eXpect delaYs Travel Delay Blog - News

National Opt Out Day May Cause Delays Wednesday November 24

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 09:50:24 -0500

Be Prepared for possible additional air travel delays the day before Thanksgiving

November 21, 2010 - It is up to you to decide if you feel that the latest enhanced security measures such as the choice between the total body "Advanced Imaging Technology" scan or a pat-down are appropriate or not. However, one group who feels that these screening measures are inappropriate are organizing a "National Opt Out Day" in protest. They have chosen November 24, a travel day which often has significant delays due to high holiday passenger volume. You can read more about this protest at http://www.optoutday.com/. You may consider allowing extra time to compensate for any delays at security screening that this protest may cause.

To learn about the new screening measures from the TSA, read more about the Advanced Imaging Technologies screening at http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm.

The Registered Traveler Program Is Coming Back -Indianapolis International Airport

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:21:33 -0400

Registered Traveler program iQueue to open in Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

May 10, 2010 - Indianapolis International Airport (IND) will be the first U.S. airport to restore the Registered Traveler program, which expedites airport security for pre-screened members. Customers can start signing up for the new program — called iQueue and run by Cogent — now, but the company has yet to name a start date.

The company that operated the program previously, Verified Identity Pass, ceased operations last year, leaving its members with no service. IQueue says it will provide former members of the defunct CLEAR program six months of complimentary membership as credit for the time remaining on their previous plans.

Registered Traveler customers have their biometric data recorded and stored on a membership card. Airport screeners verify their identity and give them front-of-the-line privileges at security checkpoints.

A one-year membership in iQueue costs $149, with discounts for early enrollment and multiyear and family plans. Get more information or sign up at flyiqueue.com.

---

Registered Traveler to Take Flight Again: Indianapolis Airport Authority Selects iQueue Team for Re-Launch

May 6, 2010 Indianapolis, IN – The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) has selected iQueue to re-launch Registered Traveler (RT) at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). iQueue is a partnership of Cogent, Inc. (NASDAQ: COGT), ARINC, FLO Corporation and International RAM Associates. iQueue will provide members with expedited access to the screening checkpoint enabling greater predictability in travel schedules.

IND is the first airport to re-establish RT services for travelers since the RT program shut down last June when former RT provider Verified Identity Pass, Inc. (CLEAR ) ceased operations. iQueue begins pre-enrollment for travelers today at http://www.flyiqueue.com and will commence operations at IND at a date to be announced shortly. iQueue is also currently in discussions with several other airports for re-launching RT services.

“We selected iQueue based on their extensive RT experience and Cogent’s successful implementation of similar programs,” said John Clark, IAA’s Executive Director & CEO. "RT is consistent with our commitment to deliver exceptional customer service," added Mr. Clark.

"Cogent and the iQueue team are excited that Indianapolis is the first airport to re-launch RT services," said Jim Jasinski, EVP of Cogent. "We're delighted to be working with IAA to provide this valuable customer service and look forward to providing this benefit to travelers across the nation."

After completing an easy online application, an iQueue member proceeds at their convenience to an in-person enrollment at IND or one of Cogent’s enrollment locations in the Indianapolis area to provide biometric data (fingerprint and iris images) and approved documents. Once processed, a traveler’s biometric information is stored on their iQueue Card. When arriving at the security checkpoint, the member presents their card for verification at either of the iQueue lanes at IND Concourses A & B to receive expedited access to the screening checkpoint. Additionally, iQueue plans to provide convenient, local enrollment for members utilizing Cogent’s over 1,000 biometric enrollment sites across the U.S.

“iQueue will be another value-added service for our passengers as we continue to explore innovative new ways to provide our passengers with a superior airport experience,” noted Mark Hedegard, IAA’s Senior Director of Business Development.

iQueue’s national RT program will offer benefits beyond the airport lanes including preferred parking, airport club access and airport retail discounts as well as local restaurant, golf, spa, tennis, health club, mortgage and auto lease/purchase discounts. A future iQueue Platinum Membership level will also include identity theft protection and enhanced travel insurance as well as worldwide travel assistance, medical services, lounge access and concierge services.

Annual iQueue membership is $149 with discounts for families, multiple-year memberships and negotiated volume corporate purchases. iQueue will offer a special introductory annual membership rate of $99 during the first 90 days of lane operations at IND.

iQueue will also provide former members of the defunct CLEAR and Preferred Traveler Programs an additional six months of complimentary membership in the iQueue RT program as credit for the time remaining on their previous memberships.

“With the re-launch of RT, 200,000 former RT members, as well as many prospective new members can enjoy the predictable checkpoint experience that had previously been in place,” said Fred Fischer, iQueue’s Managing Partner.

