In mid-2008, when airlines across the country began tacking on extraneous fees to compensate for lower ticket sales and spikes in fuel prices (like charging upwards of $25 each way for the first checked bag on domestic flights), they created an uproar among flyers who felt like they were being flown for all they’re worth. Since then, said fees have been evolving exponentially, leaving the days of the all-inclusive ticket price to memory – with no proverbial “ceiling” in sight. Now, the revolution in luggage rates can no longer be contained by borders: late last month, overseas operators American, US Airways, and Continental announced they’ll be applying the checked-bag charges to all transatlantic flights (Delta was the first in July) – with the only straggler, United, finally joining the ranks last week. Read the rest of this post »

Last Friday, passengers onboard Continental Express flight 2816 were packed into their tiny plane like sardines during a staggering 7-hour overnight delay. The Minneapolis-bound flight left Houston in the evening and was forced to stop in Rochester, Minnesota due to thunderstorms. While the delay itself was inevitable, the prohibition of passengers to get off the plane to stretch their legs and get some proper sleep has heads in Washington turning – and has now prompted a formal investigation by federal officials. Read the rest of this post »

Delta, US Airways, Continental, American, United, and even budget airline Southwest have all jumped on the fare-hike bandwagon over the course of the past several weeks, bringing about a $10 fare increase (each way) for their domestic routes. Delta has also announced a $10 to $40 rate increase (each way) for select international flights. While consumers had been enjoying significantly reduced fares compared to the highs seen in 2008, airlines’ battle with rising jet fuel prices and drops in business travel have led to this response.

What would you suggest airlines do to cut costs without raising fares?

A 60-year-old Newark-based pilot, with 32 years of service to Continental Airlines under his belt, died mid-flight yesterday of apparent natural causes while operating Flight 61 from Brussels to Newark. Without disclosing details of the situation to passengers, the flight staff was able to discreetly request several physicians on board to approach the cockpit – however, attempts to revive the pilot with a defibrillator were unsuccesful. The two co-pilots took control of the plane and happily ensured a safe landing for all 247 passengers – most of which were blissfully unaware of the pilot’s death when touching down in Newark.

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Continental Airlines is under scrutiny after placing two unaccompanied minors on wrong flights on back to back days earlier this week. On June 13, 8-year-old Taylor Williams was supposed to visit her father in Charlotte, N.C. from Houston – instead she landed in Fayetteville, Ark. The next day, Miriam Kamens, 10, wound up in Newark while her parents thought she was on a Boston-to-Cleveland flight to visit her grandparents. Read the rest of this post »