INFocus Newsletter1

JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER

Hate to Fly? 5 Ways to Beat the Mid-Air Blues

American Selects ViaSat for Next-Gen Inflight Wi-Fi

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Delta: In-Flight Entertainment to be Free for all Fliers

INFocus Newsletter2

Prepare to be entertained on Delta flights – free of charge. Delta Studio, the airline’s industry-leading suite of onboard entertainment, will be free for all customers on two-class aircraft by July 1. This includes nearly 90 percent of Delta’s fleet.

Customers on nearly all domestic and international flights will feel at home in the air with access to free entertainment through Delta Studio. Delta operates the world’s largest in-flight entertainment-equipped fleet, with more than 1,000 aircraft offering Delta Studio via streaming through laptops, mobile devices and tablets, in addition to nearly 400 aircraft equipped with seat-back entertainment systems.

Delta Studio offers up to 300 movies, 750 TV shows, 100 foreign film titles, 2,400 songs, 18 channels of live satellite TV on select aircraft and a selection of games on aircraft with seat-back

entertainment systems. Delta Studio consistently provides the best depth and breadth of content in the skies, from its lineup of all of the best picture nominees during awards season, to having nearly all of the top-grossing recent box office hits. Customers can enjoy a range of popular movies like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; The Jungle Book; and Hail, Caesar!; as well as premium TV options like Showtime’s Billions and HBO’s Vinyl. Live TV is available on more than 240 aircraft.

“The only thing better than operating the world’s largest in-flight entertainment-equipped fleet is providing it free to all our guests,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Our commitment is to provide Delta customers with the industry’s best on-board services – period.”

Delta is the only U.S. carrier to offer personal, on-demand entertainment at

every seat on all long-haul international flights. The airline also operates the world's largest Wi-Fi-equipped fleet, with more than 1,000 connected Delta aircraft, including the airline’s entire fleet of 660 domestic mainline aircraft, Delta Connection two-class regional jets and 99 percent of its widebody international fleet.

Delta has made significant investments in its on-board product and the customer experience, including modernizing the interiors of hundreds of aircraft with high capacity overhead bins, seatback entertainment systems, new lavatories, ambient LED lighting, new seats with power outlets, and other upgrades.

Entertainment options will vary by aircraft type and route. Visit delta.com/studio for coverage details, terms and device compatibility.

Delta: In-Flight Entertainment to be Free for all FliersBy Delta

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After suing Gogo over slow in-flight Internet earlier this year, American Airlines today selected ViaSat to provide connectivity for its new fleet of Boeing 737 MAX planes.

Connected TravelerViaSat currently operates a high capacity ka-band satellite network that provides Internet access to a handful of airlines, including JetBlue and Virgin America in the US. Gogo's service, meanwhile, is installed on more planes but uses a slower air-to-ground connection.

American's new Boeing 737s are scheduled for delivery starting in 2017, with at least 100 planes entering its fleet by 2022. Those dates coincide with the introduction of two ViaSat 3 satellites. Each one will provide 1-terabit-per-second network capacity, roughly the same as all current commercial satellites combined.

That capacity boost should mean a much better in-flight experience for data-hungry business travelers and Netflix aficionados.

"Our satellite bandwidth enables an 'at home' Internet experience that can serve everyone on the plane - and empowers innovative business models for airlines and their passengers," ViaSat CEO Mark Dankberg said in a statement.

Today's announcement sent Gogo's stock price plunging by 15 percent, according to Bloomberg, mirroring an earlier fall in February when American

announced it was suing Gogo to get out of its exclusive contract with the Wi-Fi provider.

The airline has since dropped the lawsuit and said it will remain a Gogo customer. It plans to install Gogo's new "2ku" satellite Wi-Fi service on some of its Airbus fleet. The new system will dramatically boost speeds and could lower prices, which currently hover around $16 for an all-day pass if bought in advance.

PCMag's Sascha Segan tested the 2Ku satellite system last fall (video below), and found that it allowed for "smooth streaming video with no buffering" and that streaming "Netflix was absolutely no problem."

American Selects ViaSat for Next-Gen Inflight Wi-FiBy Tom Brant

INFocus Newsletter4

It started with an extreme loss of altitude on a flight in India. The plane suddenly dropped, the oxygen masks tumbled out of the overhead bins, and we turbulently headed toward the ground. When the plane finally landed, I was frazzled. And even though I’ve flown a hundred times without incident, I’ve been jittery about airplanes, especially long haul flights, ever since.

But, a new project I’ve started will take me on several transcontinental flights this year, and since Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT)—NY to China in two hours!—won’t be available for at least a decade, I’ll have to shake my worry and fly with a positive attitude.

And I’m not alone—fear of flying is one of the most common phobias out there. Whether you hate the lack of control or can’t stand being stuck in a cramped space with little to do, here are some strategies to beat the mid-air blues.

