April 12, 2016: Despite reports that major US airlines have improved over the last year on landing on time, handling baggage and ensuring seats for all ticket holders, consumer satisfaction is still on the decline — with the number of complaints continuing to increase from last year. The airlines probably expect praise for doing the bare minimum of their job requirements — but perhaps landing on time 4% more often isn’t enough to forgive the rising ticket prices, add-on fees, shrinking seats, and nonexistent customer service.
April 11, 2016: By early spring, many airlines will have devaluated some of their more popular frequent flyer mileage awards — requiring more miles to find already hard to find travel awards. Lead by American Airlines (who had the courtesy to provide advance warning) and Alaska (who used an announced back door), many of the changes require more miles for international seats and seats on partner airlines. Frequent flyer programs are costly to administer, require airlines to give up seats they can now sell, and are just a cumbersome benefit that most would like to give up, now that business is so good. The TC’s advice: book on partner airlines, take the time and call to work with a reservations agent who has all the information (pay the fee — it’s worth it) and don’t be surprised if international ticket fee’s exceed $1000 — that’s still a good price for a guaranteed business class seat!
April 8. 2016: The recent TSA incident at LAX — off duty JetBlue flight attendant deadheading back to New York — trying to smuggle 11 packages of cocaine inside one of her carry on bags — street value in excess of $3 million — brought to light that off duty airline flight employees are given a “pass” when it comes to full security screening. The flight attendant dropped the package, kicked off her shoes and ran away out the terminal front door before anyone knew what was going on. The next day, dressed in street clothes, found here way to board another flight from the same airport to New York. TSA says that full screening off duty airlines employees would be expensive and time consuming. Basically, if you’re on the tourist watch list, you get the full screening program; if just a common criminal on the run, welcome aboard!
April 6, 2016: SF’s iconic St Francis Hotel — with their newer tower building in the background. The hotel, now run by soon to be merged Starwood, has been around for over 200 years — sad to report the restaurant-observation lounge atop the tower, access by outside glass elevator, is closed. Also sadder to report the popular streets around Union Square over populated in the early am with overnight homeless — shameful the city and merchants can’t figure out how to help — especially with all the city add on fees with most retail and food charges!!
April 5, 2016: The opening of Las Vegas’s new T-Mobile Arena is causing a stir among Vegas tourists. MGM’s new arena, rumored to be the home of the NHL’s next expansion team, will be a premier location for regular sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale shows. The projected increase in visitors has pushed the MGM Grand, and surrounding resorts, Aria, Monte Carlo and New York-New York, to start charging event-night parking fees, and even higher valet fees.
April 4, 2016: It appears Richard Branson’s group has found a US partner for a full take over. Today, Alaska Air Groups announced their plans to acquire Virgin America. Too bad — SFO based Virgin has distinguished itself recently with outstanding traveler recognition — Best Airline in North America, Best Airline Staff and Best Low Cost Airline — can’t name one US carrier with that even comes close! The TC’s take: Alaska is known as ons of the best managed airlines, from on time performance to traveler innovations. Alaska definitely didn’t need the acquisition, but you can now expect them to grow into a national juggernaut looking to set the bar for customer satisfaction.
