September 2009 Archives

To soccer fans everywhere: American Airlines has launched an online soccer game, the Penalty Challenge, narrated by famed Spanish-language sportscaster Fernando Fiore.

The game features the character, "Earn Miles," a new soccer sensation, and players help him score the maximum number of points. After playing, fans can receive a discount on their next American Airlines flight.

The Penalty Challenge is part of American's continuing campaign to court soccer fans and encourage them to become members of the AAdvantage(R) program, American's travel awards program. The game can be played in English or Spanish at www.aa.com/soccer.

As the Official Airline of Major League Soccer - as well as individual clubs, including FC Dallas, New York Red Bulls, D.C. United, Chicago Fire, and the New England Revolution - American Airlines has teamed up with the AC&M Group to create the interactive game, which augments its Major League Soccer partnership, a successful affiliation that has yielded strong results in the United States Hispanic market, as well as the national soccer community.

"We are very impressed with American's commitment to serve soccer fans," said Jaime Cardenas, Chief Executive Officer of AC&M, American's partner in the game. "Over the last two years we have been working with American on its overall soccer initiative, and this game is a great example of how to engage soccer fans with the sport they love and at the same time offer them a great discount. American is one of the few companies that truly understands the importance of the U.S. soccer fan as a consumer. We know that the soccer fan base is very diverse, which is why the online game is available in both English and Spanish. We are proud to be part of this exciting project."

Soccer fans can sign on to www.aa.com/soccer, select their language and enter their email address to play. If they are not yet AAdvantage members, fans can register for the AAdvantage program and receive a bonus of 1,000 miles just for signing up. Once registered, they will receive a welcome e-mail with a password that they can use to redeem their discount.

Fiore, the famed Spanish-language sportscaster, does a play-by-play as the players try to score points - voicing the iconic "Goooooaaal!" when they score. After playing, users will have three options:

• Play again
• Redeem their prize
• Or tell a friend about the game.
  

The offer applies to new reservations for one-way or round-trip travel on American Airlines, American Eagle, or AmericanConnection(R), excluding other code share flights. Travel is valid from any American destination in the 48 contiguous United States to any American Airlines destination worldwide. Tickets must be purchased at AA.com or AA.com/espanol no later than 11:59 p.m. CT, Oct. 31, 2009. All travel must be completed by Nov. 27, 2009. Embargo dates are Nov. 20-25. For more information, or to play the game, go to www.aa.com/soccer.

SOURCE American Airlines

JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today kicked off sales on two of its newest Caribbean routes, linking Boston and Orlando with Montego Bay, on Jamaica's north coast. Nonstop flights on both routes are set to begin in the New Year, subject to receipt of government operating authority, just in time for a mid-winter getaway to one of the region's most popular destinations.

"We're proud to add more flights to Jamaica and expand on our commitment to being the carrier of choice to the Caribbean," said Scott Laurence, JetBlue's vice president of network planning. "With JetBlue, all customers can enjoy a free first checked-bag, free in-flight entertainment, unlimited free snacks, and the most legroom in coach(c), key amenities no other airline matches. With as many as 71 flights per day to the region this winter, JetBlue has a flight and a destination for everyone."

Boston - Montego Bay

At Boston's Logan International Airport, JetBlue will debut new nonstop service to Montego Bay -- its 33rd destination -- on Jan. 9, 2010, subject to receipt of government operating authority. Fares start at $149(b) each way. JetBlue already offers nonstop service to more cities than any other carrier in Boston. The new Montego Bay flight will operate on Saturdays, complementing JetBlue's existing daily connecting service to Montego Bay via New York/JFK. Customers interested in other sunspots this winter can take advantage of JetBlue's nonstop service from Logan to Aruba; Cancun, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and St. Maarten.

JetBlue's schedule between Boston and Montego Bay:

    Boston (BOS) to                      Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) to
    Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)           Boston (BOS)
    --------------------------           -----------------------------
    Depart - Arrive                      Depart - Arrive
    --------------------------           -----------------------------
    11:55 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.               4:45 p.m. - 8:53 p.m.
    --------------------------           -----------------------------
          -- Service begins Jan. 9, 2010, subject to receipt of government
                               operating authority  --

Orlando - Montego Bay

Daily service between Orlando International Airport and Montego Bay is set to begin Feb. 8, 2010, subject to receipt of government operating authority, with fares as low as $69(a) each way. Montego Bay is JetBlue's 23rd nonstop destination from its growing Orlando focus city, and one of 8 destinations offered by JetBlue from Central Florida to the Caribbean and Latin America including Bogota, Colombia; Cancun, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; San Jose, Costa Rica; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Aguadilla, Ponce, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

