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American Airlines left passenger on hold for 6 hours by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine March 4, 2015, 10:18 AM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons American Airlines left a struggling customer on hold for six hours, a Tampa local news station reports. Renee Allen from Florida expected to be flying from Garden City, Kansas to Tampa via Dallas, she told Tampa's FOX 13. But that wasn't to be when American Airlines cancelled the flight because of weather delays. Allen called the customer service phone number she received and waited for a response—a response that didn't come until six hours later. "They gave me a phone number to call, I tried to call several times, only to be told that the call volume was too much, and to call back another time. And then it would hang up on me," she FOX 13. Allen added: I thought maybe 30 minutes, maybe an hour and two hours into it, I realized this is crazy but I'm not going to give up. This really was horrible customer service. I just could not believe that I could not get through. The woman ultimately hung up the phone when she couldn't wait any longer, according to Consumerist. American Airlines apologized in a statement: We apologize for the frustrating experience. It was a very challenging weekend due to extreme winter weather impacting the Dallas/Fort Worth area. American had more than 2,000 weather-related cancellations systemwide on Saturday and Sunday.
American Airlines pilots' union agrees to 23% pay rise by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine January 5, 2015, 4:08 AM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons The union representing American Airlines pilots approved the carrier's final contract offer late Saturday, paving the way for a retroactive 23% wage hike if its members accept the deal in a vote this month. The news was a step toward concluding contracts to represent all workers at the airline, which became the world's largest by passenger traffic after it merged with US Airways in Dec. 2013. Its flight attendants received a new contract in arbitration last month, and while deals for other work groups such as ticketing agents are pending, the carrier is poised to avoid the multi-year contract delays that have plagued other merged airlines. "We are pleased our pilots will have a chance to vote on a contract that provides an immediate 23% pay increase and recognizes their contributions at American," company spokesman Casey Norton said in an emailed statement. Yet the board of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents American's pilots, said in a Saturday release that it was "disappointed with this latest turn of events," despite agreeing to the contract. It called some of the contract's language incomplete, with regard to combining how pilots bid for domestic and international flights. The union said it will work with management this week to finalize this language before sending the agreement to rank and file pilots to review. American's pilots are expected to vote on the deal this month, but APA has yet to set the date, and will get a 4% sweetener on top of the backdated 23% raise if they agree, under an offer made last month by CEO Doug Parker, the Associated Press reported. Pay would increase by an additional 3% as of Jan. 1 of this year, and be followed by annual 3% raises through 2019. It would cover 15,000 American and US Airways pilots. [fortune-brightcove videoid=3936932807001 APA expressed frustration that, earlier on Saturday, management rejected a proposal to give pilots pay for each calendar day they spend away from home, even if they're in a hotel waiting for an assignment. A union spokesman said a similar work rule is in place at competitors Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The company said last month that the contract on the table was its final offer. If American's pilots reject the contract, just like its flight attendants rejected the deal their union had negotiated, the process will move to binding arbitration in February, which would result in wage increases smaller than what the company had offered.
Why Detroit's bankruptcy spared retirees by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine December 4, 2014, 8:32 AM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons Recently it became clear that Detroit and Stockton, CA, will get out of bankruptcy without eliminating their pensions and that retirees' benefits will not be cut very much, if at all. This surprised many people. Over the past decade, as the true costs of pension commitments have become clearer, many assumed that the inevitable end result of expensive pensions would be to eliminate them in bankruptcy. When Detroit and Stockton filed for bankruptcy, they assumed it was only a matter of time before retiree pensions came on the chopping block and retirees lost their pension plans. In practice, such a result is rare – and it's likely to remain so. Here's why. In order for society to work at all, commitments must be honored, whether they are to 'love, honor and obey' or to 'pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.' Pension commitments especially require this: they are a commitment by an employer, who gets the benefit of years of work now, to pay for it in part after the employee retires. In this sense, retirement benefits are deferred compensation. Once the employee is gone, however, so is his or her leverage to demand that compensation. That's why pension commitments, entirely appropriately, are safeguarded by law. Of course, the world changes and sometimes commitments cannot be kept. That's why we have bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a process by which people and organizations who cannot afford to keep their commitments can be relieved of some of them. But bankruptcy is not a 'get out of jail free' card. It's a process under which people, businesses and local governments first show they really cannot keep their commitments and then work out a fair way to reduce them. That means that changes in bankruptcy must be both necessary and fair. (State government pensions are in a different situation, because the US Congress hasn't chosen to legislate a bankruptcy process for states.) Although lawyers and philosophers have devoted thousands of pages to trying to define fairness, in practice, judges do what they're supposed to do: make judgments. Everyone involved has interests. Many are important; some are crucial to their survival. Furthermore, each situation is different: Employee compensation – and former employee compensation – can be greater or lesser. Bondholders can be large financial institutions with the ability to take the risks involved, but they can also be individuals who are counting on bond income to fund their own retirements. At least as important is the fact that different institutions have different routes to recovery: Detroit had a 'priceless' art collection it could sell; most cities do not. In some instances, higher taxes are a possibility; in others, they are not. Some employees can afford to sacrifice a portion of future wages and benefits; others cannot. In all cases, there are dozens, even hundreds, of judgments about which activities can be cut back, and by how much. No judge has all of the knowledge that, ideally, they should have to make these judgments. They know this, and that's why they encourage those affected by a bankruptcy to negotiate among themselves. In corporate bankruptcies, these negotiations have been undertaken repeatedly for decades, so there are established rules, practices, and precedents. In the public sector, there is much less such experience, but the goal is the same: try to reach agreements, not that necessarily make anyone happy, but with which most can live. Retirement benefits enter this complex calculus with several important arguments in their favor. First, retirees don't have alternative sources of income. Unlike most of the financial institutions that hold municipal bonds, retirees cannot offset their losses in Detroit with earnings from other bonds. Neither, as a practical matter, are judges likely to force 75-year old retirees to re-enter the workforce. The second reason why retirement benefits are special is because they are employee benefits. Institutions, particularly distressed institutions, recognize that they need their employees to survive. Those employees usually feel a kinship, not a competition, with former employees. When American Airlines filed for bankruptcy, the airline was clear that it needed to reduce labor costs and proposed to do it in part by eliminating its pension plans. American's unions, however, decided not to sacrifice their former members' interests, and chose instead to make contract concessions in other ways. The bond between current and retired employees is by no means limited to members of a union or to the private sector. As a result, even cutting retirement benefits is legal and some cuts are clearly necessary, retiree benefit cuts are usually seen as unfair. Municipalities that need cuts to reorganize will end up looking elsewhere. Even though taxpayers (and editorial writers) may wish it, in most cases talk about public pension cuts will remain just talk. Josh Gotbaum is a Brookings Guest Scholar. Previously, he was Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., which insures private pensions. He has worked with bankruptcy and restructuring processes for several decades.
Mail-order snack maker is thinking outside the box by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine October 29, 2014, 1:28 PM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons NatureBox is refusing to be boxed in as just another e-commerce company. This Saturday, the subscription snack box provider will begin to stock snacks that will be offered to passengers on American Airlines AAL international flights to and from Latin America and Europe. The company's snacks will be included in a breakfast box that's offered to all passengers flying economy class for those American Airlines flights, so the pact is a reoccurring revenue stream for the year-long deal that could have an even longer runway if successful. NatureBox co-founder and Chief Executive Gautam Gupta told Fortune the pact was important for the NatureBox to prove its brand can live "online as well as offline." "We see this as the first of many [partnerships] over the next several years," Gupta said. NatureBox's core business is a subscription service, which sends five snack packs to an individual customer per month. But the company is thinking about delivery methods beyond the subscription service. Earlier this year, it started selling its snacks to corporate clients and has landed more than 200 customers, including Twitter TWTR and Square. The corporate business has resulted in 20%-30% growth month-over-month since it debuted, so NatureBox is encouraged by its early efforts to go beyond direct-to-consumer delivery. NatureBox says it is seeing strong interest from retailers that could one day stock its products. The company, which sells jalapeño cashers, wholewheat blueberry fig bars and other healthy goodies that have fewer than 200 calories per serving, stays on top of food trends by leveraging data it gathers from the subscription service via customer feedback. It can quickly determine when a new flavor is a hit, or perhaps needs to be reworked if it doesn't take off. The data can be helpful as NatureBox mulls opportunities to sell its brand outside the delivery business. Still, the direct-to-consumer business model is a key to NatureBox's success. NatureBox is expecting to ship 3 million of its snack packages this year, up from 1 million in 2013. Gupta said the American Airlines pact puts NatureBox "in the hands of consumers that haven't heard about us and gives them an opportunity to try our product." He said NatureBox is just beginning to make a name for itself in the snacks aisle. And there is a lot of room for the startup to grow. U.S. consumers — in particular Generation X, Millennials, and today's teens and kids — are snacking more between and even at traditional meal time. Research firm NPD Group believes snack foods eaten at main meals will grow about 5% to 86.4 billion earnings in 2018. NatureBox isn't the only direct-to-consumer e-commerce company that is refusing to rely solely on a subscription business. Kiwi Crate, a company that sends monthly do-it-yourself kits meant for kids, is now stocking its items in over 1,700 Target TGT stores. And like NatureBox's Gupta, Kiwi Crate CEO Sandra Oh Lin has said she's thinking about how she can expand her company's brand to the retail channel. "One of our challenges is getting Kiwi Crate into more hands and allowing the product to market itself," Oh Lin said. "The retail channel helps address this."
Southwest Airlines gets a boost from expiration of Wright Amendment by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine October 13, 2014, 7:32 AM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons Karen Bleier—Getty Images Just inside the front entrance of Southwest Airlines' corporate headquarters in Dallas, a large digital clock has been blinking down the seconds to October 13, 2014. It is the Nonstop Love Countdown Clock and is dedicated "to all Southwest Warriors who fought tirelessly to Set Love Free." For most of America, October 13 is simply Columbus Day. Throughout the Southwestern U.S., however, October 13 marks the expiration of the Wright Amendment, an onerous modification of the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act that for the past 35 years has restricted the number and destinations of flights in and out of Dallas' Love Field. The main beneficiary of the Wright Amendment's demise is Southwest Airlines LUV . It has spent the past decade fighting for the right to fly nonstop from its home base in Dallas to major cities throughout the continental U.S. On. Oct. 13 when the clock hits zero the carrier immediately begins nonstop flights from Dallas to Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and Washington Reagan. On November 2, it will add eight more nonstops to Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, Nashville, Orange County, Calif., New York's LaGuardia, Phoenix, San Diego and Tampa. Southwest President and CEO Gary Kelly says the liberation of Love Field will allow more nonstop flights to 93 destinations. "Forty percent of our passengers already are flying for business," he says. "Now that we're a true transcon airline that base can grow rapidly. Low fares, no baggage fees and inflight WiFi are even more appealing when they are offered on nonstop, cross-country flights." The airline's revenue has risen for four years straight. Consumers from all parts of the country who fly through Dallas already are benefitting from lower ticket prices. Months ago Southwest began celebrating the Wright Amendment's demise with a limited time offer $99 fare between Dallas and 15 cities that include New York (LaGuardia), Washington (Reagan National) and Atlanta. Tickets between Denver, Seattle and Orlando to Dallas sell for $79. Virgin America, which operates two of Love Field's 20 gates, immediately matched the offer by selling Main Cabin select and First Class seats at a 50% discount. Both companies plan to keep fares low. Virgin, for example, currently is selling nonstop tickets between Dallas and Washington Reagan for as low as $129. American Airlines AAL was forced to relinquish its two Love Field gates when it merged with US Airways, but for the moment it remains competitive with lower fares on similar routes out of D/FW airport. For most of the summer American was charging more than $400 for nonstop service between D/FW and Washington Reagan. Starting October 13, it will sell the same round trip ticket for as low as $175. In the past, American flights between New York LaGuardia and D/FW were $400 or higher. Now they sell for around $250 for travel starting October 13 and beyond. United Airlines owns the remaining two gates at Love Field but it may sublease them to another carrier since most United flights pass through Houston Intercontinental. Southwest wants one of the United gates and Delta would like the other, but the final disposition remains undecided. Promotional fares don't last for long but many analysts believe ticket prices will remain low for the foreseeable future. Dallas Love Field is not a tiny airport. Prior to its hobbling in 1974 it was the tenth busiest airport in the world. With only 15 miles separating the two airports, proximity alone will keep prices competitive. Getting politics out of commercial aviation seems logical today, but back in 1964 there was no serious objection when Washington officials told Dallas and Ft. Worth to close their individual airfields and agree on a site for a regional airport. They selected 17,000 acres of vacant prairie midway between the two cities and convinced Braniff, American and Texas International to move their operations to the new Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport when it opened in 1974. Southwest, an intrastate carrier started in 1971, was not party to the original agreement, refused to leave Love Field and successfully fought eviction in court. Southwest's legal victory put the viability of DFW in question. Prior to the opening of DFW, Love Field served 6.6 million passengers a year. Seventy-five percent of the departing passengers were from Dallas. Why would anybody drive halfway to Ft. Worth if they could catch a flight to the same location out of Love Field? To save their investment, Dallas, Ft. Worth and the airlines that had moved to DFW jointly petitioned Ft. Worth congressman James Wright to support a law that decreed that Love Field flights in large aircraft with more than 56 seats could fly nonstop only to cities within Texas or the four surrounding states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Passengers bound for Los Angeles, for example, would have to change planes in El Paso or Albuquerque before traveling onward. Driving to DFW didn't seem so bad if the alternative was purchasing two tickets and spending more than an hour changing planes. Despite being anti-competitive, the Wright Amendment succeeded in turning DFW into a world-class airport. "DFW is the fourth busiest airport in the world with annual economic output of more than $31 billion," says airport CEO Sean Donohue. "Our seven runways handle 62 million customers now and by 2020 we'll be up to 70 million. Dallas/Fort Worth is the fourth largest population center in the U.S. thanks to DFW, which played a big role in Toyota's decision to relocate from California."
