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☆ Did You Make Your Connecting Flight? You May Have A.I. to Thank.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Julie Weed | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Last month in Chicago, a United Airlines flight to London was ready to depart, but it was still waiting for 13 passengers connecting from Costa Rica. The airline projected they’d miss the flight by seven minutes. The system also sent text messages to the late-arriving passengers and the people on the waiting jet to explain what was happening. still might not be able to find space for your carry-on, but it could help put an end to the 40-gate dash — sprinting to catch your connecting flight before the door slams shut — as well as other common travel headaches. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and others have been working to develop new A.I.

Persons: It’s, Helane Becker, TD Cowen Organizations: United Airlines, . Alaska Airlines, American Airlines Locations: Chicago, London, Costa Rica, —

☆ Port of Virginia is making big changes to become No. 1 on the East Coast for super-sized ocean containerships
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

The dredging project is expected to be completed in Fall 2025, making the Port of Virginia the deepest and widest harbor on the East Coast. "Ultra-large container vessels have challenged every port," said Stephen Edwards, CEO of the Port of Virginia. Edwards said the port was able to quickly absorb Baltimore freight because of the ocean carrier service overlap in calling on the Port of Virginia, Baltimore and Port of New York/New Jersey. In January, the port became the first East Coast port to power all its terminals with 100% clean energy, eight years ahead of the 2032 target it set for that goal. The expansion will increase the fleet at NIT to 152 electric stacking cranes, seven electric rail cranes, and 31 electric ship-to-shore cranes.

Persons: Lori Ann LaRocco, Stephen Edwards, " Edwards, Edwards, It's, Good Hope, D'Andrae Larry, Larry, Jones, monopiles, Monopiles Organizations: NIT, CNBC, U.S ., Commonwealth, Walmart, Maersk, Port, Baltimore, Rail, Norfolk International, Uber, Virginia Department of Transportation, Dominion Energy, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, ClearView Energy Partners, of Ocean Energy, U.S, District of Columbia, Dominion Locations: Port of Virginia, Port, Virginia, U.S . East Coast, Norfolk, Coast, of Virginia, East Coast, U.S, Delaware, South, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, India, Red, Suez, Good, Baltimore, Port of Baltimore, Port of New York, New Jersey, of Virginia's, Commonwealth, Norfolk , Virginia, East, Virginia Beach

☆ Opinion: I’m a flight attendant. You need to get over your reclining seat rage
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Opinion Heather Poole | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

While I dread these altercations, I think some passengers need to chill out — people have the right to recline their seat. So, you’d think that 150 lighter seats per flight will certainly save an airline a ton of money. A lighter seat that doesn’t recline is also a seat that is less likely to break, which saves an airline money in repairs. But after 28 years in the job, I’ve found there’s some basic reclining etiquette that makes for a smoother flight for everyone. But on coach, middle seat passengers struggle to type because there’s no arm space.

Persons: Heather Poole, Read, ”, Coke, “, he’s, you’ll, “ I’ve, aren’t, I’ve, it’s, Shaquille O’Neal Organizations: Passengers, CNN, Air, American Airlines Locations: London, New York, Air France, Europe

☆ Air India Express cancels scores of flights after about 100 cabin crew call in sick
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Anna Cooban | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Air India Express operates more than 2,500 flights each week, servicing 45 domestic and international airports, according to its website. Around 100 cabin crew called in sick “at the very last minute” late on Tuesday, a source familiar with the incident told CNN. Since then, the Indian conglomerate has announced plans to merge Air India Express with AIX Connect, another of Air India’s subsidiary carriers. Air India Express said in Thursday’s statement that passengers whose flight is canceled, or delayed by more than three hours, can get a full refund or reschedule their flight for free. Air India will support the budget carrier through the current disruption by operating flights on 20 of its routes, it added.

Persons: ” Organizations: London CNN, Air India Express, CNN, ” Air India Express, Air India, Tata Group, AIX Connect, Air India’s, Air Locations: Air India

☆ What the proxy fight at Norfolk Southern means for railroad safety
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The fight has split the railroad’s unions, who disagree which management team – the current Norfolk Southern leadership or one proposed by activist investor Ancora Holdings – would be best for safety and the railroad’s employees. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw, third from left, listens to testimony during a hearing held by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on March 22, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee heard testimony on "Improving Rail Safety in response to the East Palestine Derailment." BLET said that Orr’s appointment shows that Norfolk Southern is committed to additional use of PSR, no matter which side wins the the proxy fight. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster.

