As with almost every transportation method, people are actively seeking ways to minimize the use of fossil fuel and replace it with environment-friendly alternatives. This is what gave rise to innovations like electric scooters and completely disrupted the way that people go about covering shorter distances. Well, the same is true for the countless air travel companies that operate enormous fleets of planes. 

Although it is still in the development stages, electric-powered hypersonic travel is the latest offspring of human brilliance and innovation. For those unfamiliar, this is the concept of having an electric plane that offers hypersonic flights, greatly reducing the time required to travel long distances. Obviously, scientists are pursuing this invention in order to minimize the amount of toxic fuel that planes consume. To provide a frame of reference, a plane like Boeing’s 747 uses about a gallon of fuel per second and can sustain this rate for several hours in a single trip. Hence why it is crucial to seek alternatives resources and avoid burning through such an enormous amount of chemicals that go directly into the atmosphere. 

More Power to the Autopilot

It is no secret that a lot of planes are operated by something known as autopilot. In simple terms, this is a high-level cruise control option that pilots can use to avoid steering the plane for the entire duration of the flight. Although it sounds extremely innovative, autopilots have actually been around for decades. The improvements that are made here, however, are slowly making it possible to have a wholly pilotless aircraft. 

In fact, there are companies that are currently testing airplane-based taxis in Dubai where there is no pilot; just the computer. How does this benefit the market? Well, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Annax Aviation Services, Tony Freudmann, having technology operated planes would save the airline companies about $30 billion dollars. Fortunately, this does not mean that pilots would lose their jobs as their expertise would still be in high demand when it comes to improving the autopilot tools. It is also speculated that the market sentiment is not yet favorable of a fully automated flight, meaning pilots would still need to be on hand to provide peace of mind to passengers until the technology sees broader acceptance.

Staying Online While Flying

A few years ago, certain air travel companies began relying on satellite-based internet to offer their passengers a way to stay online while flying. Today, most of these types of services are still restricted to specific classes and individuals who are willing to pay additional fees. Soon, however, it is fair to expect that anyone who is on a plane will have the option to connect to the aircraft’s WiFi system. That way, people will still have the ability to stay online even when traveling 30,000 feet above the ground. 

Streamlining the Administrative Side of Things

Another large trend that has entered practically every industry in the world is Big Data. As the name states, it is a massive source of information that helps companies track customers, forecast sales, increase efficiency, and more. In the air travel market, companies are leveraging Big Data to improve the way that their customers purchase tickets. A good example would be the marketing campaigns that companies use to promote their offering to buyers who are most likely to convert and make a transaction, or the sites offering ticket prices which automatically update during surge hours or for repeat visitors. 

Airport Security Upgrades – Biometrics

When Apple introduced its fingerprint iPhone scanner in 2017, the vast majority of the market welcomed this addition to the smartphone with a passion. In reality, however, airports have been slowly implementing various levels of biometrics to their daily operations for years now. Examples include things like facial recognition, retinal scans, and many other ways that people can be identified with a minimal margin of error. Thus, as Tony Freudmann points out, the worrisome fear of not identifying travelers correctly is almost nonexistent.

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Three major air travel unions are sparing no words about the government shutdown, and some workers say the dog fight in Washington is putting the flying public at risk.

While in action, air traffic controllers are dialed in. They have their eyes glued to a number of screens as they weave planes around each other on the ground and in the sky.

And as they walk into work every day of the shutdown, without pay, they pass a warning sign that reads in part, “This faculty is used in FAA air traffic control. Loss of human life may result from service interruption.”

Air traffic controller Tyler Kennard the shutdown situation isn’t taking steps toward improvement.

“I’d say they’ve gotten worse, especially at work. The morale is really low,” Kennard said.

“It’s actually more stressful now with this whole government shutdown than it was when I was in a warzone in Iraq doing the same job,” the retired Marine who now works at Montgomery Field said.

In a statement released Wednesday, unions representing air traffic controllers, flight attendants and pilots sounded the alarm.

“We have a growing concern for the safety and security of our members, our airlines and the traveling public due to the government shutdown,” a joint statement read.

