USA: American Airlines Flight Attendant Attacks Woman Passenger, Tries To Attack Another Passenger Suportin The Woman

The days of "flying the friendly skies" appear to be long gone, but American Airlines is at least trying to fix the latest flight attendant snafu to go viral.

A flight attendant on board American Airlines flight 591 from San Francisco to Dallas heatedly scolded a female passenger traveling alone with two children for attempting to store her stroller in an overhead bin.

When another male passenger came to the mother's defense, the flight attendant then reportedly got physical, threatening the man who had spoken up on the young mother's behalf before a pilot appeared and attempted to calm down the irate flight attendant.

Passenger Surain Adyanthaya caught the whole altercation on a video, which he later posted to Facebook, and American Airlines wasted no time responding.

A mere 20 minutes after the plane touched down in Dallas, airline officials had reviewed the footage, grounded the flight attendant involved, and issued an apology.

To airline PR-personnel of the world: This is how you handle your business.
The moment the hullabaloo began was when a flight attendant forcibly took a stroller away from a female passenger, who Adyanthaya said was from Argentina and traveling alone with her two children.

The flight attendant allegedly hit the woman with the stroller and barely missed knocking into the infant when a male passenger came to her defense, asking for the flight attendant's name and calling out, "Hey bud, hey bud, you do that to me, and I'll knock you flat!"

While Adyanthaya's nearly three-minute Facebook video does not show the flight attendant actually taking the stroller, it does capture the young woman stuck in the center of the incident crying and tearfully asking for the stroller back while chaos erupts around her.

That was enough for American, who responded by immediate grounding the flight attendant, upgrading the woman and her children to first class, and issuing an apology.

American Ailines Appology

"We have seen the video and have already started an investigation to obtain the facts," the airline said via statement. "What we see on this video does not reflect our values or how we care for our customers. We are deeply sorry for the pain we have caused this passenger and her family and to any other customers affected by the incident. We are making sure all of her family's needs are being met while she is in our care. After electing to take another flight, we are taking special care of her and her family and upgrading them to first class for the remainder of their international trip."

"The actions of our team member captured here do not appear to reflect patience or empathy, two values necessary for customer care," the statement continued. "In short, we are disappointed by these actions. The American team member has been removed from duty while we immediately investigate this incident."

This altercation comes mere weeks after a passenger was forcibly dragged out of a United airplane, another endured in-flight sexual harassment, and a bride and groom were unceremoniously kicked off the flight to their very own wedding. Let the battle of the subtle airline side-eye, begin.

Flight Attendant Union's Statement On American Incident Blames Airlines & Passengers

Once upon a time, tales of questionable customer service was the stuff myths were made of: unproven stories, word-of-mouth facts, and a dose of drama.

Now, thanks to those little intrusive cameras on our phones and swift access to social media, we now a have a steady stream receipts unveiling injustices and, of course, harassment. Though this still doesn’t change the fact that there are multiple sides to every story.

On April 21, American Airlines responded swiftly, to a video posted to Facebook of a mother crying on one of their flights. “OMG! AA Flight attendant violently took a stroller from a lady with her baby on my flight, hitting her and just missing the baby.

Then he tried to fight a passenger who stood up for her. AA591 from SFO to DFW," said Surain Adyanthaya, a passenger aboard the flight. The 2 minutes and 44-second-long video failed to capture the entire story, but considering the recent complaints and footage against commercial airliners, it was enough to go viral.

Now, Bob Ross, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, released a statement about the incident.

The statement then went on to remind the public that there are “two stories here related to this incident.” Finally, it ended on the notion that the ordeal is still under investigation and that they “must obtain the full facts.”

Some felt the statement was not enough.

“It's almost like they learned nothing from how poorly @united handled their PR crisis, said user @BillyRise, on Twitter.

“Weak sauce, "smaller seats. crowded planes, less overhead cabin" who's fault is that?” said another.

@airlinewriter @caplannfl @APFAunity @AmericanAir weak sauce, "smaller seats. crowded planes, less overhead cabin"....who's fault is that?

— UrTeamGettin'#1Pick (@Megatran_) April 22

We’re now in an age where cameras are frequently wielded as the last, safest line of defense for onlookers. The downside is there’s no control over how these visuals are absorbed; rarely do we ever see the entire story.

In the viral video age, some airliners and other service-based industries, have begun implementing new training for employees. However, it seems the most immediate challenge for large companies is how to handle PR disasters in a way that doesn’t take sides, yet still invokes that “the customer is always right,” spirit.

USA: American Airlines First Dreamliner Routes

Madrid will be the first destination in Europe to be served by American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The new larger Dreamliner will enable the carrier to introduce a premium economy cabin as part of a four-class configuration.

