Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - February 2010 - The $1.5 billion Bradley West Project is beginning and will modernize the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. The project is composed of approximately 125 million square feet of new building area, including food/beverage and retail concessions, new premium lounge space, enlarged Federal Inspection/Customs and Border Protection facilities and other passenger amenities. In addition, the new concourses will contain 15 new boarding gates and enlarged passenger seating/holdroom areas sized to accommodate new-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A380 super-jumbo jet and the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. The new improvements are scheduled for completion in December 2012.
More information can be found in the LAX News Release .
February 2010 - Cheapflights.ca has published a useful airport beer guide. The guide lists some local or craft beer choices and where to get them at many of Canada's airports. The last portion of the guide list some of the US Airports, with some beer recommendations and where to enjoy them. This guide will certainly help make your airport waiting time or layover more enjoyable. What better way to pass the time than to sample some local brews? Follow this link to read the Cheapflights.ca Beer Lover's Airport Guide for yourself: http://images.list.cheapflights.co.uk/pdf/beer-guide-canada.pdf
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Canadian Airports include:
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U.S. Airports include:
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – February 16, 2010 - Passengers using Terminal E at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), a busy concourse housing popular low-fare carriers Southwest Airlines and Air Tran Airways, now have access to a newly created expansion at the end of the terminal. The new expansion features seven new aircraft gates, seating for 500 persons, new restrooms, a mini-food court with three new concessions and plenty of natural lighting coming through the atrium style glass enclosure, as well as stunning new artwork. This $45 million terminal expansion opened to the traveling public on Tuesday, February 16th.
“The City is continually working to provide a world-class airport that exceeds the expectations of today’s flying public, and this magnificent terminal expansion helps us achieve that goal,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “This addition is the latest in a number of user-friendly facilities that we’ve recently introduced, including the Terminal D/E Connector that opened late in 2008 and the Cell Phone Waiting Lot that opened this past December.”
Rina Cutler, Deputy Mayor, Transportation and Utilities, noted: “We are happy that passengers now using this area of the Airport will have access to brand new gates, plenty of places to sit while they wait to board their flights, new concession choices and an inviting atmosphere.”
Southwest Airlines, one of the busiest carriers at Philadelphia International Airport, will occupy the new gates in the Terminal E expansion. By the end of March, Southwest is scheduled to consolidate its operations in Terminal E. The airline currently occupies four gates in Terminal D as well as five additional gates in Terminal E.
“Traffic in this area of the Airport has grown considerably since Southwest (the nation’s No. 1 low-fare airline) arrived in 2004. We salute Southwest for its partnership with the Airport that made this expansion a reality,” said Mark Gale, Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia International Airport. “We are constantly striving to make Philadelphia International Airport a facility that welcomes travelers and delivers premier amenities and provides a pleasant traveling experience overall. The new look in Terminal E is reflective of that initiative.”
In addition to the new gates and the expanded seating area, there is a mini-food court with two new concessions: McDonald’s, which also has a location in Terminal A-West, and Airport newcomer Cantina Laredo, a sit-down restaurant featuring authentic Mexican cuisine. McDonald’s and Cantina Laredo join existing food and beverage concessions Philadelphia’s Famous Chickie’s and Pete’s, Bassett’s Turkey & Salad, Maki of Japan, Cibo Market Express, Guava & Java, and Yummy Pretzels. Joining retailers Pennsylvania Market, Sports Collectibles and CNBC News Philadelphia is Stellar News, which has a location in Terminal D, and is now opening another in Terminal E.
The new expansion is also home to the Airport’s newest permanent artwork, Cloudsphere, by Philadelphia artist Mei-ling Hom. An internationally-renowned artist whose work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including exhibits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Hom’s stunning creation was selected from a national Call to Artists by the City’s Percent for Art program.
