September 6th, 2007
Airline News
Limited bin space leads to disputes among fliers. With full flights and passengers worried about checked bags, space in overhead bins is at a premium. The battle for bin space has sparked angry encounters between fellow travelers and with flight attendants who try to enforce carryon rules. Aug 27, 2006
Checked luggage surge may overburden security: Checked luggage at U.S. airports has increased by 20% since liquids were recently banned from carry-on bags, threatening to strain screeners and bomb detectors, according to Transportation Security Administration chief “Kip” Hawley. “Anytime you have a system that’s overwhelmed, that’s where failure is a concern,” Hawley says. Aug 24, 2006
Fewer domestic tickets involve Saturday stay. The percentage of domestic airline tickets that involve a Saturday stay has fallen to 44% from 51% three years ago, according to a study by Sabre Airline Solutions for USA TODAY. Fare simplification, rising hotel costs and more attention to “work-life balance” have contributed to the changes, experts say.
Aug 24, 2006
Airlines deserve credit for smooth operations. Airlines, TSA and sensible travelers deserve credit for the way they handled the confusion and new security rules that stemmed from a foiled terror plot, New York Times columnist Joe Sharkey writes. He writes that, “Nobody has ever accused me of being a shill for the airlines or a Pollyanna about air travel. But I have to say that I got from Point A to Point B last week without a hassle.” Aug 22, 2006
Travelers should read insurance policies carefully. An industry group says annual sales of traveler insurance have nearly doubled since 2001. Most travel insurance policies won’t cover losses from a trip that a traveler cancels out of fear of anticipated events or conditions. Often during hurricanes, blizzards, terrorism attacks or other major disruptions, airlines typically waive restrictions and fees on rebooking, so travelers should read policies carefully. Aug 22, 2006
A UK Dept. for Transport spokesperson told the BBC, “The security regime in place at UK airports is necessary because of the level of security threat and is kept under constant review. We have no intention of compromising security levels nor do we anticipate changing our requirements in the next seven days.” The spokesperson added that the government does not believe it is liable for Ryanair’s losses. Aug 21, 2006
Balance needed between tight security, efficient operations. Airlines and lawmakers hope to strike a balance between keeping air travel safe and operating flights efficiently. Some airline officials, while insisting security takes priority, say new security requirements could boost costs for already squeezed carriers. “Nobody cares more about security than we do,” Air Transport Association President James May says. Aug 21, 2006
Frugal travelers track fares to secure low prices. Frugal travelers are using a variety of strategies to secure deeply discounted airfares. They are purchasing lower fares available for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, taking advantage of last-minute sales, and tracking prices at sites like Farecompare.com. Aug 21, 2006
Governments should cover airline security cost, official says. National governments should pay for additional security measures required to protect airlines from terrorist attacks, the director general of an international airline group says. It is too early to estimate the cost of additional security measures put in place after a foiled terrorist attack earlier this month, says Giovanni Bisignani, director general of the International Air Transport Association. Aug 21, 2006