Emirates cites NE FL as a main reason for a direct Orlando-Dubai flight

[ben says]

I couldn't have been more excited when this service was announced.  I've always wanted to take my wife to the Maldives on a Middle Eastern carrier, but getting there from FL is a big hassle.  This service shaves many hours off the journey.  And since Emirates has the BOGO with Amex Platinum, I went big and we're doing it in First.  Just wish it was on the A380, but 777-200LR will be nice I'm sure.

That's awesome.

Let me know when your Maldives trip is. Not only can I save you $$, but I can get you an upgrade, breakfast, $100 towards the spa/restaurant/resort, early check-in/late check-out, and maybe some comped transfers 

[fsquid]

Capitalist Airlines Demand Federal Government Restrict Competition

The three big U.S. international airlines say competition from rapidly expanding Persian Gulf carriers has cut their passenger load to the Middle East and Asia by more than 20 percent.

That data was contained in the latest salvo from the triumvirate — American Airlines, Delta and United — as they seek federal intervention to slow the growth of gulf carriers.

In a filing this week to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the three U.S. airlines said the competition had caused sharp declines in their passenger volume from three major domestic airports that serve as hubs for routes to the Middle East and Asia.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/us-airlines-say-persian-gulf-carriers-taking-big-slice-of-international-pie/2015/08/26/b81ea098-4c12-11e5-bfb9-9736d04fc8e4_story.html

Instead of improving your product, whine.

[spuwho]

Capitalist Airlines Demand Federal Government Restrict Competition

The three big U.S. international airlines say competition from rapidly expanding Persian Gulf carriers has cut their passenger load to the Middle East and Asia by more than 20 percent.

That data was contained in the latest salvo from the triumvirate — American Airlines, Delta and United — as they seek federal intervention to slow the growth of gulf carriers.

In a filing this week to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the three U.S. airlines said the competition had caused sharp declines in their passenger volume from three major domestic airports that serve as hubs for routes to the Middle East and Asia.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/us-airlines-say-persian-gulf-carriers-taking-big-slice-of-international-pie/2015/08/26/b81ea098-4c12-11e5-bfb9-9736d04fc8e4_story.html

If Dubai, Abu Dhabi and others were restricting gate slots at their home airports, then I would say the Americans have a case.

If the screed is just about subsidies, they dont have a case so much.

FedEx and JetBlue compete on their merits, just like the mid-east carriers. UA, AA and Delta compete on price and value.

Hard to go buy new 777 and A380 for international routes with classy cabins when you are fighting with shareholders over their last penny of dividend while you try to stay out of Chapter 11.

I have flown in Lufthansa Economy internationally and its no fun. Even on a 747.

We are planning another trip to South Africa and I am considering Emirates now since they started the Orlando service. Beats the pants off that Delta flight out of Atlanta. I cant sit for 13 hours in that cattle call again.