Virgin Atlantic announced that customers would be able to make cellphone calls and send text messages while traveling across the Atlantic. The airline announced the immediate availability of the service on select aircraft, with the feature expanding to 20 aircraft by the end of 2012. Mobile access will be provided by AeroMobile, and only customers of European carriers Vodafone and O2 or the US carrier T-Mobile will be able to make calls.

Cell phones will still have to be turned off at take-off and landing calls will not be free and passengers will be charged what they usually pay for international roaming calls. Only six people will be able to talk on the phone at the same time due to limited bandwidth available on the system, said Virgin Atlantic’s spokesperson. In the United States the FCC bans the use of mobile phones on aeroplanes, so passengers will not be allowed to make calls while in the US airspace.

While Virgin Atlantic may indeed be the first airline to offer this service, passengers have already demonstrated that it is possible to make in-flight calls from their cellphones without special technology. Last week, the CEO of a company that developed an app that uses VoIP was escorted off a Delta flight for making a call in-flight.And while most passengers haven’t gone so far as to actually attempting a call, many are guilty of leaving their phones on during flight, whether intentionally or not. Virgin Atlantic says there new call feature is targeted at business travelers, and is intended for use in exceptional situations. These exceptional situations appear to come down to a passenger’s willingness to pay a premium for a quick call or text message. Customers can expect to pay premium international rates for keeping in touch while in the air.

While countries around the world celebrate their own Mother’s Day at different times throughout the year, several countries, including the United States, Italy, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Turkey celebrate it on the second Sunday of May.

In the United States, the origins of the official holiday go back to 1870, when Julia Ward Howe—an abolitionist best remembered as the poet who wrote Battle Hymn of the Republic—worked to establish a Mother’s Peace Day. Howe dedicated the celebration to the eradication of war, and organized festivities in Boston for years. Back In 1907, Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia, began the campaign to have Mother’s Day officially recognized, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson did this, proclaiming it a national holiday and a public expression of our love and reverence for all mothers.

Today’s commercialized celebration of candy, flowers, gift certificates, and lavish meals at restaurants bears little resemblance to Howe’s original idea. There is nothing wrong with that. But here, for the record’s sake, is the proclamation she wrote in 1870, which explains, in her own impassioned words, the goals of the original holiday. All women who have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of tears! Say firmly: We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says, Disarm, disarm! The sword is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor nor violence indicate possession.

As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each learning after his own time, the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.So this year show mom how much you care shower her with love and make mothers day all year long.

US Airways got a deal on Friday with three unions representing nearly 55,000 American Airlines employees, giving them collective bargaining rights if US Airways were to buy the bankrupt American airlines.The Allied Pilots Association, The Association of Professional Flight Attendants and the Transport Workers Union pledged their support for a potential US Airways-American Airlines merger.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, US Airways CEO Doug Parker said the news doesn’t mean the two airlines have agreed to merge, but instead represents an important first step along that path. The unions involvement puts pressure on American to start merger talks.
It only means they have reached agreements with these three unions on what their collective bargaining agreements would look like after a merger, and that they would like to work to make a merger a reality.

To actually move forward with a merger, US Airways would have to get the support of AMR’s creditors, its management team and board of directors. The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of November and has been shedding jobs in an effort to cut costs as it undergoes a court-supervised turnaround. After studying American Airlines current state and their future plans, they have concluded that a merger with American, while they are undergoing their bankruptcy restructuring, represents a unique opportunity that should not be ignored. The labor unions also recognize the potential of a merger to improve the current and future careers of both airline’s employees. US Airways has long expressed its interest in acquiring American It says the merger would create a wonderful airline with capital and great customer service required to compete more effectively and profitably.

In 2011 Airlines attempted to raise fares 22 times, but only nine were successful. Several fare hikes were rolled back after other airlines failed to match price increases. U.S. airlines have hiked ticket prices for the first time this year. Reports show Delta Air Lines Inc. is raising prices by up to $20 per round trip for most of its U.S. network, according to an analyst and a website that track airfares. Price-watching websites report that fare increase affects only tickets bought within seven days of travel, a type of more costly ticket usually favored by business travelers.

Airline Carriers claim that the price increase is to make up for the fuel increase. However, U.S. carriers have also increased ticket prices when the European Union created a law requiring all airlines to pay a fee for carbon dioxide emissions. These fees seem to be trickling down to the average consumer in hopes of saving revenue.Airlines have boosted fares and are looking for new revenue sources as higher oil prices raise costs and threaten profitability. Fare increases don’t always stick. Airlines usually roll them back if competitors don’t match the higher prices, fearing that they’ll lose ticket sales.

