Now, I've had just about enough...

A Republic Airlines Flight Attendant tries to bring a gun through the Philadelphia Airport security yesterday. She did have the proper permits to carry a concealed weapon but what was she thinking? Or maybe she wasn't... The complete article on ABC News

United posted 787 Rollout

United just posted some pictures of the delivery of the long anticipated Boeing 787 Deamliner. Check out the picture on their facebook site

Jetblue Attendant was "having a bad day"

JetBlue flight attendant had "had it".
Oh how many times have we all been there. As an ex-flight attendant, I wish I had the guts to have done what Steven Slater did.

Apparently after a "heated" exchange between Steven Slater and a passenger, Mr. Slater walked to the rear of the plane, where he grabbed the intercom and yelled "To the passenger who called me a motherf***er, f*** you!" "I've been in the business 28 years. I've had it. That's it." He then activated the emergency chute and slid away.

I've had this dream before when I was flying but I always woke up before I was arrested :-) Bravo, I commend you on behalf of all abused flight attendants.

Stopher Wong
ex-flight attendant

Continental & United to Merge

I guess it is official and the announcement will come tomorrow morning. The board of directors of both airlines met today, Sunday and approved the merger between Continental and United.

The combine airline will be called United and will form the world's largest airline. For me, I will miss the Continental name and saying good bye will be sad. I wish everyone the very best at both carriers for the continue success.

The entire story: Interline News: United & Continental Merger

Disney Cruise Line's 3D look at Animator's Patate

Disney Cruise Line released a Fly-through look at Animator's Palate for their newest ship, Disney Dream

Here's the link from Disney Parks Blog

For more information on Interline Discount for Disney Cruise Line
Contact http://www.InterlineRates.com

Disney 3D onboard Ships

Did you know theatres onboard Disney Cruise Line ships are equipped with Disney Digital 3D? When Disney smash 3D hits like Alice in Wonderland premiere on land, it also premieres onboard the Disney ships the same day!

If you have not seen the Alice in Wonderland in 3D, you don't know what you're missing.

Check out Disney Interline Cruise rates with InterlineRates.com There is now an entire section dedicated just to Disney Cruise Line.

As always, please verify you qualify for the discounted airline employee rate before you book. Airline employment verification is require to book.

Carnival Opens Kid's Play Area in MIA

Carnival Cruise Line has installed a kids’ play area in the Port of Miami cruise terminal so they have somewhere to amuse themselves while waiting to board. The first “Fun Zone” features toys, games and activities. Located on the upper level of the facility, the “Fun Zone” includes indoor playground equipment, video game consoles, board games, coloring books and more. The line plans on adding “Fun Zones” to other year-round homeports in the future.

Cruise to Mark Titanic's 100th

Fred Olsen Cruise to Mark Titanic's 100th Anniversary - Titanic enthusiasts, historians and people with a close connection to the modern world's most famous shipping disaster will have a chance to mark its 100th anniversary with a Titanic commemorative cruise scheduled for April 2012

Full Story

UAL Refinance $659 Million in Debt

United Airlines said they are refinacing about $659 Million in debt. Spokesperson for UAL said it is to take advantage of current market condition. What do you think?
Here's the article, you can decide for yourself...

UAL Refinance Debt

Delta New Lease Extension @ ATL

Delta CEO announce an agreement with the City of Atlanta to extend their lease at Atlanta International Airport thru 2017.

The agreement is still subject to finalization and approval from the Atlanta City Council and Delta's Board of Directors.Interline News

Wow, it's been way too long

WOW, I cannot believe how long it's been since I last posted. I've busy with the new facebook fan page and I will try harder to post more interline news.

Facebook for InterlineRates.com

We added our mark on the facebook website. You can search for us on Facebook under InterlineRates.com or just follow the link: InterlineRates.com facebook page.

We've added pictures and links on the facebook.com page. So join in our new Social Network page for airline employees and other nonrev travelers. Chime in Interliners and I look forward to meeting you.

Pleasantly Surprise with NWA

I just wanted to add a personal note regarding NWA. I recently became a Silver Elite member with NWA just because I fly to Asia in a full fare business class ticket.

I have to admit, it was one of the best service I've ever had going to Asia. I had always flown Asian Carriers and I have to say NWA give them a run for their money. This brings me to my personal note. I hope with the impending merger with Delta we do not lose what made NWA special.

Have I under appreciated NWA all these years? Delta has announced the Northwest Brand will disappear by 2010. I have flown NWA twice since January and both times I've had the most incredible service, even when I was in coach. The service have been outstanding from checkin to baggage claim.

Once again, good luck with the merger. Traditionally, Delta has always done well with mergers, let's not forget that NWA was a wonderful carrier! We will miss you.

Stopher Wong

US Air Crew on Letterman

I just finished watching the US Airways Crew from flight 1549 on David Letterman. I must say they represented the Airline industry well. They were funny, articulate, and very professional. They made our industry proud.

