Travelers starting to see small breaks from rising airfares
Before celebrating by splurging on a fancy trip, travelers should be aware that July’s average ticket was still 27.7% higher than in July of last year.
Transportation
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Runway rebuild project takes off at Indianapolis International Airport
Indianapolis International Airport is undergoing its most ambitious project since the completion of the new Midfield Terminal in 2008—a $190 million rebuild of one of its two main runways.
U.S. proposes to increase refund protections for air travelers
The proposed rule announced Wednesday would require airlines to give refunds if their departure or arrival time changes by three hours or more for a domestic flight or at least six hours for an international one.
City presents concepts for Henry Street bridge connecting Elanco, downtown
The Henry Street bridge would accommodate both cars and pedestrians and is a key component in the city’s infrastructure-heavy incentive package to bring Greenfield-based Elanco downtown.
JetBlue agrees to buy Spirit for $3.8 billion
The agreement would create the nation’s fifth-largest airline, with a fleet of 458 aircraft.
With Frontier deal dead, Spirit ponders sale to JetBlue
Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines agreed Wednesday to abandon their merger proposal, opening the way for JetBlue Airways to acquire Spirit after a months-long bidding war for the budget carrier.
Q&A with Tony Dzwonar, from the school board to the bus lot
Tony Dzwonar had just wrapped up three consecutive terms on the Washington Township school board—serving from 2008 to late 2020—and was looking for a way to spend his extra free time. Then he remembered that the district—like most school corporations—needed bus drivers.
Sky-high diesel prices squeeze truckers, farmers, consumers
For months, motorists have felt the pain of high gasoline prices. Many might not know that they’re also absorbing the impact of much costlier diesel in the form of higher priced goods.
Uber could face suit by 500-plus female passengers over sexual assault complaints
Uber has long defended itself by asserting that it can’t be held responsible for behavior of its drivers, who aren’t employees but rather are contractors.
Summer travel is boosting airlines’ bottom lines as ticket prices rise
Strong demand for travel is giving U.S. airlines a financial boost as the industry battles through reduced flight schedules, higher fuel and labor costs, and concerns about the effects inflation could have on consumer spending, airlines officials said this week.
Vote on Spirit, Frontier merger is postponed, again
At issue is a competing bid for Spirit from another budget airline, JetBlue, which is offering about $1 billion more for Spirit.
Flight cancellations ease slightly as July 4 weekend ends
In the U.S., the rate of cancellations over the last two weeks is up 59% from the same period in 2019, before the pandemic, likely due to a combination of weather, staffing shortages and air-traffic issues.
July Fourth travelers face thousands of flight delays, cancellations
More than 2,800 flights within, into or out of the United States were delayed as of Saturday afternoon, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.
New road-safety chief: Agency to scrutinize auto-driver technology
Any new regulations the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration might impose would fill what critics say is an urgent need to address the growing use of driver-assistance systems on U.S. roads.
Flight cancellations stressing weary travelers as July 4 approaches
Pandemic-era problems that hobbled the national air system as it struggled to regain footing last summer have not abated, despite pledges from airline executives of a renewed focus on reliability.
Airlines aim to shift blame for ongoing flight problems to FAA
Criticism of the government agency could serve as a pre-emptive defense in case airlines again suffer thousands of canceled and delayed flights over the holiday weekend.
Pilots picket as airline unions leverage summer travel woes
The protest, which the union said drew up to 1,300 Southwest Airlines pilots, was the latest example of airline workers trying to put pressure on companies by taking their demands for higher pay directly to the flying public.
JetBlue raises offer again in bidding for Spirit Airlines
Shareholders of Miramar, Florida-based Spirit are scheduled to vote June 30 on a bid from Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue is trying to convince investors to scuttle the agreement and drive Spirit into JetBlue’s arms.
Worldwide airline industry predicts profit in 2023, defying slowdown
While most carriers are enjoying bumper sales as customers flood back following the lifting of COVID curbs, taking leisure trips and catching up with friends and family, there are doubts about how long the surge will continue as high fuel prices push airlines to hike fares.
Buttigieg: U.S. might act against airlines on consumers’ behalf
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his department could take enforcement action against airlines that fail to meet consumer-protection standards, although he thinks that won’t be necessary.