Business Class seat for Business Women

This is the really outdated post indeed.. it was last year T_T!! This goes to show how busy i am =P Last year itself, I traveled to Hong Kong twice! One for my leisure trip, two weeks after was my business trip.

Well, as mentioned, "Business Trip" always in "Business Class" for me =P *dont jealous* I know there are many companies really cut cost, cut budget, cut travel and cut everything that deal with monetary.


I would say I was the lucky one, traveled to Hong Kong for just only 1 night and on Business Class cabin for round-trip!

It was my first time on Business Class and feeling excited. Looking my left and right, ha! It was the CEO of Tesco sitting next beside me! Had a chat while on the way back from Hong Kong. He was a nice guy, down to earth, handsome somemore *ahem*


Ooh, back to Cathay Pacific's Business Class cabin. Although it wasn't the new aircraft of B777ER, but this is consider "okay" for me being as a first timer.

Onboard foods were nice & they served haagen dazs ice-cream !!! It-was-so-filling. Do you how much joy you have when you had the whole cup of ice-cream all by yourself with a choice of different favor?

3-4 courses meal, wine, ice-cream... you name it all... *Happy*

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Why I'm not an air-stewardess?

Many of my friends or somebody that I've just met knowing that I'm working for an airline, the first thing in their mind is this formula, "airlines = air-sterwardess". First question would be : "are you the air-stewardess?" "Do i look like a stewardess to you?", I responded naturally with smile ;)

Many years back, my mom, my aunt, basically my relatives asked me why don't I apply for air-stewardess job since I'm pretty (which I doubt I am but...this is what they said la...), i have got the height, and told me air-stewardess's salary is high, attractive perks, got the chance to travel around the world and blah blah blah. What they'd said is actually true. But I have my own perspective too.

Air-stewardess is not a glamour or sophicated job now as compare to those day, back to 80's and early 90's. What a long flying hours and stressful job. I personally call it "high-pay waiter/waitress". They don't need a degree holders to become one and to be honest, many of them are just SPM holders (form 5) only. I actually told my cousin sister (which she dreamt to become one) to further study first, at least to obtain a diploma certificate. Otherwise in future, no employer would want to hire her.

In Asia, you can't by flying for the rest of your life! None of the Asian carriers would allow you to fly until retirement age. They will ask you to go (resign or transfer for ground operation/office work) after you've reach certain age. Unlike European or American carriers, they are still serving on-board eventhough you can see their damn obvious wrinkles (now, imagine when they smile at you). *big grins* No way the airlines can ask them to leave, because they have a very strong union that protects the employee's right and ensure the airlines will be sued to death. Haha.. don't play play arh....

I'm working in an airlines industry, in town office to be specific. The reasons why I decided not to fly high because I feel that they don't need to think as much as a ground operation/sales & marketing/PR does. They just need to know how to serve coffee or tea or even milo! Brainless... and eventually all the brain cell will die (sorry for my cabin-crew friends, I don't mean you but this is the fact)

Recently, I just got to know from my friend there are secretaries (in an airlines office) know ALMOST nothing because they were cabin crew and now transferred. They don't even know how to draft and type a letter, what they do everyday is just sit there to send and receive telex messages. See, how bad it is, now you know why I always stick to ground operational job.

Joke from my friend: they are good in stirring tea, good in stirring man or even stealing man.. *LoL*

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A [H1N1]

DISCLAIMER : THIS IS MY PERSONAL BLOG AND PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW AND THOUGHTS EXPRESSED TOWARDS THE INFLUENZA A H1N1.

In view of the rising of the A H1N1 worldwide now, no doubt the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced pandemic influenza alert at phase 6 on 11Jun09, but the illness is curable. WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy.

I really have no idea why Malaysia Government is so worried & afraid of the swine flu, and came out all sort of rubbish solutions, e.g non reporting your health condition upon returning from affected countries will be fined MYR 10000 or 2 years jail or both, non essential traveling (leisure or business trip) shall be deferred, closure of schools and blah blah blah...

And this, is the funniest statement I ever see from MOH!!! :
"We have no choice but to be stricter as this is the only way to keep the disease from spreading further,” Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday. NONSENSE !!! This is rubbish !!! Closure of schools can prevent spreading it further? Let me ask you, how do you ensure those were under home quarantine are remain at home for 7-10 days? How do you ensure those who deferred their trips would not affected H1N1 in its own country? Yes, it could be minimal but the chances are there still! The large outbreaks of H1N1 has been just greatly exaggerated by the Malaysia Media.

