Travel News: October 4-10 (Ebola, Why Size Matters, Therapy Dogs and More)

This week’s round-up brings the latest airline travel news – from new Ebola airport screenings, size protocols for carry-on luggage, and Charleston’s Uber push-back, to rude passengers, Cadillac’s, turning 95 and therapy dogs. Enjoy!

DHS Briefs U.S. Travel Association Members on New Ebola Airport Screenings

Yesterday Michelle James, Acting Director of Operations for U.S. Customs Border Patrol and two other colleagues briefed members of the travel industry about the additional Ebola screening protocols that will take place at Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, Newark Liberty and Washington Dulles airports next week – beginning with JFK tomorrow. The enhanced screenings will include temperature readings for all passengers arriving from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, in addition to the questionnaire that has been part of an exit screening effort since August. It is believed that the five airports serve as the entry point for 94% of the 150 passengers that arrive in the U.S. from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea each day.

Why Size Does Matter

Air Canada has announced that it will start measuring the size of carry-on bags. In the wake of this latest luggage policy, Motley Fool takes a look at why airlines are starting to crack down on bag size.

Charleston International Pushes Back on Uber and United Airlines

At the end of August we shared the news that United Airlines had partnered with Uber to offer ground transportation to travelers. But it turns out that the news was not well-received by some airports; including Charleston International, which has come out swinging. According to Charleston County’s airports director, Uber drivers will need a permit to use the airport, or face getting a citation.

Citigroup Survey Finds People are Rude During Air Travel

Among the findings of a recent Citi/AAdvantage survey of 1,000 passengers was the revelation that only one in three fliers have let another traveler board a plane first. The same is true for travelers willing to trade seats, as well as helping another person with a bag.

Cadillac and American Airlines Partner to Give Loyalty Benefits

While the new Cadillac partnership features an exclusive perk just for American’s elite ConciergeKey members, there is still something for the regular Joe. American’s AAdvantage frequent flier members can now earn 7,500 AAdvantage miles in exchange for test-driving a new Cadillac at a U.S. Cadillac dealership.

World’s Oldest Airline Turns 95

KLM turned 95 on Tuesday. Regarded as the world’s oldest carrier to still fly under its original name, the Dutch company has been operational since October 7, 1919. In commemoration, KLM attached a special “95 years” decal to one of its planes.

Random Story of the Week: Airport in Georgia Enlists Help of Therapy Dogs

Augusta airport has announced that it has partnered with Therapy Dogs Inc. to create a program called Paws for Pax. Under the new initiative , therapy dogs will roam its main terminal and gate to “spread happiness and entertainment to travelers who might feel tense about flying.”

Fly.com Updates

Here are a few ways to stay connected with us:

Comments are closed.

Today's Best Fares