The Labor Day weekend is upon us…our spin-off blog, The Infrequent Flier, has its travel tips for the holiday season. For us here at Flight Wisdom, we wish you happy travels.
- Operators of some CRJ-100, 200, and 440 jets have until Friday to comply with new restrictions issued by the Canadian and US governments. Increasingly frequent instances of stuck or improperly operating flaps prompted it…the flaps slow the plane during landing. The directives require airlines flying the small jetliners to change their flight manuals, operational procedures and training to prepare crew for handling malfunctioning flaps. Additional maintenance will also be mandatory.
- American officially unveiled its new $1.3 billion terminal at NEw York’s JFK Airport. American’s terminal, its largest project ever, has taken eight years to complete. The terminal has 36 gates, 19 of which can handle international arrivals and new curbside check-in and security lanes can handle up to 1800 passengers per hour. American has committed to an increase of its presence in JFK.
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport will pay up to $400,000 to airlines that add nonstop flights to Los Angeles, Denver, or Ft. Lauderdale and Ft. Myers in Florida. Both Southwest and Jetblue have recently opened up Ft. Lauderdale service.
- As Reuters commented, “The real miracle would have been getting it past airport security.” Security at Tarbes-Lourdes Airport in France refused to allow passengers to take holy water onboard the new Vatican air charter service. The Vatican had predicted this however, and there was a complimentary bottle on each pilgrim’s seat to drink on board.
- Airtran announced seasonal service between Ft. Myers and Canton/Akron, Boston, Chicago(Midway), Flint, and White Plains. They will also add seasonal service between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and both Miami and West Palm Beach, as well as seasonal service from Rochester to Ft. Lauderdale. Service will begin this November.
- In addition, Airtran, having failed in its bid for Midwest Airlines, is building up its presence in Milwaukee. On December 20th, it will launch daily nonstop service to Phoenix, and will increase seasonal service to Ft. Myers and Tampa to daily. AirTran also offers daily flights between Milwaukee and Atlanta, Baltimore, Las Vegas and Orlando.
- Virgin America launched its service from New York to LAX with twice daily nonstops today. On September 16th, they will add a third flight.
- Allegiant Air will add new service to its new focus cities:
- From Peoria and Ft. Lauderdale on Thursdays and Saturdays December 13th, and service to Phoenix -Mesa Wednesdays and Sundays beginning October 27th.
- Service between Fargo, ND and Phoenix-Mesa begins Thursdays and Sundays November 15th.
- Fort Wayne, IN will get Phoenix-Mesa(November 21st) on Wednesdays and Sundays, and Ft. Lauderdale(December 14th) Monday and Friday.
- Service from Huntsville, AL to Orlando, Sanford will begin November 8th.