I got this "10 rules for those who were under home quarantine" from one of the local Chinese news paper, which is way different from WHO !!!!!

住家隔離者須遵守10項最新事項 :

1）你必須在指定的隔離期間留守在屋子裡（盡可能留守在與家人分開的房間內）。

2）禁止離開家門及出席公共場合，無論是執行任務，上學，補習，宗教場所，宴會，購物等其他活動。

3）注意自我衛生：
**在咳嗽或打噴嚏時，須以紙巾或毛巾掩蓋嘴巴及鼻子，並把用過的紙巾丟入垃圾桶內。
**經常以清水及肥皂洗手，特別是在咳嗽或打噴嚏後。同時在碰觸鼻子、嘴巴及眼睛後也必須洗手。
**避免與他人共用私人衛浴物品，包括毛巾、肥皂及其他等，並分開使用廁所。
**確保家中的空氣流通。
**被口液或鼻水污染過的物體表面如地板、桌子必須以含有氯成份的清洗液清洗。

4）若出現發燒、咳嗽或感冒的症狀下仍必須與他人接觸，必須使用口罩。

5）減少與朋友或家人的接觸，並避免到公共場合。

6）在隔離期間內每天測量體溫及注意感染的症狀。

7）獨居者須尋求家人或朋友的協助以獲取日常用品。

8）記錄所有前來探訪的親戚及朋友的名字、電話號碼及地址。

9）發現身體出現感染症狀或發燒後，立即通知鄰近的縣衛生局。

10）通過衛生部的網站、電台、電視及報章跟進流感的最新進展。

資料來源：衛生部

I would definitely suggest you guys to get more accurate information from WHO website, a better understanding about the seasonal flu rather than listen to MOH! And here's the FAQ link from WHO. And I would like to emphasis once more that WHO did not against any travel restriction even to affected countries or self quarantine!!!

So why should you cancel your trip since you've paid so much??

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AirAsia is not CHEAP !!!

Ever since world economy downturn plus the impact of the Swine Flu (A H1N1) recently, every airlines is throwing their cheap fares via internet or travel agencies to the market. Of course, the most competitive airlines in Malaysia is still Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.

As you are aware these two airlines are fighting, their big big advertisement with the catchy name in the newspaper everyday ! Hey, it's not cheap to advertise on the newspaper ok! Well, they have budget! So be it!

Since AirAsia start flying to Taipei in July, I was researching how "cheap" it is as compare to Malaysia Airlines.

MAS was offering MYR 78.00 one way for KUL-TPE, plus airport taxes and fuel surcharge, the total is only MYR 608.00nett !!! This is includes your meal onboard, free check-in luggage up to 20kg and you'll get the inflight entertainment for free too !

At the same time, I clicked on AirAsia, for the same traveling date, AirAsia offered MYR 179.00 one way for KUL-TPE, plus the airport taxes and admin fees, it's MYR 507.00nett ! BUT don't forget to pay your check-in luggages up to 15kg (if you excess, you pay more), your meals onboard and your preference seating (hot seat is MYR 50 one way, and standard seat is MYR 25 one way). After add up everything, it's slightly more expensive than MAS!

So, what are you doubting for? Of course choose MAS! MAS is always better than AirAsia in term of punctuality !

AirAsia is not cheap after you've add-up 'everything'... so, start doing your research now before you book your air-ticket.

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Skytrax - World Airlines Award

Airlines of the Year:
Cathay Pacific Airways

Best Inflight Entertainment :
Emirate Airways

Best Airlines Cathering :
First Class Cabin - Singapore Airlines
Business Class Cabin - Etihad Airways
Economy Class Cabin- Asiana Airlines

World's Best Low-Cost Airlines :
AirAsia

Best First Class Airlines Lounge :
Thai Airways

Best Business Class Lounge :
Virgin Atlantic

Best First Class :
Singapore Airlines

Best Business Class :
Etihad Airways

Best Premium Economy Class :
Virgin Atlantic

Best Economy Class :
Qatar Airways

Best Cabin Staff :
Malaysia Airlines

Best Airlines Alliance :
Star Alliance

Best Airlines (by Region) :
Asia - Cathay Pacific Airways
Australasia - Qantas Airways
Africa - South African Airways
Europe - Swiss International Air Lines
Middle East - Qatar Airlines
North America - Continental Airlines
South America - Lan Airlines
Centra America - TACA

For the 3rd time in 10 years, Cathay Pacific has been named World's Best Airline, winning the 2009 Airline of the Year title in the latest World Airline Awards - Cathay Pacific being a previous winner of this prestige global title in 2003 and 2005.

