Air France (SkyTeam): Starts a new Business and First Class seat roll-out next summer. The first stage of new seats started with economy and Premium Economy seats, which came out last month. See link here for more information.
My Take: As always, I love to hear about new seat roll-outs, but why start in the back of the bus, when the front cabins net significantly more revenue?
Delta (SkyTeam): On Sept. 13, it introduced a $199 “Smart Travel Pack Option,” which offers a free first bag for all passengers traveling on the same reservation, priority boarding, preferred seats in economy, a discount on Economy Comfort, and 20% bonus miles. See link here for more information.
My Take: One more instance of elite-status dilution and another reason not to stay Delta elite. Can you picture a cartoon in which everyone is in line for priority boarding and the “other” line is empty? I can.
Delta and Virgin Atlantic Airways also received joint-venture approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation granting antitrust immunity on routes between North America and the U.K. That means more flights on the JFK-London route starting March 2014. See link here for more information.
My Take: Capacity and competition are the drivers of price. Look for Business Class fares to plummet and for much
better availability on other carriers flying the route. Love to see this!
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (SkyTeam): Is rolling out a new flat-bed Business Class seat on its B747s, with completion slated for April 2014. Next up are the B777s. See link here for more information.
My Take: Always love to see new flat-bed Business Class seats. KLM is doing it the right way as opposed to its mileage program partner Air France. Look for more on this new seat soon.
Lufthansa (Star Alliance): Introduces its Premium Economy product—more seat width and pitch—next summer on A380 flights.
My Take: Gives Lufthansa flyers a good back-up if Business Class is too expensive, the company won’t spring for it, you’re on a family vacation, or traveling in a group.
Qatar Airways (American partner and pending oneworld alliance member): Takes delivery of its first A380 next spring, a three-cabin aircraft that will be used on a European route first. It is also set to join the oneworld alliance by Oct. 30, which means AA members will be able to earn and redeem miles on Qatar. See link here for more information.
My Take: The more A380s in the air, the better. This is an EQM and mileage availability opportunity for American elites.
Air France (SkyTeam): Starts a new Business and First Class seat roll-out next summer. The first stage of new seats started with economy and Premium Economy seats, which came out last month. See link here for more information.
My Take: As always, I love to hear about new seat roll-outs, but why start in the back of the bus, when the front cabins net significantly more revenue?
Delta (SkyTeam): On Sept. 13, it introduced a $199 “Smart Travel Pack Option,” which offers a free first bag for all passengers traveling on the same reservation, priority boarding, preferred seats in economy, a discount on Economy Comfort, and 20% bonus miles. See link here for more information.
My Take: One more instance of elite-status dilution and another reason not to stay Delta elite. Can you picture a cartoon in which everyone is in line for priority boarding and the “other” line is empty? I can.
Delta and Virgin Atlantic Airways also received joint-venture approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation granting antitrust immunity on routes between North America and the U.K. That means more flights on the JFK-London route starting March...