Airline News - North America.

Mar 17, 2008

Airlines rely on medical pros' judgment in in-flight emergencies. Beyond what the FAA requires of all passenger airlines, individual carriers train flight attendants in basic first aid and CPR, and many carriers carry more equipment on board than what the government requires. Flight attendants are trained to use defibrillators and can administer oxygen but are taught to call on passengers who are trained medical professionals during emergencies, experts say. Meanwhile, any decision to divert or proceed to a planned destination during a medical emergency is left up to the pilot. Mar 16, 2008

Airlines let travelers use miles, cash to book tickets. Some airlines are allowing travelers to combine their frequent-flier miles with cash to purchase tickets. Airline officials note that travelers have grown frustrated with the current programs because the number of miles accumulated is outpacing the number of available reward seats. Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are among the carriers that have changed their frequent-flier programs. Mar 13, 2008

Disabled travelers raise concerns about wheelchair assistance. Some disabled travelers say that wheelchair assistance while traveling on commercial airlines could be better. Airports say they are trying to boost standards for training wheelchair attendants, and carriers also note that most requests for wheelchair assistance go smoothly. Mar 13, 2008

Private jets have become the travel method of choice for corporate executives who can afford them, cutting down on wait times and delays that affect commercial carriers. Corporations can either buy planes outright, or buy fractional jet shares to avoid shouldering the hefty price of planes that can range from a few million dollars to $50 million. Mar 11, 2008

Several major U.S. airlines have recently increased fuel surcharges on domestic fares, a move aimed at offsetting the increasing price of jet fuel. United Airlines led the increase on Friday, and other carriers matched it over the weekend. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson said federal officials should create a policy to help restrain the cost of fuel. With oil prices above $108 on Monday, continuing to add pressure to carriers' bottom lines, several airline executives are speaking out. Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland called oil prices a "serious budget breaker," saying that the company will spend $1.7 billion over its budget if oil stays above $100 a barrel. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson said federal officials should create a policy to help restrain the cost of fuel and move to install equipment that will reduce system delays. Mar 11, 2008

Some major U.S. airlines now charge travelers for checking bags, speaking with reservation agents, and exit-row seats, The Wall Street Journal's Scott McCartney writes. He notes the soaring price of oil is forcing airlines to find new ways to boost revenue. McCartney says the baggage fees may alienate some travelers because they substantially increase the cost of flying. Mar 11, 2008

Airlines looking for ways to become greener are reducing their fuel consumption, modernizing their equipment and investing in sustainable technology. Most airlines now use ground equipment powered by electricity. Meanwhile, airports are taking steps to incorporate environmental principles into new technology. Mar 10, 2008

American Airlines

American Airlines has expanded the range of features available on the mobile version of AA.com, providing more tools for travelers using Web-enabled devices. The new enhancements allow customers to book flights, view fare specials, request upgrades, enroll in the AAdvantage program, purchase Admirals Club one-day passes and change their flights for many domestic reservations. These additions complement the features in place when the mobile version of AA.com was launched earlier this year. This includes flight check-in, flight and baggage status checks, destination and weather information and AAdvantage member log-in. Throughout the year, American will add further mobile capabilities for travelers on the go, the airline said. For information: www.AA.com Mar 14, 2008

Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines will start testing biofuels in the first half of next year as part of a partnership with Boeing and GE Aviation. The airline will conduct the first civilian biofuel demonstration flight in North America and may use a mixture of 50/50 kerojet and biofuel. Mar 13, 2008

Porter Airlines

Regional carrier Porter Airlines is launching service between Toronto and Newark Liberty International Airport at the end of this month. The new service will allow travelers to fly directly into City Center Airport in Toronto's Lake Ontario harbor. Mar 16, 2008

United Airlines

United Airlines will operate daily Denver-London Heathrow beginning March 30. Mar 14, 2008

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