Tag: Air

  • American Airlines And Air Canada Relaunching Nonstop Flights To Cozumel This Fall

    American Airlines And Air Canada Relaunching Nonstop Flights To Cozumel This Fall

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    Viva Mexico! Indisputably America’s favorite international destination, the country is experiencing a significant increase in flight frequency lately, with airlines battling among themselves for dominance in key markets. American Airlines and Air Canada are among some of the strongest contenders, having just added new nonstop flights to Cozumel.

    Boats Lining The Beach In Cozumel, Mexico

    Now that the colder months are approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, demand for Caribbean travel could be reaching an all-time high for the first official post-pandemic travel season. Interestingly, Mexico remains a regional leader in bookings, in spite of heavy competition from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and the like.

    Following the latest announcement, Cozumel, one of its most sought-after beaches, is about to get a lot busier:

    American Airlines Adding Flights To Cozumel From Two U.S. Cities

    American Airlines Aircraft In Mid Air

    As part of their fall and winter program, which also features flights to other sunny spots like Cuba and skiing hubs, American Airlines is reinstating their Cozumel flights. Departing weekly from Charlotte, North Carolina, with a start date set for October 8, Cozumel complements American’s already-comprehensive Mexican flight map.

    Although it was originally established as a seasonal offer, customers booking through the carrier’s website will notice nonstop service is available up to July 29, 2023, the furthest the calendar goes on the date this article was written. While we have not obtained confirmation, judging by this schedule, Cozumel is looking like a permanent addition.

    Cruise Ship Approaching Cozumel, Mexico

    In other words, Charlotte-based travelers will have a direct link to the pristine island throughout winter and well into summer 2023, unlike customers residing elsewhere in the U.S. Airfares are considerably higher than the average Cancun flight, starting at $370 one-way, but much cheaper seats can be found when reserved months in advance.

    Flights will depart every Saturday at 9:05 from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), landing in Cozumel International (CZM) at 11:16. Returning home the next Saturday, Charlotteans should be at the gate at 1:00 (in the morning), landing at 5:00, though connecting flights in Austin, Texas are available throughout the week.

    Traveler Scanning Boarding Pass At A Digital Kiosk At An Airport

    Other details include:

    • Flight time 3h00 (roughly)
    • Operated by an Airbus A319
    • Seats distributed between Basic Economy, Main Economy, and Business Classes
    • Refreshments are available for Basic and Main Economy customers
    • Business travelers have free breakfast
    • Features AC power, live TV, personal device streaming and high-speed WiFi*

    *WiFi is usually available for a fee

    Two Women Preparing Documents To Board Plane, Air Travel Concept

    Charlotte is not the only U.S. hub being awarded its own air bridge with the paradise island: Philadelphia will begin hosting once-a-week Cozumel flights from November 5, a seasonal strategy ending April 1, 2023, according to the company’s own online flight schedule. Much like Charlotte’s, the Philadelphia-Cozumel route will be open on Saturdays.

    Departure time is 10:40 a.m. and the journey lasts 4h40 approximately, with 2:20 a.m. as the tentative arrival time. On the way back, he flight leaves Cozumel at 2:39 p.m., touching down in Philadelphia at 7:35 p.m. Economy tickets can cost as little as $280 one-way, depending on seat availability and travel dates.

    American Airlines Aircraft Parked At An Unspecified Airport With The Carrier's Logo Displayed

    Besides Cancun, Cozumel is the only other destination American Airlines serves in the Mayan Riviera from Philadelphia International. The route is operated by an Embraer 175 under American Eagle, a regional branch of American Airlines. Unlike the Airbus 319 deployed for Charlotte, this aircraft is not equipped with WiFi.

    Air Canada Offering Cozumel Flights From Its Toronto Base

    Air Canada Aircraft Pictured Mid Air

    Lastly, Air Canada is bringing Canadians much closer to Cozumel, being the latest major airline to announce nonstop flights to the island. Leaving from Toronto Pearson, flights will start November 6 under the Air Canada Rouge logo, a subsidiary of the nation’s flag-carrier. Throughout November, frequency will be weekly, more specifically every Sunday.