American’s 787-9 will feature 30 lie-flat seats in business class, 21 premium economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, 27 main cabin seats with additional legroom and 207 main cabin seats.

The aircraft will make its debut on the Dallas-Madrid route on November 4 as well as on a route from Dallas to Sao Paulo.

The airline’s premium economy section will include leather seats with a 38 pitch with extendable foot, leg and head rests, personal on-demand entertainment systems and larger touchscreen monitors.

Passengers will receive noise reducing headphones and amenity kits as well as an enhanced meal service with free wine, beer and spirits. Premium economy customers will be able to check one bag free of charge.

The airline’s chief marketing officer, Andrew Nocella, said: “As the first US airline to introduce premium economy seating on international flights, we continue to innovate new ways to meet our customers’ expectations with the products and service they value.

“The 787-9 is going to be a fantastic addition to our widebody fleet, with international Wi-Fi and an in-flight experience that’s second to none.

“Our existing widebodies will offer premium economy as we retrofit our cabins and continue to elevate the entire travel experience with our $3 billion investment.”

American Airlines Celebrates 25 Years of Service to Cuba

American Airlines is celebrating 25 years of charter flights to Cuba. The carrier’s first flight to Cuba departed from Miami to Havana on April 5, 1991.

The DFW-based carrier boasted of this quarter-century old experience when it last month submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation, wherein it proposed the operation of 18 daily flights from Miami to Havana, Santa Clara, Holguín, Varadero, Camagüey and Cienfuegos. American also proposed to serve Havana from Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago and Los Angeles. Philadelphia was not included in the proposed routes.

Leo Rodriguez, a Miami-based Tower Planner who has coordinated American’s Cuba charter flights for the past 25 years, reflected on his experience. “Back then, going to Cuba was like going to the moon. It was not like it is today. But I always thought our work was important and we were laying the foundation for a regular operation. It has been really exciting because we were pioneers.”

Last February the United States and Cuba signed a new civil aviation agreement, which allows for up to 110 additional scheduled flights. Of these, only 20 can go to Havana, the rest are to be allocated to other Cuban cities.

American Airlines (AA) applied for more than half of the possible slots to Havana plus routes to five other cities. The airline has a large hub in Miami, and has made it clear that it will play a major role in the future flights between both countries. According to Rodriguez “It’s going to be the culmination of 25 years of work. We have worked really hard and all those efforts are about to pay off. I am proud to have been part of something that is about to give birth to something bigger.”

QATAR: Qatar Airways Adds Boston Flights

Qatar Airways, which in East Africa flies to six airports in three of the East African Community countries, earlier in the week launched flights from Doha to Boston, adding yet another US city to their growing list of international destinations.

Subsequently did Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker host a press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, to report on the recently-inaugurated service from Boston Logan International Airport to the airline’s hub in Doha, Qatar.

Qatar Airways’ service to Boston is operated non-stop daily with the state-of-the-art Airbus A350. The airline was the global launch customer of the aircraft and operates the A350 to Munich, Philadelphia, Singapore, and will start operating to Adelaide in Australia from next month. There are currently eight Airbus A350s in the fleet, with a further 72 to be delivered.

Mr. Al Baker remarked: 'We have introduced the world’s newest aircraft to Boston and look forward to providing all of our passengers on this route with a memorable journey that provides a superior inflight experience. Boston is a key city for business and leisure travellers and total comfort and hospitality is point of focus, in particular as the US market means that our passengers are travelling long- and ultra-long haul. Our entire customer experience is focused on the details, on all aircraft types. Qatar Airways has the youngest international fleet in the world, averaging just five years old, and our experience is second to none'.

Ed Freni, Massport’s Director of Aviation responded: 'We are pleased Qatar Airways, recognised by Skytrax as 2015’s Airline of the Year, is coming to Boston. This is yet another affirmation of the importance of the regional economy to the global economy. People from around the world come here for education, for health care, for business and for fun and we are proud that Logan Airport is New England’s gateway to the world'.

Qatar Airways, the world’s third largest cargo operator, has also commenced a daily cargo service between Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston and its global cargo network of more than 150 destinations. Currently the airline operates six cargo destinations to the United States: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles.

QATAR: Qatar Airways With 168 Aircraft And 330 Jets On Order, Lands Its Newest Plane To America

Qatar Airways is ramping up its expansion into the United States regardless of whatever concerns American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines may have.

This week, Qatar Airways announced plans to commence service between its home base in Doha, Qatar, and the US using its new fleet of Airbus A350 jets.

A350 service in the US kicks off January 1 on the airline's Doha-to-Philadelphia route.

"We are proud to be the first commercial airline to land the Airbus A350 in the United States," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said in a statement.