JetBlue's schedule between Orlando and Montego Bay:

    Orlando (MCO) to                  Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) to
    Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)        Orlando (MCO)
    --------------------------        -----------------------------
    Depart - Arrive                   Depart - Arrive
    --------------------------        -----------------------------
    10:30 a.m. - 12:23 p.m.           1:18 p.m. - 3:31 p.m.
    --------------------------        -----------------------------
      -- Service begins Feb. 8, 2010, subject to receipt of government
                            operating authority  --

With JetBlue, every low fare to Montego Bay -- or any of the airline's 17 destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America -- comes packed with premium amenities including the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (c), unlimited free snacks and drinks, and JetBlue's award-winning customer service. Book yours now at www.jetblue.com.

Virgin America, the California-based airline, today announced new fall seasonal menus that offer travelers a varied, upscale selection of fresh meal and snack options at any time during their flight. Virgin America is the only airline in the U.S. with a touch-screen seatback menu (Red(TM)) that allows guests to order what they want, when they want it, during a flight. Virgin America has captured a list of travel industry best-in-class awards for its innovative service, including most recently the award for "Best Domestic Airline for Food" in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Annual World's Best Awards readers' survey.

"Our evolving menu is designed to give travelers fresh, convenient options they can order any time right from their seatback - without having to worry about grabbing something more expensive on the concourse," said Virgin America Senior Vice President of People and In-Flight Frances Fiorillo. "Now more than ever people deserve more for their money, and given the latest Travel + Leisure survey results, we think that's why travelers seem to be gravitating to our Red in-flight menu."

Red's Main Cabin menu includes a new eclectic and healthy selection of on-demand meals and snacks. First Class guests will find a new fall menu designed exclusively for Virgin America by world-renowned Chef Luke Mangan. In keeping with the airline's California roots, both menus focus on organic and locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh produce, premium meats and artisan breads. First Class guests can now also choose from an expanded range of world-class wines, including new varietals from Sonoma's St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. In July, Global Traveler magazine rated Virgin America's in-flight wine selection as the best among North American airlines.

The First Class menu will vary by route, but includes some of the following selections:

Breakfast:

• Green tea citrus fruit: Refreshing selection of kiwi, orange sections, mango, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries marinated together with green tea, honey and fresh mint.
• Herb omelet on grilled challah: Farm fresh egg omelet cooked with fine herbs, served on grilled Challah bread with olive tapenade, with salad of California Heirloom tomatoes tossed with basil, olive oil and feta.
• Bircher muesli with fruit and honey: A classic breakfast dish of rolled oats, granny smith apple, passion fruit, dried apricots, dried figs, toasted hazelnuts, farm fresh yogurt and milk, served with fresh blackberries, blueberries and strawberries and honey served on the side.
• Fruit and cheese plate: Selection of cheeses, including hand-cut brie, aged cheddar, havarti and smoked gouda, with pumpernickel rye. Garnished with raspberry, blackberry, grape-tomatoes and baby frisee.
• Summer fruit bowl: Selection of fresh hand cut mango, watermelon, plum wedges and blackberries, served with a fruit skewer of fresh cut juicy pineapple, kiwi fruit and strawberry.
• Tomato and mozzarella omelet with pork sausage: Farm fresh egg omelet folded with fresh herbs, fresh mozzarella and roasted yellow tomatoes served with crisp apple wood smoke bacon strips, grilled pork sausage links and a zesty tomato and chili compote and fresh cilantro.
• Spanish egg and potato tortilla: Classic Spanish potato and baked egg frittata with onions, cream and parmesan cheese. Served with a toasted buttery English muffin and poached asparagus and a hollandaise sauce infused with blood oranges.
• Bake Onboard Croissants: Golden brown croissants freshly baked in-flight.
  