The new $45 million Terminal E expansion is another completed phase of the $300 million Terminal D/E Renovation and Expansion project. The first major component, the Terminal D/E Connector, opened in December 2008 featuring a brand new 14-lane security checkpoint equipped with state-of-the-art screening technology and 10 new food, beverage and retail shops. The D and E baggage claim areas have been connected by a new 9,000 square foot baggage claim connector, now forming the D/E baggage claim. This area has 2 new carousels, and new men’s, women’s and companion care restrooms and will open this week. In addition, all of the ticket counters in the renovated D and E ticketing lobbies will be replaced and will include 23 additional ticket counters, as well as new escalators and stairs. There are 3,500 additional square feet in each ticket lobby. There is also a 50,000 square foot baggage makeup area with 8 inline Explosive Detection System machines located on the ground floor between the two ticket lobbies. Construction on this phase of the project is ongoing and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010. The Terminal D/E Renovation and Expansion project is funded entirely with airport revenue bonds, federal grants, and passenger facility charges.
Philadelphia International Airport is owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia. The Airport is a self-sustaining entity that operates without the use of local tax dollars. It is one of the largest economic engines in Pennsylvania, generating an estimated $14.2 billion in spending to the regional economy and employing a workforce of nearly 42,000. Visit the official Philadelphia International Airport website at http://www.phl.org
Source: Philadelphia International Airport Press Release - February 16, 2010:
http://www.phl.org/news/100216.html
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - February 2010 - The Stone Rose Bar & Grill opened recently at JFK. According to the HMSHost press release (February 9, 2010), "Stone Rose Bar & Grill at JFK reflects the Gerber Group brand’s trademarks: cutting-edge design and innovative cocktails offered in an atmosphere of casual elegance. While sipping cocktails, travelers can also catch their favorite sporting event on one of the many flat screen TVs while dining on a wide variety of upscale fare. In addition to tasty bites such as Jumbo Shrimp Sugarcane Skewer, Roasted Chicken Buffalo Mozzarella salad, a Caprese Ficelle or Steak Flatbread sandwich, all of which can be followed by a Berries and Chocolate dessert, the menu includes breakfast selections of quiche, scrambles, bagels and more."
Balducci's Post-Security Food Court
Burger King Post-Security Main Food Court
Burger King Post-Security Upper Food Court Opposite Gate 18
Chili's Too Post-Security Food Court
Ciao Post-Security Gate 18
Dunkin' Donuts Post-Security Gate 14
Dunkin' Donuts/Gourmet on the Fly Pre-Security International Arrivals Area
Healthy Gourmet Post-Security Gate 14
Sam Adams Brewhouse Post-Security Food Court
Sbarro Post-Security Food Court
Starbucks Coffee Post-Security Gate 18
Starbucks Coffee Post-Security Food Court
Dayton International Airport (DAY) - February 2010 - The Food and Beverage Concessions and Information Desk Project which began at the end of June 2009 completed with the opening of the final Dayton International Airport restaurant, the 12th Fairway Bar & Grill. The project included expansion of the pre-existing Boston Stoker Gourmet Coffee Bar to the new Boston Stoker Arts Cafe, which is located near the baggage claim area. The cafe offers an expanded menu and seating. A Boston Stoker Gourmet Coffee Bar is still located in the main terminal next to the Business Travelers Center. In addition, a Quiznos opened across from gate B14, next to Tool Town Tavern; a new information desk was constructed next to the main entrance; a Starbucks opened across from gate C16/18 next to the Concourse C Business Travelers Center. The final Dayton airport restaurant, the 12th Fairway Bar and Grill is also located across from gate C16/18 and replaces the All Stars Cafe. It is described as "a unique, family friendly restaurant and bar that provides a lively, casual atmosphere. The walls feature murals of fairways and greens from local golf courses." The restaurant also "will serve a selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner items including traditional sandwiches, entrées and salads, plus a full bar specializing in unique scotch selections" according to HMSHost.
The new Dayton International Airport restaurants join Max & Erma's, Cinnabon, Sbarro's Italian Eatery and Tool Town Tavern. More details can be found about Dayton International Airport Restaurants and Shops on the Dayton airport web site.
