Virgin Atlantic 747 Landing at SFO (Friday Fun)

Here is a special treat for all the airline fans out there. From the Laughing Squid comes this video of a Virgin Atlantic 747 landing at San Francisco International - viewed from the cockpit. Leading up to the touchdown you get to watch the pilots in action as they go through each of the steps to gently lower this big bird onto the runway.

Midweek Round Up Of Airfares

Thanks to a significant drop in the price of crude oil, many airlines recently announced a drop in fuel surcharges. These charges were choking the price of an airline ticket adding $50-$250 to the price of a round trip flight. Delta, American, United, Air France and Virgin Atlantic all announced cuts in fuel surcharges. Other airlines are maintaining the heavy fee citing unpredictable short term charges in the cost of oil.

Now may be the time to capitalize on recent drops in fuel surcharges, and discounts on some routes. Here is a roundup of fares from Wednesday morning. All prices below are round trip and include all taxes and fees. Most travel dates valid through Fall 2008, some longer.

San Francisco to:
Long Beach $118 (JetBlue/B9)
Seattle $149 (Virgin America/VX and Alaska/AS)
San Diego $118 (Virgin America/VX)
San Jose, CR $513 (Continental/CO))
San Juan, PR $304 (U.S Airways/US)

Sacramento to:
Berlin , DE $765 (United/UA and Continental/CO)
Cabo San Lucas $329 (United/UA)

Santa Rosa to:
Las Vegas $179 (Horizon/QX)

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American and British Airways To Team Up

British Airways announced a deal that partners up with American Airlines, allowing both carriers to operate together, fixing routes, schedules and fares throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Spain's Iberia Airlines, recently acquired by British Airways, is included in the partnership.

One hurdle for the airlines will be receiving government approval. They must convince the U.S. that the deal does not negatively impact consumers. European regulators will likely be concerned about the dominance the combined airlines will have at London's Heathrow Airport, where the two carriers control nearly half the take-off and landing slots to the United States.

Virgin Atlantic's Chief Executive Richard Branson is not so excited about the prospects of a combined airline; "Make no mistake, A BA/AA alliance would be bad for passengers, bad for competition and bad for the UK and US aviation industry". Branson has sent letters to Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain urging them to say no to the proposed deal.

On the plus side, if the agreement is approved, travelers would likely see more booking options, including a wider array of destinations, easier hub connections and improved cooperation between the two frequent flier programs.

San Francisco to London $625rt, Tax Included For May

If you can overlook the U.S Dollar/British Pound conversion, then consider this great early Summer fare from San Francisco to London for $625 round-trip, taxes included. The fare is available throughout much of May on Virgin Atlantic, U.S Air and Delta Airlines.
Visit http://www.farecompare.com/

Virgin Atlantic makes history flying first bio-fuel plane

Virgin Atlantic Airways made the news yesterday by reportedly flying the world's first airplane to fly on renewable fuel. The Boeing 747 aircraft flew from London's Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam using a biofuel composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. No modifications were made to either the aircraft or its engines to enable the flight to take place.

Commenting just before the flight, Sir Richard Branson, the President of Virgin Atlantic said:
"Today marks a biofuel breakthrough for the whole airline industry. Virgin Atlantic, and its partners, are proving that you can find an alternative to traditional jet fuel and fly a plane on new technology, such as sustainable biofuel. This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future, fuels which will power our aircraft in the years ahead through sustainable next-generation oils, such as algae."

Story from the Associated Press:


It's important to note that this historic flight however was in fact fueled by 80% conventional fuel and only 20% biofuel. Also, the critics are lined up questioning just how much benefit these fuel alternatives help the planet. Nevertheless, this should be seen as an advancement toward reducing emissions (and saving on the cost of regular jetfuel) and harm to the environment. Let further experiements and research continue. Way to go Virgin Atlantic and partners.

British Airways & Virgin Atlantic Passenger Refunds

Approximately 5.5 Million people who flew British Airways and Virgin Atlantic may qualify for a refund as part of a class action lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit claims the airlines unlawfully conspired to fix prices for the "fuel surcharge" that was added to base ticket prices. Customers who purchased a roundtrip ticket on either airline between August 11, 2004 and March 23, 2006 are entitled to a refund of the fuel surcharge they paid, approximately $40 U.S dollars.

The airlines are expected to release records of passengers flying during the time period in order to arrange for refunds, but have also set up an official website whereby potential claimants can provide their current contact information: http://www.airpassengerrefund.com/

A safety video that's FUN to watch

Compliments of Virgin Atlantic