1. Let Go

It’s easy to be a backseat “flier,” but unless you’ve been trained to fly planes, let go of the need for control and consider the flight a time to relax. After all, while you’re up in the air, you have no obligations other than eating, sleeping, and getting to your destination—how often can you say that?

Download a relaxation app (like the Simply Being App) to help you chill out. Or, just take a break from the electronics—your flight is probably the first time you’ve untethered from your iPhone or laptop in weeks. (Even if your plane does have Wi-Fi, it can be spotty, not to mention expensive.) Embrace the peace and take some “me time” to entertain yourself with a good book. You can also start reading (and getting excited!) about your trip.

2. Recognize Your Safety

It always helps to remember that planes really are safe—in fact, the year 2011 was the safest in aviation history. Planes’ backup systems are more precise than ever, and flight crews and pilots have excellent training. Even passengers often step up in difficult moments, in what has become a bit of a collective effort for everyone to get to his or her destination.

So that dreaded turbulence? Consider it just a few bumps in the road (and yes, buckle up).

3. Bring Treats

Let’s be honest: Plane food is not fine dining and airline “spa kits” leave much to be desired. So create your own luxury flying experience by preparing a special carry-on. I indulge by packing cozy socks, a satin blindfold, a small inflatable pillow, and my favorite mini moisturizers.

If I’m not feeling the airplane food, I’ll bring wrapped and sealed to-go foods that will still stay fresh at 35,000 feet. My favorites are Chipotle burritos, hummus and pitas, Kati rolls, and Cup of Noodles (you know, for emergencies—they’re filling, and can hold you over for some time). I also stock up on Sour Patch Kids, Chex Mix, fruit snacks, and granola bars, which are excellent if I need a snack mid-flight or if I want to share with new friends I meet in the air.

4. Be Social

Sadly, airlines no longer have piano bars on board, and the whole experience of flying coach seems more reminiscent of cattle herding than a party in the air.

The TEDActive Travel Project wants to change this. Since one of the most

Hate to Fly? 5 Ways to Beat the Mid-Air BluesBy Natalie Jesionka

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common complaints on planes is that passengers don’t feel any sense of control in the experience, the project is coming up with recommendations to make flying more social, enjoyable, and user-friendly, and to help passengers “be an active part of the journey.”

Yes, we have a long way to go toward that, but you can do small things to make your experience better now. Get to know your fellow passengers (especially if you’re confined to a middle seat), and chat with flight attendants who probably fly the long haul route often, even if just for a

few minutes. It will break their monotony of “chicken or fish?” and make your flight more personable, too.

5. Take Care of Yourself

After a 21-hour flight to South Africa in a cramped seat, my ankles were elephant-sized. This was not only painful, but dangerous, and put me at risk for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). No matter how long your flight is, it’s a good idea to take breaks from sitting during by getting up and walking around to keep your circulation flowing. You can even download Yoga Journal’s iPractice app for your phone, and use the space by the emergency exit to strike a pose.

And while having a glass of wine or popping a pill may take off the edge of flying, both of these remedies can also dehydrate you. Instead, try a tea with skullcap or valerian root, which will ease your mind and put you to sleep without causing a headache. And make sure you drink plenty of water.

As you read this, I’m likely up in the air, on my way to Dubai, watching Bollywood movies and snacking on Sour Patch Kids. I’m still a nervous flyer, but I’ve learned to see flying as freedom—knowing full well that the wonder and exploration I experience at my destination is well worth the long haul.

Some major U.S. commercial airlines said they plan to raise passenger fares by $3 per one-way flight.

Delta became the first airline to hike fares. Southwest matched Delta's fare increase later that day, while United, American Airlines, JetBlue and Virgin America announced a $3 increase on the day after.

The fare increase for Delta and Southwest went into effect, while the

increase for JetBlue went into effect. It was not clear when the increases for the other airlines will take effect.

The fare hike will affect all short, medium and long-haul flights, which range from 300 to 2,700 miles one way, according to FareCompare.com.

Southwest Airlines released a statement regarding its decision to raise passenger fares:

"Southwest Airlines implemented a modest increase of $3 each way Monday night in markets across our system. Southwest Airlines is the nation’s low fare leader and has been for nearly 45 years," the statement said. "In addition to our everyday low fares, we don’t nickel-and-dime our customers with hidden fees: we never charge change fees, and Southwest is the only domestic airline that allows every customer to check two bags free of charge (weight and size limitations apply)."

Some Major US Airlines Hike Fares By $3 One-Way

HATE TO FLY? CONTINUED

By ABC News' Becky Perlow and Erin Dooley

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Are you planning a trip and searching for better prices on flights, car rentals, and hotels? We, just today, came across this really awesome social travel site that uses the power of crowd sourcing so that you can get the best prices on your flights, car rentals, and hotels.

