Amadeus Announces World's Busiest Routes

Every day, tens of thousands of commercial aircraft take off and land in different locales throughout the world. In the US alone, approximately 28,000 flights occur on a daily basis! Have you ever wondered which routes are the busiest?  Well, whether you have or you haven’t, we’ve got the answers for you thanks to analyst corporation Amadeus Total Demand.

Their most recent report examined 2010 and 2011 trends in worldwide passenger demand between regions, countries and specific airports. However, it’s important to note that routes were regarded as departure and final destination locations – regardless of the number of connections.

Without a doubt, Asia is leading the pack for inter-city routes. Of the top fifteen routes listed, ten were specifically Asian routes.  The route connecting South Korea’s Jeju Airport with Seoul proved the busiest route of all courses worldwide, serving roughly 10 million passengers. Not surprisingly, a US route does not even appear on the list until number 18!

That said, with an estimated 60 million annual passengers, air traffic between North America and Europe remains the busiest inter-regional flow, directly in front of Asia-North America routes which serve approximately 53 million.

Finally, North America leads for the average connecting rate of the ten busiest airport hubs with 45%, compared to 32% in Europe and 19% in Asia. For air travel between the three regions, roughly 50% of all travelers have at least one connecting flight.

Alaska Airlines Brings Back the Giant Salmon

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…giant fish? Only weeks after we brought you EVA’s announcement that they would be re-instating their Hello Kitty livery aboard their A330-300’s, another airline has announced that they, too, will be bringing back the unique exterior décor of one of their aircraft. Alaska Airlines will be unveiling another Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II later this fall.

The original Salmon-Thirty-Salmon was unveiled in 2005 aboard one of their Boeing 737-400s. However, the environmental décor was retired in 2011 and the plane was repainted later that year. Still the décor had created a fan base and for good reason: Regional vice-president of Alaska Airlines Marilyn Romano told reporters, “This airplane celebrates Alaska Airlines’ unique relationship with the people and communities of Alaska and underscores out air transport commitment to the state’s seafood industry.”

Unlike it’s predecessor, the Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II will feature salmon colored script on the fuselage, fish scales on the winglets, and the painting itself possesses an additional nine feet – propelling it to a 129-foot long masterpiece!

Alaska Airlines offers affordable flights between nineteen states and the District of Colombia, as well as Mexican and Canadian locations. Much of their fleet includes themed planes including a “Make-a-Wish” 737-400, a “comfortable greener” Q400, and multiple university-themed aircraft.

Alaska Airlines Brings Back the Giant Salmon

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…giant fish? Only weeks after we brought you EVA’s announcement that they would be re-instating their Hello Kitty livery aboard their A330-300’s, another airline has announced that they, too, will be bringing back the unique exterior décor of one of their aircraft. Alaska Airlines will be unveiling another Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II later this fall.

The original Salmon-Thirty-Salmon was unveiled in 2005 aboard one of their Boeing 737-400s. However, the environmental décor was retired in 2011 and the plane was repainted later that year. Still the décor had created a fan base and for good reason: Regional vice-president of Alaska Airlines Marilyn Romano told reporters, “This airplane celebrates Alaska Airlines’ unique relationship with the people and communities of Alaska and underscores out air transport commitment to the state’s seafood industry.”

Unlike it’s predecessor, the Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II will feature salmon colored script on the fuselage, fish scales on the winglets, and the painting itself possesses an additional nine feet – propelling it to a 129-foot long masterpiece!

Alaska Airlines offers affordable flights between nineteen states and the District of Colombia, as well as Mexican and Canadian locations. Much of their fleet includes themed planes including a “Make-a-Wish” 737-400, a “comfortable greener” Q400, and multiple university-themed aircraft.

Enjoying Your Moscow Excursion

When one thinks of Moscow, they’re often brought to images of the ballet, to thoughts of Romanovs, and to the faint smell of high quality vodka.  And while such elegant fineries are indeed intriguing and renowned, Moscow offers a whole slew of activities for business and luxury travelers alike.  From impressive museums to eclectic locales, there’s simply something for everyone – especially in summer.

including Catherine the Great’s Orlov Diamond.

