US Airways and American Airlines (in retro livery) overlooking the US Capital

To the 66% of my readers who are in the US, Happy Independence Day!

The other 34% I still wish you a happy July 4th!

Thanks everyone for reading and helping TheAirlineBlog.com grow!

A while back I showed how Air New Zealand has nothing to hide. I think they liked the free feeling of not wearing any clothes, so they are at it again. Now their air safety video has nothing to hide either. Instead of the dry talking about emergency exits and how to fasten your seat belt, they show you the “bare essentials” to your aircraft’s safety.

All the humor aside, I think these creative video safety messages are a good idea. Even for those who travel a lot, it gets your attention and makes you think about safety again.

Ok, bringing the humor back, also make sure you check out the bloopers reel!

JetAmerica's Boeing 737-800

Back in May I blogged about a new start up airline, Since then I have been following stories related to the airline and the same thoughts kept creeping in my mind, “Is this airline real? Will it ever fly?”

The airline was supposed to take flight on July 13th, but Jaunted and CrankyFlier think it might not be happening, and I have to agree. When trying to book a flight a message shows “Flight not available on selected date. See grid below for available flight dates.” And now on the front page it shows, “Error A system error has occurred. Please check back to the website shortly”

Both Jaunted and Crankyflier tried to call and ask what is happening and Cranky gave up after 10min (I don’t blame him), but Jaunted got through after 11min. JetAmerica said, “There is a problem with our server. It is only booking flights for August and September. IT says all should be fixed by end of the day tomorrow”, which is today. When asked if they were still on for a first flight in July, they said, “As far as I know, yeah.” Of course the person on the other end of the line was most likely a customer service representative, but you would think they would be more confident in the airlines first flight!

I might eat my words, but I am guessing the airline won’t fly on July 13th and it might never fly at all.

UPDATE: Brett over at CrankyFlier got forwarded an email sent out from JetAmerica. It states they are delaying their first flight to August 14th due to “landing slot issues.” Read the entire letter here.

A McDonnell-Douglas MD-82 of American Airlines takes off from LAX.

Terry Williams, an American Airlines flight attendant, is suing Boeing after having a mist spray on her from the ventilation system from an MD-82 (Boeing bought McDonnell Douglas, which built the MD-82) aircraft. Williams states she has been suffering from chronic pain, tremors, migraines and vision issues.

Williams and her attorney allege that the ventilation system on the aircraft is faulty and the air is heavily contaminated. Her attorney said, “We believe the hazard is preventable. Sensors and filters are available. It’s up to the aircraft manufacturers to put them on.”

Boeing’s spokesperson Bernard Choi responded, “We believe that the air in airplane cabins is safe.”

This is not the first suit of it’s kind against Boeing. About seven years ago, flight attendants sued Boeing over hazardous air conditions, but the jury found Boeing not liable.

Picture of actual aircraft (A310 70-ADJ) taken in 2002

I assume by reading this blog you probably have heard about the tragic crash of Yemenia Airways flight 627. If not you can read about the latest information here.

Although this incident is terrible, there is at least a bit of positivity one can pull out of this (well almost two, the black boxes were found). One 14 year old girl (some are reporting 13) was found in the water…alive.

She doesn’t have any recollection of what happened and says she, “didn’t feel a thing.” Just found herself in the water surrounded by darkness. She was found by rescuers after hanging onto debris for 13 hours. She is currently recovering and came out with just cuts to her face and a fractured collar-bone.

There is a lot of grumbling (and some good jokes out there) dealing with riding on a modern airliner is like being in a cattle car. Airlines are looking to cut costs and bring in profits at the expense of passenger comfort.

Ryanair normally steals the spot light for crazy ideas, but Spring Airlines takes the cake on this one. They are looking at cutting out seats and putting barstool type seats. It would allow for 40% more passengers and cut costs by 20%.

Spring Airlines gets the first ever MORE CRAZY THAN RYANAIR award for coming up with an idea even crazier than one from Ryanair.

If you haven’t seen it already, Southwest has one awesome rapping flight attendent. He got to show his skills again to celebrate Southwest’s new service to LaGuaria airport.

Mark and his wife on an AirTran Boeing 737's wing.

I wrote about Mark being on AirTran for 30 days near the begining of the his journey and wanted to catch up with him at the end of his long journey. He was able to connect while over Ohio to answer some questions I had for him:

TheAirlineBlog.com: Where are you right now (”in an airplane won’t cut it” )?
Mark Malkoff: I’M IN THE AIR USING GOGO WIFI HEADING TO CANTON, OHIO FOR A TAILGATING PARTY ON THE TARMAC. I’M HANGING WITH THE PRO FOOTBALL HOF AND HOF LEGEND ANTHONY MUNOZ.

TAB: What is your favorite picture taken during this whole experience ?
MM:  I REALLY, REALLY LIKE THE PHOTOS OF MY WIFE AND I HAVING OUR ANNIVERSARY DINNER ON THE WING OF A PLANE. AIRTRAN SET IT UP AND CATERED THE MEAL. IT WAS QUITE INCREDIBLE.

TAB: Tell me a little bit about the person sitting next to you right now.
MM: THE PERSON CURRENTLY SITTING NEXT TO ME IS MY CAMERA PERSON. HE MOST LIKELY SMELLS BETTER BECAUSE HE GETS TO SLEEP IN A HOTEL A NIGHT THAT HAS A SHOWER WHERE AS I SLEEP ALONE ON THE PLANE AND HAVE TO USE BABYWIPES IN THE AIRPLANE BATHROOM.

TAB: Who is the most interesting person you have met on this experience?
MM: IT WAS FUN SITTING NEXT TO FOOTBALL HOF LEGEND FRANCO HARRIS ON A FLIGHT TO PITTSBURGH. I LATER FOUND OUT THEY HAVE A STATUE OF HIM IN THE PITTSBURGH AIRPORT. WE TALKED THE ENTIRE FLIGHT AND HE EVEN TAPED A VIDEO WITH ME. I SHOULD ALSO MENTION THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ARE ALWAYS GOOD TO TALK TO. THE STORIES THEY HAVE ARE ENDLESSLY ENTERTAINING.
 
TAB: What is the most interesting conversation you have had?
MM: FOR ME PERSONALLY IT WAS TALKING TO THE PILOTS ONE ON ONE. THEY REALLY BROKE DOWN MY FEAR OF FLYING INTO TERMS THAT HAVE FOR THE MOST PART CURED MY ANXIETY. MY MAIN ISSUE WAS TURBULENCE. ALL OF THEM SAID THE SAME KIND OF THING, “IT’S LIKE BEING IN AN OCEAN AND GOING OVER A WAKE. IT’S LIKE DRIVING OVER GRAVEL.” SO WHENEVER TURBULENCE HITS I DON’T LIKE IT, BUT I’M ABLE TO TOLERATE IT.

TAB: Do you prefer the Boeing 737 or the Boeing 717?
MM: I LIKE THE 737. 

TAB: Will you ever eat pretzels ever again?
MM: I’VE CONSUMED MY WEIGHT IN PRETZELS. I THINK I MIGHT TAKE A FEW YEARS OFF FROM EATING THEM.

TAB: At this point do you have the SkyMall magazine memorized? Off the top of your head describe the Litter Robot (no cheating).
MM: I HAVE ALMOST THE ENTIRE SKYMALL CATALOG MEMORIZED. THE LITTER ROBOT I’M FAIRLY CERTAIN IS WHAT I REFER TO AS THE CAT SPACESHIP. IT WAS DEVELOPED BY NASA TO SEND CATS INTO SPACE WHERE THEY CAN NAP IN ZERO GRAVITY.

TAB: What is your favorite airline related joke?
MM: IT’S A BAD JOKE BUT MY DAD HAS BEEN TELLING PEOPLE THAT MY CAREER IS “TAKING OFF”.

TAB: This is not your first stunt like this; you lived in Ikea, lived in a Boeing, what’s next?
MM: NEXT IS A THIRTY DAY PROJECT WHERE I SLEEP IN A BED IN MY APARTMENT. I’M GUESSING IT WON’T BE AS INTERESTING.

Pretty amazing journey Mark has had over the last 30 days.

