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Why are none of the busiest air routes in the world in the USA?

December 16, 2016 12:01 am Leave a Comment

For many, the end of December is a big time to travel. In the US, the Department of Transportation notes that the number long distance trips taken increases by 23% around Christmas. This is less than around Thanksgiving, but still enough to put a strain on transit infrastructure during this period. With so many people travelling in the US not just around the holidays, but on a regular basis you may expect that the busiest air travel routes in the world would be found here. They’re not.
In terms of the numbers of passengers carried, not a single US air route (domestic or international) makes it in to the list of the top busiest routes published by OAG. The numbers presented are based on seat capacity and not passengers flown. However, we believe seat capacity is a key metric.

Busiest, domestic or international routes?

Before we get to the list, there’s another area to look at when it comes to the busiest routes, are they domestic or international? Not only are there more barriers for passengers wanting to fly internationally (think visas and passport control), governments and airlines need to work out agreements that allow passenger carriage to take place. Perhaps unsurprisingly so, the busiest routes in the world by seat capacity are almost all domestic routes.

Why is the US not in the top-10?

Perhaps one of the key reasons why US routes don’t make it in to the top 10 is because the country is so big. While that would probably mean that there is more reason to fly, it also means that there are more options. Many of the routes in the top 10 are in countries that are smaller than the US. Looking at all the major US carriers, they each have multiple hubs spread throughout the country and traffic isn’t funneled into one channel. To get from New York to LA, for instance, you can fly direct, but there are options to connect you in Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, and the list goes on. Point to Point air travel isn’t as big in the US as in other countries. Capacity is spread out in the US, and not concentrated. And where there are very frequent connections, the aircraft are usually a lot smaller.

Popular Cruise Destinations

December 2, 2016 12:19 pm Leave a Comment

The cruise industry is a big industry. The Cruise Line Industry association (CLIA) which represents 62 cruise lines (or over 95% of global cruise capacity) publishes an annual look at the state of the cruise industry and predicted that in 2016 cruise lines would welcome over 24 million passengers and by the end of the year there would be 475 cruise ships in operation ranging from specialty ships in the Galapagos to mega cruise ships in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Cruising

By far the most popular destination for a cruise is the Caribbean with 33.7% of the passenger cruising capacity for 2016. With warm weather year-round and plenty of different ports of call, the Caribbean has long been a favourite for all sorts of cruise vacations. Florida is by-far the starting point for many of the cruises with the port of Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral holding the top three spots; each catering to over 4,000,000 cruise passengers a year.

Mediterranean Cruises

Barcelona is the first port outside of the Americas to make the list of busiest cruise ports in the world; and this leads us to the second most popular destination for cruises: The Mediterranean. While the Mediterranean isn’t quite the year-round hub for cruising as the Caribbean is, there is still plenty of charm and variety between the different ports dotting the southern European and North-African coasts. Many ships sail in the Mediterranean in the summer months, then seek warmer climes for the winters, trekking across the Atlantic or through the Suez Canal en-route to their winter homes.

European River Cruises

Often overlooked in Europe is river cruising. While perhaps not as grand as ocean cruising owing to the smaller size of the vessels, river cruising certainly should not be considered inferior. River cruise ships offer many of the same high-quality amenities and services their larger ocean-faring counterparts do and provide an intimate sophisticated experience for all passengers.

So whether it’s a jaunt to the Bahamas, or a tour of the old world; consider a cruise for your next vacation and have your hotel take you places.