Cadillac and American Airlines are friends with benefits by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine October 7, 2014, 1:02 PM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons Do you prefer driving or flying? American Airlines and Cadillac want you to do both. Cadillac, a subsidiary of General Motors GM , is teaming up with American Airlines AAL to roll Cadillac cars into the AAdvantage benefits program. If you're more of a flyer, you could benefit in the form of personal gate transfers. American Airlines ConciergeKey members flying into Los Angeles International Airport will be identified if they have tight transfer times, and driven to their next departure gate in a Cadillac CTS, SRX or Escalade. If approvals are met, the program could be expanded to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and New York's LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport by the end of this year. There are benefits for Cadillac enthusiasts too: Starting later this month, if you're enrolled in the AAdvantage program and you schedule a time to test drive a Cadillac, you could earn 7,500 AAdvantage miles.
American Airlines to charge a new fee for unaccompanied minors by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine August 22, 2014, 8:32 AM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons It's going to cost parents who fly their tweens across the country to see grandma on American Airlines AAL flights, according to reports in the Dallas Morning News. The airline, which recently merged with fellow carrier US Airways, is now charging a fee of $150 for children aged 12-14 who are flying solo, according to an employee memo obtained by the newspaper. Previously, the charge was only mandatory for kids between 5 and 11, but starting Sept. 3 the age range will be extended. The newspaper also reported that the company is working on merging the policies of the two carriers. US Airways, for example, doesn't currently allow unaccompanied minors to have itineraries that include connecting flights. American does, so soon US Airways will allow children to make a connection as well. For any tickets bought before the new charge goes into effect, children ages 12-14 will receive the unaccompanied minors service for free.
American Airlines is better off flying solo by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine January 17, 2012, 5:48 PM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons The sharks have started to circle American Airlines, but don't expect anything to come of it — at least in the near term. A tie up involving American with either Delta Air Lines or US Airways makes little strategic sense at this point and would end up creating major headaches for all the parties involved. Meanwhile, a cash infusion from either TPG or another private equity firm isn't needed for the airline to work its way through bankruptcy. It was just a matter of time before rumors would start about American Airlines being in play following its trip to the bankruptcy court in November. Delta has reportedly hired the Blackstone Group BX to look into a possible deal while US Airways LCC has hired Barclays BCS to do the same. Dallas-based private equity firm TPG is also apparently looking into the possibility of taking the airline private or splitting it up. Tom Horton, AMR's new chief executive, warned employees in December that there would be "opportunists" who would threaten to destabilize the airline's attempt at reorganization. Such harsh language was meant to send a clear message to the markets: we are going to do this alone. Nothing has changed so far to alter Horton's thinking and it would probably take a lot to do so. The rationale behind the deal talk is itself questionable. The biggest one touted in the media was that American somehow "missed out" on the airline merger mania over the last decade or so and that they need to be bigger if they ever want to be profitable. This, of course, is a total fallacy. American actually set off the consolidation craze by acquiring rival TWA in 2001. This merger created what was the largest airline in the world until Delta merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008 and United Airlines merged with Continental Airlines in 2010. American chose to stay out of the other mergers because it was already big enough. In fact, it has spent much of the last decade paring down its capacity in order to boost its fledgling profit margins. In fact, American has suffered because it was the first mover in the airline consolidation game. It did not attain the cost savings its rivals received when pairing up, especially when it came to labor and lease agreements. Unlike rivals Delta and United UAL , American acquired TWA before it was able to reorganize its cost structure in bankruptcy. That meant that American's expensive labor contracts remained intact and were then extended to all TWA employees. The airline wasn't able to renegotiate other high-priced contracts like its expensive airline leases. It was stuck paying off planes that were older and less fuel efficient. Analysts and the media paint a picture of merger bliss if American would just pair up with larger rival Delta or smaller rival US Airways. But they seem to have it backwards. The bliss will come when American slashes its costs in bankruptcy, not if it merges. There is no evidence that airline mergers actually enhance revenue. In fact, airline travel is actually 20% less expensive than it was in 2001, after adjusting for inflation. That means that airlines have failed in their attempt to achieve any meaningful top-line growth by combining operations. Euro carbon taxes are coming: How airlines can stay airborne Airlines have made money by controlling their costs and seeking additional revenue. Fees for bags, food, seat assignments and even for the cost of calling to book a ticket have helped keep many airlines in the black recently. Those fees have been instituted throughout the airline system and seem to have little to do with the consolidation craze. To be fair, there are some initial benefits to combining operations. Merging headquarters and slashing management costs does help the surviving airline, although it can be limited. For example, United has had to hike the pay of Continental employees by 20% to 30% to entice them to move up to Chicago from Houston, a person close to the company told Fortune. The bizarre reason to remain headquartered in such an expensive city, even with tax breaks, shows that airline mergers aren't always rational. An American combination with US Airways seems to be an especially irrational choice. Its attempts to grow its international business have been marginal at best as it operates from hubs like Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix. American's network is far superior and its creditors know that. US Airways would therefore need to offer a lot of cash to sweeten any deal, something it doesn't have. A pairing with Delta on the surface seems like a more rational choice, but there are a few major obstacles that sour the deal. First, the merger could create an antitrust issue as the two overlap in 65 nonstop domestic city-pairs. United Airlines and Continental only shared 14 domestic city-pairs when they proposed their merger, while Delta and Northwest shared even less at 12 city-pairs. That's important as antitrust regulators tend to look at city-pair concentration as opposed to overall market concentration. On the international front, a Delta-American deal would upset the carefully balanced frequent flyer alliance system, since they are both the U.S. anchors for their respective alliances, Sky Team and One World. If one leaves to join the other it could be a big hit to passenger volume. The dirty little secret of online travel sites And the connections that the two have with their respective European frequent flyer anchor airlines go beyond the typical partner arrangement as both have attained antitrust immunity over the Atlantic. American is effectively able to legally collude with British Airways on the lucrative New York to London route, while Delta is able to legally collude with Air France/KLM on the equally lucrative New York to Paris route. It's unclear if those contracts would continue after a merger. In the end it will be American's creditors that will decide the company's fate. Of the nine members on the unsecured creditors committee, three belong to labor unions. The unions will likely move against management of they cut too much. But given that the cost structures at Delta and US Airways are lower, it seems unlikely that a merger would solve their money worries. American's decision to go bankrupt with $4 billion in cash in the bank has given it enough time to weigh all its options. For now, management has 120 days to present a plan of reorganization to the court. A judge could extend that period out by an additional 18 months, so a deal, if any, is still a ways away. American will most likely emerge as an independent airline with a much stronger balance sheet. Once all cleaned up, it may be American calling the bankers to do a deal on their terms.
Why American Airlines should consider bankruptcy by Benjamin Snyder @FortuneMagazine October 4, 2011, 4:26 PM EST E-mail Tweet Facebook Google Plus Linkedin Share icons FORTUNE — Bankruptcy may be the best option to prevent American Airlines from making a crash landing. While such a move may be painful in the short term, a prepackaged bankruptcy would allow the nation's third-largest airline to erase cost advantages currently held by its peers. American could ostensibly muddle on in its current cash-burning state for a while, but it will struggle to make any headway on profitability if it doesn't get serious about addressing its broken cost structure. AMR Corp AMR , the parent company of American Airlines, saw its stock tumble yesterday on talk that it could be headed into bankruptcy. AMR's shares fell as low as 41% at one point during the day but settled down 33% to just under $2 a share after the company publically denied that it was seeking bankruptcy protection. That gives AMR a market value of around $727 million, which is about the cost of buying just five new Boeing 787 aircraft, according to official market prices. That's quite a humbling valuation for a company that has 872 aircraft and 78,000 employees. American is the only legacy carrier left standing that has managed to avoid a trip to the bankruptcy court in the last decade. Continental Airlines shared that distinction with American, but decided to merge with rival United last year in a bid to cut costs and expand its network. American was able to avoid bankruptcy by gaining painful concessions from its unions back in 2003. Employee salaries were slashed between 16% and 23%, while thousands of employees were laid off. The unions at American figured that taking a big hit on their terms was better than having possibly larger cuts forced on them while in bankruptcy. The unions over at the other legacy carriers like United (UAL), Delta (DAL), US Airways (LCC) and the now defunct Northwest Airlines, were unable to agree on concessions, forcing management to seek bankruptcy protection. In bankruptcy, the airlines were able to force a new cost structure on its employees that better matched the current operating environment. Once they emerged from bankruptcy, they enjoyed a significant cost advantage compared with airlines like American, which had not sought bankruptcy protection. Today, American's labor costs is equivalent to around 28% of its revenue, the highest of any major airline operating in the US today. That compares with Delta, US Airways and United, where labor costs are 18%, 17% and 20% of revenue, respectively. This huge cost disadvantage means that American pays annually around $600 million more in wages compared to its peers. In addition, American pays around $200 million a year in pension costs, something that the other legacy carriers don't have to deal with. While in bankruptcy, the other airlines were allowed to bulldoze through pension modifications with the help of a judge and generous support from the Federal government. For example, Delta entered bankruptcy in 2005 with a pension scheme that was underfunded to the tune of $10.6 billion. Payments to the fund were bleeding the airline dry. Delta was able to terminate its pilot pension plan in bankruptcy, transferring $4.7 billion in liabilities from its balance sheet to the government. Delta pilots, who once could retire at 50 years old and receive half of their benefits in a lump sum payment, saw their benefits reduced by as much as 50% as a result of the bankruptcy. US Airways and United Airlines went further and eliminated all of their employee pension plans, dumping a combined $10 billion in underfunded liabilities on the government. Even with the $200 million a year in pension payments, American's pensions are underfunded by some $7.9 billion. It is extremely unlikely that the company will ever be able to pull in enough cash to cover that shortfall. Last quarter, American reported a loss of $286 million, the only loss reported by a major US airline. Reporting losses has become old hat for the airline over the years as it hasn't reported a profit since 2007. In total, American has managed to set over $12.4 billion alight in the last decade — a cash burn of epic proportions. The company is trying to convince the market that the answer to all its cost woes will come with the overhaul of its gas-guzzling, clunker-like fleet of aircraft. Fuel is after all the largest cost of any airline, not labor. This summer, American announced the largest aircraft order in history in a bid to modernize its fleet – a total of 460 planes, half of its current fleet. Along with a much needed improved passenger experience, the new fleet of single-aisle Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s will be 35% more fuel efficient compared to its retiring MD-80 aircraft and 12% and 15% more fuel efficient than its 757 and 767 aircraft. The fleet overhaul won't happen overnight, but even if it did, it still wouldn't save the airline from its loss making ways. For example, the company paid $2.2 billion for fuel in the second quarter of the year. Say with half of its fleet now around 20% more fuel efficient on average, that would mean that the company's total fuel bill would fall by around 10%. That would have translated to a savings of $220 million in the second quarter. While that is significant, it still wouldn't have been enough to erase the $286 million loss. The fleet overhaul will take a decade to occur — time American simply doesn't have. Its unions are growing restless and have been working under their old contract for the last three years amid disagreements over pay. Workers are demanding that American "share the wealth" and return their salaries to pre-2003 levels. Unfortunately, there is little wealth to be found. American's saving grace through all this mess is its massive $4.2 billion cash buffer. Airlines typically have tons of cash on hand to weather cyclical downturns. But American's cash buffer has been eaten away year after cash-burning year with no hope of profitability anywhere on the horizon. And even if its labor cost structure stays the same and its fuel costs fall by 10%, the company is still making little headway in closing that massive funding gap in its pensions. American will continue burning cash until it gets real about its costs structure and pension shortfall. Those relatively fixed costs will become even more of a burden as the economy declines and passenger numbers start to fall. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported yesterday that passenger growth slowed by 4.5% in August, which was down 6% from the previous month. It warned that the "industry has shifted gears downwards" and that it was unlikely to get any better in the near future. The one upside from an economic downturn is that fuel costs should decline with the price of crude. But there is still strong demand for jet fuel given the rise in passenger air service in Asia. That means jet fuel probably won't fall as much or as fast as crude if the economy truly heads south. Airlines have to deal with a lot of unknowns when doing business — from fuel costs to economic headwinds. Its labor and pension costs are not a mystery, though, and can be dealt with in advance before they spiral out of control. American's cash buffer can keep the airline afloat for now, but not forever. Delta had $2.8 billion in cash when it declared bankruptcy in 2005. That cash allowed the airline to keep operating while it spent two years restructuring. Eventually the airline emerged leaner and stronger. American could do the same and restructure in time for its new fleet to come online. But if it continues to burn through its cash at its current rate, it won't have much left to keep it going if it eventually does head into bankruptcy. Without sufficient cash, American could go the way of the once iconic Pan Am or Eastern Airlines and simply cease operating. Such a scenario would put thousands of jobs at risk and hurt competition. That would not only be bad for the employees and pensioners of American, but it would also deliver a strong blow to the millions of business and leisure travelers that depend on the airline to move them around the world every day.


