around).

CNETs www.ATLARGE.com helps you navigate the Airports

2009-11-26T01:23:00.000-08:00

CNET has launched a new travel website to help you at the Airports as you travel from one destination to another. Atlarge is in part a social networking environment where users can help each other find WiFi, restaurants, and more: http://www.atlarge.com/

Free Wifi Holiday brought to you by several Airports and Virgin Airlines

2009-11-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

Airports Blog is now part of the Airport and Airlines information at the QuickAid.com Airport Directory:http://quickaid.com/airports-blog/ |Airport Information | Airports Blog

Free WIFI is available through January 15 on Virgin Airlines and at over 50 participating airports over the holidays. http://www.freeholidaywifi.com/

As we've noted before, Airports like McCarran Las Vegas LAS and Portland Oregon PDX are wonderful to provide this great service to those of us who .... get bored in Airports and don't appreciate paying $9.95 or more to simply surf aimlessly for an hour or (heaven forbid!) get some work done.

Air Travel Hit by Recession

2009-11-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

Airports Blog has moved to QuickAid.com Airport Directory:http://quickaid.com/airports-blog/ |Airport Information | Airports Blog

The Herald Tribune of Sarasota has an LA Times report that Air Travel over the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to be 4% lower than last year as the recession continues to take a toll on the travel sector.

They note that travelers are tending to stay at home or travel by car more than before.

WiFi in Flight Regulations may be hampering more rapid deployments

2009-11-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Travel Weekly reports that In Flight WiFi remains a very desirable amenity for travelers but is causing some headaches for carriers as they navigate the maze of regulations involved in WiFi enabling of commercial aircraft:

Passengers' growing appetite for electronic gadgets and WiFi access is creating problems for airlines eager to sate that appetite. The challenge lies in enforcing myriad company policies and federal laws covering wireless communications.
As airlines test and equip their planes for in-flight WiFi, they have to figure out how to catch people using prohibited devices (or approved devices at the wrong time) with no practical means of detecting radio-based technologies that can operate out of sight in briefcases, carry-on bags or even pockets.

Stuck at the Airport Blog by Harriet

2009-09-21T09:29:00.001-07:00

If you are intrigued with airports (or frustrated with them, or just stuck in one) you'll want to check out Harriet Baskas' "Stuck in the Airport" blog where she details some of the features you may have missed in your mad rush between planes.

Especially now that WiFi is common in Airports I've learned to enjoy layovers with a combination of catching up on email and exploring in the many amazing Airports.

For example Beijing, China's fairly new international terminal is quite an (upscale) introduction to some of the cuisine, souvenirs, and styles you'll find there, and it would be a shame to fly in and out without a walk around that massive place. I'm not suggesting you'll learn a lot about culture, history, or even anything from Airports but it's nice to enjoy rather than dread the inevitable layovers.

Republic Airways adds Two Carriers

2009-08-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Republic Airways, the major regional carrier based in Indianapolis Indiana, has recently purchased Frontier Airlines via a bankruptcy auction. Republic also bought out Midwest Airlines only several months ago.

Republic now owns six US Airlines and serves much of the country with regular and connecting services to other airlines such as Delta and United.

From the Republic Airlines Corporate Website this is the history of Republic Airlines:

Chautauqua Airlines was founded in 1973 in Jamestown, N.Y. by Joel and Gloria Hall. The airline’s primary mission was to operate under a code-share agreement with Allegheny Airlines operating as Allegheny Commuter. Initial scheduled operations from Jamestown to Buffalo, N.Y. and Pittsburgh, Pa. were started with two new nine-passenger Beech 99 aircraft.
In 1984, the airline added five new 19-passenger Fairchild Metro III aircraft to its fleet. In 1986, Chautauqua Airlines was purchased by GAC. Later that year, the airline entered into an agreement with Saab Aircraft of America for the purchase of 12 30-passenger Saab 340 aircraft to replace the slower Shorts 3-30’s.
On May 8, 1994, the airline announced the renewal of its code-share agreement with USAir. The new agreement included a route realignment that required the airline to relocate the corporate headquarters to Indianapolis, Ind.

The Business of Aviation

2009-08-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Interested in the business of Aviation? Check out Dan Webb, a blogger at the "Things in the Sky" Blog. Dan spends a lot of time discussing aviation and the business decisions behind it.

Airports Blog Delays

2009-07-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

We're getting our act together for better airport information here at the Airports Blog, QuickAid.com, and AirportCityCodes.com including real time flight updates, airport diagrams, and more. Note our flight mileage calculator which is active right now.

Please stay tuned and feel free to let us know what you'd like to see in a "perfect" Airports resource.

Thank you!

Airport Webcams

2009-05-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this list of thirteen Airport Webcams around the world.

We'll try to track down more of these as this is a neat way to get a little orientation before travelling to a new airport or city.

More Great Fares from Allegiant

2009-04-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Although service is very limited in terms of days and markets, Allegiant offers some amazing fares to and from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Mesa Arizona.

Here's an email from them about a special deal:

Offer valid between Los Angeles (LAX) to/from the following markets:

Bellingham, Wash. begins May 2	Grand Junction, Colo. begins May 1	Northwest Arkansas (XNA) begins May 22
Billings, Mont. begins May 22	McAllen, Texas begins May 24	Sioux Falls, S.D. begins May 23
Des Moines, Iowa begins May 24	Medford, Ore. begins May 1	Springfield, Mo. begins May 3
Fargo, N.D. begins May 23	Missoula, Mont. begins May 2	Wichita, Kan. begins May 23

Allegiant Air Home Page

*Allegiant’s $15* one-way fares are extremely limited, are not be available on all flights and are non-refundable. Must be purchased between 3 a.m. PDT and 6 p.m. PDT April 15, 2009 for complete travel by Sept. 30, 2009. Valid only on nonstop flights to/from Los Angeles International Airport to/from select cities. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.60 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $13.50 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $13.50 per passenger, plus $10 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. When purchased at time of booking, a fee of $15 for first checked bag and $25 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag per person, per segment will apply. In all cases additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets.

This is a post-only mailing from Allegiant Air.
Please do not attempt to respond to this message.

Allegiant Air
8360 S. Durango Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89113

Alaska Air WIFI challenges continue

2009-04-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Tech Flash is reporting that Alaska's WIFI service is popular but pricing issues remain. They say Alaska's fee is likely to be $15 per flight which I fear will prevent most users from taking advantage of the service. Although $15 does not seem to be excessive, budget conscious flyers will recognize that a few hours away from the internet won't do them any harm. I'd argue the optimal "price point" for in flight online services is somewhere between $5 and $10 which are still very high by the standard of free WIFI now available in many airports but represent a premium cost that consumers are "comfortable with" in flight as this is in the neighborhood of the cost of a snack box s and even on some flights beverages.

If the Airlines don't hurry up I think this market could literally dry up as ubiquitous broadband reaches most areas in the USA and customers choose to take a nap rather than worry about the few hours of non-connectivity between the WIFI at home, the Airport, and the destination hotel combined with their EVDO or broadband smartphone access.

http://www.techflash.com/Alaska_offers_details_on_in-flight_Wi-Fi_42973362.html

Airline Phone Numbers

2009-03-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Planning big trips is a big (though often very enjoyable) job and if you want good rates and flights you'll often find you need to call the airline at some point in the process. Here, courtesy of a nice list I found at Airtimetable.com , are phones and websites for many of the airlines around the world:

Aer Lingus...............................................

Aeroflot...................................................

Aerolineas Argentinas.............................

AeroMexico.............................................

Aeromar (Mexico)....................................

Aeromar (Dominican Republic)................

Aeropostal...............................................

Air ALM (Dutch Caribbean)......................

Air Calin ..................................................

Air Canada .............................................

Air Caraibes............................................

Air China ...(Chinese)...............................

Air Europa ..............................................

Air Fiji .....................................................

Air France ..............................................

Air India .................................................

Air Jamaica ............................................

Air Madagascar .....................................

Air Malta..................................................

Air Mauritius ..........................................

Air Nambia..............................................

Air Nauru.................................................

Air New Zealand ....................................

Air Pacific................................................

Air Portugal.............................................

Air Seychelles.........................................

Air Sunshine ...........................................

Air Tahiti Nui ..........................................

Air Tran Airways.....................................

Air Transat..............................................

Air Vanuatu ..(Qantas Res.).....................

Air Vegas ................................................

Air Zimbabwe .........................................

Alaska Airlines .......................................

Alitalia ....................................................

All Nippon Airways..................................

Allegiant Air............................................

Aloha Air ................................................

