AIRLINE NEWS  

JACKPOT! Atlanta is abuzz over the bonuses paid out to Delta’s top execs in a year the airline is cutting thousands of jobs and losing billion$. While Delta’s execs took a 10 percent salary cut this year (bless ‘em), their bonuses were not touched and in many cases the bonuses exceed annual salaries. (For example, CEO Leo Mullin’s salary is $795,000, but his bonus is $1.4 million.) Delta says that the nice chunk of change is necessary to keep talented execs at Delta. But we wonder just which airlines are out there trying to steal away Delta honchos. Please!  

ULTERIOR MOTIVE?  All this bad PR could be working for Delta by hastening the demise of its competitors. How? What may look bad for Delta could actually be worse for its competitors who are hoping for some sort of government bailout to keep them afloat.  Delta is sitting on a relatively nice pile of cash, and can afford to wait out the storm longer than its competitors. Delta's move has forced generous pay packages at other major airlines into the limelight as well, and Washington has taken note—and is quickly backpedaling away from any sort of aid package. And that's just what Delta wants, because it knows it can wait out the storm, and it knows that some of its competitors cannot. Stay tuned . . .  

SHRINKAGE. As soon as the bombs started to fall on Baghdad , most major airlines began paring schedules to match the big declines in demand for air travel. Most of the changes go into effect on April 6. Delta says that it will cut capacity by 12 percent, but has given few details other than to say that many transatlantic flights from JFK have been temporarily suspended. Domestically, you can expect Delta to cut back on frequencies, but it's unlikely that it will stop serving any market entirely. (Those airplane parking lots in the southern California desert are getting pretty full—have you seen them on your flights to/from LAX lately?)  

SONG STARTS. On Monday, March 31, the new SONG site will launch, accepting reservations. (ATL-JFK only)  We got an early peek at its booking engine. Cool: If you're not happy with the fares you're getting from your initial search, there's a link at the bottom of your results to try to find a better fare. The better fare finder lets you see fares for other possible days you can travel, up to three days before and three days after your original leaving and return dates. Also, an online survey asks which types of food and/or drink you'd like to buy on board—with choices ranging from sandwiches to Cosmopolitans. (Site is scheduled to go live Monday, March 31 at 8 a.m.) 

EXPANSION. Next month, Delta will add five new flights into Los Angeles and Ontario , a decision that came on the heels of AirTran’s announcement that it would add new flights from ATL to LAX starting in June, as well as JetBlue’s well-publicized move to add flights from ATL to Long Beach starting May 8.

IT'S GETTING STUFFY. Of course, Delta says that its decision to stuff the ATL- Los Angeles market with five new flights (for a total of 13) is based on increased consumer demand. Umm-hmm. But even the little guys are in on this game . . . shortly after AirTran announced its new service between ATL and Denver , low-fare carrier Frontier added another daily flight. AirTran has also re-instated flights to Myrtle Beach (4x per day) using C-RJ’s, right on the heels of Hooters Air, which jumped into that market this month. (Have you flown Hooters Air? If so, we want to hear from you)  

ODDLY . . . among all this news, Delta announced that it would add SONG flights between Atlanta and New York-JFK (a route where it has no competition at all). But it's not putting SONG on any of its runs into southern California where it will be competing against JetBlue’s fab leather seats and in-flight TV.  

NEW SERVICE DETAILS: AirTran adds two B-717 flights per day to Denver on May 21; two Los Angeles flights using A-320's on June 4, and two more to Las Vegas (on A-320’s) on June 21, at fares ranging from $99 to $299 each way.  JetBlue will fly thrice daily between ATL and Long Beach , CA starting on May 8 with introductory fares at $99 each way, or $198 round trip.  

LONG WHAT? Long Beach Airport is about a half-hour drive south of LAX on the I-405 when the traffic is good. But the traffic is usually bad, so flyers should budget for at least an hour or two to get into West LA or downtown from Long Beach . (The possibility of traffic on the 405 will be the biggest obstacle for time-conscious business travelers to contend with.)  

SIGN OF THE TIMES. Despite its reputation for sumptuous inflight meal service (we remember taking snapshots of our trays); Midwest Airlines (aka Midwest Express) will cut out meals altogether starting next month. However, its famous baked-on-board cookies will still be served. (It's also toying with the idea of selling food on planes.)  

WIDER WINDOW. Delta now allows online check-in between 24 hours prior to scheduled departure, up from just six hours. Online check-in is available up to 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.  

DARK DAYS AT UAL. We can’t help be remember the dying days of Eastern Airlines each time we hear about the latest maneuverings of an increasingly desperate United. The latest bad sign was a headline stating that the airline was waiting for a much-needed $360 million refund from the IRS. (If a company has to rely on IRS refunds to stay afloat, you know there is BIG trouble.) Lately, even United has been murmuring about possible shut down and liquidation, and the Bush administration does not seem at the ready to offer any significant bailout funds. On the brighter side, this week United negotiated a new contract with pilots that should save about $1billion.  

