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☆ Airlines could soon be forced to pay you if your flight is delayed or canceled
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Biden administration is proposing a new rule to address airline passengers' rights in the US. It would require airlines to provide cash compensation for flight delays and cancellations. JetBlue and Alaska Airlines are the only carriers that offer flight credit during lengthy delays, the DOT says. No major US airline currently guarantees cash compensation for controllable delays or cancellations, the dashboard shows. For comparison, the department's 2021 proposal that would require airlines to refund passengers for delayed luggage and broken WiFi still has not taken effect.

☆ Biden administration OKs boost in Chinese airline flights to US
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

USDOT's order said its goal was "a gradual, broader reopening of the U.S.-China air services market." U.S. carriers American Airlines (AAL.O), Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), and United Airlines (UAL.O) operate scheduled passenger services between the countries, as do Chinese operators Xiamen Airlines, Air China (601111.SS), China Southern Airlines (600029.SS) and China Eastern Airlines (600115.SS). USDOT noted American began operating two additional roundtrip weekly flights to Shanghai from Texas in March after Chinese pandemic restrictions were dropped. USDOT said in its order that Chinese restrictions on air travel "had, and continue to have, a devastating effect on the U.S.-China air transport market." In February, two key senators issued a letter urging the Biden administration to halt Chinese airlines and other non-American carriers from flying over Russia on U.S. routes, which gives them an advantage in fuel burn and flying time.

☆ Some airlines effectively charge parents to sit with their kids. Biden is shaming the industry into changing that.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Consumer groups and President Joe Biden are aghast that carriers have effectively charged families more to sit together. No airline explicitly imposes a "family seating fee," but consumer advocates have complained for years about how that's exactly what's happening. Airlines for America, an industry lobbying arm that counts the big four, America, Delta, Southwest, and United, among its members, previously pointed out that none of its members explicitly charge a family seating fee. This is a March 24, 2023 screenshot of the Department of Transportation's dashboard of airline family seating policies. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts is working with a trio of other Senate Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on separate legislation on just family seating.

☆ Biden could help save cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians from being pulled under trucks in an accident with a simple fix, advocates say
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Side guards can also stop people and cars from being crushed by a truck's rear wheels. A man stands on a truck's rear underride guard in Mexico City in 2021. Isaac Guzman/Getty Images'A catch-22'The US government and road safety experts have known for at least 50 years that underride guards save lives. Rear underride guards have been mandatory for most trucks in the US since the 1950s. Cahalan blames the trucking industry for "delaying and fighting against common sense safety reforms," not just with regard to underride guards.

☆ U.S. urges rail tank car owners, shippers to use safer, newer cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 22 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) on Wednesday urged rail tank car owners and hazmat shippers of flammable liquids to stop using tank cars like some in a Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern (NSC.N) train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and replace them with newer, safer tank cars. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said at a Senate Commerce hearing on Wednesday the railroad supports the provision "for accelerating safer tank car standards". Last month, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called on Congress to mandate owners of tank cars to expedite the phase-in of safer DOT-117 tank cars in advance of the congressionally mandated 2029 deadline. The PHMSA advisory calls on shippers of flammable liquids "to voluntarily upgrade their tank car fleets to the newest, and safest, available tank car design authorized for flammable liquid service." The advisory added railroads should consider applyingrequirements applicable to high-hazard flammable trains to trains with fewer tank cars carrying flammable liquids in DOT-111 tank cars.

☆ USDOT defends 'fully qualified' Biden aviation nominee
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) - The Biden administration told Congress on Thursday its pick to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is fully qualified and does not violate a law requiring civilian leadership. Republicans question whether Denver International Airport Chief Executive Officer Phil Washington has the required aviation experience needed to serve as top U.S. aviation regulator. Cruz said on Wednesday that Washington was "unable to answer basic safety questions about the 737 MAX crashes, aircraft certification, and how a pilot might react when a system malfunctions." "Surveying the leadership of the aviation field supports this fact overwhelmingly. Washington this week won backing of three former FAA administrators and the chief executive of Frontier Airlines (ULCC.O).

