American Airlines CEO Robert Isom acknowledged the airline's failure in handling an incident where Black passengers were removed from a flight due to a body odor complaint. The airline is implementing new measures, including staff training and policy reviews, to address discrimination. The NAACP has urged American Airlines to revive its diversity council, warning of a potential travel advisory if swift action is not taken. Settlement discussions are ongoing regarding the lawsuit filed by the affected passengers.
The NAACP is considering reinstating a travel advisory against American Airlines due to a perceived pattern of discriminatory behavior and the airline's recent disbanding of its diversity, equity, and inclusion advisory council. American Airlines asserts its commitment to addressing bias and ensuring positive experiences for all customers. The NAACP's initial advisory was lifted in 2018 after the airline committed to specific measures, but recent incidents and the dissolution of the DEI panel have prompted renewed concerns.
Circle K is offering a 40-cent discount per gallon of gas on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at most U.S. locations, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. A portion of the profits will be donated to the Children of Fallen Patriots foundation. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects a significant increase in Memorial Day travel, with 38.4 million people expected to travel by car.
Bark Air, a new airline launched by the pet company Bark, is revolutionizing air travel for dogs by offering a "white paw service" on Gulfstream G5 jets, with tickets costing $6,000 for domestic and $8,000 for international flights. The airline, which has already sold out flights for May and June, allows dogs to socialize and travel comfortably without size or breed restrictions, while humans experience business-class service.
JetBlue has launched a new direct flight service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Tallahassee International Airport, aimed at easing travel for South Florida's legislative delegation, state government officials, and students attending Florida State University. The service is part of JetBlue's expansion plan and will continue regardless of the outcome of their proposed merger with Spirit Airlines. Introductory fares are offered at $49, and the flights are scheduled to leave Fort Lauderdale at 7 a.m. and return from Tallahassee at 9:15 a.m. daily. This new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time and inconvenience for those traveling between South Florida and the state capital.
Business travel is undergoing a transformation rather than a decline, with a shift from client meetings to internal team gatherings due to the rise of remote and hybrid work models. The Global Business Travel Association predicts business travel spending will exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2024. Companies are now focusing on "non-customer travel" for team bonding and maintaining company culture, as in-person interactions are deemed critical for building long-term relationships among remote employees. Business travel is also seen as important for professional development, indicating a new purpose and value in corporate trips in the era of remote work.
