News from August 2024
Flight delays are a common inconvenience for travelers, with rolling delays adding to the frustration. Sometimes, airlines face unpredictable situations such as delayed inbound aircraft or unforeseen mechanical issues that prolong repairs. These scenarios, while inconvenient, are often understandable.
The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach has garnered a reputation as one of the more challenging Hyatt properties for points redemptions. A recent trip to Honolulu provided an opportunity to evaluate this firsthand. With a cash rate under $200 and no resort fee for Globalist members, the choice appeared economical compared to other available options.
A recent incident on an American Airlines flight has sparked curiosity and debate regarding the lengths to which some passengers might go to fund their travel experiences. Reports suggest that a first-class passenger might have paid for their upgrade by selling pictures of their feet during the flight.
Canada Jetlines has become the latest in a series of low-cost carriers (LCCs) to face challenges in Canada's competitive aviation market. The airline announced its decision to temporarily cease operations as of August 15, 2024, due to an inability to secure necessary financing.
With the American and British Airways lounges still closed at Paris Charles de Gaulle, many customers have become familiar with the Extime lounge. This lounge is utilized by several oneworld airlines, including Air Baltic, Air Serbia, El Al, and others. While not an exceptional facility, it offers a notable feature: champagne priced at over $50 retail, which would cost between $100 to $150 in a restaurant.
Passengers express frustration over nail painting on flight from L.A. to Belize
Pilots have been witnessing record wages in new deals at major carriers. This trend has emerged due to the need to replace retiring pilots during the depths of Covid-19, a recovery in air travel, and the time and cost associated with introducing new pilots as a result of government regulations lobbied for by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). However, this upward trajectory in pilot wages may be about to shift.
A man killed in the crash of a J3 Cub in Tennessee on Friday does not appear to have had a pilot certificate. The incident has garnered significant attention because the deceased was Scott Bloomquist, 60, a renowned dirt track racing driver widely regarded as one of the best in the sport.
Travel mishaps are a common experience for many, with issues ranging from missed reservations to incorrect seat assignments. The frustrations of dealing with airlines often leave travelers feeling helpless and stressed.
Here’s a travel tip that may seem minor, or even obvious, but it’s something that changed my family vacation life almost as much as earning and redeeming points.
The Green Cabin Alliance (GCA), which unites experts and organizations from the aircraft interiors industry to advance sustainability, is advocating for the standardization of life cycle assessments (LCAs) to assist airlines and designers in making environmentally friendly choices.
Maestro Pizza in Miami International Airport has recently gained notoriety for its poor quality, with online reviews labeling it as one of the worst pizzas available. Comments from patrons describe the pizza as "like pizza box cardboard with melted cheese on top" and "a flat piece of rubber with sauce and cheese on top." The restaurant is noted for long wait times, unfriendly staff, and high prices, further contributing to its negative reputation.
United Airlines has excelled in celebrating customer milestones, such as million-mile achievements, during flights. The airline also encourages flight attendants to enhance the passenger experience by offering to hang jackets in first class, limiting galley noise, delivering pre-departure beverages upfront, and most importantly, thanking customers for choosing United.
News and notes from around the internet:
A recent incident on a United flight from Denver to Houston has reignited the debate over proper use of overhead bin space. The altercation began when a passenger removed another traveler’s backpack from the overhead compartment to make room for their rollaboard suitcase.
Since Airbus, Delta, OneWeb, Sprint, and Airtel launched the Seamless Air Alliance in 2018, it has welcomed numerous airlines, airframers, telcos, satellite operators, and suppliers as members. The shared goal is to build inflight connectivity (IFC) standards that enhance the passenger experience by enabling mobile operators to extend their services into the cabin.
Gulfstream has conducted the inaugural flight of its G400 test article, marking a significant step for its range of big-cabin business jets. The program was announced in 2021 alongside the ultra-long-range G800, which took its first flight in 2022 but remains uncertified due to delays stemming from COVID-19 and FAA regulatory changes following issues with the Boeing MAX. Gulfstream aims to secure certification for the G800 by year-end.
Lufthansa has introduced its fifth aircraft equipped with the Allegris generation of long-haul products. The airline, which launched Allegris on an Airbus A350 from Munich in May, is now incorporating one aircraft per month with the new interiors, according to Victoria Schuster, Lufthansa's Vice President of Product & Customer Experience.
A recent trend in hotel design has taken the concept of transparency to an extreme. The Paradiso Art Hotel in Ibiza, Spain, offers a unique experience with its 'Zero Suite,' a room entirely encased in glass walls and situated in the center of the hotel lobby. Guests can stay for free, but they become the center of attention for everyone passing by.
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