☆ Only 3 airlines guarantee parents can sit next to their children for free, new DOT dashboard shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Alaska, American, and Frontier guarantee children under 13 can sit next to an accompanying adult for free. Alaska, American, and Frontier are the only US airlines that currently guarantee parents can sit next to their children without paying extra fees, according to the tracker. Alaska, American, and Frontier guarantee children under 13 can sit next to an accompanying adult for free. Before the dashboard's launch, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines each adjusted their policies to ensure parents can sit with their children free of charge, according to the agency. "Now, all 10 airlines guarantee meals and rebooking, and nine guarantee hotels when an airline issue causes a cancellation or delay."

☆ Pete Buttigieg's presidential hopes make him an easy target for Republicans — and his slow response in Ohio gave them plenty of ammo
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hasn't ruled out running for the White House again. He's in the spotlight and the hot seat far more than most other transportation secretaries before him. The search-engine test shows Buttigieg has become a high-profile target who finds himself in the spotlight far more than most other transportation secretaries before him. However, no transportation secretary has likely entered the job with more star power. After he strode onto the stage of The Late Show last fall, host Stephen Colbert noted that not many transportation secretaries have been guests on late night talk shows.

☆ American Airlines is the first US carrier to guarantee families sit together — or be punished by law
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

American Airlines will guarantee children under 15 can sit with an accompanying adult on its flights. The policy has been published in its customer service plan, meaning it is now enforceable by law. Because the "family seating" plan is now filed with the government, American could face penalties if it doesn't follow through. "American Airlines lets families sit together at no additional cost," an American spokesperson told Insider. The difference now is that American has officially put this process into its customer service plan — a commitment enforceable by law.

☆ United Airlines New Policy Eliminates One Extra Cost for Families
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A new United Airlines policy will make it cheaper for families to fly together. United Airlines says customers will start to see more adjacent seat options immediately. On Monday, the company said it has made changes that allows adults to sit next to children younger than 12-years-old without paying an additional cost. Most airlines, including United, say they already take steps to ensure families can sit together, whether it be during the booking process or at the gate. United said it's planning to roll out more "family-friendly features" this year but did not say what they will be.

☆ Italvolt to license battery technology from Israel's StoreDot
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BERLIN, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Electric vehicle batterymaker Italvolt will license fast-charging battery technology from Israeli start-up StoreDot to manufacture lithium-ion batteries at a plant it is raising funds to build in Italy, the companies said on Monday. Italvolt will ringfence a minimum amount of the batteries produced at the plant for StoreDot's business and customers, Italvolt's statement said, without specifying the amount. Fast-charge capability could also enable EV manufacturers to install smaller battery packs and thus lower the cost of their cars. Currently, StoreDot licenses technology to its manufacturing partner EVE Energy (300014.SZ) to produce batteries in China and ship to customers in China and Korea. Italvolt is one of a handful of battery startups trying to raise money and build a homegrown European battery industry to compete with the Asian giants that dominate global sales.

It is territory infrequently traveled when it comes to the massive and complex U.S. flight system. Instead, each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers. The DOT advises that, if a flight is significantly delayed, customers should ask airline staff if the carrier will pay for meals or a hotel room — but neither of these are guaranteed. If a flight has been delayed for more than two hours, or canceled, many airlines have policies that will kick in that allow passengers to get a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket. Southwest Airlines is rebooking customers on the next available Southwest flight with seats available to the customer’s ticketed destination at no additional cost.

☆ How to get reimbursed for hotels and alternative transportation if your Southwest flight was canceled
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Between Wednesday and Monday, the Dallas-based carrier canceled 8,305 flights, amounting to 36% of its operation, according to FlightAware data. On Monday alone, Southwest canceled 74% of its operation and it is struggling to get back on track with 63% of flights already canceled as of 11:00 a.m on Tuesday. For comparison, the US' second-worst offender between Wednesday and Monday was Delta Air Lines with 1,865 flights canceled, which was 12% of its operation, according to FlightAware. Email Southwest for reimbursementJonathan Weiss/ShutterstockIn some cases, travelers will decide to receive a refund for a canceled flight and rebook their own transportation, like a flight on a different carrier, a rental car, or a train. Contact your credit card issuerDavid Slotnick/Business InsiderTravelers should also check if their credit card comes with trip insurance.