Persons: Alan Shaw, Amit Bose, Win McNamee, Bose, ”, “, Jeremy Ferguson, Shaw, “ Shaw, Jerry Sturdivant, John Orr, BLET, Michael Swensen, Jim Barber, Glass Lewis, Ancora Organizations: New, New York CNN, Norfolk, Norfolk Southern, Ancora Holdings, PSR, Federal Railroad Administration, Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation, Shaw, SMART, of Locomotive Engineers, Trainmen, NS, Canadian Pacific, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Way Employees, Norfolk Southern Railways, Teamsters, UPS, CSX, Union Pacific Locations: New York, Norfolk Southern, Atlanta, East Palestine , Ohio, Norfolk, East Palestine, Washington ,, Canadian Pacific Kansas, Palestine, ”, NS

Indeed, starting at $499, the Pixel 8a is less expensive than the base $699 Pixel 8 and $999 Pixel 8 Pro. AdvertisementGoogle Pixel 8a: FeaturesThe Google Pixel 8a in "Aloe" (left) and "Bay" (right). The Pixel 8a's cameras aren't the same as the Pixel 8's — they're actually the identical cameras from the Pixel 7a. AdvertisementGoogle Pixel 8a: PriceThere are two storage options for the Pixel 8a models, 128GB and 256GB, with the higher storage option only available in the "Obsidian" colorway. Storage Pixel 8a 128GB $499 256GB $559AdvertisementThe Google Pixel 8a is available for preorder now from the online Google Store, Best Buy, Amazon, and carriers like Verizon.

Persons: It's, they're, we're Organizations: Business, preorder, Google, Verizon Locations: 120Hz

☆ Maersk Says Expanded Houthi Attacks Are Forcing More Delays
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Peter Eavis | More About Peter Eavis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Global shipping lines have become increasingly strained as the Houthi militia in Yemen broadens its attacks on cargo vessels, one of the largest companies in the industry warned on Monday. “The risk zone has expanded,” Maersk, the second-largest ocean carrier, said in a note to customers, adding that the stress was causing further delays and higher costs. Since late last year, the Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, which cargo vessels from Asia have to travel through to reach the Suez Canal. But in recent weeks, the Houthis have been trying to strike ships making that longer journey in the Indian Ocean. Because going around Africa takes longer, shipping companies have had to add more vessels to ensure that they can transport goods on time and without cutting volumes.

Persons: ” Organizations: ” Maersk Locations: Yemen, Red, Asia, Suez, Europe, Africa

☆ China has a lot more missiles — with US warships and bases in its sights
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +18 min

American warships and bases in the Pacific are within reach of an increasingly worrying threat, a missile force unlike anything the US has faced in combat. With these missiles, China is signaling that it could attack US bases and ships in the region with little to no warning, Clark said. TK Department of DefenseThere's a lot more to the Chinese Rocket Force than these weapons, though. AdvertisementThat said, the US and its allies can't afford to assume the Rocket Force won't be ready should conflict come. In other words, how the US prepares itself and adapts to the Chinese Rocket Force gives it the best shot at avoiding a fight altogether.

Persons: China's, Andersen, Thomas Shugart, Bryan Clark, John Aquilino, Kevin Frayer, Harry Harris, Harris, Clark, Shugart, Gerald R, Kendall Warner, Byrd, US Defense Department Harris, Robert Peters, Peters, Ronald Reagan, Andrea Rosembert, Cpl, Ryan Little, Charles Flynn, I'm, Flynn, it's, Andy Wong Organizations: Business, Army Rocket Force, Pentagon, China's Rocket Force, Department of Defense TK Department of Defense, Center, New, New American Security, US Navy, PLA, Hudson Institute, Pacific Command, People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, Eastern Theater Command, People's Liberation Army PLA, Getty, Rocket Force, Liberation, TK Department of Defense, Chinese Rocket Force, US Defense Department, Ford, Virginian, Tribune, Service, Japan, Self, Defense Force, Misawa Air Base, Pacific, US, Defense, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, Army, Heritage Foundation, Aegis, Guam, Area, Ronald, Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense, Department of Defense, US Air Force, Marine Corps, Andersen Air Force Base, Marine, Combat, US Army Pacific, Stealth, Force, Military Locations: Beijing, China, American, Guam, South, Washington, Japan, New American, People's Republic of China, South Korea, Taiwan, South China, AFP, U.S, Marshall, Pearl, Pacific, PLARF, Tiananmen

