Don’t get banned! We’d all expect to get thrown off a flight and banned by an airline if we fought with personnel, but did you know an airline might also ban you for filming their employees or going barefoot on a flight? Arguing over reclining your seat could do it, too. So be careful out there!
Checked baggage scam. Airport workers around the world have been caught switching bag tags in order to smuggle illegal drugs across borders. If any bag is confiscated, it has a passenger’s tag on it so that the passenger is then arrested. Advocates suggest that you always take photos of your checked baggage with the flight tags clearly showing so that you can show authorities if this happens to you.
Earthquake in the Philippines. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8th and killed at least 55 people. It sparked a tsunami warning that, thankfully, did not occur.
Alaska Airlines fined. The FAA in the U.S. is proposing a $165,000 fine against Alaska Airlines for allegedly allowing drunk passengers to board 11 flights in 2024 and 2025.
Southwest Airlines reverses plus-size passenger policy. Plus-size passengers are no longer required to buy an extra seat in advance on Southwest. Agents at the airport can now offer these passengers an additional seat (when available) without cost.
American Airlines plane struck by lightning. An American Airlines flight from London to North Carolina was struck by lightning over Manchester, England about 30 minutes after takeoff on June 10th. The pilots returned safely to London, and there have been no reports of injuries.
Family stranded at Six Flags. The family of four was stranded for more than two hours on June 11th at 130 feet when a ride malfunctioned at Six Flags St. Louis. Firefighters rushed to get them down, as an electrical storm with high winds was looming.
Air New Zealand bunk beds. That’s right! Starting toward the end of the year (although already on sale), Air New Zealand will introduce Skynest – sleep pods in economy class. Passengers can reserve the pods for four-hour sessions during long flights. The pods will have privacy curtains and USB charging outlets, as well as amenity kits. They cost an additional $495 USD after you have booked your regular seat. The Skynest will only be installed in two Boeing 787 planes for now and are the first of their kind in the industry.
Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 46 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.
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