United Same Day Standby Woes

I needed to leave on a later flight last week while on a business trip.  United offers free same day changes to some members (Gold and higher, Silver has no discount), so there was no cost and a good flight option too.  Unfortunately everyone had already been upgraded on my new flights, so I was relegated to coach.  There was a lot of room to stretch out though.

Tons of Room in Economy Plus

The 747 Is Still the Best Aircraft for Advertising

The 747 is falling out of favor with airlines around the world.  777’s are the most common replacement, but the A380 and the new A350 are also moving into the 747’s space.  The newest 747 model, the 747-8, can carry more people with the same amount of fuel.  Lufthansa is currently the only passenger operator and they have 10 more seats, 26 more business class seats and 16 fewer coach seats, so much better revenue options.

Delta & SPG Lift Ad

The 747 is still best airplane for advertising.  An SPG and Delta cobranded promotion I saw in an aloft lift (yes, that’s what they call it, and that’s part of the brand) used Delta’s 747 to grab attention.  It works too.  The silhouette of the aircraft is beautiful and I enjoy seeing them every time.  I doubt that ad would work nearly as well with a 737, A320, A330, or 777.  Delta also decided not to use their newly acquired 20 year old 717’s either.  The 747 is still the best aircraft for advertising jobs, too bad airlines don’t think it is as well suited to move passengers.

Dull Delta 717

Frontier Airlines Coupon Code

Frontier will offer a 12% discount on domestic fares from Tuesday, July 15, 2014 through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, Thursday, July 17, 2014. The discount will apply to regular and sale fares for domestic travel August 20 through December 12, 2014. Blackout dates of November 21-26, and November 29–December 1, 2014 apply.  All fare rules will apply.

Tickets must be purchased online at FlyFrontier.com using the promo codeHITTHEBOOKS. No exceptions will be made.

Frontier Flight in Houston

United Is Serious About Carry On Sizes

United has a new warning message on the online check in about carry on bags. The airline must have finally noticed the large contraptions passengers have been attempting to shove in overhead bins recently.  I applaud this move, but the real test is with gate agents using the bag sizer and not letting large bags on, then charging for a checked bag.  The rules aren't new or hard to find, but just need to be enforced.    

Carry On Bag Reminder

UPDATE:  They also had messages on the self check in machine and on the boarding gate monitors.  None of the gate agents checked the sizes though.

United Airlines First Class Late Night Snack

United Airlines serves full meals in first class on flights longer than 900 miles, but don't try too hard for departures after 7:00PM and only offer one cold plate meal option. Here's a recent example of humus and some other stuff.  I liked the cold chicken and pasta salad, but I guess budget cuts make every meal the vegetarian option. 

United First Class Snack - Humus and Other Stuff

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental For Sale - Brand New

Need a new 747-8 Intercontinental, but don't want to wait in line?  Well you are in luck, a 747-8 purchased for VIP use is for sale, brand new and ready for cabin outfitting.  Lufthansa is the only operator of the passenger 747-8 at the moment and cabin outfitting can take two years or longer, so don't expect to be flying around in a 747-8 without a crane on the tail soon. 

The 747-400 Isn't Very VVIP Anymore

Happy 4th of July

Happy travels!

I Like The US Airways Design