Whatever you do – you’re likely to have a wonderful time! Just remember – the weather in Moscow can be unpredictable.  Even in August, there may be sudden bursts of cold weather followed by unforgiving heat waves. But as long as you go with that understanding, you’re certain to have a most pleasant trip!

Enjoying Your Moscow Excursion

When one thinks of Moscow, they’re often brought to images of the ballet, to thoughts of Romanovs, and to the faint smell of high quality vodka.  And while such elegant fineries are indeed intriguing and renowned, Moscow offers a whole slew of activities for business and luxury travelers alike.  From impressive museums to eclectic locales, there’s simply something for everyone – especially in summer.

including Catherine the Great’s Orlov Diamond.

Whatever you do – you’re likely to have a wonderful time! Just remember - the weather in Moscow can be unpredictable.  Even in August, there may be sudden bursts of cold weather followed by unforgiving heat waves. But as long as you go with that understanding, you’re certain to have a most pleasant trip!

Heading to Narita Airport?

Conversely, upon one’s departure, there are ample opportunities to wine and dine. In Terminal 2, we recommend Sushi Misakimaru or trying Sojibou’s cold soba noodles, both of which can be found on the 4^th floor.  In Terminal 1,  we recommend Tatsu located on the 3^rd floor of the central building.

If you’re destined for central Tokyo, you have a few options available.  JR (Japan Railways) offers the Narita Express, which will take about one hour, and the JR rapid train, which takes closer to 90 minutes.  The Skyliner also takes an estimated hour, but you’ll need to switch lines at JR Tohoku Shinkansen.  Finally, Airport Limousines, what we would more aptly call buses, offer dozens of routes but travel time is dependent on road congestion.  One upside to the Airport Limousines, however, is that they will drop you off exactly where you prefer.

Heading to Narita Airport?

Conversely, upon one’s departure, there are ample opportunities to wine and dine. In Terminal 2, we recommend Sushi Misakimaru or trying Sojibou’s cold soba noodles, both of which can be found on the 4^th floor.  In Terminal 1,  we recommend Tatsu located on the 3^rd floor of the central building.

If you’re destined for central Tokyo, you have a few options available.  JR (Japan Railways) offers the Narita Express, which will take about one hour, and the JR rapid train, which takes closer to 90 minutes.  The Skyliner also takes an estimated hour, but you’ll need to switch lines at JR Tohoku Shinkansen.  Finally, Airport Limousines, what we would more aptly call buses, offer dozens of routes but travel time is dependent on road congestion.  One upside to the Airport Limousines, however, is that they will drop you off exactly where you prefer.

United Shows Puppy Love, Spirit Just Goes to the Dogs

with stuffing an extra day’s worth of clothes into your tiny pack to avoid the checked luggage charge, because your carry-on may rack up as much as $100 in fees!

All this has occurred just after the airline refused to refund the ticket of a dying veteran, citing that their refund rules are stringently adhered to regardless of who the customer is.  Unfortunately for them, such rhetoric fell on deaf ear as the public lobbied for the man’s refund even after his death. They argued, as he had, that he’d had to cancel his flight only because he’d learned he was not medically cleared for flight after purchasing the ticket!

United Shows Puppy Love, Spirit Just Goes to the Dogs

with stuffing an extra day’s worth of clothes into your tiny pack to avoid the checked luggage charge, because your carry-on may rack up as much as $100 in fees!

All this has occurred just after the airline refused to refund the ticket of a dying veteran, citing that their refund rules are stringently adhered to regardless of who the customer is.  Unfortunately for them, such rhetoric fell on deaf ear as the public lobbied for the man’s refund even after his death. They argued, as he had, that he’d had to cancel his flight only because he’d learned he was not medically cleared for flight after purchasing the ticket!

Frequent Fliers Unite!

So often we tell our readers about surveys and reports that speak to the efficiency, effectiveness and ease of flying.  Sometime we learn which airlines to avoid.  In other cases, we learn of the airports that are up and coming in the realms of food, technology and customer service.  The point is the information that is garnered by such data collection is helpful – for all of us! And now you can add your two sense to build a better frequent flier community.

