You'll only be able to try it at LaGuardia for now, but Delta has rolled out its first e-boarding pass. You'll now be able to check in and get past the TSA screeners using nothing more than your web-capable mobile.
Of course, a few airlines already have this service--including Air Canada, Continental and Japan Airlines. But it looks like it's really starting to catch on in the States, which begs an important reminder: Charge those phones before you head to the airport!
A new survey has found that travelers in the US are pissed off: For the first quarter of 2008, the US airlines collectively earned a 62 percent approval rating, their lowest since the September 11 attacks shook up the airline industry back in 2001.
The results of this latest survey reflect widespread dissatisfaction among frequent fliers. The lead expert behind the numbers told Reuters that air travel in America is "getting worse" because a lack of flight options allows poor service. Some airlines received survey scores in the low 50s, which makes them less popular than the IRS. Then again, as Chris Elliott says, "you need a survey to tell you that?"
Forgive us if we haven't been breathlessly reporting all the latest merger gossip: All these rumors and anonymous sources have us more than skeptical. But since everyone seems to be involved in something these days, here's a cheat sheet for all the merger mania swirling in the industry:
Delta and Northwest: These two are getting together, pending approval from the US government. You can keep up on both carrier's plans at the pompously named newglobalairline.com. Oh, and before you believe the hype that nothing will change when they get together, Northwest CEO Doug Steenland just announced that, yes, they probably will be cutting some service.
Before you start planning your next trip with what could be the country's largest carrier, better wait for the deal to be approved. But wait, didn't Delta and NWA already announce a merger? They did, but Northwest's pilots are resisting a deal.
You probably won't notice it on the new marketing website created for the airline, but a mention of the sticking point is there:
With respect to Northwest pilots, Delta has committed to use its best efforts to reach a combined Delta-Northwest pilot agreement, including resolution of pilot seniority integration, prior to the closing of the merger.
In other words: Hang on one sec, while we beat these folks into submission. And we can think of at least one other person who won't like this news: Rep. James Oberstar. The congressman from Minnesota declared his anti-merger stance the last time Delta and Northwest were flirting. Can't imagine he'll enjoy the idea this time around, especially since Delta headquarters will be in Atlanta not Minneapolis.
As for us? We'll be standing by to welcome our new global airline overlords until they can, you know, actually get some pilots on board.
We're flying recently troubled, Delta pretty soon, and we got a curious reminder email from them last night. The carrier's encouraging us to check out their in-flight entertainment page before we get aloft.
Oh hey, is that "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" starring Jaunted heroineHelen Mirren being shown on our flight? Sweet.
If only we could pre-credit ourselves some drinks for the flight at the same time. We'll need 'em if we get stuck in the cheap seats.
That's Delta's new safety video above. It's been making the rounds on the Internets recently and stirring up quite the dedicated fan base for Katherine Lee, a.k.a. "Deltalina," the real-life Delta flight attendant featured in the clip. Yeah, she's cute.
As you can see, in today's airline industry, there is no more valuable an asset than a shiny-haired employee with a soothing voice. Both Deltalina and her comrade-in-spirit, Sir Chuck Ogilvie of Virgin America, have been pimped out by their respective employers, and with good reason. These two need to record a book on tape together--we'd buy, like, 1200 copies or more. SkyMall would sell out of them in record time.
Also, they belong together. In holy matrimony. Forever!
Well, the superairline is as good as dead. Pilots at Delta and Northwest couldn't hash out a compromise over seniority, a major sticking point on a merger.
While the airlines could potentially get together without the pilots on board, Delta doesn't think that's a good idea. And so for now, the two legacy carriers will fly solo into the brave new world of $110-a-barrel jet fuel. Bring on the surcharges!
The Delta-Northwest merger hasn't flatlined yet, though pilots are still wrapped up in a weeks-long argument over seniority. Even if execs wanted to walk away from the deal now, it appears doing so could be fatal for the carriers. Now that oil has surged past $100-a-barrel, neither airline seems prepared to go it alone:
Delta CEO Richard Anderson, shortly after crude oil reached $103 a barrel, told his employees a week ago that Delta's 2008 business plan was built on $90-a-barrel oil.
Both companies recovered from bankruptcy last year after serious reorganizations, says the Minneapolis Star Tribune. But rising oil prices and the increasing popularity of foreign carriers and domestic LCCs have challenged those already-dated business models. A successful merger may be their only hope.
0 Comments - Add Yours
by pbb