Source: www.flyiqueue.com/news

European Airport and Airspace Volcanic Disruption Updates and Useful Links

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:46:07 -0400

As European airports and airspace reopen as the volcanic ash cloud clears, delays and disruptions continue

If you were, or still are, unfortunate enough to be stranded or have your travel plans disrupted by the recent eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano on Iceland, it is some solace that flights are taking to the skies again. However disruptions in air travel will continue as the recovery from all the cancelled flights progresses. The alert posted on the home page of London's Heathrow Airport is good advice for all travelers during this period of flight disruption:

Important flight information Last updated: 11:00 BST, Wednesday 21
April Heathrow airport is open but it will take some time for flying schedules to return to normal after the recent closure of UK airspace. It is therefore extremely important that passengers do not travel to the airport unless they have contacted their airline to confirm that their flight is operating. If you do not have a confirmed reservation for a flight that is operating then do not travel to the airport. Flights are full and will not be accepting stand-by passengers.

Some web sites, in addition to those of your airline and airport, that can provide useful information about air travel during this time are:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/15/world/europe/airport-closings-graphic.html?ref=europe - this interactive map from the NY Times reports the status of airports affected by the volcanic eruption

http://www.airlineindustryreview.com/list-of-european-airport-closures-and-status - List of European Airport Closures and Status – Live Updating - from Airline Industry Review

http://www.auc.org.uk/ - The Air Transport Users Council - the "The UK's Consumer Watchdog for the Aviation Industry" - provides information on air travelers' rights in the UK and EU

http://www.caa.co.uk/ - The UK Civil Aviation Authority Web Site - provides the latest information regarding air travel and the ash cloud

Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check on the status of your flight. Some airlines, such as British Airways, are requesting that travelers with flexible travel plans reschedule their flights so that stranded passengers can be transported. For more information, see the British Airways website, or check with your airline about rescheduling options.

US Airways Only Accepts Credit Cards For In-flight Purchases

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:50:49 -0400

US Airways no longer accepts cash for in-flight purchases on domestic flights (except on US Airways Express)

US Airways - April 2010 - You may now only use credit or debit cards to shop from the MarketPlace Menu on US Airways flights within North America (including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean). It seems that this rule includes non-complimentary beverages as well. US Airways will continue to accept cash, credit and debit cards on flights between the U.S. and Europe, the Middle East and South America. To keep things confusing, only cash is accepted on US Airways Express.

Continental Airlines Mobile Boarding Passes Accepted At Many Airports

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:56:09 -0400

Use your cell phone or PDA as a boarding pass for your Continental Airlines Flight

Now when you check in for your Continental flight, you can choose to receive your boarding pass electronically on your mobile phone or PDA. Just display your barcode at the security checkpoint and when boarding your flight, and you're on your way.

If you don't have access to a internet enabled cell phone or pda or a computer, you can still check into your Continental Airlines flight. Customers traveling domestically with less than 10 people in their party are eligible for voice check-in. With voice check-in, you can select the bags you want to check, hear your bag fee and arrange for your boarding passes to be delivered by email, fax, or airport kiosk. Also available is baggage policy information, full flight details and more. Call 800.523.FARE (800.523.3273) and say "check in" during the automated menu or reconfirmation phone call to use this feature. After verification, you'll be checked in for your flight.

Mobile Boarding Pass option is currently available for departures from the following cities:

* Albuquerque (ABQ) * Anchorage (ANC) * Atlanta (ATL) * Austin (AUS) * Baltimore (BWI) * Boston (BOS) * Charlotte (CLT) * Chicago (ORD - O'Hare) * Cleveland (CLE) * Columbus (CMH) * Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) * Denver (DEN) * Detroit (DTW) * El Paso (ELP) * Fort Lauderdale (FLL) * Frankfurt (FRA) * Fort Myers (RSW) * Guam (GUM) * Honolulu (HNL) * Houston (IAH - Intercontinental) * Jacksonville (JAX) * Kansas City (MCI) * Little Rock (LIT) * Los Angeles (LAX) * London (LHR - Heathrow) * Las Vegas (LAS) * Memphis (MEM) * Miami (MIA) * Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) * New Orleans (MSY) * New York (LGA - LaGuardia) * New York/Newark (EWR - Liberty) * Oklahoma City (OKC) * Orange County (SNA) * Orlando (MCO) * Philadelphia (PHL) * Phoenix (PHX) * Portland (PDX) * Raleigh/Durham (RDU) * Sacramento (SMF) * Salt Lake City (SLC) * San Antonio (SAT) * San Diego (SAN) * San Francisco (SFO) * San Juan (SJU) * Seattle (SEA) * Tampa/St. Petersburg (TPA) * Tulsa (TUL) * Washington, DC (DCA - National) * Washington, DC (IAD - Dulles) * West Palm Beach (PBI)