☆ What’s at stake in the Google antitrust case? Billions of dollars (and the way we use the internet)
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Whenever you type a search into Apple’s Safari browser — say, on an iPhone — chances are it’s Google that returns the results. You can tell Safari to pick another search engine, but in practice most people tend to stick with Google by default. You might know that Google pays Apple enormous sums of money every year for that prime placement. Those eye-popping figures, newly unsealed this week, come from a blockbuster antitrust lawsuit against Google that’s just entered its closing stages. Nothing prevented Apple from choosing a different default search partner, Google contends.

Persons: —, Google that’s, Trump, Amit Mehta, Mehta, ” Mehta, John Schmidtlein, Google’s, Sherman, “, ” Schmidtlein Organizations: CNN, Google, Apple, Justice Department, DOJ, Microsoft

☆ An airline startup with plans to fly A380s between London and New York made its first transatlantic flight
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Global Airlines completed its first transatlantic flight with an Airbus A380. The startup plans to fly the superjumbo jet between London and New York. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementGlobal Airlines completed its first transatlantic flight with an Airbus A380 on Wednesday. The British startup wants to fly the superjumbo jet between London and New York, with the first commercial flight penciled in for later this year.

Persons: — Organizations: Global Airlines, Airbus, Service, China Southern Airlines, Business Locations: London, New York, British

☆ The US Navy wants a lot more of a missile that just recently scored its first kill to counter Pacific threats like China
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The US Navy used its SM-3 missile interceptor in combat for the first time last month. AdvertisementThe US Navy will need a lot more of its SM-3 missile, an interceptor that only recently scored its first-ever kill, to counter Pacific threats like China, the sea service's top civilian official said on Wednesday. The Missile Defense Agency's budget request for FY25 cuts procurement of SM-3 Block IB variant, which became operational a decade ago. During Wednesday's hearing, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson referred to this variant as the Navy's "primary defense against tactical ballistic missiles for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense" weapons system. AdvertisementThe Navy, however, is already getting a taste of what it's like to battle anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Persons: —, Navy Carlos Del Toro, Del Toro, Joe Wilson, Paul Ignatius, MCS2 Nathan T, Beard Organizations: US Navy, China, Service, Navy, House Armed, Missile Defense Agency, Combat, Missile Defense, South Carolina Rep, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Locations: China, Tehran, Israel, Lake Erie, Kauai, Hawaii, Washington, Beijing, American, Iran, Gulf of Aden

☆ Fujian: China’s newest aircraft carrier heads to sea for first time
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Seoul, South Korea CNN —China’s newest, largest and most-advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, took a big step to joining the world’s largest naval fleet on Wednesday as it set out from Shanghai for its first sea trials. “The sea trials will primarily test the reliability and stability of the aircraft carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems,” read an announcement from the state-run Xinhua news agency on Wednesday. The warship was launched in 2022 and has “completed its mooring trials, outfitting work and equipment adjustments” working up to the latest sea trials, Xinhua said. A tugboat tows China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, away from a dock in east China's Shanghai on May 1, 2024. The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is seen from the air anchored in Italy in the Gulf of Trieste on September 18, 2023.