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) will be accepting short survey response from travelers over the coming summer months.  The survey is strategically designed to provide direct feedback on all flight aspects in as few questions as possible.  Points of interest include food and beverage, informational videos, entertainment, pre-departure experience and cabin ambiance.

If you’re a true frequent flier, we urge you to make every flight experience count and provide responses for all or most of the flights you embark on between now and the fall!  Really tight on time?  Not to worry.  This unique survey allows you to provide feedback on only specific aspects of your flight, if you so wish.  So be sure to tell the airlines, fellow travelers and the whole world what you think by visiting www.apex.aero! Airline winners are announced at the annual APEX EXPO Awards Ceremony held in Long Beach, CA in the fall!

Frequent Fliers Unite!

So often we tell our readers about surveys and reports that speak to the efficiency, effectiveness and ease of flying.  Sometime we learn which airlines to avoid.  In other cases, we learn of the airports that are up and coming in the realms of food, technology and customer service.  The point is the information that is garnered by such data collection is helpful – for all of us! And now you can add your two sense to build a better frequent flier community.

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) will be accepting short survey response from travelers over the coming summer months.  The survey is strategically designed to provide direct feedback on all flight aspects in as few questions as possible.  Points of interest include food and beverage, informational videos, entertainment, pre-departure experience and cabin ambiance.

If you’re a true frequent flier, we urge you to make every flight experience count and provide responses for all or most of the flights you embark on between now and the fall!  Really tight on time?  Not to worry.  This unique survey allows you to provide feedback on only specific aspects of your flight, if you so wish.  So be sure to tell the airlines, fellow travelers and the whole world what you think by visiting www.apex.aero! Airline winners are announced at the annual APEX EXPO Awards Ceremony held in Long Beach, CA in the fall!

Some Travel Sweeps for Spring

In case you were unsuccessful in winning last month’s largest lottery in world history, perhaps you’ll want to take a chance on these great sweepstakes! Come on, we’re already through the first quarter of the year – of course you’d like a relaxing trip on the house.

A trip for 2 to the Hamptons is up for grabs thanks to American Express.  Deemed their “Ultimate Luxury Hamptons Getaway” a winner will be drawn sometime after the June AAA New York is offering a trip north to Canada! Until May 8^th, you can enter for the opportunity to win two tickets for a Carnival Cruise to visit the splendid locales of St. John and Halifax. So what are you still waiting for? Neither the Carnival Glory nor any of these fabulous prizes will wait at the docks forever!

EVA Adds Interesting Aircraft Decor

In the past few weeks we’ve brought to your attention some of the wild and wacky ways that airports are trying to distinguish themselves in the eyes of consumers.  Interesting rewards, funky promotions, intriguing commercials…and now, unique décor. Taiwan’s largest airline, EVA Air, will soon be rolling out their newly transformed Airbus A330-300 completely decked out in, what else but Hello Kitty.

machines.

For you history buffs, no, this is not the first time that Hello Kitty has made such an appearance.  Rather, EVA first introduced such an aircraft in 2005 and a second in 2006.  However, both were retired in 2009 and the airline chose not to replace them.  Yet, as this is the 20^th anniversary for the fledgling airline company, they’ve decided to bring the particularly unique and apparently popular planes back.

Hoping to catch a glimpse or maybe even a ride on these funky vehicles in the sky? They’ll be used to serve much of Southeast Asia including Taipei, Incheon and Hong Kong.

New App Makes Security Complaints Easier

that she was carrying breast milk.

So how exactly does it work?  Well, it’s available for iPhone and Android mobiles.  After completing the screening process, passengers who feel that their rights have been violated may open the app and hit the “report” button.  Identification information is automatically inserted and then the user is prompted to answer a variety of questions including the basis of their complain.  Users may then hit the “submit button,” as well as the “share” button, which will show on social media that a complaint was filed.  While we don’t love it, we sure don’t hate it, and either way it just may improve the security process in its entirety.