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An American Airlines passenger recently experienced two consecutive flights where overhead bins were virtually empty, yet passengers were required to gate check their carry-on bags. Despite ample space in the cabin, they were not permitted to bring their bags onboard.
Reader Doug inquired about the absence of Coca-Cola in Turkish Airlines' business class or Miles & Smiles lounges in Istanbul. The reason is a political statement.
Individuals are increasingly taking glamor shots for their passport photos, staging the lighting to enhance their appearance. This trend, however, is causing complications at immigration checkpoints. TikToker Beth Gould shared her experience upon landing in Taiwan: “The machine said my passport photo didn’t look like me, so I had to go to the desk and get my identification verified.”
Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Chicago Midway found themselves in an uncomfortable situation when a woman's hair draped over the back of their seat. Seeking assistance, they approached a flight attendant, who reportedly responded with, “What exactly would you like me to do?”
A recent incident involving a couple traveling together on an anniversary trip has sparked debate over travel etiquette and honesty. The couple was flying with American Airlines, where only one upgrade seat to first class was available. The husband suggested they both remain in coach to stay together, and the wife agreed.
News and notes from around the internet:
Airlines use up to four digits for flight numbers, allowing a maximum of 9,999 flights. Despite this seemingly ample range, major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United are facing a shortage of available flight numbers.
Delta Air Lines experienced a significant operational failure following a glitch from CrowdStrike, resulting in more flight cancellations over five days than in all of 2018 and 2019 combined. The incident cost the airline approximately $500 million. Amidst the crisis, Delta's CEO was reported to have traveled to Paris for the Olympics, leaving employees and passengers to manage the aftermath.
United Airlines has announced a devaluation of its MileagePlus program, specifically affecting premium award prices for flights to Europe and South America. This move continues a trend that has seen the value of United miles diminish over time. Critics have noted that despite efforts by Andrew Nocella to improve the program, changes like these undermine consumer value. The hiring of a former Comcast executive to oversee the program has also raised concerns about the airline's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Bilt Rewards has raised an additional $150 million at a $3.25 billion valuation, with the funding round led by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Other participants included Vanderbilt University Endowment, the University of Illinois Foundation, and existing investors. This extension follows a January funding round that increased Bilt’s valuation from $3.1 billion to $3.25 billion.
On Sunday, individuals can visit any DoubleTree hotel to receive a free cookie, even if they are not guests. The offer includes both the original warm chocolate chip cookie and an allergy-free version. This initiative coincides with National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.
A video that has gone viral shows President Biden appearing to be confused while attempting to board the wrong plane. The claim is that he mistook a small jet for Air Force One. This incident aligns with narratives suggesting that he frequently loses situational awareness, raising questions about his competence to hold office now and in the future.
United Airlines has announced a new policy requiring basic economy passengers to provide a $65 pre-authorization on their credit cards to check in online, starting August 6th. This move comes as part of an ongoing effort by the airline to adjust its basic economy fare rules.
Word broke yesterday that United Airlines was putting bigger regional jets – Embraer 175s – on its Aspen routes. This was surprising since the airport doesn’t support these planes and has blocked attempts to require that they make very modest changes in order to do so. How did United make this happen?
On a recent flight, an emotional support dog reportedly broke regulations and caused alarm among passengers. The incident was shared on social media, where one user tweeted, "Best flight ever," accompanied by a photo of the dog.
United Airlines recently faced an overbooking situation on a flight to Las Vegas, necessitating the removal of 14 passengers. Despite all seats being sold and occupied, weight restrictions—likely due to hot weather—required the airline to reduce the number of passengers.
A United Airlines passenger was removed from a flight after another passenger captured a photo of her texting racial slurs. The incident occurred on a flight from Charleston, South Carolina to Denver.
On Tuesday, a Southwest Airlines passenger was queuing to board with his wife. They held boarding positions A2 and A3, which are among the best. However, an individual with the A4 position became hostile and stood in front of them, just behind the person with the A1 position.
Two weeks ago, a New Jersey man caused American Airlines flight 2102 from Seattle to Dallas-Fort Worth to divert.
The Biden administration is initiating a rulemaking process to mandate that airlines seat families with children aged 13 and under together for free. While airlines generally already do this under pressure from earlier in the administration, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has a dashboard showing compliance as part of airline customer service plans, making it enforceable. American Airlines followed United's lead on this matter, and other carriers have since conformed.