I felt for the entire flight crew. They did a great job and lets hope we don't forget about them over time and continue to support them in their recovery.

Good job!

New Southwest Ad - check bags

The check bags fees have gotten to be stupid. I never understand why the airlines can't just add a few more dollars to the fare instead of jerking the public around with these fees. People, learn to run a business.

I love the new Southwest Airline ads regarding the baggage fees.

Carnival Broke Guinness World Record

Carnival Cruise Line broke open the world's largest pinata in Philadelphia yesterday. CCL donated the contents to Charity - all 8,000 pounds of candy. Glad everyone had a good time. View the video on you-tube.

10th annual President's Cruise 2008

Day 1 - Barcelona
cannot believe how fast time has passed. We arrived the first day in Barcelona and the gang scattered all over. Some guest visited the Gaudi architectural buildings and some visited Museums. Leonard and I visited the town of Sitges, just outside of Barcelona. A sleepy little seaside town that was not only quaint, the locals were friendly and helpful. If anyone has a chance to visit Sitges, they should.

Day 2 - At Sea
Everyone was out enjoying the open spaces. NCL has some wonderful places to hang out and enjoy the sea life. For me I spent the day in the spa. Some people spent it playing cards and others enjoyed family time.

Day 3 - Malta
This series of Islands were a surprise to me. The arrival into the port of Valletta is probably one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. I have never been to this unique little port. A lot of the clients took the jeep safari tour around the island, they saw breathtaking view including the site where Popeye, the movie was filmed. Cute and very quaint. We spent the day hiking into of the town and fort. In general, we had a relaxing and great time.

Day 4 - Naples
One of the largest cities in southern Italy. The ship pulled right into town with the train station, ferry service, and taxi right in the front door. From here you can visit, Pompei, Mt. Vesuvius, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, and Capri. A lot to pack into one day. In general, we suggested the guest pick their favorites but not to over do it ALL. Our group went only to Capri since have been to Pompei and Sorrento before. We hiked to the top of Capri island, wander around had lunch, had Gelato, and had more Gelato.. you get the idea

Day 5 - Rome ( Civitavecchia )
This is the gateway to the great city of Rome. The Eternal City is hard to do all in one day, even though many will try! Between the Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain; many will return exhausted. The day started at 7am and many are just returning now at 6:30pm. Leonard and I opted to take a biking trip through the Italian Countryside. We climbed and coasted through the street of Tarquinia & Clementina followed by visiting the main Palazzo in town and the we finished with a visit at a typical farmhouse for wine tasting and a sampling of local olives and Jams.

Day 6 - Livorno
Livorno is the gateway to Tucany and the cities of Florence and Pisa. Florence is the home of some the world's greatest Italian treasures. Almost everyone got off the ship early and visited both Pisa and/or Florence. Florence has one of the largest collections of art by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Or coarse one should never forget about the Duomo or the David by Michelangelo.

Since Leonard & I had visited Florence before we decided to take a shore excursion to Cinque Terre, The Five Villages. It was one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. The day was rainy and crappy but it didn't bother us at all. The well preserved century old villages with their footpaths winding high above the sea, leading through olive groves and vineyards was a sight to behold. it is something that I will remember forever.

Day 7 - Villefranche
This small quaint little town is just east of Nice and Cannes and west of Monaco. it is the perfect place to port. Everyone had an agenda. As early as 7am people were off the ship visiting Nice, Cannes or Monte Carlo. Many of the clients took guided tours but many also walked into town and caught the trains into the different cities.

We took the day just relaxing in Villefranche and ended the day sitting in a cafe by the water, people watching. It goes to show you, no matter what you want to do, a cruise is a perfect vacation.

Tomorrow is the end of the 10th President's Cruise and we hope everyone had a great time. It is back Barcelona and back to work. We have set the date ffor next year's President's Cruise and if you are interested, please give us a call. 800.298.8688

Carnival Interline Sale

Pack your bags and Go.... and bring up to 3 additional cabins at these amazing low rates!!

Great news!!! We've extended this Carnival offer on virtually ALL ships and sailings now through September 29th, 2008, ONLY. Book your Interline reservations now and receive up to THREE additional cabins for your family and friends at the same Interline rate.

Carnival is featuring exclusive low rates for our interline guests. Check the website for interline discounted rates but you must book your friends and family rates with an Interline Agent. Call today for the best rates and availability. 800.298. 8688

Bad Day at O'Hare

Todd, an interliner sent me this picture of a bad day at O'Hare and he said "I'm thinking brake overheats were not a problem on this day"

Disney Annouced Meal Plans

Disney just annouced that you can now combine your Interline Discounted room rates with Disney Dinning and Wine Plan. These Plans are available as an add-on while staying at Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resorts. Advance reservations required and minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrival. Call InterlineRates.com for details 800 298 8688

Alitalia Gives Union Deadline to Accept Cuts

ROME -- Italian government officials gave Alitalia SpA's labor unions a one-week deadline to accept deep job cuts, a key step in the turnaround of the troubled airline.

