The Ticket Newsletter

DO YOU CARE ABOUT WHO IS RUNNING OUR COUNTRY? With TICKET readers on the road more than not, be sure to check your calendars now: Are you going to be in your precinct to vote on Tuesday, Nov 2? If not, get your absentee ballot here. You must print out this PDF, fill it in, and then mail it to your county election office. Three steps here:

3) Receive your ballot in the mail, complete it, and then mail it back by Nov 2 (Election Day).

DELTA SOLUTION TRICKLES OUT. As we hinted in last month’s edition of THE TICKET, Delta is trickling out bits and pieces of a massive operational overhaul that it says should cut costs by $5 billion over the next two years. The biggest change: the elimination of Delta’s Dallas hub, with planes (mostly RJ’s) moved from there to beef up operations in Salt Lake and Cincinnati. Once Dallas is de-hubbed, Delta will offer just 21 flights (down from 254) per day to only three cities-- Delta hubs in ATL, Salt Lake and Cincinnati (down from 69 cities).

GOOD NEWS FOR ATL. The best piece of Delta’s overhaul is the fact that it will actually increase flights from ATL—adding 81—to seven new non-stop destinations (to be announced later this month). To prevent congestion, Delta says it will even out arrivals and departures throughout the day. All in all, more flights at ATL mean more choices for the majority of TICKET readers, which is a good thing. Daily ATL flights will increase from the current 970 to 1051, effectively removing the peaks and valleys typically associated with a hub and make ATL a continuous operation.

AIRCRAFT CHANGES. While Delta says that it will maintain its two-class mainline flights, it plans to increase its one-class Song fleet of 36 planes to 48 starting late next spring. (No new SONG flights for ATL; just the current single flight a day to JFK.) Finally, Delta says that it will reduce its fleet size by about 20%. Aviation Daily reports that the carrier will dump many of its older 737s and 767s, and possibly its MD-90s. And our money is on Delta eventually getting rid of its well liked Boeing 777s in favor of smaller, narrower, but presumably more efficient 767s on international routes.

INTERIOR UPDATES. More from Aviation Daily: "While simplifying its fleet may take time, the airline is moving ahead with upgrading its core fleet of MD-88s, 757s and 767-300s, which represent a little more than half of the total fleet. The one-time interior refurbishment aims to create a 'new aircraft' standard. The first refurbished MD-88 will start flying this week. The changes include all-leather seats in first and economy class, new carpet, brighter reading lights and refurbished lavatories." (Is that enough to win you over? Let us know)

IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT ON DELTA? Apparently there is an internal debate about how Delta should upgrade its inflight entertainment system. While Delta has installed seatback video on its Song fleet, many insiders are not convinced that it is the right move for the whole fleet. We beg to differ. Seat-back video entertainment is the KILLER APP for airlines these days. Why? Because it keeps passengers occupied, nearly hypnotized, and NOT focused on the tight seating, smelly bathrooms, paltry food offerings or snarly flight attendants. Don't believe us? Then take a flight on Song or JetBlue or Frontier, and check out how calm the cabin is—how each passenger is mentally cocooned into his or her own little world. COME ON DELTA—you need to do this and do it soon—be the first major carrier to do it fleet wide—all seats, all planes, and you'll have a leg up over your competitors. (Would you fly Delta more if it had fleetwide, seatback video? Let us know!) (FYI: JetBlue has recently increased the number of live TV channels it offers to 36, including CNN Headline News where you can see your TICKET editor every Friday and Sunday evening!)

SKYMILES CHANGES. A SkyMiles streamlining is in the works, but as of now, few if any details are available. All Delta is saying is that the new program will be simpler to understand and easier to redeem miles with. Sounds a little scary to us . . . stay tuned.

ALASKA BOUND. It might not have anything to do with the fact that Delta's CEO hails from Seattle, Alaska Airlines' HQ, but anyway . . . Delta and Alaska have announced a code-sharing deal, which should soon benefit frequent travelers with reciprocal earning/redeeming opportunities and lounge access. (Check out Alaska's route map to consider new destinations.) A starting date for the code-share is expected later this year. Our favorite thing about Alaska Air? Its decision to offer passengers the new DigEplayer—a portable in-flight entertainment device that it rents to coach passengers for $10 per flight and gives to first passengers. (Hey, Delta, maybe that's a better idea than the seatback video?)