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Farewell Gift

I got an aircraft model as my farewell gift, it's Boeing 747-400 with the scale of 1:100 :P

I always wanted to have a aircraft model to display at my home but it's just too costly to buy it. Well, this time I owned it as for my remembrance with the 2 years service with the company. I will miss the branding, the name, the logo, everything! I'll miss NWA.

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Funny Questions?

I came across people asked me these questions :

(1) Do I get meal onboard when my ticket is the lowest fare type in economy class?
Yes, of course you will get meal service else you'll starve to dead for almost 20hours flight journey. (we are not operating like AirAsia, you pay for your own foods and its subject to availability okay!)

(2) Do you have any cheapest fare where I have a jump seat (seat next to the pilot) ? or Do you have any fare type (the cheapest) where I get onboard, I can sit at the aisle or stand everywhere?
You wish!! No ticket No boarding. Standing inside the aircraft?? Pardon me? you think you are taking a bus back home for 30 minutes ride? You're kidding me!

(3) Do you have any slightly higher fare type where I can have a slightly bigger seat onboard?
Of Course we have. Pay more to enjoy Business Class seat then. It's very comfortable and you'll get the Business Class services!

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Customer Relation

An award should go to the Virgin Atlantic Airlines gate attendant in Sydney some months ago for being smart and funny, while making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.

A crowded Virgin Atlantic flight was cancelled after Virgin's 767s had been withdrawn from service. A single female attendant was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travellers.

Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it HAS to be FIRST CLASS".

The attendant replied, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these people first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out."

The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"

Without hesitating, the attendant smiled and grabbed her public address microphone:

"May I have your attention please, may I have your attention please," she began - her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 who does not know who he is. If anyone can help to identify him , please come to Gate 14."

With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the Virgin attendant, gritted his teeth and said, "FUCK YOU!"

Without flinching, she smiled and said - "I'm sorry, sir, but you'll have to get in line for that too."

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Are You Able to Perform In The Event of Emergency Evacuation?

The premium seating onboard--emergency exit row, becasue it's more spacious but not universally so. More space comes with more restrictions for this type of seating that should be considered before asking for a seat in the exit row.

For airlines that permit advance seat selection, securing a seat in the emergency exit row may be restricted. Many airlines do not permit booking exit row seats in advance for a number of reasons including:

(1) making sure that the passenger is appropriate for the seating
(2) because errors have occurred and passengers have had to be re-seated at the airport, causing possible inconveniences for the affected passengers (especially if they are not traveling alone).

Although not all airlines restrict the booking of exit row seating be forewarned - if you or someone you are traveling with falls under the restrictions placed on the emergency exit rows, you will be reseated. The inflight crew will not ignore safety procedures, which certainly does include whether a passenger should or shouldn't be seated in the exit row.

Below are the passengers may be barred from being seated in an emergency exit row :

(1) Children under 12 (sometimes up to 15) years old
(2) Unaccompanied minors
(3) Passengers traveling with infant.
(4) Passengers with any physical or mental limitations that may affect a passenger's ability to perform the functions required to remove the door and/or clear the path in the case of an emergency.
(5) Passengers traveling with a pet or service animal
(6) Passengers who do not feel comfortable with the idea of performing the necessary duties in the case of an emergency.
(7) Passengers who do not speak any of the languages used by the crew on board (passengers in the exit row need to be able to understand safety instructions in the case of an emergency).
(8) Passengers who have requested additional assistance from the airline, whether it be assistance to or from the aircraft, additional assistance on board, etc.

The extra legroom can almost make you forget that your elbows are snuggly planted against your rib cage, but the emergency exit row comes with restrictions. Make sure that you do not fall under those restrictions when you secure a seat in order to avoid the disappointment or frustration of being reseated.

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NWA's E-Boarding Pass

Northwest Airlines announced the expansion of its paperless boarding pass, effective October 29, 2008, to its Detroit WorldGateway hub. This comes after a successful test program in Indianapolis, Indiana. E-Boarding Passes allow customers to use their mobile phones and other handheld devices to clear security and board the airplane.

Northwest now offers E-Boarding Passes to customers traveling non-stop from Detroit to cities within the U.S when checking in at nwa.com, using a PC or a handheld mobile device. Customers traveling non-stop from Indianapolis can continue to also use E-Boarding Passes.

