Category Archives for Airlines.
A viral video with over 2.5 million views captures the shocking moment a teen repeatedly kicking a passenger’s seat gets his teeth broken when the passenger sharply reclines in response
Southwest Airlines is now forcing passengers to gate-check their carry-on bags early, claiming overhead bins are full even when plenty of space remains available.
This controversial practice, long associated with American, Delta, and United, marks a real shift triggered by Southwest’s recent adoption of assigned seating and checked bag fees, undermining their historical advantage in efficient boarding and angering customers.
American Airlines is being sued over the deadly January 2025 midair collision near Reagan National Airport, despite the U.S. government already admitting liability for the crash involving an Army helicopter and an American Eagle regional jet. Plaintiffs argue the airline shares responsibility, even though American complied fully with federal safety protocols—and the government’s failures in airspace design and air traffic control are clearly documented.
An influencer is sparking debate by claiming airlines should reward thinner passengers with free checked bags, arguing that total passenger weight—including your luggage—should determine ticket prices. While appealing at first glance, this provocative idea ignores airline economics, practical logistics, and legal realities, ultimately proving itself more effective as culture war fodder than actual policy.
An influencer recently went shirtless in Emirates business class, sparking debate about what’s acceptable behavior onboard premium flights. While some have dismissed this as harmless, the issue goes beyond etiquette—it’s a genuine hygiene concern, raising questions about whether passengers should be putting bare skin directly on seats others will soon use.
United Airlines continues its quiet, unpublished policy of granting elite-status extensions upon request—despite initially trying to sell members expensive status buy-ups. If you just lost your MileagePlus elite status on February 1, contacting United and politely requesting an extension (especially if you had unusual circumstances in 2025) remains surprisingly effective, as the airline recognizes keeping loyal customers is far cheaper than acquiring new ones.
Southwest Airlines just brought back one of its best-known promotions: register and book just one roundtrip (or two one-way flights) by Thursday, February 5, and you’ll earn a two-month Companion Pass valid August 10–October 7, 2026. Whether paying cash or using points, this Companion Pass lets you bring along a friend or family member for free, making late summer and early fall travel significantly cheaper.
American squawked 7700 over Cuba and reversed course on the Miami–Quito run after the crew described the cabin as being “in lockdown” over a violent passenger who had to be physically restrained. The jet returned to South Florida about 74 minutes after departure, and after landing the aircraft underwent a brake inspection consistent with an overweight return when a long-haul flight turns back with much of its fuel still onboard.
Alaska Airlines sold a customer a paid first class seat for an 8-hour Liberia–Seattle flight — then called them to the podium at boarding and bumped them to coach because two pilots were deadheading. Pilot contracts can require premium cabin seats, and Alaska’s language is unusually aggressive about it compared to how United, Delta, and American handle “pilots over passengers.”
American canceled more than 9,000 flights during winter storm Fern — and as the operation unraveled, flight attendants wound up sleeping in airports, stuck on hold with scheduling, and waiting hours for hotels and transport. In a post-earnings employee meeting, CEO Robert Isom called it “unacceptable” — then brushed it off as something that “comes with the kind of business we run.”
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