Persons: Li Tang, ”, John Bradford, Carl Schuster, Gerald R Ford, ” Bradford, Gerald R, Ford, Andrej Tarfila, Schuster, ” Schuster, Brian Hart, Yuan Huazhi, John F Kennedy, Doris Miller Organizations: South Korea CNN —, Jiangnan Shipyard, Maritime Safety Administration, Xinhua, Liberation Army, United States Navy, PLAN, Foreign Relations International Affairs, US, Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence, Nimitz, Ford, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Analysts, American, Chinese Defense Ministry, China Power, CSIS, Times, US Navy, Enterprise Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Fujian, Shanghai, East China, Jiangnan, Shandong, Liaoning, Italy, Gulf of Trieste, China

☆ China's new aircraft carrier is being tested at sea for the first time, but US carriers 'remain in an echelon of their own,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewChina launched the first sea trial of its newest aircraft carrier on Wednesday, per the state-run news agency Xinhua. However, according to John Bradford, a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs fellow, the Fujian falls far short of US aircraft carrier standards. Related stories"There is nothing yet that compares to the USS carriers," he told Business Insider. AdvertisementUnlike China's two other carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong , the Fujian features a catapult system designed to launch aircraft, according to reports, much like US aircraft carriers. Business Insider previously reported that China's two other aircraft carriers — the Liaoning and Shandong — had outdated Soviet-era designs and smaller air wings, making them notably inferior to US carriers.

Persons: —, John Bradford, Bradford, Richard Kouyoumdjian Inglis, Gerald Ford, Shandong — Organizations: Service, Xinhua, Business, People's Liberation Army Navy, Foreign Relations International Affairs, US, CNN, Chilean Naval Reserve, Congressional Research Service, Center for Strategic, International Studies, CSIS, Gerald Ford Class, Defense, Naval Locations: China, Fujian, Shanghai's, Shanghai, Liaoning, Shandong

☆ FCC fines big phone companies nearly $200 million for sharing customer location data
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The FCC fined four US network providers nearly $200 million for illegally sharing customer data. AdvertisementThe Federal Communications Commission fined four US wireless carriers close to $200 million for illegally sharing access to customers' location data. The FCC said on Monday that these phone companies sold customers' location data to "aggregators," who resold access to the data to companies that provide location-based services. The FCC said dozens of location-based services accessed phone companies' customer data without ensuring consumer consent, even after the phone companies were aware of the links. In response to the FCC fines, all three phone providers said they expect to appeal the decision.

Persons: —, Jessica Rosenworcel, Ron Wyden Organizations: FCC, Service, Federal Communications Commission, Verizon, Mobile, Sprint, Companies, CNN

☆ FCC fines wireless carriers millions for sharing user locations without consent
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Washington CNN —The US government has issued millions of dollars in fines to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon after an investigation found the nation’s top wireless carriers had illegally shared customers’ personal data without their consent. The fines target a practice in which carriers shared user location information with data resellers, known in the industry as “location aggregators.” These aggregators passed the data onward to their own third-party customers. “Each carrier attempted to offload its obligations to obtain customer consent onto downstream recipients of location information, which in many instances meant that no valid customer consent was obtained,” the FCC said in a release. In response to the FCC fines, all of the wireless carriers said they expect to appeal the decision. We take our responsibility to keep customer data secure very seriously and have always supported the FCC’s commitment to protecting consumers, but this decision is wrong, and the fine is excessive.

Persons: Trump, perversely, ”, “, Oregon Democratic Sen, Ron Wyden, Wyden, ” Wyden Organizations: Washington CNN, Mobile, Verizon, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Sprint, ” Verizon, Oregon Democratic Locations: Securus

☆ A tiny low-cost airline you may not have heard of is expanding to 10 new cities. We asked its CEO what to expect.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Avelo Airlines continues to expand its fleet and routes, adding 10 new destinations on May 1. As Avelo strives for its third profitable quarter, the CEO says the airline is focused on itself. AdvertisementWhen low-cost newcomer Avelo Airlines launched its first flight three years ago, it had just three Boeing 737 Next-Generation jetliners and served 11 West Coast destinations. Business Insider spoke to Avelo CEO Andrew Levy about what makes the growing airline different from other low-costs and what customers can expect on board its planes. Avelo Airlines' route map.