Citing staffing shortages and overwork, the groups added: “We cannot even calculate the level of risk currently at play.”

At San Diego International Airport where TSA officers continue to work without pay, officer and union leader Ron Gerber says anxiety is growing as well.

“Morale is so down now,” he said.

An email sent by local TSA management obtained exclusively by NBC 7 sheds light on local shutdown policies.

All planned vacation was canceled and officers could be considered AWOL if they try to take that leave.

“It’s terrible,” Gerber said. “It’s causing much more stress than it should. They should be there saying, we feel your pain, let’s see what we can do to help.”

TSA leaders did not respond to NBC 7’s request for comment.

While Kennard and Gerber insist they will still come to work to protect the flying public, the frustration is grating.

“The longer the shutdown happens, the worse it’s gonna get.”

Meanwhile, the airport says there’s been no impact on travelers so far.

New flights and new entertainment options lead this week’s air travel news in the meetings and events industry. 

In in-flight entertainment news, this week Delta announced the addition of ad-free podcasts to its Delta Studio seatback entertainment, which is available on more than 600 aircraft as of February 1. The new podcasts include Dr. Death – a true crime podcast that follows the story of a charming surgeon from Texas convicted of widespread and lethal malpractice, as well as Business Wars, The A24 Podcast, This American Life, Hello Sunshine Podcast and The goop Podcast. 

In flight news, this week Southwest Airlines published its extended flight schedule through October 31. Starting Saturday, August 10, the airline will add Saturday-only service between Dallas Love Field and Corpus Christi. Additionally, the carrier is adding service on Saturdays and Sundays between Richmond, Virginia and Tampa, Florida.

The carrier also announced the return of previously-operated seasonal service beginning August 10, 2019, on Saturdays between Hartford, CT, and Fort Lauderdale; Buffalo and Fort Lauderdale; Boise and Chicago Midway; Newark and Orlando; Richmond and Orlando; and Milwaukee and Seattle. Southwest’s seasonal weekend service between Des Moines and Phoenix will also once again be offered beginning August 10. 

In the Caribbean, this week the island of Grenada released an update on the latest new airlift to the destination. Starting in December, American Airlines, Sunwing and Air Canada all added new flights. American added an additional flight on Saturdays out of Miami, ending service March 30, while Sunwing launched 22 flights from Toronto Pearson, with service ending April 21. Air Canada added a third weekly flight, running every Tuesday and also out of Toronto Pearson. That service ends on March 26. 

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It’s no secret that air travel has become more unpleasant in recent years. Oversold flights, minimal food service and airlines’ desire to squeeze more passengers in by eliminating legroom are just a few of the indignities travelers must suffer in order to get to their destinations.

But for those with hearing loss, airplane travel can be particularly difficult. Hearing loss affects everything from pre-flight boarding to gate change announcements and in-flight communication, leading to frustration and misery.

We still have a long way to go until all passengers can travel with equal access to services. If you’re traveling with hearing loss, here are some tips for making your trip go more smoothly: 

Before your trip

Before you go, review our travel tips for people with hearing loss, including a suggested packing list, to make sure you’re prepared for any minor hiccups–such as your hearing aid batteries dying out. You also may want to visit your hearing healthcare professional to make sure your devices are in good shape before you travel with your hearing aids. Don’t forget your cleaning kit!

Getting through security

Fortunately, you don’t need to take out your hearing aids before you walk through security. If you do wear your hearing aid through security, you may want to let TSA personnel know. Depending on the device, you may get flagged for additional screening. If you’re not wearing them, do not place them directly on the conveyer belt or in the plastic bins, as that may generate static electricity that can damage them. 

When going through airport security, do not place your hearing aids on the conveyer belt or in the plastic bins–doing so could generate an electrical charge that damages them.

Are you in the loop?

An increasing number of airports have installed induction loop systems, which consist of a loop of wire that produces an electromagnetic signal received directly by hearing aids. Induction loop systems allow hearing aid and cochlear implant users to hear more clearly despite the presence of background noise or poor acoustics. To be connected to the airport’s induction loop, you just need to switch your hearing aids to the “telecoil” or “T” setting. If you are not sure if your hearing aids have telecoils, ask your hearing healthcare provider.

On board your flight

The good news: You don’t have to turn off your hearing aids when flight attendants announce that all devices must be turned off and stowed away in seat pockets. 

The bad news: On-board entertainment, like TV shows and movies, may not have captioning. And pilots and flight attendants frequently make announcements that can be hard to hear–even for people with perfect hearing.

Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you may want to let a flight attendant know that you won’t be able to clearly hear crew announcements. And it’s not a bad idea to bring along your own entertainment, whether that be reading or downloading some videos on a tablet. Lastly, don’t forget to take steps to avoid ear pain while flying.

Know your rights

Passed by Congress in 1986, the Air Carrier Access Act has specific benefits for those with hearing loss. It states, in part:

• Information and reservations services must be accessible
• Information at airports must be accessible after self-identification as having hearing loss
• Television at airports must have captions turned on
• Communication on commercial aircraft must be effective after self-identification as having hearing loss
• Service animals are permitted

Thanks to the ACAA, you have rights that will ensure a smoother travel experience:

You have the right to indicate your need for special services when booking your flight, either online or over the phone. When given a list of options, select “hearing loss or impairment.” This will begin the process of alerting the airlines of your needs, both preflight and during the flight. It will not only be noted on the passenger manifest, but gate agents and flight attendants will be notified as well.

You have the right to request disability seating. This usually means close to the front of the aircraft. This seating allows you to pre-board as well as to see the flight attendants clearly so you are better able to understand them as they make in-flight announcements. Be aware that online booking sites might not mention that these seats are available, as the airlines would rather sell these seats at economy comfort prices; nevertheless be sure to ask. If the seats are available, they have to give them to you at no extra cost. Disability seats are intended for all disability groups, not just those with mobility issues.

You have the right to the same level of communication with airline staff as the other passengers. Once you have self-identified to the airline as having hearing loss, you can make certain requests in order to make sure you are aware of all important information. For example, you might want to ask to be approached directly with notification of pre-boarding, any in-flight safety announcements such as turbulence, notifications of gate changes or late arrivals.

Advocate for yourself

Airplane travel can be stressful, and unexpected hurdles can pop at any time for you and your traveling companions. When it comes to hearing loss, it helps to be prepared. If you can’t find the information you need, asking for help is critical–being your own advocate can make a huge difference in the quality of your trip. 

Got a travel tip we didn’t cover in this article? Please share below in the comments. 

As it continues, the shutdown will increasingly affect air travel and even safety. Union officials are concerned about stress. Alaska Airlines warns that without FAA officials to sign off, the new Paine Field Airport near Seattle may not open as scheduled on Feb. 11. And Delta Air Lines’ plans to start flying its newest aircraft, the Airbus A220, by the end of January could also be slowed.

TSA has already tapped the pool of workers who can be shifted around, and is adding reinforcements to airports in New York, New Jersy, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the standoff is costing the economy $100 million a day just in lost travel expenditures, and that airports, visas and Customs may become increasingly affected.

The Global Business Travel Association said that a survey of more than 400 members this past week revealed that more than two-thirds of those polled are concerned about a negative impact on their business if the shutdown continues.

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Super Bowl carbon offsets to help Georgia turn trash into energy.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is partnering with Rocky Mountain Instituteand The Good Traveler to offset air travel by 18,000 metric tons of carbon emissions; the equivalent to 1,624 air miles offset for each of the 71,000 fan seats at Mercedes Benz Stadium for Super Bowl LIII on February 3. This is the first Super Bowl in which carbon emissions from the fans’ air travel to the game will be offset.

As one of the largest events in the United States, the number of emissions created by football fans can be tremendous. Every time a fan boards a plane for Super Bowl LIII, they will contribute to ever-increasing levels of CO2 in our atmosphere. Fortunately, The Good Traveler program is offsetting the emissions equivalent of over 115 million air miles, or taking 3,822 cars off the road for a year.