"As the global launch customer of this new-generation aircraft, we are excited to introduce it to the American market."

Qatar Airways currently flies to 152 destinations around the world, including New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, Houston, and Washington, D.C.

The airline plans to open routes from Doha to Los Angeles in January, Boston in March, and Atlanta in June.

The Persian Gulf-based airline has grown rapidly over the past decade and now boasts a fleet of 168 aircraft with another 330 jets on order, which are valued at more than $70 billion.

In June, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year for 2015 by the leading aviation consumer organization Skytrax. It's a prize the airline also took home in 2011 and 2012.

Qatar's success has not come without pitfalls. American, United, and Delta Air Lines have accused Qatar along with Etihad Airways and Emirates of fueling its palatial terminals, luxury service, and massive fleets with $42 billion in government subsidies.

Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad deny these accusations. The coalition of US airlines has petitioned the US State Department to reevaluate the "Open Skies" agreements between the US and the Gulf states that allow airlines to fly freely between the countries.

Al Baker said that whatever money his airline had received from the Qatari government had been in the form of investment in exchange for equity.

Etihad CEO James Hogan echoed Baker's sentiments, telling Business Insider: "At the end of the day. We have a shareholder who placed equity in the airline who gave us loans to be repaid. That's what people do when they invest in the business."

"We've done nothing improper," Hogan continued. "We've created a great airline, with great service, created value, and the accounts are audited by one of the top accounting firms in the world."

Qatar is the launch partner for the Airbus A350-900 twin-engine long-range airliner. The airline expects to have eight of the jets in its fleet by the end of the year, with 72 more on order.

The A350 is powered by two powerful and efficient Rolls-Royce Trent turbofan engines. The jet can carry as many as 325 passengers in three different classes, with a fuel range of about 8,700 miles.

USA: Aeromexico Vacations Adds Flight And Hotel Packages In Cozumel

Building on new daily Aeromexico Airlines air service from Mexico City, Aeromexico Vacations announced that it is now offering flight and hotel packages on the Mexican resort island of Cozumel.

“Cozumel is a stunning destination and we are pleased to make it available to our Aeromexico Vacations customers,” said MLT Vacations President John Caldwell. “Known for its world-class diving and relaxed atmosphere, Cozumel is an ideal getaway for couples, families and anyone else wanting to experience the very best of Mexico.”

Aeromexico Vacations, the premier vacation package provider for Aeromexico, offers 17 resort properties on Cozumel that can be bundled with flights for added value. Ranging from budget-friendly to upscale luxury, these properties represent a variety of accommodation levels to fit just about any budget.

Aeromexico offers convenient daily connecting service to Cozumel through Mexico City from cities across the U.S. Leading gateways with nonstop service to Mexico City include Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston and Miami.

One of Aeromexico Vacations key U.S. gateways to Mexico City is New York’s JFK International Airport. From New York, travel agents and their clients can choose from four daily nonstop flights on Aeromexico, one of which is aboard one of the world’s most advanced aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Flexible excursion vouchers available
Along with flights and hotel stays, Aeromexico Vacations also offers several tours and activities on Cozumel. These include scuba diving, ATV adventure rides, off-road Jeep tours and swimming with dolphins.

For vacationers that want to include activities during their stay but that are unsure when or what they would like to do, Aeromexico Vacations is offering excursion vouchers. These credits provide vacationers with the flexibility to plan their activities while in destination based on the weather, their own schedules and other factors.

Aeromexico Vacations excursion credits are fully-commissionable for travel agents and are available in a variety of dollar amounts.

Along the convenience of one-stop-shopping for hotel stays and flights aboard Aeromexico, travelers booking with Aeromexico Vacations also enjoy a number of other benefits. These include earning credited flight kilometers for Club Premier members and special savings and discounts.

USA: Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Gets New Duty-free Shopping Space

THE Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will add a luxury duty-free shopping experience to its Terminal D.

The upgrade will see six shopping areas spread over 20,000 square feet of space, to include both luxury and premium retail brands. Local retailers like western clothing and accessories line Bohlin Company and Fort Worth-based TX Whiskey will join designer labels like Gucci, Dior, Burberry and Chanel.

Within the space will be a two-story, 13,000 square-foot store, plus an executive lounge and specialty shops. A sculpture by Texan artist James Surls will hang over the central store to capture the spirit of the Lone Star state.

The new duty-free shopping space is expected to open in 2016.

JAPAN: Japan Air To Dallas/Fort Worth

JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) will restore the Tokyo (Narita) – Dallas/Fort Worth route on November 30. The restored route will be operated with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners four days a week

American Airlines is pleased to welcome fellow oneworld alliance member and Pacific Joint Business partner Japan Airlines (JAL) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with its return to service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and DFW starting November 30, 2015. American will add its code to the route.

