Southwest Plans to Wrestle Mexico Market From United

CentreForAviation.com
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December 24, 2014

Route authorities in some of Southwest’s desired markets between Houston and Mexico are full, prompting Southwest to argue that designations held by United and their affiliates block competition in the market.

Southwest Airlines is once again taking aim at United in Houston, arguing that United should relinquish some of the route rights it holds to destinations in Mexico in order for Southwest to gain access to those markets.

During 2012 Southwest leveraged a campaign to launch international service from Houston Hobby, a move strongly opposed by United, which is the largest airline at Houston Intercontinental. Southwest prevailed and now aims to launch transborder flights from Hobby in late 2015.

Route authorities in some of Southwest’s desired markets between Houston and Mexico are full, prompting Southwest to argue that designations held by both United and its regional affiliates in essence blocks new low-cost competition in the market.

Ironically, ULCC Spirit worked to gain access to some of those markets prior to Southwest seeking approval for launch.

Mexico Seems Like a Logical Choice for Southwest’s Houston Service

Southwest and United in 2012 argued for and against broadening Hobby’s reach to international flights, with each airline offering studies to show the benefits and detriments of the proposed changes to Hobby’s route structure.

Southwest ultimately prevailed in gaining support from the city of Houston, and now a new international terminal at Houston Hobby is set for completion in late 2015.

During that time Southwest has assumed all of AirTran’s international service as it works to complete the merger with its one time smaller rival by 2014. Presently, Southwest offers flights to San Juan, Montego Bay, Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico City, Nassau, and Punta Cana. During 2015 it is adding new service from Baltimore to San Jose, Costa Rica and from Orange County to Puerto Vallarta.

It is not surprising that Southwest seeks to add new service from Hobby to Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos along with San Jose and Belize in 2015. Although international flights remain a small portion of Southwest’s overall operation (2 percent for Dec. 15, 2014 to Dec. 21, 2014,) Mexico is the second largest country served by Southwest based on seat deployment. The airline no doubt wants to build on existing scale in international markets.

Southwest presently serves Cancun from Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, and Denver. It operates service between Mexico City and Orange County and San Antonio, and flights from Los Cabos to Denver.

Southwest Is Shut Out Of Two Mexican Markets It Aims To Serve From Houston

Under the current Mexico-US air services agreement, two airlines from each country are designated to operate on most city pairs - Houston Intercontinental and Hobby are considered a single market. There are certain markets that allow for three airlines including Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. A new agreement is set to take effect in early 2016 that lifts the restrictions, but Southwest plans to launch service in late 2015.

Presently, one US airline designation is available from Houston to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. In the Houston-Mexico City market United holds one designation and its partner ExpressJet holds the second remaining authority. Between Houston and Los Cabos, United and its partner SkyWest each hold one route designation and Spirit holds a third. During 2014 Spirit applied for and won approval to introduce service from Houston Intercontinental to Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico City Toluca, San Jose, San Pedro Sula, and San Salvador.

It is not clear why Southwest waited until now to seek approval for its proposed service from Houston to Mexico given that it has had plans in place to operate international service from Hobby for over a year, and has had the benefit of gaining first hand knowledge of transborder flights through AirTran’s international service. But now Southwest is taking aim at United, arguing no justification exists to allow United and its partner airlines to continue to hold dual authorities that would block competition.

Will Southwest Win the Latest Battle for International Service From Houston?

Southwest’s argument for removing one of United’s designations rests on the US government granting those authorities when the applications were unopposed and "did not impede any other carriers from entering those markets," the airline stated in its route authority request.

It is hard to predict the priority US regulators will place on considering or approving Southwest’s request. As of Dec. 17, 2014 United had not submitted a response to Southwest’s rationale for obtaining route rights. But Mexico is a key market for United. Data shows that for the week of Dec. 14, 2014 that United is the largest airline operating between the US and Mexico, and Houston-Mexico City is its largest international market.

The schedule superiority that United and its partners are able to offer in Houston-Mexico City market in particular seems to be something that the airline would aim to hold onto, given that Southwest is targeting a service date just three months ahead of the new air services agreement between the United States and Mexico taking effect.

Spirit Injects Low Fare Competition Into Mexico Well Ahead of Southwest

Spirit is launching service to Mexico City’s alternative airport Toluca as well as Los Cabos from Houston Intercontinental in March 2015. Southwest is basing its argument for United relinquishing some of its service designations on the fact that its proposed flights will provide new low fare competition between the US and Mexico.