America West Airlines .........................

American Airlines ..................................

Asiana Airlines ......................................

ATA American Trans Air........................

Atkin Air...................................................

Atlantic Airlines .....................................

AtlasAir....................................................

Austrian Airlines ....................................

Aviacsa....................................................

Avianca...(Summa Group).......................

Aviateca ....(Grupo Taca)........................

Bahamas Air ...........................................

Bangkok Air.............................................

Bemidji Aviation.....................................

Big Sky Airlines ......................................

Braathens................................................

British Airways .......................................

British Midland........................................

BWIA International .................................

Calm Air...................................................

Canadian North.......................................

CanJet.....................................................

Cape Air .................................................

Cathay Pacific Airways ...........................

Cayman Airways ....................................

Chalk's Ocean Airways ..........................

China Airlines ........................................

China Eastern Airlines ...........................

China Southern Airlines ........................

Colgan Air ..............................................

Comair ....................................................

Condor ..(German)...................................

Continental Airlines ................................

Copa Airlines ..........................................

Corporate Express...................................

Corsair.....................................................

Croatia Airlines .......................................

Cyprus Airways .......................................

Czech Airlines..........................................

Delta Air Lines ........................................

DHL Express ............................................

Dragon Air................................................

Dutch Caribbean......................................

East Coast Services ................................

EgyptAir ..................................................

El Al Israel Airlines .................................

Emery Worldwide ...................................

Emirates Air ............................................

Ethiopian Airlines....................................

EVA Airways ............................................

Evergreen Int. .........................................

Finnair ....................................................

Frontier Airlines ......................................

Garuda Indonesia ...................................

Great Lakes Airlines ...............................

Gulf Air ....................................................

Gulfstream Airlines ................................

Hawaiian Airlines ...................................

HMY Airways...........................................

Hooters Air..............................................

Horizon Air .............................................

Iberia ......................................................

Icelandair ...............................................

Interstate Jet...........................................

Japan Airlines ........................................

Jazz (Air Canada).....................................

JetBlue Airways .....................................

JetsGo.....................................................

Kenya Airways ......(KLM).........................

KLM ....(Northwest)...................................

Korean Air ...............................................

Kuwait Air................................................

Lacsa .. (Grupo Taca)...............................

Lan Chile Airlines ...................................

Lauda......................................................

Lithuanian Airlines.................................

Lloyd Air Bolivaian LAB.........................

LOT Polish .............................................

LTU International ...................................

Lufthansa ...............................................

Lynx Air...................................................

Malaysia .................................................

Malev Hungarian ...................................

Martinair.................................................

Mesa Airlines .........................................

Mesaba Airlines .....................................

Mexicana ...............................................

Midwest Express Air................................

Naked Air................................................

Nantucket Airlines ..................................

New England Air .....................................

North Vancouver Air................................

Northwest Airlines ..................................

Olympic Airways .....................................

Pacific Coastal Air ...................................

Pacific Wings............................................

Pakistan Intl. Air.......................................

Pan Am ....................................................

Penair ......................................................

Philippine Airlines ..................................

PIA Pakistan............................................

Polynesian Airlines .................................

Qantas Airways .......................................

Qatar Air..................................................

Royal Air Maroc ......................................

Royal Jordanian Air.................................

Royal Nepal ............................................

Royal Tongan..........................................

Ryan Intl..................................................

Scandinavian Air..SAS............................

Saudi Arabian Air....................................

Scenic Airlines .......................................

Shuttle America .....................................

Silk Air ...(Singapore)..............................

Singapore Airlines .................................

SN Brussels.............................................

Solomon Airlines ...................................

Song Airlines..........................................

South African .........................................

Southwest Airlines .................................

Spanair ..................................................

Spirit Airlines .........................................

Sri Lankan .............................................

Sun Country Airlines .............................

Sunflower Airlines, Fiji ..........................

Suriname Airways .................................

Swiss.......................................................

TACA Airlines .........................................

TAP Air Portugal ....................................

TED.........................................................

Thai Airlines ..........................................

Trans Meridian.......................................

Travelair ...............................................

Tropic Air ..............................................

Turkish Airlines .....................................

Ukraine Intl Airlines ..............................

United Airlines ......................................

US Airways ...........................................

USA 3000...............................................

Ukraine Air............................................

Uzbekistan Airways...............................

VASP......................................................

Varig .....................................................

Virgin Atlantic .......................................

West Isle Air...........................................

WestJet Airlines ....................................

World Airways .......................................

Zip Air.....................................................

800-223-6537

888-340-6400

800-333-0276

800-237-6639

800-237-6627

877-237-6627

888-912-8466

800-327-7230

800-677-4277

888-247-2262

877-772-1005

800-982-8802

888-238-7672

877-247-3454

800-237-2747

800-223-2420

800-523-5585

800-854-1029

800-756-2582

800-537-1182

800-626-4242

800-677-4277

800-262-1234

800-227-4446

800-221-7370

800-677-4277

800-327-8900

877-824-4846

800-247-8726

800-388-5836

800-227-4500

800-255-7474

800-742-3006

800-426-0333

800-223-5730

800-235-9262

888-594-6937

800-367-5250

800-235-9292

800-433-7300

800-227-4262

800-225-2995

800-924-2471

800-879-0000

800-462-2012

800-843-0002

800-758-2188

800-284-2622

800-535-8780

800-222-4262

866-226-4565

800-332-7133

800-237-7788

800-548-5960

800-247-9297

800-788-0555

800-538-2942

800-839-2256

800-661-1505

800-809-7777

800-352-0714

800-233-2742

800-441-3003

800-424-2557

800-227-5118

800-200-5118

888-338-8988

800-428-4322

800-354-9822

800-524-6975

800-525-0280

800-359-2672

800-661-8151

Web Link

888-426-7628

877-359-6629

800-223-2365

800-221-1212

800-225-5345

800-233-2742

800-327-7230

800-554-0550

800-334-6787

800-223-6700

800-367-3592

800-777-3999

800-445-2733

800-695-1188

800-345-5556

800-950-5000

800-432-1359

800-342-7832

800-554-5111

800-553-2824

800-992-8532

800-367-5320

800-946-9247

888-359-4668

800-547-9308

800-772-4642

800-223-5500

877-359-4538

800-525-3663

888-422-7533

800-538-2583

866-448-5888

800-374-7747

800-225-2525

800-438-5000

800-458-9248

800-225-2272

800-735-5526

800-843-0002

877-454-8482

800-327-3098

800-223-0593

800-888-0200

800-645-3880

888-596-9247

800-552-9264

800-223-6884

800-627-8462

800-637-2247

800-225-2525

800-531-7921

800-452-2022

800-470-2020

800-635-8787

800-243-2460

800-228-6608

800-225-2525

800-223-1226

800-663-2872

808-873-0877

800-221-2552

800-359-7262

800-448-4226

800-435-9725

800-221-2552

800-264-0823

800-227-4500

866-728-2748

800-344-6726

800-223-0470

800-266-3725

800-486-6426

800-727-0457

800-221-2350

800-472-8342

800-634-6801

888-999-3273

800-742-3333

516 622 2248

800-677-4277

800-359-7664

800-722-9675

800-435-9792

888-545-5757

800-772-7117

877-915-2652

800-752-1218

800-707-3454

800-327-6864

877-359-7947

800-400-8222

800-221-7370

800-240-6522

800-426-5204

888-733-6373

800-948-3770

800-422-3435

800-874-8875

800-876-0114

800-241-6522

800-428-4322

877-872-3000

800-876-0114

800-995-9912

800-433-0444

800-468-2744

800-862-8621

800-874-4434

800-538-5696

800-967-5310

866-432-1947

Airports in the Recession

2009-03-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

As the recession continues and the country flirts with what is likely to be a depression, Airports are anything but immune to the economic crisis.

San Antonio Airport has delayed a planned expansion details and I'm confident that we'll see a lot more of this over the coming years.

Air traffic will almost certainly decline as business slows and travelers choose cheaper destinations for vacations, preferring to drive and save rather than fly. Although ticket prices no longer seem to reflect the huge fuel costs of months ago it seems unlikely this summer will bring a huge air travel boom. Most Americans are licking their economic wounds and although I have not seen study results yet, it's a very good bet that travel this summer will be down - I'd guess quite a bit unless we see the stimulus and TARP plans have immediate hugely positive effects that now appear very unlikely.

Continental Commuter Crash in Suburban Buffalo (Clarence Center)

2009-02-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

Reports are confirming that 49 are dead in the Continental Commuter Crash near Buffalo NY. This was flight Continental 3407 from Newark NJ to Buffalo NY.

