Travel 2014

The good, the bad, the horrid

By Erica Rascón on Feb 4, 2014 in News

This year, business travelers can expect to see a variety of changes between point A and point B.  Do you want to start with the good news or the bad news?

Bad news makes good news even sweeter, so let’s start there. Many airlines started off the New Year by jacking up existing fees. Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and US Airways have raised the price on checked luggage. Some changes depend on the quantity of checked bags, others on the size.  None have amended their promise to have your checked bags arriving in a timely and unaltered manner.

Now for the best news of the year: you can get through security checkpoints at pre-9/11 speeds. TSA Pre-Check has expended its program, encouraging applications from a greater pool of frequent travelers. Pre-check members get through security faster without the strip-down and tedious unpacking and repacking of toiletries and electronics.

If that’s not reason enough to rejoice, we may see a drop in in-flight internet prices. Wifi access is becoming more common in the air. Companies like Gogo, Row44, ViaSat, and soon Panasonic service airlines with internet connectivity. Some, such as Gogo, use ground-to-air tower transmissions while ViaSat use a faster transmission via satellite. More companies on the market plus different speeds could result in a range of prices and services offered in the air. This could be great for business travelers, who may soon see lower prices as airlines compete.

Now for news with mixed appeal. 2013 ended with a proposal on the table for in-flight calls. The FCC then entered a 30-day proposal period to receive feedback from industry leaders and consumers. Delta and Jet Blue haven’t waited for the FCC’s decision. Both airlines have rejected the idea altogether, declaring their planes a haven from chatter-happy passengers. Others airlines are awaiting the FCC’s decision. Submit your feedback to the FCC by February 14^th to participate in the discussion. A decision will be made after March.

Regardless of how you feel about in-flight calls, we may all be able to agree that more in-flight entertainment options are exactly what we need. Some airlines are heading back to the drawing board to recreate the interior of planes in an effort to accommodate more passengers. American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France and Emirates Airline are adding an additional seat to each row in coach. Boeing 757 will add two additional seats to first class. Remember, though seats are being added, the planes aren’t getting any bigger; this will mean more cramped quarters for passengers. At least you can take your mind off of your discomfort by watching Hulu, right?