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?

Pro Bowl Packages Available

Since my beloved Georgia Bulldogs have somewhat faltered this year, I decided to turn my attention to the Denver Broncos. The first games were very impressive, if not lucky; and I was able to justify my new love of pro football because Moreno was on the team. Unfortunately, the Donkey's too seemed to have lost a bit of footing during the last few games. But that hasn't kept me from thinking of Pro Bowl and Super Bowl packages that might be available.

The 2010 Pro Bowl will be the first one to be played in the continental US in more than 30 years and the first one to be played before the Super Bowl.

The most recent Pro Bowl offering to hit my inbox starts off at a respectable $1025 per person. Included in the package are 3 nights accommodations, tickets to a VIP open practice on January 30th, tickets to a VIP Land Shark Stadium tour on the 30th, tickets to the NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party on the 31st, tickets to the game, and round trip coach transfers to the events and game.

And since it is only 22 degrees in Denver right now, the fact that the game will be played in Miami makes these offers all the more enticing!

Earn AA miles for hosting a meeting

As I listen to the large chucks of snow and ice falling off my roof, I feel quite certain that Sonesta Bay Hotel in Coconut Grove and American Airlines are on to a great and warm idea for 2010. Both companies have teamed up to offer 10,000 frequent flier miles for hosting a meeting at the property in 2010. In addition, the hotel is offering a complimentary welcome reception for up to 50 people. The offer is only valid if you book 50 rooms per night and the contract must be signed by December 31, 2009. As visions of palm trees dance in my head, I'm all ready for a warmer climate, how about you?

Peter Greenberg & A Week in the Life

CNBC's special that took Peter Greenberg deep into "A Week in the Life" of American Airlines was airing today and it was very insightful. After being in the travel industry for over 15 years, I thought I had a good handle on one of the most important aspects of our business: the airlines. As I said in an earlier Southwest post "my job would often be easier if I didn't have to deal with the airlines," but this show gave me a slightly better perspective on the airlines and I have to say, I think we as travel agents have the better end of this deal.

Greenberg and his cameras were allowed exclusive access to everything that embodies an airline: the cockpit, the revenue management, the call center, the management center, pilots, maintenance crew, plane inspections, control tower. You name it, they were there. And kudos to Greenberg who even attempted to decipher the often bizarre world of fares and pricing. If you have time and are a travel industry buff like myself, then try to find when it is airing again in your location. In the meantime check out the website: http://www.cnbc.com/id/18576787

Las Vegas and San Fran Report Visitor Increase

In hopefully what is a good economic sign and a turnaround for the travel industry, the Las Vegas CVA announced for the first time since May 2008 the city saw an increase in the number of visitors for September. San Francisco also announced an increase in hotel occupancy rates although the average cost per room is still lower than normal.

Southwest Debuts "Green" Plane

Everyone knows of my new found crush on Southwest Airlines, and if you haven't you are more likely to hear me complain of how much I hate the airline industry than profess my love for it. In fact my favorite saying is "I would love my job more if I didn't have to deal with the airlines."

Now I'm even more excited to know that Southwest is focusing on efforts to create a more eco-friendly industry. WN222 was recently taken out of service and completely retrofitted to save the airline an estimated 5lbs per seat. Just a few of the enhancements include: InterfaceFlor carpet which is totally recyclable and the manufacturing process was carbon neutral, completely recyclable seat covers, life vest is lighter and smaller, foam fill by Garnier Purtec offers better comfort while being lighter in weight, wind screen bulkhead, and plastic aisle rub strips. All are lighter weight products which will make the plane more fuel efficient.

WN222 will fly in regular service and will be identified by a green nose cap and an announcement by the flight attendant once on board. It is truly a test aircraft and additional plane retrofits will be determined by this new fleet addition.

Additional eco-programs initiated by the airline include: noise reduction techniques, pursuing LEED certification in all new construction, a member of the Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Leadership club, implemented a system-wide recycling and water conservation program.

Thank you Southwest!

Off the Beaten Track

If you are ever in the South Carolina Lowcountry, especially the areas surrounding Charleston, reserve a night to check out Bowen's Island. It's an out of the way joint (and I mean that literally in the nicest way), where the seafood is unbelievable. The property is currently undergoing some renovations but its a true Lowcountry experience right out of one of Pat Conroy's books. They literally steam the oysters the old fashion way in burlap bags and then dump them on your table for you to shuck'em open. There is a hole in the middle of the table to drop the shells into and any fixin' you could possibly desire from saltine crackers to hot sauce is available for your pleasure. Although I must admit, a true Southerner will just slurp out the shell. And don't forget to the order the hush puppies!