Mike behind the curtain

Ha! It's really a rhetorical question as we know you are busy listening to the Uprgd Podcast and The Crew Lounge. (And I promise more Upgrd Podcasts are coming late next week). But in the meantime our friends at Marketplace, from American Public Media, want to know what else you listen to. A brief description:

Here at Marketplace we're starting a new series looking at what business travelers are listening to when they're out on the road. Maybe there's a song that keeps you going when you're stuck in the airport, or a song that keeps you sane in that generic hotel. When you're away from home, pounding the pavement for work, what song is playing in your ear phones?

If you're interested in giving them your song click here to share the soundtrack to your business trip.

It has been widely speculated that United Airlines and Continental Airlines are in merger talks. Many of us on the Upgrd Podcast have speculated for years that the merger is inevitable, although some recent news would leave you to believe that the airline merger could be placed on hold.

Although no official announcement has even been made about merger talks, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that Houston officials are interested in offering incentives to keep the newly merged carrier ...

US Airways has a new press release stating that their talks with United Airlines are off the table. CEO Doug Parker issued a statement:

"We have recently held discussions with United Airlines regarding a possible combination between our two airlines. After an extensive review and careful consideration, our Board of Directors has decided to discontinue those discussions"

Well there is a shocker - US doesn't want UA. Hmmm...I wonder if its the other way around? Does United Airlines lose some of its leverage with Continental Airlines now? Will Glenn's golden merger parachute collapse?

 

 

It's being reported today that Google is in talks to buy ITA Software, the engine that powers many travel sites and so many of our mileage runs.

Google Inc. is in talks to acquire ITA Software Inc., a maker of travel programs used by companies including Orbitz Worldwide Inc. and Microsoft Corp., three people familiar with the matter said.

It will be interesting to see how Google responds to Microsoft's Bing search engine that heavily promotes travel options when ...

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The New York times is reporting that Continental Airlines is reopening merger talks with United. As we know, United has also allegedly been speaking with US Airways. But as we have all commented on our podcast, Continental has long been the favored partner.

Continental Airlines has reopened merger talks with the UAL Corporation, the parent company of United Airlines, people briefed on the matter told DealBook on Thursday.

The talks are in early stages and may ...

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Life is like a box of chocolates...or is it "Life is like a plastic cup of snack mix". We all know how pathetic the food offerings in the Admirals Club are and even the pay-for choices are meager at best. While other airline clubs continue to add amenities including free alcohol and decent snacks, the Admirals Club remains stagnant.

Well not anymore! 

As I walked up to the one-twisted-arm-bandit (as I like to call it), I was in for a big surprise. Wasabi Peas! When did they slip these little gems in there? I didn't receive an AAirmail about them, nor remember any tweets from @AdmiralsClub. When did you first find them? Did I miss them the last time? Write in below...

 

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