This week’s round-up brings the latest airline travel news – from Senate inquiries, electronic devices, and the Luv Seat initiative, to unfriendly skies for kids and creative flight numbers. Enjoy!
U.S. Senate Launches Inquiry into Airline Fees
Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation are investigating whether current rules fail to protect consumers from poorly disclosed ancillary fees.
In somewhat related news, a new national survey has revealed that consumers want airlines to disclose all fees when selling through travel agents and websites so that they are not surprised by additional fees after ticket purchase.
Consumers Want Price Break for Bringing Onboard Electronic Devices
In recent weeks we’ve reported how some airlines are transitioning away from traditional inflight seat back entertainment in favor of streaming video directly to the personal electronic devices of their passengers. Now, according to a new consumer survey, some passengers believe these airlines should pass on the cost savings to fliers.
Southwest’s Luv Seat Initiative Gives Back in Africa
When Southwest redesigned many of its aircraft, it looked for a way to repurpose the excess leather seat covers. Their solution, a giving back program that involves an apprenticeship non-profit, as well as two other NGO’s who then distribute the footwear and soccer balls made from the second-hand material.
Airlines and their Kid Policies
You’ve read the horror stories. Parents being told they can’t install FAA permitted car seats properly. Unaccompanied minors who are handed over to the wrong person. Airlines creating kid-free zones etc. In his latest article, Christopher Elliott takes a closer look at the child-unfriendly skies and offers advice to parents on how to keep their dignity when flying with little ones.
Random Story of the Week: Flight Numbers that Make You Pause
This week’s random story of the week is courtesy of Chris McGinnis who has just conducted research to find the most creative flight numbers currently in operation – like United’s #500 flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco, which gives a nod to the Indy 500. To see which other flights made the cut, read his full article.
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