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Sport Sensors Swing Speed Radar is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor ... golf swing. Our Sport Sensors Golf Swing Speed Radar gives you a chance to perform golf swing speed ... analysis for less than $100! Without a doubt, our Sport Sensors Swing Speed Radar is a perfect gift ... - it's not how hard you swing but how well you swing. With Sport Sensors Swing Speed detector from ... enjoys using it! In January 2005, Sport Sensors introduced Sport Sensors Dual Mode Swing Speed Radar ... with Tempo Timer . Sport Sensors Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer lets you measure your Actual Swing ... Sensor complements Sport Sensors Swing Speed Radar for measuring golfers' clubhead speed... |
Sport Sensors Dual Mode Swing Speed Radar w/ Tempo Timer for Golf
Sport Sensors Dual Mode Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer lets you measure your Actual Swing ... Sensor complements the highly successful Sport Sensors Swing Speed Radar for measuring golfers' clubhead ... speed and baseball /softball bat speed. Use Sport Sensors Swing Speed Tempo Time Radar ... and accuracy. Sport Sensors Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler ... and skill levels. Sport Sensor Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer assists players in developing /optimizing ... as it approaches the ball. The Swing Speed Tempo Timer Radar by Sport Sensors, featuring simple one-button ... (alternates) between swing speed and tempo time. Sport Sensor Swingspeed Radar with Tempo Timer... |
Sports Sensors Baseball Glove Radar
The Sport Sensors Glove Radar is a small inexpensive Doppler radar velocity sensor which attaches ... and individual players. The purpose of Sport Sensor Glove Radar is to assist in developing players' ... and body. The SportSensor Glove Radar can aid any player - infielders and outfielders, as well ... characteristics are well within FCC requirements and prescribed safety levels. The Sport Sensors GloveRadar ... It is easily attached to, and removed from virtually any ball glove. The clever design of this sport radar ... goes into the sleep mode after an inactivity period of about a minute. Specifications for Sports ... MPH of typical sports radar speed guns located at comparable receiving positions Battery: 3 Volt,... |
Sports Sensors Paintball Radar, Rate-of-Fire
The Sports Sensors, Inc. Radarchron Radar for Paintball Characteristics - Rate-of-Fire PBRROF362 ... Sports Sensors will measure Average paintball speed in feet per second (fps) and average ... in the burst. Every ball is measured! The Sports Sensors RADARchron for Paintballs is made ... of burst characteristics displayed on the Sports Sensors Radarchron Rate of Fire Radar is easily ... paintball gun is made of, choose the Sports Sensors Radarchron Paintball Characteristics Radar. ... Sports Sensors PBRROF362: Paintball Radarchron Rate-of-Fire, Yellow trim Specifications for Sports ... electronically Rate-of -fire accuracy: Nominally within one-tenth bps Features of Sports Sensors Radarchron... |
Sport Sensors ArrowSpeed RADARchron Arrow Archery Radar / velocity sensor
Sport Sensors Arrowspeed RADARchron is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler radar velocity ... stabilizers. Sports Sensors, Inc. provides an extension rod if the archer does not use a compatible ... of Sport Sensors ArrowSpeed RADARchron Arrow Archery Radar: Rugged, compact design Simple one ... button operation Package Contents: Sport Sensors ArrowSpeed RADARchron Arrow Archery Radar ... sensor that measures the speed of an arrow as it is shot from the bow. The purpose of the Arrowspeed ... and associated environmental effects that are deleterious to other archery velocity sensors when ... The RADARchron measures the speed of metal and graphite/carbon arrows. arrows. Specifications for Sport... |
Sport Sensors Paintball RADARchron Speed Radar
Sport Sensors Paintball RADARchron is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor ... Specifications for Sport Sensors Paintball Radar / Velocity Sensor: Width: 2" Length: 3" Thickness: 1 ... 3/16" Weight: 2.7 oz. Features of Sport Sensors Paintball RADARchron Radar / Velocity Sensor ... in the field Package Contents: Sport Sensors Paintball RADARchron Radar / Velocity Sensor ... versatile low-cost velocity sensor affordable for all players, game officials, and field owners. |
Sports Sensors Paintball Rate of Fire Radar
Sports Sensors Paintball Rate of Fire Chronometer, keep your marker within safe limits for use ... with your paintball gun with this Sports Sensors Radar Gun. This chronometer at your side when ... paintballing you will be able to measure the speed of all your shots. In addition, Sports Sensors ... shown in the easy to read LCD display. The Sports Sensors chronometer is easy to operate and accurate, ... Specifications for Sports Sensors Paintball Rate of Fire: Power: 3AA batteries Features ... of Sports Sensors Paintball Chronometer: Easy to use one button operation Lightweight Package Contents: Sports Sensors Paintball Chronometer ROF... |
Suunto Smart Sensor Belt for Ambit3 and Ambit3 S Watches
Suunto Smart Sensor Belt for Ambit3 and Ambit3 S Watches monitors your heart rate with supreme ... comfort and precision. Suitable for Bluetooth Smart devices, this Heart Sensor from Suunto is a tiny, ... digital sensor that can be used for a capturing heart pulse and burned calories data for a variety ... sport-related activities. With features like a free Movescount application, replaceable battery, ... and an adjustable strap, Suunto Smart Ambit3 Heart Rate Sensor Belt provides just what you need to keep ... devices, jump at the chance to purchase Suunto Smart Waterproof Sensor. Suunto SS020566000: Smart Sensor ... Belt for Ambit3 and Ambit3 S Watches, Black Specifications for Suunto Smart Sensor: Weight: 0.08... |
Humminbird SW Speed Sensor
Developed to be ideal for almost any boat, the Humminbird SW Speed Sensor is an effective method ... with the Humminbird SW Speed Sensor, having access to a top quality canoe or kayak add-on has ... of time, and the Humminbird SW Speed Sensor is the response of their persistence for providing ... water sports lovers with some of the very best gear out there. For a good way to make sure that you ... Speed Sensor. Humminbird 7300211: SW Speed Sensor, GPS receiver speed sensor Features ... of Humminbird SW Speed Sensors: For use with: 1155c 1157c 1158c 1158c DI 1197cSI 1198c SI 141C 161 323 325 ... SI Package Contents: Humminbird SW Speed Sensor 7300211... |
Epic D1 Series Action Video Sports Camera
heart-pounding action of your most extreme adventures. Whether you're into water sports, cycling or any ... sport or activity. Don't go on your next adventure without a compact and lightweight sport camera ... with 1-9 adjustable burst mode, AVI recording with audio Optical and Detection Sensor: 2M ... color CMOS sensor 1/3" Lens: 5P Glass with IR coating Image Quality Control Exposure: Auto ... 7 Features of Epic D1 Series Sports Cameras: 720 x 480 digital video with audio recording 2x... |
Smith Optics Vice Ski Sports Goggle
VC6ZAG15: Vice Goggle Adventure Goggle Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics VC6BKBK15: Vice Goggle Black ... Frame/Blackout Lens Smith Optics VC6ZBK15: Vice Goggle Black Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics ... Lens Smith Optics VC6RZBK15: Vice Goggle Black Frame/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics VC6DXBK15: Vice ... Lens Smith Optics VC6RZKS15: Vice Goggle Black Sabotage Frame/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics VC6ZBT15: ... Vice Goggle Blue Burnout Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics VC6NXBT15: Vice Goggle Blue Burnout ... Smith Optics VC6RZNF15: Vice Goggle Neon Baron Von Fancy Frame/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics ... VC6RZOK15: Vice Goggle Orange Kook Frame/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics VC6DXOK15: Vice Goggle Orange Kook... |
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Smith Optics IOS Sports Ski Goggle
White Prism Frame/Polarized Rose Copper/Blue Sensor Lens Features of Smith Optics I/OS Winter Sports ... Optics IS7NXAP15: I/OS Goggle Acid Prism Frame/Green Sol-X/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics IS7IAQP15: I/OS ... Goggle Aqua Prism Frame/Ignitor/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics IS7BKKI15: I/OS Goggle Black Discord ... Frame/Blackout/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics IS7NXBK15: I/OS Goggle Black Frame/Green Sol-X/Red Sensor ... Lens Smith Optics IS7IBK15: I/OS Goggle Black Frame/Ignitor/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics IS7DXBK15: ... I/OS Goggle Black Frame/Red Sol-X/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics IS7IKBP15: I/OS Goggle Blackberry ... Prism Frame/Ignitor/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics IS7BKED15: I/OS Goggle Elena Deco Frame/Blackout/Red... |
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Smith Optics Transit Ski Sports Goggle
Sensor Lens Smith Optics TN3IAU15: Transit Goggle Aqua Frame/Ignitor Lens Smith Optics TN3ZBK15: ... Transit Goggle Black Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics TN3IBK15: Transit Goggle Black Frame/Ignitor ... Lens Smith Optics TN3ZKB15: Transit Goggle Blackberry Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics TN3IKB15: ... Sensor Lens Smith Optics TN3IMA15: Transit Goggle Magenta Frame/Ignitor Lens Smith Optics TN3ZSH15: ... Transit Goggle Sapphire Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith Optics TN3ISH15: Transit Goggle Sapphire ... Optics Transit Winter Sports Ski Goggles: Dual Lens with Airflow Ventilation Articulating Outrigger... |
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Garmin Forerunner 110 Sports Training GPS Watch
The Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Watch is a simple, easy to use sports training watch that uses GPS ... workout data provided by the Garmin Forerunner 110 Sport Watch. Data from each run is stored ... versions) Bike speed/cadence sensor: no Foot pod: no Automatic sync (automatically transfers data ... no Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button): no Advanced workouts (create custom, ... no Temperature (displays and records temperature while you ride): no Sport watch: yes Features ... for improvement Package Contents: Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Sports Training Watch AC charger Manual Heart Monitor (Men's and Women's versions ONLY)... |
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Smith Optics I/OX Sports Ski Goggle
Red Sensor/Blackout Lens Features of Smith Optics I/OX Sports Goggles: Quick Release Lens System ... Sports Ski Goggles and keep your performance at its best. Snowboarders and skiers require the most ... intense visibility on the super-bright snow, and these Ski Goggles from the winter sport experts at Smith ... that provides 5x anti-fog technology, the Smith Optic I/OX Sport Snowboard Goggles will shock you with its ... Optics I/OX Sport Goggles easier than ever before, ensuring that you spend less time focusing on your ... Stickfort Frame/Ignitor/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics IL7BKYP15: I/OX Goggle Cyprus Plammo ... Frame/Blackout/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics IL7DXFBL15: I/OX Goggle Fire Block Frame/Red Sol-X/Blue Sensor Lens Smith... |
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Smith Optics Showcase OTG Winter Sports Goggle
Showcase OTG Sports Ski Goggles. Perfect for women who wear glasses, these Ski Goggles from ... Carbonic-X Lens, the Smith Optics Showcase Over the Glasses Sports Ski Goggles provide stellar ... in the Smith Optics Showcase OTG Winter Sports Goggles. Smith Optics SW6EKGF15: Showcase OTG ... Frame/RC36 Lens Smith Optics SW6ZKGF15: Showcase OTG Goggle Black/Gold Fridays Frame/Blue Sensor Lens Smith ... SW6RZKGF15: Showcase OTG Goggle Black/Gold Fridays Frame/Red Sensor Lens Smith Optics SW6IWP15: Showcase OTG ... Goggle White Prism Frame/Ignitor Lens Features of Smith Optics Showcase OTG Winter Sports Ski ... Optics Showcase OTG Winter Sports Goggles Microfiber Bag... |
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Suunto Ambit3 Peak Watch
Ideal for a wide range of sports and other adventurous activities, this Watch by Suunto contains ... power support, Bluetooth Smart Multiple sports can be stored in one log Upload and share your moves ... media networks Package Contents: Suunto Ambit3 Peak Watch w/ Barometer and Compass Suunto Smart Sensor Heart Rate Belt USB Cable Quick Guide... |
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Leupold VX-3L 4.5-14x56mm Long Range Riflescope
with eight different intensity settings and an innovative motion sensor. Each VX-3L rifle scope uses ... 4.5-14x56mm Long Range Ballistic Riflescope: Versatile and efficient rifle scope for hunting and sport ... battery storage, and a motion sensor Finger adjustable, cryogenically treated windage and elevation... |
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ArmaLaser TR10 Laser Sight for SCCY CPX - Touch-Activated
remember the right process in the heat of the moment. The ArmaLaser TR10 sports True Touch Technology ... touch the gold-plated touch sensor on the TR10 where the trigger guard ends. You can switch between... |
Sealife DC1400 Pro Duo Digital Underwater Camera Set
minutes. Specifications for Sea-Life DC1400 Video Duo Pro HD Underwater Camera: Image Sensor: 14 ... Priority, Intelligent Scene, Sports, Smile Detection, Anti-Shake, Panorama, Skin Soften, De-Blemish, ... Portrait Man, Portrait Lady, Landscape, Sport, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Candlelight, Fireworks,... |