THE DELTA DIET. From reader Bob White: “It looks like meal service on Delta is getting a haircut again.  The new spring schedule change shows most meal service, even in first, to be a snack rather than a meal.  I've been doing the ATL-SEA run lately, and after April 6 we get a snack rather than a meal for a 5.5 hour flight.” White is right—we checked Delta's skeds and found that what is listed as "breakfast, lunch or dinner" for April 6 flights switches to "snack" on most west coast flights on April 7. (Another reason to pack that bagel!)  Delta says that passengers in coach should not expect a meal or a snack on any flight less than four hours—even if it is at a meal time.

SONGSTERS. Delta's new SONG is holding casting calls in New York in search of talent that will be used to entertain passengers in gate areas as they board SONG flights. Interested? Here are the official rules.  

ANOTHER ONE: Britain ’s Virgin group is reportedly set to launch a low-fare airlines in the US called Virgin America, which should make for an interesting battle with the likes of JetBlue, Southwest or AirTran.    

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS IS DUE! Recently, THE TICKET sold out its inventory of advertising space for the entire year! That's great news for us, and even better news for you. How can you pay those advertisers back? By clicking on their sites, and buying their products or services! 

DO YOUR PART AND CLICK HERE! 

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SAFETY AND SECURITY NEWS  

MONDAY-MONDAY: IMPORTANT: If you can avoid it at all, DO NOT TRAVEL from ATL on Monday mornings. We receive repeated complaints from readers who have missed flights due to 1-2 hour waits on Monday mornings (Wednesdays run a close second for long waits.) You have been warned!  

WORST TIMES. Hartsfield officials tell us that the worst times are from 6:45 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. on weekday mornings. At that time all 21 lanes are open, (including mezzanine lanes accessed from the Atrium, and concourse T entries). No matter what time you are leaving,  the airport urges you to use the new Trak-a-Line service (sign up, enter your flight time, and you'll get alerts sent to your PC or handheld.)  

WILLIE L. WILLIAMS, the Federal Security Director with the TSA at Hartsfield spoke to THE TICKET about this problem. "The TSA, the airport and the airlines are all in agreement that there is a problem at peak times. We want to add 4-8 more lanes, which will cost several million dollars. We are currently in the process of seeking those funds, but there is no timetable as to when these new lanes may be installed."   

WAIVERS. Nearly all airlines and hotels have altered their policies on changes to existing reservations as a result of the war in Iraq . Airlines are waiving the $100 change fee in many cases, but they have NOT waived the “difference in fare paid.” You’ll still have to pay the difference if your originally booked fare is no longer available (which could be significant.) Car rental companies say that they will dump one-way drop-off fees if for some reason the government shuts down US airspace a la 9-11.   

NOTE TO SELF IN TROUBLED TIMES: Be sure that your airline and/or travel agency have updated contact numbers for you at home, office, mobile and hotel/client when traveling. Be sure and check insurance policies to determine what is and what is NOT covered due to acts of war. Have plan in place if air traffic system is shut down-- and have a way to let your family and your company know where you are and that you are okay if on the road.

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FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS  

CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES. AirTran’s new A-Plus Rewards program goes into effect in April. Overall, members should be pleased with new Elite level recognition, but will miss the lucrative tie-in with American Express, which means you’ll have to fly more to earn free trips. In case you missed it, here's our NEWSBITE on the changes.  

WESTERN UPGRADES. If you want to upgrade to business class on any of AirTran’s new western flights ( Denver , Las Vegas , Los Angeles ) you’ll have to pay $50, up from the standard $35 fee for all other flights.  

RUN ON DELTA AWARDS? As most of you know, Delta and United still have a marketing partnership on the books allowing mileage redemptions on either carrier. We have spoken to many skittish United flyers who are using their Mileage Plus miles to book Delta tickets, which could be making award trips harder to come by for SkyMiles members. (Delta has not responded to our queries about this gray area and how it might be protected from a run on awards if United shuts down.) On a similar note, fearing exposure to a United liquidation, last week Hilton stopped allowing United Mileage Plus members to exchange their airline miles for Hilton points.  

COULD BE WORSE. And you thought Delta’s decision to make it harder to get into Medallion levels made you mad? British Airways did the same thing years ago. Then last month, BA announced that starting in July, those using less expensive fares would earn only 25 percent of the mileage flown. (Delta still offers 100% mileage flown.)  

EAT OUT, CHARGE UP. American Express is giving Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers double miles on purchases made at virtually any restaurant in the United States , from March 15 to April 15.  

STILL FIGHTING. An ad-hoc group of angry SkyMiles members continues to vent and scheme on the flyertalk.com boards. Recently, the group unveiled a lapel pin to draw attention and raise money for their cause. See it here. So far, Delta remains mum regarding any changes as a result of the pressure.

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Please email us and let us know! THANKS!

AIRPORT NEWS  

MAD ABOUT MONDAY. This is your second warning: airport security lines are maxed out Mondays, between 6:45 am and 8:30 am , with waits of an hour or more. Plan accordingly.  

