With a Continental merger drawing near, the LA Times featured a great article yesterday on the struggle over the re-branding of United.

I won't quote from it, but it discusses the ongoing debate over the livery of the merged carrier, tulip v. globe logos, fonts, Economy Plus, DirecTV, and Rhaposdy in Blue.

Interestingly, the only new piece of info that I learned was that uniforms are being designed for the combined carrier that will give FA's a "new look." For the ...

I'll take to the air again on Monday to see for myself, but was dismayed to read on FT today that UA is revising its landing procedures.

Right now, usually around 20-30 minutes prior to landing, a double chime will go off in the cabin, indicating that passengers should begin to power down their electronic devices, visit the lavatory one last time if necessary, and store their carry-on baggage. Service continues until the cockpit announcement, "Flight attendants, prepare for ...

Not a very comforting letter published in yesteday's NY Times:

To the Editor:

Re “This Bedbug’s Life,” by May Berenbaum (Op-Ed, Aug. 8):

I recently flew back to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C., business class on United Airlines. In the car going home from the airport, I noticed a series of insect bites on the ankles of both feet that I had not had when I boarded the plane. They itched like crazy.

They were all over my back as well: my wife ...

On this week's frequent flyer podcast we have a quick chat about recent award bookings and the inflight power and wifi options for the big four carriers in the USA. Links to the inflight power and inflight wifi choices are below:

Many of the airlines use DC power through a cigarette style lighter. You may want to purchase an adapter such as the Wagan Smart AC 120 Watt USB Power Inverter or charge several devices at once with the Kensington Air Power Inverter with Two USB Ports ...

On this week's travel podcast we catch up on the news and discuss the TSA full body scanners with Grace. We discuss:

United Airlines' discounted coach class awards Changes in United management with Jeff Foland taking over the combined frequent flier program after the United Continental merger The TSA full body scanners and protection from them United Airlines' problematic website And a man taken off the plane for allegedly asking if there would be a ...

I'm excited to announce a new blogger on upgrd.com - Kevin Hanson. Although Kevin is new to upgrd.com, he is not new to blogging. Previously authoring his own blog at CrazyHawt.com, he's decided to post all of his travel tips, experiences, and horror stories (!) here instead. You can read his old posts in his new section on upgrd.com called Cloud Commuting.

Kevin is a Sales Engineer for a Silicon Valley startup company, and spends a lot of time on the road. With his passion ...