Atlanta Ice Storm

Southwest and AirTran cancelled all their flights out of ATL today and won't start flying until 1:00pm tomorrow.  That seems a little extreme.  I'm in suburban Atlanta this week for work and was able to drive to Waffle House for dinner without issue (though at 30 mph rather than the posted 55 mph).  I would expect Southwest to run a partial operation like other carriers.  As long as United is flying Friday, I'll be fine.

Southwest and AirTran in Better Weather

Dreamliner Excitement

I'm at Denver with a flight delay, but I just spotted the United 787 Dreamliner taxiing out to the runway and was stuck by excitement.  Even with fog and delays, flying and airports are still amazing.

Even Spirit Airlines Can Be Exciting

Ready For The 787-9?

EWR's gates are ready for the 787-9, too bad deliveries are a few years away.

777-200 & 787-9 Parking

Blue1 - Now a Charter Airline

SAS ran Blue1 as a low cost airline to compete with Norwegian.  It didn't work and now Blue1's beautifully painted 717's are used for charter flights. That's a shame because Blue1 had the best looking planes in the air. 

Blue1 717 Tail

Norwegian 737

Milwaukee - Chicago's Third Airport

Illinois is still trying to obtain federal funding for a third Chicago airport in south suburban Peotone.  This plan was unlikely before O'Hare spent $8.7 billion on a modernization program; it's impossible now.  A third Chicago airport was always unnecessary because Milwaukee is a $22 one hour train ride away from downtown Chicago (or an hour or so drive) with plenty of space and gates.  Milwaukee is Chicago's third airport and has better prices on flights (even if their first connection is in Chicago), $5 a day parking, handles poor weather better, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Clean, Quiet, Plenty of Seating - Fly Milwaukee

Never Buy Miles at Check In

My dad called and asked about buying miles at check in recently.  United offered to sell him miles for about 3c each.  He thought that was a good price, but I disagree.  First he has almost 1 million miles in his account; with a balance that size, you don't need more to reach a certain award.  Also miles are subject to inflation, so the more you hold, the higher the cost of award price inflation.  Finally miles can be purchased for cheaper if they are needed.  The United shopping offers, flowers and magazines usually, can yield more than 33 miles per dollar spent.  Unless you need the miles tomorrow, never buy then directly from United.

United Heavy jets at EWR

Starbucks Rewards Woes

Even my Starbucks Rewards status feels light.  I need to start flying soon.  Luckily I have a business trip this month.

28 More For Gold Status

UPDATE 2/2: I must be great at complaining because Starbucks is running a bonus Stars program.  "Start collecting Stars now through February 11 and earn up to 20 Bonus Stars. With so many new treats you’ll have enough Stars in no time.  Earn 8 Stars and get 10 bonus Stars,

Earn 12 Stars and get 20 bonus Stars."