The declining service of airlines

November 18, 2016 5:40 pm Leave a Comment

United Airlines has recently announced a new fare structure where perks such as free seat selection, and even overhead bin space will now be available for a fee. It’s no secret that airlines have been making a mint out of ancillary fees. Increased competition from low cost carriers and the travellers desire for the lowest possible fares are driving the established players to adopt a new model to remain profitable. Here we have a look at some of the things that may now cost you money on your next flight.
Seat Selection – even at online check-in
In the past all seats were created equal. Passengers could reserve most seats simply by request, and there was always a wide selection of seats available at the airport. Granted sometimes it meant getting up at an odd hour of day and trying to be first to check in as soon as online check in opened, but there was choice. Now, ever more airlines are making you fork over for the privilege of selecting a seat in advance of the flight. Some like United Airlines and British Airways even going so far as to not give the passengers in the lowest fare classes seat selection at all but just allocating the seats at check-in.
Meals
For many airlines gone are the days of a free meal. Of course, not all flights had a meal service; but this was the first area where airlines started to scale back to reduce costs. Urban legend, or truth: many people can recall the story that shaving a single olive off a salad saved lots of money for the airlines. So now if you want it, you’re going to have to pay for it separately.
Baggage (even some carry-on)
When you buy a plane ticket you are purchasing transportation for yourself from point a to b. airlines used to consider that if you’re flying somewhere you are probably going for an extended period of time and you’ll need to bring more than what can fit in a backpack. So they threw in a suitcase or two of space for you to take clothes. Weight limits have been around for as long as this writer can remember, and going over that meant forking up; but now that first Samsonite in the hold will cost you regardless.
What it boils down to is what is included in the price of your airline ticket. Air fares have dropped and so has the level of service. Splitting out the components of the travel experience are giving consumers a pick and pay menu of what

Things to do at your destination

November 10, 2016 3:23 pm Leave a Comment

We talk a lot about getting to your destination and let’s face it; it’s an important part of your trip. But your trip wouldn’t be much if you didn’t have anything to do when you get there. Getting inspiration on what to do can be easy for some places, such as visiting a Broadway show in New York, or seeing a concert in Las Vegas. We’ve partnered with AwesomeSeating.com to take a look at some of the things you can do and the best way to get tickets to these events. AwesomeSeating.com offers great deals and access to tickets for many major events with a 100% Order Guarantee.

New York – Theatre shows

There is no shortage of things to do in New York, and one of the most popular activities for visitors to the city is to catch a show on, or off Broadway. One of the longest running shows currently on Broadway is the Lion King. It debuted in 1997 in Minneapolis, but quickly made its way to Broadway, opening on October 15, 1997. Lion King Tickets NYC

Las Vegas – Concerts

Many of the world’s biggest performers host regular shows in Las Vegas when they’re not on tour, so rather than waiting for your favourite performer to come to you, why not go to them and enjoy the many other attractions that Las Vegas has to offer as well. For Example, you could get tickets to go seeElton John! Look for the “Million Dollar Piano” tickets to find his Vegas shows.

Many other cities – Sports Events

Few things compare to the local experience you get when you go to a sporting event in a destination city. Let’s face it; many Chicagoans are happy now that a 108-year drought has ended for the Chicago Cubs so you can bet that next year ticket sales will go through the roof. Visiting Chicago? Get your tickets here: Chicago Cubs Tickets. With the holidays coming up, getting an early start on tickets might not be a bad gift-idea! Or if baseball isn’t your fancy, have a look at the many other sporting events and other tickets you can get on AwesomeSeating.com Buy Tickets For Sports, Concerts & Theatre Events.

My flight is delayed!

November 8, 2016 4:55 pm Leave a Comment

Many travellers face delays and cancellations. For the airlines, these are a daily occurrence and airline staff take care of rerouting and accommodating people on different flights. So what if this happens to you?
In Europe, and increasingly in many other countries; there are consumer protections on what your rights are and what the airlines’ obligations are when dealing with a cancelled flight. The most important thing to remember is that the airline has the duty to honour your ticket and get you to your destination. It is also always wise to have travel insurance. Many credit cards will automatically provide insurance for your trip but be sure to read the policy and make sure you know what’s covered. Another option is to buy trip-specific insurance policies; or take out a multi-trip annual plan. Insurance can help you where the airline will not by refunding you for hotels and accommodation; or even if you have to buy a return ticket on another airline. Be sure to check with your provider to see what is covered.
Airlines in the US have differing policies on when they will provide accommodation. If the circumstances are beyond the airline’s control, you’re usually on your own to rely on your travel insurance for coverage. Make sure you get a statement from the airline with the reason for the cancellation, and keep all receipts.
It helps if you do your homework a bit and look at the other flights yourself so you can present them with the options. Just presenting the staff with the options doesn’t mean that they’ll be able to make the changes, but it shows that you are trying to think with them and you’re doing some of the leg work.

