Triangle Trip

The Triangle Trip Team would like to congratulate The Coach for making SPG Lifetime Platinum, and Terminal D and Captain G for making SPG Lifetime Gold.

Here’s a link for more more information about SPG Lifetime Gold and Platinum statuses.

United is merging with Continental to form the largest airline in the world (see news). United will carry the name, and probably its poor customer service, to the newly merged airline. I’m not sure how combining two non-profitable airlines will make the company profitable; the merger will create more United 1K and Global Service members. The merger will further dilute and devalue airline miles and making redemption of airline miles harder. This is why hotel points are much more valuable than airline miles.

Furthermore, I wouldn’t be shocked if United will follow Spirit Airlines’ lead and begin charging for carry on baggage for non-Premier members. You heard the prediction here first! Vacationers and casual flyers are going to get squeezed either way, whether they pay for carry on or get the Premier Baggage membership for $250.00.

The good news here is it will take these two inefficient airlines another 18 months to 2 years to merge their internal systems. It is definitely time to burn your airline miles and consider switching to the SkyTeam or OneWorld alliances, or JetBlue or Southwest if they’re available in your market.

The Triangle Trip Gang would like to wish their readers and fans a very Prosperous Lunar New Year; Happy Valentines Day; and Great President’s Day!

For those visiting Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics, you may want to check out our previous post on where the locals eat. We have Vancouver restaurant recommendations for the following cuisines:  Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French and other great seafood restaurants. Vancouver is one of the best places to visit to eat!