Category Archives for Airports.
Rep. Nancy Mace’s Charleston airport blow-up is now in its third week. After cursing out officers and threatening to sue American Airlines, she’s now claiming TSA “targeted” her for extra screening—a charge that screeners told her was nothing more than routine random selection.
During the shutdown, President Trump vowed to dock the pay of air traffic controllers who miss work and to award $10,000 bonuses to those who don’t. Neither move is legal — and his claims ignore basic FAA labor rules, federal law, and long-standing staffing realities.
The FAA just banned private flights at 12 major airports, but it’s a move that came too late — and focused on the wrong places. Most general aviation traffic never touches these hubs, meaning the new restrictions will do little to ease controller shortages or flight delays.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly texted Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to make the offer, but even if the FAA wants the help, it may not be able to use it. Military controllers aren’t certified in civilian airspace, use different systems, and can’t simply plug into the FAA’s network without retraining or emergency waivers.
Detroit Metro Airport’s plan to open a cigar lounge has drawn fierce criticism from major health groups, who call it “a danger to millions of travelers.” The airport says the idea came from community interest, but public-health advocates are demanding the plan be scrapped.
Rep. Nancy Mace’s Charleston airport controversy isn’t over. After reports she berated officers and airport staff, the congresswoman now says she’s suing American Airlines and the airport for allegedly falsifying incident records — a move likely to prolong a story she’d be better off ending.
A Florida legislator has filed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. The proposal cites Trump’s “extraordinary leadership and hometown roots,” though the timing — amid a federal shutdown — has raised eyebrows.
Rude passengers pile bags onto seats while others sit on the floor — but the real reason airport gates are so miserable goes far beyond bad manners.
A police report says Rep. Nancy Mace unleashed a profanity-laced tirade at Charleston International Airport after officers failed to meet her curbside for an escort. She later claimed all elected officials use the crewmember access point—which is not accurate.
Southwest Airlines refused San Antonio Airport’s new lease agreement, kept sending rent checks at old rates, and lost in court. Now, the airport won’t cash their checks, stripped Southwest’s branding from gates and counters, and is demanding $20 million. Could this battle risk the city’s air service?
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 »