    Beginning December, this will increase to twice a week, culminating in three-weekly flights from January 2023. Flight duration is 4h20 and one-way tickets start at $425, making it a pricier alternative to Cancun’s busy airport. On the other hand, Cozumel’s arrival figures are significantly lower, resulting in fewer delays.

    YYZ Sign At Toronto Pearson International, Ontario, Canada

    Luckily, Torontonians no longer face layovers in the U.S. or Mexico vacationing there. Sunday timetables for November are as follows:

    Outbound

    • Departure from Toronto: 10:20 a.m.
    • Arrival in Cozumel: 2:40 p.m.

    Return

    • Departure from Cozumel: 3:35 p.m.
    • Arrival in Toronto: 7:35 p.m.
    Downtown Cozumel, Mexico

    A few of Cozumel’s top rated attractions are Playa Caletita, in close proximity to the island’s ferry terminal, the landmark Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, and the Mayan monument-packed San Gervasio Archaeological Site. All around the island, snorkeling and open sea swimming are among popular activities.

    For more news on the Mexican Caribbean, make sure you keep up with our associated website Cancun Sun.

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    American Airlines Launches New Flights To Cozumel, Mexico And 2 Destinations In Jamaica

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    This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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  • New York Is The Most Expensive U.S. City For Air Travel Right Now

    New York Is The Most Expensive U.S. City For Air Travel Right Now

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    Flight costs have soared through the roof since the world reopened for tourism. In the U.S., a pent-up travel demand has pushed prices up the highest, with the airfare inflation being attributed to a handful of destinations only. One of them is New York, named by TravelPerk the most expensive city for air travel right now.

    Plane Window Pictured As The Aircraft Hovers Above New York City, United States

    The data compiled by the travel management company proves that the issues facing the aviation sector at present are not merely operational, or exclusively related to staffing shortages. These can also be traced back to fuel costs and the global economic recession, that is making flying increasingly expensive, particularly at major airports.

    Like New York:

    Fares For Some New York Routes Are Up By As Much As 62 Per Cent

    Interior Of JFK International Airport With United States American Flag On Display, United States

    According to TravelPerk, travel costs in the Eastern U.S. have ‘increased the most’ in the second quarter, being the highest within the States, and on an extent, among the main global destinations. More specifically, the city of New York occupies the entire top three for most expensive airfares during the April 1st-June 30th period.

    To put it simply, flying into and out of New York has never been costlier, whether it’s domestic or international routes. Fares for the ever-busy New York-Paris route has registered a staggering 62 per cent increase, the steepest rise on the list, while New York-Amsterdam is up a more moderate 36 per cent compared to the first quarter.

    Statue Of Liberty Shown With The New York Cityscape In The Background, United States

    Domestically, flights from New York to San Francisco on the West Coast ‘nearly doubled’, indicating affordable air travel is seriously under threat, in Europe and beyond, for as long as the worldwide economic upheaval continues. The dire prospect has led even United to directly call out the American Government on their foreign policy strategy.

    Namely, the country’s dependence on foreign oil, which has done Americans no favor after Russia started a violent campaign against its neighbor Ukraine, seriously disrupting the global supply chains. After all, Russia is the second largest oil producer, and the sanctions enacted against it have forced countries to seek alternatives elsewhere – at a cost.

    Young Female Traveler Booking An Airplane Ticket While Planning A Trip, Flight Reservation Booking Concept

    August And September May Be The Best Months To Visit New York

    Commenting on the data, TravelPerk Chief Revenue Officer JC Taunay-Bucalo confirmed inflated airfares in locations such as New York are directly linked to ‘increased fuel costs, a shortage of labor and disruptions to the global economy’. In more dispiriting news, Taunay-Bucalo expects this upward trend to remain for the rest of the year.

    Young Female Traveler Working From Her Laptop As She Checks Her Mobile Phone Inside A Plane During Air Travel

    Comparatively, there may be some ‘relief’ for travelers who were unable to fly during the summer due to the prohibitive costs. Amid the oscillating prices, August and September may actually be the best months to travel, when fares should drop significantly, albeit temporarily, ahead of new hikes forecast for November and December.

