The TSA claimed that since security measures were getting so stellar in the commercial sector (yes, they actually stated this as a fact), they made private planes and smaller airports more vulnerable to an attack. Terrorists would, apparently, be so terrified of hijacking a commercial plane that they would have no choice but to commandeer a personal plane instead.

As usual, a very logical point from the TSA.

The plan called for every general aviation flight–personal plane used for business or pleasure–to be checked against all terrorist watch lists. Expensive new security programs would be required for at least 300 small airports across the nation.

It turns out that the Administration quickly realized the redundancy of their plan, and the idea for the new increased security measures–a costly and controversial mandate–has now been scrapped.

The decision has been attributed to a strong outcry from the general aviation industry as a whole. Pilots complained that the measures were unnecessary given the small risk of a terrorist attack, as well as the lack of trust in their decisions to carry safe people on their planes.

Of course, the TSA still maintains that a risk is very real and dangerous, and general aviation manager Brian Delauter says that a collaboration between the industry and the TSA in negotiating new measures will be necessary.

]]> http://www.maersk-air.com/private-charter/new-rules-for-private-planes-are-a-no-go/feed/ 0 http://www.maersk-air.com/private-charter/environmentalists-call-for-greener-skies/ http://www.maersk-air.com/private-charter/environmentalists-call-for-greener-skies/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:28:29 +0000 admin http://www.maersk-air.com/?p=105 To some people, the idea of recycling at 32,000 feet might sound ridiculous. It’s a flight, after all–it’s on a tight schedule with plenty of stress and variables. Between passenger issues, delays, weather fluctuation and other toss-ups, who has time to sort plastic from paper?

But the reality is that air travel generates a considerable amount of waste. If the aluminum cans that are pitched from flights every year were recycled alone (4,250 tons of them, to be precise), there would be enough to construct 58 brand new 747s–which, you might think, would provide some incentive to recycle for the airlines. Raw materials don’t come much cheaper than that!

Paper is also a huge waste in the air travel business. Every year, 72,250 tons of paper are wasted on flights–which is enough to fill up a football-field sized hole 230 feet deep.

The good news is that some airlines are opting to get a bit greener. Delta Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines have all made some strides in recycling their waste. Southwest in particular hopes to make enough money through its recycling efforts to pay for its entire waste management process.

However, most airlines haven’t really jumped aboard the green wagon as of yet. Though the reasons why vary, experts cite little to no government regulations or incentives as the main culprit.

That said, the fact that airports that do recycle save about $100,000 annually should nudge them in the eco-friendly direction.

So what do you do if your attendant cannot recycle your stuff for you? If you truly care about it, you can keep it in your carry-on (which is likely already jam packed!) and recycle it after you get off the plane. Just be sure to write the airline once you get home and let them know that it’s very important to you.

The fee, which will be under “miscellaneous fees” (isn’t that cute?), will be applied during Thanksgiving and New Year’s travel with certain airlines.

While the additional surcharge is only ten bucks, you have to hand it to these airlines: rather than drawing in more flies with honey, they made the bug spray just a wee big stronger.

If you’re making plans to travel on November 29, January 2, or January 3, you can expect the charge if you’re using Delta Air Lines, Northwest, US Airways Group Inc, United, or American Airlines.

And in American’s case, the charge applies both ways, ensuring that if you’re broke and you must travel, you won’t even be able to grab a Cinnabon or a coke during your layover.

Whether it’s traditional or not, during times of economical hardship it seems like a slap in the face to the American people to ask for the ten bucks you’re already asking to now be spent on a terrible  in-flight meal.

If airlines continue to hike up costs–especially for silly reasons like “busy days”–to cover for lack of passengers, they’re likely only going to be met with a greater lack of passengers.

Experts say that travelers should book while the booking is good. “You’re going to have less availability to choose from. Any of these lower fares or special fares that you see offered are capacity controlled,” warns Janet Stevens of AAA Travel Services.It all comes down to the numbers: there are simply fewer passengers flying these days. In fact, this year’s fourth quarter low is expected to be nearly as low as the record set following the September 11 attack in 2001.

Fewer passengers translates to fewer flights offered. And when the holidays sneak up on travelers as they always seem to do, without as many flights available, there won’t be as many choices left.

So how early do we need to buy? Experts say that anytime between now and the end of October is ideal. “Bottom line is that holiday air travel procrastinators do so at their own peril this year and practical travelers should be shopping now,” says Farecompare.com’s Rick Seaney.

According to Stevens, Thanksgiving morning departures can often help people save money, as well as flying outside normal peak periods. This entails flying a few days earlier–such the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving rather than the day before.

Fewer passengers flying does have its advantages. Processing times should be shorter, and lines should be as well. Flights may not be as crowded, and may be more likely to arrive on time.

British company Design Q is working on a concept for staggered, sideways seating in order to help airlines cut costs–and max out on passenger capacity.

Images of the revolutionary idea can be seen here. Each row is made up of inward-facing seats on both sides of the plane. There is also another row, composed of back-to-back seats, down the center of the plane.

And some airlines are already considering the concept. Irish airline Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, says he’s willing to consider new seating arrangements on his company’s planes. He’s also in favor of a vertical, or standing, design during short flights.

While some travelers like to have a conversation with their seat mates, many prefer to remain quiet during their journey. Would such face-to-face seating force people to start talking to one another? And would that be such a bad thing?

As far as short flights go, would standing not increase the uncomfortable feeling of flying that many people have–thereby reducing the airline’s customer inflow? After all, trekking across an airport–particularly while toting around several pounds of luggage–can be a tiring ordeal. Add that to annoyances with security, flight delays and other inconveniences, and most people would probably rather sit as they fly rather than stand.

Another thing to consider are the flight crew. Will it be possible for them to move down such aisles? How will larger passengers be able to fly without the possibility of paying for two seats? And would a larger capacity mean a larger risk during a fire, turbulence or other emergencies?

Would you fly in this fashion?

Your first chartered flight service is bound to be a revelation in the way you look at air travel. Many perks abound in using a privatized aircraft.

First off, say goodbye to arriving at the airport hours before your flight time. Private flights require passengers to arrive just before the flight – 15 minutes is sufficient time to run-though all necessary procedures.

Next, be ready for the flight to revolve around you. Schedules are not timetabled out like commercial airlines. Rather, if you need an overnight flight to Thailand, your private flight will find a way to suit your schedule.

Your terminal will be a new experience as well, as often private jet terminals are not in the main airport building. These terminals sometimes boast a comfortable lounge area, refreshments, and an escorted walk to the aircraft, courtesy of your pilot.

Security procedures differ in one major aspect: time. Your security line is shared with others on the private flight, so your wait may consist of having one or two people in front of you in line. Passport details are cleared with boarder authorities days prior to the flight, eliminating passport hassles at the airport.

Like the flight schedule, on-flight cuisine can be specified to your tastes. Catered food can range from any type of food you so desire. Just be sure to specify before your flight.

The world of luxury awaits! Book your private flight today.

Understandably, the world of private chartered flights has taken a downturn in the public eye. But still, there is an argument in defense of the economical aspects of private flights. CNN reported in April 2009 the many advantages for business to opt for private flights versus commercial airlines.

Founder of private jet company Jetpool Ryan Stone says, “A private jet can be a way to tighten the belt, if it is done properly. You have to do the analysis. In many cases, the results would surprise people.”

Maersk Air is committed to assisting all customers with finding the most convenient, comfortable, and affordable jet charter services available.