Although the Hong Kong carrier’s spokeperson denied the baggage allowance reduction is due in part to rising oil prices, they won’t fool anyone. Airlines around the world is taking every measure possible to cut operating costs. This move will reduce flight weight in order to save on fuel.

According to USA TODAY’s published analysis, American, United and Delta will announce domestic capacity cuts of between 10% and 14% which will be implemented in phases starting early October.

For example, the USA’s three largest carriers — American, United and Delta — have announced fall domestic capacity cuts in the 10% to 14% range, but only parts of those reductions will be in place by early October.

The cuts won’t stop there if oil prices remain a threat. Take American, United, Continental and Delta airlines for example.

American airlines plans to cut 28 flights at Chicago O’Hare. That does not include a planned cut of 34 flights by it’s affiliate, American Eagle.

100 planes bearing the United livery will soon be seen parked by end of next year. Further woes will see major lay offs including 950 pilot jobs and 1,100 workers.

Delta and Continental continues with job cuts with 4000 and 3000 employees to laid off respectively.

Sure you are not forced to pay to choose your seat. You can have it assigned to you during check-in. Now imagine a family of 5, being assigned separate seats. Spirit does not guarantee you’d all be seated together. You have to pay for such a priviledge. Bugger!

Spirit say it’s a move to generate more profits without raising airfares. I beg to differ. While I understand the airline industry is hurt by rising oil prices, just raise the fare in advance instead of making every single service optional and inconveniently charge me for them. Charge me once, even if its higher, and be done with it.

What’s more? Seats booked might get bumped if the flight is overbooked. In other words, there are no guarantees even after booking.

I’m not alone that is disgusted by how Spirit is doing its business these days. Read their grouses …

As for its fleet, Midwest has announced that it will reduce the number of planes down to about 25 Boeing 717’s. Effectively slashing the domestic carrier’s fleet by half.

It appears Midwest is on the brink of Chapter 11 bankruptcy and with the layoff announcement, the airlines is likely gasping for it’s last breath of air. This also hints that Midwest, if it fails to recover from its current slum, might end up in the hands of Delta-Northwest.

It is a pity if Midwest Airlines were to go bankrupt. Economically, we are in challenging times with oil prices soaring and does not appear to be going down anytime soon. Travelers will surely miss the big leather seats, good food and amenities at very reasonable fares.

With soaring fuel prices rendering many airlines cash strapped, one would’ve imagined implementing in-flight WiFi is an expensive gamble. But whether or not it pays off, several airlines - Southwest, American, Alaska, JetBlue, and Lufthansa - are preparing to take the gamble.

In hindsight, Boeing became the first casualty by introducing satellite-based in-flight WiFi but decided to pull the plug and terminate its Connexion Internet system in late 2006 because passengers found it too expensive at $30 per use.

That was two years ago and in that timeframe the cost of newer wireless equipment has decreased tremendously. Furthermore ultra-portable notebooks (Asus EEE for instance), wifi-enabled PDAs and smart phones has gained immense popularity of late. Therefore, it is hopeful the airlines industry could successfully revive a financially viable in-flight WiFi. I won’t mind $10 but $30 is a tad overpriced.

“Instead of sleeping off a seven-hour flight, it’ll be great if that same amount of time can be spent working online, emailing, blogging, internet messaging or simply surfing the web”, that’s the general consensus among frequent flyers, business-class in particular. However, the downside is that when you have possibly fifty passengers on board voice-chatting away at the same time, in-flight WiFi suddenly loses its appeal. While airlines have made it a policy that cell-phones won’t be allowed despite the presense of WiFi, I certainly hope voice chats are frowned upon too.

Sounds too good to be true? You’re probably right.

Read what a forumer had to say when he decided to check it out:

Can someone please explain to me how this is a “promotion”?

I am heading off to Frankfurt in Germany (Im Danish though) with my girlfriend next month. I just read about this today, and was thinking “wow, that’s a good deal, maybe I can buy 1 business for the same price as my 2 ecocomy tickets, and fly on business!)

So - I started checking up with agents and also directly with Thai Airways.

Now, here’s the kicker;

Normal price for a business ticket to Frankfurt (todays price): 93,500 baht
The price for a business ticket if you use this offer; 187,000 baht.

Do the math, and you get that the price is EXACTLY double! The agents are restricted to use the list price of Thai Airways, and do not get specielt agent prices on these tickets.

So - You pay double the price, and get 1 free ticket. Where the hel_l is the discount then? …

[Source: ThaiVisa.com]

No matter how you look at it, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) packages is a good deal indeed for those who seek a memorable summer vacation at Dubai during the summer months. 2008’s edition of DSS was launched recently from 19th June until 22nd August 2008.

This year’s DSS promises even more fun and events, surpassing the success that DSS had for the past decade. Look forward to 10 weeks of family fun, shopping extravaganza and edutainment carnivals in specially themed mall atmosphere. The centre of all the fun and entertained will be Modhesh Fun City, the region’s largest indoor edutainment venue.

Some basic features of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 Emirates package:

• Eligible to all Emirates passengers to or via Dubai
• Package prices starts from a low of US$62
• Validity period is from 19th June until 22nd August 2008
• Pay with MasterCard card and save 10% for bookings made at Emirates offices only.
• A minimum of 3 nights booking

Fly Emirates to DSS 2008 and enjoy:

• Meet & Assist at Dubai International Airport by uniformed Arabian Adventures staff.
• Transfers on arrival and departure between Dubai International Airport and hotel by chauffeur-driven cars.
• Arabian Adventures welcome pack with the new Vice Versa^® “cash reward” card.
• Emirates Holidays 24-hour emergency assistance.
• Additional 10kg free baggage allowance on return/onward flights from Dubai.

“The Emirates uniform has been the same since 1997, with a few tweaks here and there. In this new design we have addressed style, comfort, the suitability for different climates – for cabin crew and ground staff – and managed to retain the iconic and instantly recognizable hallmark of our uniform worldwide.” Terry Daly, Emirates’ divisional senior VP, service delivery.

Mr Daly continued: “I’m immensely proud of the in-house team from Emirates who worked with UK based uniform supplier Simon Jersey plc. Using a catalogue approach with mix and match items, they have produced a superb uniform that can be adapted to suit different environments and climates. This is vital when the conditions on the ground for staff can vary from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Newcastle in England to Hong Kong in Asia.”

I’ve always liked Emirates’ current uniform. It’s classy and unique, particularly the outstanding headpiece. In fact, it’s probably my favourite among the many airlines crew uniform I’ve seen. So how does the new one looks like?