The New York air traffic problem needs to be fixed

by Grant Martin on

Air traffic in New York is at its worst level in history. As demand for low cost seats continues to rise, airlines are trying to cram more and more flights into the already tight schedules that the airports require. Even with perfect weather, countless flights are delayed every day; as I mentioned earlier, over 75 percent of delays originate from the New York area airports.

The problem has gotten so out of hand that the Bush administration is attempting to curb traffic with new restrictions and guidelines. Just yesterday an advisory committee met to propose changes to the airport system, from imposing extra “high traffic” taxes to reducing the number of flights that transit during “peak” times of the day. There was a great synopsis on NPR Wednesday morning if you’re interested.

But reform is steeped in bureaucratic red tape, influenced by the commercial airline lobby, air traffic restrictions, landing slots and antiquated equipment. And while the politicians and special interest groups battle over who gets the largest piece of pie, the crisis continues.

Just this week, an Eva airlines cargo plane pulling out of an aborted landing barely missed an inbound American Eagle flight at JFK. Last week in Newark, the New York Post reports that “two planes at Newark Airport came within 300 feet of colliding.”

My fear is that we’ll only learn our lesson after a horrible mistake is made.

More sales to Central and South America on American

by Grant Martin on

As Airfarewatchdog dutifully pointed out earlier today, American Airlines just released another coupon code for 20% off Central and South America.

In and of itself, the discount is pretty substantial, but when you add the fact that American already has some of the lowest prices on the market to several destinations, the savings really start to pile up.

Take San Jose, Costa Rica. I’ve been fighting several of my friends trying to schedule a bachelor party in early April and domestic tickets across the board to somewhere warm are upwards of 300$. But using this coupon code I’ve been able to price tickets to CR in around the 225$ range.

Tickets to Central America this cheap don’t come around very often.

Use coupon code DFNNWLAT by December 19th to take your discount, then travel between December 13 and May 14 ’08. More details about the discount can be found at the airfarewatchblog or AA.com

Go to Costa Rica, for me at least, and I will live vicariously through you.

Spain’s government-run Women’s Institute calls Ryanair calendar sexist

by Justin Glow on

Remember the Ryanair calendar featuring female flight attendants dressed in bikinis while leaning against heavy machinery in provocative angles? Spain’s government-run Women’s Institute is calling the move sexist, saying, “[i]f there had been men in the calendar, I’m sure there would have been no controversy.”

Further, the organization claims the calendar “represent the stewardesses as sexual objects” and “reinforce discriminatory stereotypes.” Didn’t we stop calling them stewardesses in favor of the less-discriminatory term “flight attendants?”

It sounds to me that the Women’s Institution of Spain is fighting for the rights of male flight attendants, rather than protecting the dignity of the females. So what do you think, does the Women’s Institution have a leg to stand on?

Obligatory photos (click to enlarge):


You make the call!

Northwest flight attendant fashion show, Wednesday at DTW

by Grant Martin on

If you happen to be passing through Detroit Metro Airport on Wednesday (DTW) just after lunch time, swing by the fountain in the center of Mcnamara Terminal. Northwest flight attendants, who have long been overdue for a uniform upgrade, will be showing off their new wares in a fashion show.

The event is scheduled to take place twice at 1 and 2 PM in front of the main fountain (pictured), right in the entrance way.

Speculation among those “in the know” suggests that the uniform upgrades won’t be anything as drastic as what the Ryanair flight attendants have been up to; apparently they’re designed by the Twin Hill group, a classically conservative corporate apparel company. But perhaps its a good way to keep the crew up to date with the modern fashion and accessories, as well as begin to reward a group of employees who have been sacrificing left and right for a company just out of bankruptcy. Personally, I’ve always liked the scarves that the flight attendants occasionally wear. Hopefully those won’t go away.
If any of you lucky Gadlingers are out there during the show, snap a picture for us and I’ll post them.

Thanks to ashweigert at Flickr for the photo.

Would you like coffee, tea or insightful travel information?

by Brett Atkinson on

A few months back we reported on a couple of special flights offered by Air New Zealand, one an inflight fashion show across the Tasman from Auckland to Sydney, and also a special gay-themed flight from San Francisco to Sydney in time for the Sydney Mardi Gras.

Now the little airline that could is launching a new service they’re describing as “in-flight concierges”. Basically the idea is have a dedicated person on board the plane whose sole role is to liaise with passengers and handle enquiries on “must-do” activities at their destinations, arranging onward bookings – even advising on wine selection with meals.

The in-flight know-it-alls will begin service on long haul flights from Auckland to North America and Asia in April 2008.