Some airlines are really taking off with customers — and others should be grounded, flyers say. J.D. Power released its 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which broke down how travelers graded their carriers from top to bottom. Close to 1,000 passengers were surveyed on how they experienced a flight just as the industry sees a … Read more
Southwest Airlines said it had launched a compensation program for flight delays as part of a $140 million Department of Transportation settlement over the carrier’s meltdown in December 2022 during a busy holiday travel period. Southwest in December 2023 agreed over three years to provide $90 million in travel vouchers of $75 or more to passengers delayed at least three … Read more
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said Thursday that the carrier is considering changing the boarding and seating processes on its planes in order to improve its financial position. “We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan said in an interview with CNBC on Thursday after the company reported … Read more
These airlines have taken a nosedive when it comes to punctuality. A new report reveals which US flyers are putting up with the most delays and cancellations at a time when air travel is already chaotic. Studying 2023 data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, NerdWallet calculated 10 airlines’ on-time arrival rates. The analysis comes … Read more
Is the recline on the decline? Sardine-can airplane seating could soon become the norm, as artificial intelligence previously predicted. Flight experts claim that the reclining seat could be scrapped from economy class amid soaring concerns over space, fuel costs and even inflight kerfuffles. “This trend has been occurring for several years now, and I think it … Read more
Don’t expect air travel to soar at new heights this summer. The ongoing drama with Boeing is poised to hamper travel in the upcoming months, experts warn, as airlines scramble to distance themselves from the embattled airplane maker. Boeing is currently weathering a storm of negative press after a door plug blew off a January Alaska … Read more
Brace yourself for the turbulent truth. Although they’re called the friendly skies, jet-setting off into the clouds can sometimes result in a bumpy ride. But when trouble is afoot, assuming this position comes in handy for flight attendants. “Ever wonder why [the] cabin crew sits [on their hands] during takeoff and landing?,” asked Henny Lim, an airline … Read more
Their travel plans were put on paws. Perplexed dog owners are scratching their heads as to why and how their cute, and often well-behaved, companions got banned from air travel. Such was the case of Megan Moskowitz and her English cocker spaniel Maci, who suddenly became a pup of interest at Newark Airport. She told … Read more
Furious flyers are telling Southwest Airlines to take a seat. The budget carrier is on blast after the bungled unveiling of their next-generation interiors, with even loyalists complaining bitterly about cramped cabins overfilled with seats that look “thin” and “rock hard.” The airline’s overhauled jets will take to the skies starting next year, with Southwest … Read more
Is your favorite carrier in the no-fly zone? The Wall Street Journal released its listing of the nine best and worst airlines in the U.S. for 2023 in a ranking that’s seen some shakeups since the year prior. The last-place airline blames its futility on New York City airports facing notable challenges with weather and … Read more
It was a round drip flight. She had no trouble getting liquid on this plane: One California flyer allegedly had to sit under unidentified drippage from an overhead bag for an entire flight after the hostess refused to move her or the leaky luggage. A video depicting the passenger’s 20,000 leagues under the seat saga … Read more
Boeing 737 door not included. Most air travelers are fixated on the things they’re not allowed to bring on a flight when checking in at the airport — however, there are some sweet and lesser-known freebies they’re entitled to when on board. Beyond the complimentary chips and protein bars, several airlines have signature, easter-egg-like souvenirs … Read more
Air travel is getting worse, judging from the number of consumer complaints. Consumer complaints about airlines nearly doubled in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year and kept soaring in April and May, the Transportation Department said Wednesday. Those are the latest figures from the government. The Transportation Department said … Read more
She didn’t get the dress code memo. A TikToker, who goes by Jacy, shared her anger over being scolded for her attire on an airplane. In the resurfaced viral clip, Jacy showed her ensemble — a hot pink corset top from Urban Outfitters paired with multiple pieces of gold jewelry — while expressing her outrage at being … Read more
Fight or flight. Boarding a plane has become one of the most painful parts of modern travel, taking upwards of half an hour and triggering panic — and the possibility of violent squabbles — over available space in overhead lockers. This week, United implemented its new WILMA boarding system in a bid to expedite the … Read more
Southwest Airlines is lowering the requirements to qualify for the top levels of its frequent-flyer program, a move aimed at travelers who are unhappy with other airlines that are making it harder to reach elite status. Southwest said Monday that it will reduce by 20% the number of flights needed to qualify for its “A-List” … Read more
A few years back, Sky, a 35-year-old flight attendant, noticed a passenger behaving erratically at boarding. When she took drink orders, she kindly advised he just have a Coke, rather than the whiskey and Coke he asked for. He didn’t take the suggestion well. Instead, he followed her to the back of the plane, grabbed … Read more
Southwest Airlines is changing its unusual boarding system by limiting the opportunity to pay an extra fee and jump ahead of other passengers in the race for the best seats. The airline said Wednesday that it has not dropped “EarlyBird” entirely from any flights, but it is “limiting the number of spots available for purchase … Read more
A California family claims they got scammed trying to escape the Maui wildfires, costing them $3,400 in airfare. Megan and Kevin Morgan were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary on the island with their 8-month-old when they decided to cancel their celebratory dinner and return home to the Sacramento area — shortly before the devastating blaze … Read more
Singing Taylor Swift fans now have “Bad Blood” with annoyed social media users. Several airplane passengers who were attempting to leave Colorado along with Swifties who attended the coveted “Eras” Tour on Sunday were treated to an impromptu singalong after their Southwest flight was delayed for several hours. The now-viral TikTok, which has racked up … Read more