oneworld

American Airlines Group raised the cost of checking a bag on a trans-Atlantic flight by 25% for customers buying its cheapest ticket as carriers worldwide struggle with the collapse of travel demand due to coronavirus. The fee to check a first bag rose to US$75 from $60 for passengers who purchase a Basic Economy ticket after April 21, American said. The increase brings American’s fees into line with those charged by its transatlantic joint-venture partners -- British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair, the carrier said. The change applies on flights to Europe, Israel and Morocco. American’s fee to check a second or third bag on such routes remains the same -- $100 and $200, respectively -- for both Basic Economy and Main Cabin tickets paid in US dollars, the airline said. <br/>

Qatar Airways said Tuesday mid-level employees and above will have their salaries halved for at least 3 months but that staff would be back paid when the airline could afford it. Partially deferring salaries was a temporary measure that is expected to last for 3 months starting April, the airline said, though cautioned it could be extended “depending on the economic situation”. Unpaid portions of salaries would be paid “as soon as possible when circumstances allow”, it said. The airline did not say how many staff would be affected, or how much it would temporarily save over the 3 months. Qatar Airways is one of few airlines still operating regular scheduled passenger services with international travel virtually grounded due to the new coronavirus outbreak. <br/>