737 Updates - PSU

Changing the little things about travel can make a big difference.  The passenger service units (PSU) are one great example.  Below are old and new versions on the 737, the new lights are LED and better for reading while using less power and maintenance.  The air vents are better too by spreading the air more evenly.  Airbus has improved PSU's on the A320 family too.

Old Style PSU

New Style Lights and Air

Private Jet Inflight Entertainment

Private jets have the best seats, entertainment, bathrooms, and everything else really.  The equipment is usually made by suppliers that also sell to airlines, so there is a chance it will make it's way into commercial airliners.  Gold plated lavatory fixtures and showers seem unlikely on Southwest, but Emirates has onboard showers for A380 first class passengers.  

747-800 Cabin Model

Lufthansa Technik Cabin Model

Airshow (in flight map system) has an iPad app that gives a "panoramic view that allows passengers to see a moving map of the outside world from any direction the iPad is pointed – as if the aircraft were transparent."  Currently it is only available for business jets, but it should be easy to make it work on airliners that already have Airshow and wifi.  Wifi is another great example, originally only on business jets, it's now on most airlines and rather inexpensive.  I'm excited to see the next technologies that will be tested in private aviation and rolled out to commercial aviation. 

A320 Shower

Boeing BBJ Dining Arrangement

Bombardier Global 6000 Aft Stateroom and Shower

US Airways E175

I bought an E175 model for myself for Christmas from the US Airways Company Store.  I really like the look of the Embraer E-Jet family, so here's one of many pictures I have.

E175 at SAV

Flight Cancellation Rebooking Help Action Items

My flight on Monday was cancelled because the flight crew never arrived. I was sitting at the gate looking at the aircraft and watching the estimated departure time increment 10 minutes every ten minutes.  The gate agent did not share where the crew was coming from, just that they could arrive any minute and not to leave the gate area.  After three hours of this, the flight was cancelled.  What should you do in this situation?

Not Moving Today

1. Find alternate options while waiting. Pull up the airline website and see what else can get you to your destination. Help your cause by finding other ways to your destination.  This will help when you talk to an agent about alternatives.  Keep it all on the original carrier.  Since airline deregulation in the 70's, US carriers are not obligated to put you on an open seat with another airline.
2. Call your airline while you are waiting to see if they can switch you to another flight.  Once your flight is delayed, they should drop change fees.  If you don't like the first answer you hear, hang up and try again.
3. Airline club staff can assist in rebooking if you have a membership or a day pass.  The lines are shorter, so you will wait less and have a longer conversation about alternatives than at the general customer service counter. 
4. Once the flight is cancelled, call the airline and move quickly to the customer service counter or airline club.  You are likely to talk to a phone agent before an airport agent and they can get you started on rebooking.  If they offer an option you don't like, propose a better option from the list of alternatives you made.  Not all alternatives may be available, but some agents look a basic A to B options while A to C to B may be preferable.
5. If you are spending the night and it it the airline's fault (crew, maintenance, almost anything else besides weather) ask an airport agent for a hotel voucher and food vouchers (has to be done at the airport).  Also if you checked a bag, ask if it will be held by the airline or returned; don't assume one or the other.  

Plan B

The earlier it is, the easier same day rebooking will be because there are more options and fewer displaced travelers.  A few other extreme options if you desperately need to leave:

• Book a flight on Southwest as a back up.  You can cancel without penalty before departure.  It will probably cost more, but you will have a seat.  If your flight is cancelled, the original airline will refund your ticket (that half of the round trip most likely) without a change fee.
• Book a refundable ticket on another carrier.  This will cost much more than Southwest, but it guarantees a seat out that day.

Denver Airport Construction Mess

The Denver airport improvement project is 36% over budget and not even close to being completed. The Denver Post has a fascinating story on the boondoggle with details of poor planning, nervous bond ratings agencies, and no concern for value or customer experience. Another interesting item is the airport is planning a seventh (hardly necessary) runway at a cost of $400,000,000.

Airport Construction on March 3, 2014

Australia, Credit Cards, & Frequent Flyer Miles

Americans have it pretty good in the miles game, even with recent devaluations.  There is ample competition and a myriad of ways to earn miles.  The best bang for the buck is through credit card sign up bonuses.  Many miles cards give generous bonuses for a little spending in the first three months; some even waive the annual fee for the first year.  Canadians have it rough; I looked up options for a friend and cards came with low sign up bonuses and high fees.  It wasn't really worth while because a basic cash back card would deliver better value.  

The Wait For An Award Can Seem Interminable

Australians have it even worse because many merchants charge a fee on credit card transactions, so each swipe is a losing proposition unless the card earns stellar rewards.  Add that to long distances and limited competition and the points game is not the best value proposition.  CreditCardCompare.com.au put together an interesting info-graphic on the costs of business class flights out of Australia.  Round trip to London costs between 102,000 miles and 281,608   That is a ridiculous spread and understanding the cheapest way to reach an award goal, say round trip in business class, can greatly decrease the costs of the award.  The research did not look at award availability, partner possibilities, or difference in business class quality.  It is important though to do some research before earning miles to optimize award possibilities and value for miles.

FAA Aircraft Registration Look Up

Ever wonder how old an aircraft is?  The FAA will let you look it up on line; I saved the link to my iPhone favorites. http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/nnum_inquiry.aspx

Boeing 737-3TO, Manufactured in 1985