Which is the best airline?

Some 10,000 travelers say Southwest is the Best Value Domestic [US] Airline. They also think Southwest has the best service and prices, but they vote US Airways for the dubious honor of Dirtiest Airline Cabin.

You can read more about these results and others at the Smarter Travel 2008 Reader’s Choice Awards.

“The awards honor the top American and international airlines for their commitment to providing travelers with quality service, on-time departures and ease of travel. Categories include: Best Overall Value, Best Airfare Prices, Best In-Seat Comfort, Most Reliable On-Time Service, Best Rates & Availability and Best Frequent Flyer Program. The Readers’ Choice Awards also recognize the airlines that leave much to be desired in air travel, awarding the Least Favorite Airline and Dirtiest Airline Cabin, as well as the Least Favorite Airport.”

Smarter Travel readers were given the opportunity to give feedback on their recent air travel experiences. Interestingly enough, many readers commented that they do not use frequent flyer programs anymore because the airlines have made the programs difficult and restrictive.

About Smarter Travel:

“SmarterTravel provides independent advice and analysis that helps travelers find the best deals and get the most value from their trips. SmarterTravel has an unbiased team of travel experts who analyze travel trends and offer money-saving strategies and travel tips. For more information and travel advice, visit http://www.smartertravel.com.”

Smarter Travel Media LLC, the parent of Smarter Travel, operates AirfareWatchdog.com™, BookingBuddy ®, FrequentFlier.com and SmarterTravel, including sites in the U.K. and India.

You can listen to an interesting discussion with George Hobica of AirfareWatchdog in Episode 14 of the Airplane Geeks Podcast, which I co-host with Courtney Miller. George provides some history about the site and some great tips for finding the lowest fare.

Embry-Riddle Launches First Ph.D. in Aviation in the U.S.

Embry-Riddle passed the following along to Thirty Thousand Feet:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is launching the first Ph.D. aviation program in the U.S. Ranked as the leader in aviation and aerospace education by U.S. News & World Report, the university is offering the doctoral program online with a required six-day residency each year, beginning in May 2009. The program is designed to fill the need for a doctoral degree focused exclusively on aviation and previously not offered through traditional research universities. Embry-Riddle's program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals in government, industry, or military organizations wishing to pursue research or collegiate faculty positions. Applications for the May 2009 class are due January 15, 2009. For more details, visit http://aviationphd.erau.edu or call 1-800-359-3728 or 386-226-6363.

Embry-Riddle also offers undergraduate and graduate programs at its residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, through the Worldwide Campus at more than 130 campus centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, and through online learning. Visit www.embryriddle.edu for more information.

ATA sues FAA

You could see it coming:

The FAA, citing the New York City airports as a significant cause of airport delays across the U.S., proposed an auction of take off and landing slots to reduce their number.

The Air Transport Association and the airport authority responded with harsh criticism for the idea, and even threatening to refuse landing to any flight on an auctioned slot.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced that the Department of Transportation will not be allowed to auction takeoff and landing slots. (FAA Airport Slot Auctions Illegal. Now What?)

Then the DOT announced the auction will proceed. (US DOT: New York slot auctions to begin in January.)

Now, the ATA announces ATA Sues FAA to Invalidate Slot Auctions Rules:

ATA has sued FAA in federal court to invalidate two slot auction rules, one rule for LGA and another for both JFK and EWR. ATA’s law suit challenges FAA’s claim that slots are agency property that can be leased or otherwise disposed of under FAA’s general property management authority. ATA will seek a stay of the auction planned for early January. (October 14, 2008)

Look for this to play out in the coming months - probably largely in the press.

Want to be on a TV show?

A Casting Producer for the green, eco-makeover show called Wa$ted wrote to Thirty Thousand Feet saying they are currently casting their 2nd season and looking for men and women, pilots and flight attendants, with crash pads that might be interested in taking part in this show.

The goal of the show is to teach people to be less wasteful and to be more green. The ideal candidates are dynamic and energetic households that maybe want to “go green” but there seems to be some hesitation or they don’t know where to start, or families that have little interest in the environment, and even people who are just looking to save some money.

You must live within 2 hours of New York City and own your home / apartment. The shoot is about 2 days, plus some additional time over the course of a month.

The eco-makeover will involve lifestyle tips, cool gadgets and products, and superficial changes to the home. And the best part – we help you save MONEY! We are looking for people with bizarre, energy-wasting habits that just need a little push in the right direction for an efficient, effective green household.

Interested? Submit photos and a short bio of why you think your family needs an eco-makeover to Joey.Lucas@liontv.us or Sarah.Kanter@liontv.us