Remember the days when people who hijacked airplanes just wanted money or to make a point without physcailly hurting anyone? A convicted killer who escaped a New Jersey prison in 1970, then hijacked a U.S. airliner two years later,...
A New Generation of Global Jet-Setters
Scott McCartney, author of the weekly Middle Seat column in the Wall Street Journal, wrote on a topic near and dear to my heart today: “a growing number of 20-somethings mastering the calculus of frequent-flier miles, making globe-trotting their...
Singapore Airlines A380 to fly Singapore – Frankfurt – New York
Singapore Airlines announced plans today to replace their aging 747-400 now serving the Singapore – Frankfurt – New York Kennedy route with an A380-800. Starting on January 15, 2012, the new aircraft will take over the route as Frankfurt...
The Legality and Ethics of Terminating a Frequent Flyer Account
Random Segments writes a well-reasoned and provocative piece on the case of Rabbi S. Binyomin Ginsberg, the Minneapolis man who found his elite status revoked and mileage account closed after complaining too much to Northwest Airlines. Ginsberg is suing,...
Arrested for Sitting Next to Someone Who Used the Lavatory on Frontier Airlines
You are sitting on a Frontier Airlines flight. It is the tenth anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks so people are a little on edge, but you just want to get home to Ohio. Boarding is complete on your flight...
Wi-Fi Arrives on Delta Regional Jets
Delta is already one of the leading U.S. carriers when it comes to in-flight internet access and now has become the first U.S. carrier to offer wireless internet access on its regional fleet: Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday that...
"Ladies and Gents, Nepal Airlines Flight 410 to Kathmandu is Delayed…Due to a Mouse"
A new threat is on the loose–bandits wreaking havoc on one poor airline and sending its passengers into a state of panic. The airline has called for their destruction, but these zealots are on a mission and are not...
American Airlines Flight Attendants Shun First Class Turndown Service
You would think that flight attendants would be happy about their employer spending more to take care of customers. After all, a happy customer is easier to work with and there is a certain sense of pride that comes...
Man Chokes on Airline Meal, Dies during Jetstar Flight to Auckland
“One minute we were sitting next to each other kissing, holding hands and the next minute he was choking,” said 27 year-old Vanessa Preechakul of her now deceased boyfriend Robert Rippingale. The two were on a Jetstar flight from...
Germany Rejects Airport Full Body Scanners
When you are evaluating the acquisition of new technology how do you determine whether it will be a good fit? Do you just buy it without testing it, as the U.S. did in the case of airport full body...
Time to Burn Your British Airways Miles?
Changes are coming to the British Airways’ Executive Club mileage program–and they do not sound good for North American travelers. At this point, we can only speculate, which I do not see much value in, but here is what...
PJs, Duvets, and Slippers Coming to American Airlines First Class
I really do think many travelers suffer from the “grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome when comparing U.S. airlines to those carriers outside the U.S. Sure, the Southeast Asian carriers like Singapore and Cathay Pacific offer...
A Closer Look at United Airlines’ $550MN in Onboard Product Improvements
Fozz already nicely summarized the $550MN enhancements coming to United Airlines’ onboard product, but here’s a closer look from Scott O’Leary, Managing Director of Customer Solutions at United with my commentary below: Improved long-haul comfort with more flat-bed seats....
Virgin Atlantic Introduces "Emotional Health Warnings" for In-Flight Movies
Next time you find yourself on a Virgin Atlantic flight, don’t be surprised to see a new rating system onboard warning of the emotional health risks that might result from watching a particular movie. Toy Story 3, Adam Sandler...
Sleeping Vending Machines Coming to Airports
Would you pay for a few hours of sleep on a bed inside an airport? What if your flight was delayed and you could remain on the secure side of the terminal and escape the noise and hassle of...
US Airways: We Love Fees, Charlotte, and Mergers (but not Pilots)
Ely Portillo of the Charlotte Observer covered the US Airways monthly employee meeting in Charlotte on Tuesday attended by CEO Doug Parker. Here’s a quick rundown: On Fees: Parker said he understands that fliers hate the new fees, but...
Just Another Bad Apple at the TSA
While I do not derive any sort of pleasure from blogging about Transportation Security Administration officers constantly being busted for breaking the law, there is a reason I choose to cover these sorts of stories. After blogging about the...
TSA Officer Indicted for Stealing $23,000 Worth of Watches at LAX
While the official Transportation Security Administration motto might be “not on my watch,” the more apt phrase is “that’s my watch” after another TSA Officer was indicted for stealing last week. Paul Yashou, a now disgraced ex-TSO at LAX,...
Disaster Avoided at German Airports
Disaster has been avoided, as German Air Traffic Controllers just moments ago called off a strike planned for tomorrow after a court ruled they could not strike earlier in the day. The move comes too late for some carriers,...
That’s One Way to Get to Cuba!
A United Airlines flight from Washington Dulles to Cancun was diverted to Havana on Sunday when crew members reported a “strong odor” in the cabin. Some later reported that a burning smell (Cuban cigars perhaps?) was emanating from the...
