Alaska Airlines will not require its existing employees to be vaccinated or fine them for choosing to forgo the jab. However, those employees will be subject to “regular” testing and other restrictions. In leaving it up to employee, is...
How A Passenger Defended Knocking Two Teeth Off Southwest Flight Attendant
Vyvianna Quinonez brutally attacked a Southwest Airlines flight attendant in May in a story that made headlines around the world. Not only did she punch a flight in the attendant in the face and grab her by the hair,...
Why Are Pilots Suing Southwest Airlines?
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) has sued Southwest Airlines, asserting that the Dallas-based carrier has violated federal labor law through its “emergency” policies attributed to the pandemic. Why Are Pilots Suing Southwest Airlines? The complaint, lodged by the union...
Spirit Airlines Meltdown Demonstrates Need For More Passenger Rights
The stories are far too voluminous to recount in full, but the meltdown of Spirit Airlines last week demonstrates why we need more rights for passengers who find their flights delayed or cancelled, particularly when the airline is to...
United Airlines CEO Explains Why Vaccine Mandate Is Mandatory For Employees
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is making the rounds on national media in an attempt to defend his company’s vaccine mandate for all employees. His key word: safety. United Airlines CEO Says Vaccine Requirement Is All About Safety Speaking...
FAA Wants Airports To Curtail Selling Alcohol In “To Go” Cups
In a letter to airport managers, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has asked airports to curb the sales of alcohol in “to go” cups, stating that it emboldens passengers to consume alcohol onboard and contributes to the rise in...
European Union Should Block Americans Until Travel Reciprocity Is Established
Let me start by saying that I am thankful that the European Union took the first step in opening up borders to American tourists this summer. But the lack of reciprocity in allowing Europeans to travel to the United...
Is The End Of Deceptive Resort Fees Finally In Sight?
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has the power to immediately eliminate hidden fees at hotels and resorts (and indeed, across the economy). It is time for it to act to protect consumers. Transparency should not be a partisan issue....
Caution: Don’t Forge Vaccination Records…Especially If Traveling To Canada
Don’t forge your vaccination record. It isn’t worth it. The end. Well, perhaps a bit of context first. Canada has re-opened its U.S. borders for non-essential travel. Furthermore, passengers who are vaccinated can now avoid quarantine by submitting proof...
Southwest Airlines Sues Skiplagged For Violating Terms & Conditions It Never Agreed To
An interesting case is brewing that pits Southwest Airlines against Skiplagged, the website that helps consumers compare fares and book hidden city ticketing in order to save money. What Is Hidden City Ticketing? Hidden city ticketing, also called skiplagging...
Europeans Grow Impatient With United States Over Travel Restrictions
The U.S. border will remain closed to Europeans and the United Kingdom for the time being, with President Joe Biden and health officials citing delta variant concerns. Some European leaders are expressing impatience with the lack of reciprocity, especially...
Family Sues American Airlines For Aborted Landing
A family is suing American Airlines for more than $100,000, claiming an aborted landing in Las Vegas ruined a carefully-planned family vacation. Family Sues American Airlines For $100,000 After Aborted Landing Roger Brunton and Dawn Rippy-Brunton wanted to take...
Delta Air Lines Faces $1 Billion Lawsuit From Techie Pilot
A Delta Air Lines pilot is suing his employer, claiming the airline stole his intellectual property in the form of crew messaging app in order to create a competing app that has “conservatively” saved the company over $1 billion....
Update: U.S. Supreme Court Denies Emergency Petition To End Mask Mandate On Airplanes
UPDATE: Justice Clarence Thomas has denied an emergency motion to set aside the federal mask mandate on airplanes without comment, likely ending Lucas Wall’s proposed trip to Germany. 44-year-old Wall, who lives at his mother’s house in a retirement community...
Biden Executive Order Targets Baggage Fees, Other Protections
Last week, Biden announced intentions to issue executive orders protecting consumers from WiFi and baggage fees when the carrier fails to deliver. These and other consumer protections in the order appear mostly good but may not be able to...
Lufthansa Faces Lawsuit After Booting Passenger From First Class Seat
A fascinating lawsuit has been filed in Frankfurt against Lufthansa today impacting seat assignments, bait-and-switch sales tactics, terms and conditions, and the first class cabin on the 747-8. Lufthansa First Class Lawsuit: Are Seat Assignments Guaranteed? With quarantine-free travel...
Biden Administration Plans Executive Order Mandating Airline Refunds For Delayed Baggage
The Biden Administration will shortly propose a new rule that requires prompt passenger fee refunds in cases of delayed baggage, inoperative Wi-Fi, and other services lapses. Biden Administration Will Require Airlines To Promptly Refund Passenger Fees During a Friday...
Frequent Flyer Sues Seven Airlines For “Mask Discrimination”
A Washington, DC resident has filed suit against seven airlines and required an emergency restraining order to let him travel without a mask. He says he has a disability. But at least one airline contends he has no legitimate...
U.S. Senators Growing Impatient With Airplane Mask Mandate
A bipartisan cadre of U.S. Senators has expressed impatience over the continuing federal mask mandate on airplanes, with Republicans attempting to end the mandate prior to its September expiration date. U.S. Senators Express Impatience Over Mask Mandate On Airplanes...
Justified: Air Canada Fined $25 Million By United States
Crime doesn’t pay. Financial difficulty does not justify theft. Now Air Canada may really going to have to pay up thanks to a stiff fine from the United States Department of Transportation. United States DOT Proposes $25.55 Million Fine...