US AIRWAYS TO FOLLOW JETBLUE’S PILLOW FEE US Airways will likely begin selling pillows and blankets to its customers by the end of the year, following closely behind discount carrier JetBlue Airways Corp., which will start charging fliers $7 to purchase a pillow and blanket. “We have been vigorously moving towards more a la carte options,” said a US Airways Group Inc. spokeswoman on Monday. She says a blanket-and-pillow set will likely be the company’s next a la carte offering, and could appear as soon as the fourth quarter. The move is the latest in a series of efforts by airlines to counter the surging cost of jet fuel with additional a la carte options. In the last year, the nation’s largest airlines have begun charging fees for everything from checked baggage to excess leg room. Tempe, AZ-based US Airways recently began charging customers $2 for non-alcoholic beverages. It also collects fees associated with choice seating ($5), meals ($7), snack boxes ($5) and alcoholic beverages ($7). United Airlines, owned by Chicago-based UAL Corp., has a $14 option for additional legroom. American Airlines, whose parent AMR Corp. is based in Fort Worth, Texas, offers $3 snack options and $5 hot meals on longer flights. Continental Airlines has so far been one of few carriers to hold off on the a la carte craze. The Houston-based airline charges $25 for a second checked bag and $5 for alcoholic drinks, but still offers customers hot meals, snacks, pillows and blankets for no additional fee. THE LATEST HOT SPOT IS ON THE PLANE Delta Air Lines Inc. will provide wireless Internet access throughout its entire domestic fleet, enabling travelers to work or surf at 33,000 feet. The service will be available on some planes as soon as next month, starting with Delta's MD-88 jets. By the end of the year, Delta will have 75 planes outfitted; by next summer its entire 330-plane domestic fleet will be online. While several airlines have been testing airborne wireless Internet connections, Delta is the first major carrier to commit to installing Wi-Fi on every airplane. Other carriers are studying Internet access. AMR Corp.'s American Airlines has conducted tests, and JetBlue Airways Corp. has a test under way on one airplane. Southwest Airlines Co. and Virgin America plan tests starting next month. Wi-Fi works for airlines for reasons beyond consumer demand. The service will be priced similar to wireless connections at high-end hotels -- $9.95 for flights under three hours and $12.95 for a longer itinerary -- and offers airlines a chance to earn ancillary revenue. In addition, it's easy and cheap to install. For many, a long airplane flight across the country will no longer be an escape. Instead of watching a movie, reading a book or trying to sleep, road warriors may feel more compelled to answer email and stay in touch with colleagues and clients. "Time on an airplane was either time lost or time found," said Tim Mapes, Delta's vice president of marketing. "This is going to totally change the dynamics of what a business trip is." WAYS YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM ALL THE BAD AIRLINE NEWS Here is a list of possible outcomes of the current fuel price crisis that could comprise a silver lining for business travel. 1. Most business travel routes will be spared - Traditional business routes and centers won't bear the brunt of the air service reductions. 2. Fewer travelers at the airport - With fewer flights — and in particular, fewer leisure travelers — those who must fly for their livelihood will find airports a bit less crowded after the summer rush recedes. 3. Fewer air traffic delays and ground holds - Fewer airplanes in the sky may alleviate air traffic delays. 4. Airport security gets easier - Fewer leisure travelers should also reduce security checkpoint wait times, often exacerbated by infrequent travelers unfamiliar with the security checkpoint drill. 5. Renewed focus on business travelers - With airlines scrambling to boost revenues, their focus is on the business traveler, who is willing to pay more than the discretionary traveler for the same flight. As airlines compete for core customers, business travelers should benefit from increased perks and services.E-NEWSLETTER READERS SHARE OPINIONS ON RISING TRAVEL COSTS In response to Ovation Corporate Travel’s recent survey – “Have rising travel costs affected your company’s travel policy?” - 38% of readers told us that they have noticed a change, but it really has not affected them. 19% of readers said travel policy has not changed, while another 19% say that teleconferencing has become more common. 13% of readers say their companies have been looking for savings whenever possible, while 13% say their companies have stopped non-essential travel altogether.
OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY! The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel. You can also post comments online on the topic of the week. Question of the Week: Do you agree with some airlines' decision to start charging for items such as blankets, pillows and beverages?
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