Sources:
Dayton International Airport web site - http://www.flydayton.com
Dayton Business Journal - http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2010/02/15/daily18.html
HMSHost Press Release - http://hmshostcorp.com/Newsroom/Releases%5C291.pdf
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) - February 2010 - La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill, the fast-casual fresh Mexican chain, opened its 1st Houston restaurant, located inside Terminal C South, at the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Designed with an exciting multicolored interior, and brightly lit neon signage, the new airport restaurant features authentic, savory, made to order Mexican food, margaritas, imported beers, and an assortment of freshly prepared salsas, in an express format perfect for busy travelers on the go. The La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill Pronto airport restaurant is open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., 7 days per week.
(source: EON Enhanced Online News:
http://eon.businesswire.com/portal/site/eon/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100209005050&newsLang=en )
For more information about La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill, you can check out their website: www.lasalsa.com
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Food and Beverages at IAH Concourse C (data from IAH website, February 10, 2010) |
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|
Establishment |
Type |
Location |
|
Bubba's Bayou Grill |
Restaurant |
North |
|
Houston To Go |
Coffee/Danish |
North |
|
Colombo Yogurt |
Yogurt |
North |
|
Carita's BBQ |
Barbeque |
North |
|
Papa John's |
Pizza |
North |
|
Wendy's |
Hamburgers |
North |
|
Popeye's Chicken |
Chicken |
North |
|
Starbucks Coffee |
Coffee/Danish |
North |
|
Subway |
Sandwiches |
North |
|
Burrito Del Sol |
Mexican |
North |
|
The Grove |
Natural Snacks/Yogurt |
North |
|
Timeout Concessions |
Snacks/Bar |
North |
|
Zona Mexicana |
Mexican |
North |
|
Einstein's Bros Bagels |
Coffee/Bagels |
South |
|
Bubba's Bayou Grill |
Restaurant |
South |
|
Houston To Go |
Coffee/Danish |
South |
|
Panopolis |
Sandwiches/Pastries/Artisan Breads |
South |
|
Carita's BBQ |
Barbeque |
South |
|
Papa John's |
Pizza |
South |
|
Smoothie King |
Fruit Drinks/Smoothies |
South |
|
Houston Spring Chicken |
Chicken |
South |
|
The Real Food Company |
Various |
South |
|
Wendy's |
Hamburgers |
South |
|
Le Grand Comptoir |
Bistro/Wine |
South |
|
The Grove |
Natural Snacks |
South |
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) - February 2010 - The DuClaw Brewing Company, a brewpub chain with locations around the Baltimore area, has opened an airport restaurant and bar at BWI on February 3, 2010. The BWI airport restaurant is located in the main terminal, pre-security, near the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The hours are 7 am to 9 pm. You can check out their beer, wine and food selections on their menu. The restaurant will serve breakfast, as well as salads, burgers, appetizers, hot sandwiches and entrees, as well as beer brewed by the DuClaw Brewing Company. A selection of wines is also available.
For more information about the DuClaw Brewing Company, check out their web site: http://www.duclaw.com/
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) - February 2010 - The Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio's first Microbrewery has opened an airport restaurant and bar at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The venue includes a full service restaurant and bar which will serve food from the Cleveland brewpub's menu. Selections include appetizers, pub favorites, sandwiches and dinner selections. Beverages will include a selection of the locally brewed ales and lagers. The Cleveland airport restaurant will be located in the AIRMALL on Concourse C.
For more information about the Great Lake Brewing Company, check out their web site: http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/
CLEVELAND, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers looking for a unique dining option offering variations on the typical burrito can look no further than Currito: Burritos Without Borders (900 sq. ft.), now located in the Food Court within the Main Terminal at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). BAA Cleveland, developer of the AIRMALL®, welcomed Currito: Burritos Without Borders to the concessions program with the restaurant's official opening on Thursday, January 21, 2010.
