China Eastern Flight MU5735 did not simply fall out of the sky. NTSB recorder data shows pilots shut off both engines before the Boeing 737 plunged from cruise, killing all 132 people aboard — and four years later, China still refuses to release the crash report, citing “national security” and social stability.
Passenger Gives Birth On ITA Airways Flight To Rome — Airline’s First Baby Born Onboard [Roundup]
A seven-months-pregnant passenger unexpectedly gave birth on ITA Airways flight 855 from Dakar to Rome, the airline’s first baby born onboard. Also: a New Orleans traveler holds up TSA with more than a dozen bottles of seasoning, Robinhood admits its new platinum card is too coupon-y, and passengers keep finding window seats with no windows.
IHG Premier Card Hits 185,000 Points — Worth Getting For The Bonus, Keeping For The Free Night
The IHG Premier Card has a limited-time offer worth up to 185,000 points, which is more than I’ve seen before on this $99 hotel card. The upfront bonus is the reason to get it now, but the annual free night, fourth-night-free award benefit, Platinum status, and 4th night free on redemptions are why it can make sense to keep.
Limited-Time Best AAdvantage Business Card Bonus: 75,000 Miles and $0 Annual Fee For 12 Months
Citi brought back the best-ever welcome offer on its AAdvantage Business card: 75,000 American Airlines miles after $5,000 spend in 5 months, with the $99 annual fee waived for the first year. The headline bonus is great on its own, but the real edge for frequent American flyers is what the card unlocks inside AAdvantage Business—extra earning on tickets and, for many cardmembers, the ability to stack Loyalty Points in ways that can accelerate status.
People Are Bringing Hospital Beds And Massage Tables Onto American Flights — And Asking To Check Them Free
American Airlines has had to remind agents that not everything passengers call a medical device qualifies for free checked-bag treatment, because people are apparently showing up with items like hospital beds, massage tables, wagons, and even soap. The update is useful not just for what it says about baggage policy, but for what it reveals about the inventiveness of travelers trying to turn oversized or oddball items into fee-free luggage.
Viral Grassroots Effort To Buy Spirit Airlines Claims $22 Million In Pledges — But Has No Cash And No Business Plan
A “people-owned” rescue effort for Spirit Airlines has gone viral, claiming $22 million in pledges from would-be founding patrons. It has no cash, no actual bid, and no business plan to fix an airline that was losing money before it shut down.
After Spirit Shutdown, Budget Airlines Seek $2.5 Billion Bailout — DOT Says They’re Taking Advantage
With Spirit Airlines ceasing operations, other low cost airlines are doubling down on their request for a government bailout.
Delta Air Lines Meltdown Leaves Passengers Without Help — One Grabs Gate PA: “Is Anybody Working?”
Delta passengers were stuck at the gate with no obvious help during the airline’s meltdown, so one of them grabbed the PA handset and started making announcements himself: “Delta, is anybody working?” It was a dumb move, but passengers do desperate things when an airline disappears on them.
United Passenger Attacks Flight Attendant, Tries To Break Into Cockpit Of Newark Flight
A passenger on United Airlines flight 1837 from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to Newark “attacked a flight attendant” on Saturday, according to the captain, and “tried to open the forward main cabin door, trying to gain access to the flight deck.”
Delta Air Lines Meltdown — Hundreds Of Flights Canceled While Rivals Run Fine Amid Internal “Crew Restrictions”
Delta Air Lines has canceled hundreds of flights while American, United and Southwest are barely canceling at all. Weather does not explain it. A tech outage does not explain it. And sickout rumors do not hold up — leaving internal Delta “crew restrictions” as the clearest clue to a meltdown at an airline once known for reliability.











