UPDATE: Alaska Airlines says the computer issue that delayed about 20 flights late Wednesday and early Thursday has been resolved. All of the carrier’s flights are back to normal and no residual delays are expected. [More]
flying
Feds Once Again Increase Scrutiny Of Allegiant Airlines After Repairs For Unsecured Bolts
By 10.28.15
When an Allegiant Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Peoria was speeding down the runway and the nose lifted too soon, pilots aborted the takeoff. That August incident – in which a bolt was found to be insecure – led the budget carrier to inspect all of its aircraft. While the company deemed its planes were in working order, a new report suggests that might not be the case. [More]
American Airlines Flight Diverted Because Of Yet Another Unruly Passenger
By 10.21.15
Unfortunately, reports of unruly passengers diverting flights has become somewhat of an unwelcome norm recently. The trend continued on Tuesday when an American Airlines flight made an unexpected landing after one traveler became disruptive, threatened crew members, and had to be restrained. [More]
Expedia Launches “Upgrade Options” Tool To Show Airlines’ Hidden Fees
By 10.20.15
While most consumers know that airlines tack on fees for checked baggage, more leg room, and reservation changes, among other things, it can be difficult to gauge how much those “extras” will add up to when booking your trip on a third-party site. In an effort to be more upfront with customers, Expedia says it will now disclose airline fees right on its website. [More]
Southwest Airlines Plane Grounded After Pilots Report Suspicious Object
By 10.16.15
Anyone who has traveled through an airport in the last decade will recognize the common loudspeaker announcement to be on the lookout for and to report any unattended, suspicious baggage or activity. It was one such item that caused Southwest Airlines to ground a flight and move passengers to another plane on Thursday night.
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Bees Swarm American Airlines Plane, Delaying Flight
By 10.15.15
Back in June, we learned that a small wasp’s nest had the power to divert a plane full of passengers. Today, we discovered that a swarm of bees outside the aircraft has the ability to delay a flight. [More]
JetBlue Expects To Have Free WiFi On All Planes By Fall 2016
By 10.14.15
For the past two years, JetBlue has fancied itself as the only airline that would someday offer customers free in-flight wifi on all its planes. While the carrier hasn’t quite captured the title just yet, it plans to have it in hand by next fall. [More]
Allegiant Airlines Plane Is Second To Catch Fire At Las Vegas Airport In Two Months
By 10.13.15
For the second time in two months, a commercial airplane full of passengers caught fire at the Las Vegas airport. An Allegiant Airlines flight bound for Fresno was evacuated after a fire broke out in the plane’s engine. [More]
New “Space Bins” Increase Aircraft Carry-On Capacity By 48%
By 10.9.15
Earlier this year, airline groups proposed a plan that would have required airlines to adopt a smaller carry-on bag standard. That idea was eventually scrapped, and that’s probably a good thing considering airlines are now looking to add roomier overhead storage bins through cabin upgrades. [More]
Allegiant Airlines Plans To Inspect All Planes After Yet Another Flight Disturbance
By 8.27.15
Last month, federal regulators announced they had stepped up scrutiny of budget carrier Allegiant Airlines after a string of in-flight disturbances and accusations from a pilot’s union of poor safety standards. Now, after yet another issue, the airline says it plans to inspect its entire fleet. [More]
Airline Screwup Forces Family To Drive Home From Arizona When They Should Be In Caribbean
By 8.13.15
Starting on October 17, recently merged American Airlines and US Airways will operate all flights as one airline. But until then – as has been the case with previous airline mergers – customers might experience a few hiccups when booking flights. That was certainly the case for a California family who says their vacation was ruined because of issues with the newly married carriers. [More]
Awesome Or Terrifying?: “Highway To The Danger Zone” Playing On The Plane PA During Takeoff
By 8.5.15
For some folks, taking off in an airplane can be a bit scary. After all, you’re in a metal tube hurtling along the ground that somehow launches itself into the air like a huge, manmade bird. That same experience can be a rush for other travelers, who some may envy for their ability to enjoy facing their mortality with a blast of turbojets. Either way, your emotions may be heightened if the plane’s crew plays the theme to Top Gun over the PA system during takeoff. [More]
American Airlines Plane Evacuated With Emergency Slides, Three Passengers Burned
By 7.31.15
An American Airlines flight pulling away from the gate at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday was evacuated with the use of emergency slides, resulting in minor injuries for three passengers. [More]
Allegiant Under Increased Scrutiny From Regulators After Latest Flight Disturbance
By 7.30.15
After a string of in-flight disturbances and accusations from a pilot’s union of poor safety standards, the Federal Aviation Administration has stepped up its scrutiny of budget carrier Allegiant Airlines. [More]
Airlines Testing New Software To Avoid Extreme Turbulence, Cut Down On Costs And Injuries
By 7.15.15
I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m a terrible flyer — the slightest hint of a bumpy patch and I’ve got a death-grip on the arm rest. While pilots do everything they can to avoid hitting any kind of rough air, they’ll be getting a bit more help via new software designed for the sole purpose of allowing them to sidestep turbulence. [More]
Senator Pushes FAA To Require That Airlines Drop Seat Change Fees For Parents
By 6.29.15
Nowadays, airlines charge a fee for just about everything – even when it comes to travelers trying to ensure they’re seated next to their children. But that extra cost could be a thing of the past if one legislator has anything to do about it. [More]
There Might Be Fewer Available Seats On Your Next Delta Or United Flight
By 6.5.15
At least two major U.S. airlines are looking at the possibility of cutting the number of seats offered on flights later this year; a move that could make it more difficult and more expensive for travelers to get to and fro. [More]
Computer Glitch Grounded All United Airlines Flights Tuesday Morning
By 6.2.15
For the second time in two months technology proved to be a formidable foe for major U.S. airlines; this time grounding all United Airlines flights for a short period on Tuesday. [More]
