Latest news with #ZachWichter
USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
United Airlines wants all domestic travelers checked in 45 minutes before departure
United Airlines wants all domestic travelers checked in 45 minutes before departure Show Caption Hide Caption Flying is the safest way to travel according to global safety experts Flying is the safest way to travel, according to experts. United Airlines is changing its check-in deadline for domestic flights to 45 minutes before departure. The new policy, effective June 3, aligns with the airline's checked-baggage deadline and policies at other airlines. Previously, passengers without checked bags could check in up to 30 minutes before departure. United Airlines will require all domestic passengers to be checked in for their flights 45 minutes before departure starting June 3. Previously passengers without checked bags were able to cut it a little closer, with check-in closing just 30 minutes before departure. "The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines," a United Airlines spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. The airline's full check-in time limit policies are available on its website. Most airlines recommend passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for a domestic flight and at least three hours for an international flight, but there is some flexibility in those guidelines, and many travelers cut it much closer. Still, airlines reserve the right to deny boarding to passengers who don't manage to check in before the cutoff, so it's usually best to leave a little breathing room in the travel schedule. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
USA Today
4 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Southwest Airlines will start charging checked bag fees this week. Here's what to know.
Southwest Airlines will start charging checked bag fees this week. Here's what to know. Show Caption Hide Caption Southwest Airlines unveils new checked bag fees and basic fare options Southwest Airlines will charge for checked bags and introduce a new basic fare tier, aligning with industry standards and enhancing revenue growth. Scripps News Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags on new reservations starting May 28th. The fees will be $35 for the first bag and $45 for a second. These changes are part of a larger overhaul of Southwest's policies. For Southwest Airlines passengers, it's the last day to book a flight with two guaranteed free checked bags no matter which fare they purchase. Starting on Wednesday, the airline will introduce its first-ever checked bag fees, which will apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28. The airline will begin charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag on many tickets, with supplemental fees for overweight and oversized baggage. Some customers will still be eligible for free checked bags as part of their fare or perks, however. According to Southwest, the following categories of passenger will still be entitled to free checked bags: Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select or Choice Extra fares when that bundle is introduced later this year, will be entitled to up to two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Members, and Rapid Rewards credit card holders will be entitled to one free checked bag. The bag fees are part of a major slate of changes at Southwest, which is overhauling many aspects of its business that differentiate it from other carriers. The airline will soon also end its unique open seating policy, and will also add extra legroom seats. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
USA Today
23-05-2025
- USA Today
Southwest Airlines announces new onboard battery policy. Here's what to know.
Southwest Airlines announces new onboard battery policy. Here's what to know. Show Caption Hide Caption Southwest Airlines unveils new checked bag fees and basic fare options Southwest Airlines will charge for checked bags and introduce a new basic fare tier, aligning with industry standards and enhancing revenue growth. Scripps News Southwest Airlines will require passengers to keep portable chargers visible while in use. This new policy aims to reduce the risk of fire from overheating chargers. The policy change follows several incidents of battery fires on U.S. airlines. Southwest Airlines is introducing a new battery policy in its cabins starting next week, which will require passengers to keep portable chargers visible when they're in use onboard. "Using portable charging devices while stored in a bag or overhead bin will no longer be permitted," Laura Swift, a Southwest spokesperson, told USA TODAY in a statement. "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees." According to the airline, the new policy is meant to reduce the risk of fire onboard. Federal Aviation Administration statistics show that there have been at least 16 incidents involving batteries overheating or fires on U.S. airlines this year, with at least three of those involving portable battery packs. The most recent incident involving a portable battery pack was reported on an American Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Los Angeles on April 9. According to the FAA, a passenger's portable charger began to overheat and caught fire. The device was placed in a thermal containment bag and the flight diverted to Chicago. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft sustained minor damage. "In the rare event a lithium battery overheats or catches fire, quick access is critical," Southwest's statement said. "Keeping power banks in plain sight allows for faster intervention and helps protect everyone onboard." While the policy doesn't officially go into effect until May 28, Southwest passengers may notifications about it in their apps sooner as the airline prepares for implementation. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Autopilot saves the day after Lufthansa first officer passes out alone in the cockpit
The first officer on a flight operated by German airline Lufthansa lost consciousness for about 10 minutes while the captain was away from the flight deck, leaving the plane to fly itself. The incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2024, on a flight operating from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain. According to Spanish authorities, there were 199 passengers and 6 crewmembers aboard the Airbus A321. The official incident report said the captain had left the cockpit for "physiological reasons" and the first officer fainted soon after. The plane's autopilot system kept the aircraft in stable flight throughout the incident, although the unconscious first officer did make some inputs to the controls. The captain was unable to reenter the cockpit using normal procedures and attempted to use emergency procedures for access. The first officer ultimately regained consciousness and was able to admit the captain. According to the report, Lufthansa had recently removed a policy that required a second crewmember to enter the cockpit whenever one of the pilots left, and authorities urged airlines to reconsider such changes. The copilot received medical attention from a doctor onboard, and the flight diverted to Madrid, where he received further treatment at a hospital. The copilot apparently had a previously undetected neurological condition, which caused the episode. Lufthansa acknowledged the incident in a statement to USA TODAY. "We are aware of the report issued by the Spanish authorities. Lufthansa has provided intensive and comprehensive support to the authorities in their work. In addition, Lufthansa's flight safety department has conducted its own extensive investigation," the statement said. "We ask for your understanding that we cannot comment further on the report at this time." Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Lufthansa flight went 10 minutes without a pilot
USA Today
19-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
Autopilot saves the day after Lufthansa first officer passes out alone in the cockpit
Autopilot saves the day after Lufthansa first officer passes out alone in the cockpit Show Caption Hide Caption Why air traffic controllers are under more pressure than ever Inside the growing stress in U.S. air traffic control towers. A Lufthansa first officer lost consciousness for about 10 minutes while alone on the flight deck. The incident occurred on a flight from Frankfurt to Seville on Feb. 17, 2024, with 199 passengers and 6 crew members aboard. The plane's autopilot maintained stable flight, and the captain regained access to the cockpit after the first officer revived. The first officer on a flight operated by German airline Lufthansa lost consciousness for about 10 minutes while the captain was away from the flight deck, leaving the plane to fly itself. The incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2024, on a flight operating from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain. According to Spanish authorities, there were 199 passengers and 6 crewmembers aboard the Airbus A321. The official incident report said the captain had left the cockpit for "physiological reasons" and the first officer fainted soon after. The plane's autopilot system kept the aircraft in stable flight throughout the incident, although the unconscious first officer did make some inputs to the controls. The captain was unable to reenter the cockpit using normal procedures and attempted to use emergency procedures for access. The first officer ultimately regained consciousness and was able to admit the captain. According to the report, Lufthansa had recently removed a policy that required a second crewmember to enter the cockpit whenever one of the pilots left, and authorities urged airlines to reconsider such changes. The copilot received medical attention from a doctor onboard, and the flight diverted to Madrid, where he received further treatment at a hospital. The copilot apparently had a previously undetected neurological condition, which caused the episode. Lufthansa acknowledged the incident in a statement to USA TODAY. "We are aware of the report issued by the Spanish authorities. Lufthansa has provided intensive and comprehensive support to the authorities in their work. In addition, Lufthansa's flight safety department has conducted its own extensive investigation," the statement said. "We ask for your understanding that we cannot comment further on the report at this time." Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
