US airlines have demonstrated better service. Statistics concerning flight cancellations, delays and lost luggage showed signs of improvement compared to last year’s data. Additionally, the number of customer complaints regarding airline service has diminished. Airlines have cut the number of flights to adjust to the increasing gas prices and the current crisis. Therefore, the [...] [...more]
US airlines have demonstrated better service. Statistics concerning flight cancellations, delays and lost luggage showed signs of improvement compared to last year’s data. Additionally, the number of customer complaints regarding airline service has diminished. Airlines have cut the number of flights to adjust to the increasing gas prices and the current crisis. Therefore, the airline was able to better manage their activity. On-time flight arrivals show an improved rate of 83%. At Miami International Airport, 80% of flights arrived on time and 80.3% departed on time.
Hereunder are all the US carrier on-time arrival rates for the month of November:
Clear is a program which issues registered-traveler cards to fliers and allows them to bypass long security lines.
The $128 is worth the benefit. After customers submit to a background check, fingerprinting and an iris scan, they are granted this magical card.
There are 20 participating U.S. airports at this time but more and more, such as [...] [...more]
Clear is a program which issues registered-traveler cards to fliers and allows them to bypass long security lines.
The $128 is worth the benefit. After customers submit to a background check, fingerprinting and an iris scan, they are granted this magical card.
There are 20 participating U.S. airports at this time but more and more, such as Atlanta Hartsfield, will open over time.
Some airports, such as New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, only accept the card at certain terminals.
When Clear card-holders are traveling, they may go through the (normally empty) Clear security lane which is separate from the others. The Clear customer shows the card and touches a screen to be identified through fingerprints.
Meanwhile, carry-ons pass through x-ray machines.
Delta was the first major carrier to support the program back in June.
Soon, Clear lanes will be added to Delta terminals at JFK, LaGuardia and Los Angeles International.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was concerned that terrorists with no previous criminal record may be granted Clear cards, however, the purpose of Clear cards is not to allow travelers to bypass security screening, just the lines.
The agency uses $28 for the Clear program from every card issued. Apparently, existing customers are happy with the purchase because the membership renewal rate averages at over 90%. Travelers can sign up at participating airports, several hotels and New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
Airports that Accept Clear:
• Albany
• Atlanta
• Cincinnati
• Denver
• Indianapolis
• Jacksonville
• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• Newark
• JFK, NY
• LaGuardia, NY
• Westchester, NY
• Reagan, Washington DC
• Dulles, Washington DC
• Oakland
• Orlando
• Reno
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• San Jose
Whatever your final destination is, Clear offers a great resource to frequent travelers.
Believe it or not, US airlines’ on-time performance and baggage handling improved as recorded in September of this year. Note that, “on-time” means anywhere within 15 minutes of the scheduled time.
On the other hand, there was an increase in the number of flight cancellations as compared to September one year ago.
And the awards go to:
Comair: [...] [...more]
Believe it or not, US airlines’ on-time performance and baggage handling improved as recorded in September of this year. Note that, “on-time” means anywhere within 15 minutes of the scheduled time.
On the other hand, there was an increase in the number of flight cancellations as compared to September one year ago.
And the awards go to:
Comair: Worst on-time overall performance in September 2008 (77.4%)
Mesa Airlines: Second lowest rate for on-time arrivals in September 2008 (78.1%)
UAL’s United Airlines: Third lowest rate for on-time arrivals in September 2008 (79.8%)
Hawaiian Airlines: Best rate for on-time performance in September 2008 (95.1% on-time arrivals)
Frontier Airlines: Second best rate for on-time arrivals (91.4%)
Pinnacle Airlines: Third best rate for on-time arrivals (90.6%)
Spirit Airlines: Sixth highest number of consumer complaints in September 2008. Most complaints were related to ticketing, boarding, baggage and reservations
The DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics show that the overall on-time arrivals for 19 carriers improved this year at a rate of 84.9%, where as last year, they were a reported 81.7%.
Also higher: the rate of cancelled flights (1.8%) as compared to last year (1.1%). Mishandled baggage rates have decreased to a number of 3.86 reports per 1,000 passengers in September 2008 as compared to last September’s 5.36 reports per 1,000 people.
Complaints in September 2008 have gone down 23.8 percent lower than the number of complaints in September 2007.
Flying can become a tiring experience due to the increased airport security requirements. Waiting is usually not fun.
If you are fortunate enough to travel business class, you will be able to wait in luxurious salons.
Executive lounges are usually pleasant, offer great seating and offers access to free drinks and snacks.
Sometimes you need to pay yearly [...] [...more]
Flying can become a tiring experience due to the increased airport security requirements. Waiting is usually not fun.
If you are fortunate enough to travel business class, you will be able to wait in luxurious salons.
Executive lounges are usually pleasant, offer great seating and offers access to free drinks and snacks.
Sometimes you need to pay yearly fees to gain access, but you could also get a special lounge pass for an affordable rate (visit www. Loungepass.com or www.travelextras.co.uk). Premium credit cards such as the American Express Platinum will get you in.
Please check with your premium card provider and start to enjoy our smart travel tips.
