Even “Budget” Pilots Have to be Responsible: Ryanair Pilots Face Dismissal

by Willy Volk on

Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair, is threatening to dismiss some of its pilots after investigations into several near-accidents during 2006 revealed “high energy approach incidents.” During one near-miss, for example, the captain realized he was too high to land safely and decided to fly in a tight circle to lose height, despite contrary advice from his co-pilot — and warning buzzers from inside the cockpit. Consequently, as the plane made its approach, it flew just feet from rooftops, prompting complaints from passengers and residents alike.

To that end, Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has issued a memo to all pilots warning them that:

  • the first time they make a a dangerous approach, they face demotion;
  • the second time they make a a dangerous approach, they face dismissal.

Although ridership has skyrocketed over the past decade, the airline has received ample criticism recently because it allows just 25 minutes to turn flights around, which has lead to complaints from unions that pilots are under pressure and are more likely to make mistakes.

Valentine’s Idea: Join the Mile High Club!

by Willy Volk on

If the idea of getting freaky while you’re miles in the air turns you on, then maybe chartering a flight should be on your short list of things to do for Valentine’s. Surprisingly (or not), a small but growing market for people wanting to get their high-altitude lovin’ on has emerged recently. Featuring comfy, private spaces — big enough for rolling around but small enough for two (give or take) — charter flights for people wanting to join the mile high club have sprung up all over. For example:

  • In Georgia, Mile High Atlanta charges $299 for an hour-long flight in a Piper Cherokee Six. In addition to private time, participants get to swig from a complimentary bottle of champagne and “keep your sheets as a souvenir of this special event.” For that kind of money, laundry services should be included.
  • In the UK, Mile High Flights launches from Gloucestershire on a twin-engined Piper Aztec. After receiving champagne and strawberries, couples board their private love jet and cruise a mile in the sky. Prices range from £250 for a “Quickie” (30 minutes), and go up to £750 for a “VIP” (90 minutes). Upon conclusion, participants get a certificate. What? No sheets!?
  • Don’t like tiny planes? Maybe you have several girlfriends? Chicago’s classily-named Boomboom Plane has a 20-seat jet available for charter. You get what you pay for, I guess, as the Boomboom Plane goes for $1000/hour.
  • Mile High AZ (“We’re just plane naughty!”) charges $600 for 90 minutes — after you pay the $150 annual due.
  • Cincinnati’s Flamingo Air offers 1-hour flights, a private curtained cabin, champagne, chocolates and “one very discreet pilot” for $299.

Afraid of heights? Drop me an email and I’ll drive you around South Florida for $100/hour!

Surprise Someone with a Romantic (and Cheap!) V-Day Weekend Getaway

by Justin Glow on

It’s about that time, folks — Valentine’s Day! Guys, if you’re still rushing around trying to figure out what to do for that special someone (and I know most of you are), nothing beats a spontaneous weekend trip, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. I’ve been talking with Tim Leffel, author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations, to get his expert advice on selecting the perfect destination — one with plenty of romance and a lot of fun for a little money.

So Tim, how can I find the cheapest deal on a last-minute flight?

“If you subscribe to a service that sends out last-minute airfare info, you can just see where the bargains are and pick a random place.” If you don’t subscribe to any newsletters, don’t fret — head out and check the website of all the major airlines to see what they have to offer. Start with these:

Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing any last-minute specials, as these can often be non-refundable. Don’t let your budget be the sole factor in deciding where to go, either; the weather should also play a big part in selecting the perfect destination.

“Since it’s February, you may want to skip Minneapolis or Buffalo,” explains Tim, “but there are usually plenty of trips to warmer places on offer, to smaller towns that are a fraction of the cost of New York or San Francisco.”

So where do you recommend?

“Head to Austin, Tuscon, Jackson, or Savannah … [and] don’t forget that from most parts of the country, getting to Mexico doesn’t take much longer than a domestic trip. Hop a flight to Cancun and then make some romance down the road in Tulum. Or hit one of the beaches on the West Coast, or get romantic in one of the colonial towns such as San Miguel de Allende, Merida, or Guanajuanto. It’ll cost a bit more to get there, but the hotels and restaurants are a better deal than in the U.S. after you arrive.”

For a more frugal option, try sticking to unique outings in your home town, “or just get in the car and go. If you’re like most people, you haven’t seen a fraction of what’s within a couple of hours of where you live. Pick a nice little inn somewhere and enjoy the time together.”

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and willing to splurge, take your love worldwide. Pick up a copy of Tim Leffel’s The World’s Cheapest Destinations, and see where in the world you can get the most for your money on the upcoming holiday.

ExpressJet Flies Off On Its Own

by Iva Skoch on

You might think they’re new, but you may have already flown them. They’re ExpressJet, the Houston-based regional contract carrier for Continental, often branded Continental Express (since they were spun off of Continental back in 2002).

Following in the footsteps of the now-defunct Independence Air (the former contract carrier that lasted 19 months on its own after losing its United Airlines’ contract), they’re starting service on their own, since Continental’s shifted some of their business over to their other contract carrier, Chautauqua Airlines.

Flying forty-four of the familiar 50-seat Embraer jets, they plan to serve 24 smaller regional airports, avoiding airports where the big airlines have hubs. Look for them in smaller cities like Sacramento, Spokane, Boise, El Paso, Raleigh, San Diego, and others.

Update: Did Southwest Airlines Refuse Boarding for a Dying Passenger?

by Justin Glow on

Wow, I’m really disappointed that I just now found this. Over at BlogSouthwest.com, Kathy Gloria, Manager of Executive Office Customer Communications at Southwest Airlines, posted a response to the overweight passenger situation I posted about last month. She writes,

“We regret that this unfortunate situation occurred, and we are in the process of expressing our regret to this Customer and his family. Out of regard for their privacy, we can’t comment on the specifics of the circumstances in a public forum like this blog. But I hope you realize that, as a Company which has a longstanding reputation for compassion, we are always striving to do the right thing.”

Regardless of the fact that she couldn’t really give us any new information, I still think it’s really cool that Southwest Airlines has a blog that allows employees to address the public on situations like this. It’s a step in the right direction, and further supports my choice to fly Southwest over most other carriers when I have the option.