Here is a round-up of this week’s travel news – from delicious food, celebrities, movie genres and south of the border, to carry-on luggage, bumps and airline punctuality. Enjoy!
In-Flight Meals Go Gourmet
National airlines have upped the ante with in-flight food service in an effort to win over passengers. Virgin America has announced a new menu for first class passengers that includes fancy hors d’oeuvres, United Airlines is offering gluten-free dishes, and Delta Air Lines has added low-calorie wrap sandwiches to transcontinental flights. However you can’t get much better than Hawaiian Airlines – whose in-flight meals continue to be free!
Alaska Airlines Flights Most Likely to be Punctual
Looking to get to your destination on time? According to FlightStats Inc, the best airline to fly is Alaska Airlines. It has just been named the No. 1 on-time North American airline for the fourth year in a row.
Celebs Speak Out About Airlines and Air Travel Experiences
Yet another celebrity is speaking out about their air travel experience. In January it was Alec Baldwin who blasted (incorrectly) TSA over a security pat-down of his baby. This week it is Amanda Seyfried – who apparently doesn’t mind being greeted at arrivals by fans and paparazzi when its her birthday, but does object the other 364 days of the year.
Virgin Atlantic Channels Different Movie Genres for New Safety Video
If you are tired of watching the same old boring safety videos before take-off, things appear to be changing. So far this year we have seen new videos from Delta (featuring 80’s icons and themes) and Air New Zealand (using bikini-clad Sports Illustrated models). Now Virgin Atlantic enters the fray with a safety video that is a cartoon take on popular movie genres.
Next Stop Mexico: Southwest Continues its International Expansion
Last month we reported Southwest Airlines first foray into international territory, with new select routes to the Caribbean. Now the airline has added to the list with routes to Mexico starting August and October. Under the expansion, travelers from various parts of the U.S. will be able to fly to Cancun and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos.
United Cracks Down on Carry-On Luggage
The days of fighting for overhead bin space amid the deluge of bulging wheelie bags may be over – at least on United Airlines. The company has just installed new bag-sizers that will send any oversized hand luggage back to the ticket counter for checking (and a $25 fee).
New Website Helps Passengers Get Paid After Airlines Mess Up
AirHelp is coming to America to help passengers get compensation for “flight bumps,” due to overbookings on U.S. airlines. The company launched last year in Europe.
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