Norwegian Air’s Low-Cost Revolution and 8 Other Aviation Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines aviation.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Ryanair has little hope of becoming a Booking.com or Expedia but it could find new revenue streams if it convinces other airlines to enable it to sell their flights on Ryanair’s sites: Ryanair Fights With Booking Sites Even as It Tries to Imitate Them

>>United’s Polaris rollout may not go as quickly as originally planned thanks to a shortage of airplane seats. In the meantime, business travelers wait impatiently: United Is Mothballing Perfectly Good New Aircraft Thanks to Delayed Seats

>>Electronics are now banned in the cabin on most flights from the Middle East to the U.S. and UK, though few can explain exactly why. Meanwhile, airports and airlines are scrambling to cope: Flyers and Middle East Airlines Cope With Electronics Bans — Skift Business Traveler

>>Ultra-low-cost flights may be seductive, but nothing in life is free, including those airfare savings: Why Flights Are So Cheap (And You Might Hate Yours): 5 Podcast Takeaways

>>When others said low-cost, long-haul air travel might not work, Norwegian Air CEO Bjørn Kjos thought differently. So far he has been right — Norwegian’s long-haul flights are popular with passengers — but legacy carriers are starting to fight back: Skift Forum Europe: Norwegian Air Hopes Its Low-Cost Revolution Is Just Beginning

>>This is a smart move to ensure Etihad’s most valuable customers are able to stay connected on its lengthy flights direct to U.S. destinations: Etihad Will Offer Free iPads and Wi-Fi on Flights Affected by Electronics Ban

>>Most airline CEOs have avoided harshly criticizing the U.S. and UK electronics bans. That makes sense, because airlines do not want to anger their security regulators. But IATA’s CEO has no such concerns, so he can speak more honestly: IATA CEO Says Electronics Ban Is ‘Not an Acceptable Long-Term Solution’

>>Is Level a legitimate attempt by International Airlines Group to build a long-haul, low-cost carrier? Or is it a “fighting brand” designed to make Norwegian Air’s expansion more challenging? 5 Essential Questions About IAG’s New Transatlantic Low-Cost Airline

>>Alaska’s frequent flyers should love this decision. No, they won’t get flatbed business class seats to New York, but they’ll keep plentiful free upgrades. For most road warriors, that’s a big deal: Alaska Air Won’t Have Flatbeds But Will Reward Frequent Flyers With Free Upgrades