The Italian government has been touting the plan, which calls for a merger between Alitalia and smaller rival Air One SpA, as the only way to save the struggling carrier. People at a meeting with unions and government officials said Italy's labor minister, Maurizio Sacconi.

Latest Airline to Add Baggage fee

Continental Airlines Inc. became the latest airline to charge for the first checked bag on domestic flights in an effort to return to profit.

Rising fuel costs have forced airlines to charge for a range of services once considered part of the ticket price and to look for new ways to extract revenue from passengers.

Continental Unveil new Biz Class Seat

HOUSTON (AP) -- Continental Airlines Inc. on Monday showed off new fully reclining seats that it will put in business class of some jets beginning next year.
The airline said that the seats would go into Boeing 777 aircraft used mostly on trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes beginning in fall 2009, and later on Boeing 757 and 787 jets.

Continental unveiled the seats at a travel convention in Los Angeles. Airlines have been sprucing up their first- and business-class cabins, especially on international routes, to compete for lucrative business travelers.

Hole in Qantas 747

A Qantas 747 flying from Hong Kong to Melbourne made an emergency landing in Manila after a large hole appeared in the side of the plane.

Passengers heard a loud bang and heard wind swirling around the plane, but reportedly remained calm as the plane quickly lowered its altitude. No passengers or crew were injured.

Naked Man Subdued on Flight

Members of a Major League Soccer team helped subdue a naked man as he tried to open an emergency exit door while inflight.

The American Airlines flight from Boston to Los Angeles was diverted to Oklahoma City on Friday after a passenger stripped nude and later tried to open an emergency exit door before being subdued by members of a professional soccer team and others, the FBI said.

Craig Tornberg, the soccer team’s general manager, said he confronted the man as soon as he saw him emerge naked from one of the plane’s restrooms.

“I said he should get back into the bathroom and put on his clothes,” Tornberg said after the plane landed in Los Angeles. “He said something strange to me. He said, ‘I don’t hear you. I don’t see you.’

Full Interline Story

Charge it: Alaska No Longer Take Cash

Alaska Airlines become the latest carrier to go cashless. Beginning August 5, Alaska Airlines will become the latest to not accept cash onboard fro in-flight services.

Others that have gone cashless include Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, AirTran, Virgin American and Midwest Airlines.

United Cut 950 Pilots

More trouble in the airline industry - The second-largest U.S. carrier has already announced 1,600 upcoming layoffs - United Airlines said Monday it plans to eliminate about 950 pilot jobs beginning this summer in addition to an already announced plan to cut 1,600 salaried positions and reduce its fleet.

The second-largest U.S. carrier told its pilots union about the cuts Monday and said it’s still working out the reductions with the group. Dave Kelly, a spokesman for the United branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, declined to comment.

The initial furlough notices will go out in mid-July and take effect in September, United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said. The cuts will continue into next year, she said.

More interline News

Continental Joins Star Alliance

Continental & United has announced a "extensive cooperation" linking global networks and eliminating route duplication.

"The planned trans-Atlantic joint venture, in which Continental, United, Lufthansa and Air Canada will pool revenue, will permit the carriers to compete more effectively with the proposed joint venture involving certain SkyTeam members that was recently granted antitrust immunity.

The trans-Atlantic joint venture will combine the strength of the carriers to create a more efficient and comprehensive trans-Atlantic network for the carriers' customers."

It will be interesting to see where this will lead the two U.S. Carriers.

Delta & NWA Merger

Delta & Northwest Airlines have made it official. They are merging to created the largest airline in the world.

Does this mean higher fares in the horizon?

According to Delta & Northwest, you'd think it is a done deal but in reality the "Deal" is already facing chanllenges.

Skybus Files for Bankruptcy

Another one bits the dust...

Skybus know for their $10 fares has decided to call it quits after one year of service. I guess it it was too good to be true... $10 fares?

ATA Files Bankruptcy

A few days after Aloha files for Bankruptcy, ATA also files for bankruptcy protection. Indianapolis based airlines says it can't maintain its business without a key miltary charter contract.

"The decision to shut down was just totally unexpected and happened very quickly," ATA spokesman Michael Freitag said.

United Grounds 11% of Fleet

UAL temporarily grounded 11% of her fleet and cancelled 31 flights on Wednesday, so they can test the Cargo suppression system on their 777s.

United carried out unscheduled maintenance on seven of its Boeing 747 jets last month but found no safety-related issues.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been checking maintenance records at all domestic airlines after revelations surfaced about missed safety inspections at Southwest Airlines Co.

Aloha Air Quits after 60 yrs

After 60 years of being in business, Aloha Air will end passenger service March 30, 2008. The writing has been on the wall. With the increase in fuel cost and inter-island fares of $19 meant their end was inevitable. Their air cargo unit will continue to operate while under bankruptcy.

The 1,900 employees who are affected, we are sorry. Aloha Air you will be missed.