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The Ultimate Hotel Guide To New York City

New York City is the city that never sleeps, es verdad? Well, it’s certainly no wonder with so many places and stuff that would please all the senses. There’s the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Madison Square Garden and God knows what else. But the question is…where do you stay in New York City?

Admittedly, the cost of living, especially rent expenses, is still rocketing sky high in New York City. If you know where to look, a lot of restaurants offer affordable yet tasty dishes so food’s no problem. When it comes to shopping, don’t think that New York City is just all about Macy’s. Of course not! There are a lot of bazaars that are ongoing throughout New York City and all you need is an efficient guide to help you out. For tourist spots, you shouldn’t believe either that everything in New York City comes with a ticket price. Nuh-uh! In fact, just walking in downtown New York is already a sight to behold.

So the only problem is, yes, where to stay?

Before I launch on a list of New York City hotels that could interest you, first, I have to warn you that what’s termed as “affordable” in New York City may not be “affordable” in your vocabulary. So if you’re cash strapped, better check first if you’ve got some friends living in New York City who’d lend you a room for a week or two as you go sight-seeing.

New York is a city of high rise towers and a number of those are hotels that you can take your pick of. These buildings range from the five star hotels to the funky ones to hotels with “affordable” packages.

Four Season Hotel : if you’ve got kids, then you should consider staying in this kid-friendly hotel because guests under 18 can stay for free. The tallest hotel in New York City, it also provides its family guests with coloring books, a video lending library and welcome gifts for kids.

Soho Grand Hotel : if you’re the type of traveler who can’t bear to leave your behind, have no fear because there are several hotels in New York that can accommodate furry guests, just like the Soho Grand Hotel. Upon checkout, you’ll even be given a goldfish to remember your New York holiday.

Affinia 50 Suites : this particular hotel has no difficulties in landing a Top 10 spot in any survey when it comes to being the best hotel in New York City. Previously known as the Plaza 50 Suites, this is a no-fuss-comfort-zone for travelers who want basic accommodations that would also be easy on the pockets. Large suites equipped with kitchenettes are also available if you so prefer.
Hilton Time Square : Never mind Paris Hilton and her notorious antics. At least her family still hasn’t stopped in being one of the best when you’re talking about hotel services. The Hilton Time Square is one of the poshest hotels in New York City, with a twenty-five-seater theater and even its own wax museum! And just because it’s posh, don’t assume that the staff would turn its nose up on noisy, bratty kids or dirty, scrambling house pets. Nuh-uh! The Hilton Time Square aims to please all forms of guests, human and non human, adult and kids.

So now, all you need to do is choose which hotel you’re going to stay, pay the bill, enjoy the scenery and of course, tour New York City!

American made the price change Wednesday as they raised round-trip fares to Canada and Hawaii by $20. It’s unclear whether other major airlines will follow American’s lead going into the weekend. Carriers have been boosting fares in lockstep this year to try to keep pace with the rising cost of jet fuel. Occasionally, a price increase has been abandoned when other carriers haven’t matched.

In Las Vegas, gambling may expand beyond casinos to sky travel. Allegiant Air — a Nevada-based carrier — expressed interest in launching “variable tickets,” or airfare costs that rise or fall according to jet fuel prices. United, Delta and American airlines are raising fuel surcharges on overseas flights to levels not seen since 2008 and are laying plans to ground fuel-guzzling aircraft and prune seat capacity, with the deepest cuts coming after the peak summer travel season.

Carriers realize they can’t hike fees and fares indefinitely without alienating consumers. So they’re looking at ways to curb fuel costs and trim unprofitable flights as oil hits the stratosphere. As in 2008, Chicago-based United is charting the deepest cuts among its peers. While United intends to hold capacity flat for 2011, the world’s largest carrier is planning to reduce its domestic flying by 5 percent during the fourth quarter, United told employees this week. Regional subcontractors will bear half of those cuts.

If rising oil prices sends the U.S. economy into a tailspin, other carriers will ratchet down domestic capacity to keep prices high and avoid flying half-empty jets, analysts predict. So far, Delta and American have trimmed growth plans for the year but haven’t announced plans to cut capacity below 2010 levels.

