November 2009 Archives

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) has won top honors in two categories in the 2009 OAG Airline Industry Awards.

BusinessFirst, Continental's renowned international business-class service, was named "Best Executive/Business Class." The airline previously won this award five years in a row between 2003 and 2007. Continental also won "Best Airline Based in North America" for the sixth consecutive year.

Known as the "Oscars of the Airline Industry," the OAG awards are voted for by frequent flyers around the world, based on their personal experiences over the previous 12 months.

Continental recently announced the latest enhancement to BusinessFirst: the introduction of flat-bed seats, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 ½ feet (2 meters) of sleeping space in the fully extended position. The first aircraft to feature the new seats, a Boeing 777, entered service this month. The airline will install the flat-bed seats on all its Boeing 777, 757-200 and 767-400 aircraft, and on its Boeing 787 fleet as those aircraft are delivered to Continental.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year. For more company information, go to continental.com.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Millions of travelers will take to the skies this season to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Whether you're hitting the slopes, visiting relatives or simply getting away from the hustle and bustle, American Airlines, a founding member of the global oneworld® Alliance, is offering holiday travel tips with the family in mind.

Before Traveling...

• In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Secure Flight program, customers who purchased tickets on or after Sept. 15 will be asked to provide additional information as part of the Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) requirements. AAdvantage®( )members are strongly encouraged to update their accounts with their SFPD by logging into their account on AA.com and clicking the "Contact Information and Password" tab at the top of the screen. For additional information, please visit www.aa.com/secureflight or www.tsa.gov/secureflight.
• When traveling on an international itinerary with a lap child (infants under the age of two), contact American Airlines Reservations prior to departure at 1-800-433-7300 (en Espanol 1-800-633-3711) for information on the proper documentation required for security clearance and boarding. Infant ticket and fare rules for international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, vary by country, so call ahead to avoid surprises at the airport. Although there is no charge for traveling with lap children within the U.S., allow for extra time at the airport to provide proper documentation to a ticket agent.
• Consider purchasing a lightweight child-restraint system for use inflight and ease your way through security. The system is easily transportable and fits almost all American and American Eagle seats. See www.aa.com/children for more information.
• Some countries require a child traveling with only one parent to carry written, notarized consent from the absent parent. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for information.
  

As You Pack...

• Domestic Economy Class customers can check one bag for $20, and a second checked bag is $30. If you've achieved AAdvantage Gold®, Platinum®, or Executive Platinum® status, the first two checked bags are free, provided the bags are within the current weight and size limitations. See www.aa.com/baggageinfo for information, as other exceptions apply.
• Include your name, flight number, itinerary and phone contact inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit.
• When traveling with an infant, be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles or other related items. However, baby bottles can be heated on all flights operated by American Airlines. American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights are not equipped to heat baby bottles.
• For young children, fill a backpack with crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks. Consider holding a new or special item aside until you are airborne.
• Place all prescription medicine, jewelry, documents, car keys and other valuables in a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. That way, if overhead bin space happens to be full, you won't have to check your bag with valuables at the gate.
  

Before Leaving for the Airport...

• Dress yourself and your children in comfortable clothes, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off at the security checkpoint.
• Save time by checking in online. Visit www.aa.com/checkin up to 24 hours prior to flight to check in for your flight and print your boarding pass.
• If you're over the age of 18, federal law requires you to show a government-issued photo ID at TSA checkpoints. See www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents for examples of TSA acceptable IDs. If you're traveling internationally, don't forget your passport, as well as other important documents for all customers, including lap children. Make copies to carry with you (or scan and e-mail a copy to yourself) and leave with others at home.
  

At the Airport...

• TSA limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on board. However, medication, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in a zip-top bag. Families should declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. For more information, including limitations on international travel, visit our carry-on baggage page. TSA's Web site, www.tsa.gov, is also a good source of information.
• Looking for airport information, destination guides or ticket counter hours? Visit www.aa.com/airporthelp to find this and other useful information to help you breeze through the airport.
• Customers may carry onboard one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop. A diaper bag and umbrella stroller (as long as they fit in the overhead bin) for a lap or ticketed child are permitted onboard in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. Additionally, an approved safety seat and collapsible stroller may be checked at no charge. Don't forget to label seats and strollers with your name and contact phone number.
• Allow extra time for traffic, parking and transportation to the terminal. Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two to three hours prior to departure for international flights. Some cities have even earlier suggested arrival times because of lengthy TSA security checkpoint lines. See www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where earlier arrival is recommended.
• Instead of trying to remember your parking location or writing it down on a scrap of paper, take a picture of your location sign with a camera phone or digital camera.
• If you haven't already checked in beforehand at AA.com, try one of American's quick and easy Self-Service Check-in machines. They're a great time-saver and can be used for both domestic and international flights. You can print a boarding pass, check luggage, select or change seats, confirm flight changes, and purchase upgrades.
• Curbside Check-in is another great time saver. You can check your bag with a skycap at the curb, and then it's a straight shot to the security line and your gate.
  

While You're Waiting...

