Aviation
ANA Announces New Online Content “IS JAPAN COOL? DOU
Tokyo, August 23, 2017 – Today, All Nippon Airlines (ANA), Japan’s largest and only 5-Star airline, is proud to announce the launch of its new online content “IS JAPAN COOL? DOU”, which illustrates traditional Japanese culture through the use of cutting-edge technology. This content can be seen on “IS JAPAN COOL?,” a website that promotes tourist destinations and popular Japanese cultures to the world.
IS JAPAN COOL? DOU
https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/contents/dou/
While Japan is widely known for its unique pop culture, “IS JAPAN COOL?,” which launched in 2012, has put much of its focus on promoting Japan’s modern culture. As the number of tourists visiting Japan exceeded 24 million people as of 2016, the project aims to provide a deeper understanding and a new perspective on the true nature of Japan by introducing “the way of life,” hereby referred to as “DOU,” a cultural asset that is valued greatly in traditional Japanese culture.
DOU is composed of “budo (Japanese traditional martial arts)” and “geido.” “IS JAPAN COOL? DOU” introduces nine forms of Japanese art along with masters from each art.
Content highlights include:
l Introduction movie
Thunderous beating of the taiko joined by spiritual sounds of the bells, evoke an image of ancient times in Japan. Live action visuals of DOU masters are connected seamlessly with the latest digital technology, creating a modern, yet classical Japanese image, luring viewers into the world of “IS JAPAN COOL? DOU.”
l 4DViews*
Realistic holograms of each master performing key techniques and manners significant to each DOU, which can be seen from all 360 angles. Viewers can catch a glimpse of “the close-up of traditional Japanese culture” from anywhere around the world.
* 4DViews technology is a dynamic volumetric capture system, created in France in 2007, capable of filming live action actors in a large capture area, and then generating realistic holograms for virtual environments.
l Interview movie:
An interview with the nine masters, each narrating their own view of 1) fascinating facts about each form of art; 2) the necessary mindset when performing; and 3) the relationship each has with other countries. Live action versions of the masters’ performances can also be seen in the film.
DOU is an intangible form of cultural asset which has been passed down for generations through masters of the field. Re-creating the masters’ movements with technology in a tangible form will contribute to spreading the traditional Japanese culture and furthermore, the values of “the way of life” to the world. “IS JAPAN COOL? DOU” provides these unprecedented experiences in hopes to enrich the minds and lives of many of its viewers with “Inspiration of Japan”, which is the ANA brand.
In addition, ANA has launched renewed online content called “Explore Japan,” which features undiscovered Japanese cuisine and attractions, aimed at attracting increased inbound tourism. Its design and functionally have been renewed so all visitors to Japan may use it more seamlessly and comfortably.
Viewers are welcome to explore DOU contents at: https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/contents/dou/
Along with DOU, please also visit “Explore Japan” at: https://www.ana.co.jp/wws/us/e/wws_common/book-plan/explore-japan/
Aviation
American Airlines Flight Attendant Orders First-Class Traveler to use Economy Restroom
On a recent American Airlines flight from Chicago O’Hare to Phoenix, Pamela Hill-Veal, a retired circuit court judge, found herself at the center of a disturbing incident.
Despite traveling in First Class, she was directed by a flight attendant to use the Economy Class restroom, sparking allegations of racial discrimination. According to Hill-Veal, the ordeal began when she used the dedicated First Class lavatory during the flight. A flight attendant approached her, accusing her of slamming the door and issued a warning.
Despite remaining calm, Hill-Veal faced further confrontation when she attempted to use the First Class restroom again later in the flight. The situation escalated as the flight attendant persisted in berating Hill-Veal, who felt targeted due to her race. She highlighted the disparate treatment, noting that white passengers were not subjected to similar directives.
In a distressing turn, the flight attendant followed Hill-Veal to her seat and allegedly touched her while threatening arrest upon landing. This alarming encounter left Hill-Veal feeling humiliated and traumatized, impacting her ability to rest even after the flight.