Nipple Ring NO NO NO

A Texas Woman was forced to remove her nipple ring with a pair of pliers before she was allowed to board a plane. Ouch ...

I cannot believe these stories with TSA... Oh wait, yes I can !

Carnival's Circle C

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES is also continuing its push for the family market by introducing an onboard program targeting the 12- to 14-year-old set called Circle C, which fills the age gap in Carnival's youth-oriented programming (Camp Carnival is for younger kids and Club O2 is for 15- to 17-year-olds). Circle C, which is overseen by a trained staff, includes facilities with a dance floor, movies and music videos screens and gaming pods with video games; activities will include basketball, ping-pong, water games and nighttime pool parties. Facilities are in place on the Carnival Legend, Pride, Victory and Valor, and the rest of the fleet will be outfitted in stages by 2010.

Continue Shakeup at Carnival

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES saw a continued shakeup in its top ranks. Maurice Zarmati, a 36-year veteran of sales at Carnival Cruise Lines, was named president and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines North America, another Carnival Corp.-owned company. Zarmati assumes his new role at Costa on March 31, where he will be responsible for sales and marketing efforts for Costa's North and Central American regions. The Costa role was most recently held by Lynn Torrent, who left Costa to join Carnival Cruise Lines as its senior vice president of sales and customer service. Roberto Martinoli, Carnival's executive vice president of operations, meanwhile told the line he would leave on March 7. Martinoli is moving back to Monaco and returning to the consulting business.

CARNIVAL CORP. is also losing an executive: Jack Anderson, vice president of marketing for Carnival Corp. and the executive director of the World's Leading Cruise Lines, a marketing identity for Carnival's North American cruise brands, is retiring at the end of March. He has been with Carnival Corp. since 1999; prior to that he spent 25 years with Carnival Corp. brand Holland America Line.

Southwest: too pretty or too bitchy?

Two Coeds from University of South Florida claims they were discriminated because they were young and too pretty... give me a break.

"I think they were just discriminating against [us] because we were young decent-looking girls," Williams told TampaBays10.com. "I mean, nobody else on the plane looked like us except us. [The flight attendants] were like older ladies. We were younger. Who knows, they could have been just jealous of us because we were younger.”

Flight Attendant Sues After being Slapped

A Singapore Airlines flight attendant is suing after a passenger slapped her on a flight between Singapore and Tokyo last September. The Passenger was the wife of CEO Venture Corp, Wong Ngit Liong, one of Singapore's richest men.

Ms Then Jiamin, SIA flight attendant, is suing for "general damages and damages for consequential loss and emotional and mental distress" she suffered as a result of the "wrongful assault and battery". She is also claiming damages for defamation.

The wife, Madom Tan Siew Hoon, allegedly slapping Ms Then and saying loadly: "Why are you talking to my husband!"

Can we say insecure...

Delta Merge with Northwest

The NY Times is reporting that Delta and Northwest Airlines are close to a merger and supposedly it will follow with a merger between Continental and United. Yikes !

As I had myself gone through two mergers with Continental and let me tell you... DON"T. Mergers are never easy for the employees and seldom benefits the consumers. I guess only time will tell as to what will really happen.

Hang on tight it's going to be a bumping ride !

USA Today | CNN | MSNBC

Bye Bye Pride of Hawaii

The Pride of Hawaii, owned by NCL, sailed its final cruise from Honolulu last week, a 5-night trip to Los Angeles, where it entered a 6 day wet dock to transform her into the Norwegian Jade. NCL America's Pride of Hawaii left the Hawaiian waters and gave up it's U.S.-flag status in hope of better yields in the European cruise market this coming summer. The newly named Norwegian Jade is slated to arrive in Barcelona on March 13 and will undergo another wet dock, where NCL said it would add a casino to the ship and she begins her first Europe cruise March 30.

Is Fuel Surcharges Legal?

THE FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL is investigating the legality of cruise line fuel surcharges, after more than 150 consumer complaints were filed with the attorney general's office since November. The office is reviewing whether the charges were properly and legally administered, and if cruise lines can retroactively impose a fuel surcharge on passengers. The cruise lines cited record-high fuel costs before instituting the charges in November; Carnival Corp.'s six North American brands added a charge of $5 per person, per day, on all sailings departing after Feb. 1, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and NCL Corp. shortly followed suit, each with different policies.

New Celebrity Solstice

THE CELEBRITY SOLSTICE will boast 10 restaurants when it debuts in November. Some of the eateries will be designed by Adam Tihany, who created some of New York's best known restaurants, including Per Se, Jean Georges and Le Cirque. Tihany designed the Solstice's two-level Grand Epernay dining room with a two-story wine tower; the Tuscan Grille steakhouse; and the casual Oceanview Cafe and Grill on the ship's lido deck. The ship's menus, meanwhile, were created by Celebrity's Vice President of Food and Beverage Jacques Van Staden, who previously headed kitchens in Las Vegas and Washington. Van Staden is also redesigning the menus on the rest of the Celebrity fleet.