Lunch/Dinner:

• Filet of beef with mushrooms, asparagus and broad beans: Juicy seared filet of beef topped with wild mushrooms and wrapped in a light, crisp feuille de brick pastry and baked until golden brown, served with balsamic-glazed tomatoes, asparagus and farm fresh fava beans, finished with a natural jus.
• Baked eggplant with zucchini, tomato, basil and mozzarella: Fresh eggplant dipped in farm fresh egg flour and Japanese bread crumbs, sauteed in olive oil until crisp, layered with herb-grilled zucchini, yellow squash, vine-ripened tomato slice and baked with fresh mozzarella. Served with a basil and tomato sauce.
• Naan tandoori chicken: Free range chicken marinated in tandoori spice, yogurt, lime juice and ginger, served with whole wheat flat bread, tangy mango chutney, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro and yogurt.
• Pork medallions with honey glazed apples: Seared medallions of pork tenderloin topped with honey glazed apples and figs, served with oven roasted potatoes and fresh broccolini.
• Grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze: Seasoned and char grilled fresh cut zucchini, eggplant, sweet carrot, red pepper, asparagus and red onion served with a zesty balsamic vinegar reduction.
• Roast turkey breast with sage stuffing: Oven-roasted turkey breast with sage stuffing served over ginger-infused sweet potato puree and topped with flat leaf parsley, dried cranberries and preserved lemons.
• Zucchini frittata with roasted tomato and corn salsa: Farm fresh egg frittata made with fresh zucchini, red onions, chives and pecorino cheese, topped with a roasted tomato and corn salsa with basil, lime juice, broccolini and snipped chives.
  

Dessert:

• Raspberry or blueberry clafoutis: Rustic French country dessert made with fresh raspberries or blueberries, amaretto and almond all baked until golden brown and served with creme anglaise.
  

Virgin America's new seasonal fresh menu in the Main Cabin includes the following options for fall (prices range between $7- $10 in Main Cabin, and options are complimentary in Main Cabin Select):

• Bagel, fresh fruit and yogurt: Fresh-baked plain bagel served with cream cheese, strawberry preserves, yogurt and fresh tropical fruit.
• Fruit, vegetables and cheese plate: Selection of cheeses, including muenster, aged cheddar, creamy hand-cut brie, provolone and fresh mozzarella, complimented with red grapes, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, artichokes and crackers.
• Chicken pesto hand roll: Cool cucumber tortilla flat bread filled with a basil pesto cream cheese, grilled julienne chicken breast, thin-sliced crisp cucumber, ripe roma tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, green leaf lettuce and baby frisee. Served with an Italian pasta cobb salad and Toblerone chocolate.
• Banh mi flat iron beef sandwich: A traditional street-vended Vietnamese sandwich made of grilled Asian marinated sliced flat iron steak with shaved cucumber, green leaf lettuce, baby frisee, fresh sprigs of cilantro and topped with a Vietnamese slaw of julienne carrots, daikon radish and red onion. Asian ginger dressing served on the side.
• Veggies with chatpata chana and raita dip: A healthy selection of Mediterranean dips served with crisp carrots, broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet red and yellow bell pepper, cucumbers, daikon radish, sugar snap peas, grape tomato, kalamata olives, a stuffed grape leaf. Served with Stacy's Pita Chips.
  

Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Orange County and as of Nov. 18, 2009 - South Florida (Fort Lauderdale). The airline currently offers daily flights from: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, SFO to SEA, SEA to LAX, JFK to LAS, BOS to LAX, BOS to SFO and SFO to SNA. Virgin America has flown more than five million guests since its inaugural flights in August 2007.

EDITORS NOTE: Virgin America is a U.S. controlled and operated airline and an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.

Source: Virgin America

United Airlines today announces the launch of Premier Travel(SM) and Premier Travel Plus(SM), the latest Travel Options by United(SM), which enable customers to enjoy an enhanced travel experience with swifter movement through the airport, earlier boarding, more legroom and other amenities.

By purchasing these options in a convenient bundle, customers can save up to 50 percent compared to buying these benefits individually.

With the Premier Travel option available at most U.S. airports served by United, customers can check two standard bags with no charge, use Premier Line to quickly proceed through security checkpoints and boarding, enjoy increased legroom in United Economy Plus(R) and earn twenty-five percent more redeemable Mileage Plus(R) miles for those flights.

With Premier Travel Plus, customers enjoy the benefits of the Premier Travel option, but with double redeemable Mileage Plus(R) bonus miles and access to United's Red Carpet Clubs - a travel oasis with complimentary WiFi, snacks and beverages.

Travelers can purchase the Premier Travel or Premier Travel Plus options through united.com when booking, through My Itineraries or when checking in online. Purchase at airport EasyCheck-In kiosks will be available later in 2009. Starting at just $47, Premier Travel is available for most itineraries departing from the majority of U.S. airports served by United.

Between Washington and New York/Newark, for example, customers may purchase the Premier Travel option for $47 each way, and can purchase Premier Travel Plus for $84 each way. Between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Premier Travel is $56 each way, while Premier Travel Plus is $95. From Chicago to London, Premier Travel is $158, while Premier Travel Plus is $285. And from San Francisco to Tokyo, Premier Travel is $167, while Premier Travel Plus is $298. Prices are subject to change without notice.