American Airlines has responded, expressing a commitment to investigating the matter and addressing discrimination claims seriously. However, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about racial bias in air travel and the need for accountability in ensuring all passengers are treated with dignity and respect.
Aviation
Southwest CEO Signals Major Shift: Farewell to Open Seating
Southwest Airlines is contemplating a significant shift away from its traditional open seating policy, a move that could signal a departure from its long-standing business model.
The potential change, which would introduce assigned seating and premium seat options, is being considered to appeal to a younger demographic of travelers. This adjustment would mark one of the most substantial alterations for the carrier since its inception in 1971.
Unlike its competitors who have embraced premium seating offerings, Southwest has stuck to its open seating approach, albeit providing the option for early boarding at a fee. However, with rivals like United Airlines witnessing revenue growth from premium seating, Southwest is reevaluating its strategy. According to Forbes, the airline industry has seen a shift in customer preferences over time, prompting Southwest to reconsider its seating model designed during an era of lower load factors.
While Southwest CEO, Jordan,told to CNBC that he has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of premium seating, he acknowledges that the company is exploring various options. He emphasized that while it’s still early in the decision-making process, the initial results are promising, hinting at potential changes in the future.
Southwest currently operates with a single economy class cabin across its all-Boeing 737 fleet, with no assigned seating. However, the airline does offer the option for early boarding for passengers to secure their preferred seats for an additional fee. Over the years, Southwest has maintained a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness in its offerings, striving to minimize costs and complexity.
In contrast, competitors like Delta and United have capitalized on revenue growth from premium seating options such as business class, demonstrating strong upsell rates. Analysts have repeatedly questioned Southwest about the potential for introducing premium seating or additional fees, although the airline has traditionally refrained from charging for the first two checked bags.
For now, the only way Southwest passengers can secure their preferred seats is by paying for an earlier boarding position, as the airline continues to operate without assigned seating, allowing passengers to choose their seats upon boarding in a predetermined order.
Airlines
US DOT says Airlines must now pay automatic refunds for cancelled flights
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a final regulation requiring airlines to quickly reimburse passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed, according to a statement made by the Biden-Harris Administration.
Under the new regulation, passengers will find it easier to get refunds when airlines dramatically alter or cancel flights, cause severe delays for checked baggage, or don’t supply the additional services they paid for.
According to a statement from the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a final rule mandating airlines to promptly compensate customers with automatic cash refunds when they are eligible. The new rule would make it simpler for customers to receive refunds from airlines in cases when they drastically change or cancel flights, cause significant delays for checked luggage, or fail to provide the extra services they charged for.
Under the latest rule from the USDOT, passengers are guaranteed refunds in several scenarios:
- Canceled or Significantly Changed Flights: Passengers are entitled to refunds if their flight is canceled or significantly altered, including changes in departure or arrival times exceeding 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally, departures or arrivals from different airports, increased connections, downgrades in service class, or changes less accommodating to passengers with disabilities.
- Delayed Baggage Return: Passengers filing mishandled baggage reports can claim a refund for checked bag fees if their luggage is not returned within specific timeframes after flight arrival.
- Unprovided Extra Services: If airlines fail to deliver paid extra services like Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment, passengers can request refunds for those fees.
The final rule streamlines the refund process, ensuring it is:
- Automatic: Refunds are issued automatically without requiring passengers to request them.
- Prompt: Airlines must refund credit card purchases within seven business days and other payment methods within 20 calendar days.
- In Original Form of Payment: Refunds are provided in the original payment method used for purchase.
- Full Amount: Passengers receive full refunds minus the value of any portion of transportation already used, including government and airline fees.
Suggest banning family seating junk fees and ensuring that parents can travel with their kids at no additional cost. No airline promised to ensure fee-free family seating prior to efforts from President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg last year. Family seating is now guaranteed free of charge on four airlines, and the Department is working on a plan to eliminate family seating junk fees.
Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.