Independence Being Scaped

THE INDEPENDENCE made its final departure from a U.S. port last week: The 57-year-old ocean liner left its berth in San Francisco en route to a scrap yard in Asia. Norwegian Cruise Line, which bought the vessel for a reported $4 million in 2003, sold it to an interim purchaser, which has renamed the ship the Oceanic and is sending the ship to Singapore to be sold for scrap. NCL bought the Independence along with the United States, another U.S.-flagged ocean liner, in 2003, but the Independence was said to be in worse shape than the United States. The Independence is a sister ship to the Constitution, an ocean liner that sank while being towed to Asia to be scrapped in 1997; that ship had also been renamed the Oceanic.

Princess New Disembakation

PRINCESS CRUISES said it streamlined its disembarkation system by giving passengers a letter the day before the end of the cruise telling them where and when to meet depending on their return air arrangements. A crew member will wait with them in their assigned room until it is time to escort them to the gangway. In some ports, passengers can opt for express disembarkation if they choose to carry their own luggage off the ship as part of the first group to leave. The new disembarkation process complements Princess' early embarkation program, the line said.

Carnival Names Sr. VP of Sales

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES named Costa Cruises executive Lynn Torrent as its senior vice president of sales and guest services. Torrent replaces Vicki Freed, who resigned from the post at Carnival after almost 30 years with the line to take the top sales position at Royal Caribbean International. Torrent is currently president and CEO North America for Costa. She previously served as vice president of marketing for Carnival Corp., the parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa, where she worked with Gerry Cahill, who was Carnival Corp.'s CFO before becoming CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines last year. Torrent starts in her new role March 3.

MSC Double Caribbean Presence

MSC CRUISES will double its presence in the Caribbean next winter when it brings the MSC Orchestra to the region in January 2009. The 2,550-passenger, 92,400-ton Orchestra is currently the line's newest and largest vessel; it will operate seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale between Jan. 2 and April 25, 2009. The MSC Lirica will continue to operate 10-day trips to the southern Caribbean. Richard Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA, said that the Orchestra's arrival in the Caribbean market would be the beginning of MSC's "real presence" in North America.

You know what that means... More Interline Discounts for the Caribbean with MSC Cruises.

China Warns Airline - Don't be late !

China has warned the airlines not to be late for the up coming Beijing Olympics. Airlines that fails to keep up with the standards being set will not be allowed to expand their services for two years.. oouch ! I have a feeling China's General Administration of Civil Aviation, Li Jiaxiang is not kidding around.

Hmm, I wonder if our Head of US Aviation has that kind of pull to try to straight out some of our problems.

Windstar Cruise Sale

InterlineRates.com has several Windstar sailing available at an interline discount of $1000 per person. Check out the details.

Wind Surf
7 Night Exotic Caribbean
Roundtrip - Barbados (Northbound)
Ports Include: St. Kitts - Nevis - St. Martin - St. Barthelemy - Guadaloupe - Iles des Saintes - St. Lucia
2/3, 2/17 & 2/24, 3/16 & 3/30/08
$1000 - Ocean View

Wind Surf
7 Night Exotic Caribbean
Roundtrip - Barbados (Southbound)
Ports Include: Grenadines (Bequia) - Dominica - St. Lucia - Grenadines (Mayreau) - Grenada - Tobago
2/10, 2/24 & 3/23/08
$1000 - Ocean View

Wind Spirit
7 Night Exotic Caribbean
Roundtrip - St. Thomas
Ports Include: St. John - St. Martin - St. Barthelemy - Tortola - Jost van Dyke - Virgin Gorda
2/9 & 2/16/08
$1000 - Ocean View

Call Cruise Vacations for details and booking 800 298 8688

Delta Merger Talks

As many have speculated and now acknowleged, Delta is now seeking a merger with Northwest or United.

Yet another committee has been formed and yet another talk of reducing capacity...

You be the judge. I lived through two mergers when I worked for Continental and I can tell you, it is NOT easy. Airlines seldom share, technology, way of doing business, labor force etc. It will not be easy no matter what.

Princess expands Chef's Table Program

PRINCESS CRUISES will expand its Chef's Table dining program to most of its fleet over the next few months, citing positive reception on the Emerald Princess, the Crown Princess and the Caribbean Princess, where it is currently available. The $75 per person meal offers guests a dining event that begins with appetizers and cocktails in the ship's galley and then continues with a custom-designed, multi-course tasting dinner paired with wine in the main dining room with the ship's executive chef. The meal can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night. It will debut aboard most vessels in the fleet in early 2008, with the exception of the line's smaller ships, the Tahitian Princess, the Pacific Princess and the Royal Princess.

Lufthansa buys 19% of JetBlue

A few days ago Lufthansa opted to invest in 19% of JetBlue. It is never what it seems. I have a feeling this is Lufthansa's way of controlling the JFK market. Since the deregulation of the European routes between the U.S. and Europe, don't be too surprise if the landing slots at JFK trade between Lufthansa and JetBlue.

