Continental Airlines to charge for food

Continental Airlines is ending free hamburgers, barbecue and sandwich rolls for many of its passengers in favor of a food-for-sale program that mirrors what other carriers are already doing. A spokesman said Monday that the airline, based in Houston, expects a $35 million annual benefit, from cost savings and added revenue. Delta Air Lines, American [...]

British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia to cede airport slots

British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia have offered to give away takeoff and landing slots at London and New York airports to soothe European Union antitrust worries, EU regulators said Wednesday. The European Commission said it would ask other airlines whether freeing up slots at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and New York’s John F. Kennedy [...]

Flight attendants, American Airlines at odds over contract

Contract talks between American Airlines and its flight attendants broke off Wednesday night, with the union declaring that negotiations were hopelessly stalemated while the company said it is looking forward to more bargaining. The union said that it would ask federal officials to start a 30-day cooling-off period, after which the flight attendants could strike. [...]

How to get the best seat on the plane

You wanted that spacious seat in the exit row but someone beat you to it. Or you reserved a seat online, but checked in for the flight and found your seat was given to another passenger. There’s a trick to getting a coveted seat and preventing it from being given away. Here are some suggestions [...]

American Airlines adds more ways to earn miles

American Airlines said Monday it is expanding the options for its frequent flier program members to earn reward miles on merchandise they purchase at retail outlets. The airline said that for the first time, its frequent flier members can earn miles with participating AAdvantage eShopping retailers in actual stores, not just online. The airline said [...]

American Airlines union seeks first step to strike

The union representing ground workers at American Airlines wants to take a big step toward a strike against the nation’s second-largest airline. The Transport Workers Union said Wednesday it will ask federal mediators to let the employees walk away from contract talks if there is no deal by March 8. If federal mediators agree, it [...]

Airlines grapple with fat flier issue

When film director Kevin Smith was recently kicked off a flight because of his size, he focused his anger on Southwest, but the incident put the spotlight on all airlines and their heavy passenger policies. Smith said that he had no trouble buckling his seat belt and lowering his armrests on the flight Saturday and [...]