eXpect delaYs Travel Delay Blog - News

Continental Airlines Joins The Star Alliance Network

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:15:34 -0500

Continental Airlines Joined the Star Alliance Network On October 27, 2009

Continental Airlines is now officially a member of the Star Alliance network. Previously, Continental Airlines had belonged to the SkyTeam, along with Delta Airlines and Northwest Airways. Up until October 24, 2009, Continental OnePass members could earn and redeem miles on SkyTeam parters. After October 27, 2009, Continental OnePass members can earn and redeem miles on Star Alliance partners. Last year, Continental had also announced a strategic alliance with United Airlines.

Continental adds its hubs of Newark LIberty International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Guam International Airport to the cities served by Star Alliance members, and also its 262 destinations, many of which are international which can be reached with nonstop flights from the airline's hubs.

The Star Alliance consists of: Adria Airways (Slovenia), Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.), Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Blue1 (Finnish), bmi (UK), Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines), TAP Portugal, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways.

eXpectdelaYs.com Has Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Delay Information

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:27:30 -0400

eXpectdelaYs.com has extensive Pittsburgh G-20 Summit delay and traffic related information

Pittsburgh, PA - September 2009 - eXpectdelaYs.com has compiled a useful collection of Pittsburgh G-20 Summit information and links to help you get around during the G-20 Summit. Information available includes links to major Pittsburgh G-20 web sites, maps of road closure and restricted areas, lists of closures and mass transit information as well as other useful links and information.

Full details are found at the eXpectdelaYs.com G-20 Summit Delay and Traffic page.

TSA To Screen Powders At Airport Security Checkpoints

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:50:19 -0400

TSA Implementing New Enhanced Threat Detection Capability at Checkpoints Nationwide - Will now screen certain powders at airport security checkpoints

Washington - Sep 2009 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is further bolstering existing explosives detection capabilities by deploying additional tools to screen powdered substances at checkpoints. TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides said, "These enhancements are part of TSA's efforts to stay ahead of emerging threats while continually strengthening our layered approach to security." The TSA is deploying powder explosives detection kits to airports around the country to enhance existing explosives detection capabilities and further strengthen our layers of security. Passengers should know that while common powders are not prohibited, a small percentage may require additional screening. Typical security checkpoint procedures will remain the same. The vast majority of commonly carried powders, like most medication, infant formula and makeup, are unlikely to need further screening.

Why is TSA testing powders?
TSA knows that chemical powders may be used to create improvised explosive devices. By further bolstering explosives detection capabilities, TSA is strengthening layers of security to help mitigate risk and keep the traveling public safe. For more information about TSA, visit www.tsa.gov.

Excepted from: http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2009/0908.shtm

FlightCaster.com - New Web Site Helps Predict Flight Arrival Delays

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:27:55 -0400

FlightCaster goes "live" and helps to predict flight arrival delays

August 20, 2009 -- A new web site has come on-line to help predict flight delays. It is called FlightCaster (flightcaster.com). One simply enters the flight number of the flight that he/she is interested in, and FlightCaster will return results including the likelihood of the flight's arrival being delayed and the probability of how delayed it might be (greater or less than 60 minutes) and the reasons for possible delays including weather and other airport status issues. FlightCaster also reports the estimated arrival and departure times as supplied by FlightStats.com.

At this point, FlightCaster predicts only arrival delays, rather than departure delays, and they discuss this in their FAQ. So while one could use this information for some guidance in predicting departure delays, one will still have to rely on the updates from airlines and airports, or websites such as eXpectdelaYs.com and FlightStats.com (and the estimated arrival and departure times posted on FlightCaster as well) for this information.

FlightCaster certainly should be a useful tool if one wants to anticipitate the flight arrival time of a friend, relative or business associate, or to plan one's own contigency plans in anticipation of a flight arrival delay. It would be great to also have a reliable prediction of departure delays, and the FAQ implies that some information will be provided for this in the future. However, the folks at FlightCaster imply that flight delays may be difficult to predict due to the difficulty in predicting how the airlines will respond to delays. And I think we are all familiar with that ....

