Delta International Economy Confort
More comfort is coming to an international flight near you. Starting this summer, you'll experience more space, legroom, and recline on our long-haul international flights as we introduce "Economy Comfort"—a new section of seats located at the front of the Economy cabin that will feature up to four more inches of extra legroom and 50 percent more recline.

SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion level members who purchase an International Economy ticket on Delta will receive free access to Economy Comfort seats. Gold and Silver Medallions, International Economy ticket on Delta receive a 50% and 25% discount, respectively, on applicable Economy Comfort seat fee.

Airlines Do Better in 2010, But Weather Hurts Them
You can’t win for losing in the airline industry. Business last year was the best it’s been since before the 2008 recession, according to a just-released International Air Transport Association report on 2010. But severe weather in the U.S. and Europe put a dent in that recovery, with storms on both sides of the Atlantic shaving an estimated one percent off traffic numbers in December alone.

As a result passenger demand grew just 4.9 percent over December 2009 , significantly lower than the 8.2 percent growth recorded in November. Hardest hit was Europe, which saw December growth slow to 3.3 percent. However, demand for passenger business was up 8.2 percent and load factors were up 2.7 percent. What regions of the world saw the most growth? The Middle East, where business grew 17.2 percent. (Source: IATA press release).

Airfares Go Up
Airfares in the U.S. increased 10.7 percent to $340 in the third quarter, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Newark-Liberty, NJ, had the highest average fare, $469, while Atlantic City, NJ, had the lowest, $153.

That sounds like a healthy jump until you compare today’s fares to those in 2000. When adjusted for inflation, third-quarter 2010 fares in 1995 dollars were $238, down 19.8 percent from the average fare of $297 in the third quarter of 2000, the inflation-adjusted high for any third-quarter since 1995. (Source: DOT press release).

Airlines Expected to Reap Highest Profits in a Decade
AirlineFinancials.com is estimating the eight largest U.S. airlines will report $3.95 billion in profits from $122.2 billion in revenues for year 2010, with their average net profit margin projected at 3.3 percent.

Assuming these projections are accurate, this would be the highest annual profit in more than 10 years and the second highest annual revenue ever reported. It will also be the first time in a decade that the airline industry will have a fourth quarter profit and a profit over three consecutive quarters. All the airlines reported a profit for 2010 and the fourth quarter, except American. The carriers covered include Delta, American, United (including Continental), US Airways, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska and Air Tran. (Source: AirlineFinancials.com.)

GoGo and Ford Offer You Free Facebook Inflight in February
GoGo Inflight Internet and Ford Motor Company are offering travelers flying on GoGo-equipped aircraft free access to Facebook for February. Participating airlines include AirTran, Alaska, American, Delta, United, USAirways and Virgin America.

To use it, turn on your device (after the aircraft is above 10,000 feet), select the GoGo wireless network, open your browser and click on the Ford/Facebook banner. (Source: GoGo press release).

The Front of the Plane is Filling Up
The front of the plane is filling up again, according to the International Air Transport Association. Premium class seats are up 16 percent in the Far East, up 10 percent between Europe and the Far East and up 9 percent on the North Atlantic.

Despite the improvement, premium business is still below late 2007 levels. Mexicana’s bankruptcy continues to have an impact in Central America, where premium travel is down 63 percent. (Source: IATA press release).

March passenger traffic on U.S. airlines fell by 10 percent, while the overall cost to fly one mile fell by 13 percent. Declines extended beyond the mainland United States to transatlantic, transpacific and Latin markets. (Source: Air Transport Association press release).

Airlines Cut Fares
JetBlue Airways trimmed $100 off some of its nonrefundable fares. Air France introduced a lower priced business “leisure” fare for the summer and Continental Airlines cut BusinessFirst fares to Asia. JetBlue dropped nonrefundable fares from $599 to $499 on 24 of its transcontinental routes.

Air France is offering a 60-day advance purchase business fare to 25 popular destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Sample roundtrip fares: New York-Paris, $2,222, Houston-Madrid, $2,622 and Chicago-Zurich, $2,458. Continental is now offering fares from the New York area to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo starting at $3,076. (Source: Air France, Continental, JetBlue press releases).

Delta, Northwest Merge Frequent Flyer Programs in SkyMiles Card

American Express has launched a marketing campaign to build awareness for the SkyMiles cards in key Delta hubs that were formerly Northwest hubs within the U.S. including Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis.

