Air Travel News

Those reports about a possible US Airways bid for bankrupt American Airlines just won’t go away, and now American’s unions are reportedly looking to a buyout in order to gain better treatment.

The Seattle Times is reporting that the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck trusted traveler program, which provides expedited airport screening for participants, will be expanded to include Alaska Airlines frequent flyers this week.

In news of international airlines, two leading global carriers have started code-sharing with JetBlue Airways; British Airways is now taking reservations via its website for its new bmi acquisition – despite a threatened legal challenge; and the merger of South American carriers LAN and TAM advances a step.

Claiming that airport screening as practiced by the Transportation Security Administration has become “an unending nightmare” for travelers, the former head of the agency is recommending some major changes to the program.

The Transportation Security Administration is adding two more pieces of technology to its arsenal – one to alert passengers to waiting times for security lines, and another to verify travelers’ documents.

A website specializing in premium-cabin air travel is claiming that American Airlines’ pricing practices have created extreme volatility in international business class fares in recent months.

In our last issue, we reported that the number of lost and mishandled bag reports at U.S. airlines reached its lowest level ever in February 2012. But according to a new report, the airline industry’s improved performance in handling checked bags is not just a domestic phenomenon.

Marriott International has agreed to sell off its ExecuStay division, which provides apartment-style accommodations for business travelers on longer stays (i.e., generally 30 days or more). But it is taking steps to protect the interests of its Marriott Rewards members.

Yes, it was a mild winter and that helped to reduce flight delays and cancellations. But it doesn’t explain the one measure of operational performance in which U.S. carriers broke a record in February.

A web site specializing in consumer financial advice, like comparing various credit cards, has taken the same concept to the confusing universe of airline passenger fees.