After much speculation that the West Coast Alaska Airlines may be seeking a merger partner, CEO Bill Ayer has cleared up any confusion by claiming that the carrier will remain independent.

"The history of mergers in this industry is not a good one," Ayer told the Seattle Times. "There have been rumors about somebody buying Alaska Airlines as long as I've been here, and probably longer than that." Read More ›

US Airways has announced that it will be installing first class cabins on 110 of its regional jets flying under the US Airways Express moniker, giving business travelers more options for luxury when they fly to small-market destinations.

The new first class cabins will be coming to Embraer 170 and 175 jets in addition to Canadair 700s and 900s. The E175 models are expected to be completed in October, with the rest of the fleet up and flying by January 2012. The company says that the new cabins will offer "generous legroom" and a 1-2 seating arrangement. Business travelers who book or upgrade to first class will also enjoy priority check-in and boarding, complimentary snacks, beverages, pillows, blankets and much more. Read More ›

Southwest has officially entered the Newark market, launching its new service with eight daily flights.

The discount airline was able to secure several gates in Newark after Continental gave some up while trying to seek regulatory approval for its merger with United. The carrier will begin with six daily flights to Chicago Midway and two to St. Louis. Beginning June 5th, the airline will expand to eighteen daily flights, adding three to Denver, three to Baltimore, two to Phoenix and two to Houston. Read More ›

Southwest Airlines has announced plans to begin flying out of Newark Liberty International Airport in March, in a move that could significantly lower fares for the New York metropolitan region.

As part of United's merger with Continental, the carrier is giving up three gates that it previously held at Newark. The Port Authority recently approved Southwest's bid to take over those gates, which means the carrier will add 18 daily flights out of the airport. Read More ›

Virgin America has finally been allowed to fly out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, in a move that's widely expected to lower fares in the region overall.

Chicago O'Hare is dominated by United and American Airlines, so much so that Virgin's plans to expand to the airport in 2008 were rejected because there was no gate space. Now, the carrier will be operating two routes out of the airport: one to Los Angeles and one to San Francisco. Read More ›

Virgin America has finally been allowed to fly out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, in a move that's widely expected to lower fares in the region overall.

Chicago O'Hare is dominated by United and American Airlines, so much so that Virgin's plans to expand to the airport in 2008 were rejected because there was no gate space. Now, the carrier will be operating two routes out of the airport: one to Los Angeles and one to San Francisco. Read More ›

A new report has revealed that Newark Liberty and JFK International Airports may both have to add runway space or risk becoming overcrowded in the coming years.

The study, undertaken by the Regional Plan Association (RPA) with funding from the Port Authority, found that annual passenger totals in the New York area are expected to spike in the coming years, reaching 150 million people per year in 2030. Comparatively, 104 million people flew through Newark, JFK or LaGuardia in 2010, and those airports were already among the worst in the country for delays and cancellations. Read More ›

The airline industry has engineered a remarkable turnaround after sinking to some historic lows in the depths of the recession. But is it coming at the expense of business travelers?

These are the questions being asked in the wake of the news that the airline industry has posted its highest profits in a decade, according to the government. That caps off a terrible decade overall, where airlines collectively lost a total of $60 billion and cut nearly 160,000 jobs. Read More ›

Business travelers who take to the skies frequently have likely been "bumped" from a flight once or twice. While inconvenient, airlines typically compensate these passengers in the form of cash or free flights, to the point that some passengers actively look to get bumped if they're not in a hurry.

Those who want to get bumped – and those who don't – may welcome a new system currently being introduced by Delta Airlines. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Delta is allowing passengers to specify how much they would be willing to accept in compensation if they were willing to be bumped during check-in, effectively turning the bump system into a silent auction. Read More ›

The alliance between American Airlines and Japan Airlines will become even stronger in 2011, thanks to several improvements that were recently approved by U.S. and Japanese regulators.

The two companies already operated a reciprocal mileage program for corporate travelers to take advantage of, but the new alliance will expand to include several new routes; San Francisco to Tokyo, New York's JFK to Tokyo and Los Angeles to Shanghai. Read More ›

Southwest Airlines has announced that it will revamp its Rapid Rewards frequent flier program for the first time in 24 years, with an aim toward appealing to business travelers.

The new program introduces some significant changes that will drastically alter how members earn points. Previously, fliers earned credits based on how many flights they booked, whether the flight was a reduced-price short hop or a full-fare cross country trip. Now, the amount of points earned is directly tied into the price of the ticket, with extra bonus percentages for full fares and elite members of the program. Read More ›

Continental has announced that it has become the first U.S. carrier to receive a Boeing 737-800 outfitted with the company's redesigned "Sky Interior."