ANNUAL REPORT JIGGERED. Independent auditor Deloitte & Touche has told Delta to revise its annual report to reflect growing financial problems and possible bankruptcy in the near term. In a news release, Delta said that since filing its annual report with the SEC for the year that ended last Dec. 31, "significant events have occurred which have materially adversely affected Delta's financial condition and results of operations." Scary stuff, people. Very scary.

MYRTLE CALLING. When AirTran recently pulled out of the ATL-Myrtle Beach market, Hooters Air added new flights between the cities for fares starting at $69 each way. However, the schedule is still pretty thin—flights only operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

DELTA PLAYING FARE SO FAR. With AirTran's recent departure from the Greensboro and Tallahassee markets, we've be watching Delta to see if they'd go back to the rapacious gouging they are knows for in markets where they are the sole non-stop carrier. Guess what? So far, so good! Roundtrip Delta fares to both cities start in the $175 to $200 range and do not require Saturday night stayovers.

AIRTRAN UPDATE. XM Radio should start installations on AirTran's fleet in November. (Last winter, AirTran announced that XM Radio installations would begin this summer, and be fleet-wide by the end of the year, but that looks unlikely since the product is still in FAA trials.) . . . . All AirTran flights to San Francisco are now on new B-737's, with the Ryan International Airbus A-320's on the LA and Vegas runs through November. . . . . AirTran's C concourse at ATL is undergoing its first renovation in 24 years, with new lighting, carpeting, paint and air conditioning—work should be complete by December.

HURRICANES BATTER AIRTRAN FINANCIALS. AirTran has warned that it expects a quarterly loss (after a long string of profits) due to hurricane-related losses and the poor fall revenue environment. The carrier says that recent hurricanes have affected 51% of its traffic. In addition, its Orlando headquarters building and aircraft hangar in Orlando were damaged.

OBNOXIOUS NEW FEES. Over the last month, Northwest, Continental, American and US Airways have added some offensive new fees: $5 for tickets books via a telephone reservations agent, and $10 if you dare buy your ticket from an airport ticket agent. (No fees apply if you book via the airline websites) Delta, perhaps satisfied with its stand-alone practice of charging non-elite flyers a $25 fee to standby on the same day, has not jumped on this bandwagon. . yet. (Northwest’s initial plan to add an additional $7.50 fee for tickets booked through travel agents was rescinded due to a shrill outcry from the travel industry, and the fact that no other airline matched the fee.)

AIRTRAN UPGRADE FEES TO RISE. On Sept 1, AirTran moved to a three tier upgrade policy -- $35/$50/$70 -- $35 for most ATL routes, $50 for many Florida routes that overfly ATL, and $70 for West Coast routes…examples – ATL-Orlando is $35, ATL-New York LGA is $35, Dayton-Orlando is $50, and ATL-LAX or SFO is $70.

PILFERED BY THE TSA? Perhaps nudged into action by a recent searing revelation in the New York Times about baggage pilferage, the TSA announced that it will pay an average of $110 each to 15,000 airline passengers who claim their possessions were lost, stolen or damaged when their bags were screened. Before 9/11the airlines had sole responsibility for bags once they were checked. But once the TSA got into action, passengers have been caught between the TSA and the airlines, who have failed to agree on who would compensate them for missing or damaged items.

NEW AIRTRAN COUNTER. If you want to avoid the crowd at AirTran's main check in counter, then consider its new location in the NORTH terminal side of the MARTA station—in the corridor near the WWII exhibit. There you can check-in for your flight and check your bags.

CURB SIDE CHECK IN. Big Dig detour signage at Hart-Jack can be a little misleading. Curbside check in is NOT available in the “Kiss and Fly” temporary drop off areas in the parking decks (detour left). If you want to check your bags

at the curb, you must do so from the lanes that run alongside the terminal (detour right.)

BIZ TRAVEL IS BACK. With business travelers returning from summer vacation, expect airport parking lots to be fullest mid-week—especially the covered decks. ALWAYS call on your way to the airport to determine if you need to park in off-site lots. 404-530-6725, then press 2 for an automated update.

CHANGES AT SCREENING CHECKPOINTS. With colder weather on the way, the TSA announced that all passengers must now remove their coats before going through metal detectors. Also, the AJC says that the TSA has asked ATL officials to remove the airport security shoe detectors that light up if you have metal in your shoes. Apparently, the shoe detectors were designed by screeners, but aren't good enough for the TSA which required their removal because they were "not certified." (Sounds to us like a politically connected company has cozied up to the TSA and will soon be the sole—no pun! -- supplier of such devices. Umm-hmm.)