Families of possible victims of this crash can call 800-621-3263 for information.

A neighbor filmed the fire minutes after the crash:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPoqhEHKNQk

More from these sources soon:
Buffalo News
CNN
FOX

US Passport Card vs. Passport Book

2009-01-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

The US Government has a new, lower cost option for travelers who will *not be flying internationally*. It's called the Passport Card and costs less than a regular Passport Book, though for anybody who thinks they are likely to fly internationally - including to or from Canada or Mexico, needs a full blown US Passport book.

Not sure about future travel plans? I'd say go ahead and get the book rather than the card. Wait times on Passports can be up to a month or even longer, so if opportunity strikes and you get a chance to travel internationally don't be caught without the proper documentation. An exception here might be for children or people who have absolutely no interest in flying internationally - in that case the card may save you over half the cost of a full Passport.

The following is from the US Government Passport website:

THE U.S. PASSPORT CARD IS NOW IN PRODUCTION!

We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. To date, we have issued over 700,000 U.S. Passport Cards. Applications for the U.S. Passport Card are being processed in approximately 3 weeks from the time of application.

The wallet-size passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. However, the U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. This new travel document can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

Note: A current or previous passport book holder, who is eligible to use Form DS-82 , may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail. First time applicants for a U.S. Passport, and those not eligible to use Form DS-82, must apply for a passport card in person using Form DS-11.

The card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book: 10 years for an adult and 5 years for minors under age 16. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16, regardless of whether they are previous passport book or card holders. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal by mail and pay only $20.

All Passengers Appear Safe on US Airways 1549 after emergency landing in Hudson River, New York.

2009-01-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

US Airways from NY to Charlotte NC emergency landed in the Hudson River today shortly after takeoff, with the pilot appearing to carry off a picture perfect emergency landing in the Hudson River where river vessels quickly arrived to help evacuate passengers. As of 5:45pm EST no fatalities are reported and it appears also no serious injuries to the passengers.

More from CNN

Small Conference Cost Cutting Tips

2008-12-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

In terms of conference planning one of the key things to keep in mind is that pricing is almost *always* more negotiable than most people realize.

Small numbers of rooms you can guarantee the hotels are appreciated but they may not give you much leverage in price. However even for a single room the price is generally negotiable unless the area is sold out. First, consider your location carefully if price is important. During huge events like CES Las Vegas room rates on the strip are 2-3 times and more what the same room would cost normally, especially during midweek low pricing when Las Vegas offers some of the best hotel bargains anywhere.

Unless there are some huge events mid week in winter should be a good time and a good price approach is to start at Kayak.com (price comparison tooly) and look for 3-4 nice venues with reasonable prices and then call them directly to firm up details and ask for either lower pricing or better amenities.

Let your competing venues know you are shopping around and then go with the best offer. For example if you need a meeting room that will usually cost more but you might get it free thanks to the room block.

Another cost cutting device can be to use nearby restaurants as your meeting place and pick slightly "off" times for the meals (when they are slower and don't need the space).

Larger Restaurants generally have meeting rooms and if you promise enough meals to them they'll generally provide the room for free although firm up the times with them so you don't get kicked out after eating. Hotels have different economics so I think eating "out" is often less expensive than having the hotel cater things.

Thai Airport Protests End - Flights to resume Thursday

2008-12-02T22:01:00.000-08:00

Thailand's Bangkok passenger flights will resume Thursday December 4th and freight traffic has already resumed. Political protestors who were accusing the current Thailand government of corruption had closed the airports almost a week ago and have been camped out since then, ending the airport "sit in" today. Hundreds of thousands of travellers are still stranded and Thailand's tourist industry may suffer greatly from the actions.

Weather Delays Plague Eastern US Airports

2008-11-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

Nice weather heading into the US Thanksgiving holiday didn't last through the weekend, and travelers today are experiencing delays of up to many hours as a large storm hammers the east coast and delays are reported for many airports.

Check flight delay status either with your airline directly or here at the FAA website flight delay application: http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp LINK

PDX Free Wifi Rocks ... and so does MFR Free Wifi

2008-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

It is important to acknowledge when a business brings good technology to the table and I'm just throwing out kudos again to my two favorite Oregon Airports: PDX in Portand and MFR in Medford serving all of Southern Oregon and some of Northern California.

Both MFR Medford and PDX Portland have free wifi throughout the terminal complexes, and this makes travel so much nicer as you have a chance to catch up on some email, surf the web, or ... blog about how great free wifi is to have in an Airport.

Sure, eventually widespread use of cellular broadband will make airport wifi less important, but paying many airports the $9.95 "daily fee" for 30-60 minutes of Wifi is painful for reasons that are hard to articulate well given that the advantages clearly are worth that cost. I can only hope that the free Wifi airports see something back in terms of advertising support for the Wifi (seems rare), or an increased chance of business travellers who like this service (hard to measure, but seems somewhat likely).

Baggage becoming a musical money chair

2008-11-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Airlines are struggling in many ways, and baggage handling and fees are no exception. Northwest will initiate fees for even the first checked bag effective with December 5 flights though there seems to be a gray area (or perhaps no fees?) if your ticket was purchased before November 12th.

Horizon, a common partner airline for NWA here in the Pacific Northwest, remains free for the first bag: www.alaskaair.com - Alaska Air Baggage Rules.

Suffice it to say that savvy travelers should probably start to prepare a good "carry on" strategy to keep costs lower and hassles to a minimum, since picking up checked bags offers challenges of its own.

I find that creative packing of a small roller suitcase and a large backpack gives me plenty of room for about a week of travel. For longer trips just plan a single laundry event in the mix and you are good to go with the same clothes. I used this tactic in China for my April 2008 15 day adventure and it worked just fine although I did send home a very large additional bag (at no charge on United at that time), filled with chopsticks, pillow covers, and other souvenir items.

Airport Family Lines - do they work?

2008-11-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

Several Airports have begun special family lines - presumably to isolate some potential slowdowns to the check in process as families often have special needs and sometimes unruly or reluctant children.

Here is the story

However if your children are familiar with flying and know the routine, you may choose to use the regular methods and avoid the delays that may come from special family lines which will be harder to gauge in terms of the time taken to get bags, kids, and yourself processed.

Airline Ticket Bargains - some times it pays to ... wait.

2008-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

A popular misconception about Airline ticket prices is that buying tickets earlier is always better. On the contrary it is often best to wait for good prices - sometimes to weeks of your trip although you generally are taking some risks to wait, especially if you have limited flexibility.

A good case in point is my upcoming trip from Medford, Oregon MFR to Minneapolis MSP. I've been watching tickets for this trip for months and the best deal I've seen was bout 450 until today, when I got our 3 tickets at 350. The online memo said "last three tickets at this price" and it is possible I've missed better deals, but this is generally a great price from our regional airport at Meford to MSP.

Even SMF and PDX - the major airports we sometimes use to save money - were in this price range today so this was a no brainer. Earlier I'd seen as low as $200 but that would have had us flying on Thanksgiving day on big fat full bellies. Not ... a pretty picture?

Icelandair Revival

2008-10-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Long term Airline Icelandair is promoting their flights in a new campaign.

The Icelandair official Website is here and they serve these airports (links are to Icelandair's info about those locations):

Airport name:
Amsterdam - Schiphol Airport
Barcelona International Airport
Bergen Airport
Berlin Airport
Boston Logan Airport
Copenhagen Airport
Frankfurt Airport
Glasgow Airport
Gothenburg Airport
Halifax Airport
Helsinki Airport
Keflavík Airport
London Heathrow Airport
Madrid Airport
Manchester airport
Milan - Malpensa Airport
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
München International Airport
New York - John F. Kennedy International
Orlando Sanford Airport
Oslo - Gardermoen Airport
Paris - Charles de Gaulle
Stockholm - Arlanda Airport
Zürich Airport

More In Flight WiFi Launches

2008-09-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Another in flight WIFI service is available and the New York Times is reporting that it is not allowing Skype calls:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/business/14essay.html

I don't see this as a big deal though it's not clear to me why they'd care much. Perhaps a security issue because it's easier to screen text such that TSA could identify suspicious activity more easily using automated routines at the ISP level.

In any case this is a great boon to business travelers who now can have uptime throughout the flight, especially at the critical time right before and after key meetings and conferences.

2008-09-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

XL Leisure Group in the UK has stopped operations, stranding many customers.

Check with the website, now under control of those taking over the business, for details.

