By now we all know the Saga of Steven Slater, the Jet Blue flight attendant who chose quite an inventive way to quit his job (as opposed to, say, the HOPA HPOA Hoax). But now we get to see the CGI recreation of what went down, thus bringing the story full circle.
Humpday Diversion
No Matter What They Do, United’s Frequent Flier Program is Still Bogus
United Airlines has reinstated the 500-mile minimum award in an apparent attempt to appease their frequent fliers, but we don’t see this as any cause for celebration. Back in July, United began awarding only the actual miles flown to frequent flier members instead of allocating at least 500 miles per flight, as they’d done in the past. The guaranteed 500 is back, but only for United’s elite members who fly at least 25,000 miles per year. The “get what you pay for” model still applies to the average Joe Six Pack flier.
Elsewhere in the Ist-a-verse
Austinist gets arty with an interactive guide to SXSW, loved some local art galleries and a new art exhibit and lamented the possible loss of "Friday Night Lights" production to New Mexico. Bostonist was happy they finally found an Anna Nicole Smith connection to their fair city and that an Apple Store was opening up. They were less happy that new rules have been established limiting underage shows and that their Governor is spending...
Super Bowl, Super Party, All on the Plane
You didn't, did you? You did. You will be one of those poor souls watching clouds and cornfields pass by instead of watching Rex Grossman pass the ball. And really, we can't blame you. We had doubts, too, about the ability of the Bears to make it this far. Had we some extra cash on hand, we may have even booked a long weekend. Luckily for people who booked Jet Blue for their weekend getaway,...
O'Hare Tough Guys Offer JetBlue a Knuckle Sandwich
The immediate reactions to the arrival of JetBlue as another option for flights from O'Hare are sort of surprising us. On one hand, we're pretty damn excited at the prospect of hitching a ride to New York for less than $60, but on the other, well, who knew about the seedy underbelly of O'Hare politics?
We're Lovin' JetBlue So Far
No time to waste, and no dilly-dallying. JetBlue has gates at O'Hare now, and they just announced that they'll be flying to New York's JFK and to LA. If you travel between January 4 and February 15*, and book your flights by midnight tonight, you can get fares starting at $36 each way. Can you believe it? We're all abuzz with our coastal friends coordinating weekend visits! Make sure you book today to get this deal!
Cheap Fares and DIRECTV for Everyone!
After years of trying to get some gates at O'Hare, JetBlue has finally gotten authorization for 4 daily departures. JetBlue has until the end of January to start flights out of O'Hare, and they're not yet sure where they'll be flying to.
Can't Watch!
Maybe Comcast was just trying to spare us some misery last night. However, if the satellite problems were going to prevent Chicagoist from watching 5 innings of the game, they should have chosen to blackout the last five.
Bidding For ATA Slots at Midway
ATA filed for Chapter 11 protection last month and now at least 2 more discount airlines plan to bid for the gates they used at Chicago's Midway Airport. America West and Southwest (what's with the wests in airline's names?) told a federal bankruptcy court judge that the companies want to maked seperate bids for part or all of ATA.