• Visit an Admirals Club® lounge. Select locations in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York offer children's rooms equipped with computers that have "kid-friendly" games and programs, as well as a TV featuring age-appropriate programming. One-Day passes are available for $50, and can be purchased in person, online, or at Self-Service Check-in machines.
• American and American Eagle typically begin boarding aircraft about 30 minutes before flight time for domestic flights (45 minutes for international flights) in order to help ensure an on-time departure.
  

Onboard the Plane...

• A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the time fly, especially for young travelers. However, audio and video equipment may only be used with headsets.
• When traveling on an aircraft with Gogo inflight Internet, take advantage of the opportunity to visit AA.com for free. Take care of last minute e-shopping, check e-mail and stay connected with your friends and family.
• Changes in cabin air pressure during descent may cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier or chewing gum with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.
• American and American Eagle offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard, and juice and milk are available for children. In addition, American offers a choice of fresh light meals and snacks through the food-for-sale program. Options vary based on flight time and length.
• Families traveling with a child who is a first-time flyer can commemorate their first time in the sky with American's new "First Flight Certificate." Ask a flight attendant onboard any American Airlines flight for the keepsake signed by the aircraft's pilots and flight attendants.
  

For more valuable travel information, visit www.aa.com/traveltips.

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced a major increase in the effectiveness of its recycling programs after the company put special emphasis on recycling projects in support of its ongoing commitment to the environment.

As the United States prepares to observe "America Recycles Day" on Sunday, Continental said that so far in 2009, it has collected more than 4 million pounds of mixed recyclables from terminal operations at its Houston Bush Intercontinental, New York/Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins hubs - an 800 percent year-over-year increase. Mixed recyclables include newspapers, cans, and plastic bottles contributed by co-workers and customers via designated "EcoSkies" recycling bins in hub airport terminals.

"While Continental has had a robust recycling program for more than a decade, we have made substantial enhancements to the program throughout 2008 and 2009, increasing recycling onboard our aircraft, at our airport terminals and at other supporting facilities, like our food service kitchens," said Leah Raney, Continental's managing director of global environmental affairs. "We have had strong encouragement and support from our co-workers and customers, and we are excited to see such great results from our expanded recycling program."

In 2008, Continental's expanded inflight and flight kitchen recycling efforts resulted in the recovery of more than 462 tons pounds of plastic and aluminum, and more than 1,300 tons of cardboard. So far in 2009, Continental has more than doubled that amount, recovering more than 1,500 tons of plastic and aluminum, and more than 30,000 tons of cardboard.

Continental also works with contract caterers at the non-hub airports it serves to encourage recycling; today, more than 91 percent of Continental's domestic caterers and more than 87 percent of its international caterers recycle.

Due to Continental's focus on increasing its recycling efforts in 2009 alone, Continental has:

• Recycled enough aluminum to build 20 Boeing 777 airplanes
• Saved more than 584,300 trees
• Saved enough water to meet the monthly freshwater needs of 106,900 homes
• Saved enough energy to heat and cool more than 49,600 homes
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 35,208 metric tons
• Reduced carbon footprint to landfills by saving 116,900 cubic yards of waste
  

Proceeds from Continental's recycling program are re-invested in the program or donated to We Care, a nonprofit charity organization that provides financial assistance to Continental employees in need.

Continental has been an airline industry leader in environmental responsibility for more than a decade, with a dedicated team of environmental professionals who work to review and mitigate the airline's environmental impact in every aspect of its business. Continental's expanding recycling program is one of numerous environmental initiatives that the company has undertaken in the past several years. The airline also partnered with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell's UOP to perform the first biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier in North America. Continental, which is 38 percent more fuel efficient than it was in 1997 per revenue passenger mile, has undertaken comprehensive efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its ground fleet by testing alternative energy sources, and offers customers a carbon offset program, offered through nonprofit Sustainable Travel International.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

Orbitz Insider Tells Travelers How to Navigate Airports over the Holiday Season

Orbitz Index most/least busy Thanksgiving Airports

The Insider Index reviewed the top 50 U.S. airports based on flight bookings, identifying which will be the most and least busy the week of Thanksgiving.

Chicago O'Hare International takes the honor of the busiest airport this Thanksgiving. Rounding out the top three are Los Angeles and Denver international airports. New York-area airports occupy three of the 10 spots on the list, making the Big Apple a hot spot for Thanksgiving travelers.

                  Thanksgiving Orbitz Insider Index
                         Busiest Airports(1)
                          -----------------
     Rank   City - Airport
     ----   --------------
       1    Chicago, IL - Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
       -    ------------------------------------------------
       2    Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles International(LAX)
       -    ------------------------------------------------
       3    Denver, CO - Denver International (DEN)
       -    ---------------------------------------
       4    San Francisco, CA - San Francisco International (SFO)
       -    -----------------------------------------------------
       5    Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Hartsfield International (ATL)
       -    ----------------------------------------------------
       6    Boston, MA - Boston Logan International (BOS)
       -    ---------------------------------------------
       7    New York, NY - New York LaGuardia (LGA)
       -    --------------------------------------
       8    New York - New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
       -    -------------------------------------------------------
       9    Newark, NJ - Newark Liberty International (EWR)
       -    -----------------------------------------------
      10    Seattle, WA - Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)
      --    ------------------------------------------------

For the first time, Orbitz also is revealing the least busy airports over the Thanksgiving holiday. While these airports will see a lift in traffic, overall they should be a lot easier for travelers to steer. Those traveling to San Jose can look forward to breezing in and out this Thanksgiving, as SJC will be the least busy domestic airport.

