American Airlines Flight Cuts Rumors Explained: Is it real or fake? Here's all details
American Airlines Issues Clarification Over Flight Cuts Rumors
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Airlines See Decline in Domestic Travel
Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating
New Baggage Fees at Southwest
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The airline has responded to growing speculation about large-scale flight cancellations set for next month. At the same time, Southwest Airlines is introducing changes to its longstanding policies. These developments highlight the current shifts in the US airline industry, shaped by declining domestic travel and changing customer expectations.There were online reports that American Airlines would cancel hundreds of flights in August. Social media and local news said flights out of Chicago's O'Hare airport were being reduced.Cleveland.com reported that the number of weekly flights from Chicago to Dallas Fort-Worth would drop from 98 to 85. Other reported reductions included routes between Chicago and cities like El Paso, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and New York's LaGuardia Airport. Six weekly flights between Chicago and LaGuardia were reportedly cut. American Airlines denied that these reductions were new. A spokesperson told The U.S. Sun, 'American has not made any recent adjustments to its flight schedules for August.'The spokesperson added that the airline currently offers up to 6,700 daily flights. This is more than any other US airline and is part of efforts to connect travelers during the late summer period.Although schedules remain unchanged, American Airlines acknowledged a drop in domestic travel. CEO Robert Isom told CNBC that domestic leisure travel declined starting in February.This trend came as concerns about a possible recession emerged. Many linked it to economic uncertainty following former President Donald Trump's tariff agenda.Bob Jordan, the CEO of Southwest Airlines, said the decline was quick and noticeable. He said, 'That is a very rapid fall-off. It's probably the most that I have seen absent Covid.'Jordan also said the drop may have been driven by the tariff-related economic news. He added that the trend could still reverse.As American Airlines clarified flight rumors, Southwest Airlines announced policy changes. Southwest will phase out its open seating policy by early 2026. This change has led to criticism from long-time customers.Some passengers said they preferred open seating and may avoid Southwest in the future. The policy was one feature that made the airline different from competitors.Southwest also introduced fees for checked baggage in May. Customers now pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. However, members of Southwest's Rapid Rewards program still receive two checked bags for free.Bob Jordan told The New York Times that change can be challenging. He also said the move was based on customer demand for more choice.He stated, 'If you don't follow your customers, you look up one day and your products just aren't attractive any longer.' Jordan said the new fee model is about giving travelers more options.No, American Airlines said it has not made any recent changes to its August flight schedule.Southwest will end its open seating policy and introduce checked baggage fees for most passengers.
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