Articles tagged “airline passenger experience”

Southwest Airlines Gives Up Free Peanuts Citing Allergy Concerns

Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg

Peanuts have long been associated with Southwest, so it makes sense this development is newsworthy. But in recent years, on longer flights, Southwest has given out more substantial and tastier snacks. If those munchies disappeared, that would be more disappointing.

Video: Airline Industry Leaders Talk Digital Fatigue and What it Means for the Passenger Experience

Consumers are starting to realize that the negative effects of our increasing technology usage are very real. Airline industry leaders recently discussed what this means for the experiences they offer.

The Tricky Business of Selling Alcohol on Planes

Brian Sumers, Skift

Some people get drunk and cause a scene on airplanes. It's horrible, and it shouldn't happen. But are airlines at fault? No way.

Will Booze Ever Be Banned on U.S. Airline Flights?

Micheline Maynard, Skift

Despite some well-publicized incidents involving drunk passengers, U.S. airlines aren’t about to fly dry. The revenue is just too big. But flight attendants say drunk passengers are the top source of harassment and want airline staff to keep them off planes.

Tomato Juice Is Back on United Airlines Flights, But It’s Still Not Popular

Brian Sumers, Skift

In May, United removed tomato juice because few passengers drink it. Afterward, though, United got another lesson in the power of social media. Many folks complained, and so tomato juice has returned. The funny thing is, United's customers still aren't asking for it. But at least it's there.

Do Airlines Overpromise With In-Flight Wi-Fi?

Brian Sumers, Skift

Travelers board an airplane and expect the Wi-Fi, which is often expensive, to work as it does at home. But it's not as good as at home, and it may never be. Should airlines do a better job of communicating that to customers?

Why Are Passengers So Harsh on Airplane Seats?

Brian Sumers, Skift

You ever sit in an airline seat and think, "Boy, this thing is not in good shape"? Don't blame the airline. Blame your fellow passengers.

The Business of Passenger-Proofing Seats and Every Other Square Inch Inside a Plane

Brian Sumers, Skift

Airline passengers abuse nearly everything on an airplane. Sometimes, they do it because they're jet-lagged or drunk. Sometimes, they're just absent-minded. And on occasion, manufacturers say, customers probably abuse interiors for sport. But the good news: Everything is tested to withstand harsh treatment from passengers.

Spirit Airlines Is Adding Super-Fast Wi-Fi as It Gets More Flyer-Friendly

Brian Sumers, Skift

Travelers love to hate Spirit Airlines, and considering the way the carrier treated its customers for about a decade, that makes sense. But come next year, Spirit will offer a decent experience to its passengers. Will that help it attract more flyers?

One Airplane Seat Manufacturer Promises ‘Germ-Free Travel’ Within a Few Years

Angus Whitley, Bloomberg

The average airline seat is probably gross, filled with germs passengers don't even know are there. But while some passengers get sick, most handle air travel just fine. It begs the question: Is this technological advance necessary?

Gogo CEO Concedes Company Lost Its Way — and Often the Wi-Fi Connectivity Too

Brian Sumers, Skift

How much of a future does Gogo have as an independent public company? We'll see. But it sounds like the new CEO is open to pursuing alternatives.

Airlines Would Prefer Passengers Stop Stealing Their Bedding

Brian Sumers, Skift

On the one hand, airlines are improving the flying experience — at least for business class — so much that passengers want to take a piece home with them. On the other, blanket theft is bad for the bottom line. We're pretty sure carriers don't have this problem in coach.