Latest news with #American Airlines


Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Report: United Airlines increases ticket prices for solo travelers
United Airlines has quietly resumed charging single passengers more than those traveling in pairs or groups. The controversial policy, dubbed the 'single tax' by its critics, was exposed by a consumer rights website earlier this year. An investigation by Thrifty Traveler found that United, Delta and American were all charging solo fliers higher fares for the same route than those who booked two tickets or more together. The data also showed that American Airlines applies the 'single tax' far more aggressively, charging solo travelers more on 57 percent of its routes. Critics say the system unfairly punishes passengers who travel alone, especially those flying midweek for work, while group travelers often enjoy lower per-ticket fares. Meanwhile, United has faced a string of controversies in recent months — from slashing flights to selling customer data. The legacy airline announced earlier this summer that it would cut four in every 100 domestic flights this year — blaming Americans not wanting to travel as much. The cuts are centered on late night and early morning flights following a drop in demand for off-peak travel. The reductions came as United rolled out a new business class experience , offering perks such as Ossetra caviar, Laurent‑Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, plasma face masks and designer hoodie pajamas for premium passengers. In April, a 90‑second air traffic control blackout at United's Newark hub caused weeks of delays and forced the airline to to cut 35 daily flights . Adding to the backlash, an investigation revealed United was among the airlines that had sold sensitive passenger data to the federal government. United, Delta and American collectively own a data broker - the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) - that collects their passenger's flight record information including their names, full flight itineraries and financial details. This broker then sold passenger data on to Customs and Border Protection in a contract that asked the agency not to reveal where the data had come from. The CBP, part of the Department of Homeland Security, claims the data is necessary to help authorities track people of interest. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also purchased the data, the publication reported. 'The big airlines — through a shady data broker that they own called ARC — are selling the government bulk access to Americans' sensitive information, revealing where they fly and the credit card they used,' Democrat Senator Ron Wyden told 404 Media.


Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
United Airlines quietly brings back their most hated rule that will cost you more money
United Airlines has quietly resumed charging single passengers more than those traveling in pairs or groups. The controversial policy, dubbed the 'single tax' by its critics, was exposed by a consumer rights website earlier this year. An investigation by Thrifty Traveler found that United, Delta and American were all charging solo fliers higher fares for the same route than those who booked two tickets or more together. After the report sparked backlash, United and Delta promised to scrap the pricing model and charge the same rates for singles and couples. American Airlines, however, kept the policy. Now United — the US's largest airline — has reneged, according to an analysis by The Economist. It is once again charging weekday solo travelers a premium on at least 8 percent of its flights. The data also showed that American Airlines applies the 'single tax' far more aggressively, charging solo travelers more on 57 percent of its routes. Critics say the system unfairly punishes passengers who travel alone, especially those flying midweek for work, while group travelers often enjoy lower per-ticket fares. Meanwhile, United has faced a string of controversies in recent months — from slashing flights to selling customer data. The legacy airline announced earlier this summer that it would cut four in every 100 domestic flights this year — blaming Americans not wanting to travel as much. The cuts are centered on late night and early morning flights following a drop in demand for off-peak travel. The reductions came as United rolled out a new business class experience, offering perks such as Ossetra caviar, Laurent‑Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, plasma face masks and designer hoodie pajamas for premium passengers. In April, a 90‑second air traffic control blackout at United's Newark hub caused weeks of delays and forced the airline to to cut 35 daily flights. Adding to the backlash, an investigation revealed United was among the airlines that had sold sensitive passenger data to the federal government. United, Delta and American collectively own a data broker - the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) - that collects their passenger's flight record information including their names, full flight itineraries and financial details. This broker then sold passenger data on to Customs and Border Protection in a contract that asked the agency not to reveal where the data had come from. The CBP, part of the Department of Homeland Security, claims the data is necessary to help authorities track people of interest. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also purchased the data, the publication reported. 'The big airlines — through a shady data broker that they own called ARC — are selling the government bulk access to Americans' sensitive information, revealing where they fly and the credit card they used,' Democrat Senator Ron Wyden told 404 Media. Southwest is also dealing with the ire of its customers after ditching its 50-year policy of free checked baggage. It come shortly after the budget airline also cut its first-come, first-serve seating in a bid to boost profits by offering flyers the chance to pay extra to pick their seats early or get coveted extra-legroom.


Skift
5 days ago
- Business
- Skift
American Airlines CEO on AI Pricing After Delta Backlash: ‘I Don't Think It's Appropriate'
Ever since Delta mentioned it is using AI to set prices on domestic flights, the backlash against the carrier has grown. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom sought to distance the carrier from growing backlash over the use of AI to set airfares, saying Thursday that American would not use the technology in a way that could erode consumer trust. Isom didn't name Delta, but his comments were in response to a question about a competitor's use of AI. 'For us, of course, we're going to find ways to get our product in front of consumers,' Isom said during a call with analysts. 'But consumers need to know that they can trust American, OK? This is not about a bait and switch. This is not about tricking and others that talk about using AI in that way, I don't think it's appropriate. And certainly, from American, it's not something we will do.' Delta has received criticism from lawmakers and con


Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
American Airlines Reinstates Annual Forecast, Sees Wide Range
American Airlines Group Inc. reinstated its forecast this year, providing a wide range of possible outcomes that include a more optimistic outlook as domestic demand recovers. Possible scenarios range from an adjusted loss of 20 cents a share to a profit of as much as 80 cents, American Airlines said Thursday in a statement, with a mid-point of 30 cents. American also forecast a third-quarter loss that exceeds analyst estimates.

Travel Weekly
15-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
American Airlines will introduce a quick-serve lounge in Charlotte
American Airlines will introduce a quick-service lounge, Provisions by Admirals Club, with the first opening planned for Charlotte Douglas International Airport late this summer. Provisions by Admirals Club will be geared toward travelers in a hurry. The space, to be located in the airport's Concourse A, will offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and fruit. The space will be laid out with high-top standing tables and minimal furniture to facilitate quick visits and accommodate high-volume traffic. American said Provisions staff will assist customers just like they do in the Admirals Club. The quick-serve lounge will be open to flyers under the same rules as standard Admirals Clubs. American's plan to open the new quick-stop lounge is the latest in a string of customer-facing initiatives this year. The quick-serve trend American Express also announced Tuesday that it would introduce a quick-stop lounge, called Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge. The concept will debut in Las Vegas next year. United was the first U.S. carrier to open lounges for flyers on the go. It debuted United Club Fly in Denver in 2022 and opened a second Club Fly at Houston Bush Intercontinental early this year.