As happy as airlines were that passengers came back in droves and re-embraced the spirit of travel again, the month of August was a mixed bag for the industry. Yes, there were triumphs. But there were also defeats. Days after securing the acquisition of Spirit Airlines, Jet Blue Airways announced second-quarter earnings and suffered a loss. Passengers lost – valuable time, that is, as there were even more delays and cancellations. And American Airlines lost flights, on purpose. The carrier said it would trim 31,000 flights from its November schedule to help right-size imbalances caused by staff shortages. Adblock test (Why?)

Airline delays? Up.Airline cancellations? Up.ADVERTISINGPassenger complaints to the Department of Transportation? Way up. According to an article in the Washington Post, the amount of complaints filed in the month of June this year were up 270 percent compared to the same time period in 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year.The reason is not hard to understand – the number of airline delays and cancellations has been extraordinary as carriers have tried to weather the perfect storm of a resurgence in travel coupled with understaffed airlines at virtually every level of aviation, from pilots to baggage handlers. Trending Now In fact, airlines have canceled a staggering number of flights through the first six months of 2022 – 53,000 in total affecting millions of passengers.According to the Post, airline travelers filed more than 5,800 complaints in the month of June alone this year. That figure is even 40 percent more than last year when carriers were just beginning to struggle with staffing issues and the DOT was still fielding complaints about the federal mask mandate.In total, the DOT has received more than 28,000 complaints through the first six months of 2022, more than the entire year in 2019.Nearly a third of the complaints – 29 percent – were made for reasons that included delays, cancellations, or schedule changes. The Post noted that a statement by the DOT said the government agency “routinely contacts airlines with widespread cancellations or delays to make clear their obligation to promptly refund passengers who choose not to accept the alternative offered for a canceled or significantly changed flight.” Adblock test (Why?)

Less than three percent doesn’t sound like a hefty figure on its own. Put it into context suddenly and it sure looks a lot different.According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation as reported by the Dallas Morning News, domestic airlines canceled more than 53,000 flights in the first six months of 2022.ADVERTISING Trending Now That accounts for 2.8 percent of all flights – again, not an overwhelming number but when you factor in the number of displaced passengers it's something of note. Using a very conservative estimate of an average of 120 passengers per flight, that’s more than 6.3 million air travelers who were inconvenienced between January and June. The Morning News said American Airlines had the most canceled flights during that time span, scrubbing 3.8 percent of its trips in the first half of 2022. And that’s not even counting the 31,000 flights American has already canceled for the month of November.The airlines have had a difficult time rebuilding their staff in the wake of the pandemic. Most airlines decided to augment the government grants and loans they received in early 2020 in order to stay afloat by trimming employees through early retirement or buyout offers. But the savings plan backfired when they didn’t have enough staff to meet the surge in pent-up demand for travel earlier this year.For comparison’s sake, the newspaper noted that the last pre-pandemic year for the aviation industry in 2019 saw 2.1 percent of all U.S. flights canceled in the first six months. But even that number was inflated because many airlines lost the use of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from their respective fleets. The MAX was grounded for more than a year following two separate crashes.“There’s no question that airlines’ reliability and on-time performance has been below anyone’s level of acceptability and the airlines would probably be the first to admit it,” Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research, told the newspaper. “These airlines know they have to get their acts together and, if they don’t, the government will step in to make sure they do.” Adblock test (Why?)