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The vast majority of my investments outside the Thrift Savings Plan are in index mutual funds or ETFs which I select based on the current phase of the business cycle. I almost exclusively use Vanguard funds and ETFs because of their very low costs and fees.
TSP C Fund:
– tracks the S&P 500 Index
– Mutual Fund: Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
– ETF: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
TSP S Fund:
– tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Completion Total Stock Market Index which is a subset of the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index that excludes components of the S&P 500. I substitute the Russell 2000 which is the most commonly used small cap index.
– Mutual Fund: Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund (NAESX)
– ETF: Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB)
TSP I Fund:
– tracks the MSCI EAFE Index
– Mutual Fund: Vanguard Developed Markets Index (VDMIX)
– ETF: Vanguard MSCI EAFE Index (VEA)
TSP F Fund:
– tracks the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
– Mutual Fund: Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX)
– ETF: Vanguard Total Bond Market Index ETF (BND)
TSP G Fund:
– invests in a very short-term U.S. Treasury security which is specially issued only to the TSP and provides interest rates similar to those of long-term Government securities, but without risk of loss of value and the ability to trade on a daily basis
– No equivalent investment available – the G Fund is a one-of-a-kind security issued only to federal employees through the TSP


text:
Fresh off his media tour addressing his desire to run for Miami-Dade County mayor, Luther Campbell is dropping his knowledge about the music industry and professional sports at Nova Southeastern Un... More >>
Fourteen years after New Times chronicled her free fall out of public office and into the slammer, Vicki Lukis has won her redemption. On Monday, federal Judge John Steele of the U.S. District Cour... More >>
Pablo Marquez pumps his fists toward the rafters of Coral Springs Gymnasium. Sweat races off his forehead, dripping onto the soft cotton fabric... More >>
In the ultra competitive, bruising world of professional wrestling, a viciously creative signature move is what separates the stars from the understudies.Joey "The Portrait of American Horror" Sain... More >>
Fifty seconds. That's how quick Dhafir Harris, aka Dada 5000, dispatched Timothy Papp Jr., an Oklahoma MMA fighter with more experience than the Perrine Spartan. Prior to stepping into the ring wit... More >>
Dhafir Harris, aka Dada 5000, is back in the MMA ring this Saturday night. The Perrine Spartan is the second headline match for the Mixed Fighting Alliance's event at the U.S. Century Bank Arena lo... More >>
On yesterday's Dan LeBatard show on 790 The Ticket, sometime New Times strip club expert Disco Rick provided intimate details about Rick Ross' infamous birthday party earlier this month at King Of ... More >>
County Commissioners Pepe Diaz and Natacha Seijas sure know how to dish out the bullshit when they are trying to help a friend hold on to a lucrative county contract. Two days ago, during the Inter... More >>
You know Uncle Luke is the true front runner when even the New Yorkers are telling Miami-Dade voters to elect him county mayor. New York magazine officially joined the movement today. Writer Amos B... More >>
We don't know about all of you, but we're pretty sick and tired of certain Miami-Dade politicians who keep resorting to their legal attack strategies to stop the will of the people. It's damn time ... More >>
Nine more individuals have been criminally charged in the ongoing federal investigation into a $40 million ponzi scheme in Hialeah. The arrests come in the wake of news reports that the FBI and the... More >>
Banana Republican just got an exclusive video from North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre responding to the outrage from Councilman Scott Galvin and city residents over his ordering 43 police-style badges ... More >>
Natacha Seijas should just get on her broom and fly off whenever a pesky journalist confronts her for comment about the recall against her. As we write this, the Wicked Witch of Northwest Miami-Dad... More >>
Luther Campbell wants to be Miami-Dade County's new mayor. The Miami New Times columnist and former 2 Live Crew frontman is looking... More >>
Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and his wife Raiza Villacis-Robaina gave out high interest loans to individuals other than accused ponzi schemer Luis Felipe Perez. And Hialeah Councilwoman Vivian Casal... More >>
The top individual donor to the political action committee seeking to block Miami-Dade Commissioner Natacha Seijas' recall is a Hialeah businessman who was barred from getting county work. The camp... More >>
In 1993, long before Julio Robaina dreamed about creating a more ethical and accountable county government, state business regulators... More >>
Twelve days ago, we reported how Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas offered Jean Monestime $750,000 in general obligation bond funds set aside for affordable housing in her district so h... More >>
In 1993, long before Julio Robaina dreamed about creating a more ethical and accountable county government, state business regulators sanctioned the Hialeah mayor for dishonest dealings with a prop... More >>
Today, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas will wave her nefarious wand to help a longtime county vendor hold on to a multimillion dollar contract to feed the handicapped and the elder... More >>
As the saga of Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito's war with Mayor Tomás Regalado rages on, a new development could fuel the battle... More >>
James Cason marched past the hostile glares of Cuba's minister of interior and a handful of generals gathered inside the air control tower at... More >>
When WikiLeaks began strategically dumping more than 250,000 secret U.S. Embassy cables, former American diplomat James Cason wasn't particularly worried that the leaked documents would cause long-... More >>
Last Thursday, when Miami-Dade County commissioners voted 10-3 to have Natacha Seijas face a recall vote on the same day as Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the wicked witch of the northwest immediately is... More >>
As the saga of Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito's war with Mayor Tomás Regalado rages on, a new development could fuel the battle between the two estranged friends over illegal gambling in the c... More >>