Holiday Travel Options

October 28, 2016 3:15 pm Leave a Comment

The busy holiday travel season is just around the corner again. In the past we’ve looked at the best tips to get you to your destination whether it’s thanksgiving travel, or Christmas travel; many of us will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies again this winter. With so many options for holiday travel we thought we’d look some of the different types of holidays you can have.

Stay-cationing with Family

If you live far away from your family and you don’t get to see them often, the holidays form the perfect time to head over and reconnect. Maybe you go to a different family member’s house every year; or perhaps you always converge in the same familiar spot. Your options form part of your own experience and who are we to tell you what to do here. Having a familiar spot to hang your hat during your travels can’t beat even the best of hotels.

Sun Seekers

The further north we live, the further south we’re likely to travel in the winter. If, as mentioned above you are visiting family it might be an added bonus that these family members happen to live in a warmer location. Winter is prime time for islands in the Caribbean and the southernmost states in the US because of the warm climates.

Hitting the slopes

Whereas some people do what they can to avoid the snow, others seek it out. The more of the fluffy white stuff, the better. Skiing and snowboarding are heavily dependent on the season and it should be no surprise that winter is the best time to carve some powder. For those who are dragged along but don’t like to hit the slopes, many mountain towns and ski resorts offer a wide range of other activities and facilities such as spas and hot springs to pass time.

Taking to the Seas

A cruise can be a great way to spend a vacation. You typically get to sail around and see different ports while your floating hotel takes you there while you sleep. Modern cruise ships are known for their luxuries and fine dining, and you will be spoiled and pampered on your journey. You’ll certainly miss the daily turndown service and wish you could take all the staff that made your journey so comfortable home with you.

Exciting Small Airports

October 21, 2016 4:57 pm Leave a Comment

Gibraltar Airport

This airport’s runway divides the country; literally. There was no other flat, wide portion of land that was suitable to build the runway for Gibraltar’s airport other than the isthmus between the Rock, and mainland Spain. As a result, the airport bisects the country and there’s even a main road that crosses the runway. Every time a plane needs to land, or take off the road is closed for vehicles and pedestrians.

Saint Barth’s, Gustaf III airport

This tiny airport in the Caribbean sees scheduled service and links the French territory with neighbouring islands. You won’t be able to fly here from much further than the range of a small propeller aircraft, considering the runway is one of the shortest in the world, and is flanked by a hill and the ocean. Landing here is a risky manoeuvre with no room for error or second chances.

Saba, Dutch Caribbean Island

This tiny island is a destination in itself. Marketed as the unspoilt island, it’s no surprise that everything about coming here is an adventure. From the main road which is simply called “The Road”, you can expect to be amazed from before you even touch down. Regular air service connects Saba to St. Maarten, and charter services are provided to Anguilla and Antigua. Pilots have to make sure they carry enough fuel to get them to the nearest pump, considering there are no provisions for refuelling on the island. At only 400m in length aircraft and operators need special permission to land.

Courchevel Airport

Even though this airport does not see regular scheduled service, it still makes our list given its dramatic location on top of a mountain. If you’re a James Bond fan, you may even recognize the airport from the opening sequence of Tomorrow Never Dies. Of course, the silver screen has embellished some of the features, but the fact remains that this is one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

The end of free meals?

