Airlines

Southwest Airlines is increasing Wi-Fi fees for connecting passengers

Southwest Airlines will now charge every traveler for its in-flight Wi-Fi after spending more than $2 billion on in-flight enhancements the previous year.

Beginning on February 21, 2023, Southwest will charge for its Wi-Fi service. Today, the airline charges $8 per day for Wi-Fi, so if you’re connecting, you could pay that price and utilize Wi-Fi on many flights.

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Southwest Airlines spokesperson Alyssa Foster stated, “This impacts a small group of customers due to our robust network of nonstop flights, free onboard entertainment, and a small proportion of customers electing to use paid internet across connecting flights.

The adjustments happen as Southwest expands its fleet with two Wi-Fi providers. Together with Anuvu, the carrier is also adding Viasat as a second internet service provider. At the beginning of March, new Boeing 737 Max deliveries will include Wi-Fi hardware from Viasat, according to Foster.

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Now, the company claims to have renovated more than 350 aircraft, and according to Foster, it anticipates upgrading the whole fleet by the third quarter of this year. Modernized routers and modems came with new improvements.

Southwest made it clear that the $8 fee applies “from takeoff to landing,” and that customers are responsible for paying the $8 fee at each location. The same policy would be in place for a client who had a layover but wasn’t changing planes. Consumers with A-List preferred status will still have free access to Wi-Fi.

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Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

Virgin Atlantic has set a new standard for inclusivity in air travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer British Sign Language (BSL)-trained crew members on its flights.

As part of its commitment to ensuring every customer has a positive and accessible travel experience, Virgin Atlantic teamed up with deaf Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley and deaf twin content creators Hermon and Heroda Berhane. Together, they helped the airline better understand the needs of its deaf and hard of hearing passengers.

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The airline tested its BSL services on a flight from London Heathrow to Washington, with the experience captured in a special film to mark International Week of Deaf People. The BSL-trained crew greeted passengers with Virgin Atlantic’s signature warm welcome, assisted with in-flight navigation, alerted passengers to important announcements, and provided accessible in-flight entertainment options.

Virgin Atlantic’s efforts don’t stop there. The airline has committed to increasing subtitled in-flight entertainment options, enhancing clarity for special assistance services on its website, and introducing Sign Live—an on-demand BSL interpreter service for customer support teams. These new initiatives build on Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing work with Remark!, a leading deaf-led organization that provides BSL training for the airline’s crew.

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With a growing number of BSL-trained crew members available on all flights, Virgin Atlantic is taking significant steps to make air travel more inclusive. And also recently it has hire the virgin atlantic down syndrome girl for work. This initiative is part of a larger campaign to promote deaf awareness and improve the flying experience for all passengers with hearing loss. Passengers can now request a BSL-trained crew member when booking their flights through the airline’s website, ensuring they have the support they need throughout their journey.

Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond flights, with partnerships like the one with Channel 4, where BSL-trained crew members appeared in sign language interpreter segments. The airline also proudly supported the England Deaf Rugby team during their tour of South Africa.

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Virgin Atlantic is leading the way for other airlines, ensuring that every passenger feels confident, supported, and welcomed when flying.