American Airlines to fly large Embraer Regional Jets

Those of you who fly regional routes on American Airlines will soon be able to fly on bigger regional jets. American Airlines has reached a deal with Republic Airways to establish a fleet or larger regional jets.

The fleet will include 53 Embraer E175 jets to replace the old CRJ’s. The new aircraft will feature a two-class configuration, with 12 seats in first class and 64 seats in coach. It will also include American’s premium-economy Main Cabin Extra seats with extra legroom.  

This is very good news for American Airline customers. These jets are much more comfortable and spacious than the cramped spaces in the tiny CRJ’s. The new jets are also much more fuel efficient, which is of vital importance for airlines trying to cut costs.

I am looking forward to the day when all other airlines follow suit and upgrade to the bigger jets for short haul regional routes. Be on the lookout for the new jets to be phased into operation beginning mid-2013.

Super Bowl XLVII is upon us!

After Sunday’s conference championship games, we now have our two teams set for Super Bowl XLVII. The San Francisco 49ers will battle the Baltimore Ravens in this year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. Now that the two teams playing have been determined, their legions of fans can now begin to make travel arrangements to participate in the festivities.

If you are one of the thousands looking to make the trip to the Big Easy, you better get on making your arrangements ASAP. With the limited number of vacancies, hotel rooms will be hard to come across, and they will come at a hefty premium.

Hotel rates in New Orleans have gone up by an average of 304% during Super Bowl weekend. Although hotel availability is limited, there are some exciting options for the diehard fan. Take the Bud Light Hotel, for example. Bud Light will transform a 200-room downtown New Orleans hotel into the ultimate fan experience, and will be home to some of the hottest parties and events during Super Bowl weekend. An adjacent parking lot is even being converted to a 34,000 square foot concert tent.

This is just one example of the many unique experiences that can be had in New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend. With the big game less than 2 weeks away, time is running out to make travel arrangements.

With such limited availabilities, POTHOS can help ease your mind and let you focus on the festivities and not all the travel hassles. For travel arrangements for your Super Bowl getaway, please contact travel@pothos.us.

British businessman killed in Honduras during robbery

Earlier this week, a 33 year old British businessman was shot dead while on vacation in Honduras. The man was taking pictures in Trejo, a small town outside of San Pedro Sula, when a group of men surrounded him and robbed him of his camera. The man was then shot dead as he ran away from his attackers.

This tragedy is just one instance of the ongoing violence that is prevalent in not only Honduras, but much of Central America. Honduras is no stranger to this type of violence. The Central American nation currently has the world’s highest murder rate with 87 killings per 100,000 people, according to the United Nations.

I hate to admit it but this is hardly surprising to me.  Two years ago, when in El Salvador, we were told that we should not travel alone as there are gangs that will identify you as a tourist, surround you (quietly) and rob you at knife point. If you don’t give your items, they will literally stab you in the stomach and leave you for dead.

This is very unfortunate as Central America is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, amazing cultures, and abundant wildlife. It is a shame that such a beautiful region can be plagued by such a rampant gang culture. This is not to scare you into never visiting Central America. This is simply a warning to proceed with great caution and to be aware of the dangers while travelling through Central America.

American Eagle pilot arrested after failing blood-alcohol test

An American Eagle pilot was arrested last week at the Minneapolis airport after failing a blood-alcohol test. The pilot was conducting pre-flight checks around 6:30 AM when airport police boarded the New York City bound aircraft. The officers boarded after a witness tipped them off, saying they smelled alcohol on the pilots breath.

The pilot was taken into custody after failing the breathalyzer test. The pilot has been suspended pending an investigation. The flight was delayed 2 ½ hours while a replacement pilot was arranged. This all occurred before any passengers had boarded the NYC bound flight.

The pilot was taken to a local hospital to have a blood sample taken for testing. The legal BAC limit in Minnesota is .04 for pilots. Although this is a much stricter limit than someone travelling on the road, I was left scratching my head. Call me crazy, but shouldn’t there be absolutely no trace of alcohol in a pilot’s system?

Las Vegas Air to launch in 2013

With all of the airline consolidation going on, I have been counting down the days until new entrants appear, offering new service angles. It seems like I won’t have to wait much longer. Las Vegas Air appears to be on track to launch sometime in 2013.

The airline is promising all of the Vegas thrills, including planes equipped with full reclining luxury beds in first class and a shower/changing room. Club Class will include a Circle bar, 3D surround sound, and translucent bulk heads. Every flight will also include an online and private network gaming experience.

LV Air looks to bring some much needed competition to the established carriers with its creative and innovative ideas. LV Air has been contacted by many celebrities who wish to be associated with its youthful, high tech, and luxurious brand image. Expect to see LV Air hitting the market with an intense social media campaign sometime in early 2013.

Best new airport amenities in 2012

2012 has come and gone. With it, we saw many changes in the Travel industry. Some changes were great. Some were irritating. One trend that we have been seeing is with the improvement in airport amenities. Airports throughout the country continue to make strides in adding new amenities to make the traveling experience more enjoyable.

Gone are the days where finding electrical charging stations or free Wi-Fi at airports is unheard of. An estimated 88% of airports now have electrical charging stations and 90% offer free Wi-Fi. These amenities were once unheard of, but now are staples at most airports.

In 2012, airports continued to add innovative and creative amenities to enhance the customer experience. For example, San Francisco International Airport has introduced a first-of-its-kind airport Yoga room. This space allows for travelers to have a room devoted to contemplation and self-reflection. This is just one example of how airports are trying to make your travel experience a little mellower, healthier, and more connected.

Here is a list of USA Today’s Best new airport amenities in 2012.

Let’s hope that 2013 continues to bring improvements to our airport experience.