"In my last job, around this time of year, I would often hold a press conference to remind passengers of their rights and to remind airlines that we would be enforcing those rights," he said, explaining that those rights have been somewhat diminished in the past year because of the new presidential administration. "But you still have rights, including the right to an automatic refund that we fought to get enshrined into law," he continued, referring to how the Biden administration was able to make rules that require airlines to issue automatic refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights.
Air travel is a hassle for wheelchair users. You don't need to look far for proof: Social media is awash with stories of wheelchairs lost or damaged in transit, often met with minimal accountability from airlines. As we've noted before, "An airline losing your luggage is bad; an airline losing your wheelchair is much, much worse." Given that reality, you'd think making air travel even marginally more accessible would be a priority. Instead, recent developments suggest things may actually be moving in the opposite direction.
Now, everyone who has their hands up: Imagine the anxiety you'd feel if you had to catch another flight tonight and weren't sure you'd make it. Put your hands down. And now, those connecting to San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Denver, raise yours!
A couple of years ago, my daughter-a recently graduated English major with an impeccable track record for book recommendations-suggested that I read Dear Edward. It took me a while to make it happen, but while we traveled together last holiday season, she glanced over mid-flight and was startled to see me reading her recommended novel about a plane crash while we were navigating multiple legs of our own air travel. I understood her concern.
The comic absolutely shredded Duffy on the latest episode of his podcast on Saturday, telling him to shut the f*ck up and fix the unending hell of traveling in the USA before giving out fashion tips. Hey Sean, f*ck you. Hey f* you, by the way. Shut the f*ck up. How about you get the planes in the f*cking sky, you scumbag, Dillon ranted. I'm sick of being lectured by this f*cking government that knows nothing about what's actually happening out there.
"There's no question we've lost sight of what makes travel fun - the excitement, the relaxation, the cordial conversations," the DOT's announcement reads. "Americans already feel divided and stressed. We can all do our part to bring back civility, manners and common sense. When we can unite around shared values, we can feel more connected as a country." Duffy's proposed fixes? Straightforward enough:
If you have elite status, you may have even more options. United Airlines, for instance, offers a same-day confirmation service on select flights for all passengers with elite status-that means they can make a guaranteed switch to an earlier flight in the same cabin class at no charge, without paying a difference in fare. When in doubt, call the carrier's customer service line and ask an agent to check how full the flight is.
Millions of travelers are about to be stuck in a government-directed slowdown of air travel as the strain grows on unpaid and overworked air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that, starting on Friday, officials are cutting 10% of flights at 40 US airports. The aviation analytics company Cirium compiled a list of about 100 potentially affected airports. Six have so far confirmed to Business Insider that they are among the 40, including Anchorage, Atlanta, Charlotte, Seattle, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Hopping on an airplane should always be a happy occasion. After all, it likely means you're heading somewhere new. However, there are a few stressors that can put a damper on all that joy: Did you pack the right things? Is your carry-on overweight? Will you arrive at the airport on time? But don't fret-there are some ways to make your flying experience a bit smoother.
"Our study confirmed that in an environment of loud noise, our sense of taste is compromised. Interestingly, this was specific to sweet and umami tastes, with sweet taste inhibited and umami taste significantly enhanced,"
After hundreds of flights to more than 50 countries, I've realised that making sure you're comfortable is the only sure-fire way to make the experience more enjoyable. With this goal in mind, my advice to all the jetset ladies out there is to invest in a quality pair of leggings. I'm talking about luxury loungewear that places an emphasis on soft fabrics that feel as good as they look.
Sorry, not sorry: I'm "that" person who usually refuses to switch seats on flights (especially when I have the window seat). And even with recent headlines inspiring online debates on whether or not it's okay to ask to switch seats with someone, I'm still a staunch supporter of staying in my assigned seat, specifically when I've paid to be in it.
Sorry, not sorry: I'm "that" person who usually refuses to switch seats on flights (especially when I have the window seat). But there are still times when my seat assignment was out of my control. From filling in for an exit row passenger who wasn't able to provide evacuation assistance in the event of an emergency to having my coveted window seat reassigned to an off-duty flight crew member, I've had to navigate my fair share of unwanted seat swaps before takeoff.
But the TSA said their counterpart has restrictions: cordless hair styling tools that are powered by lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or gas or butane fuel are only allowed in carry-on bags. That's so that passengers or flight attendants can react if they start to overheat in the cabin. If they overheat or combust in your checked bag in the cargo area of a plane, it may take a while for anyone to notice.
A double chime sound is the pilot signalling to the cabin crew that the plane has gone through 10,000 feet of altitude. After passing 10,000 feet and the double chime rings, cabin crew can move around more freely.
Alaska Airlines will launch seven new routes across the Pacific Northwest and California starting in October, including daily flights from Burbank to Eugene and Redmond.