    Expensive tickets are not the only thing making vacationers reconsider New York as their destination, or even a connecting hub: TravelPerk has found that accommodation in the city has ‘some of the highest levels of inflation‘ for the second yearly quarter, at 49 per cent. On the bright side, it doesn’t beat Chicago, up 77 per cent, or even Boston, up 63 per cent.

    Back View Of Young Female Traveler With A Backpack taking Pictures Of The Manhattan Cityscape Using A Retro Camera, New York City, United States

    This is still no consolation, seeing that these ‘modest’ hotel fares are coupled with cripplingly overpriced flights. Some other international routes where pronounced rates were observed include Berlin-London (43 per cent), London-Berlin (42 per cent), London-New York (35 per cent), and Sao Paulo-Amsterdam (28 per cent).

    The West Coast Manages To Avoid The Steep Airfare Rises

    Travelers Waiting To Board A Flight At An Airport's Boarding Gate

    Interestingly, San Francisco, one of the Western U.S.’s busiest airports, has not been hit as hard. Hotels in the city have seen a 22 per cent increase in hotel costs, besides having the ‘lower’ airfare inflation rates, quarter-over-quarter, in stark contrast with New York’s towering figures. In fact, San Francisco flights to London are down 4 per cent.

    As air travel becomes marred by exorbitant costs and widespread disruption, passengers may want to consider other (somewhat) cheaper means of transport, including the railway. Luckily for you, on this article, we have already rounded up five of the most incredible train journeys in North America, including the scenic New York to Chicago Cardinal Train.

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  • Spain’s New Air Conditioning Rules Could Have Travelers In A Sweat

    Spain’s New Air Conditioning Rules Could Have Travelers In A Sweat

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    Spain’s latest rules about the use of air conditioning in public spaces could have the millions of travelers that visit the country each year in a sweat. Famed amongst other reasons for its warm, sunny climate and idyllic beaches, Spain’s hot weather is one of its main attractions, with travelers escaping their colder climes to enjoy the sun, sea and sand that have made it one of Europe’s most popular destinations for travelers. 

    However, curbs on air conditioning usage aren’t the only recent changes that travelers will have to contend with in Spain. The country has also put controls on the use of heaters – for those rare weeks that shorts and sandals aren’t suitable in the country – as well as introducing a series of strange rules regarding beach behaviour that could be a bit of a minefield for travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s new air conditioning restrictions, plus a recap of other local rules it would be handy for travelers to know. 

    Spain’s New Air Conditioning Rules – Information For Travelers

    For many travelers in Europe and beyond, trips to Spain are a buzzword for fun in the sun, a destination that’s rarely likely to disappoint for sun-seekers and beach bums alike. Parts of Spain that are a hit with travelers, such as Seville, Murcia and Granada, have average daily temperatures in the 90s during the hotter months of the year – temperatures that send travelers running for the respite of the air conditioning unit. However, that could all be set to change. 

    According to new measures brought in by the Spanish government, the air conditioning in public buildings in Spain will no longer be allowed to be set lower than 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit) in the summer, leaving travelers with no choice but to ensure the sticky situation. The move has been made with energy saving in mind, along with the desire to reduce the country’s use of gas from Russia, in line with policies from the European Union. 

    Whilst travelers will be relieved that the air conditioning restrictions won’t affect them in their hotel rooms, bars or restaurants, they’re sti likely to feel the heat in various different places, such as shops, cinemas, shopping centers, cultural spaces, public transport, airports and stations. Metro systems in places like Barcelona and Madrid can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but peak times at 81 degrees could well be unbearable for travelers. 

    The country has made several other changes in a bid to further reduce their energy consumption. Public spaces are now forbidden to set their heating systems above 19 degree Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) – meaning travelers may want to pack a scarf and an extra sweater in the cold winter months, particularly in the more frost-inclined North of the country. Businesses have also been told to switch off their storefront lights after 10PM and to keep their doors closed. 

