Passengers planning to eat on board their next British Airways short-haul route will need to plan ahead. As part of the new Speedbird Cafe program the airline will only cater fresh food for passengers who order and paid in advance.
ancillary revenue
Fareportal sues JetBlue as access is cut
JetBlue faces accusations of excluding online travel agencies to “illegally acquire, enhance, and maintain its monopoly over passenger air travel” in markets where it holds a dominant share. Fareportal, parent of CheapOair, filed the suit this week after the carrier cut off access for Fareportal to sell the carrier’s fares.
Holding the line: Intelsat sees minimal near-term change with Gogo Commercial Aviation acquisition
We’re just a couple weeks into the formal transition process of the Gogo Commercial Aviation division into the Intelsat operation, but the teams involved have never been more optimistic about the future of in-flight connectivity and the value they can deliver to airlines and passengers.
Oman Air launches "My Space" seat blocking
Call it an anti-social networking option. Oman Air has a new “My Space” option for economy class travelers to secure a blocked middle seat when flying.
So long free ESAs: DOT finalizes new Service Animal rules
The US Department of Transportation published its final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals today, bringing an end to the Emotional Support Animal (ESA) era. Under the new guidelines only dogs may be designated as service animals and owners must attest that they are specially trained to provide services to the passenger, among other requirements.
EasyJet shrinks cabin baggage allowance
The carrier is pitching the move as a push to improve on-time performance, but easyJet’s new hand baggage policy looks an awful lot like an ancillary revenue push.
American Airlines drops change fees for long-haul flights
Earlier this year the US carriers went through a round of cuts to change fees, but they focused mostly on domestic or regional routes. American Airlines took that a step further today, announcing that the new policy would also apply to First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin (except Basic Economy) tickets for all long-haul international flying when travel originates in North or South America. Typically those changes cost $200.
Lufthansa Group launches short-haul buy-on-board catering
The stale half-sandwich snack will disappear from Lufthansa Group flights in the new year. Passengers demanded better, and now they have the option to pay for it.
United launches contactless payments for buy-on-board
Buy-on-board snacks are coming back to United Airlines next month. But the company wants to ease customer concerns over payments, with a new contactless option being added.
Immfly launches ground experience bookings in the sky
Passengers can add to their activities at the destination while en route, while airlines have an opportunity to increase ancillary revenue through the system thanks to a new partnership between Immfly and GetYourGuide.