The VS vs. BA/AA saga continues as Richard Branson fires off more attacks at the “oneworld alliance” that includes British Airways, American Airlines, and Iberia.

Branson has been voicing his opinion loudly on the subject for a while now, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. American Airlines has responded to recent comments, but it’s probably fair to say that the response won’t get Sir Richard to hold his tongue.

Check out Rick Seaney’s blog for more on Branson, Virgin Atlantic, and “oneworld.”

There’s still time…

Fly American Airlines to the United Kingdom, in an eligible First or Business Class flight, and earn 50,000 miles - just like that.

And you can earn 25K miles by traveling on certain Economy Class flights.

You have to book - and complete your travel - by June 30.

And you must use the promo code: UK50K

See all the details here.

Enjoy added room, sleeper seats, personal entertainment and more on your way to Asia.

American Airlines is offering deals on business class flights to Shanghai and Tokyo for travel all the way through October 31, 2009. You can find business class specials from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and other U.S. departure cities. Airfare starts as low as $2,494+ each-way (LA to Tokyo).

Visit American Airlines for more details and frequent flier bonus mile opportunities.

The push from carriers to get travelers to head overseas continues. We’ve seen a number of Europe airfare sales and specials over the past two months. Along with flight deals, airlines are also throwing in some added perks.

American Airlines is offering 50,000 bonus miles on eligible business class and first class flights from the U.S. to the United Kingdom (you can earn 25,000 bonus miles on select flights in economy). Here’s what you need to do in order to pick up these extra miles:

• Book a qualifying ticket between March 19 and June 30, 2009 (booking classes F, J, A, D, I, R, Y, B or H)
• Register prior to travel at www.aa.com/offers using promotion code UK50K
• Complete travel by June 30, 2009

Visit American Airlines for more details.

Even as the cold weather continues its hold on much of the country, we can start to think about the warmer days ahead, and we can start to think about summer travel.

American Airlines has business class deals to destinations across Europe for travel between June 28 and September 11, 2009. You can enjoy all the luxury of business class and the “American Airlines Flagship” experience while traveling to Paris, Zurich, London, Madrid, and a range of other European cities. You’ll find business class airfare as low as $1,001+ each-way.

Purchase your airline ticket by July 6. Visit American Airlines Specials for more details.

Logan Airport is seeing a lot of action these days. The airfare war brought on by new Virgin America routes to Boston continues to wage, and on top of reducing airfares, American Airlines is offering triple mile incentives for AAdvantage Members.

Now, American Airlines has announced it will renovate the Logan Admirals Club. The project is scheduled to wrap up in 2010, and when all is said and it will have an entirely new look and layout, as well as additional amenities:

“The remodeled lounge will offer seating for 214 and include the addition of a cyber cafe, children’s room with age-appropriate TV programming and computer games, five new flat panel-televisions and TV lounge and cafe seating where customers can enjoy complimentary light snacks, juice, tea, coffee and soft drinks or purchase delicious fare from the lounge’s food and beverage program, Amora^TM…Other highly valued amenities include an updated multi-functional business center outfitted with telephones, a global print solution powered by PrinterOn, copier and fax service. American’s professional Premium Services representatives can also assist guests with boarding passes, reservations, seat selection and upgrades.” (from American Airlines Media Room)

We’ll continue to monitor the situation in Boston to see if any more perks for frequent fliers appear.

Things are heating up in Beantown. Virgin America recently launched new routes to Boston from Los Angeles and San Francisco. An airfare war with JetBlue quickly followed. However, JetBlue wasn’t the only airline forced to confront the power of mood lighting. American Airlines, the Big Boy of Logan Airport, is battling to keep their claim on those transcontinental routes, as well.

In order to keep loyal customers loyal, American Airlines is offering triple mileage incentives to AAdvantage members on flights from Boston to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego:

“‘We are competing very aggressively in this market with everyone else who flies out of Boston,’ said spokesman Ned Raynolds. ‘We intend to maintain and build our following here.’” (from Boston.com)

American has made its move - or at least one of its moves. Things should continue to stay interesting in Boston, and travelers could continue to benefit.