For now, carriers have plenty of pricing power. While airlines have raised domestic airfares by about 25 percent from prior-year levels, travel analyst expects planes to remain full and prices to stay high for the next few months, regardless of what happens in the Middle East.

Boeing announced this week that they have sealed deals from two Chinese carriers, Air China and Hainan Airlines, for a total of 43 aircraft worth USD$10 billion dollars. Air China, the country’s flagship carrier, said it plans to buy five Boeing 747-8 aircraft  to expand its fleet, a move which will be a boost for the slow-selling jumbo jet. The 747-8 was the last of a very long line of very successful 747s it’s is perfect for long haul flights because it can carry alot of fuel,weight, and passengers every airlines dream.

Three customers have ordered this type aircraft that computes with the Airbus A380. Lufthansa ordered 20 a few years ago, while Korean Air ordered five last year and now Air China plans to purchase five.In a separate deal Hainan Airlines, signed a contract with Boeing to purchase a total of 38 aircrafts six 777’s and 32 787’s worth USD$8.5 billion dollars which is a good boeing profits.

The price of oil has jumped to around $100 a barrel in recent months due to factors including the economic recovery domestically and political turmoil in Libya and the Middle East. Already this year, carriers have tried to counter those higher expenses with six broad-based domestic airfare hike attempts. Many of the major airlines have increased ticket costs for passengers by as much as 30 percent since the start of the year.

The soaring price of oil is burning through the industry’s profit margins. American Airlines, United Continental, Delta are among the carriers considering various new fees. They include charging for allowing customers to customize their travel. In the future, you may be able to get fancy food and Champagne in economy class  if you pay extra. Charging for security lines and travel concierge services are also being considered.

Sky-high fuel costs are behind the latest round of added fees.  The cost of fuel used by airlines soared by nearly 20 percent in January, according to federal data compiled by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The cost per gallon for U.S. airlines’ scheduled services was $2.62 in January 2011, up 19.6 percent from $2.19 in the same month a year ago. Fuel expenses also rose more than 14 percent compared to December 2010.

After canceling orders with Boeing, now it’s Airbuses turn  Middle Eastern lessor Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has cancelled another 30 aircraft from the European consortium’s order book, including 12 A-350s. The decision has wiped out Airbus’ sales for the first two months of the year, leaving it with a negative net order count for the end of February 2011. Last year it slashed seven A350s and 18 A320s from its books. DAE also dropped several orders it had placed with Boeing.

Airbus’ latest monthly order data, covering the period to the end of February 2011, reveals that DAE has axed another 30 jets. It has cut a dozen A350-900s, reducing its order to just 11, as well as 18 A320s, leaving it with 34 on Airbus’ books after originally ordering 70 A320s and 30 A350s that is a big decline. Airbus secured orders for eight aircraft in February - four A380s for Skymark Airlines and three A330s for AirAsia X, plus a single private A319 - taking its gross figure to 40 for the year so far. But the DAE cancellation, on top of the removal in January of Flyington Freighters’ order for the A330-200F, leaves Airbus with a net deficit of three airframes for 2011 hopefully they can secure more orders to make up for the one they lost. Airbus delivered 73 aircraft in the first two months of the year, including two A380s, 15 A330s and 56 A320-family jet.

UPS Airlines is an American cargo airline owned by United Parcel Service Inc. With it’s catchy slogan what can brown do for you  is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky Its home airport is located at Louisville International Airport. UPS flies to more than 200 countries and territories around the world, serving 388 U.S. airports with 936 flight segments, and 378 international airports with 755 flight segments daily. Most UPS Airlines flights go through the UPS Worldport at Louisville International Airport.

Founded in 1907 as a messenger company in the United States, UPS has grown into a multi-billion-dollar corporation by clearly focusing on the goal of enabling commerce around the globe. Today, UPS is a global company with one of the most recognized and admired brands in the world. They have become the world’s largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services. UPS Airlines integrates small packages and heavy freight in its daily network of more than 500 aircraft and nearly 1,700 flight legs that reach more than 700 destinations in over 215 countries and territories worldwide. With more than 408,000 employee’s worldwide and nine Subsidiaries it is a company that has never shied away from reinventing itself as a leader in the delivery business. As of November 2010, UPS Airlines has an active fleet of 214 aircraft with the being an average age of 13.2 years and another 21 aircraft on order to come online in 2011 with an additional 296 aircrafts that they charter.With cargo giant FedEx making headwind catching up with UPS and being competitive in pricing one has to wonder can a one hundred year old company reinvent itself once again to remain on top?