Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines have urged Congress to end the government shutdown and pay air traffic controllers. The airlines are concerned about the impact of the shutdown, with Delta warning of potential consequences and CEO Ed Bastian already alerting of possible issues from the shutdown. Airlines for America, along with other airline members, expressed concerns about record holiday travel potentially leading to delays, and United CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the economic stress caused by the shutdown.
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The Trump administration has reversed a Biden-era plan mandating airlines compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations, up to $775, due to issues within the companies’ control. The Department of Transportation is withdrawing the proposal, citing alignment with administration priorities. Airlines for America, a trade group, expressed encouragement, while an agency spokesperson stated they would reconsider requirements exceeding congressional mandates. This decision comes amidst a broader deregulatory push by the Trump administration, reversing numerous consumer protections.
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The Trump administration has reversed a Biden-era plan that would have mandated airlines to compensate passengers for flight cancellations and delays caused by the carrier, including cash payments, lodging, and meals. This proposed rule aimed to align U.S. policy with European consumer protections, but the Trump administration deemed it wasteful and burdensome. Airlines for America supported the decision, while carriers like Spirit Airlines voiced concerns about increased operating costs and potential ticket price hikes. The original proposal would have required compensation based on the length of the delay, including up to $775 for delays of nine hours or more.
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Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection again, just months after emerging from Chapter 11 in March, due to continued high costs and weak demand. The airline plans to reduce its network and fleet to cut costs, aiming to save “hundreds of millions of dollars” annually. Spirit’s previous restructuring focused on debt reduction, but this new filing indicates the need for more significant changes. Labor unions anticipate further adjustments, including potential furloughs and voluntary leave, while the carrier’s shares have plummeted.
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Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air experienced a system-wide IT outage on Sunday evening, leading to a temporary grounding of all flights. The disruption started around 8 p.m. Pacific Time, affecting all destinations served by both airlines. Passengers were advised to check their flight statuses before traveling. Neither the airline nor the FAA provided an estimated time for when operations would resume.
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UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight in Las Vegas after a dispute over his seating in an exit row. The airline staff questioned his ability to assist in an emergency, a requirement for passengers in those seats. Despite being offered alternative seating and flights, Nurmagomedov refused and was subsequently escorted off the plane with his companions. The incident, filmed by a fellow passenger, occurred on January 11th, reportedly before Nurmagomedov was scheduled to support his team at a UFC event.
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The DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines 737 blowout, and the details that have emerged are truly shocking. Boeing has refused to identify employees working on door panels and has failed to provide documentation about repair work, leading to concerns about its quality assurance and safety management systems. The fact that records for work on the door panel of the Alaska Airlines plane cannot be found is deeply concerning. This lack of documentation raises serious questions about the integrity of Boeing’s manufacturing processes and adherence to safety standards. It’s alarming to think that corners may have been cut to save costs, potentially compromising the safety of passengers and aircraft.… Continue reading
The news of a man being found guilty in the killing of an Alaska Native woman that was recorded on video is both chilling and heartbreaking. The fact that there are individuals in society capable of such heinous acts is simply terrifying. The fact that the man’s distinctive accent on the video footage was a key piece of evidence in his prosecution highlights the importance of justice prevailing, even in the face of such monstrous crimes.
The two victims, Kathleen Henry and Veronica Abouchuk, deserve to have their names remembered and honored. It is crucial to acknowledge the lives that were senselessly taken and the impact that their deaths have on their families and communities.… Continue reading
A stolen digital memory card with gruesome recordings has led to a double murder trial in Alaska, and I must admit, criminals stumbling upon evidence of crimes and turning them into the police is one of my favorite things. In this case, a woman with a lengthy criminal history, including theft, assault, and prostitution, got into a truck with a man who had picked her up for a “date” near downtown Anchorage.
The discovery of the memory card was a strange twist of fate. The woman, likely shitting bricks after their encounter, checked the SD card she had stolen and was horrified by its contents.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker