United Airlines Lives a Little Longer

There is lots happening as the new year moves into high gear. Here is a review of the important travel news:

United finally emerges from bankruptcy after three years. The good news -- your frequent flyer miles are safe for at least a few more years. The not so good news--ongoing high fuel prices ensure United is still not profitable, and the lingering question whether United has done enough to ensure it's long term viability. My personal view is that the management team have done a good job making necessary cuts (hey -- United sure emerged better off than Eastern or Pan Am!). However, I believe that a new leader should be brought in to provide a strategy for growth and to enhance damaged relations with United's demoralized employees. Here is the view of a naysayer whose opinion I regard highly, Joe Brancatelli.

http://www.travelexpert.com/united-airlines/fail-again

2. Now for the bad news. Effective 10 February, Southwest Airlines imposes capacity controls on all award seat availability. Whereas once upon a time any available Southwest seat was yours when seeking an award, now Southwest will restrict available seats just like all other airlines. To me this represents another reason for the frequent traveler not to use Southwest. But for the once-a-year vacationer looking for a great price in the US, forget about earning award credits -- the Southwest coach experience can be just as good as any other domestic airline.

3. I just returned from a 10-day family vacation in fabulous Thailand. We spent 7 days in the JW Marriott Phuket -- one of the most spectacular hotels I have EVER experienced. Six "best" superlatives characterize our stay: best spa, buffet breakfast, deli (for snacks), overall service, housekeeping and pool. I shall describe a whole lot more about our stay and how we upgraded our flights to business class in the March edition of my subscription newsletter. Meanwhile -- I just came across a special deal for the hotel, which may be right up your alley...

http://www.travelexpert.com/hotel/jw-marriot/deal

4. Have you gotten a sense lately that airlines are starting to charge for things that used to be free? You're absolutely correct if that is your impression -- someone joked that in-flight bathroom access will require coins (or dollar bills) sometime soon! Check this out for some useful insights.

http://www.travelexpert.com/airline/extra-charges

5. Finally -- an interesting idea for those of you with British Airways Executive Club frequent flyer miles -- using a combination of cash and miles. For example, you can book a ticket in British Airways' World TravellerSM (coach class) cabin from North America to London in exchange for 35,000 BA Miles and a cash payment around $200.

http://www.travelexpert.com/british-airlines/cash-miles

Many of you may not be aware that American Airlines already has this option: Be sure to check when you make an AAdvantage award reservation, especially if you are short of miles needed for a desired destination.

I am reachable at theo@travelexpert.com if you have any comments.

Theo

Dr. Theo Brandt-Sarif
9108 Hillboro Drive
Los Angeles, CA, 90034-1125
United States