American Airlines is abandoning a policy that prevented coach passengers from using the first class lavatory on all its flights. After 9/11, the TSA added a rule stating that on all international flights to the US, passengers were allowed access to the lavatory in their own seating section and no other.
airlines
Airlines Are So Bad They Make Secular Progressives Agree With Bill O'Reilly
By 2.28.07
The fiasco managed to unite liberal California Sen. Barbara Boxer with … Bill O’Reilly.
Above And Beyond: JetBlue Recap Edition
By 2.25.07
(Disclaimer: The author owns JetBlue stock.)
With JetBlue back in the air, we wanted to commend their ability to make the best of a horrible situation. Before we do, Mark Ashley pointed out several weaknesses in JetBlue’s Bill of Rights that we must first address.
American, United Passengers Abandoned in Nebraska
By 2.23.07
American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner says he’s unaware of what happened in Nebraska, and it isn’t American’s responsibility. “Trans States is responsible,” he says.
Point/Counterpoint: JetBlue's Apology Isn't Enough
By 2.23.07
Consumerist HQ responded positively to jetBlue’s apologies earlier this week. Understandable: Airline CEO David “Mortified” Neeleman’s words felt sincere, and it was good to hear him apologize for the unfortunate imprisonment of hundreds of people inside their airplanes for hours on end last week. It’s tough to apologize, and they did it. Hats off.
American Airlines Declares Price War, Expands New York Service
By 2.22.07
American Airlines will answer every New Yorkers prayers by extending service to Atlanta, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Louisville, Raleigh-Durham and Cincinnati. Crain’s thinks service to these bastions of municipal greatness will be enough to start “a battle for the New York area’s airports.” That can only mean one thing: price war!
The airline has been quietly expanding its New York service over the past two years, adding five new markets last year and four new cities in 2004. It’s most recent push is to grab business travelers, offering new lie-flat service on international business class flights out of New York starting in May. But being the “strong, silent type” only gets an airline so far.
We never though of American as either strong or silent. More like that giant asthmatic neighbor rifling through their garage shouting at the squirrels.
United Customers Abandoned in Wyoming As Plane Leaves Without Them
By 2.20.07
Tears filling his eyes, Roger Barbour watched in disbelief as two United Express jets took off without him just before Christmas at the Cheyenne airport in Wyoming. He wasn’t the only one left behind.
Avoid Airport Delays With Free Online Tools
By 2.19.07
What with the crazy weather and JetBlue’s recent mortification, it becomes more important for the jet-setting consumer to stay informed of possible airport delays. Here’s a suite of tools to keep your travels free of travail.
JetBlue's CEO is "Mortified"
By 2.19.07
“We had so many people in the company who wanted to help who weren’t trained to help,” he said. “We had an emergency control center full of people who didn’t know what to do. I had flight attendants sitting in hotel rooms for three days who couldn’t get a hold of us. I had pilots e-mailing me saying, ‘I’m available, what do I do?’ “
United Airlines Says Don't Bring Wine On The Plane If Your Name Sounds Terroristy
By 2.15.07
hasan: flight is code-shared with United Airlines, CSR at United Airlines hung up on me
"Code Share": When Your Airline Isn't Your Airline
By 2.12.07
Ever go to check in for the next leg of your flight, only to find that there is no check-in for the airline you’re supposed to be on? That’s what happened to Michael and Joyce Ludmer.
Spirit Charges $110 To Fly With Three Bags
By 2.10.07
Spirit announced increased prices for checked bags, meaning it may soon cost more for your luggage to fly the discount airline than you.
Airline Performance Down in 2006
By 2.9.07
The airlines posted a lower rate of on-time flights and more reports of mishandled baggage.
Man Tracks Down And Gets Prosecuted Baggage Handler Who Stole His Camera, Delta Still Won't Refund
By 2.7.07
Delta won’t refund Charles’ money after his camera was stolen from his luggage by a baggage checker, even after he tracked the camera down on eBay and got the thief fired, arrested, and prosecuted.
Another Round Of Fare Hikes
By 2.5.07
United is following Delta’s lead in another round of fare hikes this week. American also went along for the ride,as airlines raised fares $3-$5 each way. Up, up, and away. —MEGHANN MARCO
Airline Travel Vouchers: Are They Worth It?
By 2.3.07
“Vouchers are a better deal for the airline than they are for passengers. The carrier gets to continue overbooking its flights — which is common industry practice — and then offering compensation that is of questionable value to passengers.
US Airways to Delta: "Fine, Keep Your Broke-Ass Airline"
By 2.1.07
The latest chance at a merger ended yesterday, when US Airways withdrew its $10.2 billion offer for Delta Air Lines, after it failed to win the support of Delta’s creditors, which included the Boeing Company and the federal pension agency.
Delta is determined to go it alone, but analysts are still speculating that eventually Delta will find a partner. Will it be Northwest?
Airlines to Face Higher Baggage Liability
By 1.30.07
Your lost baggage is worth a bit more due to a new rule issued by the Department of Transportation. They’ve raised the liability limit from $2800 to $3000, in an effort to keep pace with inflation. The new limit will go into effect Feb. 28, 2007 and it is estimated that the new rule will cost airlines an additional $2.6 million per year in payouts to passengers. —MEGHANN MARCO