The argument is diluted a little as Spirit is injecting low fare competition into both Mexico City (through flights to Toluca) and Los Cabos roughly seven months before Southwest aims to start service, something Southwest did not acknowledge in its request to gain approval for service to Mexico City and Los Cabos.

Southwest could make an argument that it will likely offer more service than Spirit in the market, ultimately offering a larger percentage of lower fares, but Spirit’s base fares are much lower than Southwest, so the US government will need to take all those factors into consideration when examining Southwest’s request.

Southwest Touts Connections It Can Offer On Its Proposed Mexico Service

In two other markets from Houston where Southwest should seemingly get approval to start service – Cancun and Los Cabos – Spirit will already have an established presence from Intercontinental once Southwest starts service. Mexico's VivaAerobus is also launching service from Intercontinental to Cancun prior to Southwest’s debut of service to Cancun from Hobby.

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly recently explained that the airline was targeting leisure customers based in the US for its new international flights, so the airline does not likely view VivaAerobus as a threat.

Southwest is also touting its ability to connect passengers to Mexico from destinations that presently have no direct links to the cities it plans to serve – 26 from Mexico City and 22 from Los Cabos. It also estimates connections from 13 US cities in Hobby to Cancun where no direct service exists and 24 from Puerto Vallarta. Houston is also a significant O&D (Origin & Destination) market for Mexico, so the US government must also evaluate the benefit of Southwest’s proposed connections as it decides whether to strip authority from United.

Spirit Gets A Jump On Market Stimulation Even If Southwest Succeeds

Southwest makes some reasonable points in its argument to gain access to its proposed new markets from Mexico. But regulators should also question why the airline waited to apply for authorization given Southwest won the battle to launch international service from Houston Hobby more than two years ago in 2012.

Perhaps Southwest did not factor in Spirit aiming to get a jump on new international service from Houston as Spirit has been focusing on US domestic expansion for the last two to three years. Yet regulators cannot ignore the same stimulative effects Spirit will have in its new international markets from Houston Intercontinental, where it will compete directly with United, and they will certainly have to carefully scrutinize the benefits of rejigging route authorities for such a short period of time before restrictions are significantly eased.

Southwest could ultimately prevail; but Spirit will no doubt have a nice lead time in getting the jump on stimulating the Houston-Mexico market.

Original Story

The Flight Attendant’s Guide to Packing Light

cntraveler.com

Written by PrettyPrudent 

December 10, 2014

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When it comes to packing light and efficiently, flight attendants know best—here are 11 of their best tips and tricks.

We asked the world’s most experienced travelers—flight attendants—for their finest tips and tricks when it comes to packing the perfect suitcase. Nicole flies all over the U.S. (and blogs at modernhandcraft.com), Gretchen has been working international flights for 17 years, and Jenny* has been exploring the world as a flight attendant for 28 years. Learn their best-kept organization secrets to making your next trip (and bag) feel easy and breezy.

**Names changed for those wishing to remain anonymous.*

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

Besides rolling your clothes, what is your advice for maximizing your suitcase real estate?

Packing cubes are a great way to pack for each day (if you would like to be super organized). They also help keep things from getting wrinkled, which seems to always happen once you start digging through your bag no matter how great you fold/roll your items. One of the simplest but often overlooked packing tips is to put heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase, meaning the short end where the wheels are—it’s easier to roll a bag through long airport hallways when the weight is down there. Flight attendants put shoes and toiletries there, and it makes a surprising difference during in-airport transit.

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

Shoes always seem to kill my suitcase space. What’s your advice on which shoes to bring and how to pack them?

Always bring flip-flops—hands down the most useful shoes. They take up no room and are perfect for the beach, to wear with shorts or a dress, or to use as 'house shoes' in your hotel. Then also bring a nice pair of flats that looks great with pants or dresses, but are comfortable enough to wear walking around a city as well. There is always a chance to work out or take a beautiful walk in a new city, so bring a pair of sneakers. They usually can pack up tight, and a nice walk in comfortable shoes usually leads to sleeping better when your internal clock is off. Save room by wearing the bulkiest shoes you are bringing to the airport; if it is fall or winter and you want to bring boots, just plan on wearing those on the plane.

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

Let’s talk suitcases. What makes the perfect suitcase for traveling light?

I have two suitcases that I use: a regular Briggs and Riley black 21” suitcase (which is totally worth it because of their lifetime warranty), and a backpack/roller bag hybrid. I live in a snowy city and sometimes you need something you can wear on your back when dealing with train stalls and snow, or water on the ground. Flight attendants hate to see folding garment bags—they don’t fit in overhead compartments and closet space is very limited. So if you aren’t flying first class and you are carrying one of these, expect it to get checked into baggage and for your suits to be delivered wrinkled.