United Airlines Removes Close-in Award Ticket Fees

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:37:16 -0400

United Airlines removes extra fee for award tickets purchased or changed 20 or fewer days prior to departure

United Airlines - Effective July 30, there will be one less fee to pay for United Mileage Plus members when purchasing award tickets. Currentlly, an extra fee is added to tickets purchased or itineraries changed 20 or fewer days prior to departure. This fee will no longer be in effect beginning July 30, 2009. The other fees for reward tickets remain unchanged, but this is a definite improvemement because one can use their frequent flier miles to "purchase" tickets at the last minute and not incur an additional fee.

Flight Delays for July 2 - United delays at O'Hare and Weather delays at PHL, EWR and BOS

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:24:28 -0400

A computer glitch delays United Flights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Weather causes some delays in the Northeast (PHL, EWR, BOS)

July 2, 2009, 9:30 A.M. - A computer glitch is evidently causing flight delays and check-in counter problems with long lines at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). This also seems to be impacting some related airlines and codeshare flights as well. So be sure to check on your flight before you leave for the airport, but also plan on some extra time until the lines are reduced. Also, bad weather is causing some delays for flights in Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), so be sure to check on flights arrival and departure times on-line before heading to the airport. Have a safe holiday weekend!

Delta To Charge For Second Checked Bag On International Flights

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:25:23 -0400

Delta Airlines is the first of the major carriers to charge a fee for a second checked bag on international flights

May 2009 - Beginning July 1, 2009 for tickets purchased after April 22, 2009, Delta Airlines will charge a $50 fee (for those not exempt) for a second checked bag for coach passengers traveling on international flights. Prior to this change, there was no fee for up to two checked bags on International flights. Each bag must weigh 50 pounds (22.5 kg) or less and not exceed 62 inches when you total length + width + height, otherwise there will be additional fees. For coach passengers on domestic flights, the checked baggage fees are unchanged, with a $15 fee for the first checked bag and a $25 fee for the second checked bag.The first checked bag on international flights is still free, as long as it does not exceed size and weight limitations.

Read the full details on Delta Airlines checked baggage fees and restrictions.

Read about online baggage fee payment policies and the checked baggage policies of the major US airlines.

US Airways Raises Checked Baggage Fees

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:08:27 -0400

US Airways raises checked baggage fees, but tries to confuse passengers into thinking they are getting a discount

May 6, 2009 -- Here's the scoop: US Airways now charges $15 for the first checked back and $25 for the second checked bag, and you can only pay at the airport*. Starting July 9, 2009 for flights booked after April 23, 2009 that will still be the price .... if you pay on-line. However, if you pay at the airport, you can add $5 to those charges, making it $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second checked bag*. So you get a "discount" if you pay on-line. Let's see how this one goes over -- maybe as well as charging for non-alcoholic beverages in coach? (You'll remember that US Airways just tried this one this past year, and abandoned it soon after) It's hard to believe that an airline would still try to squeeze more money out of its passengers in this economy, especially with the price of fuel being a fraction of what it was when the airlines instituted these fares claiming that fuel costs were the reason for them.

For full details of the US Airways baggage policy see the US Airways website: http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx

*remember those prices are for checked bags less than 50 lbs - overweight and oversized bags still have additional charges, and some passengers are still exempt from the basic bag fees

US Airways Resumes Free Non-Alcholic Beverage Service in Coach

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:28:19 -0500

US Airways will again provide free drinks in coach on domestic flights

February 2009 -- Evidently realizing there is just so much "nickle and diming" the public will take, US Airways has resumed serving non-alcoholic beverage in coach for free. Don't worry - you can still buy a Bud for the "reasonable" price of $7, making you feel like you are at a rock concert or sporting event, so sanity has not completely returned. Evidently, since the other major airlines did not follow US Airways with the non-alcoholic beverages charges, even more attention was brought to this unpopular program. Although the US Airways web site already lists no charge for non-alcoholic beverages, according to CNN the changes do not go into effect until March 1, 2009. Will the airlines now start removing some of their other charges now that fuel prices are a fraction of what they were? It doesn't seem likely, but companies overall do seem to be enacting policies to increase customer loyalty in these tough economic times, so we'll see.

