Following a recent global technology outage that grounded several flights and caused widespread delays and cancellations, travel insurance providers are bracing themselves for a surge in claims. InsureMyTrip, a popular travel insurance comparison site, has reported that more than 1,600 customers who had plans to fly today could potentially be affected by the outage. As
Airlines
The recent report by United Airlines indicating a decrease in its profit margin during the second quarter is a significant indicator of the challenges facing the airline industry as a whole. The underlying cause of this decline can be attributed to domestic overcapacity, which has driven down fares and resulted in a higher number of
Alaska Airlines is in the process of making major changes to its seating arrangements, particularly on its Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER aircraft. The airline’s decision to increase the number of first-class seats on the 737-800s and extra-legroom seats on the 737-900ERs and 737-9 Max planes comes as premium products continue to outperform coach seats in
Spirit Airlines is facing challenges in turning around their financial results during the ongoing pandemic. The airline recently announced that their second-quarter results are expected to be worse than previously anticipated. This includes an adjusted operating loss of between $160 million and $173 million, a significant increase from their initial guidance back in May. One
American Airlines recently announced significant changes to its AAdvantage Business incentive program for small and midsize companies. This new update allows companies to earn miles and loyalty points for bookings made via travel agencies, reversing the previous policy that only rewarded participants for direct bookings. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and benefits to
American Express is set to make a splash at Washington Reagan National Airport with the opening of their 29th Centurion Lounge on July 17th. This 12,000-square-foot oasis will showcase a menu curated by not one, not two, but three renowned chefs. Michelle Bernstein, Ravi Kapur, and Michael Solomonov have come together to create a culinary
Former American Airlines chief commercial officer Vasu Raja, who played a key role in the airline’s aggressive strategy shift towards direct bookings and NDC channels, was recently dismissed by the company. However, despite his termination, Raja will be walking away with a substantial seven-figure payout. As part of the termination agreement, Raja will receive his
Delta Airlines recently implemented a new rule concerning the pins that its employees can wear on their uniforms. According to the revised policy, the only acceptable pin representing a country or nationality is now the U.S. flag. This decision was made in response to the increasing confusion surrounding nationality flags and the potential for them
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is hopeful that the inauguration of Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, in October will bring about a more amicable relationship between the United States and Mexico in terms of aviation policies. However, concerns have been raised that Sheinbaum’s proposed policies align closely with those of her predecessor, Andres Manuel
Competition is fierce among eight airlines vying for five additional daily roundtrip slot pairs beyond the 1,250-mile perimeter at Washington Reagan National Airport. These slot pairs are awarded pursuant to the five-year FAA reauthorization signed into law by President Biden in May. With already existing exemptions for 20 daily roundtrips, airlines like American, United, Delta,
When we think of Amazon Prime Day, travel deals are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, this year seems to be different. Amazon has dedicated a page specifically for “Prime Day Travel Deals,” featuring well-known brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Southwest Airlines, and Viator, among others. The involvement of major car
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released new complaint data related to the air travel industry. This data revealed a significant increase in the number of submissions received in 2023 compared to the previous year. The department reported that nearly 96,900 complaints were submitted in 2023, showcasing a substantial rise from the more than 86,000
Delta Airlines is currently considering unbundling its forward cabin offerings, signaling a potential shift in the airline’s business strategy. Glen Hauenstein, the President of Delta Airlines, hinted at a significant announcement during the airline’s second-quarter earnings call. He suggested that more details would be revealed at the upcoming Investor Day in November, hinting at the
The European Commission has given its approval for Lufthansa Group’s proposed acquisition of Italian flag carrier ITA Airways. This acquisition, which was announced in May 2023, will allow Lufthansa Group to acquire an initial 41% stake in ITA Airways for 325 million euros, with options to purchase the remaining shares starting in 2025. The approval
Regional carrier Mesa Airlines has recently faced significant challenges due to a decrease in pilot attrition and a pause in training programs for incoming pilots. The airline has been forced to furlough a dozen pilots and halt training for 41 aspiring pilots, signaling a shift in the industry. Factors Contributing to the Pilot Shortage The
Alaska Airlines is making a bold move by introducing Vail to its winter seasonal route network. This renowned Colorado skiing destination will now be accessible three times a week from both Seattle and San Diego. The flights will be operated using Embraer E175 regional jets, providing passengers with the option of first-class or coach cabins.
Delta Airlines has recently announced an exclusive partnership with Riyadh Air, a Saudi carrier that is set to launch in 2025. This agreement, signed in Atlanta, signifies a significant step towards collaboration in various aspects of the aviation industry. The two airlines plan to not only become interline and codeshare partners but also explore opportunities
Southwest Airlines has recently appointed Rakesh Gangwal, a co-founder of India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, to its board of directors. This move comes in response to demands from activist investor group Elliott Management, which has criticized Southwest for lacking board members with experience in the airline industry outside of the company itself. Elliott Management, which holds