text:
Astea International To Webcast Third Quarter 2011 Results
HORSHAM, Pa., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Astea International Inc. (NASDAQ: ATEA) will release the company's third quarter 2011 financial results on Monday, November 14, 2011. On Friday, November 18, 2011, management will host a conference call that will be broadcast live over the Internet. Zack Bergreen, Chief Executive Officer, Rick Etskovitz, Chief Financial Officer and John Tobin, President, will host the call.
November 18th, 2011 11:00 a.m. ET http://www.astea.com
The conference call can be found under the subheading, "About Us," and then "Investors," or use the following URL to access the link: http://www.astea.com/about_investors.asp. To listen to the live call via the Internet, please go to the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. To listen to the live call via the telephone, please call 1-800-862-9098. For calls from outside North America, please dial 1-785-424-1051. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available, via the Internet, two hours after the call and will remain available for sixty days.
About Astea International
Astea International (NASDAQ: ATEA) is a global provider of software solutions that offer all the cornerstones of service lifecycle management, including customer management, service management, asset management, forward and reverse logistics management and mobile workforce management and optimization. Astea's solutions link processes, people, parts, and data to empower companies and provide the agility they need to achieve sustainable value in less time, and successfully compete in a global economy. Since 1979, Astea has been helping more than 600 companies drive even higher levels of customer satisfaction with faster response times and proactive communication, creating a seamless, consistent and highly personalized experience at every customer relationship touch point.Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
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Quant Ratings
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
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David Peltier identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
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Every recommendation goes through 3 layers of intense scrutinyquantitative, fundamental and technical analysisto maximize profit potential and minimize risk.
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Options Profits
Our options trading pros provide over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- Actionable options commentary and news
- Real-time trading community