PARKING LOT UPDATE. Due to heightened security, airport authorities have had to rope off approximately 1,400 spaces on the third and fourth levels of the North and South hourly parking decks.  Although rare these days, airport parking lot sellouts occur most frequently on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Always call ahead to determine parking availability: 404-530-6725. Press 2 to go straight to the availability hotline, or check ATL lot status online.   

NO LOVE LEFT. Consolidating flights at its (shrinking) DFW hub, Delta will no longer serve Dallas-Love Field after May 31. 

ANYONE OUT THERE USING WI-FI? Please let us know what you think, how it works, how much it costs and how widespread it is. Frankly, we keep hearing about all these WI-FI installations, but have not talked to a single person who uses it on a regular basis. Tell us what you think.  

PAYING FOR HEAVY BAGS? Last month we queried TICKET readers about the uniformity of having to pay fees for bags weighing more than 50 lbs. Here's what we heard: 

• From Jimmy Robertson: I just flew to Fort Lauderdale from Atlanta for a cruise. I had 3 bags. I am Silver Medallion. Anyway, one bag was over the weight limit and they told me that I could rearrange the bags, or I had to pay the $25 surcharge. My other 2 bags were not even close to the weight limit, but I didn't have time to repack right there in the airport, so I begrudgingly paid the surcharge.

• From a Glen Leslie: I checked a 67 pound bag last night in PHX and was not charged.

• From reader: Just returned from Hayden-Steamboat Springs , CO on Northwest.  We had two large bags full of ski equipment and warm clothes.  One bag weighed about 45 pounds and the other one was 53.  The gate agent made us remove several articles and put them in the other bag...no fee, but not particularly accommodating either.

INTERNATIONAL  

LONG WAIT. From John Wiegel : "Last Saturday, I spent two-plus hours in the international arrivals area.  It took over an hour to receive our bags, 15 minutes to go through INS, 15 minutes to go through customs, and one hour to go back through security.  Why does the airport make those that are leaving the airport go back through security. This seems a terrible waste. NOTE: Long range plans for ATL include roadway access to Concourse E, which should eliminate this added hassle.  

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TASTE OF THE TICKET

In East Atlanta, an area known mostly for its burritos, pizza and bar food, this blossom of a restaurant now sits as a beacon of culinary hope to all the urban pioneers in the area. 

Can you name it? Check out the latest dispatch from our intrepid critic in TASTE OF THE TICKET.  

HOTEL NEWS  

NO POINTS ONLINE? Hotels Magazine reports that Hilton is considering NOT giving HHonors points to customers who book their stays through discount web sites. The magazine editor says that he feels it is a step in the right direction if hotels want to control their online destiny. Book on the hotel's official site and you should earn points; book elsewhere and you don't.

WEEKEND DEAL. Marriott is offering a free weekend to Marriott Rewards members who stay five separate times at any Marriott brand hotel from March 15, 2003 , through June 15, 2003 . To become eligible, members must register for the Marriott Rewards Free Weekend offer. The certificate is good at 2100 participating hotels, for a free two-weekend-night stay through Dec. 30, 2003 .  

NOTICE!!: © Copyright 2003, Travel Skills Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved       

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MAILBAG!  

Feedback from TICKET readers regarding:    

DELTA'S FINANCES: "Delta is forecasting 'a negative cash flow from operations for the current quarter.' Delta's CFO attributes this to 'depressed customer demand' which he claims arises from a fear of war in the Middle-east. I would suggest that a more plausible explanation is that disenchanted medallion members are moving en masse to other carriers who better understand the true meaning of customer loyalty programs. This is just another example of the ostrich-like malady infecting the executive ranks at Delta. As a long-time platinum medallion member, I am upset. As a long-time Delta stockholder, I am outraged."  --Dr. Paul Hemmeter  

ATL VEHICLE INSPECTIONS: "If the US Government would think back to the morning of September 11, 2001 , it would realize that truly RANDOM searches would NOT have prevented those hijackers from doing what they did.  More than likely, even today they would have slipped right through the security gates because profiling is CONSIDERED unlawful when in reality it is not. Profiling is simply vigilance.  Face it, if you get mugged in downtown LA, you are going to give a description of the offender, aren't you? Terrorists are experts and know how to break just about any roadblocks thrown their way to achieve their goal.  As I see it, they have gotten what they wanted all along... the might US simply living in fear of them. Vigilance and safeguards are one thing, but when typical American knee-jerk reactions border on breaking our civil liberties, the government must be set straight." -- Hans Frederich Reitze  

PLEASE JOIN IN and provide us with your questions, observations and comments about your travel experiences or topics in this issue! Send your questions and comments to us at mailto:ticketatl@travelskills.com.    

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See you again in April or with a NEWSBITE if or when hot news breaks.  

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 © Copyright 2003, Travel Skills Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved  

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Don’t Forget! BOOK ALL YOUR ONLINE TRAVEL VIA LINKS FROM THE TICKET!   

delta.com  |  Hotwire  |  Orbitz |  priceline.com |  Site59