Articles tagged “airline passenger experience”

The Airports of the Future Are Taking Shape

The Airports of the Future Are Taking Shape

Justin Bachman, Bloomberg

U.S. airports have a lot of infrastructure problems, and many need be renovated. But we're not sure American airports need indoor rainforests or virtual reality golf. That stuff is cute, but we think what travelers really want is on-time, reliable flights from clean, comfortable airports.

3 days ago

Here’s a Two-Part and No-Fuss Plan to Fix Air-Travel Hell

Here’s a Two-Part and No-Fuss Plan to Fix Air-Travel Hell

Joe Nocera, Bloomberg

Here's just one problem with banning airlines from changing a passenger's seat. Planes break sometimes, and airlines will often use a replacement. The new airplane may, or may not, have the same seat available. What should an airline do if it can't give a passenger the same seat? Cancel the flight?

1 week ago

Interview: Viva Aerobus CEO on Why Half-Standing Seats Still Intrigue Him

Interview: Viva Aerobus CEO on Why Half-Standing Seats Still Intrigue Him

Brian Sumers, Skift

With good management, this ultra low-cost airline strategy is profitable just about everywhere. The key? Airlines like Viva Aerobus must be fanatical about costs, and they must provide the cheapest fares, all the time. They also should treat their customers fairly.

1 week ago

Airline Passengers Aren’t Always Guaranteed a Cool Cabin on the Ground

Airline Passengers Aren’t Always Guaranteed a Cool Cabin on the Ground

Thomas Peipert, Associated Press

People love to criticize airlines. Is it possible some aircraft are too hot during boarding? Of course. But this is not a major issue, and surely there doesn't need to be a federal law to govern airline cabin temperatures. Let's count on airlines to do the right thing.

2 weeks ago

Delta Says Travelers Still Love Airline Credit Cards Even Though Miles Are Worth Less

Delta Says Travelers Still Love Airline Credit Cards Even Though Miles Are Worth Less

Brian Sumers, Skift

Yes, airline frequent flyer programs probably were more lucrative a decade ago. But savvy travelers can still get a lot of value out of the programs and their affiliated credit cards.

2 weeks ago

U.S. Airlines Are Making Their VIP Lobbies Even More Posh

U.S. Airlines Are Making Their VIP Lobbies Even More Posh

Brian Sumers, Skift

No, these special airline VIP lobbies are not new. But all three full-service U.S. airlines are investing in them, with each trying to one-up the other. If you're a regular coach customer, you likely don't care. But if you have access to these lobbies, you're probably pleased.

2 weeks ago

Many Airline Passengers Still Prefer Interacting With Employees Instead of Technology

Many Airline Passengers Still Prefer Interacting With Employees Instead of Technology

Brian Sumers, Skift

It's 2017. According to SITA, 98 percent of airline passengers fly with at least one mobile device. It's amazing that so many passengers still prefer to the face-to-face experience at airports. It's a lot slower than self-service, and often less effective.

3 weeks ago

Many United Airlines Awards Flights Will Soon Cost More Miles

Many United Airlines Awards Flights Will Soon Cost More Miles

Brian Sumers, Skift

Starting July 1, United will begin hawking Chase-branded credit cards on board, with flight attendants earning a $50 commission for each approval. Will the flight attendants remind customers that they'll need a lot more miles for some trips starting later this year? We doubt it.

4 weeks ago

Designing an Airline Seat From Scratch Is Not as Easy as it Looks

Designing an Airline Seat From Scratch Is Not as Easy as it Looks

Brian Sumers, Skift

Building a coach airline seat is not like creating home furniture. Building stuff for aircraft is remarkably complicated. We got an inside look recently at the production center for an aircraft seat maker. Here's some of what we learned.

4 weeks ago

American Airlines May Serve the Best Burger at JFK — But Only for Elites

American Airlines May Serve the Best Burger at JFK — But Only for Elites

Justin Bachman, Bloomberg

Airplane food generally is mediocre because the on-board cooking process makes it difficult to reheat a hamburger — or anything else. It makes sense to feed premium customers on the ground, where they will enjoy the meal more.

1 month ago

Airbus Is Making Some of Its Most Popular Jets More Passenger-Friendly

Airbus Is Making Some of Its Most Popular Jets More Passenger-Friendly

Brian Sumers, Skift

Is this a game-changer? No. But let's give Airbus some credit for making short-haul travel a little more pleasant. Too bad passengers must wait until 2020 to see the new cabins.

1 month ago

CEO Interview: How Finnair Plans to Crack the Potentially Lucrative Chinese Market

CEO Interview: How Finnair Plans to Crack the Potentially Lucrative Chinese Market

Brian Sumers, Skift

Not every airline can be a global behemoth. Finnair mostly focuses on its niche — connecting Europe with Asia, including secondary Chinese cities.

1 month ago

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