text:
Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren Designer Interview Questions
Interview Experience
Interview Experience
Getting an Interview
Getting an Interview
Interview Difficulty
Interviews for Top Jobs at Polo Ralph Lauren
- Sales Associate (48)
- Intern (10)
- Sales Professional (7)
- Sales Associate/Cashier (5)
- Designer (3)
- Assistant Manager (3)
- Sales (3)
- Cash Lead (2)
- Assistant Manager of Operations (2)
- Associate Designer (2)
- Marketing Intern (2)
- PR Coordinator (2)
- Financial Analyst (2)
- Assistant Designer (2)
- Finance Intern (2)
- Corporate Intern (2)
- Director, Human Resources (2)
- Customer Service Representative (2)
- Product Development Manager (1)
- Production Manager (1)
- Manager (1)
- Assistant Manager Human Resources (1)
- Corporate Summer (1)
- Compensation Intern (1)
- Sales Floor Supervisor (1)
- Merchandizer (1)
- Summer Internship Program (1)
- Director of Retail Development (1)
- Tech Operations Manager (1)
- Ralph Lauren.com Customer Service Representative (1)
1 person found this helpful
Designer Interview
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1+ week – interviewed at Polo Ralph Lauren in June 2012.
it was a freelance position that was to hire permanetly. I stayed there for 7 months and they hired me to full time position. I took the job and now working for a while now. Alot of drama
- do you know the sales report for ralph lauren Answer Question
Other Interview Reviews for Polo Ralph Lauren
1 person found this helpful
Designer Interview
Application DetailsThe process took 2 weeks – interviewed at Polo Ralph Lauren in February 2012.
Interview DetailsInterviewed with Design Director in showroom. It was very casual and went through the usual questions of what job duties are, what fabrics and factories they normally use. One question that was a bit fun was if I could chose any celebrity/model to represent the company who would it be.
There wasn't much follow up until a week later when I was asked to submit a project. It's now been 3 weeks and no word yet.Interview Questions- What celebrity style would you say is most relevant in terms of denim? Answer Question
No OfferPositive ExperienceEasy Interview -
1 person found this helpful
Designer Interview
Application DetailsI applied online. The process took 2 days – interviewed at Polo Ralph Lauren in February 2010.
Interview DetailsHorrible experience. After being considered one of their "top contenders", they never returned a single phone call for 5 months. They pay next to nothing for hard labor which usually results in un-payed and unrecognized overtime. Interview consisted of annoying boasting of their multicultural outreach and important brand name. Who cares about that if they treat their employees (and potentials) like trash anyway?
Interview Questions- What was the design process at your previous employer? Answer Question
- Why do you want to work here? View Answers (2)
No OfferNegative ExperienceEasy Interview


text:
Product designers are responsible for designing and developing the majority of the consumer products that people use in their everyday lives. All industries that manufacture consumer products employ product designers. For example, product designers work in electronics, furniture design, general manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, and many other fields. More specialized fields include medical technology and telecommunications device manufacturing. While many product designers work to meet consumer needs with completely new products, many of the product designers' job responsibilities involve improving existing designs. Design improvement may be needed for a variety of reasons, such as improvement of functionality, improvement of appearance, and manufacturing cost reductions.
Read More...Product Designers generally report applying a varied skill set to their work. Most notably, facility with User Interface Design and Pro/Engineer are correlated to pay that is significantly above average, leading to increases of 39 percent and 5 percent, respectively. Skills that are correlated to lower pay, on the other hand, include Design and Adobe Illustrator. Most people skilled in Adobe Illustrator are similarly competent in Product Development.
Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.
Product Designers with more experience do not necessarily bring home bigger paychecks. In fact, experience in this field tends to impact compensation minimally. Salaries of relatively inexperienced workers fall in the neighborhood of $49K, but folks who have racked up five to 10 years see a notably higher median of $63K. Product Designers claiming one to two decades of experience make an estimated median of $67K. Individuals who have achieved more than 20 years of experience don't seem to earn much more than people who have 10 to 20 years under their belts; the more senior group reports an average income of $68K.
Home to some of the best pay for Product Designers, San Francisco offers exceptional salaries, 51 percent above the national average. Product Designers can also look forward to large paychecks in cities like Boston (+36 percent), Austin (+19 percent), Los Angeles (+13 percent), and New York (+13 percent). The lowest-paying market is Chicago, which sits 16 percent below the national average. Below-median salaries also turn up in Providence and Atlanta (10 percent lower and 8 percent lower, respectively).
Extremely satisfied |
Rated 5 out of 5 based on 123 votes. |
34 % |
66 % |
Medical: 85% | Dental: 70% | ||
Vision: 49% | None: 12% |


text:
Robert Bloch's Psycho captivated a nation when it appeared in 1959. The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released.
Norman Bates loves his Mother. She has been dead for the past twenty years, or so people think. Norman knows better though.… (more)
Publisher: Overlook Books (May 25, 2010)
Format: EPUB
Page count: 208 pages
File size: 157 KB
Protection: DRM
Language: English


text:
To find the parts that fit your machine, click on the link below and select your make, year and model.
Only the products that fit your machine will be shown in the product list
Click Here to Add Your Machine! >>
DR.D Radiator Lowering Kits lowers the center of gravity making your bike feel lighter and easier to handle. The DR.D Lowering Kit also keep the front end planted and lowers the radiator by almost an inch.
Specifications and Options


text:
By: patriots01 on November 10, 2008 - 2:51pm - Add new comment
Ok, OK, I know I screwed up by not looking to buy these items in July or whatever month they now start selling Thanksgiving items....and I know it's only 2 1/2 weeks away but...I am trying to find Thanksgiving themed salt and pepper shakers. You know, Pilgrims or turkeys. I can't find them anywhere. I don't want to take out a second mortgage to pay for them but I can't be too choosy either. Please let me know if you these anywhere. Thanks!
By: patriots01 on October 13, 2008 - 1:55pm - Add new comment
Hey folks, can anyone recommend a good lawnmower repairman here in town? Thanks!
By: patriots01 on August 31, 2008 - 11:56pm - Add new comment
Can anyone recommend a good and inexpensive mechanic? I have to go out of town and my daughter's car needs work. Thanks!
By: patriots01 on June 27, 2008 - 1:33pm - Add new comment
Hey BT, what happened to the Food Dude column? I haven't seen it in weeks.
By: patriots01 on June 15, 2008 - 6:58am - Add new comment
For those asking about rock in the area, if you missed Dickey Betts and Great Southern on Thursday you missed a GREAT show! Not only did he rock but he played for about 3 hours. The guy has tremendous guitar skills and a smoking band. The Shoreline Ballroom is a nice small venue so you can see and hear everything. They have a pretty diverse group of bands coming so you should find something to enjoy. I'll be checking out more shows this summer!
By: patriots01 on June 2, 2008 - 2:59pm - Add new comment
The wife and I were out for dinner this weekend and wanted to go get dessert. We then realized that we didn't know where to go to get dessert! We aren't counting ice cream. we're talking coffee, a selection of pies, cakes or other pastries. So does anyone have any recommendations?
By: patriots01 on May 20, 2008 - 7:24pm - Add new comment
Did anyone else notice the beautiful bird pictures in Sunday's BT? If so, did you notice the bird pictures were right next to a Wild Wings ad?
I found it amusing :)
By: patriots01 on April 21, 2008 - 3:25pm - Add new comment
I was driving on 46 yesterday at 1230 and there were a couple of police cars, a fire truck, ambulance, a few spectators and guy laying in the street. I couldn't tell if the person was hurt or cuffed. Does anyone know what happened?
By: patriots01 on March 18, 2008 - 3:46pm - Add new comment
I was out of town and my delivery of the BT is spotty at best. What is up with the "Stars and Bars" and NAACP cartoon? What did I miss?
By: patriots01 on January 22, 2008 - 3:30pm - Add new comment
Are there any no kill shelters in Bluffton that will take an injured feral kitten? I can't stand to see an animal starve to death and would take it in but I have no more room at my house. Thanks!


text:
Personal Banking Advisor - Exeter University (35 hours per week)
South West
- Location:
- South West: Devon
- Salary (Annual):
- Unspecified
- Salary Description:
- £15,000 - £17,500 + competitive bonus structure
- Company:
- Santander
- Sector:
- Banking Insurance Finance, Customer Service and Call Centres, Sales
- Working Pattern:
- Full time
- Type:
- Permanent
- Date Posted:
- Wednesday, 27th June 2012
- Flexibility Offered:
- No, Set
- Job Ref:
- #6164333
Guide customers to realise their personal financial goals.
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text: This parody of gangster flicks centers on an incarcerated gangster who decides to reform after he is released from Sing Sing. He and his cell mate have earned a small fortune in investments and are planning to buy a dog track. Unfortunately, another prisoner eavesdrops and attempts to force the fellow to use his savings to buy a luggage store and then dig a tunnel to the bank next door so they can easily rob it. The reformer and his partner refuse. They sing a different tune when they learn that most of their money was lost by their third partner. In desperation, he buys the suitcase outlet. While he tries to deal with his many customers, the other two bumblers attempt to dig, but it's not easy because every time someone comes in, they must stop their noisy operation. More trouble follows when another gangster tries to get in on their operation. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi


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B.A. in Early Childhood Education
B.A. in Early Childhood Practice
M.Ed. / Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
M.Ed. in Educational Psychology (School Psychology Track) / Ed.S. in School Psychology
Ed.S. in Leadership in Curriculum and Teaching
M.Ed. in Mathematics Education
M.Ed. in Middle Level Education
M.Ed. or M.S.Ed. in Reading Specialist
M.Ed. / C.A.S. in Special Education
M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
M.Ed., M.S. Ed. or C.A.S. in Technology in Education
M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education
M.A.T. in Elementary Education
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration
M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
M.Ed. in Technology in Education
Ed.D. in Curriculum and Social Inquiry
Ed.D. in Disability and Equity in Education


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It's here! I don't belive it! (I have stuff (From elsewhere) thats 42 days from order date!) And you do it in 6 days.You MUST be clarevoient. You...Read More ->
I've ordered from MJM Magic quite a few times now and have always been extremely impressed with their customer service. Any time I've had a question...Read More ->


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Thread: Happy Birthday Mr. Hockey
Happy Birthday Mr. Hockey
My favorite player turns 80 on the 31st.
Happy Birthday Gordie Howe
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One who pillages for booty, and goes "argh"
Beküldő: AlRigoberto
2006. december 27.
If your looking this up, you problably are one.
Guy 1: Dude why is that guy over by that group of girls voice so nasily?
Guy 2: Its because hes a Butt Pirate
Guy 2: Its because hes a Butt Pirate
Beküldő: Joksalot
2012. április 6.
When a guy, wearing a cupcake and skull t-shirt, comes up to a group of girls dancing with a token male friend. The guy then proceeds to make contact with the token male instead of the hot chicks.
What's the meaning of that cupcake shirt that guy was wearing when he was hitting on you? ... It means he is a "butt pirate"!!
Beküldő: WildBill1991
2011. augusztus 5.
Also known as the coon cunt. One who is really gay.
Ian is a Butt Pirate
Beküldő: ricochetcrazyeyes
2011. március 28.
when you are pirate and you like to have angry butt sex with your mates.
Hey Fred did you here that kid joseph from the National Guard is a butt pirate?
Beküldő: tyler balez
2008. október 31.
A person who grabs ass and runs away, much like a pirate with booty.
Geez Josh, you're such a butt pirate tonight.
Beküldő: I'm not a whore
2010. augusztus 29.
All people that like to pleasure a man through the anus.
Other nick names include "fudge popcicle" "Fudge knocker" "Faggot" "Gold digger of shit" "Poo packer" and "slimy anus cum smasher"
Other nick names include "fudge popcicle" "Fudge knocker" "Faggot" "Gold digger of shit" "Poo packer" and "slimy anus cum smasher"
Beküldő: brad, aka breezy, aka b-rad
2010. február 23.


