Struggling Airlines Pitch Clean(er) Planes

Airlines ramp up discounts in promotional offers

(NEWSER) - The latest airfare deals aren't online or at travel agencies—they're targeted promotional fares, being emailed and tweeted to customers who sign up to receive them or who enroll in frequent-flier programs. These under-the-radar offers, an inexpensive form of advertising increasingly popular with recession-battered airlines, range from 10% discounts to buy-one-get-one-free ticket deals, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

(NEWSER) - United Airlines’ dismal service and financial stature may soon send it to Chapter 11, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a “teachable moment,” Shaun Rein writes in Forbes. Herewith, three lessons:

• Loyal customers return: "Consumers are more price sensitive in this economy, and they are trading down, but it's still a great time to capture loyalty," Rein writes. "People don't want to waste money on brands that fail to meet their expectations."

(NEWSER) - Nobody likes the middle seat on an airplane, and a recent study shows fliers would rather endure some novel discomforts than sit squeezed between two seatmates. BlackBook runs down a few—as well as what's particularly unpleasant about the middle seat.

• 56% of respondents would rather have their teeth drilled at the dentist's.
• 54% would prefer a doctor's visit to the middle seat.
• 20% of fliers would spend the night at an airport hotel for a chance at an aisle seat the next day.

14 passengers suddenly sick shortly after takeoff

(NEWSER) - A United Airlines flight was diverted last night to Chicago's O'Hare airport after 14 passengers suddenly became ill with flu-like symptoms. Four were taken to a local hospital in fair condition. United hadn't served any food on the plane, heading from Boston to Los Angeles, officials said. Several of the passengers were from the same tour group. "I don't remember ever hearing of that many people fall ill here before," said an FAA spokesman. More»

Major US carriers downgrade as hard times loom

(NEWSER) - America's major airlines are getting ready for tougher times ahead, slashing jobs and cutting back operations. As the Christian Science Monitor reports, soaring fuel prices will inevitably lead to higher ticket prices, which will lead to less passengers—which, in turn, will force airlines to hike fares again to cover flying costs. "The party's over, particularly for leisure travelers," one industry analyst said. More»