The following are recommended actions as of Sept 12, from the company website:

XL Leisure Group Plc, XL Airways UK Limited, Excel Aviation Limited, Explorer House Limited, Aspire Holidays Limited, Freedom Flights Limited, Freedom Flights (Aviation) Limited, The Really Great Holiday Company plc, Medlife Hotels Limited, Travel City Flights Limited, Kosmar Villa Holidays plc – All in Administration (the Companies)

On 12 September 2008, Alastair Beveridge, Nick Cropper, Simon Appell and Stuart Mackellar were appointed as Joint Administrators of the Companies by the Court.

The Companies entered into Administration having suffered as a result of volatile fuel prices, the economic downturn, and were unable to obtain further funding.

The Joint Administrators cannot continue trading the business and therefore all flights operated by the Companies have been immediately cancelled and the aircraft grounded. Going forward, the Joint Administrators are unlikely to be able to trade the business or operate the aircraft.

All passengers who have yet to commence their travel should make alternative arrangements as detailed below.

France and Germany

The French and German divisions of the XL Group continue to trade as usual.

Customers booked with XL Leisure Group ATOL tour operators

The following tour operators held Air Travel Organiser’s Licenses (ATOL) and customers that purchased air holidays and flights from them will be ATOL protected. Full details are on the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) ATOL website (www.atol.org.uk):

The Really Great Holiday Company PLC - ATOL 3827
Trading as: Cruise City, Excel Holidays, The Florida Skytrain, Transatlantic Vacations, Travel City Direct and Travel City International
Kosmar Villa Holidays PLC - ATOL 1760
Trading as: Kosmar Holidays
Freedom Flights Limited - ATOL 5296
Trading as: Freedom Flights
Aspire Holidays Limited - ATOL 6536
Trading as: Aspire Holidays

Customers currently abroad

You should be able to stay in your hotel or villa and complete your holiday. In most cases, your accommodation provider will be paid direct by the CAA so you will not incur any additional expenses. If you need to make any payments for items like hotels or transfers, you should obtain a receipt as far as possible. The CAA will be able to consider claims for refunds for these amounts.

A flight will be arranged to bring you home by the CAA. You can check with your holiday representative for information about any changes to your flight arrangements, or check on the ATOL website (www.atol.org.uk). For those customers in particular distress please contact the CAA’s help line on telephone number +44 (0) 2891 856 547.

Customers with advanced bookings but yet to travel

All passengers who have booked through a travel agent should contact that agent in the first instance who will be able to assist you in making a claim on ATOL. If you booked directly with an XL Group company than please contact ATOL directly.

ATOL may be able to provide an alternative arrangement. Further information is available on the ATOL website (www.atol.org.uk).

Customers booked with XL Airways Through XL.com or XL Call Centres

Unfortunately, customers who booked either through xl.com or xl call centres are not ATOL protected. Consequently, you will be ineligible for a refund from ATOL in respect of your flight.

Customers currently abroad

The CAA will be able to make arrangements for your return journey. As you fall into an unprotected category of customers you will be invoiced a fee on your return to the UK. Please check on the ATOL website (www.atol.org.uk) for details or go to the local airport ticketing desk where they will be able to make arrangements and inform passengers of the likely costs.

Alternatively, you may be able to find a flight better suited to your needs by making your own, independent arrangements to return home. The CAA is not in a position to cover the costs of your own arrangements. For all new bookings please ensure you retain your receipts.

If you are owed money as a result of incurring costs to return to the UK please send details of the amount owed to you by the Companies to Kroll Limited, Wellington Plaza, 31 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL.

Customers should check their travel insurance policy since it may provide cover for airline or accommodation failure. The type of protection provided may also vary depending on the type of policy taken out. A policy may cover the complete or partial cost of the original tickets or accommodation purchased.

If you paid by credit card, you may be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you paid by Visa debit card you may also have some protection. You should check with your card issuer for further advice.

In the event that you wish to organise your own return travel, detailed below are a list of potential alternative carriers:

First Choice – 0871 200 7799
Thomas Cook – 0870 750 0119
Thomson – 0871 231 5938

Further information can be obtained from the Administrator’s help line as follows:

From the UK – 0800 068 8991
From Abroad - + 44 208 242 4783

Customers with advanced booking but yet to travel

All flights have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.

Customers of Medlife Hotels

Unfortunately, customers who booked through Medlife Hotels are not ATOL protected.

Customers currently abroad

You may be able to stay in your accommodation and complete your holiday. Please contact your relevant travel agent.

Customers with advance bookings but yet to travel

All holidays through Medlife Hotels have been cancelled and the Joint Administrators are not in a position to refund you in respect of these cancelled holidays.

If you are owed money as a result of a cancelled holiday please send details of the amount owed to you by the Companies to Kroll Limited, Wellington Plaza, 31 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL.

Customers should check their travel insurance policy since it may provide cover for accommodation failure. The type of protection provided may also vary depending on the type of policy taken out. A policy may cover the complete or partial cost of the original tickets or accommodation purchased.

Press Related Enquiries

All press related queries concerning the Companies Administration should be redirected to the Kroll Press Office on 0207 973 5995.

All press enquiries concerning ATOL protection should be directed to the CAA Press Office on 0207 453 6030.

The affairs, business and property of the Companies are being managed by the Joint Administrators A P Beveridge (ICAEW), M N Cropper (ICAEW), S J Appell (ICAEW) and S C E Mackellar (ICAS). The Joint Administrators act as agents of the Companies and without personal liability.

Alastair Beveridge, Simon Appell and Nick Cropper are all licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales. Stuart Mackellar is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

Skywest lands at LAX Los Angeles, California

2008-09-07T15:13:00.001-07:00

Landing LAX
Originally uploaded by bribriTO

Here at the Airports Blog I'll be posting more pictures from the Airports. Although many of us associate flying with inconveniences and discomfort it's a lot more fun to think of what an amazing journey you get in addition to whatever Airport destination you choose. Only for the past 50 years or so have we had the ability to fly relatively cheaply and so extensively all over the world. For people from even 100 years ago the idea of trips across the country or the world in hours for a few hundred dollars would have been considered imaginable and almost miraculous.

Enjoy your flight. REALLY! Enjoy it!

Continental Dings Flyers $15 Per

2008-09-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

Continental Airlines is charging $15 per bag even for the first bag, though they don't charge in the following cases:

Frequent-flier customers, first-class and business-class flyers, customers traveling on full-fare economy class tickets, and military personnel and their families traveling on official orders are exempt from the charge.

My advice to most travellers is PACK LIGHTER! I'm almost always happy when I pack light and don't have to lug around big suitcases. Even for my two week China trip I took a small soft suitcase and a large backpack, then purchased a huge bag for the trip home at Honqiao Pearl Market in Beijing.

QuickAid Airport Directory is .... almost back

2008-09-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

The QuickAid.com Airport Directory was a top resource for Airport information for many years - in fact it was one of the very first very large travel websites. Unfortunately the site fell into disrepair and neglect and I'm only now getting the QuickAid Directory back into gear. It is NOT ready yet but will be soon.

If you've got a link to QuickAid (there are thousands of them), I'd really appreciate it if you would make sure it is correct, or ask me to create a *custom* page for your needs - no charge.

QuickAid will feature extensive information about major airports along with general information and links for regional and international airports.

Airplane Views - tips on how to get great views while you travel

2008-08-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

CNN has an article on how to strategize for the best airplane views, including using Google flyovers from your laptop to familiarize yourself with the trips you take by plane:

cnn.com

TSA on new laptop screening procedures

2008-08-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

The TSA has announced the new laptop screening procedures which will allow the following laptop bags through without removal of the laptop as we've had to do for some time:

However, backpacks and trifold packs will still require that you REMOVE the laptop so it can be properly x-rayed for irregularities by TSA screeners.

RyanAir may cancel online bookings from some sites - huh?

2008-08-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

RyanAir won't make any online friends with this wrong move:

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ryanair-travellers-may-lose-bookings-1449260.html

As Airlines seek the lowest prices they are reasonably trying to find ways to avoid the fees they pay to booking agencies, but this needs to take a different form from the current odd policies of American Airlines and RyanAir, which are more likely to *lose* customers than gain revenue.

Delta deploys WIFI across their entire fleet

2008-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Bravo for Delta as in "Delta Bravo, we have WIFI!"

Delta has deployed wireless internet broadband across their entire fleet. The service is not free, but at $9.95 - $12.95 this seems to be a reasonably priced amenity, especially for business travellers who need to keep in touch as they fly to and from important conferences and meetings.

