Category Archives for Airlines.
An American Airlines maintenance error in Tulsa during brake system modification, swapping hydraulic lines and reversing wheel speed sensor wiring, defeated the Beoing 737-800’s antiskid logic. This resulted in total loss of effective braking, tire failure, and runway overrun. No injuries occurred, but the event prompted fleetwide maintenance audits and Boeing procedural updates.
American Airlines now sells first class upgrades for as little as $40 — but if you cancel your trip, that money’s gone. The airline even tried to fix the problem, then botched the rollout and rolled it back, leaving travelers stuck paying for upgrades they never took.
A longtime United Airlines flight attendant was rushed to the hospital after landing in London following a transatlantic flight from San Francisco, where she had reportedly consumed multiple bottles of vodka inflight. Authorities found her ten times over the legal alcohol limit for aviation personnel.
A Rome-bound ITA Airways Airbus A330 departing Los Angeles International Airport turned directly toward an American Airlines jet taking off from a parallel runway, prompting urgent controller commands to prevent a collision. The two aircraft reportedly came within about a mile of each other at the same altitude before air traffic control ordered evasive maneuvers.
A viral video shows a plane pushing back from the gate while passengers are still standing in the aisle and overhead bins hang open. It looks chaotic — but in Europe, it’s technically allowed. Here’s why they can do what would be unthinkable here.
Airline executives are questioning the FAA’s 40-airport flight cuts, calling them political. Several C-level leaders say the government hasn’t shared the safety data they say they’re using as justification.
The FAA has issued a new order outlining changes to flight-cut requirements and airline obligations during the government shutdown. The directive adds penalties of up to $75,000 per unauthorized flight and temporarily limits passenger compensation rules as airlines coordinate nationwide schedule reductions.
I’m writing this from an American Airlines regional jet I half-expected to be canceled today as FAA-mandated flight cuts begin. Early data shows fewer cancellations than forecast, but they’re concentrated among regional routes. Here’s what the numbers actually show and how the reductions are being managed across major airlines.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
The FAA plans to cut flights at 40 major airports starting Friday as controller shortages worsen during the government shutdown. Here’s the same strategy I’m using myself to stay ahead of cancellations — and how you can protect your trip before the chaos begins.
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 »
