Latest news with #budgetairlines
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby slams the budget airline model: 'It's dead'
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby criticized the budget airline model in a recent interview. Speaking at The Wall Street Journal's "Future of Everything" event, Kirby said the model was "dead." His comments came the same day United announced a new partnership with JetBlue. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby earlier this week took a shot at what he called the "crappy" budget airline model. Speaking at The Wall Street Journal's "Future of Everything" event on Thursday, Kirby said the low-cost carrier model was "dead." "The model was screw the customer," he said. "It was like trick people, get them to buy, and get them to come, and then charge them a whole bunch of fees that they aren't expecting … disclosures buried in legalese," he continued. "Their problem is they got big enough that they needed repeat customers. They don't get them." Kirby's comments came the same day that United announced a new partnership with JetBlue, which many consider to be a budget carrier. The partnership, known as Blue Sky, will allow United to access slots for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of JFK's Terminal 6 as early as 2027. The deal, which is subject to regulatory review, will also allow customers to earn and use frequent flyer miles across both airlines, among other things. Kirby said on Thursday that JetBlue offered something different to traditional budget airlines. "JetBlue was founded in trying to be a better airline for customers. Budget airlines were founded in trying to have the absolute bare bones lowest cost," he said. "They may both be startups, but two polar-opposite business models." The exec was pressed on whether United had considered purchasing JetBlue. Laughing, Kirby said he was asked that "a lot" and that he was "reluctant" to do a merger. "Mergers are hard," he said. Going forward, he said United was focusing on its frequent flyers. "What we're really looking for is to have a bigger presence for our frequent flyers on both sides of the Hudson," he said. "To be bigger in places like Boston." Despite outperforming most of its peers in 2024, United announced in April that it would cut about 4% of its domestic capacity starting in July because of softening demand. Trump's tariffs caused some Canadians and other international travelers to cancel their summer vacations in the United States, which could mean trouble for domestic airlines. "The company's outlook is dependent on the macro environment, which the company believes is impossible to predict this year with any degree of confidence," the airline said. Read the original article on Business Insider Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Getting a handle on cabin baggage: How confusing are the current rules, and what is changing (or not)?
You know the feeling: you buy a budget airline ticket and turn up at the departure gate only to discover that you have the wrong sort of hand baggage. It might be too big for the 'sizer' at the entrance to the plane, you may have one too many items – such as a handbag as well as a laptop case. European consumer groups are calling for such penalties to be banned, saying every passenger should be allowed to carry a roll-along bag as well as a 'personal item' such as a handbag or laptop. How likely is this to come to pass? Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent, has been stowing his belongings in the overhead locker for a good few years … Have there always been cabin baggage wars? No. A couple of decades ago, the number of questions I received about cabin baggage allowances was close to zero. But in 2006, airlines started charging for checked baggage. As the practice spread swiftly through the budget airlines and then the 'legacy' carriers, inevitably passengers started cramming whatever they could into cabin baggage. Very quickly, the overhead bins started flowing over, and airlines spotted another revenue source: charging for taking larger pieces of cabin baggage on board. They don't agree about the exact dimensions on the free item, either – leading to all manner of disputes at the boarding gate. Meanwhile airlines such as British Airways see their generous two-piece allowance as a marketing edge. Who are these European consumer groups – and what exactly do they want? They comprise 16 national bodies from across the EU, under the main European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) umbrella. They want a consistent, generous limit on how much you can take into the aircraft. Agustin Reyna, director general of BEUC, said: 'Consumers expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when buying basic tickets.' In other words, every airline should share the British Airways two-piece allowance. Standardisation is also important. Cabin baggage limits on flights are maddeningly complicated. Airlines come up with their own rules on the exact dimensions and weights of hand luggage. Some charge for anything more than a small backpack, laptop case or handbag – others don't. Many 'legacy' carriers such as British Airways and North American airlines have a generous two-item allowance for cabin baggage. But budget airlines in Europe are much more restrictive. And to make matters worse they deploy different dimensions for the free cabin baggage and a paid-for roll-along case if you want to bring one. What do the top carriers allow? Currently, if you normally fly on airline X, you cannot assume your bag will also be compliant on airline Y. At present the leading three budget airlines in Europe have sharply different maximum dimensions: Free bag: Easyjet: 45 x 36 x 20cm Ryanair: 40 x 25 x 20cm Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20cm Paid-for bag: When converted to litres of capacity, the differences become obvious: Easyjet: 32 free, 63 paid Ryanair: 20 free, 44 paid Wizz Air: 24 free, 51 paid With easyJet around 50 per cent more generous