Virgin America pulled out its biggest gun in Dallas (Richard Branson)…and won! (Photo: Virgin America)
LOVE. After an unexpectedly contentious battle, Dallas city managers gave Virgin America the go ahead to operate flights from two gates at close-in and convenient Love Field. This is good news for business travelers for two reasons. 1) It will provide a new, convenent alternative to DFW for those with business in downtown Dallas. 2) It could eventually mean more options for one stop flights (via Dallas) to East Coast cities– and more east coast cities could land new Virgin flights. Service begins in October. [more…]
CAR WASH. Last week, an unusual new car wash service debuted at San Francisco International. Here’s how it works. You park your car in any on-airport lot, noting the location. Lock up and keep your keys. Then you log on to BuyMyWash.com and enter the make/license and location of your car, and the type of wash you want. (Rates for a car range from $19.95-$29.95) Then the mobile car washing service comes by and washes your parked car, using “only about a half-gallon of water for each wash, with virtually no runoff or overspray” according to SFO. The service is also available at Houston Intercontinental and Hobby airports.
TOKYO. Today, United Airlines announced that it will crank up new nonstops from SFO to Tokyo Haneda airport starting Oct 23. Haneda airport is a much better option for travelers with business in central Tokyo because it’s only about 30 minutes south of central city whereas Narita is more than an hour to the east. United will split its current twice a day service to Tokyo, with one flight a day to Narita and the other to Haneda. Star Alliance partner ANA has a huge hub at Haneda for connections to other Asian cities. Currently Japan Airlines offers nonstops from SFO to Haneda. Delta’s daily nonstop to Narita ended earlier this year.
MORE UBER. The amazing phenomenon that is Uber has come out with yet another flavor this week in San Francisco: UberXL, a more affordable option for SUV trips. Instead of those gargantuan Yukons or Suburbans that you probably feel guilty gallivanting about town in, UberXL uses smaller Pathfinders, Highlanders or Explorers that can hold up to six passengers. Rates are 50% less than standard SUV rates. No word yet on the service in other cities served by Uber. Speaking of Uber, London black taxicab drivers plan to stage a slow down next month to protest the rapid increase in Uber use. Get $10 off your first Uber ride by using this link.
–Chris McGinnis