“Reducing and offsetting emissions is an on-going priority for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Airport has offset over 60,000 tons since 2017”, explains Michael Cheyne, Director of Asset Management and Sustainability at ATL. “We are excited about our partnerships with SB53 and Rocky Mountain Institute managed The Good Traveler Program. Our hope is that future Super Bowls and other major events will build on and exceed our commitment to resiliency.”

Carbon offsets are verified to neutralize the impact of the use of fossil fuels, such as air travel or road travel, by keeping greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere at a project site. Offsets are the only option today (and an easy one) for air travelers to mitigate the CO2 impact of their flights. Flying is carbon intensive and can account for over 80 percent of direct emissions for the Super Bowl.

The fans’ carbon offsets will come from projects that make good use of waste, reduce greenhouse gases, and support the local community. Georgia-based Dalton-Whitfield and Wolfcreek landfill to energy projects reduce carbon pollution and provide a reliable source of renewable energy to local industry while providing enough power for 1500 homes.

For the foreseeable future, the aviation industry will rely on support from passengers, cities, and business to become sustainable through carbon offsets. The industry’s carbon emissions in the U.S. grew at 3 percent last year and global aviation emissions have been growing at about 5 percent annually over the last four years. Without intervention, aviation could comprise over 20 percent of the global carbon budget by mid-century.

RMI manages The Good Traveler program which is the only airport-founded and aviation-focused carbon offset program that empowers airports, organizations, cities, and individuals to mitigate the climate impact of travel. In 2018, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport joined the program’s airport advisory board, which serves 410 million passengers annually, and includes Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Port of Seattle, The Port Authority of New York New Jersey, San Diego International Airport (the program’s founder) and San Francisco International Airport.

“Hartsfield-Jackson and the City of Atlanta have raised the climate leadership bar for professional sports championships,” said Adam Klauber, Principal, Rocky Mountain Institute. “Bold actions from airports can help us avoid relying solely on a desperate Hail Mary-pass to keep our planet below 2°C of warming.”

The City of Atlanta understands the need to reduce those emissions entering our atmosphere and has committed to offset 39,682,800 lbs. of CO2 (18,000 MT) through Rocky Mountain Institute and The Good Traveler.org.

About Rocky Mountain Institute 
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)—an independent nonprofit founded in 1982—transforms global energy use to create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon future. It engages businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the adoption of market-based solutions that cost-effectively shift from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 
Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, serving more than 103 million passengers annually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destination and 70 international destinations in more than 50 countries. ATL boasts a direct economic impact of $34.8 billion in metro Atlanta and a total direct impact of $70.9 billion in Georgia. The Airport is the largest employer in Georgia, with more than 63,000 individuals working on-site. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. In 2016, ATL set in motion a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program, ATLNext , which will modernize the Domestic Terminal, extend two concourses, construct several parking decks, add a sixth runway, expand cargo facilities, pave the way for a 440-room for a 440-room Intercontinental Hotel with Class A office space, and develop Green Acres ATL Energy Park.

PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: Travellers on Sunday faced difficulties as 13 trains and 12 flights were delayed while 14 in-bound and out-bound flights were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

According to details, due to the fog and poor weather conditions in the country, trains moving between Karachi, Quetta, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Rawalpindi reached their destinations hours late while trains that arrived in Lahore from Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta left for their destinations late.

The Awami Express arrived in Lahore from Karachi three hours late. The Iqbal Express arriving from Karachi also reached three hours late while the Jafar Express arriving from Quetta faced a delay of two-and-a-half hours. The Khyber Mail, arriving from Karachi, was 45 minutes late.

The Karachi Express was an hour late while the Business Express was one-and-a-half hours late. The Akbar Express, coming from Quetta, was an hour late while the Karakorum Express coming from Karachi was one-and-a-half hours late. The Tezgam arriving from Karachi was an hour late and so was the Ghori Express coming from Faisalabad.

On the other hand, flights inside and outside the country also faced cancellation and delays.

The cancelled flights included one for Tehran, PIA’s flight 313 to Karachi, China Airline’s flight 6018 to Armachi, PIA’s flight 317 to Karachi, flight 654 for Islamabad, flight 583 to Karachi, flight 656 to Islamabad, flights 307 and 306 to Karachi, flight 655 to Islamabad, flight 582 to Karachi. Flights to Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Bahawalpur were also cancelled. They included China Airline’s Armachi-bound flight 6017 and PIA’s flight 720 coming from Milan. Air Blue’s flight to Muscat 230 was also cancelled.