than Ryanair, there is plenty of scope for standardisation. This could extend to 'legacy' airlines too. At present British Airways has a meagre allowance for a personal item (40 x 30 x 15cm, or 18 litres) but also a giant free cabin bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25cm (63 litres). How likely are changes? Already courts in Italy and Spain have come down on the side of the passenger wanting to bring two pieces of cabin baggage, with fines imposed on various budget airlines, particularly Ryanair. But the carriers believe that they will win at higher courts, because the current system offers passengers choice. They say that forcing airlines to carry almost unlimited cabin baggage will snarl up their systems and send air fares soaring. Michael O'Leary of Ryanair says officials in Brussels 'accept that there will have to be restrictions'. He told me: 'We can only allow about half the passengers to bring a wheelie bag on board. There isn't space on board the aircraft for any more bags. So we don't think there's going to be any legislation that will impose a right – or impose on all airlines, 'You must take all these wheelie bags' – because the aircraft won't fit the bags.' He would say that, wouldn't he? Yes, because budget airlines make a large slab of their revenue from charging for larger items of hand luggage. Low-cost carriers refute the accusation that extra baggage charges are hidden. They say they make pricing entirely transparent. I have some sympathy with them. Yet the airlines have brought extra attention to their policies by upping the cost of baggage to an absurd degree. On Saturday, for example, I can fly on Ryanair from Edinburgh to Cork for £17. But taking a larger piece of cabin baggage will cost an extra £19 – more than doubling the cost. No wonder the European authorities are taking a closer look at the subject. Will the airlines be forced to change anything? I believe they will voluntarily align cabin baggage limits. The European Parliament passed a resolution last October saying: 'EU-wide harmonisation of the requirements on the size, weight and type of carry-on and check-in luggage for all airlines operating in the European Union would enhance transparency and consumer protection for all air travellers.'
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Budget airlines contributing to passenger boom at NYC-area regional airports
Traffic is really taking off at two regional airports north of New York City. Budget airlines are powering the growth in passengers. On a random Tuesday afternoon, Westchester County Airport was a busy place. Frequent flier Jill Forrester said she has noticed a big increase in passenger volume. "I have. The waiting room is always packed. There's not a lot of places to sit down. That's why we're up here in the observation tower. It's just a little bit quieter," Forrester said. Read more: Newark Airport experiences another air traffic control outage Why the boom in passengers at regional airports Airport statistics show Westchester County handled 1.5 million passengers in 2017, but in 2024 that increased to 2.3 million. At Tweed Airport in New Haven, a Hearst Connecticut Media study found passenger traffic is up tenfold since 2019. With traffic way up, Tweed is looking at a big expansion, more than doubling the current terminal space. At both airports, traffic is rising since the debut of service by budget airlines such as Avelo and Breeze. "Avelo and Breeze have built routes out of Westchester and Tweed airports to places that people want to go, mostly leisure-focused destinations, and they are charging fares that are potentially more reasonably priced than some of the other airlines that have served those cities," travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said. Asked for comment about passenger volume, Westchester County, which is always sensitive to complaints about airport noise, provided a statement from spokeswoman Catherine Cioffi. "While more passengers are moving through HPN, the number of enplanements hasn't increased dramatically. What we are seeing in 2025 is a shift toward larger, more efficient and quieter aircraft, meaning more people per flight, not more flights overall. This is not a surge in air traffic. This is simply smarter, more streamlined air travel. The number of planes in the sky remains stable," Cioffi said. "That said, anyone who has been to the HPN terminal knows it's time for an upgrade, which is why the county issued a Request for Proposals to modernize the terminal at Westchester County Airport. Our objective is to identify a consultant who will work closely with the county to develop distinct design concepts for consideration. Each will focus on enhancing the overall airport experience for passengers. This is not expansion. It's about being able to offer essentials: a seat, a cup of coffee and a bathroom. We are committed to a transparent and competitive process that puts the needs of our residents and travelers first. It's also worth noting that commercial flights make up only about 30% of total takeoffs at HPN," Cioffi added. There is a drawback to the regional airports, analyst says The budget airline destinations include smaller markets in Florida and hotspots such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina, but with limited schedules compared to major airlines Harteveldt says budget travelers need to be aware. "If your flights are delayed or cancelled, your options are going to be limited to get you to your destination, whether you are on your way to a vacation or on your way back home," Harteveldt said. Breeze is expanding aggressively in the region, also adding service at MacArthur Airport on Long Island and Stewart Airport in Orange County.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Savvy travellers race to nab cabin case approved for use by ALL budget airlines, as it scans for just £8