The E-Boarding Pass incorporates passenger travel details on an industry standard mobile barcode that is sent directly to hundreds of handheld devices and mobile phones in the form of an e-mail, WAP push/link or MMS message.

Passengers choosing E-Boarding Pass no longer require a printer or kiosk to print their boarding pass. They can receive their E-Boarding Pass on the move and precede directly to airport security checkpoints.

How to use ??
When using nwa.com check-in from your PC or mobile device, select the E-Boarding Pass option from the drop down on the "Completing your Check-in" page. Simply provide your mobile information when prompted and your E-Boarding Pass will be sent to your mobile device after you complete check-in.

To provide the best quality bar code and E-Boarding Pass, the following information will be required:
* Mobile service provider
* Mobile handset make
* Mobile handset model

At the airport:
* Have the barcode image available on the screen of your device when approaching the security checkpoint or boarding gate.
Note – if the scanner cannot read your E-Boarding Pass, a paper boarding pass will be required.
* Ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen of your device.
* Make certain the backlight is on when the barcode is being scanned.
* At the gate, hold your E-Boarding Pass on the scanner. The agent will advise when your E-Boarding Pass has been validated and you can board

Where is E-Boarding Pass offered?
E-Boarding Pass is currently offered on non-stop flights from Indianapolis, IN and Detroit, MI during check-in on nwa.com. If you are departing from IND you must be checking in as a single passenger on a Northwest operated non-stop flight within the United States. Non-stop service from Indianapolis, IN is currently available to: Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Ft. Myers, FL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Las Vegas, NV, Los Angeles, CA, Memphis, TN, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh-Durham, NC, San Antonio, TX, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, Tampa, FL, and Washington, D.C. (DCA).

What types of devices can receive an E-Boarding Pass?
E-Boarding Pass can be used on hundreds of mobile phones and PDAs, and with the following service providers: AT&T US, Alltel US, Sprint US, T-Mobile US, and Verizon US.

When will I receive my E-Boarding Pass?
Your E-Boarding Pass will be sent after you complete check-in.

I did not receive my E-Boarding Pass, can I request another one?
Yes, if you do not receive your E-Boarding Pass, you can check in at nwa.com again and request another E-Boarding Pass be sent.

What will be required at the airport when using an E-Boarding Pass?
You should have the barcode image available on the screen of your device when approaching the security checkpoint or boarding gate. Please ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen of your device and make certain the backlight is on when the barcode is being scanned. You should also have a valid government issued photo ID available for inspection at the Security Checkpoint.

What if I am checking luggage?
If you are using an E-Boarding pass and checking luggage simply use the Self-service Check-in Kiosk at the airport to check luggage. Please have your valid government issued photo ID as well as the barcode image on the screen of your device available for the ticket agent to verify before proceeding to the security checkpoint with your E-Boarding Pass. A new E-Boarding Pass will not be sent.

What if I am standing by for First Class at the gate, what happens to my E-Boarding Pass?
When you are cleared off the Passenger Processing List in First Class, your E-Boarding Pass in Coach will be exchanged for a paper boarding pass in First Class, and you will board using the paper boarding pass. If you are not cleared in First Class, you will board with your original E-Boarding Pass.

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Today is 911

Time flies, today is September 11 again...

Airlines are required by the federal government to collect the Passenger Civil Aviation Security Fee to pay for costs of civil aviation security measures implemented as a result of the 11 September, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The fee is $2.50 per segment.
The maximum fee for a one-way trip with multiple legs is $5.00.
The maximum fee for a round-trip with multiple legs is $10.00.

This fee is collected for departures from the U.S., U.S. possessions which includes Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and US Territories, which includes Guam, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands.

Changes to the travel itinerary may result in either additional fees or a refund. Passengers who believe they are entitled to a refund should contact the airline which sold the ticket. The fees are collected by the direct air carriers, who must remit the fees to the Transportation Security Administration on a monthly basis.

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Malaysia Airlines Going Boycott Again?

Recently, Malaysia Airlines Offer a new flexi employment to their staffs.. They were given 02 choices to pick until 1st October : (i) voluntary leave programme [VLP] and (ii) a part-time work programme...

For VLP, there are two options given to Malaysian-based permanent staff, except technical crew which includes pilot and cabin crew :
(i) Allowes employees to take a monthly allowance amounting to 20 percent of his or her last drawn basic salary or RM500, whichever is higher and they also enjoy existing medical and dental benefits.
(ii) Allows employee to enjoy his or her annual privilege travel, concessional travel and medical benefits. However, there is no monthly allowance. Employees can take the leave and return as a full-time employees in either 6 or 12 months.

