The new ’stretch’ version of Boeing’s 787 ‘Dreamliner’ (787-9) are now being put into service. I happened to see my first 787-9 at Dulles airport (IAD) last week, operated by Virgin Atlantic. Virgin replaced it’s aging A340 that it used to fly to to Washington Dulles from London Heathrow (LHR). The schedule of operations is:…
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A tale of two Richards: NPR interview of Delta and Virgin Group leaders
Earlier today I heard an excellent interview of Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Airlines, and Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, on NPR. They had a lively discussion (Sir Branson more so than Mr. Anderson) on customer experience, what customers care about, the future of airline travel and yes, the Delta – Virgin…
Planespotting at Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport (HKG)
Earlier this month I passed thru the beautiful Chek Lap Kok Airport at Hong Kong. This was my first time in Hong Kong and that too I was just passing thru, changing flights from my extra-long Chicago (ORD) – Hong Kong (HKG) to a Hong Kong – Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK) flight. The airport right off…
Expert Tip #5: Alliances are key to maximizing Miles and Elite Status
The Airline world is made up of three alliances: Star Alliance SkyTeam OneWorld Understanding the alliances and the airlines that make them up, and which airlines do not participate in an alliance, is key to maximizing miles and status. What alliances allow you to do is pick one airline per alliance and earn miles on…
Continental to allow One-way awards from June 15, 2011
Continental has announced that they would follow the new United Award Charts from June 15. This also includes allowing one-way awards. While the switch of Award Charts is not surprising given their smooth merger progress, I hadn’t expected Continental to allow one-way awards so soon. They haven’t said whether they would allow one-way award on…
My Top 11 Articles of 2010
It seems to be something everyone does, so why not me. But just to be different and in honor of 2001, I am listing my top 11 articles, instead of top 10. These are listed in order of the hits they got. So, you my readers voted with your mouse-clicks. I thank each and everyone…
Will Virgin Galactic give Space Miles?
Virgin Galactic is soon to start Commercial space flights. The Virgin group already has multiple airlines it owns and operates, including: Virgin Atlantic Virgin Blue Virgin America V Australia Each has it’s own mileage program, but Sir Branson has given indications that he wants these airlines of his to get together and from an alternate…
More Harry Potter – ‘Virgin’ pictures
Here we go. I found some more beautiful pictures of the Virgin Atlantic 747 aircraft with the new Harry Potter theme park livery (click on link to read my original article on this topic). Both pictures posted here are from photographers who shared them on Virgin Atlantic’s Facebook page. Enjoy… You can get regular updates…
Harry Potter is a ‘Virgin’!
The ‘Chosen One’ has chosen his mode of air travel. He is partnering with Sir Branson and his airline – Virgin Atlantic. Did Harry Potter finally decide to hang up his dusty broom in favor of jet travel? Is Sir Branson not afraid of getting in the bad books of ‘He-who-must-not-be-named’? I think having the…
Why I never fly Southwest
Southwest, AirTran, JetBlue, Ryan Air (Europe), IndiGo (India) – these are all low cost airlines that are focussed on giving cheap airfares with no frills. One of the frills they do not offer is a decent Frequent Flyer program. In some cases there is no program at all. I hence do not fly them.…