THE rules about which cases you can take on the plane seem to be getting stricter on an almost daily basis. And while the majority of people are trying their best to stick to the rules, they don't want to shell out on expensive luggage - as the restrictions could well change again. 2 2 So they might want to head to their local Morrisons, after one savvy shopper spotted cabin cases for just £8. The hard shell case is apparently suitable to use on "all budget airlines", according to the sleeve on the product. Aly took to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group on Facebook to share her find, as she shared snaps of the case and wrote: "Morrisons today, £8!" The LUGG Venus Cabin bag measures 40 x 25 x 20cm, and is "lightweight and durable", as well as having an "ABS hard shell and scratch resistant finish". It's also got 360 degree swivel wheels, designed to give it "smooth effortless mobility". While the Venus design isn't available anymore on the LUGG website, they have similar cabin cases they're selling for £25.99 and up. "I bought a couple last year, but different design," one person commented on Aly's post. "Are they good quality? Tempted to get some but with 4 kids I don't want any busting on us," another asked. To which they replied that they make a "brilliant under-seat bag". "Did they have any bigger ones?" a third questioned. Gatwick baggage handler filmed hurling suitcases 'like missiles' from jet in front of shocked fliers With someone else responding: "They did at the store near me - £18 for the next size up." As Donna, who had picked up the £8 case in Morrisons, posted on X that the store she'd gone to also has a 24 inch suitcase in the same LUGG range for sale for £25. "Are these the ones that fit under the seat?" another asked in the comments on the Facebook post, with Aly replying "Yes". "I got one in navy blue," someone else wrote. "They are small cabin sized that can be used on Jet2 or Ryanair," someone else said. "They had 4 different sizes, this one is the smallest." Luggage Rules for Major Airlines British Airways Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg. Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more. EasyJet Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat. Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg. Ryanair Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg). Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags. Virgin Atlantic Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags. Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags. Emirates Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg). Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively. "Which Morrisons?" another asked. With Aly replying that she'd found it in the shop in "Seaburn, Sunderland". Someone else laughed that their son had "just bought one for £28". "It's proper tiny!" they added.
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
2 months' salary on one trip? UAE residents hit by 300% surge in flight tickets
As summer travel demand surges, many UAE residents could find themselves spending up to two months' salary just to fly home, with airfares to popular destinations skyrocketing, according to travel experts. Ticket prices to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines have surged by up to 300 per cent compared to off-peak months, and families are feeling the pinch. "An employee earning Dh5,000 to Dh7,000 a month may have to spend Dh10,000 to Dh14,000 just for return air tickets for a family of four," said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. "That is up to two months salary gone before you even land." Even for those earning Dh15,000 monthly, a summer trip could eat up their entire salary. "If someone is flying out with their spouse and two kids, they are looking at return fares of Dh12,000 to Dh14,000 for direct flights to Indian cities," said Subair. "Budget carriers, which usually offer relief for many residents taking short flights, are also selling seats for over Dh10,000 for a family of four," added Subair. According to a Khaleej Times analysis, return airfares on budget airlines from the UAE to major Indian cities during the peak summer now range between Dh2,100 and Dh2,800. A round-trip ticket to Mumbai on Air India Express is priced at Dh2,250, while a return fare to Kochi on IndiGo shows around Dh2,650. Similarly, flights to Delhi on budget airlines are averaging about Dh2,450. Similarly, return airfares from the UAE to Cairo are currently affordable. A round-trip from Dubai to Cairo on EgyptAir is available for approximately Dh1,200. Similarly, Air Arabia offers return tickets on the same route starting at around Dh1,300. According to travel agents, some one-way tickets to Indian cities were available for under Dh500 a month ago. Today, fares for the same routes in early June have shot up to Dh1,500, a threefold jump. For return travel in August, prices are crossing Dh1,400. "Prices to almost all eastern destinations have doubled, and we are seeing similar trends for Europe and the Philippines," Subair added. "Airfares have started climbing steeply from June 5 onwards," said Mir Waseem Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel Services. "This is mainly because the Eid Al Adha holidays coincide with the school summer break this year. The combination of both has created a surge in travel demand, pushing prices up." "The demand is so high that many flights on popular routes are already fully booked, especially for South Asian countries. Even seats on budget carriers are being booked quickly, leaving limited options for last-minute travellers," added Raja. Destinations like Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Dhaka, and Lahore are seeing the steepest increases. "Round tickets that used to cost Dh700 to Dh1,000 are now over Dh2,500," said Subair. Travel aggregators said that fares to North America have remained relatively stable due to more routing options and layovers. "There are several budget-friendly options for travelling to the US and Canada, like layovers in Europe. We can also see a surge in airfare to even some European cities," said Subair.