GREAT IDEA, CONTINENTAL. OnePass members can now search for standard rewards on a new calendar with reward seat availability displayed over a two- month period based on the date of the preferred flight. DELTA: Are you listening? A rewards calendar is a great idea and could do a lot to quell the complaints of your members steamed about inability to redeem their hard earned miles. ANOTHER GOOD IDEA: Continental has extended its promotion indefinitely that allows OnePass members who purchase cheap economy class tickets at continental.com to earn full credit towards Elite status regardless of fare class.

US SCAREWAYS. With US Airways in what looks like an Eastern-esque death spiral, we recommend that anyone with Dividend Miles redeem them immediately for flights between now and the end of the year. Remember that Eastern went under in early Feb 1991—the time of year when airline cash flow is at its lowest ebb. That’s when we predict that US Airways may shutdown—and with no airline around to pick up the pieces, your Dividend Miles could become as valuable as Green Stamps. Another strategy: Redeem Dividend Miles now for trips on US Airways partner QANTAS—an airline that is much less likely to disappear.

Have your heard? The crackdown on uncontrolled partying (and violence) in the Buckhead is starting to bear fruit—and a few pioneers are entering the scene with restaurants and clubs that cater to upscale locals. If you haven't been in a while, check it out. Our faves include: Sunset margs and Mexican food on the expansive patio at Rio Grande on Roswell Rd, the snazzy East Andrews Café, and now . . . a new HOTSPOT in the location of the one-time see-and-be-scene Peachtree Café.

Check out this month’s “Taste of The TICKET” and see what our fearless taste-tester says about this spicy new addition in her latest dispatch from the Hotlanta food scene. See the TASTE OF THE TICKET

BUSINESS CLASS BED UPDATE. Northwest, American and United are currently, or have announced plans to install the new standard in international business class—seats that fold out into flat or nearly flat beds for sleeping. (United is installing the seats in first class for transcon flights, too.). Air France is installing its Affaires business class bed/seat, although it's not been deployed on ATL-Paris flights yet. British Airways was the first to offer a flat business class bed and remains the only carrier in Atlanta with such a product. Delta (its one-time industry-leading BusinessElite cabins getting mighty tatty) has not made any mention that it intends to follow this trend.

LONDON CALLING. TICKET editor Chris McGinnis recently traveled to London to speak at a Leading Hotels of the World Conference. A few observations from the trip . . . .

>PLANE SPOTTING. My favorite pastime on a sunny afternoon in London is to sit in a perfectly positioned bench in Hyde Park—facing south—and watching all the international 747's and other long-haul aircraft from around the world lumber over Thames

toward Heathrow. They are low enough so you can spot nearly exotic every tail. Fascinating and fun.

>HOTEL PRICES. My room (no view) at the Mandarin Oriental cost a shocking $590! And in addition to that rate, a room service breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and coffee ran $60! And to add even more pain, the hotel added a "discretionary service fee" of $26 for every day I was there. At check out, it was my "discretion" to refuse to pay it. To be fair, the Mandarin is an exquisite perch in London, with impeccable service, a swank lobby bar, and an outstanding location, but still, $590 a night for a standard room? (Luckily, my accommodations were covered by my client in this case, as I imagine they are for most guests!)

>AMERICANA. Krispy Kreme has invaded the hallowed halls of Harrods, with a constant queue of Brits, curious foreigners and addicted Americans lined up for a fresh batch of fried/sugared dough. Harrods has even opened up a secret back-door take-out window for those who need their fix before the store opens in the morning.

>NIGHT BEAT. Central London (Piccadilly, SoHo, etc) on weekend nights borders on mayhem when the West End shows let out and add to the throngs of drunken teenagers running rampant on overcrowded sidewalks. Problem is that it's nearly impossible to find a cab to escape from the mess.)

>DAYLIGHT. I took the daylight flight from Dulles International—departing at 8 am on British Airways and arriving Heathrow at about 8 pm. Just in time for a few drinks and dinner, then off to bed, waking up the first morning ready to go. Unfortunately, no carrier offers daylight flights from ATL to Europe.

