Airline and Airport News: Top Headlines From January
January’s Top Air Travel News
It has been a long month as airlines struggle to shake off the problems from the Christmas week cancellations, not to mention the FAA computer issue that halted domestic flights.
Here is a look at notable headlines from aviation in January of 2023.
FAA Computer Mishap Brings Airlines to a Halt
It was not unprecedented calm, but it was unusual. The federal aviation administration admitted it had a computer mishap that brought airline travel to a halt in the U.S. for almost a full day and disrupted schedules for days.
Delta Free WiFi
Delta Air Lines made major news earlier this month when it announced a launch date for free WiFi on planes. Beginning February 1, Delta will offer the service on more than 700 Viasat-equipped aircraft by the end of 2023 and plans to bring free Wi-Fi on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.
Airport Lounges Become Revenue Generator
What was once thought to be perks for elite flyers, the lounges in airports are suddenly becoming a revenue generator for airlines.
Back to Paradise
JetBlue Airways and United Airlines both resumed their flights to the Caribbean.
Problems at JFK
Two planes have a minor collision at JFK International Airport in New York City, just days after near-miss at the airport. It prompted an FAA investigation.
ASTA Calls on DOT to Enhance Oversight of Ancillary Fees
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is calling on the Department of Transportation to provide further oversight of ancillary fees on airlines. They include fees for changing your seat and luggage.
Southwest Being Investigated
Southwest Airlines is being investigated by the Department of Transportation for unlawful and deceitful practices. It all stems from the Christmas break in which more than 5,000 SW flights were delayed or canceled.
Buttigieg Faces Scruitny
The stand-out member of the Biden cabinet, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is under fire for his lack of action against the airlines in the wake of the problems that include the massive delays and cancelations during Christmas break, and the FAA computer meltdown.
Southwest Rewarding Employees
Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan announced that he would give extra pay to some employees who he said brought the carrier through the Christmas fiasco. Calling some of the employees who worked double and triple shifts, including pilots, “heroic,” Jordan made the announcement less than a month after the debacle.
2022 Fourth Quarter Ends on a High Note
The airline didn’t know what was about to hit them at the start of the new year, but they ended the fourth quarter of 2022 on a strong note. Almost all airlines were up to end the final financial quarter of 2022.