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The holiday season is traditionally a time for gathering with family and friends, but it also marks one of the busiest travel periods. In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration screened a record-setting 2.9 million passengers on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The summer of 2024 surpassed this figure twice, indicating an even busier holiday season ahead.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is gearing up for its joint World Financial Symposium (WFS) and World Passenger Symposium (WPS), set to take place in Bangkok. The event aims to address key industry topics, including airline retailing, finance, facilitation, accessibility, and passenger experience.
Chase has expanded its lounge offerings for Sapphire Reserve cardholders, now including access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges worldwide. This development adds nearly two dozen lounges to the card's existing network, which already includes Priority Pass Select membership and Chase Sapphire lounges.
With the holiday season approaching, now is an ideal time to book flights to avoid premium prices. According to a Google Flights forecast, Thanksgiving flights should be booked by early October, and Christmas and New Year's flights by late October. However, timing is just one of several factors that can impact travel costs and experiences.
In October, recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Condor Airlines is making a visible statement by launching its Airbus A320 with registration D-AICS as a FlyPink plane. The aircraft will feature pink stripes to support the global aviation initiative FlyPink, which aims to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and solidarity with those affected.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The CFO of United Airlines hinted at a potential multi-billion dollar stock buyback during his presentation at the Morgan Stanley 12th Annual Laguna Conference on Thursday. This move is expected to align with the airline's financial strategy and leverage goals.
Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein announced plans to add premium seats to planes during his speech at the Morgan Stanley 12th Annual Laguna Conference. He noted a significant shift in profitability, stating, "The biggest money-losing cabin used to be the premium cabins. And after years of reengineering and years of changing policies and moving distribution, improving distribution, now those are the most profitable cabins on the airplane."
Passengers flying with Air Canada can breathe a sigh of relief after the airline reached a last-minute agreement with its pilots, narrowly averting a significant disruption that would have impacted more than 110,000 travelers per day.
News and notes from around the internet have surfaced various intriguing stories.
Hyatt ended the free, full breakfast at Hyatt Place properties as a brand standard guarantee during the pandemic. They dropped the requirement that guests book directly to get breakfast but also started charging non-elite guests for breakfast at some properties as a test. This test, which began four years ago, is still ongoing, leaving the future of free Hyatt Place breakfast uncertain.