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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Book Review: "Boeing versus Airbus: The Inside Story of the Greatest International Competition in Business"

John Newhouse gives an engrossing peek behind-the-scenes of the business rivalry of the two remaining titans of commercial airplanes, Boeing and Airbus.

Derek CookJanuary 9, 2017Boeing, Airbus, commercial aviation, book, business, book review

Delta to upgrade snacks

Delta Air Lines announced yesterday that it will upgrade in-flight snacks beginning next week. Gone are Delta-branded peanuts and pretzels replaced by branded snacks from Hanover, Squirrel Brand and NatureBox.

Commercial AviationDerek CookDecember 9, 2016Delta Air Lines, snacks, commercial aviation

Delta's new uniforms...Huh?

Delta Air Lines unveiled new uniforms this week for more than 60,000 Delta employees including in-flight, airport customer service, ground staff and TechOps. The design is nice but who decided to include...purple?

Commercial Aviation, PopularDerek CookOctober 20, 2016commercial aviation, Delta Air Lines