Euro Trip 2019: Selecting transatlantic flights

This is the time of year, when it’s cold and gray, that my thoughts turn toward Europe and warm strolls along the Seine or dining at a sidewalk café in a charming Italian town. Thanks to points and miles, my wife and I have been blessed to take an annual trip to Europe, something we plan to continue in 2019. I have written previously about my approach to travel planning, but this year’s trip is different in a few ways which makes the planning process different as well. However, the first step was booking our transatlantic flights.

Euro Trip 2019, Commercial Aviation, Points and Miles, Loyalty Programs, Travel PlanningDerek CookFebruary 21, 2019United Airlines, commercial aviation, Europe, Delta SkyMiles, Delta Air Lines, American Airlin, travel planning, United Mileage Plus

Why I prefer trains to airplanes in Europe

For many, if not most, people, a transportation method is a choice borne primarily of expediency: which options is cheapest, easiest and fits a schedule. For others, getting there is part of the overall travel experience. Personally, I love European trains and I wanted to discuss how they enhance my travel experience.

Travel Experiences, Rail Travel, Commercial AviationDerek CookMay 23, 2018train travel, SNCF, Thalys, Paris, Deutsche Bahn, commercial aviation, Gare du Nord

Singapore Airlines new A380 suites: WOW!

Last week, Singapore Airlines held a media event to unveil new premium cabin products and services for new Airbus A380 aircraft that will be delivered later this year. To put it mildly, I am blown away by the new Suites class! I am determined to find a way to fly that in the coming years!

Commercial AviationDerek CookNovember 6, 2017Singapore Airlines, suites, first class, business class, Sam Chui, Singapore Suites class, Airbus A380

Delta news bits for week ending August 26

Delta Air Lines had several interesting news announcements last week. Video chat with reservations. Get an updated TUMI amenity kit in Delta One. And earn SkyMiles for Airbnb stays.

Commercial Aviation, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookAugust 29, 2017Delta Air Lines, video chat, commercial aviation, amenity kits, Tumi, Airbnb, promotions, Delta SkyMiles

New international flights coming to Atlanta

Recently, two interesting new international flights for Atlanta have been announced. As you might expect, one involves Delta Air Lines. The other involves a SkyTeam partner that would generally be similarly unsurprising. What was unexpected was the destination and aircraft for that flight.

Commercial AviationDerek CookJuly 28, 2017Delta Air Lines, Delta One suite, Boeing 777, Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, commercial aviation, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, new flight, Air France, Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre, Airbus A320, SkyTeam

Delta takes delivery of first Airbus A350

Last week Delta Air Lines took delivery of the first Airbus A350 for a North American carrier. The aircraft will begin operating between Detroit and Tokyo-Narita on October 30. The delivery marks the beginning of the final phase-out of the majestic Boeing 747-400 from the Delta fleet.

Commercial AviationDerek CookJuly 16, 2017Delta Air Lines, Airbus A350, commercial aviation, Boeing 747

Delta unveils livery on its first A350

Last week, Delta unveiled its livery on its forthcoming Airbus A350-900. The plane was painted at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. No new or special liveries here except for the Delta widget on the winglets, but the plane looks sharp in Delta colors.

Commercial AviationDerek CookJune 18, 2017Delta Air Lines, Airbus A350, livery, commercial aviation, Delta Flight Museum

SkyTeam to open lounge in Vancouver

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air and others, has announced that it will open a branded lounge at Vancouver International Airport.

Commercial Aviation, Airport LoungesDerek CookJune 13, 2017SkyTeam, airport lounges, SkyTeam lounge, Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, Delta SkyClub

American Airlines introduces basic economy fares

Following the lead of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, American Airlines yesterday announced a new Basic Economy fare on select flights starting no earlier than February 2017. The new fare class will be the lowest available on the American flights where it is available. However, it will also be the most restrictive.

Commercial AviationDerek CookJanuary 20, 2017American Airlines, basic economy, airfare, pricing, price sensitivity, customer segmentation, commercial aviation

Using Amex Business Platinum Card airline travel credit for Delta gift cards

The Enhanced Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN offers annual $200 airline fee credits. If you purchase small gift cards, despite the card terms and conditions, you can use these credits for airfare.

Commercial Aviation, Credit CardsDerek CookJanuary 14, 2017Delta Air Lines, American Express Enhanced Business Platinum Card, airline fee credit, American Express Company, credit cards