The Northwest WorldPerks and Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer programs are merging, but Northwest members will have to apply for a Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express to continue earning miles both from credit card purchases and from flying. American Express is expanding benefits in the program, so that card members can earn and redeem miles in more ways and places, including the ability to earn double miles on all Delta and Northwest operated flights.

Gold and Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit card members and Delta Reserve card members, who now earn Double Miles on virtually every dollar of spend with Delta, can also earn Double Miles on all purchases made with Delta’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Northwest.

The Pay with Miles feature, which currently allows Gold, Platinum and Reserve card members to book Delta flights with no black-out dates or inventory restrictions on delta.com, will also be expanded to all Northwest-operated flights. (Source: American Express press release).

Corporate America Curtails Travel to Mexico
Forty-seven percent of members of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) responding to a survey of the impact of the swine flu on their company’s travel said that their companies have restricted business travel to Mexico.

Three percent have restricted travel to the U.S. and Mexico, while 7 percent are restricting travel to any country with reported cases of H1N1 swine influenza. One percent reported restricting travel to the U.S. only. Forty-two percent are claiming no travel restrictions at all. Excluding travel to Mexico, only 11 percent of respondents cited travel restrictions.

Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association said airlines were prepared for dealing with swine flu, saying IATA has worked with WHO to prepare guidance materials for front-line staff at airlines, including cabin crew, maintenance workers, cleaners, passenger agents and cargo/baggage handlers. WHO advises there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. (Source: ACTE, IATA press releases).

Security

Customs Deactivates Older NEXUS Cards
U.S. Customs and Border Protection canceled old NEXUS cards for current NEXUS members on May 1. CBP has been mailing new NEXUS cards, a card that simplifies border crossing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, to all members since November. The new cards have enhanced security features and allow U.S. and Canadian citizen cardholders to comply with the documentary requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

All members must activate their new cards within 30 days, verify and update their U.S. mailing address by going to https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/.
NEXUS members should destroy their old cards after activating their new ones.
(Source: Customs press release).

North American Carriers Are Single Bright Spot in Dismal Global Aviation Market
The International Air Transport Association revised its outlook for global aviation last month, forecasting $4.7 billion loss for 2009, a bigger loss than the $2.5 billion it projected in December. But it said that North American carriers were doing the best and forecasting a $100 million combined profit for the year for them.

IATA said they had matched a 7.5 percent fall in demand with 7.5 percent in capacity cuts. It also said they benefited management and lower spot fuel prices. The current economic turmoil is hitting Asia Pacific carriers the hardest.

The Middle East is the only region to see demand grow, and capacity grew more.  European carriers are expected to lose $1 billion. An expected 2.9 percent drop in the Europe’s GDP probably will cause demand to drop 6.5 percent. (Source: IATA press release).

Delta Phases Out Northwest Signs
Delta Air Lines absorption of Northwest has moved to the frontline. Nearly 40,000 flight attendants, pilots, airport lounge  representatives, ticket counter and gate agents now are wearing Delta livery.

New Delta signs are now up at more than 400 ticket counters, gates and baggage claim areas at three hub airports in Detroit, Memphis and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Delta has already rebranded 119 other airports worldwide.

By the end of next year, all Northwest planes will be painted Delta colors.
The two carriers have already synchronized flight schedules and route maps. (Source: Delta press release).

Delta Offers Up To Triple Miles through June 15
Delta Air Lines is offering SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks members up to triple flown miles toward elite status on select fares purchased for travel through June 15.

Travelers will earn triple miles on first, business and premium economy fares; double miles on discounted economy fares. Travelers will earn actual miles on deeply discounted fares.

The bonus applies only to miles counting towards Medallion or Elite status.  Medallion and Elite Qualification Segments—another way to qualify for elite status—are not included.

To qualify for Medallion status, fliers must earn 25,000 qualified
miles. (Source: Delta press release).

American to Install Wi-Fi on 300 more Planes over Next Two Years
It’s getting easier to stay connected in flight. American Airlines will install  Gogo Inflight Internet on more than 300 domestic aircraft over the next two years.

It already has Wi-Fi on 15 of its 767-200s, which are primarily used on nonstops between New York’s JFK and San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami.

It will install the service on 150 MD-80 aircraft this year and then move on to its Boeing 737-800 fleet. The cost is $12.95 for flights more than three hours, $9.95 for flights three hours or less and $7.95 for a pass for customers using a handheld device on flights of any length (Source: American press release).