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Lol XD:iconSoundwave-TFPrime: Is doing a dare that he has to show his face to everyone until i say he can put his visor on and i have his visor. Hahahaha who knew his optics were so sensitive to light XDDD Hahahahahaha aaww man i'm so sorry Soundwave i didn't know, but ya reaction was funny XD~Cliffjumper (( Trollmuffin)) out :icontrollfaceplz:
Weirdest dream every !!Cliffjumper ran into the Autobot lobby and got up on Ratchets computer " Guys I just had the most weirdest dream ever ! Soundwave was talking and his voice sounded like a chipmunk !! Isn't that weird isn't it isn't is !!" he jumps off the computer and laughs out of nowhere " And then he took his visor off and he looked just like Arcee and said smashing ! HAHAHAHAHA OMP that was hilarious and then Arcee came out of nowhere and ripped his face off ! That was creepy cause then he grew a new one !! A new face ! " he said in freight now, obviously there was something wrong with him. But he was oblivious to it . " OMP and then Megatron came and was on a bike eatting a lollipop while sissy music played and said " I'm as giddy as a school girl!" That was sooooo creepy !!" he said finally getting to the end of his dream " And then Prime and Arcee started making out which was kinda creepy considering they were kissing in front of me, honestly I don't care if ya two are together just not ki
HELP!!!!!Hey guys ya mind helping me?.......what? oh no i ain't in trouble i just put help in a dramatic way to get ya attentions XDDD Annnyyyywwwaaaayyysss, i want to dare :iconSoundwave-TFPrime: to do something so ya guys mind helping me think of something it can be anything !
Soundwave trolls KnockoutIt was a rather long and disappointing day for Knockout, he has been fixing Eradicon's 24 hours and even when they were fixed, they would come back injured again. Finally Knockout was finished and was now in his quarters resting, he laid on his berth resting, awaiting what was left of his day to end. Knockout had his comm link system off trying to avoid calls from Decepticons, the room was so quiet he thought it was to good to be true, as he started to shut his optics he heard it thunder.Knockout- *optics still shut* This planet is so strange, ugh I can't wait to get out of here.Thunder strikes the Nemesis, over Knockout's quarters shutting off all the power on the Nemesis, it was a good thing the Nemesis was on the ground and not the sky.Knockout- *opens his optics startled* What the frag was that ? *gets up off the berth and looks around, checking the monitors, noticing they don't have power* Huh? strange it was working just fine before *tries to turn on the lights but they do not
No more dangerous dares.Hey guys I love all them dangerous dares like jumping off tall building and mountains, and storming the Decepticon ship alone but I made a promise to Cee that I'd stop that and tone it down so no more dangerous dares guys sorry.
Breakdown and spider'sOut on patrol Breakdown and Knockout came across a abandoned village, and so being con's and having curiosity get the better of them, Knockout and Breakdown go to investigate this abandoned village. As they enter the village they notice a lake that is drying and is mostly mud then water, as they continue to look around they see fishing nets and notice that most of the stores there sold fish and not regular meat.Knockout- *huffs* This humans must have enjoyed eating sea food *he said looking over at Breakdown*Breakdown- *looks at Knockout and nods agreeing with him* I guess so, wonder if they ever ate anything else but sea food.Knockout-*shrugs and walks away threw an ally way* Who know's, I know i don't give a scrap about it.Breakdown- *follows Knockout to the ally looking around* Yea me neither.While their walking they pass several Spiderwebs, but Knockout pay them no mind seeing how these spiderwebs were not of Arachnids, but Breakdown on the other hand started to get iffy about
ooc: Prank i pulled on my momMe: *messes with mom's sandwich* Hey ma are ya gonna eat ya sandwich ? If not i'll eat it.Mom: * from her room* Don't touch my sandwich !Me: Oooohhh nooo my arms are reaching for the sandwich! * slowly reaches for the sandwich dramatically*Mom: Oh no you don't * runs fast to the sandwich and takes it* You're not eatting it make your own sandwich.Me:......I did make that sandwich for you >.>Mom: Oh well make another * takes bite out of sandwich and makes a face after a while* whats in this sandwich??Me: Ham, cheese, mayo.Mom: Ok so i don't see why---Me: Honey, mustard, ketchup, a roach.Mom: You put what in my sandwich!? * lifts the bread to see a roach and drops it running out side screaming loud enough for the neighbors to hear* EEEEEEEWWW AAAGGGHHHHMe: * takes the fake roach out and puts it with the other fake ones* I love pranking her :icontrollfaceplz:
rp) the birth of the twins*the hours dragged on so long for Adriana and Blackhawk. They waited patiently for their twins to be born but the hours of them arrving grew them impatient once they were rushed to the med bay. Hours after hours went by until the twins were fianlly held in their mother's arms, sleeping in peace as they smiled and cooed when they felt their creators love and care through their bond. Adriana looked up at her mate with joyous tears leaking down her face and kisses him softly on the lips before looking down at them, her spark beating from all the love she gave to them while holding them protectively in her arms and gives each of them a kiss on the helm*Welcome to the world, Firefly and Vortex.
rp) TwinsI have wonderful news to announce to everyone. I have found out today that I am carrying two healthy sparklings. A mech and a femme. I'm so happy! Now, I'll have to be thinking of names for them. *giggles and blushes happily*
First Walk*Adriana was in the comfort of her home as she read on the couch of the living area while the twins played with their blocks to keep themselves entertained. The only sounds that were heard was of them giggling and blocks falling. The young femme was very attentive to her reading that she hasn't realized what Firefly was doing.Firefly was kneeling on the floor when she got on all four and slowly started to get up, standing for the first time on her own without her creator's help. Giggling, she reaches out to her mother as her stubby little pedes kept moving forward and gather her balance until she hugs her mother's legs and laughs.*"Firefly! You just walked. You walked for the first time." *picks her daughter up in her arms* "Oh, I'm so proud of you."*Vortex saw what his sister did and narrows his optics when she was reaching all the attention and to make matters of his own, he started to do the same yet every time he tried getting up he will always fall face forward. Adriana giggle
The names for sparklings:iconBloodyBonezAlchemist: and :iconNewLordStarscream: now have the little sparklings names. Shadowblades and now the other little twin Nitran. Wasp likes that name, very good name!!! Wasp can't wait to see what they look like...maybe mix of Dcepticon and human......
UntitledThings have been changing a lot lately.Most of it has not been for the better but I'm still staying here for anyone that wishes to be here with me too.Cuse yay; I like friends.:iconcatlaplz:
Season 3It's supposedly February 15th.Prepare yourselves.~
Cliffjumpers dare: Show emotions-Soundwave: Has to show emotions until christmas is over.- he said obviously annoyed by Cliffjumper for the 20th time, he has done his stupid dares that involved him to show emotions it was starting to drive him crazy, he wanted to offline Cliffjumper once and for all.
Frostbite *teaser* (Jack Frost X Reader)This is a little teaser out of my upcoming Jack Frost Fanfiction. It reads as if you, the reader, wrote it.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Momentarily forgetting the cold, I sat and examined my find. The frost-encrusted wood was curved on one end, much like a shepherd's crook. I ran my fingers along the intricate designs in the frost, marveling at this masterpiece of nature. The staff was oddly familiar. I stared at it, tilting my head to the right unconsciously as I tried to imagine where I'd seen it before."It's beautiful isn't it?" My eyes grew wide in shock and I jumped in surprise at the unfamiliar voice. Sitting cross-legged in the snow next to me was a strange, hooded boy.Startled at my reaction, he jumps back as well. "You can hear me?" He squeaked. "Can... can you see me?" he asked in a shaky, excited voice."Of course I can, why wouldn't I be able to? Who
Hahahaha this dare is hilarious ! XD:iconSoundwave-TFPrime: Dared me to do what my designation meant and jump off a cliff so i did and he was speachless XDDDD He didn't think i'd actually do it XDDDDD


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Doors Open to Frank Lloyd Wright
A virtual tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's American System-Built homes.
Located along West Burnham St., in the Burnham Park neighborhood, are the original six and only known group of American System-Built homes by Frank Lloyd Wright. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, there are four model 7a duplexes, a model B1 bungalow, and a model C3 bungalow in the collection. The homes were designed as beautiful affordable housing for moderate and low income families.
Photo Gallery
Doors Open
Inside the McIntosh–Goodrich Mansion
Oct 28th, 2014 by Dave ReidThe 1903 historic mansion, one of the last along this stretch of Prospect Ave., is a beauty, as our photos show.
Inside the Mackie Building
Oct 21st, 2014 by Dave ReidOur photos take you inside the 1879 structure, the former Grain Exchange, and one of the city's most historic and beautiful buildings.
Inside Saint John's on the Lake
Oct 13th, 2014 by Dave ReidThe 21-story retirement home has unique amenities, including an art gallery and both a garden and bee hives residents can help maintain.
Inside the Wells Building
Oct 5th, 2014 by Dave ReidStep inside the 15-story high-rise, which was the largest terra cotta building in the world when built in 1901.
Inside the Standard at East Library
Sep 30th, 2014 by Dave ReidOur photos capture the interior of a one-bedroom apartment, its great views, and the rooftop deck.
Inside Park Lafayette Towers Apartments
Sep 28th, 2014 by Dave ReidOur photos take you on a tour inside Park Lafayette and reveal a hidden urban oasis in the sky.