Are you interested? It’s called CarryOn.

Step 1: Join It’s free to get started, easy to login with

Facebook, Twitter, or one of four other ways, plus you’ll get a $25 credit added to your account right away. Start here!

Step 2: Plan a vacationStart with the search bar. As you enter

in your destination and dates, you will

begin to notice the trips start to shuffle.Don’t see something that spikes your

interest? Hit “search” and plan exactly what you want.

Step 3: Start a crowdAfter you plan your perfect vacation if

you’re not ready to buy, save your choices by starting a crowd.

CarryOn will send updates and trends on your crowd’s discount even suggest similar (but better priced) options.

Step 4: Discover popular crowdsSee what trips are trending by checking

out the most followed vacations.The more followers a crowd has the

better the savings for you and others.

Step 5: Share with your crowd to save more

Recommend a trip your friends might like. Plan a fun getaway and invite everyone. Encourage your friends to follow your trip so you can all earn extra savings. The more followers a crowd has the better the savings.

Step 6: Get rewarded when friends travel

Earn CarryOn reward points whenever you and your friends travel and earn more just for exploring trips.

Once you have enough points you can get $50, $200, or $500 off a trip.

Sound good? Ready to get started? JOIN NOW!

6 Easy Steps to a Smarter and More Fun Way of TravelingBy Jason & Chelsea from jasonandchelsea.com

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American Airlines is beginning its shift to a revenue-based loyalty program, first with mileage accrual and then with spending requirements for elite status qualification next year.

The carrier indicated late last year it would implement a shift to revenue-based programs similar to those of United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Beginning Aug. 1, travelers on American will earn five miles per dollar spent on base fare and carrier-imposed fees. Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum AAdvantage members will earn seven miles, eight miles and 11 miles per dollar spent, respectively. Later this month, American will begin showing travelers how many miles

they'll earn for each flight as they book on the carrier's website.

On Jan. 1, the carrier will tie spending levels to status, as well. In addition to mileage or segment requirements, travelers will need to spend at least $3,000 on qualifying purchases to reach Gold status, $6,000 for Platinum and $12,000 for Executive Platinum.

American also will add a Platinum Pro tier between the Platinum and Executive Platinum levels next year. That level, which requires $9,000 qualifying dollars and either 75,000 miles or 90 segments, includes such benefits as two free checked bags, Oneworld Sapphire status, automatic

upgrade requests on flights between North and Central America and nine miles for every dollar spent.

PricewaterhouseCoopers research last year showed that overall travelers tend to earn slightly fewer points on revenue-based programs versus mileage-based programs, but premium class travelers and schedule-driven business travelers tend to fare better under revenue-based programs. Corporate travel buyers, however, have expressed concern that such programs could drive travelers to seek out higher fares in order to earn more miles.

American's Shift to a Revenue-Based Loyalty ProgramBy Michael Baker

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have launched 10 routes over the past month in "the most intensive period of international expansion in its history," according to Air Canada passenger airlines president Benjamin Smith. The Air Canada routes are Toronto to Seoul, South Korea; Vancouver to Brisbane, Australia; and Montreal to Lyon, France. The new Rouge routes are Vancouver to Dublin; Montreal to Casablanca, Morocco; and Toronto to each London’s Gatwick Airport; Prague; Glasgow, Scotland; Budapest, Hungary; and Warsaw, Poland. Additionally, Air Canada has begun 11 routes to the United States since the beginning of May.

By Michael Baker

Air Canada Has Launched 10 International Routes

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Singapore Airlines will resume nonstop service between the United States and Singapore on Oct. 23 with daily flights from San Francisco.

The announcement comes just two weeks after fellow Star Alliance member United Airlines began its own San Francisco-Singapore daily service. Singapore's flight, using Airbus A350-900s, will depart from San Francisco in the morning and arrive in the early evening, while United's flight departs at night and arrives in Singapore in the early morning. On the flights from Singapore to San Francisco, both carriers depart and arrive in the morning.

Singapore Airlines currently flies daily from San Francisco to Singapore via Hong Kong and from San Francisco-Singapore via Seoul. When it begins nonstop service, it will reroute the Seoul flight to originate in Los Angeles, supplementing its daily service from Los

Angeles to Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Last year, the carrier announced it would resume nonstop service between Singapore and each Los Angeles and New York in 2018 using new A350-900 Ultra-Long Range aircraft. It previously ended both those routes in 2013.

On Oct. 20, Singapore Airlines also will end service to São Paulo, to which it flies three times weekly from Singapore via Barcelona. It will continue to operate flights between Singapore and Barcelona.

By Michael Baker

Singapore Airlines Will Resume Nonstop U.S. Service