I remember this had happened years ago when United needed landing slots in ORD and bought Air Wisconsin. Then only to turn around and sell the airline after striping them of their ORD landing slots.

I do not think this is the end of this story, just you wait...

Delta Creates Planeguage

Delta has created a series of animated short videos and I think the are hilarious. Now that is a unique way of addressing some of the issues we see in the air everyday.

It's good when we can laugh at ourselves... Enjoy the videos

Your Jetiquette Needs

This article from USA today features Gailen David, a twenty-year American Airlines flight attendant, answers some of your 'jetiquette' questions and answers.

After years of flying, I would say some of these Q&A are obvious, but then who am I to say what's obvious..

Interline Story

12 nts Exotic Cruise on Azamara

Interlinerates.com has a 12 nts Exotic Caribbean Cruise on Azamara Cruises. Azamara is a cruise line which was recently created. It is not well known right now and thus there are some incredible last minute interline discounts on this.

The Cruise is on the Azamara Quest - November 12 - visiting the ports of Grand Turk/Bahamas, Samana, Mayaguez, St. John, Gustavia, Cabrits, Basse-Terre City, Virgin Gorda, and back to Miami.

If you have the time, don't miss this cruise -
Call Interline Rates for more details or check out their website, http://www.Interlinerates.com, it is listed in Eastern Caribbean under Celebrity Cruises

Luggage Falls from Sky

You think you've got a lost luggage story, well think again. As far as I know, no luggage has ever fallen from the sky, blue ice... maybe but luggage?

The NY Times reports that two pieces of luggage fell from an Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight between Chicago & Atlanta. The Express Carrier apparently had not secure the Cargo door and was having problems pressurizing the plane after take off. When the plane safely returned, they discovered two pieces of luggage were missing.

Now for the amazing part of the story.. someone found one of bags a mile away.

Pilot Accused of Prank Calls

A Singapore Airlines pilot was accused of making prank calls to fast-food outlets for food delivery to a fellow pilot. Under Singapore laws anyone who transmits a false message by phone can be fined up to $10,000 Singapore dollars and jailed for up to three years. Ouch !!

Disney Continues Million Dreams Promo

Throughout 2007, Disney guests experienced the magic of The Year of a Million Dreams. Now, Disney Parks have decided to extend their "Million Dreams" promotion until December 31, 2008.

Leonard & I just returned from the Disney Conference and we got a tour of the Cinderella Castle Suite, along with some of their new attractions.

The Dreams promotional giveaways are fun and cannot be beat. In addition to current giveaways, Disney will grant even more one-of-a-kind, money-can't buy experiences including:

• The chance to stay, on the night awarded, in the park overnight inside the Disneyland® Dream Suite in New Orleans Square at Disneyland® Resort or in the Cinderella Castle Suite in the heart of Walt Disney World® Resort.
  
• DREAM FASTPASS badge
  
• Ultimate Character Meet & Greet
  
• In-Park Shopping Spree

So go visit Disney Parks & keep Dreaming

Cunard's Queen Victoria

Eight more weeks before Cunard Line launch their newest ship, Queen Victoria on December 10, 2007, in Southampton, England. The ship will have a special two storey Library, distinguished by a spiral staircase and rich wood paneling.

The Library will be the 2nd largest at sea, next to the library aboard the sister ship, Queen Mary 2.

Here are some early pictures of the Library...

Boy Survives in Wheel Well

A 15 year old Russian boy survived a two hour flight after hiding in the wheel well of a 737. The boy had ran away from home and ended up in Perm. The boy was so frozen that initially they could not removed his clothing.

The Russian airport authorities did not confirm the report (of course they didn't)

Mesa CFO Deleting Porn

Mesa Says CFO mistakenly deleted computer files related to the case between Hawaiian Airlines and Mesa Air, as he was attempting to purge pornography from his computer.

Seriously, that were porn not legal documents, I swear...

Celebrity Cruises Revamp Dining

Celebrity Cruises is revamping its dining fleetwide by the end of January. Overseeing the menu redesign is the Celebrity's new vice president of food and beverage, Jacques Van Staden, who joined the line after working with Blau & Associates, a top restaurant consultant in Las Vegas. Blau is also consulting with Celebrity on the new menus. The cuisine will be revamped in all restaurants on all seven ships except for the specialty restaurants, she said. Specialty restaurants will be reviewed in a second phase once the new menus are in place.

Queen Victoria Christen

Cunard Line announced today that the 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will be Christen by the Duchess of Cornwall - also known by us commoners as Camilla Parker-Bowles, the wife of Princess Charles. The Ceremony will be December 10 in Southhamton, England and the Prince is expected to attend.

The President Carol Marlow of Cunard said " We are most honored that Her Royal Highness will name our newest Cunarder. Every one of our Cunard Queens has been named by a member of the Royal Family and we are therefore delighted that Queen Victoria will follow in that tradition."

