FAA Glitch Causes Nationwide Delays

The FAA radar system experienced a "glitch" this morning that affected flights across the nation, with Atlanta Hartsfield being the hardest hit. Its the 2nd issue FAA's had in two months. While I would love to say how shocked and surprised I was to wake up to this delightful news this morning, I'm not. Glitches, shutdowns, whatever you'd like to call it tend to happen when you run a radar tracking system that's based off World War II era technology. Just last week the DOT and Obama administration met with airline and FAA officials. The FAA acknowledged they had been working on the new system, NextGen, for over a decade had spent roughly between $14-20 billion on it thus far. Airline officials made it very clear they would be requesting the government to pay the remaining $16-20 billion to outfit the planes and finish the system. It makes you wonder how friendly the skies really are these days?

Holiday Ideas

Are you tired of giving the same old thing for holiday gifts? Or are you tired of being asked what it is that you want for the holidays? I mean how many articles of clothing can you receive or toys and electronics can you give. Its been said that you rarely remember the gift you received 5, 10, or 20 years ago, but that instead you remember and value an experience, especially one that leaves a touching memory on soul. Experiences and memories last a lifetime, long after the watch broke or the TV gave out or the sweater you outgrew.

Many hotels, restaurants, spas, airlines, and travel companies are offering gift cards and certificates this year. If you know your loved one wants to go to a particular destination or hotel, then contact your agent or that property for information on a gift card. Southwest and Frontier offer gift cards online. Spafinder.com has a fantastic offer for a gift certificate. Hotels and restaurants will gladly give you a certificate to pop in the mail or wrap up as a gift. And if you don't have a specific place in mind, call your travel agent and get a certificate through their agency. These are perfect for the individual who has everything, because then they can use it go or do anything.

Travel Management gift certificates are perfect for those top employees or stellar clients you want to reward at the end of the year. A Gift Certificate can be personalized or even destination specific. You could buy a package for a 3 day cruise or trip to Las Vegas and spend less than $500.00. In the days of economic gloom, travel is an option that always excites and leaves a lasting memory from the smell of the salt air, the feeling of sand between your toes and the sun on shoulders. And they will be sure to remember the gift they received from you this year.

Frontier to Change Fares

Frontier Airlines will soon be introducing a new way to purchase travel. Frontier's product is called AirFairs, which is a new fare structure to offer bundled pricing for customers. AirFairs is Frontier’s way of giving customers a choice when purchasing a plane ticket. Customers will be able to pay for they type of travel experience they prefer in 3 different levels: Economy, Classic, or Classic Plus.

Economy offers maximum savings (and personally I think will be on par with Southwest) with the basic amenities, and the ability to pay for any additional services as the passenger flies, with seats available only at check-in. Classic and Classic Plus offer more amenities and flexibility of tickets. Classic, for example, will offer advanced seat assignment, 125% mileage accrual, complimentary Direct TV, $50 ticket change fee, and $75 change flight same day confirmation. Classic Plus will offer all of that and more, including 150% mileage accrual, free paid beverages, food, the ability to refund, and the list goes on.