Southwest Continues Adding Priority Security Access for Business Select, Rapid Rewards Customers
Southwest Airlines has introduced priority security lane access for its Business Select and Rapid Reward A-list customer at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

It’s already in place at several other Southwest airports, including Baltimore/Washington International, Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Orange County John Wayne, Denver International, San Francisco International, and Los Angeles International. It will continue to add it as needed. (Source: Southwest press release).

Amtrak Offers Lower Acela Fares
Amtrak is offering new low fares on Acela Express trains, saving passengers up to 25 percent on previous lowest fares. Acela Business class tickets start at $99 between Washington, DC (WAS) and New York (NYP), and $79 between New York and Boston (BOS).

A 14-day advance purchase policy applies, and availability is limited. Fares are available through June 26. The tickets are one-way and nonrefundable, but can be exchanged. (Source: Amtrak press release).

Demand continues to fall faster than airlines can cut capacity; capacity cuts were two percent. The decline was biggest in Asia, 8.4 percent; North America was second with 6.2 percent.

The Middle East was the only region to see traffic grow, 3.1 percent. There was one bit of good news: the fact that fuel prices remain well below last year’s levels. But IATA projects that airline revenues will drop $35 billion to $500 billion this year. (Source: IATA press release).

Southwest Offers Free Wi-Fi on Four Planes
Southwest Airlines expects to have four aircraft with in-flight Wi-Fi this month –you’ll be able to tell if you’re aboard one from the placards you see upon boarding and onboard instruction sheets.

Southwest is offering the service for free during the test period. Passengers will be able to log on using Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, iPhones and smart phones. Southwest is also offering an in-flight homepage with the service. It includes an in-flight homepage with a flight tracker and local news and information.

Passengers can follow the plane’s flight path and view points of interest they’re flying over. Cellular technology will not work. (Source: Southwest press release).

More Airlines Go Cash-Free
United Airlines and American Airlines are phasing out cash in flight and will only accept major credit cards and debit cards after a transition period. United is introducing EasyPurchase March 23.

After a brief transition, it will only accept credit and debit cards on flights within the United States, including Hawaii, and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It will continue to accept cash on flights to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America. On United Express, it will continue to accept cash.

American will begin its transition to credit and debit cards only this summer on flights within the United States and to and from Canada. (Source: United, American press releases).

Delta Enables Mileage Transfers Between Sky Miles, Worldperks
Delta Air Lines said that Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks members now can link frequent flyer accounts and transfer miles between both accounts at no charge. Members who link their accounts before March 15, 2009 will earn 500 bonus miles.

This means members who have SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts can visit delta.com to link their accounts and transfer any amount of miles into either account on an unlimited basis. Both accounts will remain open and functioning until late 2009 when Delta plans to merge the two programs. (Source: Delta press release).

More Accidents But Fewer Fatalities in 2008
On the bright side, aviation safety performance improved, with the total number of aviation fatalities dropping from 692 in 2007 to 502 in 2008, a 56 percent improvement in the fatality rate, according to IATA.

There were more accidents in 2008—109 compared to 100—and the number of fatal accidents increased from 20 in 2007 to 23 in 2008. There were regional differences. North Asia had zero losses.

North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific performed better than the global average; Africa’s accident rate was 2.6 times worse than the world average, but that was a vast improvement over 2005, when it was the worst in the world. Separately, the U.S. Department of Transportation said that the U.S. has seen a 65 percent reduction in the aviation fatal accident rate between 1997 and 2006.

Before the fatal crash in Buffalo last month, the DOT said that there had been no fatal commercial accidents for more than two years. (Source: IATA, DOT press releases).

American AAdvantage Reduces Mileage Accrual, But Drops FF Booking Fee
American Airlines’ AAdvantage no longer offers minimum mileage guarantee for its non-elite status members for shorter flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, oneworld member airlines, AAdvantage participating airlines as well as rail service and codeshare service booked under an AA flight number.

Customers now will earn AAdvantage miles only for the actual miles flown or, in some cases, for the applicable percentage of miles flown. But, in a give-back for travelers, American has eliminated the $5 fee to book frequent flyer miles. (Source: American Airlines press release).

New Delta Three-Tiered Award Structure Gives More Flexibility for Redeeming Miles
Delta Air Lines new three-tiered Award structure allows customers to combine dates, as well as Economy, First and BusinessElite cabin seating at various mileage levels to create their itineraries.

