In a press release, Jazz Aviation announced they are switching to a lightweight seat provided by French-based Expliseat for 25 of their Dash 8-400 aircraft, with the goal of reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.   Titanium and Composite Fiber Seat Said to “Modernize Passenger Experience.” Instead of going with a traditional airline seat, the Air Canada Express operator will change out their cabins with a lighter seat made of titanium and composite fiber. The company claims that the new seats will “modernize the passenger experience” by blending comfort, durability, and ..read more

  In comments at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, airline president Robert Isom announced the plan would not come to fruition, while also defending the “reset” within the executive suite.   Full Mileage Earning Reinstated Through Corporate Booking Agents and Online Agencies In February 2024, the Fort Worth-based carrier announced they would make significant changes to how award miles and loyalty points are earned. The original plan, slated to take place on May 1, 2024, was to only allow full award miles and loyalty points granted on flights booked direct through American ..read more

  The New York Times reports the trio claims they were asked to temporarily leave a flight, along with five other Black men, over a complaint by a flight attendant.   Group Removed Over “Body Odor” Complaint from Flight Attendant According to their account, the men were traveling aboard a flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). After boarding, the three claim that, along with five other Black men, they were systematically asked to leave the aircraft. None of the flyers were traveling together, or even knew ..read more

  The airline confirmed the death at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) on May 29, 2024.   Unknown Person “Ended Up in a Running Aircraft Engine” According to the airline, the incident happened involving the aircraft operating KLM Flight 1341. FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft was a KLM CityHopper Embraer ERJ-190, departing Schiphol for Billund Airport (BLL) in Denmark.   Without releasing any details about the victim, the airline says the fatal incident happened “a person ended up in a running aircraft engine.” CBS News reports the aircraft was boarded and preparing for taxi towar ..read more

  The new sign-up bonuses include bonuses between 70,000 and 175,000 points, and Free Night Awards when meeting spending targets.   New Offers Apply to All Three Card Tiers In addition to the refresh for the Hilton Honors American Express cards in 2023 featuring new benefits, the two companies are pairing up once again to add additional value for new cardmembers.   On the Hilton Honors American Express card, new members can earn 70,000 bonus points and a Free Reward Night after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. For the Hilton H ..read more

  CNN reports over 20 afflicted flyers remain in care for a range of head, brain, and spinal injuries at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok.   Total of Over 30 Still Hospitalized with Injuries From Flight According to doctors at the hospital, 22 patients are still in inpatient care for spine or spinal cord concerns, while six have brain or skull injuries. Among them, 17 needed surgeries for their injuries. The exact condition of the flyers was not immediately released. An additional 13 flyers are being treated for issues related to bone, muscle, or tissue damage.   Of the ..read more

  CNBC reports Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle has one request for flyers: Only use the wheelchair service if you actually need it.   Biffle Claims “Massive, Rampant Abuse of Special Services” Although the Air Carrier Access Act requires airlines to provide equal services to travelers who have mobility issues, Biffle is alleging that the system is being overrun by those who don’t actually need a wheelchair.   “There is massive, rampant abuse of special services,” Biffle said at meeting of The Wings Club in New York. “There are people using wheelchair assistance who don’t need ..read more

  Starting June 1, 2024, the airline will roll out limited-edition Wrexham AFC themed amenity kits in both premium cabins.   Polaris Amenity Kit Includes Themed Pajamas for Longest Flights Since 2023, United has been the front-of-kit sponsor for the Welsh soccer club, with their logo displayed on the front of players shirts. With their latest collaboration, the Chicago-based airline is taking their sponsorship into the cabin.   Flyers in the premium cabins will now get a selection of amenity kits during their travels emblazoned with the team logo and colors. Flyers in premium ec ..read more

  The latest updates from the airline confirm the fatality, as well as 71 additional injuries to passengers and flight crew as a result.   Extreme Turbulence Results in Medical Emergency, Diversion to Bangkok According to the airline’s updates, the incident happened aboard Singapore Airlines Flight 321, departing from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). At around 4 AM Eastern Time, 10 hours into the flight, data from FlightRadar 24 shows the airframe dropped around 6,000 feet in a matter of five minutes due to an extreme turbulence incident.   The p ..read more

  The discovery was one of several found by the Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank’s 2024 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report, released on May 20, 2024.   Travelers Expect More Personal Travel, See Points as the Key to Get There It should come as no surprise that most U.S. travelers are enrolled in a loyalty program – 77% say they are currently in one, while 89% were in one in at least one point in their lives. Moreover, 76% say they “can’t imagine taking the caliber of trips they do” without the use of their points and miles.   With points and miles collections getting bigger, more Amer ..read more