If there's one good thing that's come of the bank collapse in Iceland, it's that Icelandair seems to be putting themselves out there and making the rounds in order to seduce frugal travelers to their hurting homeland. First, we noticed the advertisements popping up on the New York subway, reminding those with wanderlust that Iceland is only five hours away, and now Icelandair is letting more of the west coast in on their action.

Freshly announced yesterday, the news that the airline will add fellow cold climate city Seattle to its list of destinations is great for both ends. Flying four times a week direct from Reykjavik's Keflavik Airport to Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Icelandair will launch their first US west coast route on July 22. Although booking doesn't look to be open for the flights yet, we're hoping that these fares feature into the frequent Iceland specials.

For reference's sake, the press release does give a sample direct roundtrip price of $822 plus taxes. If they were to make inclusive of taxes and throw in a few nights' hotel stay, then we may yet be tempted to personally inject some cash into Iceland's economy.

Related Stories:
· New Seattle Service [Icelandair]
· Is it Icelandair? Seattle to announce new international route [Today in the Sky]
· New Routes Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: wicho]]]> JetSetCD 2009-03-25T15:39:05-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/11/4/64138/6553

Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles and Seattle-Tacoma are all paving new runways. The airport in Detroit just opened a new terminal, as did JetBlue, of course, with its long-awaited T5 at JFK (pictured). Since airlines seem to perpetually do the exact opposite of what’s good for them, we have to wonder whether pouring money into cushier digs on the ground really improves the process of flying for those who matter: Us.

Since congestion seems to be easing on its own, what with the increasing popularity of the delusional "staycation," it seems a bit frivolous for struggling airlines to continually unveil glistening, futuristic new terminals every few months. Passengers end up paying for these sweeping structures filled with interlocking corrugated iron and panoramic views of the tarmac. Whereas landing fees were less than $5 per ticket a few years ago, now they’re up to about $8. At the airport in St. Louis, with one of the most underused terminals anywhere, passengers end up paying an extra $13.

Executives at Southwest Airlines, which slowed its terminal expansions in the late 1990s, are particularly critical of the trend. Bob Montgomery, Southwest's VP of Properties, argued that the third terminal planned for McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas will basically screw over struggling consumers with unnecessary fees. The projects are "spending other people's money," added the company’s CEO, Gary Kelly. You tell ‘em, Gary.

Related Stories:
· US Airports Grow Apace, but the Timing Seems Off [IHT]
· New Terminals Travel: A Sneak Peak at T2 at RDU [Jaunted]
· New Detroit Terminal React-O-Matic [Jaunted]

[Photo: interpolactic]]]> ced138 2008-11-04T12:35:07-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/10/112223/38

JetBlue apparently had so much fun selling cut-rate tickets in Washington, DC that the carrier is taking its Happy Jetting Happy Hour to the West Coast.

Here's the scoop, direct from Twitter:

On Tuesday Oct 14 we'll be doing another Happy Jetting Happy Hour. This time at Pacific Place in Seattle from 3:30-6:30. Stop on by!

If he's there, say hi to Kenneth from "30 Rock" for us!

Related Stories:
· Marketing Stunt Travel: JetBlue's New Dulles Sale [Jaunted]
· JetBlue's EBay Auction Winners and Losers [Jaunted]]]> pbb 2008-10-10T11:30:42-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/9/9434/46140

While part of Florida is having serious issues when it comes to goats, Seattle has invited 'em over en masse.

Sea-Tac has contracted a local company called Goat Trimmers to provide about 200 animals to organically trim weeds on airport grounds. Says the outfit's website:

Skip the mowers and get your goat. The scrub grass we loathe is like French fries to billies, so rent a few four-legged lawnmowers for pesticide-free weed-clearing.

There's no word on how long the critters will be grazing at SEA, but it likely won't be for more than a couple days, so get there now if you like your farm animals with heads attached!

Update: LA is also doing this!

Related Stories:
· Airport Check-in [USA Today]
· Goat Trimmers [Official Site]
· Decapitated Goats Terrifying the Florida Panhandle [Jaunted]
· Animals coverage [Jaunted]]]> pbb 2008-09-09T10:00:24-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/6/9/16123/91307

We're a bit embarrassed to admit that today was the first we'd ever heard of Hainan Airlines. We're clearly behind the times on this one, as the carrier is China's fourth-largest and the country's biggest privately-owned airline.

Hainan is now making its first flights to America, with four-times-a-week service between Seattle and Beijing, giving you another non-stop option between the US and the Olympics. (Don't get your hopes up, though: Hainan doesn't use the new Terminal 3.)

For now, Hainan is flying Airbus A330s, but once Boeing finally rolls out the Dreamliner, you'll be able to fly SEA-PEK in carbon fiber bliss.

Related Stories:
· Airport Check-in: Seattle Beijing Service Starts [USAToday]
· New Airlines coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of a 737: Drewski2112]]]> pbb 2008-06-09T16:30:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/12/12/0252/1889

Virgin America is announcing today that tickets are on sale for service to Seattle from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Flights between SFO and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will begin on March 18, 2008, with three daily roundtrip flights. In addition, three daily roundtrips between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and SEA will begin on April 8, 2008.

Virgin America's SFO-SEA fares start at $77 one way in the Main Cabin and $177 one way in First Class. LAX-SEA fares start at $99 one way in the Main Cabin and $199 one way in First Class.

We totally called it. This makes us two for two on nailing VA destinations before they are officially announced -- San Diego and now Seattle. Actually, a huge assist on this one goes to Jaunted member herz, who stuck with the VA to Seattle call out, even after SEA airport spokesman Perry Cooper denied that Virgin to SEA was a done deal. Oh, and to all you unnamed email tipsters and accidental tipsters -- hats off to you as well.

Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton said:

Virgin America will offer Puget Sound travelers an additional airline choice with some unique, tech-driven features and flight amenities. The addition of Virgin America to Sea-Tac Airport will help further economic development and tourism for the Seattle region and the state.

This will be the first new destination under new Virgin America President and Chief Executive Officer David Cush.

Bonus shot of the VA team toasting in the aisle post jump.

Related Stories:
· Virgin America coverage [Jaunted]]]> markj 2007-12-12T06:05:01-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/