Thomas Cook Airlines Airbus A320-214 (OO-TCJ)

Recently a Thomas Cook flight from Majorca to Newcastle asked its passengers to change seats to help balance out the flight. This didn’t disturb the passengers as much as why they were asked. 

The rear cargo door was jammed and bags could only be placed in the front cargo hold. Additionally while waiting to board their flight, passengers could overhear the de-boarding passengers talking how that they just experienced one of the worst flights ever. 

Seventy-one of booked passengers didn’t want to press their luck and decided to find other options. Dave Charlton, one of the 71 talked about the passengers who de-boarded before he was supposed to get on, “People were kissing the ground and putting their hands together like they were praying. When people are getting off the plane saying ‘Don’t get on’ and we’d been told there was a fault with [the airplane], there was no way we would get on.” 

An airline spokes person stated, “It is standard for all airlines to ensure cargo and passengers are evenly distributed on an aircraft and there will be times when passengers will be asked to move to the front or back of a plane. This is a routine procedure and poses no safety issue. We are disappointed that despite reassurances from the captain and crew, several passengers decided not to travel.” 

Although the distribution of weight is a standard and normal procedure (I have been asked to do so on more than one flight), having a jammed door and fearful passengers is not quite normal procedure. There has been more than one flight that has dealt with cargo door issues with negative outcomes. Currently the airline is not providing any compensation and still treating the situation as the passengers are only upset they were asked to change seats.

Rick Seaney, who is the CEO of FareCompare.com wrote up the six worst airplane passengers via ABCnews while back and I felt it was worth sharing. Here is a preview:

* “Liquid Soap Lady”: A woman on a United flight allegedly took pills and alcohol, then tried to bite a crew member’s leg.

* “I-Have-a-Bomb Guy”: A passenger on a Delta flight reportedly knocked a crew member to the floor as he attempted to open an exit door while yelling, “I have a bomb!”

* “Drinking Buddy”: According to reports, flight attendants on a small Comair jet cut off the booze to a hefty and clearly intoxicated passenger, so he started swinging.

Read more…

Found via Things with Wings

Mesaba Airlines runs operations for Delta Connection

Senator Charles Schumer from New York is trying to change what information customers receive while booking their tickets online.

Most regional carriers that are branded with a major airline’s name and logo are actually run by smaller, individually owned regional airlines. For example, Continental Express & American Eagle Airlines are both made up of two regional airlines and Delta Connection is made up of almost 10 regional airlines.

The Regional Carrier Disclosure Act of 2009 being proposed by Schumer would require online travel websites to clearly list which regional carrier would be operating the flight. Some websites already display this information, but require multiple clicks to find it. The idea behind the legislation is to allow potential passengers to make an informed decision on what airline they would actually fly on.

The action by the senator comes in the wake of the February 12th crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 which took all 50 lives on board. Although that tragic accident has brought up many legitimate questions about the safety of some regional carriers, I wonder if this legislation would make any difference. Here are a few things I see wrong with this proposal (yes I love lists):

#1.  In most regions, there aren’t many other options. Airlines run the smaller aircraft on certain flights, since that is the only way to keep it profitable. In some cases a person might be able to find a similar flight with a larger aircraft, but most of the time a traveler would need to find alternative transportation or just not go.

#2.  This seems like it will do nothing but raise people’s fear of flying. It has been shown over and over again that flying, even in small aircraft, is very safe transportation.  Singling out regional carriers could really hurt them for no reason.

#3. Does the average flier know what flying on “Shuttle America” vs “Delta Connection” means? Do people know what “Delta Connection” vs “Delta Airlines” mean? I don’t think it quite defines what kind of aircraft a person would be flying on for most people.

I am all about improving the airline industry and especially safety regulation that will actually save lives. This seems more like feel-good legislation and I am not really sure how it would go about saving lives or making regional carriers any safer. But maybe I missed something?

A preview of what is to come.

The cabin of the Boeing 737 has slowly evolved over the years, but Boeing feels it is time for a large upgrade. Starting in 2010, Boeing will upgrade their 737 interiors with what they are calling “Boeing Sky Interiors.”