How Short is Too Short?

Kyla Ebbert was thrown off a Southwest Airline flight for wearing an outfit that was too bare for the air.

Well you be the judge, Miss Ebbert is after all a Hooters Waitress so keep that in mind. She has had quite a lot of press from the Today Show to Ellen

Check out some of SWA commercials from the past and you be the judge, How short is too short?

Goat Sacrificed to fix Jet

Napal Airlines has confirmed that they sacrificed two goats to appease the Hindu god, since they were have problems with maintenence of the 757.

Remind me again, which century are we living in?

Carnival's Adult only Retreat

Carnival Cruise Line announced their new, "Serenity Adult Retreat". This area is design to be an oecan-going oasis for relaxation, tranquility and comfort. The new "Serenity" areas are part of Carnival’s $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship enhancement initiative which is resulting in a dramatic transformation of the line’s eight "Fantasy-class" vessels. The Carnival Inspiration will be the first Carnival ship to feature this when she emerges from a month long dry dock in early October. Digital renderings of the new "Serenity" adults-only area, along with images of various other "Evolutions of Fun" initiatives, including the "Carnival WaterWorks" aqua parks and redesigned pool areas, can be viewed at www.evolutionsoffun.com

737-800 explodes in Okinawa

Last week a Boeing 737-800 caught on fire in Okinawa. China Airline (Taiwan) flight 120 from Taipei to Naha with 165 passengers and crew onboard landed safely and then the aircraft caught on fire while taxiing. All crew and passengers evacuated safely before the plane was engulfed in flames. Check out the video. It is amazing that everyone got safely.

Costa Maya Port Damaged

As Hurricane Dean came through on Tuesday morning, Costa Maya, one of Mexico's fastest growing destination, was seriously damaged. The port's infrastructure was estimated to be 50% distroyed, including the cruise ship pier. An early estimate indicates that the port will remain closed for 6 to 8 months. For more information visit Costa Maya's website And for a complete story on the Hurricane Dean check out the Environment News Service.

Trust the Pilot

A friend, Todd, who is a pilot, forwarded me these photos and his caption was "Times when you Just have to Trust the Pilot". click on the individual pictures to see a large version and when you see how small the runways are, you will see why he titled the email "trust the pilot"

Now my question is, "why is the pilot taking these pictures instead of paying attention to landing the plane?"

NWA Buy Midwest

NWA and a group of investors have bid $16 a share to buy Midwest Airlines. It is a counteract effort to AirTran's hostile takeover bid valued at $15.75 a share.

“The board concluded that the TPG offer presented greater value and certainty for Midwest shareholders than the AirTran offer,” officials at Midwest said in a statement today.

Interline Story

Drunk Attendant arrested

It just wasn't her day. Sarah Mills was arrested before takeoff for drinking. Even though she is her blood alcohol level was .032 - which is lower than Kentucky's legal limit of .08. She still faces a civil review by the FAA on charges of being a crew memeber of airplane while drunk.

She pleaded not guilty, well you be the judge...

2 day Interline Cruise Sale

InterlineRates.com is having a 2 day Interline Cruise Sale with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. August 15 & 16, 2007

- Deposit Reduced 50%
- Best Available per Super Category
- New Dates for Sale through March 2008
- "ITP" Promo Codes only

Call Interlinerates.com for details. (800) 298 8688


Interline Cruise Sale

Disney Park Tickets Increase

It just got a little bit more expensive to visit Walt Disney World. Disney increased their one-day park pass to $71 from $67. This is the second increase in seven month.

But what choice do you have? If you want play, you got to pay. At least Interliners still get discounts on Disney Resort stays. Check out InterlineRates.com for details.

Walt Disney World Hikes Ticket Prices
Disney ticket price Calculator

RCI - Genesis Class Ship

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale may become the homeport for Royal Caribbean's $1.2 billion, 5,400-passenger Ship, when it debut in 2009 and 2010. In order to accommodate these megaships Port Everglades will have to undergo a $37 million expansion of Terminal 18, said Ellen Kennedy, port spokeswoman. The port predicts the ship's year round presence would create 3,800 jobs, producing total income of $172 million.

Alaska Cruise - Holland America - Noordam

Holland America – Noordam – Alaska Cruise (7-29-07)
This week we are leading a group to Alaska onboard Holland America’s Noordam. Our trip is round trip from Seattle and we will visit Glacier Bay, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, & Victoria.