This does raise some issues about security and I'll be interested to hear how those are addressed as we move forward. Constant, silent, real time communication has not been easily available to travellers but will be now.

Airline Ticket Prices May Rise Even More

2008-08-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Over the past year the average price on several airline routes has gone up over 200% as Airlines struggle with higher fuel prices, reduced travel, and other challenges. My talk with a Sky West staffer suggested that fuel prices are the overwhelming challenge, so with Oil now down some 20% off highs hopefully we'll see some ticket price relief. Unfortunately thought there can be a spiral effect as people stop flying and drive instead, challenging the airlines to keep routes that don't have enough passengers to be profitable.

A solution I hope the airlines will consider would be flight consolidation. I recently travelled from Medford Oregon to Dulles IAD on the same day and similar times to my parents who travelled the same route, yet we were on different airlines and always on different planes. It would seem the computers might reschedule people in ways that flights could be cancelled - though I suppose the number of complications this would cause might overwhelm a system that is already balanced somewhat precariously given all the flight delays and such.

My pal was complaining that the Airlines seem to be failing more and more to make connections and create harmonious travel experiences, and I think he's right, but I also think the cost for improvements is not supportable by the system. It's another example where our great American system brought something that was a total luxury item (air travel) to the mainstream during our economic gravy days of the 50's-90's, and now we'll be unable to backtrack and make it a luxury item again. The huge fleets, high fuel cost, and expectations of both Airlines and travellers will take some time to readjust and in the meantime.... bankruptcies and trouble are on the horizon.

Airplane Cell Phone Ban Advances

2008-08-01T10:14:00.001-07:00

Despite the fact that cell phone use on planes is generally not allowed anyway, a cell phone ban bill is advancing in congress. It appears this would prevent airlines from allowing something most would consider a good idea - let our cell phones free on the plane so we can surf, collect email, and communicate more effectively during flight downtime!

BWI Light Rail to the Airport

2008-07-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

The East Coast trip went differently than planned and I wound up at Dulles on the way out, but on my return via Baltimore I took bus and light rail right into the Airport. The light rail (and I think Marc Trains as well) deliver you to the terminal, so if you can get to Light rail via bus you are looking at a 1.60 fair to the Airport from most Baltimore locations. At about 90 minutes this is probably somewhat longer than Shuttle times, but I doubt by too much.

DEN Denver Airport - Free WIFI Throughout the Airport

2008-07-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Kudos to DEN Denver International Airport for their free excellent WIFI which only requires you to view a 30 second video spot before access. Shame on BWI Baltimore for having advertised (and tried?) free WIFI but now offering only paid hotspots at 9.99 per day.

Let's see - would I rather watch a 30 second spot or pay 9.99? Getting "paid" $10 per 30 secs is like getting paid $1200 per hour, so rather than be annoyed with the Zappos ad at DIA I'm happy to have watched it and thanks for paying me (relative to BWI's system) $1200 per hour while I did.

Supershuttle at BWI

2008-07-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have only ridden the Supershuttle once before - usually on East Coast we have a car waiting.

Based on these opinions: http://www.propinions.com/opinions.php?s=9718545&page=4

Supershuttle offers a good service at a good price. My trip from BWI Baltimore to a house about 20 miles north is only 24+tip (interestingly their online form requires the tip field to be filled out. I don't like that since I'd prefer to tip based on service, but ...)

Rather than book online I think I'll wait until I'm at SFO and confident of my arrival time. I'd hate to prepay and then have delays, though I'm assuming they'd refund if you can't use the service?

Baltimore BWI to Dulles IAD and IAD to BWI by Ground Transportation

2008-07-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Baltimore BWI and Dulles are both very popular east coast hubs, and in my experience you can often find good fares from the West Coast to BWI when other Airports are as much as twice the price. Although there is an inconvenience factor you can get back and forth between these two airports either with a dedicated taxi or shuttle at about $75-$95 or, if you are willing to be a little adventurous, try this which to me seems the best option all things considered and costs only about $15:

Take the Washington Flyer Coach to the West Falls Church Metro station.
Take the Metrorail to the Greenbelt Metro station and board a BWI Express Metro bus.

OR you could take the Metrorail to Union Station board a northbound MARC Penn Line train to BWI.

This is from the Washington Area Airports page:

BWI Airport

The Airports Authority does not provide a dedicated shuttle between the airports.

Below are options between Dulles and Baltimore Washington International Airport.

Direct travel: Washington Flyer taxi (estimated fare $97.00 and 60-70 minutes travel time) or SuperShuttle shared ride van service (estimated fare $75.00 and 70-90 minutes travel time) are available between Dulles and BWI. The other options may require connecting to other modes of transportation to get to your final destination.
Other travel modes: You can also use Washington Flyer Taxi (estimated fare $30.00 and 15-20 minutes travel time) or SuperShuttle shared ride van service (estimated fare $20.00 and 20-30 minutes travel time) or Washington Flyer Coach (estimated fare $10.00 and 15-20 minutes travel time) for ground transportation to the West Falls Church Metro station. From there, you could take the Metrorail to the Greenbelt Metro station ($3-$5) then board a BWI Express Metro bus. You can also take the Metrorail to Union Station board a northbound MARC Penn Line train to BWI.

Baltimore City via public transportation

You use the Washington Flyer Coach (estimated fare $10.00 and 15-20 minutes travel time) for transportation from Dulles to the West Falls Church Metrorail station. From there, you could take the Metrorail to Union Station, where you can board a northbound MARC train to Baltimore.

Study: Over 600,000 Laptops lost and stolen at Airports

2008-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dell commissioned a study which suggests a huge number of laptop computers are lost at US Airports. The MacWorld summary says that some 637,000 laptops are lost in Airports each year, most at TSA security checkpoints (!).

This last item make me somewhat suspicious of the methodology of the study by Ponemon. If people are forgetting laptops at security it should be easy to return to the checkpoint and recover them since they'd both be on the "passed" side of the equation. If they continued with travel I suppose it would be hard to contact TSA and identify the machine given unless the TSA is really ineffectively processing lost items.

My initial guess is that the sample size on the study was low and the questionaire biased to increase the "lost" factor, though I'll try to look into this remarkable study. 637k laptops would have a value approaching $500,000,000 making this a huge economic and security issue since the study also suggested the computers have a lot of confidential company data.

If these are getting stolen who is doing this? TSA people? That seems very unlikely, and the idea that people are *forgetting their laptops* at checkpoints also seems dubious. The idea that strangers in line are stealing the units also seems unlikely as a crook would not be likely to "hang out" at airport security checkpoints, though I suppose this is possible.

American Airlines Testing In Flight Broadband

2008-06-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Flight Delays? Bad meals? who cares as long as you have In-Flight Broadband, arguably the most important amenity an airline could ever offer.

American Airlines is testing the service now and unless they overprice it I think it'll be a big winner, though in flight *power* is going to be a problem for many if the Airlines don't take that into account as well.

United's iPOD chargers from Panasonic Avionics

2008-06-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

United Airlines is starting to install chargers for iPHONES and iPODS in planes. This appears to be a mild transition to the real power supplies that many laptop users would really benefit from on planes, but it is a good step in the right direction, especially because other airlines are experimenting with onboard WIFI - clearly the holy grail of in-flight services. As much as I enjoyed watching six movies on my recent flight to Hong Kong from San Francisco, I think I would rather have been computing.

In fact a clever approach to in-flight WIFI would bring targeted advertising to travelers for the locations they were approaching. For example if, as I flew to Hong Kong, I had been presented with attractions and restaurant ads this would have had a huge influence on me. This type of targeting would probably more effective on long international flights than short "family travel" experiences, but as an advertising environment it is hard to imagine a richer "win - win" situation than travelers getting relevant information about things to do and see at a location hours before their arrival.

British Airways Terminal 5

2008-06-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

The engineering magazine IEEE Spectrum has a feature about the apology surrounding challenges with Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London:

http://blogs.spectrum.ieee.org/riskfactor/2008/06/ba_cio_apologizes_for_terminal.html

Laptop Bag Security May Improve

2008-05-28T01:24:00.001-07:00

The TSA has issued guidelines to laptop carrying cases that may allow travelers to place the laptop bag directly through X ray machines without having to remove the computer inside, helping tech travelers avoid an inconvenience that used to be greater before everyboy learned the routine.

USA Today Reports:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-05-21-laptops_N.htm

PEK Airport, Beijing BCIA

2008-05-02T23:19:00.001-07:00

ChinaApril2008 767
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

This is in Terminal 3 at Beijing International where Duty Free shops are everywhere. Some trinkets were very overpriced here but the scotch seemed reasonable, though I think on balance Duty Free is not going to save all that much given the markup.

