Not sure I'd lump India in there with some African countries, etc. English is widely spoken there, many things in American culture came from there (via Colonial England), and they have a real democracy. I think India and China like to think of themselves as "emerging" and not "Third World".

(Written on 2012年06月09日)(Permalink)

I kind of doubt they painted over the Mohawk DC-3's I flew on long ago.

(Written on 2012年04月27日)(Permalink)

I think this article is written without a clue as to actual business operations at major airlines. Most of the technical stuff is done by computer programming online, so there is little expense at the airline end. Paying a certain fee for a certain seat is interesting, but don't they already do this? You are almost always offered to "upgrade" to a better seat during the purchase process. I agree that a purchased ticket should be "owned". I never understood why changing a passenger name cost the airlines 150.00. What is it to them, so long as the correct person shows up at the airport? Doesn't your change online show up on their computers automatically? Baggage is a big deal, and something needs to be done about it. Going back to free checked bags should be done (or else bury the cost). Business travelers in a hurry would have more room to bring on their stuff without competing with leisure travelers trying to avoid fees.

(Written on 2012年04月27日)(Permalink)

Really? I am aware of no state that does not exempt commercial aircraft from sales tax. No sales tax on industrial machinery and many other items used in industry to generate taxable revenue, either (just so you don't suspect this is some industry loophole).

(Written on 2012年03月30日)(Permalink)

Hope they have worked things out. Last Friday at MSY I waited 20 min to check bags in UAL line, then was told "you're on a Continental flight" and we had to go over and wait in the Continental line. Plane said "United" on the side,all reservations made with UAL, and UAL flight number, computer terminals looked the same---go figure.

(Written on 2012年03月09日)(Permalink)

Unlike the movies, the pilot didn't seem to consider pointing his camera at the missle so we could see the action better.

(Written on 2012年02月10日)(Permalink)