Seattle
We stayed at the Westin Downtown, and I was pleasantly surprised that we were so close to so many of the local attractions. We were able to walk just about everywhere. Pikes Market, the Space Needle, the Mall, and China Town were all within walking distance. One can always catch a cab or the monorail if you wish. An alternative to the Westin might be the Sheraton Hotel, both provide excellent rates ($150 – 250 per night ). Cheaper than the cruise line’s pre stay package. We caught a taxi from the airport for about $30 and then $10 from hotel to pier 32. (A footnote: Free WIFI internet in the lobby of the hotel)

Day at Sea
Today was the first full day at sea and the Noordam has packed the day full of activities – the highlight for us was the galley tour followed by the culinary cooking demonstration. Holland America, and Food & Wine Magazine had built a state of the art Culinary Arts Center in the Queen’s Lounge. Chef John, from the Pinnacle Grill, was our instructor. He was funny and entertaining. Afterwards I spoke to John and he said cooking is suppose to be fun, so you “have fun” and don’t take it so seriously. I like his attitude toward food. The Noordam also offer classes on garnishing, and a personal hands on cooking class (only 24 slots and it fills up fast, so book it the first day - $30)

One change Holland America has made to this Vista Class ship is the newly design Exploration Café. It is like Barns and Noble meets Starbucks meets Internet Café. It is a great place to hang out, have some coffee, read, and surf. I especially like all the travel books available to help you plan your excursions and future trips.

Glacier Bay National Park
This day started early, with the boarding of a naturalist who has been keeping us inform with announcements over the intercom system. It is a great way for us to see the wildlife that might otherwise go unnoticed.

When we entered Glacier Bay, a park ranger and Native American lecturer boarded the ship and they took over telling us all about the National Park and the native habitat and the history of Glacier Bay. They even had an inter-active display in the Vista Lounge where you can touch and feel what the silk from the glacier might be like.

While there at the Marjorie Glacier were were able to witness the power of the glaciers. Massive chunks of ice would fall into the bay, I can see what they call it "White Lightning". The roar of the thunder which followed was amazing - what a highlight.

Juneau
Juneau is the Capital of Alaska. Hemmed in by Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts and Mendenhall Glacier, there are roads within the borough, but you cannot drive to Juneau from somewhere else. This Capital’s access is strictly by air or sea. Maybe that is why nobody bothers to lock their cars here. Where are you going to go after you steal the car?

There was schedule bus service from the pier to Mendenhall Glacier for $6 each way and very inexpensive trip. Mendenhall Glacier can be fun and the observation building is a great way to get oriented before starting on your trek. There were also a City & Glacier Tours from $25 and a City Trolley Tour from $17. The Gondola ride is also right there, it gives you a bird’s eye view of the town. All the tours were available from Pier side. Holland America docks right in town, Princess was one pier away and NCL was a bit farther.

If you are into something a more expensive, check out the float-plane trip to Taku Lodge. It is a great shore excursion, interline discounts are available. Call us or their office for details. I believe the company is run by an Alaska Airline pilot.

Juneau is also the largest of the towns were visited and there were plenty of Jewelry and t-shirt stores available. One find was a Jewelry store right in town, Majestic Gems, at 108 People’s Wharf. Raj & Jennifer just opened this store this year and they have a promotional “Northern Lights” Topaz pendant for only $20. It is a great find and fantastic gift. Check it out, ask for Judi when you are at the store, she was my sales person.

Sitka
Sitka is known as “Alaska’s Little Russia”, even though at a glance not much about the port looks Russian. Look a little closer, however, and you will find some unmistakably Slavic elements. Check out St. Michael’s Cathedral, a small Russian Orthodox Church, right in the middle of town. You can go in and see some of the art work, such as the silver –bound 19th-century Bible for $2. The Orthodox priest was also there to answer question about the church. We just walked around town and I like going to Castle Hill at the edge of town. The steps to the top are on the side of the Post office. The short climb is rewarded with a sweeping view of Sitka Sound and the ships docked in the bay. We did not do any shore excursion but there were plenty of vendors who are willing to sell you a tour to the nearby sites. There was also a Kayak trip from the harbor. People loved it. It took them from the pier to the Fish Canary, a bit stinky, but you are rewarded with sights of Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Otters. I walked over and was able to see some Bald Eagles close up and personal. What a majestic animal.

Ketchikan
Alaskan call Ketchikan the “First City”, not because of its size or population but because in the days before air travel it was always the first Alaska port of call for northbound steamship passengers. Despite it’s “untouched” appearance this area is really not “new” to tourism. The Pacific Coast Steamship Company began operating southeast Alaskan excursions in 1884.

Today is a beautiful day here, and we wandered over to "Creek Street". With their small little shops on stilts over the water, this area is a quaint as it gets. We also hiked up on "married man's trail" if you go to the end toward the street side, if you slow down, you can see the salmon jumping. What a great way to end our trip to Alaska

Victoria
We arrived at Victoria at 6pm which does not leave us with much time in Victoria but on this trip our only plan was to see the fireworks at Butchart Garden (only available on Saturdays). We signed up for a shore excursion with Holland America and it was worth the $60.(even though I just found the same trip on Grayline tours for $41). We were able to see part of Victoria by motorcoach and still had time to see some beautiful flowers and gardens before it got dark. FYI, get to the seat early if you want a good view.

Overall, I would say it was a wonderful trip and I look forward to seeing Alaska again in the very near future.