While 737-800s are a common plane model worldwide, this delivery marks the first plane in North America with the new cabin. Features such as larger overhead bins that retract into the ceiling, LED lighting and improved ventilation promise to set the new model apart from its predecessors. Read More ›

Though the company has been highlighted for its service, entertainment, and business-class experience, a look at the books shows that Virgin America is on the ropes. With 2011 on the way and the cutthroat airline industry looming around the corner, the survival of Sir Richard Branson's American gambit may be in question.

Branson was recently on hand at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW), where the tone was more celebratory then doom-and-gloom. Virgin America is launching four daily flights – two to Los Angeles and two to San Francisco – out of DFW, which is dominated by American Airlines. Read More ›

Delta has announced that it will be expanding the first class section on more than 60 percent of its domestic flights, as the airline expands its offerings for luxury and corporate travelers.

The company previously added first class cabins to all Delta Connection regional jets with more than 60 seats as part of an initiative to upgrade the interiors of its fleet. Now, nearly 350 domestic aircraft will get expanded cabins. Specific models affected by the decision include the MD-88, MD-90, Boeing 757-200s and 767-300s. Read More ›

Corporate travelers know that every airline has different policies when it comes to fees, but a new report by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reveals which airlines have collected the most in 2010.

Data compiled by the BTS reveals that airlines have taken in 10 percent more in baggage and reservation policies in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. Thus far this year, airlines have collectively earned more than $4.3 billion in fees. Read More ›

The recent fines instituted by the Department of Transportation for airlines that keep travelers on the tarmac for more than three hours appear to have worked, as the agency is reporting that there were no incidents of extended tarmac delays in the month of October.

In response to excessive delays by carriers, the DOT adopted a proposal this year that would heavily tax airlines that keep passengers on the tarmac for longer than three hours. Under the new rules, companies are now forced to pay $27,500 per passenger on every flight delayed. Read More ›

For corporate travelers who are constantly on the go, sticking to a diet is often an afterthought. Whether it's grabbing fast food at the airport or ordering the steak at a dinner with clients, business trips aren't usually the easiest way to stick to a regimented meal plan.

It helps when an airline tailors their food offerings to keep travelers healthy. DietDetective.com releases an annual survey that details which airlines have the most healthy options and which have the worst. It might not be the most important factor when business travelers are choosing a carrier, but it is a good thing to keep in mind. Read More ›

Spurred by a reported double-digit growth on all business travel routes, Delta is requesting permission from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin additional service to several common Asian business destinations.

The Associated Press reports that soaring business travel means that Delta will add routes to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Manila, while simultaneously expanding its presence in London. Via partner airlines, there will be several additional codeshared flights available via Paris and Amsterdam as well. Read More ›

American Airlines and JetBlue are expanding their partnership, allowing their travelers to earn reciprocal frequent flyer miles on more select flights.

Under the new agreement, travelers who are enrolled in either the AAdvantage or TrueBlue programs will be able to tally miles while flying on the other airline. For now, the offer is good only on selected flights out of Boston's Logan Airport or JFK in New York. Read More ›

Delta has completed renovations on two terminals at JFK International Airport in New York, and the upgrades should provide both leisure and corporate travelers with a decidedly more comfortable wait for their flights.

Many business travelers choose to take advantage of the numerous lounges at JFK, but Delta has taken that model and applied it directly to the public gate. The New York Daily News reports that the carrier has installed a number of bars and tables at the gates, replacing the traditional seating, in order to give the terminal a restaurant-like atmosphere. Read More ›

Corporate travelers likely have their favorite airports to fly out of as well as those that they dread. While leisure travelers may assume that most airports are the same, frequent fliers know that there are marked differences in airports in terms of volume, amenities and even flight delays.

The Daily Beast recently examined data from the 27 largest airports in the country and ranked each one according to a formula that accounts for lounges and eateries, safety, security wait times and the timeliness of flights. Read More ›

Google has announced that it will pick up the tab for wireless internet access on three airlines this holiday season in an extension of last year's popular free airport Wi-Fi program.

The tech company is partnering with Virgin America, AirTran and Delta to provide free wireless internet access on flights from November 20th through January 2nd. The initiative is sponsored by Google's Chrome browser, but travelers do not need to have the program installed in order to take advantage of the free offer. All three airlines are using Gogo in-flight technology in order to provide the internet service. Read More ›

Business travelers who fly in and out of Miami International Airport may notice their bags arriving a bit quicker than usual, thanks to a $201 million dollar baggage system upgrade.

Miami Today reports that the baggage system was one of the features on the back-burner when the airport inherited the North Terminal renovations from American Airlines in 2005. Five years and an extra $90 million dollars later, the new system is finally ready for usage. Read More ›

British Airways has extended its paperless boarding pass concept to users of both the Android and BlackBerry smartphones.