    However, the proposed changes have been met with fierce opposition. Coming so soon after touristic industries were decimated by Covid-19, there are those who feel such changes send the wrong messages to travelers. Madrid’s regional leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso tweeted that Madrid would not comply with the changes, adding that the proposed changes “generate insecurity and scare away tourism and consumption.” The limits on air conditioning and heating usage are set to run from now until November 1st, 2023, and it remains to be seen if others will fight them.

    Young Female Traveler Enjoying A Glass Of Sangria In Spain

    Spain is also home to several local laws that travelers would be better off knowing before heading to the country. In the likes of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, travelers can be fined US $266 for wearing bikinis or going topless outside beaches, whilst going nude at non-nudist beaches could see travelers slapped with a fine of around US $800. Travelers can also be fined for using shampoo on beaches, sleeping on beaches or having a BBQ on the sand. 

    Young Male Tourist Walking To The Beach In Spain

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  • Air Canada and United Expand Travel Connections Between Canada And The U.S.

    Air Canada and United Expand Travel Connections Between Canada And The U.S.

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    Air Canada and United Airlines recently announced that they would be working together to expand their alliance and bring more benefits to their customers. Both companies agreed on providing more flight options and optimizing travel schedules for passengers in the transborder market. 

    The airlines will connect 38 codeshare destinations in the United States and eight in Canada, extending both carrier’s networks. The new connections will be accessible to customers through the carriers’ websites and apps.

    Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada, said: “United is a world-class airline and we are pleased to significantly expand our well-established partnership to further enhance the customer journey between Canada and the U.S. by offering more choice, greater convenience, and an improved airport experience.”

    And added: “This agreement marks a new phase in our evolving relationship that will speed the recovery from the pandemic and strengthen both carriers. It will also enable us to optimize our hubs and schedules and to broaden our global network connectivity to maintain our leadership in the market.”

    According to the information shared in the press release, this alliance expansion will offer more benefits for frequent travelers memberships of both companies’ programs, Aeroplan and MileagePlus, and also regular customers. 

    It’s great news for American and Canadian travelers. Besides offering a greater flight variety, both carriers commit to improving services. United Airlines has recently ranked well among the best in-flight economy experience in the US, this extended alliance might improve both carriers’ services.

    Benefits For Travelers 

    Now that the travel industry has been recovering and interest in travel has peaked across the globe, Air Canada and United Airlines expect to build stronger networks and provide more attractive services for travelers.

    Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United, said: “As international travel continues to recover, this expanded partnership will provide an enhanced experience for all transborder travel.”

    These are a few of the main benefits of the alliance expansion mentioned by the carriers in the announcement:

    • Travelers searching for flights between the United States and Canada will find more options, more access to each airline’s seat inventory, and more convenient schedules.
    • Members of the frequent flyer loyalty programs —Aeroplan and MileagePlus— will have more accrual and redemption options and also improved services.
    • The airlines expect that this year travelers will be able to connect to 46 transborder codeshare destinations with more than 400 daily frequencies.

    The carriers have also agreed to work together to improve customer policies and advance their sustainability objectives. 

    Traveler with only carry on luggage

    In 2019 the transborder market between the United States and Canada was the second largest international passenger air transportation market—measured by seats— across the globe. 

    The carrier expects the market to return to pre-pandemic levels, but it is yet to be seen. It might take a little longer than other destinations considering that Canada brought back random COVID-19 testing at airports just a few days ago and foreigners are still required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and download the ArriveCan app to enter Canadian territory.

    More Alliances

    United Airlines and Air Canada are both members of Star Alliance and the Lufthansa Group and have been expanding their networks, especially now that travelers are eager to explore the world. 

    A few months ago, Air Canada announced a new partnership with the Mexican airline Aeromar to provide more travel opportunities for Canadian and Mexican travelers. Mexico is one of Canadian travelers’ favorite vacation destination.

