Consumer Traveler Today: April 29

Consumer Traveler Today: US Airways continues its relentless climb in DOT’s quality ratings
 
 
US Airways continues its relentless climb in DOT’s quality ratings
What we’re reading: Southwest fined $200,000, CO to manage in UA merger, Boeing delays 787 parts
Airline consumers need total price transparency
Is it time to call fuel surcharges what they really are? Fare increases.
US Airways continues its relentless climb in DOT’s quality ratings
Posted: 29 Apr 2010 04:08 AM PDT
The airline that only three years ago was considered by many to be a basket case has continued its climb in DOT's quality ratings. From being rated last only three years ago, US Airways has climbed to #2 among legacy carriers and #5 among America's top 10 airlines.
       

What we’re reading: Southwest fined $200,000, CO to manage in UA merger, Boeing delays 787 parts
Posted: 29 Apr 2010 03:00 AM PDT
Southwest fined $200,000, UA-Continental merger could be bad for Airbus, Boeing delays 787 parts shipment
       

Airline consumers need total price transparency
Posted: 28 Apr 2010 07:30 AM PDT
There is a battle brewing between airlines and their main GDS distribution systems. There are two main facets to this struggle. Airlines don't want to pay anyone any commissions for any transactions (their intent is to have sales agents pay them for access to fares) and they want to keep fees hidden from consumers and maintain control of prices, doling them as out, as needed by consumers, rather than allowing a robust competition between airlines on total cost.
       

Is it time to call fuel surcharges what they really are? Fare increases.
Posted: 28 Apr 2010 06:30 AM PDT
These days there are so many surcharges and fees on tickets, travelers can be forgiven for getting jaded about just one more, or an increase in any fee. But, from a travel agent and frequent traveler point of view, fuel charges might be the most irritating "added fee."