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Volume 7, Issue 5, February 4, 2009 |
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According to a new report in the Austin American-Statesman, mobile ticketing will continue to take off in U.S. airports through 2009. Popular since its inception in 2007, the process is expected to expand rapidly this year. In 2007, approximately 37.4 million transactions were recorded — a number which is expected to hit 1.8 billion by 2011.
Mobile ticketing programs allow airlines to send encrypted, two-dimensional bar codes to passengers’ mobile devices. The bar codes include flight and passenger-specific information. Bar codes are scanned by TSA at security.
Delta, Continental (the leader in mobile ticketing in the United States) and American airlines have all debuted the program and announced plans to enhance and expand the services. The program is not available at all airports, but more and more will become paperless in the next few years. Continental currently offers the service at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), San Antonio International Airport (SAT), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). American’s test service, launched in November, is offered at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles International (LAX) and John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA). The airline will look to expand its program if the trial is successful.
The International Air Transport Association introduced a global standard for boarding pass bar codes in 2007, making the codes more difficult to copy and enabling airlines to develop mobile boarding pass programs. Widespread implementation of the program is expected by 2010, with a savings to airlines of approximately $500 million per year. Going paperless saves ink, paper, kiosk and staff costs — and is environmentally conscious as well.
In addition to growing domestically, the program has seen popularity worldwide, particularly in Europe, where mobile passes are being used for rail as well as air travel. Even Estonian Airlines has introduced mobile phone check-in.
Some consultants do warn of the program’s downsides: it only works for single reservations, excluding parents traveling with children, and there have been some technological difficulties, such as computer crashes and dead cell phone batteries. 
Singapore Airlines announced plans to alter the schedule of its business-class-only direct flights from Newark (EWR)/ Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN). The service, which currently operates daily, will not operate on Tuesday or Wednesday from Feb. 17 through March 25. The airline also announced plans to upgrade service on its San Francisco (SFO) flights. The upgraded Boeing 777 features 278 first, business and economy seats, with larger LCD monitors, more than 1,000 on-demand options, iPod and iPhone connectivity, Berlitz language courses and word processing software. Singapore is also the first airline in the world to offer iPod and iPhone connectivity in its economy class, onboard its A340-500.
Hillary Clinton is being praised for her stance on Cuban policy changes and for her Smart Power mission. The U.S Travel Association is in support of Clinton’s Smart Power mission, which uses travel to enhance America’s public diplomacy. Research shows that visitors to the United States are favorable toward America and her policies. The American Society of Travel Agents is also praising Clinton for indicating that the new administration is in favor of lifting the current restrictions on Americans’ freedom to visit Cuba. The lifted ban currently applies to Americans visiting family members in Cuba and sending remittances to relatives, but ASTA is in favor of completely eliminating the travel ban.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced that it will open its 1,000th property in 2009. The property is part of the company’s larger plan to open 100 hotels throughout the world this year. Future plans include tripling the number of W Hotels in the next three years, opening 18 Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and 11 Westin Hotels & Resorts, doubling the number of Aloft properties in 2009, adding four St. Regis properties in 2009 and developing an additional 20 Le Meridien hotels in the next several years.
In a move to further solidify a future partnership with United Airlines, Continental Airlines has announced it will leave the SkyTeam alliance and join Star Alliance. Continental will exit SkyTeam on Oct. 24 and hopes to join Star Alliance immediately. The airline is working to make the transition as smoothly as possible, and updates will be available on the company Web site. Star Alliance will seek antitrust immunity for Continental.
Air France-KLM launched a social networking Web site, Bluenity, in an attempt to connect its 75+ million customers. The site, touted as a new space on the Web for everyone who travels, will help travelers locate and contact fellow Air France-KLM travelers and find locations in upcoming destinations, as well as receive fellow travelers’ opinions and reviews and stay in touch with personal and professional contacts while traveling. Other services include personal profiles, the ability to build a network of fellow travelers and more.
