In a determined show of solidarity, over 250 travel advisors and industry suppliers came together in Washington, D.C., this week for the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) Legislative Day. This annual event is designed to highlight crucial issues facing the travel industry and lobby for legislative changes that support travel agencies and their operations.
Airlines
In a monumental shift for the aviation landscape, Alaska Airlines has successfully finalized its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, just a day after receiving green lights from the Transportation Department. This merger not only reshapes the operational capabilities of Alaska Air Group, which now operates nearly 1,500 flights daily across 141 destinations, but also
The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines, valued at a remarkable $1.9 billion, marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the airline industry, particularly in the Pacific region. With the recent conditional approval granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Alaska Airlines is poised to complete this merger, which has generated considerable
The recent strike by Boeing machinists, which has halted production of key aircraft like the 737 Max, poses a significant challenge to the U.S. airline industry. With unions negotiating a new contract amidst rising labor tensions, the effects of this labor stoppage extend far beyond the immediate financial implications for Boeing. Analysts have begun to
In a pivotal turn for Canada’s airline sector, Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have successfully negotiated a tentative four-year collective agreement. This milestone is particularly critical as Air Canada stands as the largest carrier in the country, transporting over 110,000 passengers daily. The lengthy negotiations, ongoing for more than a year,
Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s burgeoning ultralow-cost airline, is on the cusp of a significant expansion, fueled by a newly inked Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States. Victor Pacheco, the airline’s CEO, has conveyed an optimistic yet cautious outlook regarding the prospect of introducing direct flight services to key U.S. destinations,
In a significant move to enhance passenger experience, United Airlines has announced its ambitious plan to provide complimentary WiFi across its entire fleet, including both mainline and regional aircraft. By partnering with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, United aims to equip over 1,000 planes over the next few years, setting a precedent in the aviation industry.
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
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
