Earlier this week I blogged about the TSA serving subpoenas to Chris Elliott and Steven Frischling, demanding that the two men reveal how they got their hands on the TSA security directive that went into effect after the Christmas Day terrorist...
TSA Serves Subpoenas to Two Bloggers for Disclosing Latest Security Directive
I know, I know: another attack on the TSA. But after reading this, I hope you agree another post was warranted. Chris Elliot, a travel blogger, Washington Post columnist, and MSNBC contributor asked the TSA to clarify its new...
TSA Loosens Security Restrictions
Good news: the TSA has apparently loosened some of the draconian restrictions they imposed earlier this week. After a two-day security clampdown prompted by a thwarted attempt to bomb a jetliner, some airline officials told The Associated Press that...
Homeland Security Chief Napolitano: New Airport Security Rules are None of Your Business
I can’t believe I am quoting the Village Voice, but I I liked this story: Apparently it wasn’t an accident that the TSA neglected to tell us how airport security rules have changed in response to Friday’s terror attempt. Homeland Security Secretary...
See, I was Right: New Security Measures from the TSA
Lucky just blogged about a new travel advisory from Air Canada: As a result of the added security precautions, passengers should also expect delayed and cancelled flights as well as missed connections. Air Canada will endeavour to transport passengers...
Not Just a Firecracker: Man Claiming Ties to Al Qaeda Fails in Attempt to Blow Up Delta A330 with 288 Aboard
Just as the story was breaking yesterday, I blogged about media reports concerning a passenger attempting to use firecrackers aboard a Northwest/Delta flight from AMS to DTW. Hours later, we learned it was not just an innocent holiday celebration, but...
Christmas Greetings and a Salute to United’s Fantasy Flight
I used Thanksgiving day to express my thanks to particular people at United for their hard work and dedication throughout the year and I want to use this Christmas Day post to commend United for their annual Fantasy Flight...
Passenger Ignites Firecracker on Delta Flight from Amsterdam to Detroit
1948 ET UPDATE: I reported on this earlier today just as the story was breaking. Apparently it was not just a firecracker. See Hunter’s link below. More details and analysis as the story develops. Well, I can’t blame this...
What the new DOT Tarmac Delay Guidelines Mean for You
While a Passenger Bill of Rights in the United States remains gridlocked in Congress, the AP reports the Obama Administration has announced new rules that: Prohibit tarmac delays beyond three hours Require airlines to provide "adequate" food and drinking water for...
AA 737-800 Skids off Runway During Rainstorm in Jamaica
photo credit: Associated Press An American Airlines 737-800 skid off the runway in Kingston, Jamaica last night during a rainstorm, seriously injuring two passengers (as well as the pilot) and sending an unspecified number to the hospital. Thankfully,...
UPDATE: Man Violates Federal Law by Asking for Orange Juice on American Airlines Flight?
Last week I blogged about an alleged altercation between an AA FA and and a First Class passenger on a flight from Sacramento to Dallas in which the FA accused the passenger of "threatening, intimidating, and interfering with a...
British Airways Cabin Crew to Strike December 22-January 2
To commemorate the season of giving, BA cabin crews have decided to give their passengers a very special gift: the middle finger. I am not one who is completely unsympathetic to union concerns, but see if this makes sense...
Man Violates Federal Law by Asking for Orange Juice on American Airlines Flight?
I often lament the lackluster service of UA Flight Attendants, but apparently the grass may not be greener on the other side: Something went very wrong on American Airlines flight 614 from Sacramento to Dallas this Sunday, December 6th....
TSA Gives Away Its Secrets in Massive Security Breach
The story is not as bad as it sounds, but the TSA has embarrassed itself again: In a massive security breach, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inadvertently posted online its airport screening procedures manual, including some of the most closely guarded secrets regarding special rules...
United Orders 25 A350s and 25 787s
United announced today it will split its wide-body order evenly between Airbus and Boeing and has placed a firm order for 25 A350s and 25 787s. Justifying the split order, United stated: The breadth in size and capabilities of...
The Precarious Proposition of Airline Stocks: Fool’s Game or Viable Get-Rich-Quick Scheme?
Market analysts broadly agree that airline stock is a poor long-term investment. Robert Crandall, American Airline’s former CEO said of his airline, “It’s a great company that does important work. But airlines are not an investment.” (BTW, you might...
Too Fat to Fly? Dealing with Passengers of Size
photo credit to Flightglobal.com Discussing overweight passengers is like discussing politics or religion around the Thanksgiving dinner table with family: generally not a good idea. When I saw the picture above, though, I felt compelled to address the issue....
Mother Smothers Baby while Breastfeeding on a United 777 from Kuwait to Washington
Unlike my last mother-baby story (mother and newborn get free flights for life on AirAsia after mother gives birth onboard), this story does not have a happy ending: A baby girl died when her mum fell asleep as she...
United Airlines to Order Up to 150 New Jets Including A350s or 787s
The Chicago Tribune reports that United is close to finalizing a deal with either Airbus or Boeing to augment its long-haul fleet. UA plans to place a firm order for 25 jets with an option for up to 75...
Passenger Arrested in New Mexico for Refusing to Present ID to TSA
This story really makes my blood boil. A passenger scheduled to fly from Albuquerque to Seattle politely refused to show his identification to a TSA officer. The TSA officer called a supervisor. The supervisor came over and the passenger used his digital...
