The Transportation Department announced on Thursday that it was investigating the rewards programs of the country’s four biggest airlines, part of the agency’s continuing efforts to bolster protections for air travelers. As part of the inquiry, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg ordered the carriers — United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines — to furnish the agency with records and detailed information about their loyalty programs. The agency said its investigation was “focused on the ways consumers participating in airline rewards programs are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice.” Buttigieg said in a statement that such programs “are controlled by a company that can unilaterally change their value.” “Our goal is to ensure consumers are getting the value that was promised to them,” he added, “which means validating that these programs are transparent and fair.” Airlines’ policies have been in the Biden administration’s cross hairs for months as it has tried to clamp down on practices that it sees as unfavorable to consumers. In April, the Transportation Department issued new rules requiring airlines to offer refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased. Buttigieg expressed concerns about loyalty programs in May during a joint hearing of the Transportation Department and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on airline loyalty and credit card programs. He said the agency was examining whether the companies were being straightforward with customers about what they would receive and whether they were “getting the deal that they were promised.” The agency, he added at the time, was also looking into the impact of the programs on competition in the industry, and whether some were “being operated in a way that has the potential to block the entry or growth of smaller airline competitors, which could ultimately limit options for consumers.” In statements, Delta and Southwest defended their loyalty programs. American and United referred requests for comment to Airlines for America, a trade association that represents the country’s biggest airlines, which said in a statement that “U.S. carriers are transparent about these programs, and policymakers should ensure that consumers can continue to be offered these important benefits.”<br/>
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Travellers will have to check in 15 minutes earlier than usual according to Air Canada's new cutoff time for all flights. Effective Sept. 4, check-in and baggage drop-off will close 60 minutes before departure — an increase from the previous cutoff time of 45 minutes, the airline confirmed in an email to CTVNews.ca Wednesday. "This change ensures a smoother, more efficient boarding and baggage loading process, and gives everyone peace of mind in preparation for takeoff," Air Canada said in a statement. According to the airline, the updated cutoff time excludes flights departing from the Toronto Island (YTZ) airport and landline bus services. Travellers can also choose to check in online, which gives a 24-hour window prior to the flight. Those who prefer to check in at the airport should ensure they arrive early in advance of the check-in deadlines, Air Canada advised. Air Canada says passengers can drop off bags as early as four hours before their flight's departure. "Make sure you've checked in, have your boarding pass and have dropped off your bags before the end of the check-in period for your flight," the airline warns on its website. "Remember, once the baggage counter closes, we can't accept any more bags," it added.<br/>
Egyptair Maintenance & Engineering has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus. This partnership strengthens Egyptair Maintenance & Engineering's position as a global leader in aviation maintenance and repair services (MRO). As part of the MoU, Egyptair Maintenance & Engineering will undergo the Airbus airframe MRO supplier qualification process, showcasing its compliance with industry-leading standards. This qualification will establish the company as a preferred supplier for Airbus aircraft operators across Africa, highlighting its advanced technical expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and dedication to quality and safety in aviation maintenance. Eng. Walid El-Khafif, Chairman and CEO of Egyptair Maintenance & Engineering, expressed the company's excitement about entering into this strategic partnership with Airbus. He emphasised that the collaboration will strengthen their ability to provide world-class maintenance services to clients and support the sustainable growth of aviation across Africa.<br/>