Feb
09
2020
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 Argument For CLEAR In One Photo
The Nightmare Of Airport Facial Recognition
Feb
08
2020
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.
TSA Screener Charged With False Imprisonment Of Female Passenger
Feb
08
2020
California’s Attorney General says a TSA screener ‘tricked’ a woman into baring her breasts. What he did was use the authority of the government to intimidate her, for his own sexual gratification. That agent has been arrested for false imprisonment.
This Video Got Fresno Ramp Workers Fired
Feb
08
2020
Contract ramp agents at the Fresno airport have been fired over a viral video they posted to TikTok on January 24.
Apparently the workers filmed the video while they were on the clock – though after they “were done with work.”
Why American Is Showing Customers 4 Business Class Seats When They’re Only Considering Two
Feb
08
2020
American Airlines is evaluating new business class seats, expected to debut in 2023. The new business class will have doors. They’re looking at one from their current seat provider, Rockwell Collins, and they’re looking at the Adient Ascent seat (a joint venture between auto seatmaker Adient and Boeing).
What seemed confusing is that in the seat focus groups last week American was actually showing four business class seats.
Federal Government Flushed Pending Global Entry Applications Submitted By New Yorkers
Feb
08
2020
Wednesday night the Trump administration announced a new policy that New York residents are no longer eligible to apply for (or renew) Global Entry, SENTRI, or Nexus. That means no more expedited immigration, and it means New Yorkers getting their TSA PreCheck through these programs wouldn’t have that benefit renewed either.
It was unclear what would happen to New Yorkers who already had submitted applications (and renewals). That’s now clear. Those applications have reportedly been flushed.
United Airlines Testing New Amenities For Coach Passengers
Feb
08
2020
Competitive pressures being what they are it looks like United Airlines is testing some increased coach investment. Aleksandra Mietus, United Manager of Onboard Expereince, tweets out a photo of coach amenities from Chicago O’Hare – Tokyo Narita: a toothbrush and tooth paste, ear plugs, and an eye mask.
Qatar Airways Looking To Buy Into 3 More Regional Airlines
Feb
07
2020
CEO Akbar al Baker said they’re considering several new acquisitions, speaking at the Qatar Airways/CAPA Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit in Doha.
Under consideration are stakes in Rwandair, IndiGo, and Royal Air Maroc – in addition to increasing their ownership position in LATAM.
Aeroplan Temporarily Waiving Infant Charges On Award Tickets
Feb
07
2020
Bringing a child under 2 years old on a plane with you is free for domestic flights if you don’t buy them a seat. However when you travel internationally an infant without a seat needs a ticket, and those can be expensive even when you’re redeeming miles for your own flight.
When you book an award and add a lap infant, some programs charge you 10% of a paid ticket. That’s standard for United, Delta and American. If you redeem miles for a $6000 business class ticket, the lap infant costs you $600 plus taxes.
Dark Horse: There’s a Third New Business Class Seat American Is Considering
Feb
07
2020
I’ve written about American’s process for selecting a new business class seat to debut on the Boeing 787-9s slated for delivery beginning in 2023. I’ve argued that the most likely seat is their current Super Diamond seat, adding doors. And a second option – the Adient Ascent seat – leaked.
However it seems that people who are part of customer focus groups looking at American’s new seat options are reporting that there are actually 3 seats under consideration, and some may even be suggesting they’ve been shown four seats.