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

One thing that we always pack is a swimsuit, because you never know when you might need one and it takes up so little room. What do you always pack no matter where you are going?

Always bring a bathing suit, especially if you live in a cold climate—the chance to get a little color is priceless—and sunscreen, though flight attendants are not subject to the same liquid restrictions. Make sure you bring a small one in your carry-on. Also, always bring flip-flops, black yoga pants, and a large pashmina-type scarf (drape over your shoulders if it is chilly, or use it as a blanket or rolled up pillow on the plane). Pack a small outlet extender, one that makes one outlet turn into three with USB charge ports, which eliminates the need for extra plugs and chargers (and then you can just bring the USB cords and not all the cumbersome plugs).

Note: Every flight attendant we interviewed said they carry a pashmina at all times.

What is one item that most people pack unnecessarily?

Too many outfits, and shoes—you do not need that many shoes.

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

What are your best tips for packing toiletries, cosmetics, etc.?

It depends on where you are going. If you are going to a hotel that carries nice shampoo, conditioner, and soaps, then do not bring those at all, because they take up so much room. Also, most hotels have hair dryers, so never pack one of those. Then slim down your makeup bag by taking only what you know you will be using—you would be amazed at how much smaller that bag becomes. If you wear contacts, always bring another set. If you forget anything, most hotels have all basic amenities you might need, like razors, toothbrushes, etc. Most flight attendants also bring a little squirt bottle of wrinkle reducer spray and a travel-size pack of makeup wipes (makeup wipes get the job done without requiring you to carry liquid cleansers).

Everyone seems to travel with a laptop, iPad, phone, camera, headphones, etc. Any tips or tricks for packing electronics?

Think about what you will really need. If I am traveling for fun and not work, I just bring my phone, which also doubles as my reading device and my camera. Most phones take amazing pictures now, and they also double as books, etc. Also, definitely get the plug extender with USB charge port so you only need cords and aren’t lugging around extra plugs.

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

I feel like I always end up eating overpriced, unhealthy food when flying. What is your advice on packing snacks? Are they worth the real estate?

Bring a large Ziploc bag of snacks in your carry-on. Choose items that will keep well for a couple of hours—think picnic food—and make them somewhat delicious so you will actually want to eat them instead of giving in to the Auntie Anne’s pretzel smell. Cut up celery and carrots, include hummus and string cheese, and add protein in the form of salami slices or peanut butter. Bring along apples, and maybe a pasta salad tossed in olive oil and vinegar with cheese cubes, artichokes, etc.

What do flight attendants pack to make themselves feel right at home while traveling?

Perhaps flight attendants learn to not be sentimental about objects that take up space, as everyone we talked to simply said: “I have my kids’ photos on my phone."

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

Do you have any work-arounds for the “one carry-on and one personal item” rule?

Bring your roller bag, a tote, and a purse (hiding the purse in the tote). I always do this, and it’s a great way to bring everything on that you need.

Illustration by Louisa Cannell

Do you have any other great tips that we didn’t even know to ask?

If you are traveling with children, bring extra diapers and formula—most airports do not carry these items. Also, I always [make] a list before larger trips to make sure I am not forgetting any essential items. Pack a stash of large Ziploc bags, because they are so handy. For example, if you take a last-minute swim, you can plop your suit in the plastic bag and pack it away. They can also help keep all kinds of things organized so your carry-on is a little tidier.

Note: One trick many flight attendants use, though there’s no proof that it works, is to unwrap a bar of soap and stick it between the mattress and the box spring in any hotel. The thought is that the soap attracts bed bugs. We may never know its success rate, but every flight attendant we talked to said they had never seen an actual bed bug, so it’s worth a shot?

Southwest Airlines Announces Plans to Serve Fourth Destination in Mexico

marketwatch.com

Nov 10, 2014

Service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from Orange County/Santa Ana, California, Beginning June 7, 2015, Pending Government Approvals

DALLAS, Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines® LUV, -0.33%today filed its application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide daily, nonstop service between John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) and Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, beginning June 7, 2015, subject to approvals from relevant governmental agencies.

"Extending our route map to the beautiful region surrounding Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific Coast is an exciting opportunity for Southwest and our Customers across the United States," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO, at a meeting of investors and analysts at the carrier's Headquarters in Dallas. "Puerto Vallarta will be our ninth international destination, allowing Southwest to continue our purpose of connecting People to what is important in their lives while also connecting them to an amazing new destination."