Persons: Avelo, —, Andrew Levy, Jim Olson, Louis, Walt, we've, Levy, Joe Scarnici Avelo, he's Organizations: Avelo Airlines, Service, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Business, Concord, Houston Hobby, Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Delta, Avelo, JetBlue Airways, Airlines, BI, Frontier Locations: Burbank , California, Sonoma County, Boise, Idaho, Montana, Albany, Atlanta, Charlotte , North Carolina, Destin, Knoxville, Lakeland, Central Florida, Miami, St, Traverse City , Michigan, Orlando, New Haven, Connecticut, New York City, Hartford, Boston, Alaska

They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea. On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95-billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Biden, Antony J, Blinken, Yuri Gripas, ” Ely Ratner, Xi, ” Kurt Campbell, Joseph Wu, ”, “, Samuel J, Paparo Jr, Mr, Paparo, Carl Vinson, Richard A, Brooks, Trump, Lloyd J, Austin III, Chen Jining, Jes Aznar, David H, Berger, Obama, Tony Mcdonough, United States —, Admiral Paparo, China’s “ revanchist, we’re Organizations: Australian, U.S, Marines, United, Pentagon, Corps, Mr, White House, White, The New York Times, American, Marine, Green, China’s, Liberation Army, Seoul SOUTH, Pacific Command, People’s Liberation Army, Agence France, Nuclear Forces Treaty, Defense, Communist Party, Tokyo Okinawa, U.S . Navy, Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Army, Philippines Luzon Partner, Australia Darwin Potential, NATO, Tomahawk Locations: Beijing, United States, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, Asia, Pacific, U.S, China, Shanghai, South China, South Korea, Guam, Washington, Manila, Taipei, People’s Republic of China, Palau, West Papua, Seoul, Tokyo JAPAN CHINA Taipei TAIWAN Hong Kong, GUAM philippines MALAYSIA INDONESIA JAPAN CHINA TAIWAN, philippines GUAM, INDONESIA Seoul, GUAM philippines, MALAYSIA INDONESIA, Philippine, Moscow, Tokyo, Ryukyu Islands, South, Philippines Luzon, Luzon, Spratly, Australia, Canberra, Singapore, Darwin, Australia’s, . North Carolina, Virginia, Perth, United Kingdom, Navy’s, America

☆ Southwest is leaving 4 cities this year as it deals with Boeing's 737 Max crisis — see the list
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The airports losing Southwest service are:AdvertisementSyracuse Hancock International Airport in New York. Bellingham International Airport in Washington. Southwest also said it would "significantly restructure other markets," including putting capacity reductions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Related stories"To improve our financial performance, we have intensified our network-optimization efforts to address underperforming markets," Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in the earnings report, noting the impact could go into 2025. The backlash has prompted Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to announce his resignation from the company, effective at the end of the year.

Persons: —, George Bush, Boeing's Max, Max, Bob Jordan, Jordan, Dave Calhoun, Boeing's, Larry Kellner, Stan Deal, Stephanie Pope, Sam Salehpour Organizations: Service, Boeing, Max, Southwest Airlines, Business, Southwest, Syracuse Hancock International, Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Alaska Airlines, Hartsfield, Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International, Ryanair, United Airlines, Boeing Commercial Locations: New York, Bellingham, Washington, Cozumel, Mexico, Houston, Southwest, Alaska

☆ Biden promise to rival China on shipbuilding faces a big economic problem
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

The Biden administration is correct that China has not played fair. But he said the nations that could rival China in shipbuilding are Asian competitors. Shipbuilding subsequently dropped to around five ships per year, which is approximately the current rate of U.S. shipbuilding. President Joe Biden speaks to members of the United Steel Workers Union at the United Steel Workers Headquarters on April 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Biden announced new actions to protect American steel and shipbuilding industries including hiking tariffs on Chinese steel.

Persons: Biden, Ben Nolan, Nolan, Reagan, Joe Biden, Jeff Swensen, —, Darron, Wadey, Lloyd, Matson, George Washington, Ronald O'Rourke, O'Rourke Organizations: Mitsui Shipbuilding Co, Taicang Port Economic, Technological, Future Publishing, Getty, CNBC, Shipbuilding, Global, United States, Trade, U.S . Trade, U.S, China's Ministry of Commerce, United Steel Workers, Japan's Nippon Steel, United Steel Workers Union, United Steel Workers Headquarters, Analysts, Matson Shipping, Jones Act, Philly Shipyard, CMA CGM, Matson, United, Maritime Administration, U.S ., Huntington Ingalls Industries, News Shipbuilding, U.S . Navy, U.S Navy, Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginian Pilot, Tribune, Service, Force, warfighting, Navy, Biden, Congressional Research Service Locations: Taicang Port, Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China, U.S, Japan, South Korea, United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania, American, Bangladesh, U.S . Virgin Islands, Great, Mississippi, Ohio

