Airlines

What is American DOT policy? How it assists to protecting passengers rights.

Six airlines are scanned by the DOT and fined for delaying refunds.

These are the Airlines with Four and Five-Star APEX Ratings for 2024

These fines are part of DOT’s ongoing work to ensure Americans receive the refunds they are owed from airlines. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOT has received a flood of complaints from air travelers about airlines’ failures to provide timely refunds after they had their flights canceled or significantly changed.

In addition to the more than $600 million in refunds airlines have paid back, the Department announced last week that it is assessing more than $7.25 million in civil penalties against six airlines for extreme delays in providing refunds. With today’s fines, the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection has assessed $8.1 million in civil penalties in 2022, the largest amount ever issued in a single year by that office.

U.S. fines 6 airlines $7.5 million and force them to refund customers(Opens in a new browser tab)

Some of the following airlines have been penalized for the delay and payment for the passenger after the flight cancellation. The fines assessed today and the required refunds provided are:

Frontier – $222 million in required refunds paid and a $2.2 million penalty
Air India – $121.5 million in required refunds paid and a $1.4 million penalty
TAP Portugal – $126.5 million in required refunds paid and a $1.1 million penalty
Aeromexico – $13.6 million in required refunds paid and a $900,000 penalty
El Al – $61.9 million in required refunds paid and a $900,000 penalty
Avianca – $76.8 million in required refunds paid and a $750,000 penalty

Breeze airways debuts transcon Nonstop from newyork(Opens in a new browser tab)

After learning that airlines have not assumed responsibility for reserving accommodations, hotels, and dining options for passengers following a flight cancellation. The DOT has taken the situation seriously and has informed the concerned airlines to respect the rules. When an airline problem results in a cancellation or delay, nine airlines now guarantee meals and lodgings, and all ten promise cost-free rebooking. In order for Americans to understand precisely what the airlines are providing when there is a cancellation or delay, the Department will keep working to promote openness.

FAA to Introduce New Rest Regulations for Flight Attendants.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Department’s proposed rule on Airline Ticket Refunds, if adopted, would:

Require airlines to proactively inform passengers that they have a right to receive a refund when a flight is canceled or significantly changed, and
Define a significant change and cancellation that would entitle a consumer to a refund. The rule would also
Require airlines to provide non-expiring vouchers or travel credits when people can’t travel because they have COVID-19 or other communicable diseases; and
Require airlines that receive significant government assistance in the future related to a pandemic to issue refunds instead of non-expiring travel credits or vouchers when passengers are unable or advised not to travel because of a serious communicable disease.

The Department invites the public to submit comments on this rulemaking by December 16, 2022: https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_V2zwVF3RQfuoOkyYFVqvdA.

The Department has proposed a rule that would significantly strengthen protections for consumers by ensuring that they have access to certain fee information before they purchase their airline tickets. Under the proposed rule, airlines and travel search websites would have to disclose upfront – the first time airfare is displayed – any fees charged to sit with your child, for changing or canceling your flight, and for checked or carry-on baggage.

Airlines

A New Player Takes Off: Embraer Poses a Formidable Challenge to Boeing

In the midst of ongoing challenges faced by Boeing and the aviation industry at large, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has been thrust into the spotlight.

Recent reports suggesting that Embraer is eyeing the development of a next-generation narrow-body aircraft have sparked intrigue and speculation. However, the company has swiftly moved to quash such rumors.

Internal assessments conducted within Embraer have indeed highlighted the company’s impressive technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities. These findings have led some to speculate about the potential for Embraer to enter the narrow-body aircraft market, traditionally dominated by industry giants Boeing and Airbus.

In light of Boeing’s recent challenges, including the protracted grounding of its 737 MAX jets and leadership upheavals, some industry analysts have suggested that there may be an opportunity for smaller players like Embraer to disrupt the market duopoly. Airbus, too, has plans to introduce a new narrow-body aircraft in the future, further intensifying competition in this space.

However, despite the potential openings created by Boeing’s troubles, Embraer appears cautious about overextending itself. The company is currently focused on maximizing the success of its existing portfolio, which includes the innovative E2 aircraft series.

Additionally, the emergence of alternatives such as China’s Comac C919 adds another layer of complexity to the competitive landscape. While the C919 has thus far secured orders primarily from Asian carriers, Boeing’s challenges could prompt airlines worldwide to explore alternative options.

Airlines

Air India Revised Baggage Rules for Domestic Flights

Air India Trims Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights

Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has implemented significant changes to its baggage policies, affecting travelers across various fare classes.

Effective May 2, 2024, the airline has rolled out a revised baggage allowance scheme, marking a reduction in the permitted weight limits for most fare categories. Under the updated guidelines, passengers booking economy and business class tickets will notice a decrease in their baggage allowance by 5 to 10 kilograms compared to previous allowances.

These adjustments reflect Air India’s response to market dynamics and regulatory requirements. In the Economy Comfort category, encompassing S, T, U, and L fare classes, travelers will now have a baggage allowance of 15 kilograms, down from the previous 20 kilograms. As reported by livefromalounge.

Similarly, passengers availing themselves of Economy Comfort Plus, including G, W, V, Q, and K fare classes, will see their baggage allowance reduced to 15 kilograms from the earlier 25 kilograms.

However, not all fare classes are subject to reductions. Economy Flex passengers, represented by the H, M, B, and Y fare classes, will maintain their previous baggage allowance of 25 kilograms.

In the business class segment, changes are also evident. Business Comfort Plus, consisting of Z and J fare classes, will now offer a baggage allowance of 25 kilograms, down from the prior 35 kilograms. Meanwhile, passengers booking Business Flex tickets under the D and C fare classes will have a revised baggage allowance of 35 kilograms, compared to the previous 40 kilograms.

For passengers planning their upcoming journeys with Air India, it is essential to review the updated baggage policies to ensure compliance and avoid any inconvenience during their travel experience.

Airlines

These are two airlines that placed the largest orders for Comac

China Southern Airlines has made a significant move in the aviation industry by placing a monumental order for 100 Comac C919 aircraft.

Marking a pivotal moment in the commitment of state-owned Chinese airlines to domestically developed planes. The deliveries are set to commence this year and continue until 2031.

The order holds a considerable value of USD 9.9 billion; however, China Southern will benefit from substantial discounts provided by the manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. This announcement comes closely after Air China’s recent order for 100 C919s, albeit in the Extended Range variant.

China Southern’s decision to invest in the C919 reflects its strategic vision to address capacity demands, achieve fleet balance, and enhance its overall strength and brand image.

By incorporating these advanced aircraft into its operations, the airline aims to alleviate pressure on capacity, optimize its fleet structure, and bolster its competitive position in the market.

As China continues to assert itself in the global aviation industry, the significant orders placed by its state-owned carriers underscore the country’s commitment to domestic aviation manufacturing.

With both China Southern Airlines and Air China making substantial investments in the Comac C919, the stage is set for these domestically developed aircraft to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chinese aviation.