For Part-time work programme, Malaysian-based permanent staff who are not on shift duties, to work part-time with their work schedule and basic salary to be halved. With the approval from their immediate superior, employees can opt to work alternate weeks, either morning or afternoon sessions or alternate between 2 or 3 days a week.

It was not the good idea to implement this new flexi employment though. Eversince they'd introduced, MAS staffs are getting lazier at works now because they are busy choosing the two options given to them, which is better for them. I would say most of them would take the Part-time work programme because they are just lazy overred all. If not, you may just simple dial their toll free number at anytime at 1300-88-3000, it takes years for them to answer phone. It was the same situation happened when MAS went boycott silently sometime last year.

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No Frill, Just Thrill?

I received a call from one passenger who will be flying with us to from Bangkok-Tokyo-Minneapolis-Boston... he asked and wonder if his air-ticket paid for the meal on board? I was like... eehh.. *stunned for a while and replied him*

"Well, we are full service airlines, not no frill airlines... of course there is meal serve onboard....."

"Okay" but his "okay' is not okay, he didn't get my answer... "sigh* again he asked "but i wanted to know if the airfare i'd paid, does it includes meal, do i need to pay for the meal? "YES, International flights from Bangkok-Tokyo-Minneapolis, meals will be served onboard and it's FREE"

The reason he asked because he read it somewhere saying that we don't serve meal on board!!!??? Where?? I also wanted to know if it is true for nearly 20 hours flight journey! If it's really true then i think no one would like to fly with us already, because they will surely starve to dead..... lolz

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United Airlines Charges for Alcoholic Beverages

United Airlines will begin charging for alcoholic beverages service in Economy class on Asia-Pacific flights effective 01 August 2008.

On-board passenger will be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails for US $6.00, which is now consistent with all U.S. domestic flights and to Europe, South and Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Apart from US dollar, they are also accepting Hong Kong dollar & Japanese yen.

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US Domestic Baggage Allowances

NWA is also matching several competitors including American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, with plans to charge $15 for the customer’s first checked bag for domestic travel. The new policy applies to tickets sold on or after July 10, for travel starting August 28, throughout the United States as well as travel between the U.S. and Canada.

NWA also charges $25 for the second checked bag and $100 for each additional bag for travel within North America. Please be advised that this new policy does not include luggage checked for international travel. It also does not include travel within North America when originating internationally except for international travelers that have flights that include a stopover in North America that is 8 hours or more and/or have a separate domestic ticket.

The new policy does not apply to WorldPerks® Platinum, Gold and Silver Elite members or SkyTeam elite customers. Full fare customers booked in Y or B class and customers traveling on military/government fares can still check up to two bags free of charge. Customers booked in First class can continue to check up to three bags free of charge.

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Discount??

A man came in to my office wanted to purchase a air-ticket to Seattle... And we quoted him the CHEAPEST air-fare (as in NON-REFUNDABLE) for him...

After all calculation, airfare and taxes... total MYR 5173... you must be wondering why the fare is so expensive right?? Have no choice la, now the crude oil is approx. USD 140 already and jet fuel have to do some refining work as jet fuel is using kerosene. Obviously the jet fuel is higher than crude oil la... and we charged you USD 190 is very reasonable....

Hello consumer, be understanding okay.. airlines need to survive also. Don't be so cheapskate okay and keep bargain on the price quoted. Hello, this is not the pasar malam la.... if the airfare is expensive for you then don't travel la!!!!!

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Fuel Surcharge (Part Two)

Northwest Airlines had increased fuel surcharge from USD165 to USD190 per direction for its transpacific routes effective on 01 July 2008.

I don't even want to look at the airfare/fuel now.. it's killing the consumer now! The cheapest airfare during low season can easily cost you 5k...

Moreover, Northwest Airlines goes for zero commission now. Travel Agencies have to implement the service fees whoever purchase the ticket from them to cover its lost of the commission given by the airlines...

The increasing of fuel nowaday is killing most of the airlines in the world. Airlines are now cutting down its routes and etc.. not sure if airlines can survive long... the impacts are really bad right now.. The whole industry is now very quiet.. it's dying...

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Fuel Surcharge (Part One)

Today, MAS raised its fuel surcharge again !!!! Fuel surcharge is really killing the consumer and it can simply up to a thousand plus if you travel long-haul.