    United Airlines, on the other hand, has also invested in transatlantic expansions. The carrier restored an abandoned connection —paused for six years— and recently announced that will be resuming routes to Norway

    And, in September, travelers will be able to take a non-stop flight from New York -Newark—where United opened its largest and most incredible club lounge— to Norway. 

    Read More:

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  • Air Canada Announces They Are Cancelling Over 9000 Flights This Summer

    Air Canada Announces They Are Cancelling Over 9000 Flights This Summer

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    Prospective travelers have been dealt a further blow this week with the news that Air Canada is now canceling over 9000 flights this summer, leaving the travel plans of thousands of people in jeopardy. The announcement was made just yesterday, with the Air Canada’s CEO sending an email to customers of the airline, and is set to leave those with travel plans this summer scrambling to find out if their flight is affected and what they can do if it is. 

    What was once looking like a positive summer full of travel after years of pandemic related disruptions now looks as though it will descend into chaos, with Air Canada the latest of several airlines to announce sweeping cuts to their planned summer flight schedules. Here’s a look at Air Canada’s decision to trim more than 9000 flights this summer, including why it is happening, which type of flights are set to be affected and where customers stand with regards to compensation.

    Air Canada Announces Cancellations – Information For Travelers

    The sheer number of cancellations affecting various different airlines across North America has left the so-called record breaking summer of travel at risk of even taking off. Due to myriad factors, airlines on both sides of the US-Canada border have been forced to delay or cancel thousands of their flights, as they struggle to match the increasing demand for flights from the travel-starved populace – and Air Canada is the latest to disappoint. 

    Air Canada is set to substantially lower its overall flight offerings this summer. At present, the Canadian flag-carrying airline is currently operating around 1,000 flights per day. However, it has plans to reduce this figure by an average of 154 flights per day throughout the months of July and August – a move that will reduce their overall number of flights offered this summer by more than 9,000, a significant reduction. 

    The cancellations come as there is a major strain on the aviation industry, brought about by the sheer number of travelers flying at present. The unprescented number of travelers choosing to fly this summer has left the airline unable to provide customers with their normal standards of care, leading them to make the decision to cut flights to preserve a higher level of service. In his letter to customers, Air Canada’s President and CEO Michael Rousseau wrote that whilst many of these issues were anticipated and planned for, the airline must still cut thousands of flights in order to maintain its operational stability and reduce passenger numbers to levels that the airline can accommodate. 

    Some flights are set to be more affected by the cancellations than others. Amongst the routes that are the most affected are flights to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, and in particular flights that take part during the evening and late at night on Air Canada’s smaller aircraft. Some routes are to be cut altogether, such as the routes between Montreal and Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Kelowna, and Toronto and Fort McMurray. 

    It’s not all bad news for travelers. It’s expected that the latest cuts will only affect domestic flights, with no reductions planned for the airline’s current international flight offerings. Air Canada has slowly been rebuilding its international flight network, and last week it became the first airline to offer a non-stop flight to Thailand in ten years when it announced flights between Vancouver and Bangkok starting in December.

    Thankfully for travelers, those who are scheduled to be on flights that are canceled by Air Canada will get their money back. According to the airline’s policies, travelers will be either rebooked on to another flight or offered the chance to receive a full refund. On top of this, the Canadian government announced last week that it would ensure travelers would receive reimbursements for all canceled flights, regardless of the reason for the cancellation – making sure that travelers are well protected as we head into an uncertain and chaotic travel period. 

    Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER taking off

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  • U.S. Drops Covid Testing Requirement For International Arrivals By Air

    U.S. Drops Covid Testing Requirement For International Arrivals By Air

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    It was announced earlier today that the U.S. will be dropping its requirement for all international arrivals by air to provide a negative Covid test result in order to enter the country. All Covid testing restrictions to travel to the United States will no longer be effective as of 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 12.

    It was first reported by CNN early on Friday that the Biden administration would be dropping the requirement, and it was later confirmed by the new White House press secretary, Kevin Munoz.

