Archive for Airline

Which is the best airline?

Some 10,000 travelers say Southwest is the Best Value Domestic [US] Airline. They also think Southwest has the best service and prices, but they vote US Airways for the dubious honor of Dirtiest Airline Cabin.

You can read more about these results and others at the Smarter Travel 2008 Reader’s Choice Awards.

“The awards honor the top American and international airlines for their commitment to providing travelers with quality service, on-time departures and ease of travel. Categories include: Best Overall Value, Best Airfare Prices, Best In-Seat Comfort, Most Reliable On-Time Service, Best Rates & Availability and Best Frequent Flyer Program. The Readers’ Choice Awards also recognize the airlines that leave much to be desired in air travel, awarding the Least Favorite Airline and Dirtiest Airline Cabin, as well as the Least Favorite Airport.”

Smarter Travel readers were given the opportunity to give feedback on their recent air travel experiences. Interestingly enough, many readers commented that they do not use frequent flyer programs anymore because the airlines have made the programs difficult and restrictive.

About Smarter Travel:

“SmarterTravel provides independent advice and analysis that helps travelers find the best deals and get the most value from their trips. SmarterTravel has an unbiased team of travel experts who analyze travel trends and offer money-saving strategies and travel tips. For more information and travel advice, visit http://www.smartertravel.com.”

Smarter Travel Media LLC, the parent of Smarter Travel, operates AirfareWatchdog.com™, BookingBuddy ®, FrequentFlier.com and SmarterTravel, including sites in the U.K. and India.

You can listen to an interesting discussion with George Hobica of AirfareWatchdog in Episode 14 of the Airplane Geeks Podcast, which I co-host with Courtney Miller. George provides some history about the site and some great tips for finding the lowest fare.

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October 28, 2008 · Filed under Airline

Airlines and the price of oil

The website Stop Oil Speculation Now was created to promote the belief that high oil prices are caused by rampant oil speculation, often by speculators who have no interest in actually buying oil. They just buy and sell and make money on the transactions. In the end, consumers pay for the profits taken by speculators. The airline industry, and others, are behind this site.

Now comes a counterpoint site called The Airline Oil Spin, created to discuss alternative views on oil speculation and the extent of its impact on the current state of the airline industry. A representative from that site writes to Thirty Thousand Feet:

We want to add to the discussion our perspective that not only do [the airline's] efforts distract from their own role in exacerbating their own financial situation, but that these actions are in line with the industry's practices of taking handouts through massive taxpayer subsidies without giving the public a fair return of quality service and jobs for passengers and workers.

The Airline Oil Spin asks visitors of the site to send a message to Congressional leaders, urging them to tie additional support for the airline industry to improved standards for airline passengers and workers.

Have a look and choose your side!

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September 29, 2008 · Filed under Airline

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