"The opening of Currito: Burritos Without Borders introduces a new dining concept that far surpasses typical burrito cuisine," said Tina LaForte, vice president of BAA Cleveland. "This unit will add to the distinctive dining and retail options already available at the AIRMALL® at CLE -- all at 'Regular Mall Prices ... Guaranteed.'"
"We are pleased to provide passengers with choices they didn't have before, and Currito: Burritos Without Borders is a prime example of this," said Airport Director Ricky Smith. "Our main goal has always been to enhance the passenger experience at the AIRMALL® at CLE, and we look forward to continuing to add to this lineup." Rolled to order for superior quality and taste, Currito: Burritos Without Borders serves Mediterranean, Mexican, American and Asian burritos along with refreshing all-natural smoothies and more.
For more information about Currito: Burritos Without Borders, you can visit their web site: http://www.currito.com/
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-dining-option-at-the-airmallr-at-cleveland-hopkins-international-airport-is-a-cure-for-the-common-burrito-82283872.html
Albany International Airport (ALB) - January 27, 2010 - The Captain John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room, which will open within a month, will provide a space for military personnel to gather and relax while traveling through Albany International Airport. Captain McKenna was killed in Fallujah, Iraq while trying to aid an injured Marine in his platoon, and the room and the organization supporting it is named in his memory. The organization will also supply support services for those service people in need. Their aim is to provide phone service, internet, media entertainment and snacks to every soldier, sailor, airman/airwoman and marine who are transiting through Albany Airport, according to their web site. If you would like to learn more about Captain McKenna or the Courtesy room, volunteer your time, or offer donations, please visit the website: http://www.jmckennamilitarycourtesyroom.org/Home.html
You can also read more about this topic at: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=893416
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - January 26, 2010 - The AeroTrain begins operation today and connects gates A, B, C and the main terminal. The AeroTrain, is a train (as the name implies) that runs underground at speeds up to 42 miles an hour to rapidly transport travelers to and from their gates at Dulles International Airport. The trains have mainly standing room, but they do have a few seats. Passengers board the AeroTrain once they are through security. Signage is in place for guidance. Unfortunately, passengers traveling out of the D gates or international arriving passengers must still ride the old connecting shuttle buses. According to the route map, passengers going to the C gates must catch the AeroTrain at a station at the site of future gates and take a moving walkway back to the C gates.
Some of the Dulles B gates have been re-lettered as A gates. The gates are located in the same physical location, but have new letters (the letter A): Gates B14 through B32 are now A14 through A32. The other A and B gate's numbers and letters are unchanged.
Additional information and the route map for the new Dulles AeroTrain can be found on the Dulles Interational Airport (IAD) web site: http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/flight_information_3/maps/aerotrain_4
Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) - January 2010 - Surdyk's Flights will be a new wine bar opening post-security at Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport this spring. The wine bar will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will sell wine by the bottle or glass. The wine bar will be operated by a local business, Surdyk’s Liquor Store and Gourmet Cheese Shop, which has been in business in the Twin Cities for years.
For a complete list of airport wine bars, check out the eXpectdelaYs.com article: Airport Wine Bars - There's No Need to Drink Bad Wine at the Airport Anymore
*This article was updated on January 15, 2010* Most travelers by now are quite familiar with the fees that most major airlines charge for checked bags. While generally these fees are waived for travelers who have achieved certain levels of "status" in an airline's frequent flier program, for those that have purchased first or business class tickets, and for those who are traveling internationally (although second bag fees on international flights are now common on most of the airlines), many domestic economy class travelers are still faced with these fees daily. A byproduct of these fees is that now it tends to take longer to board planes since passengers take more carry-on luggage, and the in-cabin storage space is often filled, causing travelers to have to check their bags once they are already on the plane. The paying of these fees has also increased the wait time for airport check-in. Many of the major airlines have continued to raise their fees even higher, with the most recent round of fare increases happening in January 2010. Most of the airlines allow passengers who prepay these fees on-line to "save" part of the new surcharge by paying a slightly lower fee.
