CNBC
• Leslie Josephs
JetBlue is increasing checked-bag fees across much of its network, with some first-bag charges reaching $70; the new pricing takes effect Nov. 3. The move follows earlier increases and comes as higher fuel costs pressure airline profitability, while the reports differ on how many times the carrier has raised fees this year.
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JetBlue is increasing checked-bag fees across much of its network, with some first-bag charges reaching $70; the new pricing takes effect Nov. 3. The move follows earlier increases and comes as higher fuel costs pressure airline profitability, while the reports differ on how many times the carrier has raised fees this year.
British Airways is reintroducing meal pre-orders on a small number of select services as it beta tests the system. The airline has not confirmed when it will expand availability, leaving the broader rollout date unclear despite the service arriving more than three years later than planned.
Singapore Airlines plans to introduce upgraded KrisWorld entertainment features and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on selected aircraft in 2027. The announcement links a cabin entertainment refresh with expanded onboard connectivity, though the airline has not specified which aircraft will receive the upgrades.
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KLM’s first A350-900 began passenger operations on Oct. 30, flying from Amsterdam to Toronto with eight metric tons of cargo. Singapore Airlines plans to unveil updated A350 cabins and inflight experience in 2026 for 2027, while Aircalin’s first A350-900 is set to introduce new seating, business-class suites and upgraded entertainment.
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Finnair plans to equip 18 new Embraer E195-E2s, scheduled to enter service from Q3 2027, with SES connectivity; Air Astana will install the service on its A321LR fleet for some of its longest routes. The system combines low-Earth-orbit and geostationary satellite coverage.
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Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary says he has no intention of reconciling with Elon Musk after their public dispute over the economics of installing SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi on Ryanair aircraft. O’Leary views the continuing feud as a marketing opportunity, keeping the question of onboard connectivity costs in public view.
Value Group’s co-CEOs describe how the Italian company pairs centralized global oversight with local action to support passengers during travel disruptions across hundreds of airports. The account highlights the operational scale and coordination involved in delivering disruption care across a geographically dispersed network.
Panasonic Avionics plans to present a connected seatback approach that combines artificial intelligence, connectivity, personalization and digital services. The company is positioning the seatback as a third digital channel, though the announcement summary provides no details on products, deployment plans or customer commitments.
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