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Hawaiian Airlines' Plumeria Lounge, designated for international business class customers and Priority Pass members, has sparked discussions online due to long lines of patrons waiting to enter. This lounge is considered superior to the Premier Lounge, which serves domestic first-class passengers.
We've made good progress on migrating to our new platform and most features are operational. The exception is comments, which we hope to have working by August 12. Since we can't enable comments yet, we haven't published the new blog on fuel that we've been developing all week. Additionally, we are still figuring out how to run the Question of the Week in the new system. We appreciate your patience as we work through these issues.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary, India's largest airline, IndiGo, has announced the launch of its first premium product and a frequent flier program. Traditionally a no-frills operator, IndiGo is now shifting towards a hybrid business model.
JetBlue stock plunged over 20% on Monday as the company sought to raise $3 billion in fresh capital. Of this amount, $2.75 billion will be backed by its TrueBlue program, primarily derived from expected future earnings through its credit card partnership. Additionally, JetBlue is raising $400 million in senior secured notes due in 2029, some of which will be used to pay down existing debt.
Air New Zealand has introduced enhancements to its Airpoints program, marking the first of several planned improvements. The announcement was made by Nikhil Ravishankar, the airline's Chief Digital Officer.
Intelsat reports significant growth in its backlog for multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions, despite the high-profile presence of SpaceX’s Starlink Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication system. According to Dave Bijur, Intelsat's head of commercial aviation, "We have more orders than Starlink does," adding that they believe they have secured more orders than any other provider over the past year.
Regional jet interiors often lack distinctiveness, with aircraft frequently rotating among major U.S. airlines, typically undergoing minimal reupholstery and repainting.
A Skywest pilot informed passengers that he was not qualified to land the E175 aircraft at Jackson Hole, resulting in a diversion to Salt Lake City. The flight, operating as Alaska Airlines Flight 3491, departed from San Francisco as scheduled but spent several hours on the ground in Salt Lake City while another pilot was arranged to complete the journey.
A Renegade Air Dash-8 with 38 passengers and crew aboard made a successful belly landing after the gear was mostly torn off when it struck a dyke on takeoff from Maban in South Sudan. With portions of the long gear struts dangling from the nacelles, the aircraft continued to Malakal. The plane went into a holding pattern at Malakal to burn off fuel, and all 38 people were evacuated from the plane when it finished its slide.
There is one food that should never be served at an airport, especially before passengers board a plane where their stomachs will be subject to the vagaries of air pressure. Despite this, a decade ago Washington’s National Airport opened a Ben’s Chili Bowl, and now the idea is spreading.
In 1997, after earning elite status with United Airlines, a traveler experienced an upgraded flight from Los Angeles to Washington Dulles where lunch was served in courses. The meal included an almond-dusted shrimp appetizer, a steak entrée, and dessert.
A man narrowly avoided a tragic fate when he missed a flight that subsequently crashed in Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil. The individual was prevented from boarding the plane due to his late arrival. Despite initially arguing with the gate agent, he later embraced the agent upon learning of the crash.
God Save The Points has highlighted 19 food experiences to try before you die. While many of these recommendations are commendable, some personal suggestions and comments on the list have been added.
Beware of searching for airline phone numbers on Google, as scam travel agencies have corrupted the results. Passengers who believe they are contacting their airline may end up being charged for services that should be free, such as rebooking a canceled flight or securing seat assignments.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has acknowledged that its new Analogic screening machines are causing significant delays at airport security checkpoints. These machines, which use 3D imaging technology, were intended to expedite the screening process by reducing the need for manual inspections. However, a software glitch has resulted in increased manual interventions.
Passengers on board Alaska Airlines flight 3492, operated by regional partner SkyWest, experienced an unexpected diversion that left many puzzled. The flight departed from San Francisco bound for Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but was rerouted to Salt Lake City when the pilot revealed he wasn’t qualified to land at the destination airport.
Southwest Airlines, historically known for its strict control over the distribution of its schedules and fares, has recently expanded its presence on online travel platforms. The airline, which previously only allowed fare information on its own website, now permits Google Flights and Kayak to display its schedules and prices.
American Airlines has made significant changes to its flight attendant staffing levels, a decision that has sparked concerns and potential regulatory intervention. The airline's flight attendants are set to receive boarding pay and higher 401(k) contributions, but these benefits will not take effect immediately. However, the staffing levels have not been restored to pre-pandemic numbers.
News and notes from around the internet:
Amazon has announced the release of its annual Sustainability Report, stating that it achieved 100% renewable energy usage across global operations last year, seven years ahead of schedule. The company aims to meet its commitment to The Climate Pledge through various sustainability initiatives.