You can read about all the US Airways in-flight food and beverage offerings and their prices here.

US Aiways Changes Carry-On Baggage Policy

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:47:02 -0500

Be sure to double check your carry-on baggage weight and dimensions before your next US Airways flight

US Airways has made some changes in its carry-on baggage policy.

US Airways Carry-on baggage policy as of February 19, 2009 (according to USAirways.com):

You're allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item. Personal items include a purse, briefcase or laptop bag. Carry-on baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead compartment.

Size requirements*

Up to 45 in/115 cm (14 x 9 x 22 in or 36 x 23 x 56 cm)
Up to 40 lbs/18 kg

*If you're traveling to or from Canada, the size limitation (45 inches) for carry-on baggage took effect on February 1, 2009, but the weight limitation (40 pounds) for carry-on baggage will not take effect until February 21, 2009.

The "up to 45 inches" refers to cumulative dimensions, but the dimensions should be within the standard measurements given and unusually shaped items (such as something that is 40 inches long x 2 inches wide x 3 inches high) would likely not be allowed as these may not fit in the overhead bin. This new US Airways carry-on baggage policy replaces the old policy which was: 51 cumulative inches and maximum dimensions of 26 L x 14 W x 11 H. Remember, you are allowed only one carry-on bag and one personal item.

Also be sure to check the TSA's website for any changes in airline carry-on baggage regulations. Use these links to learn about prohibited carry-on items on aircraft and the 3-1-1 liquids policy.

eXpect delaYs when President Obama Visits Fort Meyers on Tuesday February 9, 2009

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:39:15 -0500

President Obama to visit Fort Meyers Florida on Tuesday February 10, 2009

Fort Meyers, Florida (February 10, 2009) -- The President will be in Fort Meyers, Florida today from around 11 am to 3 pm. This will cause some traffic delays as well as minor airport delays, but it will increase congestion in and around South Florida International Airport during his visit. The News-Press.com lists all of the road closures today, and other possible roads which the President may take. They are also advising that passengers with flights leaving between 11 am and 4 pm arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid delays.

Read the full story here: http://www.news-press.com/article/20090210/OBAMA/902100346

Tampa Bay Superbowl - Everything you Need to Know to Avoid Delays

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:59:36 -0500

Make your Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII experience more enjoyable with minimal delays by planning ahead with these helpful links

If you are lucky enough to be heading to the Super Bowl in Tampa, you're probably wondering about what to expect, transportation, traffic and how best to get around. Fortunately, there is some information on the web which can help you get around and avoid delays. If you live in Tampa, you might find these links helpful as well, since they list street closings and events, so you can plan ahead if you have to attend to your usual business or even work during the game and its associated festivities.

A very helpful web site, with information about everything to do with Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, FL is provided by the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee at http://www.tampabaysuperbowl.com/index.htm. Some other links from that web site give some specific transportation related information which may also be helpful:

Tampa Bay Area Airports
Parking on Super Bowl Sunday
Vehicles for Hire
Tampa Bay Public Transit
Tampa Bay Area Traffic (including road closures)
Driver Information
Of course, remember to check eXpectdelaYs.com before you leave your house to avoid delays getting from your home to the Tampa Bay area!

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Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them! (even at the Super Bowl!)