Business Class
Philadelphia (PHL) to Atlanta (ATL) to Los Angeles (LAX)
800 247 8726
www.airtran.com
I arrived at the airport very early for a flight to Los Angeles (LAX) via Atlanta (ATL) on AirTran, a no-frills airline, headquartered in Orlando, with a hub in Atlanta.
I was able to print my boarding pass from my home computer and upgrade my seat, for a fee, to business class. With virtually no traffic on the road at 6 a.m., my check-in was quick and I was directed to my gate.
As we were taxiing for take-off, our friendly pilot told us our Boeing 717 was relatively new. The crew was very accommodating. The seats in business class were wide, but well worn, and the flight was smooth. We arrived in Atlanta on time, with only one small snack and beverage en route.
The next leg of the trip took me to L.A., this time on a Boeing 737 and still in business class. The attendants were mindful of my desire to sleep, and the wide seats, two on either side of the aisle, gave me enough room to put my feet up and relax.
The flight was pleasant. Soft drinks and snacks were offered twice. Judging by the condition of the bathroom and seats, I realized that with the quick turnaround of flights, the plane did not have time to be serviced adequately.
When I was returning to Philadelphia, there were some last-minute gate switches by AirTran personnel, which caused some confusion for passengers. The plane was not very clean and this time I did not upgrade my seat. The room in coach was tight and the full flight meant room for carry-on luggage was limited.
All in all, the flights were smooth, but tight coach seating, gate confusion, limited food and beverage options and slightly unkempt interiors will keep the airline in the no-frills league.
Score: ••••• Anna Pudzianowski
American Airlines has extended its special two-for-one promotion on travel to the U.K. or Caribbean. To take advantage of this offer, register online, with promotion code UKCMP, and book a first, business or select economy seat on flights to the U.K or Caribbean before March 31. Qualifying customers will then receive free companion fares on their future U.K. or Caribbean trips. Customers who have previously registered for this promotion do not need to re-register; registered participants must be subscribed to one of American’s email products to be eligible. Companion tickets must be booked by June 30.
CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta is offering the perfect romantic escape this Valentine’s Day. The Escape to Romance package includes a deluxe king room with balcony, daily buffet breakfast for two, bottle of sparkling wine and fruit plate upon arrival, one dinner and glass of wine per stay, free access to spa wellness areas, free entry to gym and indoor pool, nightly turndown service and bellman and maid gratuities. Rates start at $275. To book stays, visit the Web site and use promotion code LVU. For extra nights, use the Stay for Breakfast promotion YBKD or the Leisure Rate promotion LRRB.
Air Tahiti Nui is offering an exclusive Internet rate for nonstop flights from L.A. (LAX) to Paris (CDG). Through Feb. 6, the economy-class Internet rate is available for $789 (includes taxes, fees and surcharges). The rate is valid for travel through May 15. The nonstop flights are offered Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to Paris and return flights are available Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Web site. Call 877 824 4846 for more information.
SWISS is offering reduced business-class fares from the United States to Europe. Through Feb. 6, passengers will enjoy savings of up to 70 percent on flights from Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR) and New York (JFK) to Switzerland, with connections available to other European destinations. Fares booked by Feb. 6 are valid on travel from Feb. 2 to April 30. A Saturday night stay is required. Visit the Web site or call 877 FLY SWISS.
EL AL Israel Airlines is offering an exclusive discount and frequent-flyer bonus to families of Israeli soldiers. In conjunction with the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, the airline is offering a 50 percent discount on airfares to families who would like to visit their children serving in the Israel Defense Forces. In addition, eligible parents will receive a bonus voucher for 50 percent fewer points than normally needed to obtain free round-trip travel on nonstop flights from New York (JFK/EWR) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Israel. The offers are valid through March 31. Call 800 223 6700 for reservations. IDF numbers are required. EL AL will also match 100 percent of donated frequent-flyer points to IDF soldiers who wish to visit family in the future. Visit the Web site for more information.