Spirit Airlines today announced the relaunch of its daily, nonstop service between Florida’s coastal destination of Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and the Nicaraguan capital city of Managua (MGA).Spirit’s reintroduction to this major Central American market is vital for providing its customers with affordable and convenient means of reconnecting with family and friends across borders. The direct service also offers would-be visitors welcome opportunities to go and explore Nicaragua’s natural splendor, colorful culture and historic sites.ADVERTISING Trending Now "We're eager to welcome back our Nicaraguan Guests and excited to make travel to and from Managua accessible for families, friends, and visitors again," said Camilo Martelo, Director of International Stations. "We have a 15-year history serving Nicaragua, and are proud to give South Florida and Managua back the affordable fares and signature service they've come to know when traveling between our countries."Spirit’s daily, nonstop service between FLL and MGA resumes on November 30, providing connections to 26 cities across the airline’s U.S. network.Spirit Airlines Connection Options To/From MGA:Connection options include the following destinations: Aguadilla (BQN), Cleveland (CLE), Louisville (SDF), San Juan (SJU), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW), Myrtle Beach (MYR), St Thomas (STT), Atlantic City (ACY), Detroit (DTW), Nashville (BNA), St. Louis (STL), Baltimore (BWI), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Tampa (TPA), Boston (BOS), Indianapolis (IND), Orlando (MCO), Charlotte (CLT), LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), Latrobe (LBE) and Richmond (RIC). View over Nicaragua's capital city of Managua. (photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/riderfoot) The re-establishment of its Managua route raises the number of international markets the carrier serves to 29 total, spanning both Latin America and the Caribbean. These include several neighboring Central American markets, with destinations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Panama.Spirit aims to deliver the best value in passenger air travel, and continues its commitment to “invest in the Guest” through multiple initiatives:— Spirit’s "Fit Fleet" is one of the U.S. aviation industry’s youngest and most fuel-efficient, with 24 brand-new aircraft scheduled for delivery this year and 33 more expected to be delivered in 2023.— The airline’s "Free Spirit" loyalty program offers customers the fastest way to earn rewards and elevate their status.— All-new cabin interiors feature ergonomically-designed seating and more usable legroom, and Spirit’s unique "Big Front Seat" represents the best deal in the sky.— Fast in-flight Wi-Fi gives Guests access to view content from streaming services directly on their mobile devices.— Spirit also won "Best Airport Innovation" in the 2021 APEX/IFSA Awards for its revolutionary self-bag-drop system with biometric photo matching, which serves to streamline the check-in process and minimize face-to-face contact.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines will expand its route map with the debut of nonstop service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to as many as 10 U.S. destinations starting this fall, the carrier announced on Friday.The airports include Philadelphia (PHL), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Orange County, California (SNA), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), Portland, Oregon (PDX), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), Nashville (BNA), Indianapolis (IND) and Kansas City (MCI).ADVERTISING Trending Now Flights will begin in November 2022 and January 2023. With the addition of these new routes, Frontier will serve as many as 22 destinations from PHX.The ultra-low-cost carrier is celebrating with an introductory fare offer starting from $19 one-way available through midnight ET on Tuesday, August 30. Blackout dates apply and travel is limited to nonstop travel on select days of the week.What's more, the Discount Den fares are only available to members at FlyFrontier.com. "This major expansion of service from PHX solidifies Frontier's place as one of Phoenix's largest airlines," Frontier President and CEO Barry Biffle said in a statement. "We’re thrilled to offer these new routes serving some of the most popular destinations in America. Our commitment to future growth at PHX is strong as we prepare to open our new crew base in November and introduce this expanded array of convenient, affordable flight options for Phoenix-area consumers.""Frontier Airlines is quickly advancing in Phoenix, and these ten new routes mark the growth of business and leisure travelers choosing our great city as a destination," added Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "We are grateful for the commitment that Frontier has made with its crew base and the employment opportunities it provides. More people will discover why Phoenix is a great vacation destination, business hub, and place to call home."*Terms and conditions apply.— Frontier Airlines (@FlyFrontier) August 25, 2022For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

Delta Air Lines announced it would offer additional flights from 16 cities in the United States and three of its international hubs to Las Vegas for CES 2023.The nearly 320 inbound and outbound flights account for an approximately 50 percent seat increase over the regular Las Vegas schedule in January, with around 23,000 seats added to and from Harry Reid International Airport between January 3-4 and January 7-9, 2023.ADVERTISING Trending Now Delta will operate domestic flights to Las Vegas on inbound and outbound conference days from eight U.S. hubs. In addition, the airline will fly nonstop from Austin, Texas; Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida; Orange County, California; and San Diego and San Jose, California.“From sports championships to major industry milestones, Delta consistently works to meet our customers’ demand to attend the world’s biggest events by adding more seats and flights,” Delta senior vice president Joe Esposito said.“After two years of virtual programming, we know CES attendees are looking forward to connecting in person, and the Delta team is excited to get them to and from Las Vegas safely and reliably, with the world-class service for which we’re known,” Esposito continued.International travelers will have daily service options on Delta and partner-operated flights from Amsterdam, London, Paris, Incheon and Mexico City.Customers on the added flights will also have access to onboard in-flight Wi-Fi alongside Delta’s best-in-class seatback entertainment on Delta Studio, as well as premium food and beverage options.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

The Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council announced that more than nine million airline seats would be available to travelers heading to Cancun during the upcoming tourist season.According to the Riviera Maya News, Quintana Roo tourism official Dario Flota Ocampo said at a recent Board of Directors meeting that “the Mexican Caribbean is seven percent higher in the number of passenger arrivals compared to the same period of 2019.”ADVERTISING Trending Now In total, Flota Ocampo said there were already 9.2 million airplane seats scheduled between September and February 2023, a number that “represents 38 percent more than in the same period three years ago.”To help generate increased interest in the region ahead of the busy fall and winter seasons, the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council participated in 13 fairs attended by hundreds of travel agencies.Earlier this week, government officials in Cancun announced the destination has ended the need for arriving travelers to fill out customs (FMM) forms and granted Americans a fast-track entry process.The U.S. Department of State last week released its annual update to the Travel Advisory for Mexico, upgrading three Mexican states—Nayarit, Estado de Mexico and Coahuila—thanks to improvements in security.Earlier this month, Mexico's Ministry of Tourism revealed that the country hosted approximately 25.4 million international visitors between January and May, more than 5.2 million more than 2021, representing an increase of 25.9 percent.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