United Mobile Boarding Passes Now Available

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:03:34 -0400

Use your mobile device as your United boarding pass at 8 airports

March 2010 - United Airlines passengers will now have the ability to have their boarding passes sent to their mobile devices, which they can then use as their boarding pass. When a passenger checks in via the United Airlines web site or their mobile device (at mobile.united.com), they can have their boarding passes sent to their cell phones or other mobile device via email. The boarding pass will contain a bar code which will be scanned at the airport. Mobile boarding passes are for United or United Express operated itineraries within the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. So if you are on a code share flight that is operated by another airline, you probably won't be able to use the mobile boarding pass. United offers a variety of services on its mobile web site, including mobile check in, flight status check, flight availability and more.

United Mobile Boarding Passes are available for use at the following airports:

Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Dallas - Ft. Worth (DFW)
Denver International (DEN)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
New York LaGuardia (LGA)
San Francisco (SFO)
Washington Dulles (IAD)

Mobile boarding passes will soon be available at:

Orlando (MCO)
Philadelphia (PHL)
Phoenix (PHX)
Portland (PDX)
Seattle - Tacoma (SEA)

For more information and changes, please see the United Airlines web site.

Continental Airlines Joins The Star Alliance Network

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:15:34 -0500

Continental Airlines Joined the Star Alliance Network On October 27, 2009

Continental Airlines is now officially a member of the Star Alliance network. Previously, Continental Airlines had belonged to the SkyTeam, along with Delta Airlines and Northwest Airways. Up until October 24, 2009, Continental OnePass members could earn and redeem miles on SkyTeam parters. After October 27, 2009, Continental OnePass members can earn and redeem miles on Star Alliance partners. Last year, Continental had also announced a strategic alliance with United Airlines.

Continental adds its hubs of Newark LIberty International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Guam International Airport to the cities served by Star Alliance members, and also its 262 destinations, many of which are international which can be reached with nonstop flights from the airline's hubs.

The Star Alliance consists of: Adria Airways (Slovenia), Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.), Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Blue1 (Finnish), bmi (UK), Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines), TAP Portugal, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways.

eXpectdelaYs.com Has Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Delay Information

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:27:30 -0400

eXpectdelaYs.com has extensive Pittsburgh G-20 Summit delay and traffic related information

Pittsburgh, PA - September 2009 - eXpectdelaYs.com has compiled a useful collection of Pittsburgh G-20 Summit information and links to help you get around during the G-20 Summit. Information available includes links to major Pittsburgh G-20 web sites, maps of road closure and restricted areas, lists of closures and mass transit information as well as other useful links and information.

Full details are found at the eXpectdelaYs.com G-20 Summit Delay and Traffic page.

TSA To Screen Powders At Airport Security Checkpoints

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:50:19 -0400

TSA Implementing New Enhanced Threat Detection Capability at Checkpoints Nationwide - Will now screen certain powders at airport security checkpoints

Washington - Sep 2009 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is further bolstering existing explosives detection capabilities by deploying additional tools to screen powdered substances at checkpoints. TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides said, "These enhancements are part of TSA's efforts to stay ahead of emerging threats while continually strengthening our layered approach to security." The TSA is deploying powder explosives detection kits to airports around the country to enhance existing explosives detection capabilities and further strengthen our layers of security. Passengers should know that while common powders are not prohibited, a small percentage may require additional screening. Typical security checkpoint procedures will remain the same. The vast majority of commonly carried powders, like most medication, infant formula and makeup, are unlikely to need further screening.

Why is TSA testing powders?
TSA knows that chemical powders may be used to create improvised explosive devices. By further bolstering explosives detection capabilities, TSA is strengthening layers of security to help mitigate risk and keep the traveling public safe. For more information about TSA, visit www.tsa.gov.

Excepted from: http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2009/0908.shtm

FlightCaster.com - New Web Site Helps Predict Flight Arrival Delays

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:27:55 -0400

FlightCaster goes "live" and helps to predict flight arrival delays

August 20, 2009 -- A new web site has come on-line to help predict flight delays. It is called FlightCaster (flightcaster.com). One simply enters the flight number of the flight that he/she is interested in, and FlightCaster will return results including the likelihood of the flight's arrival being delayed and the probability of how delayed it might be (greater or less than 60 minutes) and the reasons for possible delays including weather and other airport status issues. FlightCaster also reports the estimated arrival and departure times as supplied by FlightStats.com.

At this point, FlightCaster predicts only arrival delays, rather than departure delays, and they discuss this in their FAQ. So while one could use this information for some guidance in predicting departure delays, one will still have to rely on the updates from airlines and airports, or websites such as eXpectdelaYs.com and FlightStats.com (and the estimated arrival and departure times posted on FlightCaster as well) for this information.