SkyMiles members also are able, once again, to use miles to book the last seat on a flight. For booking a round-trip flight, tiers now start at 25,000, 40,000 and 60,000 miles rather than 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Customers may search for and book Award Travel using the new structure online. Members cam earn miles with Delta, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers, Delta AirElite and other SkyTeam airlines as well as with more than 100 partners, including the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express. (Source: Delta press release)

American Offers Priority Check
in and Boarding to Eite and Premium Travelers at JFK American Airlines is now offering PriorityAAccess privileges at John F. Kennedy International Airport to AAdvantage elite status members, First and Business Class travelers, AAirpass customers, and full-fare Economy Class customers.

They get a dedicated check-in area at the ticket counter, go through exclusive security screening lanes and have a separate boarding lane at JFK departure gates.

Signs clearly mark special check-in areas and security lanes. Priority AAcess security lanes are also available at Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, Los Angeles, New York La Guardia, St. Louis, San Francisco, Boston and San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Source: AA press release).

Global Entry Program Speeds Frequent Travelers Through Passport Control
at Chicago
US. Customs has opened Global Entry centers at Chicago O’Hare International to expedite international arrival processing for returning U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Global Entry travelers go to a special kiosk and insert their U.S. passports or lawful permanent resident cards into a document reader. The kiosk will direct travelers to provide digital fingerprints and will compare that biometric data with the fingerprints on file.

Global Entry is in place at JFK, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston and Washington Dulles airports. (Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release).

TSA, Continental Test Paperless Boarding in Cleveland
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Continental Airlines are testing Paperless Boarding Passes at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

The boarding passes are passengers’ cell phones or PDAs. The passes have bar codes and passenger and flight information; security officers check them with handheld scanners. (Source: Continental press release).

TSA Expands Self Select Lanes to Newark
The Transportation Security Administration has expanded its Self-Select Lanes to Newark International Airport; 44 airports now have these lanes, which direct travelers based on their travel needs and knowledge.

Casual are for less frequent travelers, Family/Special Assistance for those traveling with small children or strollers or with elderly people or those who need special assistance. (Source: TSA press release).

Loews Hotels Introduces Baggage Buy Back Program

In the wake of American Airlines’ new $15 fee for checking bags, , Loews Hotels has introduced a new “Baggage Buy Back” incentive that will reimburse guests for their $15 checked baggage fee.

Arriving guests simply present any airline bag fee receipt at the front desk to receive the rebate, which will be issued in the form of a credit to their bill at checkout. The Baggage Buy Back rebate is available at Loews’ 18 properties in the U.S. and Canada, from June 15 through Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Loews Hotels will offer credit for up to two bags for a maximum of $30 per occupied room per stay. (Source: Loews press release).

Cars

Airline Loyalty Programs Offering Savings, Bonus Miles to Car Renters Airlines are giving their frequent flyer members a chance to earn more miles or get discounts when they rent cars.

Delta Air Lines and Advantage Rent A Car are partnering to allow SkyMiles members
to earn 200 miles per day on any class of vehicle rental through Advantage. with a maximum of 2,000 miles per rental. Additionally, SkyMiles members may earn up to 6,000 miles for rentals completed through July 13.

Northwest Airlines is partnering with Hertz to allow WorldPerks members to save 50 percent and earning double miles on weekend rentals in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico through June 30. WorldPerks members can earn 50 WorldPerks miles per day for Hertz rentals of one to four days, and 500 WorldPerks miles for Hertz rentals of five days or more.(Source: Advantage, Northwest press releases).

Spotlight On…..What You Really Dislike About Flying

It’s not the individual airlines that so frustrate air travelers, according to a new Travel Industry Association survey of air travelers. What irritates you most is the air travel process.

The TIA survey of more than 1,000 air travelers found that the more you fly, the more frustrated you get.

• Seventy-eight percent of air travelers believe the air travel system is either broken or in need of moderate correction
• Sixty-two percent believe the air travel system is deteriorating
• Thirty-three percent of air travelers are dissatisfied with the air travel system and 48 percent of frequent air travelers (those who do five trips or more per year) are dissatisfied
• Thirty-nine percent feel their time is not respected in the air travel process and that increases to 51 percent among frequent travelers.

The TIA is blaming flight delays caused by an outdated air traffic control system as a fundamental cause of the aviation industry’s problems and is holding a summit later this money to push Congress to address the problem.