Airports can opt-out from the TSA

With the TSA's reputation becoming worse everyday Airports need to consider that they do have a choice, by Law  they can opt-out and go back to Private security screening, the TSA would still have a presence at those Airports with a Supervisor present. Some Airports already have private security and the Tests that are done at random on these Airport checkpoints do not suggest that Private versus government are any better.Airlines are reluctant to go back to private as they would be paying more of the costs than they do with the TSA standing guard.

American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy

How can American Airlines file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy when some carriers are on target to post a profit of close to a billion dollars this year ?
With the new found ways of the industry to make money and lots of it with ad ons such as Bag fees, reservation fees, seat assignment fees, meals, etc. In a year where air travel is up and so are air fares American did not plan well for its future, their equipment is old and therefore they have had to order many new aircraft and for the fleet they currently have more mechanical problems arise which in turn costs them for cancellations and delays. Their work contracts are expensive and their routes are in competition with the other Airlines, instead of finding their own niche routes. A s a legacy carrier and one which I have had some memorable travel on I hope they find a way out and move forward.

Taking your pet on the plane

When you plan to take your pet on board be sure to ask for the pitch of the seat, there are many types of configurations on a plane and therefore the height of the seat varies immensely, so when you book your reservation ask for the height measurement of the seat where you will stow your pet in front of your own seat for the duration of the flight. These days some aircraft on some airlines will not be able to even accommodate your pet in carrier as they have the entertainment electronics under the seats and therefore no room for a pet. Also make sure you have a reservation for your pet as there are restrictions on how many on board pets are allowed in ratio to how many seats on the aircraft.

Dress codes for flying, In the news.

In the news today was the idea that Airlines should have dress codes, this is not an unreasonable request if the Airlines decide to implement. In years past it was a celebration of sorts that you had arrived with a lifestyle that was conducive to success when you flew and you dressed accordingly, as in suites and Sunday best dresses.
Now anything goes, pants falling below the under wear line, midriffs that would look better on the beach and T- shirts with slogans that would make an army major blush. Shops and restaurants have the rite to demand what their customers that frequent their business wear, so why not airlines.

Now is the Best time to Travel

Historically between 2 major holidays, in this case Thanksgiving and the Fast approaching Christmas Holidays travel is lite, therefore Airlines try to compensate by lowering their Fares. You will find both Domestic and International Fares considerably lower between now and when the Christmas Holiday travel traditionally starts on December 16th.

Thanksgiving Traffic.

Vacations must be getting longer for Thanksgiving, unlike years past where everyone traveled the day before, this week saw a steady stream of travelers at the Airports one week out with the day before no less or no more busier than the previous 5 days before the actual Holiday.But one thing that never changes are the days after, Saturday and Sunday being more concentrated with the bulk of the travelers returning on those days ready for work or other necessities Monday.
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving !

an Historic day for United and Continental Airlines.

On November 30Th United Airlines and Continental Airlines will Finally be under one operators certificate, in other words the merger between the 2 airlines will be complete at least on Paper [ a ways to go to merging cultures, union and operating procedures ] the call sign which is the Airline code in front of the Flight number and the sign Pilots will use as an identifier with Air Traffic Control will become UAL for both Airlines.