According to the airline, 30,000 passengers have used the mobile boarding pass system since it was launched in mid-July. The system is designed to replace the necessity of printing a boarding pass or using a kiosk to check in at the airport. Read More ›

The merger between United and Continental airlines has given the once-separate carriers the largest combined network in the U.S., and the newly-formed company is taking advantage of that by expanding even further.

The company announced that it will fly an additional 19 routes beginning in early 2011. For the time being, the airlines are still operating as separate entities, so the additional routes vary based on the airline's hubs. Read More ›

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule this year that instituted heavy fines for any airline that held passengers on the tarmac for over three hours. Although embraced by many corporate travelers and other frequent fliers, the rule was met with some criticism as many felt airlines would simply cancel flights rather than delay them, causing more trouble for passengers.

According to recent data released by the DOT, three-hour delays were down to record lows, with just one flight sitting on the tarmac in August. Yet the cancellations didn't jump as high as many had anticipated, with a marginal increase of about 1 percent over the previous year. Read More ›

American Airlines has announced a new route that could be very beneficial for West Coast corporate travelers who do regular business in China. The Department of Transportation issued a quick turnaround approval for American's Los Angeles-Shanghai route, which is expected to begin service in early 2011.

New route approvals are often bogged down by delays as rival airlines tend to submit a complaint in an attempt to block the deal. But with no protests in sight, the DOT approved the route just six days later. Under the terms of the approval, the flights must begin within ten days of the date that American submitted. That means that the company has a 20-day window between March 26th and April 15th, 2011, to start the service. Read More ›

Budget airline Southwest recently announced it would purchase regional carrier AirTran in a move valued at about $1.4 billion dollars. The announcement certainly shook up the airline industry, as it was yet another merger in the wake of Delta recent purchase of Northwest and Continental’s new partnership with United. But what does the news mean for business travelers?

The effects will take some time to be felt, as the deal could take up to two years to complete. For the time being, both will continue to operate as they normally do. Yet eventually, AirTran will be brought in under the Southwest umbrella, meaning it will adopt all of the company’s policies. For business travelers, the key ones to consider are no checked bag fees, generally lower prices and the elimination of first class. Read More ›

American Airlines has announced that it will offer free alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits, in addition to complimentary soft drinks and coffee to members of its domestic Admirals Club.

Beginning on October 2, members of the airline’s domestic clubs, which feature amenities for all types of travelers, will be offered brand liquors as well as beers and house wines free of charge. Premium liquors and wines as well as Amora food items will also be available for purchase in all domestic Admirals Club lounges. Read More ›

While several airlines have already outfitted their planes with Wi-Fi access, JetBlue is electing to hold off for two years as it upgrades its fleets with new satellite technology that the company says will deliver faster performance and allow for video and music downloads.

JetBlue has announced a partnership with California-based ViaSat to provide broadband satellite internet access to its fleet of approximately 160 planes by 2012. The company believes that waiting on the technology will allow it to deliver a better product than the basic access being offered by competitors. Read More ›

A new skytrain has opened at Miami International Airport, greatly reducing the walking time for passengers who need to reach the farthest gates.

Miami’s airport design has often been criticized, with a study by the University of British Columbia’s Air Transport Research Society finding it to be the least efficient in North America. The new train connects 60 gates in Concourse D, which is home to American Airlines and American Eagle airlines. Previously, a walk between the two farthest gates would take 22 minutes on foot. Using the new train, the ride lasts just under four minutes and spans a full mile. Read More ›

For American business travelers, short regional routes between mid-size cities are especially important, because they allow for easy access to clients at affordable rates. Now facing slimmer profit margins, many carriers are beginning to shift away from the routes.

According to USA Today, several of the larger airlines are looking to downsize or sell off their regional carriers. Delta, whose regional flights are handled by Comair, has announced that it will cut its 99 regional jets down to 44 in the near future. According to the company, travelers will only see a slight downsize in routes because most of the planes are already out of service, but some of the other planes are from routes the company has deemed unprofitable. Read More ›

American Airlines will completely gut and redesign the interiors of its older 737 aircraft in an effort to appeal to leisure and corporate travelers.

According to ABC News, the carrier is currently in the process of completely overhauling 76 of its older planes. The planes, which average about eight years in service, are being updated to include modern amenities. Read More ›

Delta has announced plans to renovate its existing JFK facilities at Terminal 4 with a $1.2 billion dollar expansion project slated to be completed by 2013.

According to Bloomberg, the Port Authority recently approved plans for the massive project, which will see the existing space expanded by 418,000 square-feet. Read More ›