New SFO Control Tower

I got a glimpse of the new control tower at SFO recently. I like that it's styled rather than the cookie cutter tower that went up at US airports for the last 15 years.  I don't like that they replaced the old one from Dirty Harry and Bullitt. 

New Construction at SFO

It's the Rolls Royce of Jet Engines

Rolls Royce jet engines are made by Rolls Royce, a British company.  Rolls Royce cars are made by BWM, a German company. Boeing and Airbus jets are powered by Rolls, while Rolls Royce cars are powered by BMW. Confusing? You bet, they use the same logo too.  

This Roll Royce Doesn't Make Cars

Treat Someone Flying KLM

Surprise someone flying KLM with a special something delivered in flight.  KLM has a broad set of offerings including meals, jewelry, toys, and more.  I'd like the hat, MD-11 model, or the beach bag.

KLM MD-11 - Now Retired

United Airlines First Class Morning Flight

I was upgraded on a 6am United Airlines flight and couldn't sleep.  The flight had free DirecTV, but it was too early for anything good.  Breakfast was served and, despite the appearance, was tasty.  I was able to have a few drinks and enjoy the view out the window.  Not a bad flight, but I wish I could sleep better on airplanes. 

United Airlines 737-800 First Class Seat

First Class Breakfast

No Map Required

I know where we are!

Do You Know This Airport - Many MD-80's There

Flying from JFK to LGA

Bad weather around New York forced some flights to divert from LGA to JFK.  Not a bad option if passengers are permitted to deplane.  It does create a silly situation of flights from JFK to LGA.  There were at least 8 earlier this week.  If I were diverted and not in a rush, I'd try to take that flight, just to say I flew from JFK to LaGuardia once.  Besides, it's only a 16 minute flight (11 miles direct, 65 miles flown for UA 682). 

UA 682 - JFK to LGA, from FlightAware.com

The Dilemma of Fuel Surcharges with British Airways’ Miles

I’d like to fly to London or Paris this spring for vacation and since I have a six figure British Airways Avios miles balance, I naturally thought I could use them to fly direct to London from Denver.  I’m most excited about flying British Airways’ premium economy class; even though they have a newer business class and I have the miles for it.  I’ve never flown premium economy on any carrier (extra leg room seats on domestic airlines are not premium economy) and I think this product will take up more space on aircraft in the future.

British Airways 787 in Austin, Texas

Premium economy class has different seats than economy class, but aren’t as good as business class.  Usually they are wider, 7 across rather than 9, and have more legroom and better recline.  Only Air New Zealand has flat beds in premium economy, other carriers offer recliners with a foot rest.  The catering up upgraded too and larger luggage allowances are provided.

Lufthansa is Adding Premium Economy Seats Too

The problem is the taxes and fees on the reservation.  The fare is 75,000 miles for the round trip then British Airways adds $805 in taxes and fees, including carrier fuel surcharges.  To pay with cash, the premium economy fare is $2,500, so 75,000 miles save me $1,700.  That’s about 2.27 cents per mile; not bad value, but not great either.  I then searched for economy fares and I can fly round trip in coach, with a stop each way, for only $860.  $55 more in cash, no miles spent, miles earned (credited to Delta unfortunately), and I still visit London.  I think I’ll just pay cash and go coach.

Delta Only Has Business and Coach