The following are new/changed checked baggage fees as of January 2010 for some of the major US airlines:
Continental Airlines New Fees (January 9, 2010): Fees apply for certain economy fares for tickets purchased on or after Jan. 9, 2010 for travel on or after Jan. 16, 2010. For travel within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, the fee for the first checked bag has increased from $20 to $25 and the fee for the second checked bag has increased from $30 to $35. Passengers receive a discount of $3 per bag for each of their first and/or second bags when checking-in online.
United Airlines New Fees (January 14, 2010): For tickets purchased on or after January 14, 2010 for travel on or after January 21, 2010, the fee for the first check bag rises from $20 to $25 and the fee for the second checked bag rises from $30 to $35. There is still a discount for prepaying your baggage fee online at check-in, however United no longer posts the discounted price prior to actually using on-line check-in.
Delta and Northwest Airlines New Fees (January 5, 2010): For tickets purchased on/after January 5, 2010 for travel on/after January 12, 2010 for travel in the 50 United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Puerto Rico in Economy Class: The fees are now - $23 fee, first bag; $32 fee, second bag. There will be a $2 surcharge on the first checked bag, $3 surcharge on the second checked bag, when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside.
US Airways New Fees (January 18, 2010): US Airways has not increased its checked baggage fees overall, but it has decreased the discount given for prepaying them online. For tickets purchased on or after January 18, 2010 for travel on or after February 1, 2010, the discount for prepaying checked baggage fees on line with decrease from $5 for each of the first or second checked bags down to $2 for the first checked bag and $3 for the second checked bag.
United and US Airways were the original
airlines to raise fees and give a "discount" if the fees were prepaid
on-line. Delta, Northwest and Continental have also implemented a
similar policy. Southwest and JetBlue still do not charge for 1st
checked bag, and Southwest does not charge for the second as well.
AirTran Airways and Frontier allow paying checked bag fees online, but
do not give a "discount" for doing so, but also have not raised their
checked baggage fees this time around. Remember, there are also significant
fees for excess, oversize and overweight baggage, so it is important to
plan accordingly to avoid these fees. Most airlines allow a certain number of free bags for active duty military personnel.
note: most airlines do not allow online check-in more than 24
hours or less than 90 minutes prior to departure. Certain passengers
are exempt from fees - generally these include members that have
reached a certain status in an airline's frequent flier program, active
duty military personnel, and passengers purchasing business class or
first class tickets. Remember, there are also fees for oversize and
overweight baggage, and excess baggage, and most people are not exempt
from these. Please note that to most of the airlines, a "Domestic"
flight is one that is within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico
and possibly Canada, some destinations that people might consider
"International", so be sure to check with your airline for specific
policies. These fees and policies change frequently, so please check
with your airline for the most up to date information.
AirTran Airways: Checked baggage fees may be paid online during online check-in within 24 hours of your flight. No discount is given for paying fees online. Fees for coach passengers are currently $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second checked bag. (AirTran Airways checked baggage policies)
American Airlines: No online checked bag fee payment options are available. Checked baggage fees have increased for passengers with tickets purchased on or after August 14, 2009 by $5 on the first and second checked bag. The fees are $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second checked bag. There is no current charge for a first checked bag on international flights (with the exception of flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands) however a second checked bag costs $50. (American Airlines Checked Bag Allowances and Fees )
Continental Airlines: New fees as of January 9, 2010** Fees apply for certain economy fares for tickets purchased on or after
Jan. 9, 2010 for travel on or after Jan. 16, 2010. For travel within
the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico,
U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, the fee for the first checked bag has
increased from $20 to $25 and the fee for the second checked bag has
increased from $30 to $35. Passengers receive a discount of $3 per bag
for each of their first and/or second bags when checking-in online.
Credit card
information
can be entered for checked bag fees during online check-in, but fees
are not charged until bags are checked-in at the airport. Checked baggage fees have increased
for passengers with tickets purchased on or after July 21, 2009 for travel on or after August 19, 2009 and for tickets purchased on or after January 9, 2010 for travel on or after January 16, 2010. There is also a 2nd bag fee on most international flights within the western hemisphere.
