From ending gate lice, to automatic refunds just before the holidays, airlines and airports made significant changes during 2024. Sure, the process is still far from perfect – but positive steps have been made in recent months.
Let’s take a look back at the positives from the likes of Southwest and American Airlines. We’ll also feature what passengers are saying about the newest changes, and how they will change travel for the better heading into 2025.
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5
American Airlines Steps In To Finally End Gate Lice
Oh, the dreaded gate lice. We have seen this pattern time and time again. Passengers are eager to get on a flight, despite the fact that their gate wasn’t called. This makes the boarding process that much longer and extra crowded.
Well, credit to American Airlines as they finally stepped in with a new technology to end this issue once and for all. The new boarding platform is currently in its testing stage at three airports; Tucscon International, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Albuquerque International Sunport.
American Airlines spokesperson Rachel Warner confirmed the change with USA Today, and hopes privileged passengers can actually use their advanced status in lines.
“It’s a privilege that comes with where (a customer) may be sitting on the plane, or with their advantage status, or if they’re a credit card holder,” she said. “We want to make sure that our customers are getting the opportunity to board in the order in which they should.”
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How Did Travelers React?
- “Lufthansa has had this for a while. You literally have wait for the gate to open after you scan your boarding pass and if you attempt to go before your group it will beep embarrassingly loud and the gate will not open for you and you have step out of line until your group boards. It makes me smile every time I witness someone getting buzzed lol,” one user wrote on YouTube.
- “All airlines should use this system to shut down gate lice,” another user wrote.
4
U.S. Airlines Agree To Automatic Refund Policy For Passengers
Flight gets canceled… time to file paperwork for a refund… Not anymore! All U.S. airlines are now required to automatically refund a canceled flight. With this new rule in place, the hope is for airlines to avoid delays altogether in the future.
The new ruling does have parameters. You will get an automatic refund if the following is met:
- Flight gets canceled
- Domestic flight delayed more than three hours
- International flight delayed more than six hours
- Departure or arrival time changes
- Cabin gets downgraded
- Airlines fail to provide Wi-Fi or seat selection despite paying for additional service
- Connections increase
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What’s Not Worthy Of An Automatic Refund? |
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Personal Reasons |
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Late To A Flight |
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Sickness |
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Weather-Related Issues |
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Air Traffic Issue |
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Safety/Security Threat |
One Reddit user approves, especially given that vouchers given as compensation don’t always work.
“Vouchers also expire, had a Delta voucher for a year after they canceled a flight. Never used it cause it was a one-way. Super glad this exists now.”
3
American Airlines Revises Inflight Manual After 8 Men Were Kicked Off A Flight
American Airlines Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner)
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom sent a letter to employees after 8 black men were kicked off an AA flight due to their odor. Isom demanded better, and launched a new training program, along with a long-term diversity plan.
Isom followed on his promise as American Airlines revised the inflight manual. According to the new rules, flight attendants can only remove a passenger due to safety or security concerns.
Other issues need to be brought up by a passenger first. In addition, flight attendants need to consult other crew members before making a final decision. If a passenger is removed due to non-security issues, the Complaint Resolution Official must be contacted before.
CEO Robert Isom hopes the changes will “rebuild trust” with its passengers.
“Be assured that we are steadfast in our commitment to working with the NAACP and other civil rights organizations to learn from this incident, listen to and rebuild trust with you, our team members, and our Black customers, and to delivering the best possible experience with American,” he wrote.
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2
Southwest Airlines Debuts An Environmentally Friendly Cup
From an environmentally-friendly standpoint, Southwest is moving in the right direction. Goodbye plastic cups and hello bamboo cold cups. The blend is made out of 75% bamboo and 25% paper. The change is expected to decrease plastic waste by 1.5 million pounds per year.
By 2025, Southwest hopes to reduce plastics by 50% in weight.
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The cup looks very sleek and passengers love the mission. Though there was one complaint by an IG user, claiming the taste of her champagne was altered because of the cup.
“Love the sustainability effort but my sparkling wine tasted awful out of these cups on my flight to LGB last Thursday. I literally thought I was drinking champagne out of a coffee cup.”
Incoming bamboo champagne glasses?
To celebrate the new initiative in late-October, Southwest added prizes made with bamboo and Rapid Rewards points for passengers traveling to Denver.
1
3-1-1 Rule Finally Takes A Backseat As TSA Relaxes The Carry-On Liquid Policy
A TSA agent searches luggage at an airport
Another change travelers are fully embracing. Finally, TSA has updated the liquids rule. Amounts have increased, while other products are now deemed as “necessary” to take on a flight.
The revised list includes:
- Breast milk or formula (no limits)
- Water and baby food
- Liquid medications (Prescription document is required)
- Hydroalcoholic gel
- Nasal sprays and saline solutions
- Artificial tears and eye drops
- Contact lens solution
- Aerosol deodorant (Must be non-flammable)
- Liquid for dental prostheses
- Medical creams and lotions
- Live fish in water and other specimens
- Freezer or ice packs (Used for medical items)
Yet another change that will ease the process of getting on a flight.
Which changes do you approve of the most? And what do you hope to see in 2025?