Airlines

Category Archives for Airlines.

What First Class Passengers Think As You Walk To Coach—The Real Story of Who’s Up Front

by Gary Leff

economy seats
Oct 07 2024

I remember flying regularly as a pre-teen, thinking that I’d never be one of those people sitting up front! I’d never be able to pay for it, and even if I could it surely wouldn’t be worth spending for. After all, it was expensive and just a few hours. I was still small, so I didn’t think the extra space comfort was worth it … though I always held my breath hoping there would be an empty seat next to me.

That was at the dawn of mileage programs, and people forget that elite status didn’t start when miles did.

Continue Reading »

Passengers Left Standing As Iberia Pilot Pushes Back In Miami—Does Cabin Video Show Major Safety Breach?

by Gary Leff

Oct 05 2024

The pilot of an Iberia flight from Miami to Madrid pushed back the Airbus A330 despite “DOZENS of passengers still waiting to find their seats and stow their bags.”

One passenger, filming the cabin, noted that flight attendants seemed “unconcerned” and wanted to report this to government authorities. In fact, one crewmember is distributing predeparture beverages in the aisle and overhead bins remain open as well.

Continue Reading »

Spirit Airlines’ $3.3 Billion Debt Crisis: Can Planned Bankruptcy, Route Cuts, And Shedding Aircraft Keep It Flying?

by Gary Leff

Oct 04 2024

Spirit Airlines is in talks with bondholders about a pre-packaged bankruptcy that would allow the airline to reduce debt in exchange for equity. This move would potentially allow the carrier to reject leases on aircraft grounded due to engine problems. Twenty one Airbus narrowbodies are currently in storage (or heavy maintenance) out of 94 with Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engines, according to Cirium fleet tracking data.

Out of $3.3 billion in debt, one third of that comes due in under a year, and it must refinance or extend the debt by October 21 under covenants with its credit card processor agreement.

Continue Reading »