JetBlue and Gadling are giving away two All You Can Jet passes

by Scott Carmichael on

** This contest is now closed **

So you missed the JetBlue “All You Can Jet” unlimited flight pass promotion and now you’re crying in your pancakes because you won’t have a month worth of flights. This is what happens when you stay out too late and don’t pay attention. There’s good news, travelers: Gadling has your back.

The JetBlue “All You Can Jet” unlimited flight pass has come and gone. But we teamed up with JetBlue to send two lucky winners on one month of unlimited flights anywhere JetBlue flies. That’s right – you can win your very own AYCJ pass.

But wait – there’s more! The winners will also receive a $250 gift card from SCOTTEVEST, a 4GB wireless Eye-Fi memory card, a three month subscription to Boingo Wireless and a free book and CD or Movie from Swap.com.

Entering the contest is simple – all you have to do is tell us what would you do/where would you go on your 30 days of unlimited flying? You can tell us in a 20 word itinerary, or a 1000 word trip essay.

  • To enter, simply leave a comment answering the question: How would you spend your 30 days of unlimited flying?
  • The comment must be left before Wednesday September 1 2010 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • You may enter only once.
  • Two Prize Winners will be randomly selected to receive one JetBlue All You Can Jet pass valid for travel seven days a week for 30 days, one Scottevest $250 giftcard, one 4GB EyeFi Pro wireless memory card, one travel book and CD or movie to keep you company from Swap.com, and one Boingo global WiFi pass valid for three months.
  • The pass entitles the holder to unlimited travel on the JetBlue route network between September 7 2010 and October 8 2010. Taxes and fees on domestic travel are included, but you are responsible for all taxes and fees on international flight segments. JetBlue restrictions apply and can be found here.
  • You are responsible for booking your flights through JetBlue.
  • Winners must be JetBlue TrueBlue frequent flier program members. Membership in this program is free.
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
  • The total value of each prize is approximately $1100 — $699 (JetBlue All You Can Jet pass), $250 (Scottevest gift card) $69.99 (EyeFi memory card) $50 worth of travel books and movies from Swap.com and $180 (Boingo three month global pass).
  • Click here for the complete official rules of this giveaway.

OK travelers — get commenting! These passes are hot and since you already missed it the first time, you don’t want to get left out in the cold this time around.

Happy travels and good luck!
The Gadling Team

7 fantastic airport restaurants from around the world

by Scott Carmichael on

When I started traveling as a young kid, I was perfectly content with one of the bad cheese sandwiches served on Air UK.

Nowadays I’m a little more spoiled, and am often on the lookout for good food on the ground, as many airlines have stopped serving anything decent (or anything at all) once you are on board.

Here are 5 airport restaurants from around the world that stand out amongst the usual McDonalds and Chilis junkfood.

Gordon Ramsay Plane Food at London Heathrow

There is more to Gordon Ramsay than yelling at kitchen staff on TV. He owns and operates a large number of restaurants around the world, including one in the recently opened Heathrow Terminal 5.

Plane Food serves food all day, including a fantastic breakfast lineup. How about a nice Croque Madame with pan fried quail’s eggs before your flight? Or if you are in a hurry, you can even pick up one of their amazing picnic meals with treats like a roast beef, truffle and watercress sandwich. It sure beats the usual Big Mac people bring on board their flight.

Location: London Heathrow Terminal 5, unit 29
Website: Gordon Ramsay Plane Food
Opening hours: 5:30am-last departing flight (casual dress code)

Berghoffs at Chicago O’Hare

Berghoffs Cafe has been a Chicago icon since 1898. German immigrant H.J.Berghoff made a name for himself when he sold his beer at the 1893 worlds fair.

The downtown location is well known for its authentic German food, but the airport location offers a more limited menu. You’ll still find delicious corned beef sandwiches, but also pizza and basic mexican food. Of course, the airport location also sells the signature Berghoff beer and root beer.

Location: Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Terminal 1, Concourse C, Gate 25
Website: Chicago O’Hare concession listing
Opening hours: 5:15 am-10:30 pm

The Caviar House at London Heathrow

The Caviar House has long been one of the more upscale airport concessions. What started with just a handful of airports, has now evolved into over 15 worldwide locations. The first one I can remember was at London Heathrow Terminal 4 (Heathrow now has one at each terminal).

The Caviar House sells Caviar (duh), Salmon, Oysters, and many other seafood products. To compliment your snack, they also have a fantastic lineup of Champagne and Vodka. It isn’t cheap, but since many people passing through the airport are on their way to a vacation, it could be the best way to start off a great trip.