    According to the announcement, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention will reassess the rule after 90 days, taking into account any possible new variants that might emerge.

    travelers at a departure terminal at the airport in the United States

    Testing Requirement Has Been In Place Since January Of 2021 – To End June 12, 2022

    The Covid testing requirement for air travelers to the U.S. began back in January of 2021. When it was first introduced, the requirement was for all travelers aged 2 and over to show a negative rapid antigen test result taken at least 72 hours from departure.

    Then in November, the administration tightened the requirements to only 1 day for all unvaccinated U.S. travelers, keeping the 3-day window for fully vaccinated travelers. At the same time, all unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens in barred from entering the country (with limited exceptions).

    Covid testing requirements for travel to the United States were further tightened in December in the midst of the Omicron wave, and it was required for all travelers aged 2 and over to the US to show a negative Covid test result within one day of travel, regardless of citizenship.

    And the 1-day testing window has remained in place ever since.

    covid test counter at airport

    Testing Restrictions Only Apply To Air Travelers

    It’s important to note that these new travel rules will only apply to international air travelers, as the land border between the U.S.-Mexico and the U.S.-Canada doesn’t require travelers to show a negative Covid test to enter.

    According to the official US government guidance, all non-US travelers via land or sea might be required to show proof of full vaccination against Covid, however. This rule has been in effect since January 2022.

    Here are the current testing requirements in the US:

    • All passengers arriving via air to the US (mainland USA as well as its territories) must show a negative Covid test result taken no later than 1-day from their flight departure.
    • Testing requirements apply to all persons over the age of 2, regardless of Covid vaccination status.

    As of June 12, 2022, these requirements will no longer be in effect.

    Starting June 12, the 1-day negative test requirement ends for:

    • Returning U.S. citizens, both vaccinated and unvaccinated
    • International arrivals, only fully vaccinated, as a vaccine requirement still exists for non-U.S. citizens to enter.

    What About The Vaccine Requirement For International Travelers?

    While a negative Covid test will no longer be required for air travelers to the US, unvaccinated non-US citizens and residents still won’t be able to visit the country for non-essential reasons.

    So even though the testing requirements have been dropped, the United States won’t be joining this list of countries that have dropped all of their Covid-related entry requirements for international arrivals just yet.

    Announcement Follows Months Of Pressure By Airlines And Travel Industry

    Many companies in the travel industry including most US-based airlines have been pressing the Biden administration for months to drop the testing requirement for international air arrivals, arguing that it is no longer effective as a number of other nations have dropped their requirements.

    Canada, Mexico, as well as many countries throughout Europe (including the UK) dropped their testing requirements while the US has held out. Many airline officials made positive remarks following today’s announcement.

    Girl in hat with backpack traveling in the airport

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  • United Airlines Is Taking More Aggressive Action To Stop Rising Air Fares

    United Airlines Is Taking More Aggressive Action To Stop Rising Air Fares

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    In order to stop what is proving to be an unprecedented, and even disruptive, rise in air fares, United Airlines is ready to take more aggressive action to mitigate the impacts of the 2022 aviation crisis. Now, they are calling for an industry-wide investment in sustainable aviation fuel and advocating for an end to America’s dependence on foreign oil.

    Flight tickets have skyrocketed as fuel is built into the price, and ironically, just when international travel finally resumed following two years of Covid restrictions. Airlines need the commodity to power their jets, and it is getting costlier across the United States, leading air fares to become more expensive as a consequence. At times, even prohibitively expensive.

    United Airlines Aircraft Taking Off From A United Airlines Hub

    United believes it’s time to address the issue and has offered some solutions:

    The Airline Wants Aggressive Policy Change On U.S. Fuel Policy

    Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fuel prices shot up worldwide to 14-year highs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of flying has increased by 18.6% month-over-month, meaning that, due to fuel having essentially doubled in price in recent months, Americans are now less likely to be able to afford international, or even domestic trips.

    Traveler Upset At The Airport After Having A Flight Cancelled Or Other Flight Disruption

    Unsurprisingly, the rising air fares are not only a concern for customers who are eager to go on a vacation after two endless years of travel restrictions: airlines like United are also struggling to manage with the jet fuel hike. According to CCO Josh Earnest, the single most important reason behind the phenomenon is the cost of jet fuel.