United Airlines Offers Premier Line Option To Help Expedite The Airport Experience

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:17:43 -0500

United Airlines offers passengers the option to use Premier check-in lines and priority security screening lines, and to enjoy priority boarding for $25 each way

United Airlines, continuing its trend of providing premium amenities for a price, now offers passengers a "Premier Line" option. This option allows passengers to expedite their travel with similar benefits as passengers who have achieved Premier status in the Mileage Plus program. These benefits include:

1. The ability to use Premier Check-In lines at the airport

2. The ability to use priority security screening lines

3. Priority boarding of the aircraft, with Seating Area 1

The option may be purchased at any time, but is nonrefundable, so if you change your flight, you may lose the benefit. The option is only available at select airports, so check with the United Airlines web site (www.ual.com) for a current participating airport list and for current program information. The current URL for information about this program is: https://store.united.com/enhancements/control/category?category_id=UM_PMRLINE. Importantly, unlike true Mileage Plus Premier benefits, if a passenger purchases the Premier Line option, the benefits are NOT conferred on any other people the passenger may be traveling with. Each passenger must purchase their own Premier Line option to receive the benefits. Also, you must be sure that your boarding pass has been printed AFTER you have chosen this option, as your ticket will need to be properly annotated to enjoy the benefits. The current price for the Premier Line option is $25, each way.

The participating airports listed on the United Airlines web site as of December 8, 2008 are:

    * Boston (BOS)
    * Chicago (ORD)
    * Denver (DEN)
    * Los Angeles (LAX)
    * Minneapolis (MSP)
    * New York LaGuardia (LGA)
    * Newark (EWR)
    * Orange County (SNA)
    * Portland (PDX)
    * San Diego (SAN)
    * San Francisco (SFO)
    * Seattle (SEA)
    * Washington Dulles (IAD)
    * Washington National (DCA)
    * There is a mention of Honolulu (HNL) also participating in this program on the customer service site, so you may want to check with United Airlines if your travel plans include this airport.

As we always say," if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!", and in this case, you can "beat them" for a price! ;-)
Happy Travels!
-Gus

eXpect delaYs' Commentary on the Economy and Big 3 Automaker Bailout

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 21:01:56 -0500

eXpect delaYs' 2 cents about the current company bailouts. The current economy is causing many delays, so we feel we have to discuss it.

Although we at eXpect delaYs are mainly focused on travel delays, occasionally we comment on other things that cause delays, and the current economic situation is certainly causing delays for many people. I am talking about delays in things like buying food, clothing, and holiday gifts; delays in retirement; delays in making mortgage payments; delays in gaining a feeling of well being and a feeling of security about the future; delays in owning a home; delays in travel; and delays in making other purchases and meeting ones economic goals, to name a few things. A lot of finger pointing is going on to single out who has caused this mess, but like all major malfunctions, this economic catastrophe is do to the mistakes, greed and mismanagement of many, not just one individual or group of individuals. I think we all agree that something needs to be done. It is certainly unwelcome to many that suddenly many of the big banks and corporations who have made a healthy profit over the years have their hands out asking to be bailed out by ordinary Americans. Most people feel that these companies are not entitled to any handouts, since not surprisingly, many of these same companies were not rushing to give out their cars, insurance (AIG), or money (investment banks) to ordinary Americans who might have wanted their goods but couldn't afford them when the companies were being profitable. From the outside looking in, it looks to ordinary people like many of these companies' executives are living lavish lives of excess, and not spreading the wealth at all, and that they are not using their money wisely. So why would anyone want to help these companies ... isn't business all about successes and failures based on running a company that uses it's resources wisely to produce a high quality product or service that people will want and buy? Isn't is expected that companies that do not anticipate changes, evolve with changing needs, remain competitive in the marketplace, and wisely manage their finances will fail? With this in mind, and knowing that allowing the automakers to fail will have far reaching effects on many people's jobs, retirement and businesses, we propose a few ideas on how to help these companies, but to also ensure that they act in good faith:

1. Most people think that large company executives are overpaid. This is certainly an arguable point. It certainly can be argued that it is worth providing a large salary to obtain the best individuals to manage companies that deal with millions, if not billions, of dollars of materials, goods and revenue. However, since these people are well compensated, with many also holding large amounts of stock and stock options, if the public is to believe that the CEOs (and boards of directors) honestly intend on making their companies profitable and paying back the loans provided to them, they should put their money where their mouths are. All executives and board members should trade in any stock and stock options that they hold currently in exchange for stock options that will not be able to be exercised until the time the CEOs say their companies will be able to begin repaying the debt, which is currently 2011 or 2012. This way, if the companies are profitable, the executives and board members will benefit, as they should, but if the companies fail or are not able to resolve their debt, then the executives and board members will lose money, just as all the American taxpayers will have lost money on the bad loans made to these companies. Likewise, if the CEOs and board members firmly believe in their companies' futures, they should have no problem "loaning" a significant amount of their own money to the company, on the same repayment schedule as the government. Doesn't that just make sense and seem fair? If they truly think their companies will be competitive and solvent in the future, this should not be an issue for them. It is only fair, right? -- why should the American taxpayers be the ones taking the risk if the people asking for the money don't take any risk themselves?

2. What if instead of just loaning the money to the automakers, we use the money to purchase cars? Wouldn't that help any business - buying their product? That way taxpayers get something for their money. The cars could be distributed amongst taxpayers. I'm thinking that $32 billion might be enough to give everyone a new car. And since AIG would probably want to give everyone free or discounted auto insurance as thanks for the money we have given them, everyone would be insured, solving yet another major national problem. Wouldn't that be nice?

3. Of course, if we give these companies the money, there needs to be major oversight over how the money is used. I don't think Americans want to see lavish company parties, huge salaries and bonuses or executives flying on corporate jets. People will want to see a company cutting costs, becoming competitive and producing a quality product at a fair price.

4. The automakers need to become competitive and change with the times. Yes, the alternative fuel vehicles and hybrids still need to be developed even if oil is $40 or less a barrel; it's not going to last forever. And yes, it's tough to compete with foreign companies that pay their employees significantly less in wages, benefits and pensions, but it needs to get done. Maybe give all employees stock and options rather than money. That way, if someday the companies make an innovative and competitive product at a fair price, (hopefully!) the value of the company and its stock will go up and then everyone will reap the benefits.

5. I think Americans would like to see something tangible in return for their bailout money as well, like substantial discounts on cars, insurance, and investment fees, since after all, we are now all part owners of these companies.

That's our 2 cents. Now we'll go back to writing about what we usually do. Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!
-Gus

AirTran Airways Adds First Checked Bag Fee

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:48:25 -0500

AirTran Airways has joined most of the other major airlines in adding a first checked bag fee

November 13, 2008 -- A second checked bag fee had already been in place, but now AirTran Airways will add a first checked bag fee. The following information is from the company website, accurate as of this date (Check with the airline for any changes and for current fees):

Effective December 5, 2008, for all reservations booked on or after November 12, 2008, the charge for the first checked bag will be $15. For reservations booked prior to this date, for each fare-paying customer, AirTran Airways will allow one (1) checked bag free of charge, with size and weight limitations (see baggage allowance details below). A second bag fee is already in place and detailed in the chart below.

Active military personnel traveling with ID and official orders will have all bag fees waived.

Any customer who requires use of a wheelchair may have it checked as baggage at no charge, and it will not be considered part of the passenger's baggage count when assessing other baggage fees.

Baggage Allowance Summary	Fees (per bag)
1st checked bag: weight: 50 lbs. or less; dimensions: 61 inches or smaller
Traveling on December 4, 2008 or earlier	Free
Traveling on December 5, 2008 or later
-------Booked on November 12, 2008 or later	$15
-------Booked on November 11, 2008 or earlier	Free
2nd checked bag: weight: 50 lbs. or less; dimensions: 61 inches or smaller Fee based on reservation booking date:
-------Booked on August 14, 2008, or later	$25
-------Booked April 22 – August 13, 2008	$10 online, $20 at airport
-------Booked on April 21, 2008, or earlier	Free
Excess baggage (more than 2 bags)	$50
Overweight baggage 51-70 pounds 71-100 pounds	$39 $79
Oversized baggage 62 to 70 inches 71 to 80 inches	$39 $79
Active military personnel traveling with ID and official orders	Free
Sporting equipment	Varies (see details)