Delta Now Offers Daily Nonstop Service from New Orleans to New York - LaGuardia

Delta Airlines recently announced that it would instate a new daily nonstop service between New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (MSY) and New York - LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Before Katrina, American Airlines offered a daily nonstop service to LaGuardia, but terminated it afterwards. For quite a while, there was a major void in air service to New York, and Delta has helped to fix that problem. Shortly after Katrina, Continental was the only airline which offered service to the Big Apple. All of their flights were full, so prices were in the sky (no pun intended). Not anymore! Delta would plan to use the dominant aircraft in the fleet: The MD-88. In my personal opinion, this new flight will boost commerce and travel to New Orleans. This will also provide an opportunity for competition, which will lower airfares. Delta will begin the service immediately.

Does Anyone Fly Delta's First Class/BusinessElite Anymore?

After stumbling across several pictures of Delta's international first class cabin, also known as BusinessElite, I had to ask myself, "Does anyone actually pay to fly Delta's first class anymore?" This photograph is of Delta's 767-400ER BusinessElite cabin. Most airlines have begun to offer flat beds in their business class, but not Delta. Don't get me wrong, it's still very nice, but not nice enough to pay $7,000 for a transatlantic flight. It's not only Delta's international BusinessElite that needs updating, though. Their domestic "First" class has lost its last prayer. One major issue is that they only serve meals on flights longer than 3h45m (To give you a better perspective, other airlines like Continental and American serve meals on flights that are 1h30m long). Also, their seats have not been updated in about 10 years, so they're less comfortable than other airlines. If Delta would like to keep people in their domestic and international first class cabins, they'd better do something, and fast!

Continental Airlines Enters China Route Campaign

Continental Airlines is now entering the race for the next route to China. As of now, they are mainly competing against Delta Airplanes for a nonstop flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flights would depart from Cleveland Hopkins and Newark Liberty International airports. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) currently states that they will choose the airline on two main factors: Community support and amount of business the route will generate. Although I prefer Continental Airlines over Delta, I am hoping that Delta is granted the route. It will be their first service offered to mainland China. As of now, though, I am not sure how things will play out. I'll make sure to keep y'all updated on this matter.

Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" Debut - 7/8/07

As many aircraft fanatics know, the Boeing Company has been working on a series of next-generation aircraft. They include the 787-8, 737-900ER, and the 747-8. More information can be found on the aircraft at http://www.newairplane.com/. The highly anticipated Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" will be unveiled to the public on July 8, 2007. This, as far as I know, will revolutionize air travel as we know it. It will create a new standard of passenger comfort, while maximizing profit potential for the airlines that run it. Several American air carriers have placed orders for the aircraft. They include, but are not limited to Continental, Northwest Airlines, and American Airlines. I am looking forward to seeing this new aircraft in action, and it won't be much longer until I will.

Delta Fights for "Next Gateway to China"

As travel between the United States and China becomes more and more imperative, the amount of flights between the nations have not risen to meet the demand. Delta Airlines, being the third largest carrier in the United States, wishes to add another route to ease the jam. The planned route would be a daily nonstop from Atlanta Hartfield International Airport (ATL) to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Delta would plan to use one of their Boeing 777's for the flight. This service to China would be the first to exist in the Southeast USA. Delta believes that this will not only have a substantial economic impact on the airline itself, but the entire Southeast. The average yearly revenue airlines make on China flights is about 100 million dollars, and this number is expected to go nowhere but up. This, in my opinion, will fill the large void in air service to China and link millions more to the intriguing nation.

Armstrong International (MSY) Showing Signs of Rebirth

On August 29, 2005 at 6:10 am, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, LA. Devastation was immanent, with thousands still trapped in the city. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was one of the only lines of evacuation. After everyone was evacuated, the airport became a ghost town. It remained that way for the remainder of 2005 and a long portion of 2006. Although the airport endured all of the turmoil and strife, it is beginning to regain strength. In the Pre-Katrina era, the airport offered service to 44 cities, several being international. In early 2006, the airport offered service to about 25 cities, none being international. As of early 2007, the airport offered service to about 38 cities, one being international. The Airport board expects these numbers to go nowhere but up. Hopefully, with time, we will see an increase in international air service and tourism.

AA to Introduce New Lie-Flat Business Class Seats

American Airlines recently announced that it would be installing its new next-generation business class seats on every 767-300 and 777-200 in its fleet. The new seats will convert to lie-flat beds with comfortable duvets and soft pillows. The manufacturer, known as Recaro, also prides itself on the newly-designed IFE system. The seat also has many other innovating features like Bose QuiteComfort 2 Noise Cancelling Headsets, swiveling fold-away tables, six-way adjustable headrests, and adjustable seat pitches. These seats have been highly anticipated ever since their preview at the ITB, the world's leading travel fair, in Berlin, Germany. They were officially unveiled to the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) convention in Chicago, IL. I personally believe that this will set a new standard in the business travel industry and, with time, will have other airlines coming up with a new formula for business travel. This, in my opinion, is pure innovation.

Southwest Airlines (MSY-LAS) Coach Class

In late May, I went on a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada with my dad, my friend, and his dad. The vacation was a lot of fun, and we all enjoyed each other's company. To travel to Las Vegas, we chose Southwest Airlines. At first, I was a bit cynical and dubious toward the service and cleanliness of the airline, but when we boarded, I was impressed. The flight was three hours and thirty-seven minutes, so nicely-sized snack boxes were distributed. The contents included Ritz cheese snack crackers, dried fruit, and 100 Calorie Packs. For a "budget" airline, the portions were generous. FA's also didn't mind giving free drink refills. On our approach to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon became visible from the 737. It was a beautiful sight, and I managed to snap several photos. Once we landed in Las Vegas, we quickly docked at the gate. Turnover time was under one minute. Baggage was at the claim promptly. Overall, I was very impressed with Southwest Airlines and will fly them again.

Continental (MSY-IAH-BWI) First Class

I recently flew Continental Airlines to Washington, D.C., and boy was I impressed! Ticketing agents in New Orleans were kind and professional; they also kept up a very efficient pace, which is rare these days. FA's on board the Houston-Bound 737-700 were very attentive and personable. The aircraft had video screens, but the flight was too short to show anything (1hr 15min). Once I arrived in Houston, I had a good three hours to pass until my D.C.-bound flight departed. I basically sat at the gate watching Fox News until our flight began boarding. Once on board, pre-departure beverages were distributed quickly and efficiently. The 737-500 pushed back from the gate about five minutes early, so it was good to know that I'd be getting in to Washington on time for my conference. Sadly, the 737-500 did not have video screens, so I basically played my PSP for the duration of the flight. Meal orders were taken shortly after takeoff. We had a choice of either a Turkey Burger or a Salmon salad. Once the FA reached my seat, though, she informed me that they had run out of the turkey burgers and the salad was the only thing available. Being extremely hungry (as always), I opted for the salad. The salad was good, but nothing to write home about. The meal came with a small chocolate and cream of mushroom soup. I'd say that it was all pretty enjoyable. Before I knew it, we were preparing for landing in Baltimore, MD. After arriving, I met up with some other kids attending the jrNYLC (my conference) and walked to the baggage claim. Overall, Continental Airlines provides excellent service, especially in First Class. I'd recommend Continental to anyone for their travel needs.