Check out or Deals Blog for more details on qualifying for American Airlines’ triple mileage offer.

American Airlines has extended their “free” companion ticket offer. If you are enrolled (or enroll now) in American Airlines’ awards program and you fly roundtrip to the UK in first class or business class (select economy flights available, too), you have the opportunity to pick up a “free” companion ticket for future travel to the UK or the Caribbean:

“On your next trip you can choose to return to the UK or perhaps opt for warmer weather with a trip to the Caribbean. American, a founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, offers up to 18 daily flights to London Heathrow and Manchester from various U.S. locations.”

The carrier is extending this offer as a “thank you to our customers and as a reminder that American offers an attractive schedule whether flying for business or pleasure.”

If you’re a business traveler looking to turn those cross-country flights into a leisure vacation with a loved one down-the-line, this offer can help you save.

Check out the American Airlines press release for complete details and the true definition of “free,” and use the promo code UKCMP when booking.

American Airlines has gone back-to-back-to-back. For the third straight year, Global Traveler Magazine has named the Ft. Worth-based carrier “Best Airline for Domestic First Class.”

As we’ve seen perks disappear for business and leisure travelers sitting at the front of the plane, American Airlines has vowed to offer a travel experience that separates them from the rest:

“We know that each day, we have to compete for and win the loyalty of our business travelers. We strive to differentiate ourselves from competitors by investing in products, service and network enhancements that make the travel experience convenient, reliable and productive…” (Kurt Stache, Vice President and General Sales Manager at American Airlines - from MarketWatch)

It’s clear that Global Traveler readers are fans of American, but what do you think? Does American’s first class service deserve the win again?

The folks over at Sky Talk noticed an unusual trend, courtesy of stats from the International Air Transport Association (IATA):

It seems that an increasing number of the so-called premium travelers - first class fliers and business class travelers - are missing in action.

You can read more about it on RickSeaney.com. And while you’re there, take a look at this - American’s Admirals Club membership fees are rising.

There are still a few days left to take advantage of American Airlines’ business class airfare sale to Rome. If you purchase your airline ticket by August 7th, 2008, you’ll find business class flights for as low as $1,656+ each-way from departure cities including Washington, DC; New York, Boston; Chicago; and Dallas/Ft. Worth.

These business class deals are good for travel between September 2nd and October 9th, 2008. Along with lower airfares, these deals also offer all of the perks of American Airlines business class including personal entertainment systems, ergonomically-designed adjustable seats, spa products, and more.

Keep reading for sample business class airfares to Rome, and visit our Deals Blog for cheap economy airfare to Rome on American Airlines…

It looks as though American Airlines is reaching out to its Elite Rewards members after all of the cancellations and PR problems of last week.

Please read “Something Extra For AAdvantage Gold Members” for more on the current rewards opportunities American Airlines is offering.

New routes to/from Europe continue to take flight. Starting April 24th, American Airlines starts flying direct from JFK to Barcelona. American Airlines will be offering daily flights along this route, and they will offer economy and business class seats.

Along with benefits of non-stop travel, some passengers will also get to experience some of the latest touches added to American Airlines International business class including up to 30 “next generation” business class seats.

Keep reading to see just what this seat can do…

Hungry?

Well, you’ll start seeing more variety in the menus in American’s first and business class sections. Here’s a sampling:

• Macadamia nut chicken with pineapple papaya marmalade
• Grilled barbeque chicken salad garnished with bleu cheese and spicy pecans
• Rosemary-scented shrimp drizzled with garlic sauce served with lemon rice and artichokes
• Beef filet enhanced by a ratatouille sauce and served with cauliflower gratin and mixed vegetables

Sounds pretty good; but if there are any food critics out there, let us know what YOU think.

We continue our look at international business class offerings this week with American Airlines. American’s “Flagship Experience” on International Business Class and First Class is designed to provide travelers with easy check-in, access to lounges in airports all over the world, and luxury that goes beyond that of standard business class cabins.

Of course, most airlines make these claims, so let’s take a look at what you can expect if you fly international business class on American Airlines…