☆ New federal rules on airline refunds require cash instead of vouchers
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Gregory Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New federal rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline – not vouchers or travel credits. The rules require the fees to be automatic and prompt: Within seven days for a credit card refund and 20 days for other forms of payment. Surge in complaints in 2022The Biden Administration proposed its change to the refund rules in 2022 after a surge in complaints about refunds when the coronavirus brought air travel to a standstill. More than half of the complaints involved flight disruptions or refunds. A federal law allows Congress to unravel recently implemented executive branch rules.

Persons: “, Pete Buttigieg, CNN’s John Berman, ” Buttigieg, you’re, “ That’s, ”, There’s Organizations: CNN — Airline, ”, Transportation Department, Airlines for, Biden Administration Locations: –, Airlines for America, ” “ U.S, Washington, November’s

☆ Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Christine Chung | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process. The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased. Airlines for America, a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Persons: ”, Pete Buttigieg, Buttigieg Organizations: Transportation Department, Wednesday, Transportation, Airlines for America

☆ Biden issues new rules for airlines to require automatic cash refunds, prohibit surprise fees
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The first rule requires airlines to be more transparent about extra fees. The second rule requires airlines to issue cash refunds automatically, rather than in response to customer requests. It will require that airlines list and explain all extra fees "clearly, conspicuously, and accurately" on their web platforms or when they provide fare prices offline. The new airline rules are the latest action in President Joe Biden's broader battle against what the White House calls "corporate rip-offs." "There are tens of billions of dollars in other junk fees across the economy, and I've directed my administration to reduce or eliminate them," Biden said in 2022.

Persons: Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Buttigieg, Joe Biden's, I've Organizations: Department of Transportation, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, United, White House Locations: Southwest

We pay $80 every other week for pet insurance that comes with a 70% reimbursement. One x-ray, three prescriptions, and $500 later, I was never more relieved that we had pet insurance. We get 70% reimbursement after a $250 deductibleWe pay around $80 every other week for our dog's pet insurance policy. His policy is through Nationwide Pet Insurance (yep, they have pet insurance, too!) Being able to say to them, "No worries, we have pet insurance so most of it will be covered"?

Persons: —, we've, It's, he's, That's, He's Organizations: Service, Nationwide Pet Insurance, French bulldogs, English bulldogs, bulldogs Locations: Boston, PetPlan

☆ Boeing losses, problems continue to mount
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Boeing reported a core operating loss of $388 million, or $1.13 a share, from the $440 million it lost on that basis a year earlier. Plastic covers the exterior of the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 where a door plug on the plane blew off on a January 5 flight. The incident has sparked new focus on problems with the safety and quality controls at Boeing. Boeing has had a string of losses and problems with its planes’ quality dating back at least five years. It also announced plans to increase production of the 737 Max throughout 2024 in order to return to sustained profitability.

Persons: “, ”, Dave Calhoun, Max Organizations: New, New York CNN, Boeing, Revenue, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines Boeing, Max, NTSB, Getty, Alaska Air, United Airlines, National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Justice Department Locations: New York, Alaska, Tuesday’s

☆ Tech companies are heavily exposed to China, putting gains at risk, Piper Sandler says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tech stocks are heavily exposed to China, which could put gains at risk, according to Piper Sandler. Tech companies are especially vulnerable to any weakness in China, with semiconductor businesses notably generating more than 30% of their sales in the country, the note read. In April, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has dropped about 7%, underperforming the S & P 500's more than 3% decline during the same period. "S & P large caps have near-record exposure to a China that is wobbly economically, with an increasingly authoritarian Heavy Hand of regulation," Lazar wrote Wednesday. S & P Global Ratings this week noted the country could be in for a new wave of bond defaults that could come as soon as next year, further fueling those worries.

Persons: Piper Sandler, Nancy Lazar, Lazar, — CNBC's Evelyn Cheng Organizations: Tech, Street Journal, VanEck Semiconductor, Devices, Intel Locations: China, Beijing, Shanghai

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