Airline and Airport News: Top Air Travel Stories From February
Top Aviation News Stories From February
Sometimes, even the shortest month of the year can still have a big impact.
Such is the case with aviation. One minute you’re up, and the next minute you’re Up, Up and Away! Life can be fleeting in the airline business.
Just think, it was less than a year ago that JetBlue won a hard-fought battle with Frontier to take over Spirit Airlines. Now the merger is in doubt from a government standpoint.
Here’s a look at some of the top headlines from aviation from the month of February.
United, Air Canada Expand Partnership
United Airlines has expanded its code-sharing plan with Air Canada. In fact, now that travel restrictions have been eased, the two airlines are even adding new routes.
Weather Woes
As if the problems from January weren’t enough – including the FAA computer meltdown – the one thing that airlines fear the most came to fruition. Bad weather. A series of storms in the nation’s biggest population centers contributed to mass delays and cancelations.
Kids First!
United made a significant policy change this month. The airline will not charge extra for families who want to sit together. This has been an ongoing problem in the industry. Sometimes families board and find out that Dad is in row five and little Billy is in row 25. Going forward, United will not charge extra for families to sit together.
Flight Attendants Sign Off on Merger
The powerful flight attendants union has endorsed a JetBlue and Spirit merger. But this was only after the Union, made up of 50,000 members, received a series of concessions from Spirit Airlines, including a wage increase.
Travelers Getting Bumped More
A new data release found that Americans are getting bumped more often from commercial flights than in previous years.
Jet-Blue Spirit Merger in Trouble?
According to a report, the Biden administration could block the merger between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. The proposed alliance would create the nation’s fifth-largest airline.
Viva, Las Vegas!
It’s not just a destination. It’s the destination. The city of Las Vegas has emerged as a key player for JetBlue if the merger with Spirit Airlines is approved, says its CEO.
Spirit Opens San Jose Route
Spirit Airlines is not waiting to hear about its potential merger with JetBlue. Instead, the low-budget carrier announced on February 19 that it will have a new airport and a new destination in San Jose.
JetBlue’s Threats
JetBlue apparently read the writing on the wall. Or at least on the Hill. With several senators saying they would block the proposed merger with Spirit Airlines, JetBlue threatened legal action in late February if the regulatory approval does not come through later this spring or summer.
TAP Air Portugal Enhances Stop Over Program
During a trip to Portugal, TravelPulse Executive Editor Eric Bowman went one-on-one with TAP Air Portugal in Lisbon to learn more about the airline and their newly enhanced stopover program.
TSA’s Warning to Pet Owners
TSA had a stern warning for people traveling with small dogs and other pets – Of course you can travel with your pet, but please keep them off of the conveyor belt that goes through the X ray machine. It’s no good for them.
Southwest Increases Wi-Fi Costs
The cost of onboard internet just got slightly more expensive on Southwest Airlines. The carrier will now charge $8 per flight segment for internet instead of $8 per day.
JetBlue Breaks Ground at JFK
JetBlue celebrated the groundbreaking this week of a $4.2 billion project to develop a new international Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
TSA Preparing for Higher Spring Break Travel Volumes
To meet the upcoming air travel demand, the TSA announced progress on enhanced security, checkpoint efficiency and passenger experience investments, including increasing public awareness about traveling with firearms and deploying new technology.
Southwest Faces Congress
Southwest Airlines faced heavy criticism during a hearing in front of the United States Senate this month due to the more than 16,000 flight cancellations during the busy winter holiday travel period.
Spring, Summer Airfare Prices Predicted To Continue Climbing
Travel pricing app Hopper just released its first-quarter airfare index for 2023, forecasting how flight prices will evolve over the next several months. It’s going to get pricey again.
Air Travel Experience Must Improve, Says US Travel Association
At its newly launched quarterly press conference, the U.S. Travel Association said the U.S. must improve the air travel system and create a seamless and secure travel experience from end to end. The association also said this effort must begin with opportunities this year as Congress works to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The latest data is a clear sign that significant upgrades are needed to kickstart a reimagined air travel experience that works for all Americans,” said the association’s President and CEO, Geoff Freeman.