American currently operates twice-daily service from DFW to NRT with Boeing 777-200 aircraft. JAL will offer customers service four days per week with Boeing 787-8 aircraft fitted with the airline’s latest cabin interiors and seats in a three-class configuration and is considering scheduling daily service for spring 2016.

“On behalf of American’s 100,000 employees, we welcome our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, to our great hub in Dallas/Fort Worth,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s chief marketing officer. “American is making great strides to expand our presence in Asia, and this partnership represents a key component of that effort. This new service complements American’s existing service and brings more choice for our customers traveling between Asia and the U.S., providing more opportunities to connect Asia to South America. Japan Airlines is an honorable partner and a great friend to American.”

“We are pleased to announce the return of Dallas/Fort Worth to our international network, which becomes our eighth gateway in North America and our fourth U.S. service launch in just over three years,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. “By making full use of the efficiencies of the Dreamliner as well as capitalizing on our even stronger relationship with American Airlines, we are confident this resumed service will provide even more valuable links for commercial and cultural exchanges for our customers in both regions and beyond.”

“We are honored to welcome back Japan Airlines to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and are excited about the outstanding connectivity and customer service they will provide to passengers flying to Japan and throughout Asia,” said Sean Donohue, chief executive officer of DFW Airport. “With the addition of this new flight to Tokyo, coupled with partner American Airlines’ two daily flights, DFW Airport will further support our mission to connect the world to Dallas Fort Worth.”

American and JAL commenced their Pacific Joint Business partnership in April 2011, and have since greatly expanded customer benefits including better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services and greater access to a wider variety of fares.

JAL will offer a special bonus mile campaign for JAL Mileage Bank loyalty program members. For details, refer to the JAL website.

Airport Hotels Enter a New Era

Airport hotels are certainly not a new phenomenon. People need a place to stay during a long layover, or perhaps they are only flying in for a single meeting or event and want to stay as close to the airport as possible. And then there are those outstate fliers who have already had to undertake a long drive or bus trip just to get to the airport. These travelers need to recharge before the airborne leg of their journey.

Airport hotels have always served a specific set of needs, but this niche industry seems to be entering a new era. Recently-built terminal-side properties are not just places to flop down for a few hours in between flights, they have become resort-like venues with very specific perks that all airport users will appreciate.

A renaissance for airport hotels

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is built right into the terminal. This luxury hotel even has its own security checkpoint. Non-flying guests are issued special passes so that they can get through security and enjoy the airside restaurants and shops during their stay.

One of the best perks at the DTW Westin is a fitness center and pool that overlooks the main runway. The Hyatt Hotel at Orlando International has a similar pool that offers swimmers the chance to watch the action on the tarmac while they take a dip. The Orlando inn also has a service that picks up your luggage at baggage claim and delivers it to your room.

Dallas/Fort Worth International has doubled down on the upscale airport hotel idea. It has two huge terminal-side hotels. Atlanta, Minneapolis Saint Paul and New Orleans are three major hubs that are planning similar hotel projects in the coming years.

Lots of comfort, but not lots of space

What if you get stranded at the airport by bad weather? One of these new luxury properties might provide a nice alternative to sleeping on the floor with your carry-on case as a pillow. However, even the largest of these hotels has a limited amount of space. The planned TWA Flight Center Hotel, in a newly designed terminal at JFK, is slated to have just over 500 rooms. If a major East Coast snowstorm blows into the Big Apple, those will fill up quite quickly, leaving most people with the usual suitcase-pillow setup.

A second airport hotel niche

Airport hotels might be entering a new era of luxury and flier-specific services, but there is another facet to this renaissance that could being comfort to the masses. Some people just want (or need) a place to park for a few hours in-between trans-ocean flights or during a weather-induced layover. Capsule hotels, first made famous in Japan, are tiny rooms that don’t provide much luxury or any special perks, but they do give guests privacy and a place to shower, lay on a bed and watch TV.

This concept is well established in Japan, and a new capsule hotel has just opened at Tokyo Narita. British brand Yotel has adopted the tiny-hotel theme with capsule rooms at Gatwick and Heathrow, as well as in Amsterdam. Munich’s NapCab, meanwhile, actually charges guests by the minute.

Are these airports or resorts?

Most airports have upgraded their shopping, dining and service options in recent years. You can even get a massage or facial at an airside spa and have a Michelin-star-worthy meal without having to pass back through security afterwards.

Luxury airport hotels put all these new features at guests' fingertips. More modest options, which lack luxury but not privacy and comfort, are also becoming more common. What this means is that layovers and cancelations will be more comfortable in the future (whether or not you have a lot of extra money to spend).