Air Lingus - Flights to Ireland around $300

2008-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Air Lingus has some great looking deals from East and West Coast to Ireland:

http://www.aerlingus.com/cgi-bin/obel01im1/bookonline/index.jsp?campid=aer_lingus_gus&se=ppc

No United Continental Merger

2008-04-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

CNN is reporting that there will not be a Continental United merger after all. Continental's CEO told employees today that the airline was better off alone than merged. A United Continental merger would have created the world's largest airline.

Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3

2008-04-22T14:36:00.001-07:00

Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 460
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

PEK = BCIA = Beijing International Airport. Arriving by Taxi to the new Terminal 3 building, a massive terminal that with the Olympics will soon be one of the world's busiest places. The Dragon Shaped Beijing Airport is exceptional in terms of cleanliness, design, and effeciency and despite the language barriers you find in China I had no trouble navigating customs and ticketing to easily make my flight home from PEK to the USA. Note that the airport is 40-60 minutes from most places in Beijing so be sure to allow time to get there, especially if you have an early morning flight.

PEK Beijing - Know Your Terminal!

2008-04-18T22:35:00.001-07:00

If you are travelling to or from Beijing's Airports, keep these items in mind:

BCIA stands for "Beijing Capital International Airport" and is commonly used when referencing the Beijing Airport even though PEK is the same Airport.

Know your Terminal! PEK is a *huge* Airport, and the taxi will need to know which Terminal you are departing from. My United Airlines PEK to SFO flight was from Terminal three and I think most international departures are now from that terminal. Your hotel concierge may ask you "which airport" and I think they really mean "which terminal". Clear this up before getting in the Taxi as the Chinese Taxi drivers rarely speak any English.

PEK is the Airport Code for Beijing's main Airport which, without much traffic, is approximately a 40-50 minute taxi ride from most areas of the city. The cost for the taxi should be about 100 Yuan, perhaps a little more. In Beijing and Shanghai always ride in taxis with meters to avoid scams.

BCIA Beijing Airport, China

2008-04-18T22:27:00.001-07:00

BCIA Airport 857
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

The massive Terminal 3 at Beijing International Airport was completed in February of 2008. BCIA is poised to become one of the top five world airports this year:

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90857/90860/6316193.html

Beijing Airport PEK

2008-04-13T17:10:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I will be reporting live from the Beijing Airport if I can find a free WIFI hotspot. My trip to China was more about train travel than planes this time because I wanted to see the countryside, and did see about 1800 miles of it from Hong Kong to Shanghai to Beijing. But no trains back to USA and I will be happy to be flying home tomorrow PEK to SFO to MFR.

My friends, who flew in from Shanghai, have been very impressed with the domestic air service saying that even regular class is very impressive. I think they flew China Air from Shanghai to Beijing. The cost here for domestic air is very reasonable and I think you can generally book at last minute (though avoid that on general principle). $142 for Shanghai to Beijing.

Aloha Airlines to stop service Monday

2008-03-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Aloha Airlines is bankrupt and service will end after Monday, presumably with no more passenger or other services.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080331/aloha_bankruptcy.html?.v=2

Heathrow Terminal 5 Baggage problems

2008-03-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Reports are coming in that the brand new Terminal Five at Heathrow is having baggage handling problems, and this has led to the cancellation of 33 flights so far.

Flights Cancelled as American and Delta do safety checks

2008-03-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Delta has cancelled several flights to inspect them in line with the FAA rules that may not have been followed as closely as required:
Delta Grounds 133 Aircraft for Inspections Brian Finnegan at JetBlog! reports:
The airline is not sure how long the inspections will take but Delta cancelled about 56 flights out of Hartsfield Airport Wednesday evening. No flights to Tampa were affected but flights to Tallahassee, Sarasota, and Pensacola were ...JetBlog! Interactive - http://pamablog.typepad.com/pama/

American cancelled some 200 flights over the past few days for similar reasons. This from the Huffington Post:

American Cancels About 200 Flights
26 Mar 2008 by The Huffington Post News Editors FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines canceled about 200 flights on Wednesday so its crews can inspect some wire bundles aboard its MD-80 aircraft.

There appears to be no reason for alarm on the part of travelers. These are fairly routine type inspections to make up for what may have been compromised inspection processes in the past. Air Travel is, in my opinion, actually far *too* safe. Risks more in line with what we experience with car travel would bring down the cost of flying dramatically, especially in the areas of security where the TSA's massive, bloated budget and inefficient procedures threaten to cripple the American and perhaps even global Airline and Airport industry.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Lawsuit

2008-03-27T01:21:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has been sued by the family of a woman who died while in police custody. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/law/03/26/airport.death/index.html

Our take on this tragic story is that the police are not the primary ones to blame here. The woman was acting inappropriately, was detained, and in attempts to escape from detention she died. A tragic case, but not a negligent one.

Aloha Airlines files for bankrupcy...again

2008-03-23T23:25:00.001-07:00

Aloha Airlines, which serves Hawaii, has filed for bankrupcy for the second time in three years.

More here

Hong Kong Airport to ...

2008-03-23T17:16:00.001-07:00

The Hong Kong Airport HKN, is actually on Lantau Island which is some 60 miles from the city of Hong Kong. But no need to worry because Hong Kong offers an excellent transportation sytem, many parts of which lead to and from the Hong Kong International. The ride into the city costs 100 HK dollars, or about $15 US. This takes you to the Hong Kong Central station where you can catch the metro to the many parts of the city which are located along the line from there. The massive ferry docks are also near Central Hong Kong and offer service to many parts of the islands around Hong Kong. Hong Kong International also has ferry service to many of the surrounding islands right from the airport.

Airport Codes and Distance Calculator

2008-03-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

This blog is part of a network of information provided by several blogs and websites.

Airport City Codes database and distance calculators are here:
CitycodesDatabase Time and Distance Calculator

Retirement Community Profiles are a RetireUSA.net

Travel and History is our largest project with history and travel information for the USA and parts of Europe.

Heathrow Terminal 5 opens for passengers

2008-03-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

No lesser mortal than the Queen of England opened Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport, a facility that cost amost 9 billion US dollars and will allow the processing of some 35 million passengers annually. Initially the terminal will only serve British Airways passengers.

India Airport Strike .... NOT!

2008-03-13T15:53:00.001-07:00

The India Airport Strike has been called off, reports the Business Standard: http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=316858&tab=r

The Standard reports that:

The Airport Authority Employees’ Union (AAEU) called off its two-day “non-cooperation” movement after claiming that Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has assured them that contracts like those with airport developers in Hyderabad and Bangalore would not be signed in the future and that jobs in these airports would be protected.

India and China's rapid expansion of airport capacity is an unparalled event in transportation history, and it remains to be seen if the substantial costs do not have many more unintended consequences.

Airlines to BAA - we want to break you!

2008-03-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

The UK Aviation authority that manages many of the key airports in the UK is under fire from several angles, not the least of which are many of the top Airlines in England.

The Times Online reports that most of England's top carriers: BMI, EasyJet, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic are now calling for the breakup of BAA.

The angry airlines appear to be responding in part to BAA's recent decision to increase airport fees.

Gogo to launch in flight broadband on some transcontinental routes

2008-03-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Om Malik reports that Gogo will have broadband on some American and Virgin flights from San Francisco to NYC soon.

Gogo certainly deserves an award for the most overhyped intro clip in some time here:
http://www.gogoinflight.com/

In flight broadband is a great idea for business and perhaps student travelers and I'm looking forward to it but it's not at all clear to me that most travelers will see enough benefit to fork over $10 per flight so they can pull the daily toll of work emails and spam or surf during the in flight movie. That said I'm rooting for ya Gogo!

Alaska Airlines Jenn - your virtual agent!

2008-03-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Jenn works for Alaska Airlines 24/7, answering questions. Check it out by clicking at the top right of their home page. Jenn is a virtual agent and appears to have a bunch of clever banter in addition to what I assume is a great knowledge of Alaska Airlines.

You Asked: how old are you?
Jenn: I am rather young, or as we say in the virtual world - new. But I like to think I have the experience of someone much older. How can I help you?

Although these agents are hardly an example of "real" artificial intelligence, I think they are warming us up for the big game where the computers will have human-like abilities to understand and answer even the most complex questions.

UK Airports run by ... Australians?

