American Airlines is more fuel-efficient aircraft to its fleet with the introduction of the new Airbus A321 Transcontinental aircraft. The airline took delivery of the first plane in November 2013, which will fly between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) beginning in January, and JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) SFO in March 2014. 

The A321T will have fully lie-flat First and Business Class seats, as well as in-seat entertainment and inflight air-to-ground Wi-Fi from GoGo throughout the aircraft. 

Customers flying coast to coast can take advantage of American's curb-to-curb Flagship Check-in in New York and Los Angeles. Both airports also offer an Admiral's Club or Flagship Lounge. Finally, First and Business Class customers can reserve their entree in advance of their flight.    

First Class

The First Class cabin will offer 10 fully lie-flat seats with a 43 inch pitch in the upright position. A 1-1 seating configuration will allow every First Class passenger aisle access, and each seat comes equipped with one universal AC power outlet and a USB jack. 

Dining options will include a morning brunch service, evening dinner entrees, an espresso and capuccino machine and appetizers, salads and desserts.Customers flying on overnight flights will be offered a light dinner and a wake-up breakfast featuring fruit smoothies and warmed breakfast breads. Finally, First Class customers can take advantage of an amenity kit filled with Akhassa skincare products.  

Business Class

The Business Class cabin is outfitted with 20 fully lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. Each seat is equipped with one universal AC power outlet and USB jack. Business Class customers can choose from the same suite of entree and appetizer selections as First Class customers. 

Entertainment options in both premium class cabins include a selection of up to 200 movies, up to 180 TV programs, more than 350 audio selections and up to 20 games is available on a 15.4-inch HD-capable tilting touchscreen monitor positioned in each seat. First and Business Class customers will also be offered complimentary earbuds. 

Flight delays on the decline 

The Washington Times -- the FAA's office of audit and evaluation inspector general found that the number of delays and cancellations has dropped dramatically since 2000, thanks to airlines scheduling fewer flights, airports improving their own infrastructure and--perhaps most surprising--better all-around weather.

Although scientists warn that climate change could cause traumatic weather patterns, the government audit found improving skies for airlines in the past decade or so, leading to a drop in the number of weather-related flight delays. Severe weather accounted for 30% of all flight delays in 2004, but that dipped to 16% in 2012.

The best improvement was in "extreme taxi times," when a plane sits on the runway for at least three hours. After the Transportation Department started imposing penalties in 2010, the number of extreme delays dropped from 1,630 in 2000 to 30 in 2012 - a 98% decrease. Other major changes include airlines simply adding more time to the projects duration of each flight, which builds in extra room to accommodate problems  

HOTELNEWS
New Ritz-Kids program   

Ritz-Carlton announced new changes to our Ritz-Kids program.  The program will be available at every Ritz-Carlton location globally.  These unique and educational activities were created in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, and are designed around four key pillars:

Water: Emphasizes the importance of sea life and health

• Land: Encourages exploration and discovery
• Environmental Responsibility: Promotes the environmental health of our planet for the future
• Culture: Exposes young minds to a variety of art forms, including music, local customs and history, as well as cuisine

And remember: Protravel International is a member of Ritz-Carlton's prestigious STARS agency recognition program, which entitles our clients to EXCLUSIVE VIP amenities at all Ritz-Carlton hotels.