A new study estimates that airlines around the globe will charge $36.1 billion in fees for things like checked luggage, seat reservations, and in-flight meals this year. That’s an all-time high, and an 11% increase over the 2011 total.
Airlines
Why an Airline That Travelers Love Is Failing
Virgin America is the equivalent of a TV show that’s a hit with critics but risks being canceled because of failing to attract enough viewers. The San Francisco–based carrier is regularly voted to the top of “best airline” …
More Turbulence for American Airlines
American Airlines has ordered more than 500 new jets—Airbus A320s, Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s— and they probably can’t get here soon enough. Earlier this week the company, which is operating in Chapter 11, had to
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How the ‘Maker’ Movement Plans to Transform the U.S. Economy
In his new book, WIRED editor-in-chief Chris Anderson writes that technology has “democratized the means of production.”
American Airlines vs. the Pilots Union: The Flying Public Loses
Wonder why your American flight’s been delayed or canceled? Could be because the airline is warring with the pilots union
That’s Some Quirky Marketing Strategy: CEO Calls His Customers ‘Idiots’
Michael O’Leary, the CEO of the fee-happy European airline Ryanair, isn’t scared of a little controversy. In fact, he seems to actively welcome it, periodically making outrageous statements (“The best thing you can do with environmentalists is shoot them”) and announcing possible new money-makers for the airline such as in-flight porn …
The Airlines Get a Little Cranky
Interesting week in the airline business. On Thursday a cranky three-year-old got his entire family chucked off an Alaska Airlines flight for refusing to put away his iPad, buckle his seatbelt and behave. Who does that kid think …
Bankruptcy at 30,000 Feet: The Battle for the Future of American Airlines
What would you call the combination of US Airways with American Air? US American Airways? It’s redundant, in the same way that airline service is a contradiction in terms. But a merger between the two is slightly more likely …