News from September 2024
Delta Air Lines has issued a memo to prospective flight attendant applicants outlining specific appearance requirements for interviews. The document, titled "Appearance Requirements Acknowledgment," emphasizes the importance of wearing “proper undergarments” and ensuring that underwear is not visible to staff.
Qatar Airways has significantly increased the surcharges on award redemptions using Avios points, impacting travelers looking to redeem their points for flights. Although the number of Avios points required for these flights remains unchanged, the fees associated with these bookings have escalated.
The hotly anticipated wait for Eutelsat OneWeb Ku-band Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-powered inflight connectivity appears to be nearly over, including in business aviation where service provider Gogo says guidance from the satellite operator sees Eutelsat OneWeb business aviation services, specifically, “slated to be officially live for operators starting Jan. 1, 2025.”
The government of Pakistan is making significant efforts to restore permissions for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume flights to Europe and the U.K. ahead of the carrier's planned privatization.
United Airlines is set to introduce free Starlink Wi-Fi to its fleet, with the first installations expected next year. This move aims to provide faster and lower latency internet compared to competitors, based on experiences with Hawaiian Airlines and JSX.
Telesat now has all financing sources in place to fund its global Lightspeed Ka-band Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Management tells Runway Girl Network that the Canadian satellite operator aims to begin satellite launches in “mid-2026” in support of a 2027 go-live date for global services, including inflight connectivity.
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation has issued a special legal notice to approximately 30,000 Boeing employees affected by the strike order from International Association of Machinists (IAM) union officials last week.
On September 14, 2024, a passenger on an Air Arabia flight from Amsterdam to Morocco resorted to defecating in the forward galley after being informed that the lavatories were unavailable for landing. The incident was reported by A Fly Guy's Crew Lounge on Twitter, highlighting the challenging situation faced by the cabin crew.
The Balboa Island Museum Exhibit at John Wayne Airport takes travelers on a century-long journey through the history of coastal Orange County. The display features scenes of legendary citizens, including John Wayne, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Laura Scudder, the Irvine Family, the Beek Family, Walt Disney and Disneyland, and the Nixon Library. These figures have significantly contributed to Orange County culture and impacted life at the beach.
A passenger's decision to have their 10-year-old child sit alone on flights has sparked significant debate online. The parents claim this practice benefits their son's mental health, despite the controversy it has generated.
Turkish Airlines, based in Istanbul, operates one of the most extensive international networks globally and enjoys a stellar reputation. Despite this, a recent flight experience from Seattle to Istanbul revealed some mixed results.
Southwest Airlines has introduced a new feature for its Companion Pass holders, allowing them to change their designated companion online. Previously, customers had to call the airline to make this change.
American Airlines rolled out a new automated phone system this summer, featuring an AI-sounding voice that required customers to listen to a minute-long greeting before proceeding. The system initially did not recognize requests for an "agent" until the greeting was completed.
United Airlines has introduced a creative solution to enhance the business class experience, utilizing a makeshift 'ice bucket' to keep champagne chilled during flights. This innovation was highlighted by a passenger, Suzanne Brooks, who shared her positive experience on social media.
At the beginning of the year, there was concern over the expiration date for Hertz benefits associated with Capital One’s suite of Venture cards. The Venture X card offers Hertz Presidents Club status, while the Venture card provides Five Star status.
Air New Zealand is calling on trivia enthusiasts to contribute questions for its popular inflight quiz. This annual tradition engages millions of passengers, challenging their knowledge while flying domestically. The airline is now offering Kiwis the opportunity to submit their most inventive and intriguing questions.
Swedish startup Heart Aerospace has unveiled the full-scale demonstrator of its future 30-seat hybrid electric airliner. The prototype of the ES-30, which resembles a cross between a De Havilland Dash-7 and an ATR 52, features a glider-like 100-foot wingspan and four wing-mounted electric motors.
Air Canada narrowly averted a pilots' strike on Saturday. The airline and the Air Line Pilots Association announced a tentative deal for wage increases of about 42% over four years, preventing the issuance of a strike notice on Sunday.
Air New Zealand is offering Flybuys members a chance to convert their points into Airpoints Dollars. To participate, members need to submit a screenshot of their Flybuys point balance and join the Airpoints program for free between September 16 and September 30.
Launched by Air France in 2009, "Premium Economy" has been renamed "Premium," further emphasizing the unique travel experience associated with this spacious and comfortable cabin offering a greater sense of privacy. Designed for customers to fully enjoy its superior standards of comfort, Premium is available throughout the Air France fleet and long-haul network.