>LONDON BRIDGE. There is a spectacular (and enormous) new airport pedestrian bridge under construction at Gatwick's North terminal (where most Delta and BA flights dock). Apparently, it will be used to connect the North terminal to yet another as yet unnamed terminal (maybe just an extension of the current North). Check it out next time you fly in or out.

>JETLAG CURE? Having experienced increasingly worse bouts of jetlag over the years, I'm always seeking "the cure." With scattered medical evidence pointing to some success at treating the malady with low, short term doses of sedating anti-depressants, I tried one called Remeron when I went to bed on the first two nights going over and coming back. I slept well (no awakenings at 3:45am) and had nearly no jetlag symptoms or drug hangovers in either direction. I cannot find any documented studies on the success or failure of this, but it seemed to work for me—in addition to that daylight flight. (Interested? Ask your doctor about it—don't try it on your own.) Stay tuned . . .

SKYTEAM (FINALLY) ADDS NW/CO. With KLM now swallowed by Air France, Continental and Northwest officially joined the SkyTeam alliance on September 15. It seems like everyone is getting in on the SkyTeam act now, with pending memberships due for Aeroflot and China Southern. Alaska can't be far behind now that is has announced a code-share alliance with Delta. SkyTeam members now include: Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. (SkyTeam is now #2 after the 15 member Star Alliance. It recently blackballed financially ailing SWISS Air Lines who hoped to join the alliance as well.)

CHECKING IN AT RADISSON? Here’s how its new three-step "Express Yourself" process works. First, reserve your room and provide your email address via the Web, the Radisson call center, hotel direct or a travel agent. Then, seven days prior to your arrival, you’ll get an e-mail asking your personal preferences—like a request for a specific room location (proximity to elevators, high or low floor), high-speed Internet access, etc. Then, upon arrival, you just identify yourself at the front desk, where your key packet will be waiting for you—a process Radisson says should take no more than 10 seconds. In addition, you can request that your bill be emailed to you, which means bypassing the front desk when you leave. Eventually, Radisson says that you will be able to pre-order wake up calls and in-room dining when checking in online using the Express Yourself option.

CHOICE HOTELS Privileges members earn a 5,000-point bonus for every two stays at Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, or MainStay Suites hotels in between Sept 1 and Dec 31 2004. Details at http://choicehotels.com

HERTZ rentals of five or more days now earn 500 miles in the following airlines' programs: Delta, Alaska, Continental, Midwest and United. The normal 50-miles-per-day rate still applies to rentals of one to four days.

BIG BRO? Auto Rental News says that California legislators have passed a bill that prohibits rental companies from accessing a car's electronic GPS or other fleet-tracking data unless the vehicle is a week overdue or is reported stolen, missing or abandoned. The bill would require that rental companies carefully document any such use of surveillance data, and store these records for a minimum of 12 months. These records would become available to the renter upon request. The bill is awaiting signature by Guv Schwarzenegger.

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HURRICANE IVAN: "I had a planned trip for the week of October 8th to travel to Orange Beach, AL to meet my family there for a family vacation. Unfortunately, the place we were going to stay was obliterated by Hurricane Ivan. Given that and the destruction and damage in the area, our family vacation was understandably cancelled. I had a flight booked on Delta Air Lines from LAX to Pensacola and back. One would think that Delta would have at least some leniency in situation such as this. Not only did Delta refuse to refund my ticket but they also adamantly proclaimed that any change I did make would be

subject their full change fee policy. The Delta agent actually made the statement that 'Delta is in a bad financial situation these days and can't provide that level of service'. Perhaps if they did provide decent service they wouldn't be in the shape they're in." –J Dossey, Los Angeles

HURRICANE CHARLEY/FRANCES: "Compare the customer service handling of AirTran and Delta for passengers affected by Hurricane Charley....and now Frances....who were traveling to Fort Myers area for Labor Day. The home we were to visit was significantly damaged in Hurricane Charley therefore change of plans. AirTran - full credit after Hurricane Charley to be used within year. Same for Hurricane Frances. No questions asked. Delta - no assistance after Hurricane Charley for Labor Day travel. For Hurricane Frances they said I had to reschedule to same destination and travel by Sept 21! No refunds, only if flight is cancelled. Cannot be applied to another destination. Kudo's to AirTran for logical rules and giving front line staff flexibility. Chapter 11 cannot come quickly enough for Delta. --G Dalgleish, Atlanta

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