2008-03-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

The UK Telegraph is reporting that BAA may lose control of UK Airports to an Australian conglormerate as BAA struggles to make ends meet:
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/760632/Britain-2008-a-summer-holiday-guide.html

Airport Codes and Mileage Calculator

2008-02-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here at AirportCityCodes we have two helpful data sources - our Airport Codes Database with information about airports all over the world, and our mileage calculator that allows you to get the distance between most airports: Mileage Calculator Airport Codes

If you have any simple airport questions feel free to email me and I''ll try to find the answer for you: jhunkins@gmail.com

Weather Delays in Chicago and

2008-02-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Officials at Chicagoland airports told travellers to expect some cancellations and delays on travel because of bad weather.

Meanwhile Waashington DC also had many problems as bad weather raged along the east coast of the USA, causing travel problems at several airports.

Winter travel tip: Prepare for delays at the airport by bringing reading or computer work, using your phone to catch up with personal or business calls, and other distractions. Wear comfortable clothing in case your trip lasts much longer than planned, and try to maintain good eating and drinking habits as much as possible to avoid indigestion from the inevitable travel stress.

Most of all: Don't PANIC!

China Trips - open jaw is often fine

2008-02-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

Although the airline ticket market is so fast, furious, and whacky you'll want to check many sources before booking, a few tips I've learned from my China ticket booking:

* Although I was told by a ticketer that generally Hong Kong is the cheapest destination it seemed Shanghai and Beijing (PEK) tickets were in the same price ballpark of 800-1000 from my rural area, and perhaps 100-200 less for round trips from San Francisco.

* Vayama was often the low rate among consolidators, but it was not clear if changes would be more severely penalized through a consolidator so we went directly through United.com. This was $46 more on my $886 ticket, an open jaw from MFR to Hong Kong, then Beijing to MFR. Airfares.com offered the same flights for $840. I'm assuming changes will be much easier directly through United, but not clear if this was worth the extra money.

* Open jaw did not seem to increase the price much if at all.

* Fees and taxes are not reported by all consolidators online, and it seemed there were no "killer consolidators" who offered rates much different from the Airlines for economy classes. I would guess that for first class things become driven by strange forces and your company should shop around carefully to avoid getting gouged. Some of the first class seats were showing at $25,000. I can't imagine what I'd need in terms of comfort to justify that price, even if money was absolutely no object.

Flights to China

2008-02-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

Update: Well, we've been finding better fares by leaving a day earlier. March 31 departure seemed to knock back fares by about $175 from Medford to Hong Kong. Also, the open jaw trip via Beijing was no more expensive for a return in late April. SFO to Shanghai tickets were in the 700 range. I'm not sure if I just missed these before or if the fares have changed, but I think it is because we were not checking for March departure dates.

After a few months of casual searching it has become clear that the prices for China Airline tickets really do not seem to vary much, and you don't seem to save much by going from the larger Airports. The lowest I've found so far were $928 from Medford to Hong Kong but the trip is longer, via Tokyo and we could not stay there for a few days without spending a lot more. A better route is about $1060 via United, and my friends return via Biejing is costing about the same as my round trip to Hong Kong.

My friend who travels often to China said months ago that $1000 is about what we should expect to pay regardless of other circumstances, and I think he's right. The market is probably not as competitive as US routes and people going to China are often not shopping nearly as aggressively as they do for US Flights. I exhausted a lot of options but it looks like we'll wind up with what we could have had with a quick Kayak search.

Irish Air Traffic Controller strike looms

2008-02-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Belfast Telegraph Newspaper is reporting that Air Traffic Controllers may strike throughout Ireland within days if demands are not met during their negotiations.

Nude German Airline?

2008-02-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

A German travel agency has set up flights to a Baltic resort where customers strip down after takeoff and ride in the buff. ossiurlaub.de is the travel agency. Most reports are exaggerating the story, suggesting this is a "nude airline" when in fact it appears it is simply a sort of nudist tour to the resort.

Delta and Northwest may merge - announcement expected soon

2008-02-17T13:43:00.001-08:00

Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines may announce a merger within a few days, reports the Atlanta Constitution Newspaper

As Airlines struggle with rules, lower travel traffic, and a severe profitability squeeze this would seem a logical step at this time as mergers often bring efficiencies as management functions are consolidated.

India to add 500 Airports in next 10-12 years

2008-02-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

India plans to add five hundred Airports across the country over the next ten to twelve years according to a recent report. Economic Times reports.

This amazing number of new builds suggests the optimism India has, justifiably, for the burgeoning economy of the country that will eventually become the world's most populous nation. (China's population controls of the past few decades have worked and will keep that population in check, where India is expected to keep growing).

New Zealand Hijack attempt thwarted

2008-02-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

A woman attacked the pilots on a New Zealand flight but has been detained and only minor injuries were reported. Here is more from NZ

China Airfare and Dailan Info

2008-02-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ctrip.com is a Chinese booking site that appears to offer a good "checking point". I understand it does not always offer the best rates but is a good starting point for checking fares and hotel rates. http://english.ctrip.com/

I learned of this site while planning the trip to China in April, coming across a *great* local travel site from a journalist who has been there for some time: http://daliandalian.com

I wish more people would create this type of website. It offers a lot of insight into the city, tips for travelers, and more. Unfortunately I'm not going to Dalian, but hopefully will find more sites like this about China cities. If all goes according to Hoyle I'll be *creating* a lot of content about travel tips for a first trip to China, but we'll see how that goes.

Landing Fees may be used in attempt to ease congestion

2008-01-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Airlines and Airports do not appear impressed with US Government plans to use landing fees to help ease congestion on major US air travel routes. Landing fees are paid by airlines to airports and the proposal is to raise the landing fees during peak times in an effort to move more flight traffic to off peak.

The New York Airport Authority, operating five of the nation's largest airports, is not optimistic about the proposal suggesting it offers too little to be effective. They want a broad, regionally and nationally integrated policies to optimize routes and travel.

Hawaii Airports = on time!

2008-01-04T23:46:00.000-08:00

Hawaii Airports from Hilo to Honolulu scored well for being on time, according to this report from the Pacific Business News

Of course Hawaii may have the advantage of no snowstorms, which are often a major cause of delays in other parts of the country.

Mahalo!

New Laptop battery rules for flights - do not put them in checked luggage!

2007-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true - there are even more new complicated rules from the TSA. It's not even clear this relates to any terror issues but they are restricting lithium batteries in carry on luggage:

New Laptop Battery Rules from TSA

If you'll be travelling by air in 2008 be sure to review the new rules for carrying batteries on airplanes. The new battery rules are here at TSA's websiteOn new rule is that you are NOT allowed to pack lithium batteries in your *checked* luggage, though you *are* allowed to have them in carry on baggage in clear plastic bags.It's also a good idea to review the 3-1-1 rule here at TSA:3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

WiFi in Airports

2007-12-28T22:15:00.000-08:00

This is information gleaned from an old article in USA Today. For more updated information try this Wi Fi in Airports website: http://www.wififreespot.com/airport.html

In 2005, and I think still, only a small number of companies control most airport Wi-Fi. Here are some:

Wayport. San Jose and Austin. Limited coverage in Oakland, Calif. Airports: AUS, BUF, DFW, OAK, SJC.

Cingular. Denver, Seattle, and Philadelphia. Airports: DEN, PHL, RDU, SEA.

ICOA/WiSE are now merged
ICOA: GEG, BTR SMF, MHT, SAV, FYI, GRK, CHS, ORF, BQK, AZO.

WiSE: ELP, LGA, BWI, CHA, OMA, PBI, ANC, SAN, JFK, IAH, BUF.

SBC. PSP, CLE, BUR, LIT, EVV.

Concourse Communications.
A private contractor for cell and Wi-Fi installations. BNA, DTW, EWR, JFK, MSP, YOW.

T-Mobile. Another veteran hotspot provider with over 5,700 coffeeshop, bookstores, and retail locations, they also offer airport-wide coverage. Airports: SFO, BUR, BWI, GSO, PVD, FSD, TYS, AUS, DFW, DAL, ORF.
Sprint PCS. KCI, SLC, HOU, MEM, MKE, SDF, OAK.

Opti-Fi. Full coverage: YEG, DSM, PHF, ELP, SBN, MOB, MLB, TVC, ALB, YQQ, YHM, YQT, JNU, JAC, ASE, YQG, TOL.
AirTran only: ATL, BWI, DAY, FNT, MDW, MEM, MIA, MKE, ROC, JAX.

Airport's own WIFI networks: These airports rolled their own WiFi, and deserve alot of props for doing it! OWD, FRG, BOS, PDX, LAS, MFR, YUM, ISP, ASE, SAT.