After a disastrous spring and summer of long lines, chaotic airport scenes, lost luggage, and delays and cancellations, the last big air travel period before the winter holidays is almost here.Labor Day 2022 is next weekend and everybody from airlines to airports to fliers to travel advisors are bracing for a big push from consumers who have returned in droves after two years of being hampered by the pandemic.ADVERTISINGBut while many college students are already back and many states around the country have already started school, Labor Day nonetheless has the potential for huge numbers. Trending Now And huge problems, given what we’ve already seen.Airlines have tried everything, including their own preemptive strikes by canceling flights and eliminating routes but the issues appear to be with us and could be for a while.That’s why the travel website Hopper, via an article in Forbes, has identified the worst 10 airports to fly through for Labor Day Weekend.They include, in order:Midway in ChicagoBWI in BaltimoreLove Field in DallasNewark-International in Newark, N.J.Harry Reid in Las VegasJohn F. Kennedy in New York CityLambert Field in St. LouisReagan National in Washington D.C.OrlandoLaGuardia in New York CityThe numbers just don’t bode well for Labor Day. Hopper noted that through the first three weeks of August, almost half – 47 percent – of all flights out of Midway have been delayed. That’s why Chicago’s No. 2 airport earned the ignominious No. 1 ranking on Hopper’s list.BWI has seen 43 percent of its August flights delayed and Love Field passengers have been delayed 37 percent of the time so far this month.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

With U.S. airlines cutting back on their fall schedules by hundreds of flights per day, diminished air travel capacity is causing frustration for plenty of customers; as are this year’s all-too-common flight disruptions.Aviation industry experts told ABC News that this reduced capacity will become the new “normal”, as airlines and their support operations struggle to cope with the wave of demand that’s hit them in 2022.ADVERTISING Trending Now Carriers themselves have pointed to an unforeseen surge in demand, along with staffing shortages (including a dearth of qualified pilots) as being the causes of this year’s widespread flight cancellations and delays.According to recent data obtained by the outlet from Airline Data Inc., major airlines have scheduled a total of 574,489 departures for October and 555,515 for the month of November. Compare this to the 677,882 and 639,248 departures made during the same respective months in 2019 to get an idea of how much capacities have been reduced.The number of flights that have been axed for October and November varies depending on the airline in question, but major carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines exhibit the biggest gap between planned departures for those months in 2022 versus the same period in 2019.Taken together, these three airlines have scheduled about 95,000 fewer flights for October of this year than they did in October 2019; and 79,000 fewer flights for November than for the same period in 2019. Commercial aircraft cabin with rows of seats down the aisle. (Photo via Diy13 / iStock / Getty Images Plus) Airline Data Inc.’s managing director, Jeff Pelletier, told ABC News that, since it will take several years for a new crop of pilots to train and certify, airlines are adapting as best they can by using “up-to-date booking curves” to determine where they should distribute their available resources. Essentially, assigning their aircraft to destinations that demonstrate higher booking levels and cutting back on the number of flights to places that aren’t too popular during the fall season."They're using that time, that opportunity to say, 'You know what? Let's remove an aircraft where there's lower bookings. Let's put it where the passengers really want to go that way,'" said Pelletier. "This is going to be the new norm, I believe, for at least the next couple of years," he opined."These cuts are, right now, placeholders," Brett Snyder, president of Cranky Concierge travel assistance, told the outlet. "Typically, airlines plan out their flights about 100 days out, but those can change based on demand and other factors."For consumers who are concerned that there simply won’t be enough flights during those two months, Snyder had a reassuring message. He noted that airlines have historically added extra flights closer to their actual departure date, based on timing and demand. "I would bet we would see more flights added around Thanksgiving," he said.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Have you ever flown Southwest Airlines and wished you could somehow be in one of the first groups to board the plane to have first crack at a better seat, or a window seat, or one with an unsullied overhead baggage space?Wish no more.ADVERTISINGThe Dallas-based carrier, the nation’s fourth-largest airline, will introduce an initiative to allow its passengers the opportunity to upgrade their boarding priority group, according to The Points Guy. But you must do it online and you have to pay a $30 fee. Trending Now Southwest has always had an open seating plan in which you board the cabin and pick any available seat. That’s great if you get the seat you want; not so great if you’re stuck in the middle seat, or prefer aisle instead of window, or window instead of aisle, or board near the end and find there is no overheard storage room for a carry-on.But before all that decision-making, it all depends on your boarding pass priority. Boarding passes are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and in groups of three – A gets to board first, then B, then C, and each group is also assigned a number from 1 to 60. You’re in great shape if you’re A12. You’re still in great shape even if you’re A46. If you’re C46? Not so much.This new program to upgrade to a better boarding pass will be an option for passengers to consider.The fee – which TPG pointed out is dynamic pricing and could rise – is per segment and is available to Anytime, Wanna Get Away, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Adblock test (Why?)