US Department of Transportation Probing Rewards Programs of Major US Airlines

The US Department of Transportation is probing the rewards programs of major US airlines to understand their impact on consumers. The probe could lead to changes that disrupt the profit centers for airlines and credit-card issuers. Loyalty programs have come under fire for luring customers with rewards and then stripping perks. The Transportation Department has taken a hard line with airlines on practices harming consumers, and the probe is the latest in a series of government actions.

Egyptian Airlines Avoid Iranian Airspace

Egypt instructs airlines to avoid Iranian airspace amid tension between Israel and Iran. Many airlines revising schedules and avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace.

Tech Outage Disrupts Airlines Worldwide

Airlines worldwide are recovering from a tech outage that caused thousands of delayed and canceled flights, leaving passengers stranded. Some had to sleep in airports with no hotel vouchers offered. Airlines are still experiencing higher cancellation rates, with passengers facing delays and chaos.

Global IT Outage Caused by Crowdstrike's Software Update

A global IT outage caused by a faulty update to Crowdstrike's software led to chaos, impacting Microsoft services, airlines, hospitals, and transportation systems worldwide.

Microsoft Outage Disrupts Airline Services Worldwide

Microsoft outage disrupts airline services worldwide, causing delays and manual processing at Hong Kong International Airport.

Summer Air Travel in the United States

Summer air travel in the United States is expected to soar, with the TSA forecasting record-setting numbers for the July 4 holiday. Despite challenges like supply chain delays and Boeing safety crises, airlines are expressing confidence in their preparedness. Factors such as weather, air traffic control issues, and extreme temperatures can still lead to delays and cancellations, but improvements in coordination and new staff hiring are helping to mitigate these risks. Lower airfares and last-minute travel deals are attracting more infrequent flyers, who are advised to sign up for airline apps, expedited security programs, and flight tracker apps to navigate the busy summer season efficiently.

Boeing Management Shake-up

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and chairman Larry Kellner are stepping down in a management shake-up. Stan Deal, president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, is leaving immediately. The changes come amidst increased scrutiny over quality and manufacturing flaws on Boeing planes.

Airline Accessibility for Passengers with Disabilities

The Biden administration is proposing new standards to hold airlines accountable for mishandling wheelchairs and provide better assistance to passengers with disabilities during boarding and deplaning.

Boeing 737 Max Program Management Shake-Up

Boeing's head of the 737 Max program is leaving in a management shake-up following a January mishap that damaged the company's reputation. The incident involved a plane's door panel blowing out midair, prompting FAA action. This comes after previous crashes involving Max planes. Alaska and United Airlines have returned Max 9s to service, but doubts remain about the future with Boeing Max planes.

Airlines cutting less frequented routes post-Covid

As post-Covid travel picks up, airlines are cutting less frequented routes, impacting cities like Bangkok and Florida. Traditional hubs like Singapore and New York are benefiting from increased connectivity.