It’s been a respectfully quiet day for official airline news this 12th anniversary of the tragic events on September 11, 2001. Here’s a brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today:
- Late yesterday, United Airlines and Air Canada initiated an airfare hike, the 11th such attempt of 2013. I have a feeling Delta will match, but will American and US Airways?
- American Airlines and US Airways accused the Justice Department of “ignoring realities” in the airline industry in a court document filed Tuesday. It argues that a merger would save consumers $500 million by creating an airline that could compete with United and Delta.
- Airlines around the world collected $27 billion in non-fare revenue (ancillary fees) last year, a 20 percent increase over 2011. United collected the most, followed by Delta, American and Southwest.
- In-flight Wi-Fi could get as much as six times faster with Gogo announcing new Ground to Orbit (GTO) Internet connectivity that combines the best aspects of existing satellite technologies with Gogo’s Air to Ground (ATG) cellular network. It’s expected to debut in the second half of 2014.
- The Howard Johnson hotel chain will soon be getting a makeover. Wyndham Hotel Group will be instituting design and service upgrades in 2014, which include new interior and exterior motifs. No word as to whether room upgrades are included with the overhaul.
- Boston Logan International Airport apologized for a training drill it conducted today, which included smoke on the airfield. Public outrage (particularly via social media) prompted the apology.
- AÂ disgruntled former TSA screener at LAX Airport was arrested late yesterday after making alleged threats against the airport.
- And finally, an image that needs no explanation today:
#NeverForget
– Follow Darren Booth on Twitter, @FrequentlyFlyin, for more airline, hotel and travel industry news, reviews and opinions.
Related:
Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: September 10, 2013
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