"United is committed to providing our customers with the most comfortable and convenient travel experience possible, and we are pleased to expand their options with Premier Travel and Premier Travel Plus," says Jeff Foland, senior vice president of worldwide sales & distribution. "Whether it's offering extra legroom near the front of the Economy cabin or allowing quicker access through airport security and boarding lines, the Premier Travel options help ensure that passengers arrive at their destinations refreshed and ready for work or play."

Mileage Plus Premier(R) members continue to receive many of these valuable benefits at no additional cost. Premier Travel is available for purchase only in limited quantities to ensure that the Premier experience is preserved.

For more details on these and the many other Travel Options by United, please visit united.com/traveloptions.

Source: United Airlines

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced changes to its OnePass frequent flyer program, adding new benefits for its customers. Some of the changes will occur in conjunction with the airline joining Star Alliance on Oct. 27, 2009.

Continental's OnePass members will enjoy reciprocal mileage earning and redemption opportunities with Star Alliance's 24 member airlines and will be able to connect to more than 950 cities all over the world.

"With our entry into Star Alliance along with several program changes, customers will find the OnePass program to be better than ever," said Mark Bergsrud, senior vice president of marketing programs and distribution at Continental Airlines.

When Continental joins Star Alliance, OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members will become Star Alliance Gold members, gaining recognition and rewards across all member airlines in addition to OnePass benefits. Platinum and Gold Elite members will have access to more than 800 worldwide lounges when traveling on an international itinerary with any Star Alliance member airline, regardless of class of travel. Additionally, Platinum and Gold Elite members will receive an extra baggage allowance of up to three bags or 44 additional pounds (20 kg) on both Continental and Star Alliance member airlines and will receive priority services including priority airport check-in, boarding and baggage handling across the network.

In addition to these benefits, upcoming changes to the OnePass program include fewer fees for Platinum Elite members, no more Saturday-night stay required for reward travel and 100 percent Elite Qualification Miles and Points earnings on any ticket regardless of where it was bought or issued.

"With change comes opportunity, and we're working hard to ensure the transition to Star is smooth for our customers," said Bergsrud. "We look forward to bringing new benefits, better global coverage and more good news later this year."

Summary of Continental's New OnePass Policies

Effective on Oct. 27, 2009

• With Continental's entry into Star Alliance, mileage requirements for reward travel will change, effective for travel booked on or after Oct. 27, 2009. View Travel and Upgrade Reward Charts.
• Saturday-night stay no longer required for OnePass reward travel.
• 100 percent Elite Qualification Miles and Elite Qualification Points can be earned on discounted fares regardless of where the ticket is purchased or issued.
• BusinessFirst $100 upgrade co-pay no longer required of members using miles to upgrade from B fare class.
• Elite bonuses will be based on the minimum mileage earned instead of the actual flight miles flown.
  

Effective on Dec. 15, 2009

• New reward travel fees will apply for redeposits, reservation changes and flight bookings within 21 days of departure for rewards redeemed on or after Dec. 15, 2009. There will be no fee for Platinum Elite members. The Gold Elite fee will be $25, the Silver Elite fee will be $50 and for all other members the fee will be $75. These fees will apply per customer instead of per reservation. OnePass travel reward changes outside of 21 days of travel will remain free if there is no change to the origin and destination.
  

Effective on Jan. 1, 2010

• All members worldwide will earn 125 percent base miles on F, C, J and D fare classes.
• All members worldwide will earn 1.5 Elite Qualification Points when they purchase and fly in fare classes F, C, J, D, Z, Y and B on flights operated by Continental.
  

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Alaska Airlines ranked first in on-time performance for the fourth month in a row among the 10 largest U.S. carriers (based on domestic revenue passenger miles), according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) monthly Air Travel Consumer Report released today.

During July, 87.2 percent of Alaska Airlines flights arrived on time or within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time - a 7.3 percentage point improvement over the airline's July 2008 performance and 9.6 percentage points higher than the industry average of 77.6 percent for the month.

"Our July result continues the outstanding on-time performance we delivered in the second quarter of the year and is thanks to Alaska's hard-working employees, who have remained focused on running a great operation and providing excellent service to our customers," said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines' chief operating officer.

Alaska's sister carrier, Horizon Air, also improved its on-time performance in July, with 88.3 percent of its flights arriving on time, compared to 86.3 percent in July 2008.