(Continental Airlines Checked Baggage Policies)
Delta Airlines: New fees as of January 13, 2010
** For tickets purchased on/after January 5, 2010 for travel on/after
January 12, 2010 for travel in the 50 United States, U.S. Virgin
Islands, Canada, and Puerto Rico in Economy Class: The fees are now -
$23 fee, first bag;
$32 fee, second bag.
There will be a $2 USD/CAD* surcharge on the first checked bag, $3 on
the second checked bag, when checking in via ticket counter,
kiosk, or curbside. **
Checked
baggage fees may be paid
within 24 hours of your flight during online check-in. Effective on
tickets purchased on or after July 16, 2009 but before January 5, 2010, for travel on or after
August 4, a $5 surcharge will be charged in addition to the checked bag
fees on the first and second checked bag if fees are paid at the
airport. On international flights between the US and Europe the first
checked bag is free, but for tickets purchased on or after May 23, 2009
for travel beginning July 1, 2009 there will be a $50 charge for the
second checked bag for economy class passengers. (Delta Airlines
Baggage Policies & Delta Airlines Excess Baggage (Oversize, overweight, excess number of bags) Allowances and Fees)
Frontier Airlines: Baggage fees can be paid online, but are non-refundable, so don't pay for more bags than you might bring or for bags that are exempt from fees. If you know you are checking items that are exempt from baggage fees, you can only check them in at the airport to get the baggage fees waived. The online system doesn't have any way to waive fees for exempt items. No fee is charged for first or second checked bags on international flights. Checked baggage fees increased on September 8, 2009 and went from $15 to $20 for the frist checked bag and $25 to $30 for the second checked bag. Frontier Airlines has also introduced new AirFairs, some of which include a baggage allowance, as well as other amenities. (Frontier Airlines Checked Baggage Policies - Domestic & Frontier Airlines Checked Baggage Policies - International)
JetBlue:
When checking in online, passengers can indicate how many bags they are
checking, however the checked bag fee must be paid at the airport when
checking the bags. (JetBlue Checked Baggage Requirements) note: the first checked bag is free on JetBlue, the second checked bag fee is $50, and the third or more checked bag fee is $75 (**Customers booked prior to June 2, 2009 will be assesed the second bag fee of $20)
Northwest Airlines: New fees as of January 13, 2010
** For tickets purchased on/after January 5, 2010 for travel on/after
January 12, 2010 for travel in the 50 United States, U.S. Virgin
Islands, Canada, and Puerto Rico in Economy Class: The fees are now -
$23 fee, first bag;
$32 fee, second bag.
There will be a $2 USD/CAD* surcharge on the first checked bag, $3 on the second checked bag, when checking in via ticket counter,
kiosk, or curbside. **
Baggage fees
may be paid online during online check-in. Your credit card is not
charged until your baggage tags are printed at the airport, so you can
change your number of checked bags prior to that time. Effective
for tickets purchased on or
after July 16, 2009, for travel on or after August 4, 2009, customers
traveling domestically (within the U.S./Puerto
Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands ) who pay their baggage fees at the airport
(instead of online) will be charged a $5 surcharge both for the first
and second bag. On International flights between the U.S./Puerto
Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands and Europe, only the first checked bag is
free, and on all other International flights two checked bags are free.
(Northwest Airlines Checked Baggage Information)
Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines has no first or second checked baggage fee; fees are charged for 3 or more bags and are not payable online. Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Policies )
United Airlines: New fees as of January 2010** For tickets purchased
on or after
January 14, 2010 for travel on or after
January 21, 2010, the fee for the first check bag rises from $20 to
$25 and the fee for the second checked bag rises from $30 to $35. There
is still a discount for prepaying your baggage fee online at check-in,
however United no longer posts the discounted price prior to actually
using on-line check-in.
