The Real ID Act, instituted by Congress in 2005, was designed to enhance the security of identification standards in the United States. After multiple delays, the program was set to enforce compliance beginning on May 7, 2025. Under this regulation, driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not Real ID-compliant would be rendered invalid for
Airlines
The recent scrutiny of loyalty programs by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has ignited a debate about government overreach, consumer rights, and the evolving landscape of airline rewards. As the DOT launched an investigation into the practices of the nation’s largest airlines—American, Delta, Southwest, and United—reactions poured in from both consumer advocates and
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM, has recently been crowned the leading airline rewards program globally, as highlighted in a new analysis by Point.me. This finding is significant for travelers who seek not only to accumulate miles but to maximize their travel experiences. The report evaluated a total of 62 airline loyalty programs,
Southwest Airlines, a well-established player in the aviation industry known for its consistent performance, is currently experiencing a period of turbulence. The airline has caught the attention of activist investor Elliott Investment Management, who is pushing for significant changes within the company. This unexpected development has led to Southwest announcing a restructuring of its board
Avelo Airlines recently celebrated its first quarterly profit at Tweed New Haven Airport, the carrier’s primary East Coast base. However, the airline will soon face a new challenge as Breeze Airways enters the market with 10 new routes between December and February. This development has raised questions about the dynamics of competition at the small
Southwest Airlines recently announced major changes to its board of directors in response to pressure from activist firm Elliott Investment Management. Board chairman Gary Kelly, who has been at the helm since 2008, will be stepping down after the company’s annual meeting next spring. Additionally, six out of 15 board members will be resigning at
Recent data released by UL Standards has revealed a concerning trend regarding lithium-ion battery-powered devices overheating during airline flights. The report indicated a significant 28% increase in overheating incidents from 2019 to 2023. While such events are still relatively rare, the rise in incidents is alarming. Among the various devices, e-cigarettes were found to be
Air Canada is currently facing a labor dispute with its pilots union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which could potentially lead to a strike or lockout. The airline has announced that it could start winding down its operations as early as Sunday if the required 72-hour strike or lockout notice is given by either
Loyalty programs offered by major airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, and United have come under scrutiny by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The investigation aims to protect customers from potential unfair, deceptive, or anti-competitive practices within the airline industry. These programs have become a significant part of the U.S. economy and the airline business
Recently, Europe’s aviation safety regulator, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), made an announcement regarding the requirement for airlines to conduct a one-time fleet inspection of fuel hoses on certain Airbus A350 aircraft. This decision came in the wake of an in-flight engine fire that occurred on a Cathay Pacific flight, powered by a Rolls
Turkish Airlines made a significant announcement that starting September 1st, their fares will no longer be available for booking in the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS). This decision has sparked a debate between the airline and Sabre regarding their inability to come to a content agreement. Both parties seem to be pointing fingers at each
Scandinavian airline SAS has successfully exited U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, signaling a fresh start for the airline. This move, hailed as “a new era” for SAS, follows the approval of the carrier’s restructuring plan by the European Commission. The plan involves Air France-KLM acquiring a 19.9% stake in SAS, and SAS joining the SkyTeam
In a recent development, United Airlines flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. This move came after more than 90% of union members in United’s chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA participated in the vote, supporting it nearly unanimously. While this indicates strong support for a potential strike, it is important to
Southwest Airlines is currently under pressure from Elliott Investment Management to make major changes within the company. Elliott has expressed concerns about the airline’s declining performance in recent years and is calling for the removal of chairman Gary Kelly and CEO Bob Jordan. The investment firm has made it clear that it will move forward
Lost or delayed luggage can easily turn a dream vacation or a crucial business trip into a nightmare. Such fears have even led prominent figures in the airline industry, such as IATA director general Willie Walsh, to avoid checking in bags altogether. However, the reality is that mishandled baggage remains a persistent problem in the
As the deadline of Sept. 17 approaches, Air Canada is facing the possibility of a strike by its pilots. The Air Line Pilots Association and Air Canada are currently in a three-week cooling off period as mandated by Canadian law, starting from Aug. 27 and ending on Sept. 17. The pilots’ strike-authorizing vote on Aug.
JetBlue recently announced a significant change in its service to London Gatwick Airport. The airline will be transitioning from year-round flights to a summer seasonal schedule for its routes from both Boston and New York. This decision means that the service between Boston and Gatwick will temporarily pause on October 1, while the New York-Gatwick
Southwest Airlines has recently taken a proactive approach to understanding customer sentiment regarding the potential implementation of fees for checked bags. The airline, which currently does not charge for checked bags, conducted a survey to gauge how customers would feel about such a policy change. This survey included questions about various scenarios, such as offering