☆ Flight delays and cancellations will likely impact millions of Christmas travelers. What to do when your airline experiences disruptions.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The National Weather Service has warned of a strong winter storm expected to affect holiday travel. But, some airlines offer to rebook on their website or mobile app and waive any fees, so it's sometimes easier to make changes online than in person. Carriers offering both are Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, according to the DoT dashboard. It never hurts to request a meal or hotel during flight disruptions, and you might get lucky with a goodwill gesture from the carrier. For example, in the case of a winter storm, it's likely many passengers will end up stranded in random cities across the US.

☆ Look past the crisis the DC movie universe seems to be in right now and you'll see a plan taking shape
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Travis Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Confusion has swirled in recent months around the future of the DC movie universe. But a plan is taking shape, based on what new DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn and others have confirmed. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in "Wonder Woman 1984." The third "Wonder Woman" movie is on ice. Ben Affleck has expressed an interest in directing a DC movie.

☆ DOT says Frontier, foreign airlines must pay travelers $600 million in refunds
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday said it has ordered Frontier Airlines and five foreign carriers to pay about $600 million in refunds to travelers whose flights were canceled or significantly changed by the airlines. Travelers are entitled to a refund when airlines cancel their flights, but many customers were offered vouchers when airlines slashed flights during the pandemic. Frontier Airlines has been required to pay $222 million in refunds, the Department of Transportation said Monday. "It shouldn't take an enforcement action from the U.S. Department of Transportation to get airlines to pay refunds that they're required to pay," Buttigieg said on a call with reporters Monday. DOT said those five airlines together had to pay just over $400 million in refunds.

☆ Google Pixel tries, fails, to dunk on Apple CEO Tim Cook with a tweet sent from an iPhone
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Google Pixel replied to a tweet from Apple CEO Tim Cook that appeared to be a dig at the company. People noticed the tweet, which has since been deleted, was sent from "Twitter for iPhone." The Google Pixel account tried to take a dig at Apple CEO Tim Cook, but was quickly called out by users who noticed its tweet was sent from an iPhone. The latest 'Twitter for iPhone' oopsieThis isn't the first time an iPhone has been used to send out a competitor's tweet. But the actress sent the tweet via "Twitter for iPhone."

☆ U.S. approves 50 states' EV charging plans
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

An electric vehicle charge station by ChargePoint, Inc. is seen outside New York City Hall in Manhattan, New York, U.S., December 8, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew KellyWASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) said on Tuesday it has approved the electric vehicle charging station plans for all 50 states, Washington and Puerto Rico covering about 75,000 miles (120,700 kms) of highways. The White House announced earlier this month it had approved 35 of the 50 state plans. USDOT's Federal Highway Administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how many charging stations the funds would support. Federal funds will cover 80% of EV charging costs, with private or state funds making up the balance.

☆ Transportation Department proposes stricter rules for airline refunds after complaints surge
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-03 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Transportation Department on Wednesday proposed stricter rules on when airlines would have to compensate passengers for canceled or delayed flights, a move that follows a surge in traveler complaints after Covid-19 roiled air travel. Some Democratic lawmakers have called for better consumer protections for air travelers. Complaints about airline refunds accounted for 87% of the 102,560 complaints the DOT logged in 2020 and about 60% of the 49,958 complaints in 2021. For example, American, United and Delta, got rid of ticket change fees for standard economy tickets in 2020. And last week, Southwest, which didn't charge ticket change fees before the pandemic either, said the vouchers it issues will never expire.

But we don't need research to prove that the post-COVID-19 celebrities will all look a little bit like Leslie Jordan. Jordan is one of the true stars of the lockdown, amassing more than 3.8 million Instagram followers in a little over a month. Our dear Leslie might be complaining a bit, but he's still trying to make the most of what he has. Jordan just got on Instagram about a year ago at the urging of the PR team for the one-season FX sitcom "The Cool Kids." They signed him up with an Instagram account, and he started recording videos from his home in West Hollywood, California.

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