This list is old and NOT INCLUSIVE! Many Airports are adding this great service - be sure to send them a note thanking them if they provide free WiFi!

High Flying WiFi - the downside?

2007-12-24T12:46:00.000-08:00

This report suggests that on board flight internet might create a host of new problems, leading to "turbulence" of the human kind. I'm skeptical. On the contrary this will be so effective at keeping kids occupied, keeping nervous people focused on other things, and for most of us just turning a few hours of mildly stressful cramped seating into productive time.

Bah and Humbug - bring on the high flying WIFLY ASAP!

Flight Status from Google

2007-12-19T00:13:00.000-08:00

Google has improved their flight status information. Simply type in the airline and flight number at the Google search bar and you'll get updated information about flight status. Note this will generally be from the airlines which may or may not provide excellent information, but this is usually a great thing to use before heading off to the airport to pick up folks in these days of delays and troubled parking and access to pickups.

Here is more from Google

Flight Passes

2007-12-16T00:01:00.001-08:00

Flight passes offer you the ability to travel extensively within a region, and are genrally going to be a cheaper way to go if you are travelling to many cities. However be sure you understand all the charges, as some pricing will not mention taxes or extra fees, and some have restrictions such as having to fly in and out of a single hub rather than directly from city to city.

Budget travel has a nice summary of passes:

POPULAR FLIGHT PASSES AROUND THE GLOBE

Pass: Aerolineas Argentinas South America Pass 800/333-0276, aerolineas.com.ar The Basics: Flights within South America priced by mileage, starting at $300 for up to 2,500 miles Heads Up: Date changes allowed for $25

Pass: Cathay Pacific All Asia Pass cathay-usa.com The Basics: Flight to Hong Kong and a choice of 18 Asian cities over 21 days, for $1,499 Heads Up: Join the free online club to save $200; booking through a travel agent is mandatory

Pass: BWIA West Indies Airways Caribbean Pass 800/538-2942, bwee.com The Basics: Flights between eight Caribbean destinations, from $450 Heads Up: Destination changes for $25; no backtracking allowed

Pass: Star Alliance African Airpass staralliance.com The Basics: Up to 10 flights in 17 sub-Saharan countries, at 15¢ per mile Heads Up: Only sold to passengers flying a Star Alliance partner into Africa

Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong hub

2007-12-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

One of the best deals in international travel is the "All Asia Pass" from Cathay Pacific. The All Asia Pass allows you to take flights to any of about 20 major asian cities over a period of 21, 30, or 90 days. I've heard that one inconvenience is always returning to hub airports (I assume Hong Kong), but that inconvenience would save thousands on a trip to many cities.

Their Hong Kong facility is described here at Cathay's website.

Jet Blue in-flight email report

2007-12-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

Caroline says she was not that impressed with Jet Blue's new in flight e-mail service, but it sure sounds good to me based on her CNET report where she noted that using Yahoo mobile even allowed some web info like weather. This sounds very promising, and in flight browsing, which would be the "killer" in flight application, can't be far away.

Free printable city guides

2007-12-11T01:42:00.000-08:00

Arrrival Guides offers great, free, printable (PDF) guides to major world cities. The guides show attractions and some mapping for a good number of major cities around the world in the USA, Europe, Asia, and more.

Check them out.

Jetblue offering in-flight email

2007-12-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

Over at Webguild blog, Reshma is reporting that Jet Blue will offer in flight email services via WIFI. This is great news, coming on the heels of AA's in flight WIFI experiments.

I think airlines will find that in flight WIFI is a great, great service to offer on any flights, especially those that last more than an hour. An hour is often enough time to catch up on emails and not waste a day of travel time after which you are buried again. Good luck to Jet Blue and AA with these WIFI in-flight experiments!

AA to provide on board WIFI

2007-12-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

A gigantic hat tip to American Airlines AA.com for the decision to provide WIFI to passengers in flight. Crunch Gear reports today that this plan is in the works and it appears WIFI on AA flights will be available soon.

Laptop and Sprint phone use in China

2007-12-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

For the China trip to Biejing Airport code is PEK! Shanghai, Xiamen, and probably Hong Kong, I'm starting to plan how to get WIFI and/or use of my cell phone. Flyertalk has a forum page listing some of the challenges. People there suggest that a US Sprint modem card won't work because it's a different MHZ rating, though there may be China cards available. Also says Sprint has no agreement with China for mobile serve (this seems odd - I'm skeptical of that).

One suggests the hotel is likely to have power adapters but I'm guessing this is only in upscale places. During my 2003 trip to France and UK I would up jerry-rigging a plug adapter I bought in Paris for my laptop, chipping away until I got a way to plug it in. This worked partly because most laptop power supply adapters work at 240 and 120v.

Looks like a lot more research will be needed here. I'm shopping for a lightweight laptop so I can blog this trip.

Cell phone as boarding pass in Houston Airport

2007-12-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Barbara La Dollis writes about an experiment using cell phones as boarding passes at George Bush Airport in Houston, Texas USA. I think only Continental Airlines is using this right now, but I bet this will catch on fast.

This is a good idea because a cell phone is a very secure, info rich, "intelligent" environment. Most of us guard our phones carefully and report them when missing. The phone could easily contain an extensive amount of additional important information to expedite security and boarding, and ideally the airline could even more easily keep us informed of changes or issues.

Why not extend this to security? I'm sure my phone number and ID are already tagged in some TSA database, so why not pre-screen those who choose to participate as follows?

* Phone company is given permission to give TSA my data.
* I upload a set of photos for the master database. This data is also on the phone.
* At flight check in, internet or bluetooth or even a physical inspection of the phone is matched to the master database, pinpointing me as the travel guy who has been profiled already as "safe".
* Only those who opt in are profiled, and anyone can opt out of the system once in, and items like credit card data are strictly off limits.

USA Today: Top Air Travel stories for the week

2007-12-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

USA Today's online travel section is always a good place for some of the latest travel news. Today at the USA Today travel blog we learn that Wayne County Airport officials appear to have been living pretty high on the hog courting airlines and other stories:

USA Today Air Travel

Cathay Pacific All Asia Pass

2007-12-03T17:18:00.001-08:00

For my April China trip I've been researching air fares to asia and wanted to note a few interesting things.

My friend has recommended we take All Nippon Airways (Japan) due to an excellent San Francisco to Tokyo to Beijing route which appears to shave several hours off of the normal 20+ hour flight. He also thinks ANA is a great carrier.

I'm finding some of the best deals with Cathay Pacific, but they are just outside of our travel window in April. A current one appears to offer $750 flights SFO to Beijing or Shanghai, but travel must be completed by March 31st. Last year Cathay Pacific had a "Valentines" special that lasted through April and was only $674, but not sure we want to hold off that long to find out if they will run this again.

Thanksgiving Travel Smooth as Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

2007-11-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

The rumors of Thanksgiving holiday travel problems turned out to be greatly exaggerated as most airports ran smoothly over the holiday and travelers mostly made it home from Thanksgiving without incident.

AP Reports on a happily uneventful Thanksgiving Travel Season

Changi Airport Pictures

2007-11-24T23:55:00.000-08:00

Alice in Singapore has some great pictures of the new terminal at Changi Airport in Singapore.

Here blog is here and has a lot of great information about visiting Singapore as well as the recent Singapore Changi Airport article and photos.

Airport Wayfinder Kiosk System

2007-11-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Airport Wayfinder is a high tech kiosk system that is used in airports to orient travelers to the airport and the surrounding region. QuickAid.com was actually spawned out of this type of Airport travel kiosk system - the first of it's kind many years ago and now defunct as a kiosk system, though still ticking as this travel website.

Montreal, Canada YUL has a new Wayfinder system

Airline Food Survey

2007-11-22T21:54:00.001-08:00

Diet Detective has released another Airline Food Survey. United wins, though they are evaluating some pretty meagre offerings in the survey including those little $5 "snack boxes" that are now so common on many flights.

As much as I occaisonally enjoyed the occaisionally good online hot meal, I'm glad the airlines have chosen to stop that in favor of simpler, cheaper snacks. I think full meal service basically added over $10 per person to a coach ticket, and given the relatively modest quality of the meal I think my money is better spent on the ground. Of course some of the international flights have much better food, and we may see this become a marketing perk for all airlines in the future. In the meantime, happy snacking!

Chicago Airports over the holiday

2007-11-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Sun Times reviews the expected travel situation at Chicagoland airports. So far the holiday travel experience seems to have been OK for most travelers. News outlets are not reporting major delays from today's travel, though Sunday travel "home" may tell the big tale.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/660339,CST-NWS-air21.article