FlightCaster certainly should be a useful tool if one wants to anticipitate the flight arrival time of a friend, relative or business associate, or to plan one's own contigency plans in anticipation of a flight arrival delay. It would be great to also have a reliable prediction of departure delays, and the FAQ implies that some information will be provided for this in the future. However, the folks at FlightCaster imply that flight delays may be difficult to predict due to the difficulty in predicting how the airlines will respond to delays. And I think we are all familiar with that ....

United Airlines Removes Close-in Award Ticket Fees

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:37:16 -0400

United Airlines removes extra fee for award tickets purchased or changed 20 or fewer days prior to departure

United Airlines - Effective July 30, there will be one less fee to pay for United Mileage Plus members when purchasing award tickets. Currentlly, an extra fee is added to tickets purchased or itineraries changed 20 or fewer days prior to departure. This fee will no longer be in effect beginning July 30, 2009. The other fees for reward tickets remain unchanged, but this is a definite improvemement because one can use their frequent flier miles to "purchase" tickets at the last minute and not incur an additional fee.

Flight Delays for July 2 - United delays at O'Hare and Weather delays at PHL, EWR and BOS

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:24:28 -0400

A computer glitch delays United Flights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Weather causes some delays in the Northeast (PHL, EWR, BOS)

July 2, 2009, 9:30 A.M. - A computer glitch is evidently causing flight delays and check-in counter problems with long lines at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). This also seems to be impacting some related airlines and codeshare flights as well. So be sure to check on your flight before you leave for the airport, but also plan on some extra time until the lines are reduced. Also, bad weather is causing some delays for flights in Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), so be sure to check on flights arrival and departure times on-line before heading to the airport. Have a safe holiday weekend!

Delta To Charge For Second Checked Bag On International Flights

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:25:23 -0400

Delta Airlines is the first of the major carriers to charge a fee for a second checked bag on international flights

May 2009 - Beginning July 1, 2009 for tickets purchased after April 22, 2009, Delta Airlines will charge a $50 fee (for those not exempt) for a second checked bag for coach passengers traveling on international flights. Prior to this change, there was no fee for up to two checked bags on International flights. Each bag must weigh 50 pounds (22.5 kg) or less and not exceed 62 inches when you total length + width + height, otherwise there will be additional fees. For coach passengers on domestic flights, the checked baggage fees are unchanged, with a $15 fee for the first checked bag and a $25 fee for the second checked bag.The first checked bag on international flights is still free, as long as it does not exceed size and weight limitations.

Read the full details on Delta Airlines checked baggage fees and restrictions.

Read about online baggage fee payment policies and the checked baggage policies of the major US airlines.

US Airways Raises Checked Baggage Fees

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:08:27 -0400

US Airways raises checked baggage fees, but tries to confuse passengers into thinking they are getting a discount

May 6, 2009 -- Here's the scoop: US Airways now charges $15 for the first checked back and $25 for the second checked bag, and you can only pay at the airport*. Starting July 9, 2009 for flights booked after April 23, 2009 that will still be the price .... if you pay on-line. However, if you pay at the airport, you can add $5 to those charges, making it $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second checked bag*. So you get a "discount" if you pay on-line. Let's see how this one goes over -- maybe as well as charging for non-alcoholic beverages in coach? (You'll remember that US Airways just tried this one this past year, and abandoned it soon after) It's hard to believe that an airline would still try to squeeze more money out of its passengers in this economy, especially with the price of fuel being a fraction of what it was when the airlines instituted these fares claiming that fuel costs were the reason for them.

For full details of the US Airways baggage policy see the US Airways website: http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx

*remember those prices are for checked bags less than 50 lbs - overweight and oversized bags still have additional charges, and some passengers are still exempt from the basic bag fees

US Airways Resumes Free Non-Alcholic Beverage Service in Coach

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:28:19 -0500

US Airways will again provide free drinks in coach on domestic flights

February 2009 -- Evidently realizing there is just so much "nickle and diming" the public will take, US Airways has resumed serving non-alcoholic beverage in coach for free. Don't worry - you can still buy a Bud for the "reasonable" price of $7, making you feel like you are at a rock concert or sporting event, so sanity has not completely returned. Evidently, since the other major airlines did not follow US Airways with the non-alcoholic beverages charges, even more attention was brought to this unpopular program. Although the US Airways web site already lists no charge for non-alcoholic beverages, according to CNN the changes do not go into effect until March 1, 2009. Will the airlines now start removing some of their other charges now that fuel prices are a fraction of what they were? It doesn't seem likely, but companies overall do seem to be enacting policies to increase customer loyalty in these tough economic times, so we'll see.

You can read about all the US Airways in-flight food and beverage offerings and their prices here.