About Online Travel Review

    Online Travel Review has been publishing airline industry news and commentary since 2003.

    I was formerly the travel analyst with Jupiter Research, but I've done a bunch of other things since then (including Tripmela.com, a Travelzoo for India).

    If you wish to keep the conversation about the airline industry going, please contribute an article/post/idea by sending me an email at jared@onlinetravelreview.com. Don't be shy.

Featured Columns

A Quick Word about Sandwiches Jan 29th, 2010 | By Jared Blank

I mentioned on Wednesday how I believe that Ambien has changed long-haul travel more than any on-board amenity.  But then ...
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Ambien IS Business Class… Jan 27th, 2010 | By Jared Blank

I've been reading the news about the new Air New Zealand coach seats that convert into a bed-ish thingy (see ...
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TSA Offers Helpful Tips for Terrorists This Holiday Season Dec 29th, 2009 | By Jared Blank

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The holiday season is a great time for terrorists looking to make a name ...
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Recent Stories

Kulula’s Amusing New Livery
Feb 5th, 2010 | By Jared Blank

A quick fun one for a Friday:  Check out South African lowfare carrier Kulula’s new livery labeling each area of the plane…
Have a great weekend.
(Or for you total airline nerds, feel free to read about Republic’s decision to ditch the Q400 aircraft — a quiet, beloved prop plane — for E170 and E190s.  Most airlines [...]

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A Last Word about Northwest Airlines…
Feb 3rd, 2010 | By Jared Blank

As Northwest Airlines officially disappeared this week (goodbye Nwa.com; goodbye NW code; goodbye Grovers Corners), I thought I’d re-print a column from last year when Delta announced Northwest was disappearing…

Delta announced that the Northwest Airlines brand will disappear by the end of 2010.  I’m fully aware that most airline brands become far more beloved once [...]

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Don’t Worry, You Can Bring These Incredibly Sharp Scissors On Your Plane
Feb 2nd, 2010 | By Jared Blank

The next time you see TSA agents removing 4.2 ounces of hair conditioner from your bag because it’s dangerous, consider the Tiny Bites Food Shears:  You’ll note on the page that they are described thusly: “Our cutlery-grade stainless steel blades are very sharp and can cut through any food…”  It then goes on to say, [...]

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You - Yes, You - Can Now Visit North Korea Any Time You Want
Feb 1st, 2010 | By Jared Blank

North Korea’s state-run travel agency has changed the rules for Americans wishing to visit North Korea: Previously, Americans could only go (with an approved tour operator, of course) during the Arirang Mass Games in August & September (though called “games” it’s really a giant performance thingy — you may have seen video of 70,000 people [...]

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Quick: Can You Get a Refund If Your Fare Drops?
Jan 24th, 2010 | By Jared Blank

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has a fantastic breakdown on their website to help consumers quickly determine whether they can get a refund if their fare drops after purchase.  I reprint it here in its entirety (complete with graphics) because it’s awesome and will really clarify all of your questions about when you can get a partial [...]

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Flight Diverted Because of Tefillin (That’s a Religious Item Used by Jews, If You Were Wondering)
Jan 21st, 2010 | By Jared Blank

A US Airways flight from LaGuardia to Louisville was diverted to Philadelphia after a passenger alerted flight attendants that a man was wrapping something that looked like a bomb (what looks like a bomb?) around his arm while on the plane.  I’m guessing that the man was also heavily beared and praying.  That couldn’t have [...]

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