News notes from around the interweb:
- Boeing 737 MAX software changes are done, both Angle of Attack sensors have to match before engaging the MCAS system, but European regulators want to add a third sensor. They may agree to adding a synthetic airspeed system in the future after the plane returns to service.
Synthetic airspeed, available in the 787, was rejected for the 737 MAX because the goal of the project was to avoid simulator training for existing 737 Next Generation pilots – but the MAX is going to require that now anyway.
- Ontario airport is turning its main parking lot into a drive-in movie theater
- How Cathay Pacific’s wings were clipped amid Beijing’s wrath over civil unrest
- The time Harvey Weinstein was arrested for smoking on board the Concorde
- USAF accidentally drops hypersonic missile during test
- Expedia websites forcing customers to take credits for cancelled flights instead of refunds which is against DOT rules, but of course then they keep their commission.
While not Expedia group OTAs specifically, there are a number of agencies who are processing refunds from the airlines for cash, and then offering “agency credit” to the traveler. The traveler gets pissed off at the airline, but the airline has already done a cash refund – it has just been pocketed by the agent.
Re: Expedia. I don’t see how they are breaking the rules so to speak. The “enforcement notice” (har har) from April specifically applies to carriers. In fact, it doesn’t mention (O)TAs even once. So I would interpret this guidance narrowly: UA is required to refund Expedia, but Expedia is not required to refund you. It doesn’t make a ton of sense but many regulations don’t!
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-04/Enforcement%20Notice%20Final%20April%203%202020_0.pdf
@Sexy_kitten7 see DOT’s May guidance
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-05/Refunds%20-%20Second%20Enforcement%20Notice%20%28May%2012%202020%29.pdf
“3. What rights do passengers have if they purchased their airline ticket from an online travel
agency?
Ticket agents are required to make “proper” refunds when service cannot be performed as contracted on a flight to, within, or from the United States. The Department interprets the requirement for ticket agents to provide “proper” refunds to include providing refunds in any instance when the following conditions are met: (i) an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight, (ii) an airline acknowledges that a consumer is entitled to a refund, and (iii) passenger funds are possessed by a ticket agent.”
No new Boeing planes should be certified until the current management explains how they will change the culture back to an engineering one and provide evidence of the same. Why should ordinary passengers risk their lives for Boeing exec stock options?
@Gary Thanks! I searched the press release site but that wasn’t on it.
What should one do if the travel agency refuses to reimburse, or even acknowledge, a refund request? Complain to DOT about the airline, even though it’s the travel agency? Chargeback? Or any other suggestion.
But Gary, the real question is: do the Expedia dancers get to keep their tips after a performance?