Mr Bussa, we’re making changes to the Executive Club

I dread emails from airlines announcing changes to frequent flyer programs.  They are never good news. Prices are raising for premium cabin travel, first class is 33% more, business class 50% more, and premium economy 33% more. Coach is the same, but the expensive fuel surcharge fees make coach a losing proposition anyway. Book before April 28 to avoid the higher prices, full details here.

I Can't Afford a Business Class Ticket With These Changes

Thoughts on an MD-80

Here's a nice obituary for an MD-80.  Airports have had American MD-80's for as long as I can remember, it will be a big change when they are gone.

American Airlines MD-80's

New Camera - Sony W830

My dependable Canon point & shoot has retired.  One of the in inner lenses got some dirt on it and repairs are not cost effective. My new point & shoot is the Sony W830. My iPhone is great for quick snaps with no zoom and good lighting, but I need a small camera that is good in low light and with an optical zoom. I settled on the Sony because I got a smoking deal on it.  I'm still getting used to the differences between Sony and Canon and am excited to post some new pictures. Contrary to many recent news stories, there still is a need for point & shoots, even though the market has shrunk.

New Photo Machine

Dirt That Forced My Canon To Retire Above Terminal

There's a Slight Shutter Delay - Still Learning

Have the Shutter Delay Under Control

A few samples

The joy of optical zoom

Works at night too

Negative 19 Minute Connection Confuses United.com

I made a negative 19 minute connection in Houston this week.  My flight from EWR was 37 minutes early and the next flight to Denver was a 4 minute jog away.  Even with the lackadaisical nature of people deplaning in front of me, I made it to the Denver flight before the paperwork was finished.  I was added to the flight in seat 2A; happily a first class passenger didn't make it and his seat hadn't been filled by someone else.  I saw on United.com that their IT didn't quite know how to show a negative connection time.

Yes, I Did Make This Connection

Alaska Airlines' New Logo

I don't like it.  Alaska Airlines is now just Alaska and I think the new logo and branding loses some of the brand's charm.  The new logo is bolder (typographically not emotionally), drops "Airlines," and changes K to not overlap the final A.  It's easier to read, but is missing something.

I Don't Like It

Southwest A-List Status for $275

The Southwest fast track to A-List status offer I received got me thinking.  I only need four flights and I can go to OKC for $69 each way.  Elite status for less than $300 is very tempting.  Add in that I've never been to Oklahoma, so I get to check off another state (I'm at 42).  I might spend a little more if there isn't much to see in Oklahoma City; MCI, SEA, LAX, SLC, and PDX are all less than $100 each way.

Southwest Moving In On United

Southwest Status Offer for Denver Flyers – 2015

Southwest Airlines is offering a fast track to elite frequent flyer status for Denver area flyers in 2015.  Six one way flights, rather than 25, and you are set.  This is a good way to boost ticket sales originating in Denver and will likely tempt low level United elites and demoralized Frontier regulars.  Southwest is the second largest airline in Denver and they are still pushing to gain market share.  This promotion lowers the switching costs to flyers with elite status on competitors and cheaply creates new Southwest regulars.  I doubt United or Frontier will match.  A-List status would cost less than $400, so I'm tempted to take them up on the offer.

Sun Rising On Southwest Travel

Fine print: Only the Rapid Rewards Member who received this offer from Southwest Airlines® is eligible for this promotion. Offer is nontransferable. Member must register for this promotion between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015 to quality for promotional A-List status and must do so prior to commencement of travel. Member must either complete three qualifying roundtrip revenue flights (or six one-way revenue flights) or earn 8,750 Tier Qualifying Points between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015. Qualifying three roundtrips (or six one-ways) must be booked between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015.