Facebook is continuing its efforts to transform Messenger from simply a chatting platform into a customer service portal with a foray into travel: the social media company announced a new partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that will let the carrier’s customers access their boarding pass and other flight information through the Messenger app. [More]
travel
Rhode Island Yanks Tourism Video Because Reykjavik Is Not Within State’s Borders
By 3.30.16
When you’re trying to get people visit your state and see all its wonderful sights, a tourism video can be just the thing to lure travelers. But if that video contains footage of an entirely different locale, say, one that’s out of the country, it’s not going to be a very effective tool for boosting tourism. Rhode Island officials know how that feels now, after they accidentally included stock footage of Reykjavik, Iceland in a video for their home state. [More]
Passsengers On Exploded Megabus Get Inadequate Compensation For Bags, Can’t Get Legal Help
By 3.23.16
When a Minneapolis-bound Megabus caught fire and exploded last month in the suburbs of Chicago, no passengers were injured. Their baggage, however, was destroyed, and that’s how they learned how difficult it is to get compensation when everything in your bag has burned up in a bus explosion. Even having a travel writer for the New York Times on board isn’t enough to recuperate the full value of everything they brought on the bus. [More]
Now That It Knows It’s Attractive To Buyers, Virgin America Considering Sale
By 3.23.16
Sometimes you don’t know if you’re interested in something until you hear about it. It’s like realizing you are craving a cheeseburger the moment your friend asks if you’d like a cheeseburger. Such is the case for Virgin America, which is reportedly mulling the idea of selling itself after receiving takeover interest. [More]
Authorities Searching For Flight Attendant Accused Of Leaving Bag Full Of Cocaine At LAX
By 3.22.16
Although airline personnel and airport employees may not have to take off their shoes or undergo the same security procedures as travelers, there are still checks in place to keep workers from carrying whatever they want onto planes — like, say, a bag full of cocaine. [More]
Carnival Gets The Official Go-Ahead For Cruises From Miami To Cuba
By 3.22.16
After scoring its license last July, Carnival Cruise Line says it’s gotten official approval for cruises from the United States to Cuba starting in May. [More]
Starwood Hotels, Priceline Sign Hospitality Deals With Cuba
By 3.21.16
Now that travel is opening up from the U.S. to Cuba, hospitality companies are jumping at the chance to get in early: both Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Priceline have inked deals that will get them into business with the island nation and provide services for travelers. [More]
Alaska Airlines, Feds, & Apple Investigating After iPhone 6 Catches Fire Midair
By 3.21.16
Last week, a Delta Air Lines flight was delayed after an e-cigarette ignited itself in a passengers’ carry-on bag. Days later, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a similarly explosive situation when the iPhone 6 of one traveler allegedly burst into flames midair. [More]
Something People Actually Do: Hiring A “Vacation Photographer”
By 3.17.16
For all the advances that have made photography more affordable, user-friendly, and accessible, no selfie stick in the world is going to give you that perfectly posed vacation photo that will inspire jealousy and “likes” from the followers and friends you don’t really know on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. That’s why hiring a “vacation photographer” is something that real people actually do. [More]
Delta Flight Delayed After E-Cigarette Ignites In Passenger’s Carry-On Bag
By 3.17.16
We’ve heard of passengers getting caught lighting up traditional cigarettes in airplane lavatories, but on a recent Delta Air Lines flight, an e-cigarette ignited itself in a passenger’s carry-on bag, causing the flight to be delayed. [More]
Airbnb Planning To Offer Add-On Travel Services Like Bike Rentals, Tours
By 3.17.16
Going on a trip isn’t just about where you lay your head to rest at night, it’s about experiencing the location you’re visiting. And where there are tourists who want to get out and explore, there’s money to be made, which is why Airbnb is planning to offer add-on travel services to customers this year. [More]
Alaska Airlines Gives Passengers $100 Credit After Flight Disrupted By Drunk Traveler
By 3.16.16
When a flight is diverted to deal with a disruptive passenger, those left on the plane often receive little, if anything, in the way of compensation for the delay. But travelers on a recently interrupted Alaska Airlines flight received a financial apology from the airline. [More]
U.S. Takes Another Step To Loosen Rules Governing Personal Travel To Cuba
By 3.15.16
If you’ve been dreaming about visiting a certain island just to the south of the U.S., your time to travel might be nigh: the Obama administration announced amendments to federal regulations governing travel to Cuba, saying that the changes will make it easier for people to travel to the island nation. [More]
Five-Passenger Brawl Breaks Out Over Loud “Boom Box” On Spirit Airlines Flight
By 3.10.16
Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight from Baltimore to Los Angeles had ringside seats to quite a brawl, reports say, after five women apparently got in a fight over a loud boom box. Yes, a boom box. [More]
Want To Fly A Passenger Jet? JetBlue Is Now Taking Applications From Novice Pilots
By 3.7.16
Tired of the daily grind, and yearning to spend your work hours among the clouds, using a public address system to tell people to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride? Now could be your chance to flee the cubicle life: JetBlue is offering folks with their eyes on the sky a chance to to learn how to fly a passenger jet with a new training program. [More]
Delta Trying To Sell More Premium Cabin Seats To Cut Down On Free Upgrades
By 3.4.16
It’s the holy grail for many a frequent traveler with airline miles to burn: triumphing over everyone else waiting at the gate and scoring an upgrade to first or business class. But Delta Air Lines is sick of handing out those upgrades without making any real money off it. So, in an effort to cut down on the amount of upgrades, and thus, make more money Delta will be adjusting the price of its premium cabin seats. [More]
FBI: American Airlines Flight Attendant Deliberately Set, Put Out Fire In Plane’s Bathroom
By 3.3.16
Federal law enforcement officers have arrested an American Airlines flight attendant accusing him of deliberately starting a fire in the plane’s lavatory, and then extinguishing it himself in a supposedly heroic action. [More]
U.S. Airlines Competing To Nab One Of 20 New Scheduled Routes To Havana
By 3.3.16
Now that the United States and Cuba have decided to let bygones be bygones and relations are thawing between the two countries, more Americans will soon have the chance to visit the nearby island nation by air. There will be 110 new scheduled routes to Cuba, with 20 of those flying daily to the country’s capital of Havana, and major U.S. airlines are stepping up to the plate to bid for the first regularly scheduled, non-charter flights. [More]