                Thanksgiving Orbitz Insider Index
                      Least Busy Airports(2)
                       --------------------
     Rank   City-Airport
     ----   ------------
       1    San Jose, CA - San Jose International (SJC)
       -    -------------------------------------------
       2    Nashville, TN - Nashville International (BNA)
       -    ---------------------------------------------
       3    Richmond, VA - Richmond International (RIC)
       -    -------------------------------------------
       4    Sacramento, CA - Sacramento International (SMF)
       -    -----------------------------------------------
       5    Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville International (JAX)
       -    ---------------------------------------------------
       6    West Palm Beach, FL - Palm Beach International (PBI)
       -    ----------------------------------------------------
       7    Hartford, CT - Bradley International (BDL)
       -    ------------------------------------------
       8    Orange County, CA - John Wayne International(SNA)
       -    -------------------------------------------------
       9    Cincinnati, OH - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
       -    -----------------------------------------------------------------
      10    Fort Myers, FL - Southwest Florida Regional(RSW)
      --    ------------------------------------------------

Orbitz Insider's Top Five Tips to Save You Time at the Airport this Holiday

Choose alternate airports: If you haven't booked your Thanksgiving travel -- or if you're looking ahead to Christmas or New Year's -- consider using alternative smaller airports. These are often much easier to navigate and less crowded. For example, if you're traveling to Chicago, consider Chicago Midway (MDW); New York-bound travelers may have better luck with crowds at the White Plains Westchester County Airport (HPN); and those heading into or out of Los Angeles may save time by going through Burbank (BUR) or Orange County (SNA).

Flexibility is key: If your travel plans are flexible, investigate flying on days that Orbitz predicts will be less busy during the Thanksgiving period. The best bet would be to depart on Nov. 23, 2009 and return on Nov. 30, 2009.

Online check-in is your friend: Where possible take advantage of online check-in and print boarding passes before arriving at the airport.

Know your flight status: Always check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. Orbitz bookers can choose to get flight status updates sent to their PDAs or mobile phones, while they're on the go. Plus, they can choose to send their alerts to 6 others, including those picking them up at the airport.

Security smarts: Keep anything you need to show airport security such as ID, boarding passes, liquids in a zip-top bag, or medication, in a separate compartment of your carry-on bag. Digging for these items once you get to the front of the security line will cause delays and certainly not make you any friends.

To see a complete list of the Orbitz Insiders' Top 50 Busiest Airports for Thanksgiving, visit: blog.orbitz.com.

(1) Busiest airport data based on air ticket bookings of the top 50 domestic airports on Orbitz.com with arrivals and departures between 11/21/09 and 11/29/09.

(2) Least busy airport data based on air ticket bookings of the top 50 domestic airports on Orbitz.com with arrivals and departures between 11/21/09 and 11/29/09.

SOURCE Orbitz.com

American Airlines is pleased to help customers "free their memory" with a promotion aimed at introducing travelers to the new AA.com Notification Center.

Running now through Jan. 5, 2010, the "Free Your Memory" sweepstakes offers a chance to win one of 60 BlackBerry® Curve(TM) 8900 smartphones, one of which comes with 300,000 AAdvantage® miles. Anyone can register to win by simply playing the interactive memory game at www.aa.com/promo.

The AA.com Notification Center, launched in 2009, is accessible from each customer's My Account section on AA.com, where customers can simplify their travel experience with American Airlines. The center enables customers to set their flight status notification preferences just one time and then automatically receive messages for all their future flights, as long as their AAdvantage number is included in their flight reservation. When setting up a profile, customers choose how they would like American to notify them - by phone, text message or e-mail. The AA.com Notification Center also makes sharing these updates easier by allowing AAdvantage members to save up to 10 contacts in their profile. American then will automatically provide the member, and the member's selected contacts, with desired flight information.

"We all have so much to do these days - so many places to be and things to remember. With the AA.com Notification Center, we're making travel a little easier for customers by giving them one less item to think about," said Derek DeCross, American's Managing Director - Interactive Marketing. "The 'Free Your Memory' sweepstakes is a great way to demonstrate how the AA.com Notification Center can make the travel experience more convenient, and we're excited to offer everyone a chance to win some fantastic prizes."

Customers can receive one sweepstakes entry by playing the interactive memory game and registering at www.aa.com/promo. Registrants may also earn additional entries by referring a friend to the sweepstakes and by updating or creating their profile on AA.com. The total number of sweepstakes entries allowed per person is three. No purchase is necessary to enter.

For further information and sweepstakes rules, visit www.aa.com/promo. For more details or to view a demo on the AA.com Notification Center, visit www.aa.com/connect.