Tag

Airline Policy

All articles tagged with #airline policy

JetBlue CEO flags wheelchair 'hack' used to bypass airport lines
business5 days ago

JetBlue CEO flags wheelchair 'hack' used to bypass airport lines

JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty warns that some travelers abuse wheelchair assistance to fast-track through security and boarding, highlighting a tension between disability accommodations and misuse. Airlines are legally required to provide wheelchair service, but verifying intent is difficult and abuse can cost time and money, potentially disadvantaging those who genuinely need help. Advocates urge careful policing without denying access, noting many disabilities are invisible and last‑minute requests strain staff. DOT data show thousands of disability-related complaints, underscoring the need for better planning and processes to balance accessibility with accountability.

United Expands Headphone Rule, Could Remove Passengers Who Don’t Wear Them
business2 months ago

United Expands Headphone Rule, Could Remove Passengers Who Don’t Wear Them

United Airlines updated its Contract of Carriage to explicitly empower the airline to remove or permanently ban passengers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content; the rule sits among safety provisions and echoes similar guidance from other carriers, though United appears to be the first to codify headphone-wearing with enforcement potential.

Southwest ends open seating, adds assigned seats with paid upgrades and new boarding order
business4 months ago

Southwest ends open seating, adds assigned seats with paid upgrades and new boarding order

Southwest will switch from open seating to assigned seats starting Tuesday, offering standard seats with optional paid upgrades (preferred and extra legroom) and optional priority boarding. A new eight-group boarding system will place passengers based on seat location, fare class, loyalty status and benefits, with those buying extra-legroom likely in Groups 1–2 and basic-fare travelers in Groups 6–8. Passengers needing extra space must purchase an extra seat in advance, with refunds dependent on availability and fare class. Gate-area changes will roll out in phases over about two months. The move, part of a broader push to boost profitability and align with other carriers, follows Southwest’s earlier shifts away from long-standing perks.

Southwest moves to assigned seating with eight-group boarding and paid upgrades
business4 months ago

Southwest moves to assigned seating with eight-group boarding and paid upgrades

Southwest Airlines is ending its open-seating system and moving to assigned seats with an eight-group boarding process, offering standard, preferred and extra-legroom seats plus paid priority boarding; families of nine or fewer will be kept in the same boarding group, while passengers who don’t fit in a single seat must buy an extra seat in advance and refunds are not guaranteed; the rollout, supported by investor pressure, includes phased gate-area changes over about two months and marks a major shift in the carrier’s traditional perks.

Southwest Airlines Revises Seating Policy for Plus-Size Passengers
world8 months ago

Southwest Airlines Revises Seating Policy for Plus-Size Passengers

Southwest Airlines has introduced a new policy requiring plus-size passengers who don't fit within the armrests to pay for an extra seat, sparking mixed reactions online, especially in Korea, where the policy has gone viral. The policy allows refunds if the flight isn't fully booked, but not guaranteed, and will be implemented from January 27.

Southwest Airlines to Launch Assigned Seating in July 2023
travel10 months ago

Southwest Airlines to Launch Assigned Seating in July 2023

Southwest Airlines will switch from open seating to assigned seats starting January 27, 2026, with seat selection available from July 29, 2025, including new premium extra legroom options. The airline is also revamping its boarding process into eight groups, prioritizing elite and higher fare passengers, as part of a broader shift to increase revenue and meet customer preferences.

business1 year ago

Southwest Airlines Shortens Cabin Service to Minimize Turbulence Injuries

Southwest Airlines will begin ending cabin service earlier on flights starting December 4 to reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries. Flight attendants will prepare the cabin for landing at 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet. This change aims to enhance safety for both crew and passengers, as turbulence has been a significant cause of in-flight injuries. Additionally, Southwest plans to end its open seating policy next year.

BBC Presenter and Family Removed from Flight Over Peanut Allergy Dispute
travel2 years ago

BBC Presenter and Family Removed from Flight Over Peanut Allergy Dispute

A family was removed from a SunExpress flight from London to Turkey after attempting to inform passengers about their daughter's severe peanut allergy, which the airline refused to announce. The airline cited policy and claimed the family did not notify them in advance, while the family disputed this and criticized the airline's handling of the situation. The incident underscores the challenges faced by travelers with allergies and the varying policies of airlines regarding allergen announcements.

BBC Presenter and Family Removed from Flight Over Peanut Allergy Request
travel2 years ago

BBC Presenter and Family Removed from Flight Over Peanut Allergy Request

BBC weather presenter Georgie Palmer and her family were removed from a SunExpress flight after she asked passengers not to eat peanuts due to her daughter's severe allergy. The airline refused to make an announcement, and the pilot demanded the family disembark, citing safety concerns and alleged aggressive behavior. The incident has sparked debate on social media, with many siding with the pilot.

BBC Presenter and Family Removed from Flight Over Daughter's Peanut Allergy
travel2 years ago

BBC Presenter and Family Removed from Flight Over Daughter's Peanut Allergy

BBC weather presenter Georgie Palmer and her family were removed from a SunExpress flight from London to Turkey after requesting passengers not to eat peanuts due to her daughter's severe allergy. SunExpress defended the decision, citing their inability to guarantee a nut-free environment and claiming the family exhibited aggressive behavior, which Palmer denies. The incident has sparked a call for clearer airline policies on allergens.

"Family Removed from Flight Due to Daughter's Peanut Allergy"
travel2 years ago

"Family Removed from Flight Due to Daughter's Peanut Allergy"

A British family was removed from a SunExpress flight from London to Turkey after the father requested an announcement asking passengers to refrain from eating peanuts due to his daughter's allergy. The airline refused, citing policy, and claimed the father became aggressive, which he denied. The family had to book a last-minute flight, costing them nearly $5,400. SunExpress is reviewing its booking process for better handling of allergy-related concerns.

"Captain Ejects Girl Over Peanut Allergy Concerns"
travel2 years ago

"Captain Ejects Girl Over Peanut Allergy Concerns"

A 12-year-old girl with a peanut allergy and her family were removed from a SunExpress flight at Gatwick Airport after the captain refused to ask passengers not to eat nuts. The family had to rebook flights and accommodations, costing them nearly £5,000. The airline stated it cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment and cited the family's insistent behavior as the reason for their removal. The incident has sparked criticism and calls for better airline policies regarding food allergies.