Location: London Heathrow Terminals 1,2,3 and 5 (as well as 10 other international airports)
Website: The Caviar House
Opening hours (London Heathrow): T1,2,3: 7am-9:00 pm, T5: 5:30 am-last departing flight

JFK Terminal 5/JetBlue

With the launch of terminal 5, New York JFK airport suddenly went from one of the worst airports in the world, to one of the more decent options.

Unless I was flying British Airways (with lounge access), I always dreaded flying through JFK. Of course, it took a low cost airline to bring some luxury to JFK. When Jet Blue moved into Terminal 5, they brought along a great lineup of restaurants.

For once, someone decided to design an airport terminal without filling it with the usual suspects. The T5 restaurant lineup includes Aeronuova (an Italian eatery), 5ive steak and Deep Blue Sushi.

Even the food court food court has a good assortment with Cheeburger Cheeburger, Fresco Pasta and Belgian fry joint Pommes Frites.

In total, you’ll find 20 different restaurants and bars at JFK Terminal 5.

Location: John F. Kennedy International airport, Terminal 5 (Jet Blue terminal)
Website: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Opening hours: varies per restaurant

Airbräu at Munich International airport

Airbräu opened at Munich airport in 1999, and is the only restaurant in the world to bring an authentic Biergarten to an international airport. As far as I can tell, they are also the only airport facility where you can order a 10 liter beer and have yourself one heck of a party.

Of course, Airbräu also has a pretty comprehensive menu offering everything from pork sausages to roast duck and of course, Schnitzels.

The funniest thing on their menu is the “Hang Mans Lunch”; for 95 Euro cents, you get a glass of water, a bread roll and a cigarette.

Location: Munich International airport in the concourse between terminals 1 and 2.
Website: www.aurbraeu.de
Opening hours: 8am-1am daily

The noodle bar at The Wing – Hong Kong International Airport

This entry in my lineup is a little unfair as it is not accessible to everyone. The noodle bar at The Wing is inside the Cathay Pacific lounge at Hong Kong Airport.

To get into The Wing, you’ll have to be flying in Business Class or First Class (or be a top tier elite member of the airline). Once inside, you can grab yourself a bowl of freshly made noodles from the self service bar.

I’ve been to the Wing several times, and absolutely love it. If you are leaving on a late night flight, the place is usually quite peaceful, and having access to free noodles (and free beverages) is a fantastic way to start your trip.

Location: Hong Kong International airport – right after the security checkpoint
Website: www.cathaypacific.com
Opening hours: 5:30am – last departing flight

In De Bonte Koe – Amsterdam International airport

Amsterdam airport has always been a great place to spend some time. Between their massive assortment of stores and the airside Casino, you’ll always find something to do. The airport has its fair share of generic fast food places, but they also
offer a couple of more upscale choices.

One of them is “In de Bonte Koe”. This establishment is decorated like the famous 17th century Dutch ship, De Bonte Koe. The food choices are fairly basic, but since it is above the main terminal, it is a great way to escape the crowds.

Location: Amsterdam Schiphol International airport, Lounge 3, 2nd floor
Website: www.schiphol.nl
Opening hours: 11am-7:30pm

Our Readers Respond:

* John says: “You know, a good Cornish pasty and a pint of real ale at Newquay Airport in Cornwall beats just about any other airport food ever.”

* Marilyn Terrell says: “If you’re hungry at Dulles airport and it’s not time for breakfast, I’d suggest local favorite burger joint Five Guys, which serves a juicy (messy) burger with free toppings. They also serve fries, and a sign will tell you what state the potatoes are from that day.“

* Anne says: “I wholeheartedly endorse the Cuban restaurant in the Miami airport: La Carreta. You have to leave security, and re-enter, but let me promise you: it is worth it. Delicious rice and beans, Cuban sandwiches, tostones, the works. And the best possible mix of clientele–from baggage handlers to tourists. It’s also a great place to kill some time, as I’ve never had a flight leave from Miami on time.“

* Zach Everson says: “Legal at Logan (Boston) and Reagan (DC). A chain now, but an excellent one. Chappy at DC is a great bartender.”

