Remember all those airline fees that were pouring in a few months ago related to this season’s holiday travel? Well the airlines must have really enjoyed what they were seeing, as they are now looking to tack in some additional charges for days well into 2010. Delta, United, and American Airlines are busy adding these presents to our tickets anytime they think travel will be busier than usual.

The website BestFares.com is reporting that Delta and United have added surcharges to as many as 40 days between now and next May. The fees can be as much as $30 each way depending on distance, time, and other factors that appeal to the airlines. Our favorite airline fee has to be the $50 one-way charge that has now been added to some flights on February 8. In case you don’t have the NFL calendar kicking around, that’s the day after the Super Bowl. Not like we could afford tickets anyway, but we can still be angry about it. ]]> kjb 2009-11-19T09:44:30-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/17/72910/504

Last week we were intrigued with the latest developments regarding a possible merger between United and Continental, but this week there’s a different merger rumor kicking around. Unfortunately—or fortunately depending who you ask—this one doesn’t seem as likely. We’re talking about the possibility of American Airlines and US Airways joining forces.

American and Delta jostle for the title of largest carrier, but like we said last week, if Continental and United hooked up they would move into first and American would fall to third behind the newly formed Delta. That’s got to hurt your ego, even if everyone remembers that first is the worst and second is the best. ]]> kjb 2009-11-17T09:18:22-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/11/14116/796

US Airways just published a press release promising customers a new tier system for frequent flier purchases, the promise being that travelers will get "more choices and flexibility." Right now there are three kinds of award bookings you can make using your miles: off-peak, mileage saver, and standard awards. After January 6, 2010 there will be four categories: off-peak, low, medium, and high awards.

Essentially they've taken one of their awards tiers and split it into two. Fair enough. But now they get to rearrange what each rewards ticket costs into a 4-category system, and here's where things get interesting; will they use the new system as a cover for making everything more expensive? ]]> Omri 2009-11-11T17:09:25-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/28/8955/1518

Frequent flyers of US Airways will soon be smiling a little more as they prepare to board their flights. The airline has finally caught up with other carriers and has added free booze to the menu at the US Airways Club. However, a membership to the airline club will still set passengers back at least $325 to join, and can cost $450 if they don’t have any status with the airline. The free alcohol will begin to flow in the clubs starting on October 30.

Additionally, passengers will be able to use the clubs of partner airlines as well. This includes Continental Airlines’ Presidents Club as the airline finally joined the Star Alliance this week. Domestic travelers can also swing into United’s Red Carpet Clubs for a little rest and relaxation. ]]> kjb 2009-10-28T15:29:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/19/11447/736

The Federal Aviation Administration has reached back to the beginning of 2008, contemplated the record, and decided to fine United and US Airways over $9 million dollars for safety lapses. The government agency is letting it be known that these penalties are just the beginning and that the entire industry is now on notice. Larger fines and penalties against American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are probably pending: ]]> Omri 2009-10-19T14:18:40-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/12/81355/159

We thought this would happen, and we’re not too thrilled about it: The holiday surcharge that was introduced last month on some airlines has slowly crept into new dates as well. At first it was just Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day; however, now it seems like every major holiday except for Flag Day is associated with a $10 each way fee.

According to fare tracking website FareCompare, some airlines have now added additional dates in which these holiday fees apply. November 30; December 19, 26, and 27; March 14, 20, 21, and 28; April 11; and May 28 all now may increase your airfare cost by about $20 round trip when the surcharges are tacked on. ]]> kjb 2009-10-12T09:11:10-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/2/82017/0536

If you need a couple of adult beverages to get through your flight, you may not want to choose US Airways for your next trip, especially if you’re headed towards New Mexico. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago a passenger aboard a US Airways flight had too much to drink. After getting off the plane the passenger caused a fatal accident on a highway near Santa Fe. Other passengers reported that the airline served drinks to the person in question despite that fact that he already appeared intoxicated. It doesn’t help that state regulators in New Mexico had already cited the airline twice for over serving its fliers.

All this matters because a federal judge has now ruled that New Mexico officials can prohibit the airline from serving alcohol in the state or when an airplane is flying over the state. With US Airways having a major hub in Phoenix, we’re thinking that a lot of the airline’s planes have to go over New Mexico to connect passengers to elsewhere around the globe. ]]> kjb 2009-10-02T09:44:01-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/