In addition, Kelly announced the Company's plans to add Saturday service between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico, beginning June 13, 2015, subject to approvals from relevant governmental agencies.

The carrier also today extended its bookable flight schedule through June 5, 2015, offering Customers many new options such as new seasonal daily service between San Antonio and Cancun, and between San Diego and St. Louis. New flights operating only on Saturdays will connect Houston and Ft. Myers, Milwaukee and San Diego, and Orlando and Omaha. All flight options through June 5, 2015, are now available at Southwest.com.

What Does the TSA Do With Confiscated Items?

travelandleisure.com

By Amy Farley

Firearms and hazardous materials are turned over to local law enforcement officials. For safety reasons, liquids that can’t go through security—even in sealed containers—must be thrown out. For other items, the TSA either sends them to a contractor for disposal or donates them to a local nonprofit. Some of these charities will, in turn, resell items and use the proceeds to support their own programs. The TSA makes clear that none of this resale money goes into its own coffers.

More flights linking Mexico and U.S.

JetBlue wants to offer Mexico City-Florida flights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, November 5, 2014

More airline flights between Mexico and the United States are coming in December courtesy of Volaris, and there might be more still if JetBlue gets approval from U.S. transportation authorities.

Volaris, a low-cost Mexican carrier, will begin offering direct service between Mexico City and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 1 and between Guadalajara and Fort Lauderdale on December 4.

The Mexico City flights will operate three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Guadalajara flights will run Thursday and Sunday.

Census data shows 66% of Fort Lauderdale/Miami residents are of Hispanic or Latin American descent — more than 2.3 million people — which was one draw for Volaris.

JetBlue, a U.S.-based low-cost airline, wants to offer direct service between Mexico City and Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida. It would fly twice daily from Fort Lauderdale and once a day from Orlando, using a 150-seat Airbus A320.

If approved by the U.S. Department of Transport, service would begin around next June.

Sources: Sun-Sentinel (en), USA Today (en)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/flights-linking-mexico-u-s/#sthash.ekfSqPwt.dpuf

Top 5 Items You Should Always Have in Your Carry-On Luggage

canadatravels.com

by NJ on 10 October 2011

 

Usually we remember the necessary items we should pack in our carry-on luggage, but there is always the chance that you forgot something. Maybe you pressed snooze on your alarm and had to make a mad-dash to the airport or perhaps you were so busy packing your kids carry-on luggage full of well-thought-out-items-of-distraction that you forgot about your own.

Packing for a trip isn't as easy as it used to be and our carry-on luggage has rules and regulations tied to it now. We can all use a reminder once in awhile and maybe you might even want to print off this list and keep it on the fridge for the day before you have your departure. The worst scenario and starting the trip off to a bad start can be avoided if you keep this list in mind. While everything on the list might not apply, these are some of the most common necessities to keep you at your best before boarding, in-flight and when you arrive. Here are the top 5 items you should always have in your carry-on luggage.

1# Your ticket to the open skies.

Your passport and identification is the most important item you should have in your carry-on. It is always a 'smart traveler' that keeps their passport and proper forms of identification in a place within the carry-on that is easily accessible. How many times have you yanked your bag semi-out of the bulkhead and stand there fumbling to find it at the bottom of your bag while the person sitting below glares at you because they are afraid of you dropping it on their head. Pack smart.

#2 Anything that might make you whimper if you lose it.

If you are going to travel with your great Grandmother's antique broach, your much-valued work laptop, a large wad of cash, expensive jewelry or your son's baby book, pack it in your carry-on. Valuables should be kept close. Avoid loss at all costs.

#3 Hygiene, hygiene products, did I mention hygiene?

Apparently some folks believe that after a long haul trip across seas they still smell like a Spring shower. While it is a great to believe that, most of us can benefit from a quick re-fresh. Bring along deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, breath freshener, mint gum, an extra pair of fresh under garments, facial freshening spray if you have it, body lotion, hand lotion and anything that makes you feel 'awake' and 'rejuvenated' when you arrive in your destination.

The last thing you want to do is have a 'Love Actually' moment in the airport while your loved one attempts to hold their breath. Tip: Follow the airlines guidelines for the amount of lotions and liquids you can take in your carry-on or you will have to dispose of your bare necessities. If traveling with a baby, don't forget baby wipes and baby hygiene products.

#4 Charge it! But not to Visa.

You can save yourself a lot of money on batteries and extra film in your arrival destination and during your trip if you remember your cell phone, laptop, DVD player, battery and camera chargers. Don't forget the re-chargeable batteries and the plug adapters for that European or Caribbean voltage.