October 14, 2016 4:26 pm Leave a Comment

British Airways is the latest high-profile airline to start charging for meals. Not all passengers will have to pay, and the airline is touting it as an enhancement to the service offering on board BA short-haul flights, but the reality is that it’s another revenue mechanism and means for the airline to compete with low cost carriers.
Low cost carriers have developed their business model around ancillary fees. In the most basic of models, what you are buying is transportation from A to B, and everything else is Extra. Ryanair – known for its outlandish schemes – even charges passengers to check in. Of course it’s ridiculous that you buy a product for which you will have to pay a fee to be able to use the product, but somehow they get away with it. This article though, is focusing on catering.
There are some advantages to buy-on-board for passengers. Whereas in the past when there was a free meal, there was little choice; chicken or beef, anyone? Buy on board has introduced menus to passengers and items for sale, though they often depend on the length of the flight, can vary from a bag of chips, to a full hot meal. The airlines, of course, are hoping to make a little money on this not only through the sale of the meals, but also on savings that they can realize.
Fuel prices have gone up, and everything that gets loaded on to the aircraft means the plane gets heavier. When the plane gets heavier, it burns more fuel. Buy-on-board may not necessarily save on fuel if the entire menu has to be stocked for the aircraft, but many airlines are now offering the opportunity to pre-order. This way they know beforehand who wants what, and they can load accordingly.
These systems do take time, and cost money to implement. But with the proper management, they can be an excellent source of revenue for any airline and helps them keep fares competitive.

Get through security faster

October 7, 2016 2:27 pm Leave a Comment

Airport security is a necessary part of all air travel. With increased restrictions and seemingly ever-changing regulations it’s no surprise that the queues keep getting longer. But so too do the queues get longer, or there are various ways in which airports, airlines, government, and private corporations are trying to give the travelling public ways to bypass the line.
For many parties involved, getting passengers through security as quickly as possible makes sense. For the airlines it makes sense because shorter check-in times mean more incentive for people to travel, as well as less chance that a person would miss a flight which can cause delays. Airports, however, also benefit from shorter security queues. Fewer frustrated passengers can lead to more return visits; but ultimately a large portion of an airport’s revenue comes from sales in the terminal. Less time at security equals more time to shop.
So how are the players reacting to this? In the US since 9/11 security has been part of a mandate from the Department of Homeland Security. They, through the Transportation Security Administration determine who gets through and how they are screened. Airports and Airlines do not have much say over this, but they can influence the order in which people get to the front of the queue. Mostly this means priority access for those passengers in premium cabins, but there are options for other travellers too. The TSA has launched PreCheck for low-risk travellers, giving them access to a separate security screening lane at many airports. There are various eligibility criteria and it can be as simple as applying. Benefits of PreCheck include not having to take out laptops and getting to keep shoes on.
Another option that’s coming up more and more in the US is CLEAR. This service is based on an annual subscription whereby participants are escorted to the front of the line at security at participating airports, bypassing even the priority queues. Unlike PreCheck, this does not qualify you for any different security screening; it just gets you through quicker.

North American Invitation Only frequent flier programs

October 3, 2016 12:21 pm Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever watched the movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney, you may remember the scene where he and Vera Farminga are comparing their frequent flier and other loyalty accounts. George Clooney’s character pulls out the ultimate trump card: American Airlines’ Concierge Key. While the actual perks are somewhat overblown in the film, it has helped propel the concept of invitation only top-tier elite programmes. The truth is that these have existed for quite a number of years, though they all share one common feature; you cannot automatically qualify for the status, you are chosen to receive it.

The three major carriers in the US all have an invitation only level to their frequent flier programs. United Airlines makes no secret of its Global Services level and advertises some of the main benefits, albeit indirectly at times. In addition to priority check-in and boarding, Global Services members also receive automatic 1K status in the Mileage Plus program and more ways to spend miles with additional inventory and availability.

Delta Air Lines 360 is relatively new, and as such the benefits aren’t as clearly defined or refined yet but we’re expecting a more individualized service to be the major draw for its members. 360 members can expect a dedicated phone line, chauffeur driven car transfers at major hubs between connecting flights, and a higher upgrade priority.

Already mentioned above, American Airlines’ concierge key is the invitation level program of the American Advantage program. It grants the holders of the status access to all of the flagship services normally reserved for international first class passengers, in addition to complimentary upgrades with a higher priority and Admirals Club membership; to name a few of the benefits.

Author Archives: Vincent I. Porter