The delayed ones included one flight 1195 coming in from Tehran, Emirates’ flight 622 coming from Dubai, PIA’s flight 317 coming from Dubai, Turkish Airline’s flight 715 to Istanbul, PIA’s flight 318 to Riyadh, Etihad Airways’ flight 242 to Abu Dhabi, Emirates’ flight 623 to Dubai, Qatar Airways flight 621 to Doha and a flight bound for Tehran 1194.

The difficulties being faced by the travellers as a result of delay and cancellation of flights are increasing by the day.

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – On Friday, Lufthansa Flight 461 to Munich, Germany out of Miami International Airport became the first flight where passengers could use biometric technology to board the plane.

“For tonight’s flight, we are launching an exciting boarding process that eliminates the need for your boarding card or passport,” said a boarding agent at Gate 17.

That means passengers will no longer have to fumble through their bags, trying to find their documents, or even worse, misplacing them before a flight.

This biometric technology, designed by State Information Technology Agency, or SITA, is a facial recognition service. The photo you take is matched to other photos in the system, such as passport or visa photos along with your information.

“This very quickly gives us a positive ID on the individual,” said Chris Maston with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP.

According to CBP, the process takes less than 2 seconds and has a 99% matching rate. In the 1% chance of error, there are still customers officers and gate agents who can check documentation.

Lester Sola, the aviation director and CEO of Miami International, said 2018 was a record year with more than 45 million travelers. Numbers are predicted to grow and they needed to look toward new technology to make traveling quicker and more efficient.

Biometric technology was presented to him in late 2017. By April 2018, the technology was implemented for some international passengers flying into Miami. Miami International Airport was the first in the country to do so.

“Historically, it may have taken 1 or 1-and-half hour for 500 passengers,” said Sola. “Now it’s about 15-20 minutes.”

For the past year, this was only an option for passengers flying internationally into Miami. Now some airlines will have the technology for passengers as they board a plane to depart.

Some passengers like Nathan Wood and Chandra Seepaul already love the idea.

“It’s nice and quick like us Aussies,” said Wood.

“Less stress, very fast. And then you don’t need to fold your passport and boarding pass in your hand, sometimes you don’t know where you put it,” added Seepaul.

The process is voluntary. Kids who don’t reach the camera are still ineligible. When asked about security or privacy concerns, Wood and Seepaul weren’t deterred.

“The government is already watching us, so if it makes it quicker, that’s easier,” joked Wood.

“No, they take your boarding pass, you stand over there and take a picture,” said Seepaul. “It’s the same system.”

Sherry Stein, the senior manager of Projects and Innovation with SITA, said the information is what the system already has anyway.

“If you have to enter the country, you have to supply that information. It’s nothing new,” said Stein.

So far, the technology is only being used for international travelers at some airlines in select airports – Miami and Orlando being two of them. But that list will quickly expand, according to industry experts.

“The travel industry is growing exponentially. Travel is expected to double. Every day the airports will be like Christmas,” said Stein. “We have to find ways to make the process easier for travelers.”

Stein adds the goal is to use this technology to make the traveling process more streamlined, where you won’t need to show several documents and forms of identifications multiple times while traveling.

Call it curb to gate, reservation to destination, if you ask the CEO of MIA, he calls it the very near future.

“I think before the end of 2019, [biometric technology will be] everywhere,” said Sola. “You’ll have every airport having some form of biometric measures.”

HARRISON –

The record-setting cold across the country has already caused more than 2,000 flights to be canceled today.         

More than 800 of those canceled flights were supposed to go through the Chicago area where wind chills have been making it feel like 50-below zero.

There are also dozens of canceled flights in other parts of the Midwest including Detroit and St. Louis.

New York LaGuardia Airport already has dozens of cancellations today due to the extreme weather.

There have been only two cancellations at Westchester County Airport in Harrison.

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