#5 RX: Don't forget your meds.

It is imperative to keep your personal medications in your carry-on. From asthma inhalers and heart medication to low dose Aspirin and antibiotic ear drops. If an emergency ever occurred you would have what you need on hand. Your flight could be delayed for hours or you could get stuck on a layover in another destination that does not even know what your medicine is. Think like a boy scout. Always be prepared.

Flight Etiquette: How Do You Measure Up?

canadatravels.com

Posted by Natasha Jervis

We all tend to think we are polite, charming and fault-free when we fly the open skies, but let’s take a look at how we really measure up to other frequent flyers with regards to flight etiquette.  It isn't just about allowing someone to cross over you to get to the aisle and passing a person’s peanuts to them anymore.

Flight etiquette professionals are considerate to their fellow blue sky travelers because they hope to receive the same respect in return.   Throughout the years flight crews have witnessed some of the silliest passenger scenarios, from armrest thieving villains to rude reclining seat avengers.  

If flight etiquette was the law then we would all be better off.  While it remains an unwritten law, there are some basic flight etiquette rules you can take into account when you are on your last minute flight to Europe or flying the red eye to New York.  Now let’s see where you measure up in the flight etiquette department.  Here are the top unwritten rules of air travel and flight etiquette when flying above and beyond.

Close Encounters of the Flying Kind

You are already in a confined space, so why make it smaller than it has to be. Try giving yourself and others as much space as utterly possible. Do you really need those two inches of seat reclining action?  If you feel it is necessary for you to recline your seat, take the time to look behind you to access the scenario. The passenger might have a seat tray filled with food, a baby in their lap or they might be super tall and twisted in a pretzel-like fashion. The best option for this situation is to ask the passenger behind you if it is ok to recline your chair.

Worst case scenario: You recline without checking and you find that you are facing a rather large 6 foot 8 angry man, hugging a crying baby and who is covered in apple sauce. Your call.

Armrest Wars

When you sit in your passenger seat after boarding the plane, do you immediately claim your armrest? Do you claim both? Yes, you are entitled to at least one armrest with your boarding pass, but if you are constantly battling it out for both armrests, consider that you might have a control issue.  All flight passengers need to practice a little ‘give and take’ in this scenario. If your neighbouring passenger possesses flight etiquette, most likely they will share the second armrest throughout the flight. It also depends on the window seat flyer and how much they battle it out for a little comfort.  Let the armrest wars begin.

*Take Note: Armrests were invented to break up each seat space, not to add ultimate comfort for passengers.

The Difference between Small Talk and a Chatty Cathy

Do you tend to tell your life story to people you have just met? Do you continue talking even though they have tried to escape your clutches by putting on head phones? If you are a natural chatterbox, take it down a notch when in-flight. Many passengers are trying to escape to exotic lands of peace and tranquility, preparing for their next meeting or attempting to find some down time before arriving in their next destination.

Pick up on the in-flight vibes that your fellow passengers give you. If they have a book, laptop, head phones or a DVD player with them, most likely they are not interested in starting up a major conversation.  Light chit chat across tray tables is polite and just the right amount during a short or long haul flight. If you both seem interested in taking the conversation further, by all means, go for it.  Just remember to read the signs of your fellow passengers before unleashing family photos that include pictures of your dog ‘Butch’ performing his famous circus tricks.

Tourists up 19% in first 8 months

A large percentage went to this beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico News Daily | Sunday, October 12, 2014

International tourism numbers are way up for the first eight months of the year, according to Bank of Mexico statistics.

The Tourism Secretariat said in a news release that international visitors totaled 19.3 million during the period, up “a significant” 19% over the previous year. Total spending came in at US $11.1 billion, which was up 18%.

Just under half those visitors — 9.3 million — arrived by air, an increase of 10% over last year.

The average expenditure by visitors during the first eight months was estimated at $861, up 10% from the $780 recorded during the same period in 2013.

Mexico is one of the top 15 tourism destinations in the world, according to the Mexico Tourism Board, and received 24.2 million visitors last year.

One airline that has seen a big increase in traffic to Mexico is Lufthansa, which is forecasting that it will finish the year with a 50% increase in passengers traveling between Germany and Mexico.

The airline said economic improvement in Mexico and the initiation of a new route from Munich are contributing to the growth.

Source: EFE (sp), Azteca Noticias (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/tourist-numbers-19-first-eight-months/#sthash.2XWSe4cF.dpuf