Airline News,

American Airlines raises checked bags fee

06:16 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

checked-luggageAmerican Airlines is the latest airline to raise its checked bag fees, putting it in the same class as other carriers that introduced increased fees earlier this month. The new checked bags fees for American Airlines passengers will go into effect on airline tickets purchased after Feb. 1.

The first checked bag will now be $25 (up from $20) on flights in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. A second checked bag will cost $35 (up from $30). First- and business-class travelers, and members of the armed services, will be exempt from checked bag fees.

The fees apply to passengers on all flights within the company -- American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection.

Airline News,

American Airlines to lay off 175 pilots, possibly more

06:15 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

american-airlines-tailAmerican Airlines will lay off 175 pilots and could furlough more, the airliner confirmed.

In a prepared statement, American said, "The impact of the economy and reduction in capacity over the last 18 months, coupled with lower than expected pilot attrition, has resulted in a pilot surplus. This was a painful but necessary decision, as this staffing adjustment will better align the size of our pilot organization with the size of our current operation."

The furloughs will take place in two parts and will start with the layoff of around 80 pilots in March. The Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 11,000 American Airlines pilots, said the furlough will impact the least-senior pilots first, however, more senior pilots might choose to take a voluntary leave of absence, which would prevent junior pilots from being furloughed.

Airline News,

British Airways, Iberia and American work on antitrust dispute with the EU

06:13 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

British AirwaysBritish Airways, American Airlines, and Iberia are negotiating with the European Union to settle an anti-trust dispute. The three airlines want to establish more of a joint venture – sharing revenue, schedules, and marketing -- but the European Union is hesitant to get on board, since the scheme may eliminate competition on some trans-Atlantic routes.

British Airways and American have tried twice in the past decade to combine efforts, but the EU would only grant them permission if they agreed to give up slots at Heathrow, and the deal never came to fruition. Now, joined by Iberia, they’re trying again.

The EU doesn’t want these three airlines to stifle competition for airline tickets, and would like them to reassess their schedules and surrender some take-off and landing slots in order to even the playing field with other alliances. If the two parties can agree on the proposal, the airlines will be able to avoid cartel fine, which can amount to 10 percent of global revenue.

Right now, the airlines coordinate how they sell and operate flights between Europe and the United States, and they want to expand their alliance to manage capacity and pricing as well, for flights to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Norway, and Switzerland, according to USA Today.

Airline News,

FAA faults American Eagle $2.5 million for misinformation

06:12 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

AmericanThe Federal Aviation Administration is charging American Eagle $2.5 million for not ensuring that weight records were accurate on each plane on dozens of flights in the past two years.

When the crew of an airplane has incorrect information about the amount of weight in the cargo area, it affects how the pilot will gauge its take-off and landing procedures. A certain weight calls for the appropriate speed, and without accurate information, ascension can be difficult, according to USA Today.

The airline – a sister of American Airlines - has 30 days to respond to the charge, and is being accused of misinforming its crews on 154 flights since Jan 2008.

Airline News,

Oneworld partners granted immunity to form global alliance

06:11 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

american-airlinesThe U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) gave its tentative approval to grant antitrust immunity to oneworld partners to form a global alliance. The airlines - American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair, and Royal Jordanian Airlines - filed for alliance in an effort to build a flight system that would allow international operations in global markets.

According to an American Airlines press statement, the benefits of the oneworld alliance would be cheap flights on more routes, increased services, better schedules and reduced travel and connection times.

However, the pending alliance didn't sit well with other airlines. Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group has been vocal in his disagreement of this global alliance, saying it would harm harm the healthy competition airlines need to create a fair marketplace for consumers.

Reuters news service says BA, Iberia and American Airlines have offered to modify their plans and review their slots at London Heathrow Airport in an effort to share more of their transatlantic routes and settle a competition dispute.

Interested parties have 45 days to object and answers to objections will take a further 15 days.

Airline News,

Lufthansa strike cuts 800 flights

06:09 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

LufthansaFour thousand Lufthansa pilots began a four-day walkout strike in response to potential loss of job security today. The strike is thought to affect approximately 10,000 passengers worldwide, and the German airline has already cancelled 800 flights.

In terms of sales, Lufthansa is Europe’s biggest airline, and is known for both its long-haul trans-Atlantic flights and its shorter, widespread domestic routes. It usually runs 1,800 flights each day.

Estimated to cost the airline $34 million per day, the strike also includes efforts by Lufthansa Cargo and Germanwings.

Currently, Lufthansa is trying to rebook travelers on partner airlines or on trains. If a passenger is unable to reschedule, they are fully reimbursed for the flight.

Keep checking our News Blog for updates on the Lufthansa strike.

Airport News,

J.D. Power ranks top U.S. airports

06:08 BritainTourist.Com 0 Comments

Detroit AirportMuch like the Zagat survey results that were posted in November, that highlighted small airlines in customer satisfaction, J.D. Power and Associates have polled 12,000 travelers for the best airports. Smaller airports consistently took the lead in approval.

Three airports in the Midwest ranked highest. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County won best large airport, Kansas City International snagged the title for best midsized airport, and the Indianapolis International Airport won best small airport, and also best overall customer satisfaction this year.

Results were based on six factors: accessibility, check-in, baggage check-in, baggage claim, terminal facilities, security check, food and retail. The results also show that the biggest priorities for traveler happiness in an airport revolve around baggage deliver, ease of check-in, comfort in terminals, and rapid security.