With hubs in Anchorage, Alaska; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; and Los Angeles; Alaska Airlines is the tenth-largest domestic carrier and averages 416 flights a day. The airline ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 and 2009 North America Airline Satisfaction Studies(SM).

The DOT's air travel report covers 19 airlines and is available online at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/atcr09.htm.

Note: Information is based on the latest public DOT T100 report.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Source: Alaska Airlines

Here's a simple way to save money on a trip to your favorite sunny destinations this fall: grab a great low fare on American Airlines and make a dash for an exciting spot in the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, the Bahamas, or Bermuda. The choice is up to you and your imagination, because American is offering truly attractive fares throughout its extensive network of sun-drenched destinations.

American, a founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, has low fares available for travel beginning Sept. 3 and completed by Nov. 19. (See dates below.) So, make plans now to take in the sights at some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Wherever you're headed, tickets must be purchased by Sept. 15, 2009, so contact American Airlines soon. Here are the highlights of American's special fares:

• Available from the U.S. to destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands, and Mexico
• Purchase tickets no later than Sept. 15, 2009
• No advance purchase requirement
• No embargo dates
• Travel dates:
  • Begin travel between Sept. 3 - Nov. 17, 2009
  • Complete travel by Nov. 19, 2009
• Minimum stay 2 days
• Maximum stay 30 days
• For rules and restrictions, see the terms and conditions below, or visit American's Web site, AA.com
  

Here are samples of American's great low fares. Fare amounts shown are each way based on off-peak, round-trip, Economy Class travel purchased on AA.com.

    Bermuda and Select Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico Destinations

                                                   Fare Each Way Based on
             City Pair                              Round-Trip Purchase*

    Orlando - Kingston, Jamaica                              $70
    Los Angeles - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico                     $76
    Boston - Freeport, Bahamas                               $79
    Boston - Nassau, Bahamas                                 $89
    Miami - Grand Cayman, Cayman Is.                         $89
    Washington, D.C. - Kingston, Jamaica                     $95
    Chicago - Montego Bay, Jamaica                          $100
    New York - Bermuda                                      $107
    Baltimore - St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.                        $112
    New York - Aruba                                        $144
    Hartford - St. Croix, U.S.V.I.                          $171
    Dallas/Ft. Worth - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico              $172
    Denver - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico                         $184
    Las Vegas - St. Lucia                                   $198

    *Fares shown are each way based on off-peak, round-trip, Economy Class
    travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares are valid for
    travel beginning Sept. 3 - Nov. 17, 2009; complete travel by Nov. 19,
    2009. Fares do not include all government-imposed taxes and fees.

    Travel may be on American Airlines or American Eagle.

Travelers can check schedules and fares and book flights by visiting www.aa.com. On AA.com you'll find the absolute lowest fares available for American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) flights - guaranteed. For full details on our Lowest Fare Guarantee, visit www.aa.com/benefits.

For an additional $20 per ticket, travel arrangements can also be made by calling American's reservations number at 1-800-433-7300 (en Espanol 1-800-633-3711) within the United States. Outside the United States, call the local reservations number. For an additional $30 per ticket, travel arrangements can be made at an American Airlines Travel Center or Airport Ticket Office. Tickets may also be purchased through a travel agent. Travel agents may impose a service charge for ticketing.

A "Fly Now, Pay Later" deferred payment option on American also allows holders of the American Airlines Credit Card(SM) account to enjoy six months of no payments and no interest for tickets purchased on AA.com. For terms and conditions and more details, visit www.aa.com/paylater.

Additionally, American Airlines Vacations(SM) has a number of exciting and affordable travel packages available to many popular destinations around the world. For more information, visit www.aavacations.com.

SOURCE American Airlines

United Airlines today announced special fares for late summer and early fall travel to four destinations with new service to and from the airline's hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

United Express service begins today between the Windy City and Huntsville, Ala.; El Paso, Texas; and Little Rock, Ark. Service between Chicago and London, Ontario, begins Sept. 29.

Sample fares are each way, with travel complete by Oct. 31, 2009***:

• Chicago - El Paso, $124 (requires roundtrip purchase and 14-day advance purchase)
• Chicago - Huntsville, $125 (requires roundtrip purchase and 14-day advance purchase)
• Chicago - Little Rock, $140 (requires roundtrip purchase and 14-day advance purchase)
• Chicago - London, Ontario, $125 (requires 21-day advance purchase, no roundtrip purchase required)
  

Visit united.com for complete terms and conditions.

SOURCE United Airlines