Heavily based off the research for the Boeing 787 interior, the new 737 interiors will “give a better connection to the flying experience.” Passengers stepping into the new 737 will notice the soft blue lighting on the ceilings and larger window reveals, giving the sense of a larger cabin.

Along with the aesthetic benefits, the new layout employs several practical changes. The overhead bins will have more storage space and they are pivot hinged (much like the Boeing 777), allowing more head room and open space when closed. The reading light and call buttons have been redesigned to create less confusion and less unintentional calls, which will make the flight attendants happy.

The new Boeing 737 will also feature performance upgrades. Boeing is hoping to increase fuel consumption by 2% via a combination of airframe and engine improvements. 2% might not sound like much when you think about your personal automobile, but when a Boeing 737-900ER can hold over 7,800 gallons of fuel, 2% can make a huge difference.

A familiar few out a Southwest Airline's window.

In January Southwest’s mechanics’ union approved the airline to complete some of their maintenance work in El Salvador. Before the program starts, some Southwest dispatchers are raising concerns about their ability to handle the new international operations needed to get the aircraft to El Salvador.

Southwest states they are working with dispatchers making sure they are fully trained and point out there will be very limited number of the international flights.

With the ever increasing competition to provide lower fares, more airlines have been looking at outsourcing their maintenance work. No matter if one thinks this is a wise move or not, it is important to make sure the people in charge of getting the planes to El Salvador are properly trained to safely get them there, even if there are no passengers on board.

Boeing 737 landing.

Ryanair announced they want to be rid of checked bags. Reading the blogosphere about this (mostly the comments), it seems fliers are upset they wouldn’t be able to check bags and will probably somehow get charged more.

But is this really thatcrazy? I think this concept will save Ryanair money which will in turn should save passengers money. Here are some reasons I think it might be a good idea:

#1: No need for ticket counters. If you can check in at home (and be charged for it no doubt) and you can’t check in bags, why do you need a counter? Maybe one or two customer service people (that you can pay to talk to) at the airport, but this means no counter rental, staff, equipment, etc.
#2: No bag carrousel needed. If there are no checked bags, there is no need to have the carrousel. Not only does this save money but saves you a lot of time not having to wait for your bag.
#3: No baggage personnel. Ryanair doesn’t have to pay people to take bags on/off the flight, drive them to the airport, etc.
#4: No vehicles needed to transport luggage and no gas, insurance, upkeep on those vehicles.
#5: Don’t have to pay for lost luggage. People can’t lose it if they don’t check it. The airline would have no need for customer service representatives for lost baggage, and they don’t have to pay to hunt it down, ship it, or return it.
#6: Reduces the need for fuel. With the plane weighing less it would take less fuel to get from point A to B.
#7: It works. Take a look at Horizon Air, they give you the option for “Ala Cart Service” where passengers can put bags on a cart before entering the plane, they put the bags in the cargo hold, and have them on a cart for you when you get off. It might be more difficult with a larger plane, but the concept can work.

Yes, there are some downsides to this, and they will lose checked baggage fees, but I think overall they will walk away with more money in the pocket and able to provide even cheaper fares.

Although many fliers complain when changes like this occur, their memory seems to be erased when they can see how much money they can save on an airline ticket. Right or wrong, good idea or bad, I am interested to see how this works out.

What do you think? Is this a good idea? Will it work? Will Ryanair pass on their savings?

ANA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner waiting for its first flight. Image from Boeing Media

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has not had very good luck.

It is Boeing’s newest jet made to be more economical and replace the aging Boeing 757 and 767’s.

The new aircraft was supposed to enter service in May 2008, but has hit a number of hurdles causing delay after delay. The aircraft had its official roll out on 07/08/07  (get it 7-8-7…cleaver), but it was just a pretty looking shell with almost no functionality (duct tape anyone?).

Delays have ranged from software issues, a strike, fasteners,  contractors,  supply chain and  in-correct installations.

