Passenger Experience News

The Air Current • Jon Ostrower; Edward Russell

Spirit labor approves pay and retirement concessions to unlock ~$100M as carrier nears bankruptcy deadline

Spirit Airlines' pilots and flight attendants approved revised contracts with temporary pay and retirement cuts, concessions the carrier says will save about $100 million a year. The votes clear a key step to secure financing before a critical bankruptcy milestone this weekend as rivals ready contingency plans.

2025-12-12T10:06:18.541668-08:00

ch-aviation

IndiGo stabilises operations after week-long meltdown — thousands cancelled, DGCA scrutiny and Q3 guidance cut

2025-12-11T20:25:00.755165-08:00

Skift

JetBlue opens BlueHouse at JFK Terminal 5 on Dec. 18, 2025

2025-12-11T05:04:11.676572-08:00

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

Cathay Pacific passenger arrested after attempting to open A350 door on Boston–Hong Kong flight

2025-12-12T00:47:05.364731-08:00

Passenger Experience News Timeline

AINonline

U.S. Facial‑Scanning Rule for Air Travel: What Airlines and Airports Need to Know A new U.S. facial‑scanning requirement for air travel will obligate carriers and airports to integrate biometric identity checks into passenger processing. This briefing summarizes operator responsibilities, expected operational and data‑handling impacts, and the immediate compliance actions airlines and airport operators should plan for.

2025-12-15T16:01:58.853787-08:00

U.S. Facial‑Scanning Rule for Air Travel: What Airlines and Airports Need to Know

Skift

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U.S. Raises Travel Fees and Entry Rules — Experts Warn of Hit to International Arrivals Industry experts warn that newly announced U.S. travel fees and tighter entry requirements could suppress international arrivals, reducing passenger demand and revenue for carriers and airports. They say added costs and complexity may deter leisure and business travellers and amplify existing demand softness.

2025-12-15T09:45:22.495894-08:00

U.S. Raises Travel Fees and Entry Rules — Experts Warn of Hit to International Arrivals

Aviation Week

SAS halves disruption costs and posts record NPS by refocusing on operational basics SAS says it has cut disruption costs by 50% and reached an all-time-high net promoter score after a “relentless focus” on operational basics — improvements to punctuality, ground handling and recovery procedures. The carrier attributes the gains to tightened processes rather than fleet or network changes.

2025-12-15T06:54:09.723015-08:00

SAS halves disruption costs and posts record NPS by refocusing on operational basics

Airline Economics

Riyadh Air signs MoU with Huawei to build phased, next‑generation digital ecosystem Riyadh Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei to develop a phased, next‑generation digital ecosystem that spans operations and customer experience. The partnership aims to deliver seamless, data‑driven and highly engaging travel services as the Saudi carrier builds toward commercial launch and global growth.

2025-12-15T03:55:09.547806-08:00

Riyadh Air signs MoU with Huawei to build phased, next‑generation digital ecosystem

sfstandard.com

Oakland Airport’s 'San Francisco' rebrand fails as OAK traffic falls 17% year‑on‑year Oakland International Airport (OAK) saw passenger volumes fall 17% year‑on‑year, one of the steepest declines among major U.S. airports, despite a marketing rebrand positioning OAK as a 'San Francisco' gateway. The drop highlights weakening local demand and intensified Bay Area competition.

2025-12-14T20:36:26.335101-08:00

Oakland Airport’s 'San Francisco' rebrand fails as OAK traffic falls 17% year‑on‑year

Runway Girl

Avianca rolls out SES multi‑orbit Wi‑Fi on 10 A320 Family jets Avianca is installing SES’s multi‑orbit inflight connectivity across its Airbus A320 Family and has activated Wi‑Fi for passengers on 10 A320 twinjets via the carrier’s Avianca On Air portal. Installations are ongoing as the airline expands onboard broadband across the type.

2025-12-14T10:07:36.233253-08:00

Avianca rolls out SES multi‑orbit Wi‑Fi on 10 A320 Family jets

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

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Passenger sues American Airlines and SkyWest alleging assault by intoxicated traveler during takeoff roll Amber Craven has sued American Airlines and regional operator SkyWest, alleging negligence after an intoxicated passenger allegedly assaulted her during the aircraft's takeoff roll. The complaint claims the carriers failed to prevent and properly manage the onboard assault and seeks damages.

2025-12-14T07:25:01.056370-08:00

Passenger sues American Airlines and SkyWest alleging assault by intoxicated traveler during takeoff roll

Reuters

WestJet pauses rollout of non‑reclining economy seats, limits change to 22 aircraft WestJet has halted its planned rollout of non‑reclining economy seats after employee and passenger pushback and will proceed 'for the time being' on just 22 aircraft, with 21 already fitted. The carrier says it will solicit passenger feedback amid controversy over charging extra for adjustable seats.

2025-12-12T17:03:47.240744-08:00

WestJet pauses rollout of non‑reclining economy seats, limits change to 22 aircraft

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