DOT improving airline refund system

Hawaiian Airlines shows flexibility amid pandemic | Delta Air Lines shares recommendations for summer travel | American Airlines Pride groups support LGBTQ community

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June 23, 2020

News for the airline industry

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DOT improving airline refund system

The Transportation Department is making improvements in the airline refund process and already has "taken pro-consumer action on refunds," Secretary Elaine Chao writes. She reiterates that the department is working with airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure layers of protection and prioritize the welfare of passengers and employees.

Full Story: USA Today (6/22)

Company Watch

Hawaiian Airlines shows flexibility amid pandemic

Hawaiian Airlines' human resources and operations units are among the airline's departments showing flexibility and adapting to the changes challenges associated with the coronavirus pandemic. "A team can pivot and work remotely without sacrificing output if we establish transparency and employees feel supported," said Asiana Ponciano, manager of the HR Employee Service Center.

Full Story: Hawaiian Airlines blog (6/22)

Delta Air Lines shares recommendations for summer travel

Delta Air Lines has shared tips for travelers as consumers begin to take to the skies for summer travel. The recommendations include reviewing TSA guidelines, wearing a face covering throughout the travel experience and utilizing smartphone technology to ensure a touchless experience.

Full Story: Delta News Hub (6/23), Delta News Hub (6/18)

American Airlines Pride groups support LGBTQ community

American Airlines team members created Pride, the employee business resource group that advocates for LGBTQ customers and team members. Since its creation in 1994, chapters have been founded across the world, and today more than 2,500 Chapter members raise awareness around LGBTQ issues and work to promote equality in the workplace and communities.

Full Story: American Airlines American Stories (6/23)

Southwest touts San Diego as great travel destination

Southwest Airlines is featuring San Diego as a great destination for travelers this summer, citing the city's many attractions and status as a surfing mecca. Southwest encourages visitors to share their stories.

Full Story: The Southwest Airlines Community (6/23)

Inside Aviation

Airport layouts could get post-pandemic overhauls

Larger terminals, fever-detecting cameras, virtual line-ups and biometrics-enabled electronic boarding gates could all be in the future for airports as officials work to ensure the safety of both travelers and staff post-pandemic. "We're trying to do everything we can to make sure that our airport terminals are a safe environment, and we're making sure that we're doing everything we can to make it healthy for people to come in," says Justin Erbacci, chief executive of Los Angeles World Airports.

Full Story: Forbes (6/18), Airport Technology (UK) (6/18), The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (6/23), WESA-FM (Pittsburgh) (6/22)

Pandemic drives installation of touchless tech

(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Touchless check-in and baggage services have become must-haves for airlines and these systems have quickly been installed across hundreds of airports in the US. "The capability has been there for a while, but I guess before it was quite difficult to justify the expense when you have relatively new kiosks," said Ryan Ghee of Future Travel Experience.

Full Story: Travel Weekly (6/22)

N.J. airports step up virus safety measures

The use of anti-viral cleaning agents, requiring face coverings for travelers and other safety procedures are part of the new normal for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airports, including Newark Liberty International. "Yes, it is going to be very different and yes, it is going to take some time to get used to and no it's not going to be easy," said Port Authority Aviation Director Huntley Lawrence.

Full Story: WABC-TV (New York City) (6/22)

Airport capital projects adjust to pandemic

Projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Denver International Airport and LaGuardia Airport have continued during the coronavirus pandemic. Other facilities, such as Texas' Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport in Florida and San Francisco International Airport have adjusted construction timelines in response

Full Story: Construction Dive (6/22)