Do Checked Bags Still Have To Travel With Domestic Passengers For Security Reasons?

by Gary Leff

Sep 17 2021

Positive Passenger/Bag Matching (“PPBM”) was common in Europe before the United States, though programs developed here in the years following the the bombing of Pan Am flight 103. It means that the passenger and their bag has to travel on the same flight. If a passenger offloads from the aircraft, the baggage has to be removed also.

The idea there is that for security reasons you don’t want a passenger putting something on the aircraft (a checked bag) without tying their own life to its contents.

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The U.S. Is Handing Out Takeoff And Landing Slots At Newark, Which Isn’t Even Slot Controlled

by Gary Leff

airport newark
Sep 16 2021

Newark airport is no longer slot controlled. The only U.S. airports where an airline is required to have takeoff and landing slots to operate are New York JFK, New York LaGuardia, and Washington’s National airport. Airlines still need to secure gates and ticket counter space, of course.

Yet the U.S. is prepared to hand out slots that used to be used by Southwest Airlines to a low cost carrier. Here’s why airlines still want them.

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American Airlines Cuts Curbside Check-in From Many Airports, Charges New Fee Where Still Available

by Gary Leff

baggage claim
Sep 16 2021

American Airlines now outsources curbside check-in at the limited number of airports where it’s still available, and it’s no longer offered free (plus tips) where provided. Instead it’ll cost $3 per bag to use the service.

Even hubs like Phoenix, New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Charlotte don’t have American Airlines curbside check-in at this point.

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Why American’s New Rule Against Reimbursing Hotel Stays Is Such A Problem

by Gary Leff

AA vouchers
Sep 16 2021

There’s debate over whether changes to the American Airlines Contract of Carriage (the adhesion contract you’re agreeing to when you buy a ticket) matter or not. The airline says they’re not obligated to put you on another airline when they cancel your flight, and won’t reimburse your hotel if you submit a receipt unless they’re legally required to do so.

It’s this system of providing hotel stays I want to touch on for a moment. The airline has been saying that the only way they will cover your hotel is if they provide you with a voucher.

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