Airline's Undisclosed Cameras

Two Major Airlines Admit to Undisclosed Cameras in Aircraft Entertainment Systems

There's nothing like having your privacy compromised at 35,000 feet.

By Sam Blum
GETTY IMAGES/SOPA IMAGES

Even cruising through the sky, the possibility of a digital privacy invasion remains. Two entertainment systems used by Singapore Airlines and American Airlines were recently discovered to have outward-facing cameras. Both airlines failed to notify passengers that their aircraft entertainment systems were equipped with such devices, but the carriers insist the cameras were never activated, BuzzFeed News reports.

Airline Mechanics' Complaints

FAA investigators assessing mechanics' complaints may be interpreting regulations differently, CBS News investigation finds

Mechanics' unions are strongly criticizing American and Southwest Airlines after an eight-month CBS News investigation raised questions about the oversight of aircraft maintenance. In interviews with 26 airline mechanics at Southwest and American Airlines, all expressed concerns about undo pressure to cut corners or not write up issues to get planes back in service faster. The claims are consistent with FAA whistleblower complaints and at least 32 anonymous industry-wide reports since 2015.

Alaska Airlines Is Hiring

Alaska Airlines Is Hiring 3,000 People — and You Can Apply Without Airline Experience

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CAILEY RIZZO 

Now’s your time to take to the skies.

Alaska Airlines will hire 3,000 people this year, the Seattle-based airline said in a blog post on Monday. Approximately three-quarters of the new jobs will be based in Washington state.

Save on Airfare

How to Save on Airfare by Booking on Multiple Airlines (Without the Hassle)

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MARISA GARCIA

Until recently, the cheapest way to fly was to research all the different options on several different websites, buy separate tickets with low-cost airlines, and make your own luggage transfers through connecting airports. But it could be hard to figure out the right connections and a simple flight delay or cancellation could really throw off your plans.

Biggest Jet Engines

The Biggest Jet Engines in History Are Finally Ready to Power Boeing's Biggest Plane

Photos of the GE9X show the engine's immense scale.

By Sam Blum

TIM STAKE/BOEING

Boeing is set to debut its biggest plane ever next month, and the 777X has finally been paired with the gargantuan GE9X engine that will propel its flight.

Best U.S. Airlines

These Are the Best U.S. Airlines to Fly, According to Customer Satisfaction

Photo Illustration, Source Images via Getty Images

STACEY LEASCA 

In 2017, the airline industry suffered a major customer service crisis. From the incident involving Dr. David Dao being dragged off a flight, to families being asked to disembark and threatened, and even the deaths of a few beloved pets, many airlines lost the trust of customers around the globe.

Converted 747 w/Rocket

Virgin Orbit Flies Converted 747 With Rocket Attached to Its Wing For First Time

One step closer to launching a rocket from the side of an airplane.

By Sam Blum


 VIRGIN ORBIT/YOUTUBE

Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit plans to launch satellite-ferrying rockets into low-Earth orbit from the wing of a converted commercial airliner. On Sunday, the company got one step closer to realizing the goal when it conducted the first captive carry of its rocket "Launcher One," strapped to the wing of a Boeing 747-400.

Airline Best in the World 2018

This Airline Was Just Voted the Best in the World for the 4th Time

TALIA AVAKIAN

More than 20 million travelers voted in Skytrax's 2018 2018 World Airline Awards, and the clear winner for world's best airline was once again Singapore Airlines.

Earn Rewards

12 Ways to Earn Airline Rewards You Might Be Missing Out On

iStockphoto/Getty Images

ISIS BRIONES

Earning airline miles isn’t as difficult as it seems. Whether it’s getting points for dining at certain restaurants or booking a ride to the airport, there are many different ways to rack up mileage.

Instead of getting overwhelmed by these overlooked perks, just take a quick scan through this list to see the simple ways you could get closer to that next free flight.

What Passengers Really Want

What Airline Passengers Really Want, According to IATA's Annual Global Passenger Survey

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MARISA GARCIA 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) asked 10,408 air passengers around the world to share their views on the passenger experience. The results reveal what travelers hate about air travel — along with a few surprises.

Worst Crash Ever

The Worst Crash Ever Just Missed. Now What Do We Do?

Aviation officials say faster reporting is needed

By Newser Editors and Wire Services

In this Oct. 24, 2107 file photo, the air traffic control tower is in sight as a plane takes off from San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Safety officials say a near collision of airliners in San Francisco last year was a few feet from becoming the worst crash in aviation history and underscores the need for faster reporting of dangerous incidents before evidence is lost, the AP reports.

Best Economy Seat

This Is the Best Economy Seat of All the Airlines Flying Today

Courtesy of Japan Airlines

TALIA AVAKIAN 

When it comes to long-haul flights, having a comfortable seat can make all the difference.

In a new ranking from Skytrax, Japan Airlines’ Sky Wider seats took the spot for best economy class offering for the third time in the last four years.

Airlines Having Sales

JetBlue, Southwest and Alaska Are All Having Sales — Here Are the Best Deals

Mongkol Chuewong/Getty Images

TALIA AVAKIAN

Travelers looking to book either a last-minute fall getaway or get a jump start on their 2019 vacation will find a slew of savings as three U.S. carriers are currently running sales.

Wild Folding Wingtips

Boeing's Wild Folding Wingtips Are One Step Closer to Reality

The FAA has cleared the "special conditions" whipped up from scratch for the novel wings.

By Eric Limer

Boeing

The upcoming Boeing 777x is set to be the largest twin-engine jet in the world, with a 108-foot-wide wing that will make it more efficient and cheaper to operate than its predecessors. To make this increased size work however, Boeing needed to rely on novel folding wingtips to make sure the 777x could actually fit into airports. Now, according to Bloomberg, the FAA has given its OK on the design, with a few regulatory caveats.

New Routes Coming

New Flight Routes Coming This Fall and Next Year You'll Want to Book Now

Miguel Navarro/Getty Images

HARRIET BASKAS 

Domestic and international airlines announced a bucketload of new routes and services recently, making it easier, faster and, in some cases, cheaper to check more places off those bucket lists and explore new parts of the world.

Baggage Fees Going Up

Why U.S. Airlines Are Raising Their Baggage Fees

Mario Guti/Getty Images

Checking a bag? News fees might make you think twice.

HARRIET BASKAS

This week American Airlines and Delta Air Lines joined United, JetBlue, Air Canada, and WestJet in hiking fees for checked baggage.

JetBlue Adding Economy

JetBlue Is Begrudgingly Adding Basic Economy Tickets

Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

Here's what to know about the basic economy option coming to JetBlue.

STACEY LEASCA

JetBlue is joining the ranks of airlines offering basic economy ticketing.

Boeing's Gigantic 777X

Boeing's Gigantic 777X Is Getting Closer to Takeoff — Here's Why You Should Be Excited 

CAILEY RIZZO 

Boeing’s 777X jet — basically the blockbuster of the aviation world at the moment — is getting closer to making its grand debut.

AA is Raising Prices

American Airlines Is Raising Prices on Wine and Beer

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CAILEY RIZZO 

Get your "cheap" drinks in while you can.

On October 1, American Airlines is increasing prices for beer, wine and liquor by $1, according to USA Today.

More Legroom

Congress may require more legroom on planes, rules on service animals and involuntary bumping

Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY 


(Photo: Ted S. Warren, AP)

Congress is considering ordering the FAA to establish minimum airline seat sizes, investigate the size and number of airplane lavatories, and establish new standards for allowing service animals to fly with their human owners.