Southwest United States

 

Houston-based Continental just completed installing Audio/Video on Demand in the BusinessFirst cabins of its transatlantic 757s. The carrier is proceeding to put the system in both the front and back of its 777 fleet. It’s tough to get bored here, with 250 movies, 300 short-subject programs and 150 CDs to choose from. Want to be productive? CO’s interactive AVOD sports a Berlitz World Traveler foreign language program.

 

South United States

 

As of this writing, Delta still wasn’t budging (at least not management) in rejecting US Airways’ takeover bid. To ratchet up pressure, US increased the offer to $10.2 billion, and appealed directly to DL’s creditors. Delta remains in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. It probably won’t be there for long, however. When it does come out, it wants to emerge as a stand-alone carrier. US Airways says creditors will get a better deal if it merges.

 

Northeast United States

 

A mainstay of Continental Airlines’ international expansion from Newark is the narrowbody 757. Formerly a domestic hauler, it’s been pressed into service on so-called “long, thin” transatlantic routes. While these venerable seven-fives come with BusinessFirst seating, it’s good to know the airline is upgrading in-flight entertainment on these craft—at least up front. To that end, CO’s transatlantic 757s now offer Audio/Video on Demand. Lots of films, short subjects, CDs—even interactive language instruction.

 

Midwest United States

 

Munch no more? OK, so we’ve learned to live without in-flight meals. But snacks? Chicago-based United is saving itself some $650,000 per year by axing snacks on flights in the back of the bus—at least on flights of less than two hours. American Airlines did away with Economy Class munchies on sojourns of less than 90 minutes back in 2005. All this adds up to less aloft—and more opportunities for airport food vendors.

 

Worldwide

 

ANA just revamped its North American Web site. The bottom line is that it’s easier to purchase online, and keep track of your ANA Mileage Club points. Flyers can now search seat availability and fares from the top of the page. The whole process has been rendered more flyer-friendly. Seat availability is now sorted by fare type. Once logged in, ANA Mileage Club members can check the availability of upgradeable fare types, and then reserve that upgrade all with one click. Beats scurrying about.