Everyone following the drama were hoping the  Dreamliner’s would finally have its first flight on June 23, 2009 but it wasn’t meant to be. Boeing is now announcing that the newest delay,  “stems from 18 points where the center wing box (11) meets the wingbox (12) on each side of the aircraft. The fix, once identified, will be installed on location. ”

A new airliner being developed and taking its first flight is a very exciting experience for anyone that follows the airline industry. It has been a long time since the Boeing 777 took its first flight (wow 1994) and I feel a personal connection to this project, since I live less than 15 miles from where the plane will take its first flight and I know people who have been working on the Dreamliner.

At this point, Boeing does not know when the first flight will happen, but check out FlightBlogger Jon Ostrower, who has minute by minute coverage of the events unfolding.

Happy Birthday Virgin, Southwest and Delta

Just wanted to say congrats to Delta Airlines for turning 80, Virgin Atlantic making it to 25 and to Southwest Airlines for turning 38!

With Delta’s recent merger with Northwest Airlines, Virgin’s innovative vision and Southwest Airline’s long history of profit (I am sure they will return), I am sure these three carriers will be celebrating many more!

Virgin and British Aiways Boeing 747-400's racing for the finish (yes, I am sure this is photoshopped)

Virgin Atlantic  and British Airways have had a cold war going on for years, according to Sir Branson. Now he is taking advantage of British Airways’ admission of financial difficulty by urging the British government not to financially assist the legacy carrier. He states that British Airways is, “not worth much.”

Although Sir Branson might be trying to stir up trouble, British Airways is not in the best financial shape. British Airways’ CEO Willie Walsh has a self-imposed June 30 deadline which he calls, “a fight for survival.”

He recently asked all 40,000 employees to work up to four weeks without pay in an effort to keep the airline afloat.

Sir Branson, who founded the privately held Virgin Atlantic, obviously has much invested if British Airways fails. “We and others are standing by ready to take on their routes and runway slots at Heathrow if they get into serious trouble,” Sir Branson stated re-assuring the government their nation would still have a viable transportation network.

A British Airways spokes person calls Sir Branson’s comments as “fantasy.” The airline stated, “There are no talks with the Government and there will be no talks. We have opposed state aid and our position has not changed.” Both British Airways’s CEO Walsh and finance director Keith Williams have announced they will work for free during the month of July.

Even if British Airways pulls through and Branson is just in fantasy-land, it is never a good sign having an airline (or any company for that matter) asking its employees to work for free.  In this economic time, nothing is impossible and it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

It fits!

Rep Dan Lipinski from Illinois feels it is a good idea for the TSA to have a uniform carry-on size regulation. He wants to limit the maximum size of a carry-on to 22″ x 18″ x 10″. It is not the size that is as disconcerting, as not allowing the airlines to make their own decisions and the total lack of need for this legislation

Each airline flies different aircraft, have different configurations and clientele with different baggage needs. The bill would require the TSA to enforce the rules (presumably during the security check process). Although TSA has made leaps and bounds with speeding up the security process, this could greatly slow it down. People would be having to take stuff out, trying to cram their bags through and of course having to leave the line to check in their bags and come back through.

CrankFlier points out that many low cost airlines have their “minimum size” larger than what Rep Lipinski is asking for, and legacy carriers are already meeting the requirements. The low cost carriers would have to cut what they already offer.

What is the real reason for this? I don’t see a safety issue here, I would like to see someone try to make a valid one. In fact this would decrease safety. The TSA would have to police bag-size instead of doing what they are trained and look for illegal items taken through security.

This seems like a waste of time and legislation that will really hold no benefit. If airlines want to get together to create their own standard carry-on size, that is one thing, but for the government to come in and require standardization seems unnecessary.

UPDATE: FlyWithFish.com has a great chart showing all the airlines and their bag size requirements.

US Airways at Boston

The Airline Blog just covered how LAX is upping their tarmac safety, and just recently an incident at Logan International Airport showed how important safety is. A US Airways Airbus A320 was throttled up for takeoff from Boston to Phoenix when a construction vehicle decided to cross the runway. “It was a serious thing, a matter of seconds,” said spokesman Phil Orlandella.

The driver of the construction vehicle has been placed on leave and all construction work on the runways has been suspended until the FAA has completed a full investigation of the incident.

One cannot underestimate the damage that someone on the ground can cause. From not closing a cargo door properly to driving at the wrong place at the wrong time,  inattention on the ground can cost lives.