Considering that the last major innovation in luggage was a 4-wheeled suitcase patented in 1972, it’s understandable that recent shifts have thrown the travel industry for a loop. For the past few years, makers of so-called smart luggage—that’s bags with anything from a USB charging port to motorised wheels—have disrupted the market. Airlines are now taking note with arched brows: Earlier this month, American, Alaska, and Delta Airlines announced a ban on smart luggage with batteries that can’t be removed. The restrictions, which take effect Jan 15, 2018, apply to both checked and carry-on luggage. United and Southwest are expected to make similar announcements soon. The airlines’ concern is that should a lithium ion battery ignite in a cargo hold, the plane’s automatic fire suppression system might not activate until too late. <br/>
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Boeing's allegation that future imports of Bombardier aircraft threaten material injury is based on speculation that is prohibited under US and international trade law, Canada's ambassador to the US said Monday. David MacNaughton said that under WTO agreements, the determination of threat of material injury "cannot be based on 'allegation, conjecture or remote possibility.'" The US Commerce Department earlier this year backed proposed trade duties on Bombardier CSeries jets of nearly 300% after Boeing claimed its Canadian rival used billions of dollars in illegal govt subsidies and dumped its newest jetliner in the US below cost. The US Department of Commerce is due to finalise the proposed duties this week. The ITC hearing is one of the final steps in the trade dispute due to conclude in February. <br/>
Boeing warned that its 737 Max 7 passenger jet may not survive if Bombardier continues to sell planes in the US below fair-market value. “Our Max 7 is at extreme risk,” Kevin McAllister, CE of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told a panel at the US International Trade Commission Monday. “If you don’t level the playing field now, it will be too late.” The Max 7 is the smallest of Boeing’s upgraded 737 airplanes. The company has accused Bombardier of dumping its narrow-body C Series jet, which in some configurations can carry a similar passenger load, on the US market at below-market prices and taking unfair subsidies from the Canadian and Quebec govts. The ITC, a quasi-judicial body, is hearing arguments in the case and is expected to give its final ruling next month. <br/>
Spas have long been a staple at airports in Europe, Asia and, especially, the Middle East, where airlines are known for over-the-top extravagance. But it has only been in the last few years that airlines in the US have embraced them. The increasing availability of airport spas has been driven by several factors, including credit card relationships with airlines and competition for increasingly elaborate lounges as well as expanded security waiting times and the overall stressful nature of airports. Spas are split into 2general types — those within airport terminal shopping areas and those that offer an air of privilege, within airline lounges and airport clubs, often accessible only to those with specialised credit cards or frequent flier memberships. <br/>
Heathrow Airport has outlined GBP2.5b (US$3.3b) in potential cost savings relating to its proposed third runway and associated infrastructure. It suggests the reduced bill means airport charges could stay “close to today’s levels”. “The secretary of state [Chris Grayling] set us the challenge to deliver an expanded airport for Britain with passenger charges staying close to current levels,” says the executive director of expansion at Heathrow, Emma Gilthorpe. “We have now identified potential savings of GBP2.5b and are increasingly confident we can meet the affordability challenge.” The London airport will present the options – which it says would reduce the overall bill to GBP14b – at a public planning consultation in January. The changes to the proposal include making use of existing public transport and baggage infrastructure. <br/>