Checked baggage
fees for up to
5 bags can be paid within 24 hours of your flight via United Airlines
Web Check-in Online. Effective for tickets purchased on or after May
14, 2009 for travel on or after June 10, 2009 within
the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada
there is a discount if baggage fees are paid online. United no longer posts the discounted price on its website as of January 15, 2010, however you will be offered a discounted price when using Web Check-in. On International flights, the first and second checked
bags are still free. (United Airlines Checked Baggage Policies for the US &
Canada –
United Airlines Checked Baggage Policy for International Travel)
US Airways: New fees as of January 18, 2010** You can pay for checked bags when you check-in online for a small discount, which will be decreased for tickets purchased on or after January 18, 2010 for travel on or after February 1, 2010. The fees will be $25 for your first checked bag and $35 for your second for flights within the U.S. and to and from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. For customers who choose to pay for checked bags at the online, there will be a $2 discount on the first checked bag fee and a $3 discount on the second checked bag fee. Passengers traveling to and from Europe and Asia can check one bag free. The second checked bag fee for international travel is $55 if paid at the airport and $50 if prepaid online. (US Airways Checked Baggage Policies)
Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them, and paying your luggage fees online and being aware of luggage quantity, size and weight restrictions and additional fees will save you a significant amount of time, trouble and money.
Passengers can enjoy a first-class European-style coffeehouse and bookshop
ATLANTA - January 12, 2010 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) travelers now can get a taste of one of Atlanta’s most popular eateries and coffeehouses without leaving the Airport. Concessionaire Airport Retail Management (ARM) brings the European flair of Café Intermezzo and Buckhead Books to the centerpoint of Concourse B at Hartsfield-Jackson.
“Café Intermezzo has earned a reputation for high-quality food and a sophisticated atmosphere, so we are delighted that this local favorite is joining our diverse concessions,” said Ben DeCosta, Aviation general manager. “The combination with Buckhead Books adds another level of customer service, giving travelers a place to relax with a good book and an excellent cup of coffee or dessert.”
Café Intermezzo entered the Atlanta market in 1979; the Airport location opened in December 2009. The 5,000-square-foot space that houses Café Intermezzo and Buckhead Books reflects the style of a European coffeehouse and has a French-inspired patio. The menu includes international coffees, decadent desserts, creative meals and a full beer, wine and liquor menu rounds out the selection.
In addition to a variety of books by local and nationally known authors, Buckhead Books offers magazines, newspapers and other reading materials.
Café Intermezzo/Buckhead Books is one of the final concessions to open as part of the Atlanta Airport’s award-winning new retail program, which has opened more than 80 new stores throughout Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the last year. The stores have increased the variety available to customers as well as brought a greater sense of place.
For a complete list of Atlanta Airport restaurants and other concessions and their locations, please visit the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) website at http://www.atlanta-airport.com/concessions/
For more information about Café Intermezzo, please visit their website at:
http://www.cafeintermezzo.com
Source:
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Press Release:
http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Airport/Newsroom/Press_Release_Article.aspx?id=675
New York John F. Kennedy international Airport (JFK) - January 2010 - The program in progress to decrease flight delays at Kennedy Airport will include closure of the airport's main runway, the "Bay Runway" from March until June 2010. When it reopens in July, it will still be with limitations. During the closure, with certain wind directions the airport will have only one runway operational. The Bay runway is the second longest runway in the country. The closure will result in 6 inches of runway asphalt being replaced by thicker more durable concrete, which is intended to ultimately decrease runway maintenance requirements and closures. A second runway will close for 2 weeks in September as part of the program. All of the major airlines operating out of JFK have agreeed to delay the start of theiir summer flight schedule until July 1. This will result in fewer than normal flights in June, and the potential for flight delays, partiicularly if the weather creates runway useage limitations. The largest domestic carrier at JFK is JetBlue and the largest international carrier is Delta. Anyone planning their summer travel should keep this runway closure and potential for JFK flight delays in mind.
Source: New York Times January 7, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/nyregion/08runway.html?pagewanted=1&sq=kennedy%20runway%20closure&st=cse&scp=1