Airlines grapple with fat flier issue
February 17, 2010 ·
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 that [...]
Airlines’ attempt to increase fares fizzles
February 16, 2010 ·
Low-cost airlines did not hike fares, forcing major airlines to pull back
U.S. airlines’ second attempt of 2010 to raise ticket prices has fizzled, with major carriers pulling back fares over the long holiday weekend, according to Farecompare.
Last week, UAL Corp’s United Airlines increased fares by $10 per round-trip, and other top carriers followed suit. But [...]
Do you have to be a celeb to tweet for airline help?
February 15, 2010 ·
When film director Kevin Smith tweeted about getting kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight on Saturday, the airline responded in less than 20 minutes.
“Dear @SouthwestAir – I know I’m fat, but was Captain Leysath really justified in throwing me off a flight for which I was already seated?” Smith tweeted at 6:52 p.m.
“@ThatKevinSmith hey Kevin! [...]
Dodging a storm: Airline fee waiver policies vary
February 10, 2010 ·
A snowstorm is heading for Washington, D.C., and you’ve got a flight scheduled to see the monuments, do some shopping in trendy Georgetown and visit relatives in the suburbs.
Your departing airline tells you it will waive its fee if you choose to proactively rebook a flight that has yet to be canceled. You’re all set. [...]
FAA investigating Southwest Airlines repairs
February 9, 2010 ·
Federal officials are investigating Southwest Airlines over the way it handled structural repairs on dozens of jets, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Tuesday that it is investigating whether Southwest followed safety orders dealing with the maintenance of older planes.
Inspectors believe Southwest and a repair shop near Seattle conducted [...]
Southwest Airlines launches 3-day fare sale
February 9, 2010 ·
Southwest Airlines Co. is offering a sale geared toward leisure travelers who want to make short trips this spring.
The discount carrier said Tuesday it will sell tickets starting at $39 each way on some routes under 500 miles.
As usual, the airline didn’t say how many seats it will offer at the sale prices, and Friday [...]
Most travelers say obese fliers should pay more
January 29, 2010 ·
Should airlines charge overweight passengers more if they need an extra seat? Yes, according to three-quarters of travelers in a poll.
A survey by travel Web site Skyscanner found that 76 percent of people believe airlines should charge a “fat tax.”
Only 22 percent of the 550 people questioned disapproved of introducing extra payments for overweight passengers.
The [...]
