March 12, 2010
British
Airways' Cabin Crew Details Strike Plan
The union representing British Airways PLC's (BAY.LN) cabin
crew Friday announced strikes will take place later this month
after the U.K. airline and union leaders failed to reach a
last-minute deal on changes to working practices. Read
more
American
Airlines' Largest Union Takes Step Toward Possible Strike
Baggage handlers, dispatchers and mechanics for American Airlines
took one step toward a strike today. The Transport Workers Union
of America asked the National Mediation Board to release it from
mediation -- and start a 30-day cooling-off period. Read
more
Paying to pick seats
loathsome, many passengers say
Paying for extras has become routine for airline passengers but
it doesn’t mean they like it, with a poll showing more than
half all travellers hate having to fork out to choose their seat. Read
more
Airlines Threaten
to Cancel Flights
Airlines are pushing back against new rules that give fliers more
rights. They are threatening to cancel scores of flights in response
to a new rule that would prohibit airlines from keeping passengers
on the tarmac for more than three hours without giving travelers
the opportunity to get off the plane. Read
more
Brighter outlook for
international airlines
The international airline business is improving, said an industry
group Thursday, and while losses are still expected for 2010, they
should be half the size previously forecast. Read
more
ALSO IN THE NEWS
TSA
hopes scanners can let you keep your shoes on
The Transportation Security Administration is reviving an idea that
aims to take one of the biggest hassles out of airport security:
removing your shoes at a checkpoint.
Implement
electronic logbook solution to claim for travel expenses
Taxpayers who claim a deduction for business travel must, if they
haven't already done so, urgently implement and maintain a detailed
logbook that records all of their travel, both personal and business.
Do
hotel chains owe you when a hotel closes its VIP lounge?
Some hotels are closing their VIP lounges earlier than normal, reducing
food offerings or, in rare cases, closing them entirely in light
of today's reduced business. So I'm curious if you think that the
chains owe you something - anything - for what amounts to fewer frills
for your loyalty. If your hotel chain does give you a little nod
- a few points, for instance - does it help you get over it?
Senate
tackles regional airline safety
The Senate is pushing to strengthen pilot training and hiring requirements
in an effort to improve the safety of regional airlines, a problem
exposed by an air crash last year that killed 50 people.
Delta
taking alliance talks to other carriers
Delta Air Lines, still smarting from its failed bid to lure Japan
Airlines into a partnership, is talking to other carriers about expanding
its global alliances, a senior executive said Tuesday without giving
specifics.
American,
British Airways, Iberia to cede airport slots in London and N.Y.
British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia have offered to give
away takeoff and landing slots at London and New York airports to
soothe European Union antitrust worries, EU regulators said Wednesday.
US
Airways adds new routes to Mexico, Canada
US Airways announced four new nonstop routes this morning. Two are
to Canada and two are to Mexico. The airline's Charlotte hub gains
three new destinations (Ottawa, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta) while
Philadelphia gets one (Halifax). All four routes are scheduled to
operate year-round.
