February Newsletter

February 2011

It's all about the journey.

In This Issue

American adds 3rd flight from Madison to Dallas/Fort Worth

TSA color-coded threat alert to be replaced

Blizzard leads to delays/cancellations

Delta's mobile boarding pass comes to Madison

British survey supports kids free flights

What on earth? A new display at the airport's art court

Airline News

American logo

American Airlines adds 3rd Flight to Dallas/Fort Worth

On February 10, 2011, American Eagle Airline added a third daily, non-stop flight from Madison to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Bradley S. Livingston, AAE, the director of the Dane County Regional Airport says he is pleased that American Eagle is meeting a demand of both the leisure and business travelers. "Service to DFW links air travelers to popular destinations throughout Texas, and also provides a vital link to the Southwestern and Western United States." The new flight to DFW departs the Dane County Regional Airport at 11:15 AM and arrives at 1:50 PM. The return flight departs DFW at 2:05 PM and arrives in Madison at 4:20 PM. When the additional flight was announced in August, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said she was delighted by the news, and stated: "Today's air traveler is focused on value, and convenience is part of the mix. Giving our customers a third option to this popular destination allows them to make travel decisions based on what is best for their schedules and travel plans." American Eagle is using the 50 seat, ERJ 145 aircraft for this new flight. That is the same aircraft it uses for the current flights from Madison to Dallas-Fort Worth.

TSA color-coded threat alert to be replaced

The Obama Administration announced in late January that the color-coded terror alert system that has been in place since September 11, 2001, will soon be replaced. According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House is planning to introduce a two-tiered warning system that is "aimed at providing more specific information about emerging threats and the appropriate ways to respond." According to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, this spells the end for the automated terror threat announcements at airports. Instead, the new alerts will be categorized as imminent or elevated and will contain a summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and the recommended steps to take. The alerts will be issued as statements from the Department of Homeland Security. The new system is expected to be in place by April.

Blizzard leads to delays/cancellations

The blizzard that dumped 15 inches of snow in southcentral Wisconsin forced dozens of cancellations of flights in and out of the Dane County Regional Airport from the afternoon of February 1 through the afternoon of February 2, with some scattered delays and cancellations remaining on February 3. Bradley S. Livingston, AAE, Director of the Dane County Regional Airport, said he was glad that most travelers followed the advice to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. "While the weather may look like it has improved in Dane County, it still may have an impact at other destination airports. Checking with the airlines about possible delays or cancellations before coming to the airport saves travelers an unnecessary trip, especially on snow covered streets. It also greatly reduces the risk of potentially becoming stranded at an airport."

Travelers can check on arrivals and departures under the Flight Status tab on the airport's web site, msnairport.com. That is also where travelers can find the contact information for their specific airline.

Delta's mobile
boarding pass program comes to Dane County Regional Airport

Delta Air Lines announced last month that it is bringing its popular mobile boarding pass program to the Dane County Regional Airport. Billed as the fastest, most convenient way to check in, the mobile boarding pass saves travelers time at the airport by allowing them to check in and get an electronic boarding pass using a PDA, web-enabled telephone, or personal computer within 24 hours of departure. Delta's mobile boarding pass program is already available at 52 airports across the world. For more information about the program and instructions, visit delta.com.

Survey of British business class travelers finds support for kids free flights.

A survey conducted by the United Kingdom's Business Travel and Meeting Show asked 1000 business travelers what annoyed them most about flying business class,and the overwhelming response was--children! 74% of the business class travelers also suggested that airlines provide children-free or over-18 flights. A spokesperson for the Air Transport Users Council, an airline passenger watchdog group, says child-annoyed business travelers aren't likely to get their wish anytime soon. "Airlines go to great lenths to find out what passengers want," she said, "(but) if they felt adults-only flights or designated areas would help their bottom line, they would introduce them..."

What on earth? Satellite views of Wisconsin on display at the Art Court

See Wisconsin in a way you may never have seen it before, through amazing satellite images courtesy of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Cooperative Institute for Meterological Satellite Studies and Engineering Center, which are on display now at the Art Court of the Dane County Regional Airport. Airport Art Coordinator Paula Panczenko calls the exhibit a wonderful blend of science and art that is colorful and textural. "It's a way of viewing the familiar from a unique perspective," Panczenko said. There is also an interactive weather satellite exhibit, as well as a 3-Dimensional display. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It runs through September 10, 2011.

Dane County history and culture exhibit opens at the airport

To celebrate Dane County's 175th Anniversary, the Dane County Regional Airport is unveiling a new history and culture kiosk in the south end of the main terminal. The exhibit, which officially opens on Friday, February 11, features highlights of Dane County's past 175 years and the people and events that made this county the dynamic, diverse, and successful community it is today. One exhibit will also feature the airport's own history, beginning with its inception in 1936, to its present-day Prairie Style terminal that serves over one million passengers a year. The Dane County Historical Society, Dane County 175th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, the UW-Madison Tandem Press, and Signs By Tomorrow are pleased to share this exhibit with travelers from across the country and around the world. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Airline News

Delta added a seventh daily, non-stop flight to Detroit from the Dane County Regional Airport on Monday, February 7, and will add its 8th on February 18. Book your trip today at

delta.com

Delta is bringing its popular mobile boarding pass program to the Dane County Regional Airport on February 15. Learn more about this convenient, easy to use system at delta.com

Beginning April 1, Delta will change the time of its daily, non-stop service from Madison to Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. Flights will leave the Dane County Regional Airport at 6:40 AM, and depart Reagan National (DCA) at 8:15 PM the same day. It's perfect for the traveler who wants to take care of business in one day.

Starting this summer, Delta will add an "Economy Comfort" section on its international flights. Customers who buy an international economy ticket can choose Economy Comfort seats for an additional fee of $80 to $160 one-way.

Beginning February 10, American Eagle added a third daily, non-stop flight from Madison to Dallas/Fort Worth. Book yours today at

aa.com