American and JetBlue Partnership is a Go
Ishrion Aviation notes that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) review period for the American/JetBlue partnership has now expired. Since DOT failed to weigh in, the partnership is approved to move forward by default.
American and JetBlue announced in July that they would work together to enhance each airline’s relevance in the New York and Boston markets by adding new flights, offering loyalty benefits, and implementing codesharing. The partnership was subject to a regulatory review before being allowed to move forward.
There were concerns that this arrangement might trigger the government to step in. Most notably, discussion around American and JetBlue swapping/leasing slots at LaGuardia and JFK to each other could have been flagged. Also, the ability of American and JetBlue to compartmentalize these two cities while competing on the rest of the network was something to consider. As we understand it, the government concerns were allayed after the rats at LaGuardia and JFK told regulators that they never heard the two airlines talking illegally to each other.
Mobile Phone Conversations Will Not Be Allowed in the U.S.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially decided that it will not lift the ban on the use of mobile phone networks on flights.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away — 2013, under the Obama Administration — the FCC put forth a proposal that would allow travelers to use mobile phones for calls and text messages using mobile networks on aircraft. Under the Trump Administration, FCC Director Ajit Pai had shown disdain for the plan from the beginning. It may have taken seven years, but the proposal is now officially dead.
Mobile phone conversations on airplanes used to be a hot button issue, but the use of the technology in other nations around the world combined with everyone hiding in their own personal inflight entertainment bubble has made the proposal less controversial over time. Travelers will now be forced to communicate only via wifi using text message, email, Whatsapp, e-carrier pigeons, and smoke signals.
JetBlue Continues to Hammer on Need for Heathrow Slots
JetBlue may be planning to fly to London’s Gatwick and Stansted airports next year, but it is still keeping its eye on the real prize: Heathrow access.
In the DOT’s docket regarding approval of American’s expanded joint venture with IAG-owned airlines and Finnair, JetBlue has filed comments saying, in short, “we’re cool with this if you give us Heathrow slots.”
Delta was not shy to point out that with American and JetBlue now officially buddies (see the first story above), JetBlue shouldn’t be able to get slots since it’s no longer truly independent.
The sniping will continue until these airlines find some better place to direct their energy.
EasyJet to Shrink Carry-On Allowance
Beginning February 10, easyJet will no longer allow most travelers to bring large carry-on bags onboard. This will help the airline to keep overhead bins available for its best customers.
For years, easyJet has allowed travelers to bring exactly one carry-on bag onboard measuring 56 x 45 x 25 cm, which is about 22 x 17 x 10 in or slightly larger than the standard 22 x 14 x 9 in you find with most U.S. carriers. Unlike most others, however, easyJet did not permit an additional personal item.
Now, easyJet will start allowing only a personal item to be brought on board as long as it doesn’t exceed 45 x 36 x 20cm, which we believe is something like 130 feet by 80 yards by 70 inches, or something — we aren’t great at conversions. Just know that it’s meant to fit under the seat in front and not in the overhead bin.
To bring a larger carry-on, travelers will have to pay for an Up front or Extra legroom seat, be on a FLEXI fare, have the easyJet Plus credit card, or just argue really loudly with the gate agent. We’re told cursing and wearing a Manchester United jersey will also help.
FAA Issues First 737 MAX Certificate In Over a Year
The gears have slowly started turning once again when it comes to the 737 MAX program. Another milestone was reached today when the FAA issued the first certificate since the airplane was grounded in early 2019.
A certificate is issued when a completed aircraft is ready to be delivered to an airline. In this case, more than 450 airplanes are “ready” to be delivered, pending software changes to prevent that whole “crashing” problem. Boeing can finally start to clear that backlog, but we think the company should be more creative.
With so many airplanes, Boeing has too much inventory on hand, and it needs to make room for the new models coming on the lot. Make ’em an offer they can’t refuse. They’ll finance anyone, even if your credit is bad. Come on down to Renton today!
Airline Potpourri
- Austral is officially no more after being merged into Aerolineas Argentinas.
- Breeze is looking to hire college kids as flight attendants.
- Delta pilots give the reason for the airline’s meltdown last weekend.
- Gogo is officially no-mo. Ok, that’s not true, but it has now officially been acquired by Intelsat.
- Interjet is canceling flights again as it creeps closer and closer to the grave.
- Lufthansa Group airlines have yet to abandon change fees, but they did just extend their change fee waiver by 2 months, for tickets booked through February 28, 2021.
Brett’s Moment of Levity
Why do they call it the novel coronavirus? It’s a long story….