** Alan says: Try Vino Volo at multiple US airports, including BWI, JFK, etc. Good wines, good atmosphere, neat snacks. Its a good place to take a break. [Also,] two airports with diners…NJ Diner at EWR and Silver Diner in the Southwest Terminal (Concourses A and B) at BWI. Putting in all the chrome at BWI cost an obscene amount, but it really is a different look for the airport. [Finally,] California Tortilla at BWI and DCA…fast Mexican food, high quality. The street locations are more fun, but the value is still there at the airports.”

** Scott McMurren says: “In Seattle, the Pacific Marketplace food court is fabulous. My absolute, standout favorite is Anthony’s walk-up Fish Taco stand. They typically have Mahi Mahi and Rockfish. I go for the Rockfish. There’s also a Wolfgang Puck restaurant on the C Concourse to grab a pricey Caesar Salad to go….oh-so-much better than anything served on board, IMHO. There are TWO delicious wine bars that serve some glorious vintages by the glass. High marks!“

** Coreyo says: “at Kansas City International Airport you can get classic KC BBQ and KC beer at the Boulevard Brewery with Arthur Bryant’s BBQ”

** Heather says: “The best sandwich in the world is called “The Wreck” available at Potbellies at Chicago Midway. The staff is no frills and even when the line goes all the way out the door the wait is never long.”

AirTran expands service to Columbus offering another way south

by Jamie Rhein on

Finally, a less expensive airline has decided that Columbus has a gaping hole to fill–two in fact. After first Skybus and then Jet Blue pulled out of Columbus, and other carriers cut down their service, the options for heading out of Columbus have become more expensive and less frequent.

AirTran Airways’ non-stop flights to Ft. Meyers, Orlando and Atlanta that began this week are an answer to people who want to get out of central Ohio for warmer climates, or to visit their relatives who have moved south. I know a few people who were disappointed with Skybus’s demise because their options for visiting loved ones on a regular basis had ended. There are several other flights to other destinations, but those require a plane change in Atlanta.

Unlike Skybus, that fair weather airline that overextended itself, AirTran’s reputation is one of a cautious, steady airline that is not likely to leave Columbus in the lurch.

AirTran is not one to offer less expensive seats and then charge people for every little item either. The first checked bag is free. The second costs $25. Flights also have complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Hooray!

Another detail I noticed is that the airlines seems to understand that Columbus has something to offer people looking for an affordable getaway. The AirTran Airways’ Website page for Columbus has a photo of one of Columbus’s gems–the Columbus Museum of Art, for example and there is also a link to Columbus’s GoGuide that lists where to sight see, shop and eat. I second the recommendations.

Gading Take FIVE: August 1–August 8

by Jamie Rhein on

This was a week of a wide range of travel news that captured the essence of variety in the entertainment world.

  • On the classy end of life, Josh posted on a museum exhibit about Finding Grace Kelly in Paris.
  • On the opposite end, Iva gave us the scoop on a character actor who hit a flight attendant and a police officer.
  • Also, on the bad behavior side, Aaron offered details about a flight attendant suing televangelist Joel Osteen’s wife.
  • If you want to see for yourself how celebrities behave, Grant told us about celeb spotting in Ann Arbor.
  • To see what a famous person’s private jet looks like, check out Sir Richard Branson’s sweet number.

There was also a wide range of details about how air travel can make you or break you.

So, that’s more than 5, but I saw patterns. Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheap air travel options if the tropics suit you

by Jamie Rhein on

What I really want is a cheap airfare to New York City from Columbus, Ohio. Since that’s not on my horizon, I’m taking an Amtrak train from Cleveland and a Greyhound bus back. For adults traveling with children, both offer a discount that can’t be beat.

If I were to head to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, or Bermuda, I might find different options that would put a cheaper airplane ticket in my hand. According to a recent “Practical Traveler“ in the New York Times,’ there are tickets for a bargain to these tropical locations.

Check out American Airlines, JetBlue. and Air France for the deals. Perhaps, you’ll be lucky and an airport near where you live will have one of those bargain flights to a place you’d like to go. Going to Cancún out of JFK airport in New York City is only a few dollars more than a trip to Denver, for example. Denver’s nice, but I wouldn’t exactly call it a destination for a holiday.

Yes, I did go to Denver myself two years ago and considered it part of a summer vacation, but there weren’t any hours relaxing by a pool.

One day, I might be looking to head to the tropics, but for now, it sure would be great to find a deal to New York. My son who is six years-old thinks Greyhound will be swell.

Also, an airline to keep an eye on for a travel deal, according to the article, is Southwest. As the article points out, Southwest has not offered a travel deal for awhile.