Check out the price below (including the FUEL AND INSURANCE, aka YQ Tax) :-

(1) MYR 207 per way
From KUL to BRUNEI / CAMBODIA / MYANMAR / PHILIPPINES / VIETNAM / INDONESIA / SINGAPORE

(2) MYR 298 per way
From KUL to CHINA

(3) MYR 109 per way
From KUL to HONG KONG

(4) MYR 366 per way
From KUL to JAPAN

(5) MYR 261 per way
From KUL to KOREA

(6) MYR 186 per way
From KUL to TAIWAN

(7) MYR 305 per way
From KUL to PAKISTAN

(8) MYR 423 per way
From KUL to INDIA / BANGLADESH / SRI LANKA / MALDIVES

(9) MYR 964 per way
From KUL to ARGENTINA

(10) MYR 524 per way
From KUL to EGYPT / UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / SAUDI ARABIA / BAHRAIN / KUWAIT / OMAN / SOUTH AFRICA / TURKEY / LEBANON

(11) MYR 761 per way
From KUL to NETHERLAND / DENMARK / FRANCE / ITALY / SWITZERLAND / SWEDEN

(12) MYR 660 per way
From KUL to AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND

(13) MYR 129 per way
From KUL to MACAU

(14) MYR 930 per way
From KUL to UNITED STATES

(15) MYR 292 per way
From KUL to THAILAND

(16) MYR 788 per way
From KUL to GREAT BRITAIN

(17) MYR 128 per way
From KUL to SARAWAK / SABAH

(18) MYR 77 per way
Within PENINSULAR / SABAH / SARAWAK or Between SABAH and SARAWAK

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The Impacts of High Fuel Cost For Airlines Industry

Due to high fuel cost (approximately crude oil USD140 per barrel), every airlines are cutting cost by grounding planes, retrenchment and etc.

United Airlines will reduce its fleet by 100 planes by 2009 and will cut 1,400 to 1,600 jobs to stave off losses related to fuel costs. The job cuts include 500 previously announced reductions, which will happen by year's end. The reductions will include salaried employees, managers and contractors, according to the airline.

Northwest Airlines announced additional moves to shrink the airline to cope with record jet fuel prices. The moves will result in even fewer flights and higher airfares, starting in this year's fourth quarter. The restructuring will also lead to an unspecified number of job cuts, though the airline plans to first offer voluntary programs such as early-outs before any layoffs.

Malaysia Airlines would reduce flight frequencies and impose a hiring freeze as it resorts to a new round of cost-cuts and a fuel surcharge hike to battle soaring energy prices. Initially, MAS grounded 6 flights to Australia and raise fuel 100% of its airfare few weeks ago.

Continental Airlines also will cut 3,000 jobs and retire 67 Boeing aircraft from its fleet, becoming the latest airline to announce capacity reductions in the face of high prices for jet fuel.

Thai Airways will suspend the daily direct Bangkok-New York flight from July 1, citing the continual surge in oil prices. Thai Airways will also reduce the frequency of its direct Bangkok-Los Angeles flights from one daily flight to five flights per week, using 215-seat Airbus 340-500 aircraft until September. From October, the airline will operate five Bangkok-Los Angeles flights per week via Osaka, using 292-seat Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.

Korean Airlines also plans to adjust routes based on demand and earnings and may hedge its fuel costs. Korean Air will cut flights on 12 routes, suspend five routes and change planes on four routes.

To be continued...

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Boarding Passes Go Mobile?

Over 85% of Northwest Airlines passengers use self-service options such as internet check-in or check-in kiosks, but boarding pass options will soon be even more high tech.

Continental Airlines is currently testing electronic boarding passes using hand-held mobile devices, such as Blackberries, and phones as displays. The imgae on the screen is then scanned by security personnel and gate agents.

Right now, the service is only available in U.S on non-stop domestic flights from Continental's hub in Houston.

The bar code used in Continental's electronic boarding passes is two dimensional and looks very different than the series of the vertical lines most people think of as a bar code. The two dimensional code is much harder to duplicate, which will cut down on the ticket fraud. The IATA expects that its 240 members airlines will be using two-dimensional bar codes exclusively by the end of 2010.

Many foreign carriers already use electronic boarding passes. Air Canada has been using them since September of last year for flights to doemstic and international destinations, except to the U.S.

NWA is planning to run an E-boarding pass test for customers flying out of Indianapolis on non-stop flights, but is currently waiting for final legal and Tranportation Security Administration (TSA) approval to proceed with the test.

The TSA has been working with Continental, and other carriers are said to be eager to start experimenting with the program as soon as TSA gives their approval. Continental is hoping to expand the program to other locations this spring.

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