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The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to make a ruling today on the proposed merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. This decision follows extensive negotiations over potential conditions that Alaska Airlines might accept to avoid government opposition. There are indications of possible concessions that could be required.
A recent incident on a Delta flight has highlighted the frustrations passengers often face with carry-on baggage policies. A passenger, who was asked to gate-check her bag due to full overhead bins, boarded the plane only to find ample space available. Expressing her frustration, she mentioned to a flight attendant that she "went to college with" Delta CEO Ed Bastian. The flight attendant retorted, "you should have kept in touch."
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.
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.
News and notes from around the internet:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Passengers express frustration over nail painting on flight from L.A. to Belize
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.
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.
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.
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.
Long check-in lines have become a common occurrence in Las Vegas, particularly at Caesars hotel properties such as Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood. This issue has reportedly intensified over the past few years due to insufficient staffing.
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have sought Congressional support in their efforts to impose stricter security regulations on JSX, a Dallas-based competitor. Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) has co-authored a bill aimed at applying the same security rules for public charter flights as those for large commercial airlines. Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX) is co-sponsoring the bill, with endorsements from major pilot union President and Sara Nelson.
The space underneath the seat in front of an airplane passenger typically belongs to that passenger for the duration of the flight. However, not all travelers respect this unwritten rule. Some passengers use both their own legroom and the space meant for others, leading to discomfort and frustration.
Customers have reported the return of blankets and pillows in domestic first class on American Airlines' cross-country redeye flights. These amenities, standard for premium transcontinental routes such as Los Angeles to New York, had been absent from overnight flights like Seattle to Miami and San Francisco to Philadelphia since before the pandemic.
Police have reported that a layover at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) turned deadly on the night of May 29, 2024. Medeiros, who was stopping at DFW before heading back to Washington state after a work trip, allegedly committed murder during his brief stay. According to the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety, Medeiros engaged in a shooting spree that resulted in the death of Douglas. Family members informed WFAA that Medeiros had no ties to North Texas and was only there for his layover.