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All articles tagged with 'fatherhood' are listed below. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.
On Friday, January 31, the Vitruvian sat down with Terry Keller, professor and chairpoerson in the Social Work Department at Lourdes University. Professor Keller spoke to us about fatherhood as his own two children played in his office.
Read the rest of article »
Popular tags: family, fatherhood, social work, faculty
General inquiries: firstname.lastname@example.com Editor: Pat Pickering firstname.lastname@example.com Faculty advisor: Noah Roderick firstname.lastname@example.com


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Why You Need it and When You Do Not
Story and photo by Nora Dunn Updated 10/2014 by Transitions Abroad
"I wonder how much this is going to cost," I muse silently as I sit in the spacious hospital room in northern Thailand. I have called this room "home" for seven days now, while my boyfriend endures and eventually recovers from a bout of crippling Dengue Fever.
While my boyfriend flirts with a near-comatose state over the course of the week, I befriend the nine attending nurses, one doctor, administrative staff, and two translators, all of whom are invaluable and offer attentive service during our stay. Out of pocket expenses have racked up already in the name of initial hospital out-patient visits, canceling non-refundable train tickets, extending our expiring tourist visas, and so on. I can only imagine what the hospital bill will be when we are released.
And although I am concerned about the cost of this vacation debacle, I am not worried about losing my shirt; we have travel insurance.
Incidentally, this is not the first time we have seen the inside of a hospital room since we started traveling a years ago. In Hawaii, my boyfriend's crushed toe found us in the emergency room, a little worse for wear. As Canadians with government-subsidized health coverage, a trip to the hospital doesn't even bring on a financial sweat at home; the charges are few if any. But a hospital visit in the United States where health care is very big business is another matter, and we prayed that our travel insurance company would see fit to pick up the tab.
Three quarters of an hour and a $900 bill later, we were anticlimactically released with nothing more pain killers and instructions to keep the foot elevated. It seems that big business also means big profits. Luckily for us, we didn't have to pay for it; our travel insurance policy did.
Many travelers, especially those on the road for long periods of time or with limited funds, choose not to travel with medical insurance. Instead they decide to roll the dice and take the gamble that nothing will happen. And in many cases that is exactly what happens: nothing. Even if medical assistance is required, it often costs less in other countries, and in some cases a simple trip to the pharmacist will result in a free consultation and an inexpensive diagnosis and prescription on the spot. Pharmacists in many countries are often very proactive and knowledgeable, able to help with what ails you without directing you to a doctor pro forma. All the while, the travel insurance premiums sit in the traveler's pocket and are enjoyed in other ways, or used to subsidize any necessary trips to the pharmacy.
But when disaster strikes – and it can indeed strike, as I have been witness to more than once – those travel insurance premiums may seem tiny in comparison to the medical bills you could be faced with.
Making the decision to apply for travel insurance should extend beyond the simple analysis of general health and predisposition towards illness. Anything can happen at any time, and what you should analyze is your ability — financially and otherwise — to cope with that event on the road. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
You know better than anybody else possibly can whether the answers to the above questions should lead you to apply for travel insurance or not. However as a full-time traveler and with claims experience, my solid recommendation to any traveler is to indeed incorporate travel insurance into the budget.
Different Types of Insurance Coverage
Not only are no two policies the same (so read the fine print, really read it carefully), but within each policy you will discover many different kinds of coverage and options to choose from. The three main kinds of travel insurance include:
1) Trip Cancellation
If you need to cancel your trip or cut it short due to a personal or family medical emergency, trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you (in full or in part) for the non-refundable portions of travel expenses spent. It is often only available prior to or at the time of booking your flights, and once they are booked you may be unable to apply. This type of insurance is rife with stipulations and conditions depending on when and how you purchase it, but if you are planning an expensive long-haul flight, it may be worth your while.
2) Baggage Loss/Theft
With this type of insurance, you will be reimbursed for all or part of the value of your travel belongings if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. The method of valuating your possessions varies, as does the level of reimbursement depending on how or where it was lost. You will be expected to provide proof of ownership, including original purchase receipts or photos as part of the claims process. You won't immediately get a check for lost baggage, and will likely have to spend some money out of pocket to even function while enduring the claims process. Unless you are traveling with some really expensive items, this form of insurance is often more hassle than it is worth. You may also already have this coverage and not know it; we will address that shortly.
3) Emergency/Accidental Medical
As the most common (and arguably most practical) form of travel insurance, this should be your choice if you are only to choose one kind. You are reimbursed or covered directly for medical (and related) expenses incurred during your trip, and in some insurance plans for long-term travelers you are even covered for an entire year. The circumstances surrounding your falling ill or becoming injured are important, as your policy may or may not cover your participation in certain sports, and almost certainly won't touch you if your medical condition was an issue prior to your trip departure. Also in many cases, claims will be rejected if you are in a country in political turmoil or if your injury can be related to acts of war or terror. Be sure to read the fine print for this type of insurance.
Making Insurance Claims
In the descriptions above, you may already have detected a number of loopholes which allow the insurance company to get out of paying your claim; from visiting war-torn regions, to the impossible task of providing receipts for your belongings, to a potential loose connection between your illness and a pre-existing condition, it often seems that insurance companies are dedicated to not helping you out. And admittedly, personal experience with filing claims twice now has been responsible for more than a few gray hairs. But difficulty in extracting money from an insurance company is not reason enough to throw your hands up and either not file a claim or not apply for insurance to begin with.
In the cases of both our claims, we were reimbursed for a large chunk of our expenses. The Hawaiian hospital bills were paid directly by the insurance company, but we first had to fill out reams of insurance paperwork and received a few nasty letters with overdue bills from the hospital. We were disappointed at how long it took the insurance company to cover the costs, but in the end, they did. Of the $900 in expenses, we were on the hook for $72–for the painkillers.
In Thailand, the claims process was even more involved. The hospital bill for the week-long stay was paid by the insurance company directly and relatively easily (thankfully, as it was the most expensive part of our claim). The out of pocket expenses were also eventually covered, but due to the sheer number and complexity of the receipts, it was like pulling teeth. One arm of the insurance company rarely seemed to communicate with the other, and repeated requests came through to file papers and forms that were already sent. Finally upon escalation of the problem to upper management, the claim was processed. Corrections still had to be made due to administrative oversights, but I do not necessarily fault the examiners: it would have been a tough claim to process.
Claims Advice
You may wonder why on earth I would continue to recommend travel insurance if having the claims reimbursed was so painstaking. But the upshot is that indeed the claims were eventually processed, and hundreds upon hundreds of dollars were saved by having the insurance. Our claims were relatively innocuous in nature; a crushed toe and temporarily debilitating illness were tough to endure but ultimately not as serious as it could be. Having extensive surgery, remote airlifts, or any number of unimaginable tragedies happen are real possibilities, and expensive ones at that.
So how do you make claim-time easier on yourself? Here are some tips:
You May Already Have Overseas Insurance Coverage
By booking your plane ticket with your credit card, you may already have baggage loss/theft coverage, as well as trip cancellation insurance without even knowing it. You may also have a health insurance plan at home that covers you overseas, even if you are on a sabbatical. Here are some forms of insurance you just may unwittingly have:
In all cases, phone your existing insurers and inquire about the level and availability of coverage. You may be able to save yourself the expense of getting a separate policy.
Final Note
As I alluded to earlier, no two policies are the same, even if they are from the same travel insurance company. As tedious a task as it may seem at times—the best companies are going out of their way to be more transparent and customer service oriented—do read the fine print thoroughly; it may be the difference between walking away from the hospital with money in your pocket, or not.
Applying for travel insurance through the internet is a common, acceptable, and easy way to find and get coverage. Here are some resources for the sake of comparison, and there are many others:
World Nomads is an Australian company with affiliates worldwide. The conscientious company appeals to long-term and adventurous travelers. You can apply from abroad once your trip has already started and extend your policy while still traveling. They offer a website with an excellent interface allowing easy access to many different policies (note: we write this without being affiliated).
Travel Guard: Travel Medical & Medical Evacuation Insurance — MedEvac Plan offers insurance and emergency medical assistance with durations of up to a year for those who travel long-term. The policy covers aspects of your health care that typical travel insurance does not. Single and annual trip plans cover either specific durations of up to 90 days for a trip or durations of up to 365 days for hard-core travelers.
Insure My Trip is a great resource for comparing different insurance companies worldwide based upon your trip itinerary and needs.
Travel Cuts is a site geared towards student travel, you will find lots of great budget resources here. Their insurance arm has easy-to-understand lingo and an easy application process.
Health, Safety, and Insurance for Travelers and Expatriates
The Importance of Travel Insurance Abroad: Don't Leave Home Without It
Why You Need Travel Insurance: Tips for Covering Health to Flight to Property
Staying Healthy Overseas
Going Prepared: The Real Cost of an International Adventure
Traveler's Insurance Tips
Nora Dunn is a Professional Hobo and Freelance Writer, traveling the world full-time in search of the best stories, greatest adventures, bests deals, while trying to stay out of hospitals in the process. You can read more about her at www.theprofessionalhobo.com