    Earnest noted Americans want to travel again and high travel demand is back, and he is advocating for an ‘aggressive policy’ to ease costs for passengers, who may already be facing financial difficulties themselves due to the pandemic. For him, in order to alleviate the economic impact, the United States needs to lessen its dependence on foreign oil, including Russian, immediately.

    Male Business Traveler Dragging Luggage Through Airport Terminals

    10 Billion More Is Being Spent On Fuel This Year With Flight Passengers Being Directly Affected

    The former Obama White House press secretary has revealed the United States is going to pay $10 billion more in fuel this year than 2019, the year preceding the pandemic. Considering costs are then passed on to customers, either through gas stations or flight tickets, traveling has inevitably gotten more expensive for everyone, including those going on road trips or flying abroad.

    To put it simply, fuel prices need to be reduced with immediate effect. As Earnest inferred, ‘one of the ways that we can do that actually is investing in sustainable fuel’, something United Airlines has pioneered. Last December, they flew the first passenger jet powered with sustainable fuel only, thus paving the way for other airlines to do the same.

    United Airlines Aircraft Taking Off

    Using sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels can dramatically reduce air fares, as airlines would no longer rely on the U.S. Government to strike deals with foreign states to supply the commodity, or be subject to a volatile global market, only set to get worse as the crisis intensifies. In fact, United is pushing for major changes.

    It is investing in a company producing jet fuel from municipal waste, and that they have been testing since 2021. Although some passengers may be wary of flying on ‘experimental’ fuel, Earnest has emphasized it is perfectly safe and operated at the expected level. If United’s investments prove successful, this might well revolutionize the aviation sector.

    Passengers Transiting Chicago O'Hare International Airport, United States

    Staff Shortages Still Need To Be Addressed

    Higher fuel costs are not the only issue facing an already-battered aviation sector lately: staff shortages are becoming all too common, as several airlines are forced to trim down their summer program due to demand outpacing the industry’s hiring rate. Over the last few weeks, we have reported extensively on the matter ourselves.

    From airlines fast forwarding security clearance for new pilots, which in turn technically makes them less experienced, to countries like the U.K. bracing for a chaotic summer ahead as there are fewer border control agents (and a higher number of arrivals), the impacts of Covid as a long-term complication are only beginning to hit.

    Flight Passengers Wearing Face Masks While Flight Attendant Closes The Overhead Compartment

    Earnest mentions a worker shortage himself, and more specifically, a lack of pilots. This year, United has an ambitious plan to fulfill its largest-ever Transatlantic expansion, including by launching non-stop flights to five brand new destinations. Shortly after announcing it, they have been forced to suspend service on some routes.

    You can probably guess why, but they have also fallen victim to a chronic, industry-wide worker shortage that will take years to mend. As Earnest puts it himself, ‘the lack of pilots is an acute problem’: people can’t just be hired ‘off the street’ to become a pilot, and years of training and preparation are required in order for an aspiring pilot to graduate.

    Female Aircraft Pilot Posing Before A Jet

    Luckily, United is at least attempting to tackle yet this problem by training up to 500 new pilots each year. According to Earnest, this will give the airline an opportunity to ‘diversify the cockpit’ and open up career paths to people that ‘historically have not had that opportunity’. This seems to suggest United Airlines is promoting more affirmative action policies.

    By reducing the impact on its workforce and finding cheaper alternatives for fuel, United Airlines is trying to keep the crisis from aggravating further by nipping it in the bud. After all, as the Business Insider affirms, the price of jet fuel is the ‘second biggest expense’ for airlines… Behind only labor. In sum, if airlines want to improve customer satisfaction, they will have to act more decisively.

    Read More:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Travelers Will Face Mass Flight Disruptions Across Europe This Summer

    Last Minute Travel Deals Will Be Hard To Find This Summer

    ​​New Summer Travel Cheat Sheet To Help US Travelers Buy Cheap Flights

    Hotel Prices Across Europe Surging To Record Highs

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