Southwest Unveils Transformation Plan at Dallas Meeting

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By Eric Hanson

Foreign Bureau

Southwest Airlines has revealed the details of its plans to sure up the struggling company and take it into the future.

The carrier unveiled its path forward today at an Investor Day meeting in Dallas with Southwest leaders.

The carrier said it is “transforming" its customer experience to provide more choices and greater comfort for passengers, a move that the airline hopes will drive revenue growth and return the carrier to profitability.

“We’re now ushering in a new era at Southwest, moving swiftly and deliberately to transform the company by elevating the customer experience, improving financial performance, and driving sustainable shareholder value,” Bob Jordan, president, CEO and vice chairman of the board, said in a statement.

Here’s a closer look at the key initiatives that were outlined by Southwest leaders at Investor Day. 

Southwest said in a statement that its transformation will be “guided by data-driven research of travelers’ changing needs and expectations.”

To that end, the carrier's evolution will aim to provide more choices for customers, while seeking to “preserve aspects of the business that make the airline unique among its competitors.”

That will include:

• Assigned Seating: Southwest hopes to broaden its consumer appeal and boost demand through a new assigned seating model.
  
  “Airline passengers now have a clear preference for seat assignments: 80 percent of Southwest customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines want assigned seats,” said the airline. 


  
  Now that its flights are taking passengers farther than ever, seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights, said Southwest. The airline expects to begin selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025, with its first flights operating with the new model in the first half of 2026.

• Premium Seating: Airline leaders said market research shows that the preference for an assigned seat with extra legroom offers broad appeal for both business and leisure travelers.
  
  ”With this in mind, Southwest will offer extra legroom options with up to five additional inches of pitch for approximately a third of its seats while maintaining a standard economy seat pitch among the best in the industry," said the airline.

  
  The hope is that new seating product options will drive demand and generate more revenue per passenger.
• Southwest Boarding with Upgrades: Southwest has also announced that it will “evolve its boarding process with seat assignments while focusing on operational efficiency and improving the customer experience.
  
  
What does that mean exactly?
  
   “The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest’s unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area,” the airline explained. “The carrier’s most loyal customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board.”

• Bags Continue to Fly Free: Based on research, Southwest leaders have determined that the carrier’s bags fly free policy remains the most important feature by far in setting Southwest apart from other airlines. 

For this reason, the airline believes any change in the current policy would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing bag fees.

These and other changes come at a time when the airline has struggled with a lack of financial success. Those struggles have led to wariness among some investors, notably Elliott Management, which has called for a special meeting of the airline’s governing body. Elliott Management owns more than 10 percent of shares in the carrier. It has publicly called for the removal of CEO Robert Jordan.

However, the carrier's leaders expressed optimism at today's investor event that the proposed actions will help restore Southwest's profitability.

“We’ve spent the past few years laying a foundation that serves as the base of our transformation,”  Ryan Green, executive vice president commercial transformation, said in a statement. 

"We’ve already started rolling out modernized cabins with improved WiFi, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, enhanced operational efficiencies, and optimized flight schedules,” Green added. “We will continue to build upon our unique competitive advantages, while adapting to consumer priorities in today’s dynamic environment.”

By Suzanne Edgewater

Foreign Bureau

A new report shows that while business travel is still down from pre-pandemic totals, transient and group business travel have shown growth in 2023.

According to STR, lodging data confirms the accelerated recovery of business and group travel, with the hotel industry finishing September strong with room demand the second-highest ever for the month.

Weekday occupancy has also increased, particularly in the top 25 largest hotel markets in the United States, especially San Francisco, which posted the highest weekday occupancy in the last week of September at nearly 90 percent. 

“Group bookings are booming at this point,” Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian said. “That’s happening in so many companies. The power of human connection cannot be underestimated. Human-to-human connections makes creativity work, it elevates the human spirit. That will sustain travel.”

While 2022 totals were still 29 percent below 2019 levels, group occupancy data is now approaching pre-pandemic demand levels and there are expectations that it will reach 2019 levels this fall.

The STR research found several major trends, including a slow but steady recovery, small- and medium-sized companies are leading the way, a boost in business travel from employees returning to the office and the continued growth of bleisure travel.

Last week, American Airlines announced the introduction of a new business loyalty program, dubbed AAdvantage Business. As part of the program, eligible companies and their travelers will earn miles and additional Loyalty Points for booking business travel on the carrier’s official website or app.

By Suzanne Edgewater

West Coast Bureau

After months of isolation and lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hardly any surprise when scores of individuals eagerly began exploring the world again once the pandemic finally began to wane.

In 2022, two years after the global health crisis first emerged, the total number of passengers on flights had rebounded to a healthy 3.3 billion, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). That figure represented a 42.8 percent increase from just one year earlier. By the end of 2023, air traffic on most routes had fully reached, or in some cases surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

As the number of travelers taking to the skies ramped back up, however, so too did a problem few travelers expect to experience at 30,000 feet: sexual assault.

In August 2023, federal prosecutors, the FBI and the Port of Seattle joined forces to provide information to the public about what officials labeled a "disturbing increase of sexual assaults on aircraft."

According to this group of officials, as travel resumed in a post-pandemic world, an alarming number of reports of "predatory conduct" on aircraft began to roll in.

By the end of the summer of 2023, some 62 cases of assault had already been reported on aircraft and officials were predicting that by the time the year drew to a close, the total number of in-flight sexual assaults would surpass the 90 cases reported for all of 2022.

And that's exactly what happened. 

During the course of 2023, the FBI opened 96 cases linked to in-flight sexual assault. These figures are a stark contrast to the 27 cases the FBI investigated aboard aircraft in 2018. Between 2019 and 2023, the FBI experienced a 60 percent increase in cases.

"Unfortunately, we've seen a disturbing uptick in these really horrible assaults," U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman said in June.

The growing number of such assaults is so concerning that officials are asking the public to help combat the problem, by reporting anything unusual they witness on a plane.

On July 4, 2022, a 16-year-old boarded Southwest Flight 230 in Las Vegas, Nevada en route to Portland, Oregon and was seated away from his family, in between two adult men. 

One of those men was a 50-year-old, heavy-set male who boarded the flight "obviously intoxicated and reeking of alcohol," alleges a lawsuit later filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Southwest Airlines. Once the plane took off and cabin lights dimmed, the alleged perpetrator began to assault the young boy, says the court filing.

"Initially, the perpetrator grabbed the plaintiff’s leg several times," alleges the lawsuit filed by Greenberg Gross LLP, which details a disturbing series of events. From that point on, the assault on the young passenger escalated. The alleged perpetrator also attempted to kiss the young boy, made inappropriate comments and touched the young boy's thigh and groin area.

In the moments that followed, the perpetrator tried to "get inside the Plaintiff's shorts" and "despite the Plaintiff's attempts to push the Perpetrator's hand away, the Perpetrator repeatedly managed to grab the Plaintiff's genitals." 

This was far from the end of the alarming incident, which did not stop until the plane began its final descent into Portland.

The lawsuit filed by the young man's family alleges that Southwest Airlines failed to protect a minor passenger from a foreseeable in-flight sexual assault.

Daniel Cha, a partner with Greenberg Gross, told TravelPulse that he feels there's a broad "systemic failure" that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers on flights, particularly minors. Cha said the lawsuit involving the 16-year-old underscores the urgent 

need for airlines to implement and enforce policies that protect passengers from sexual assault.

"A bunch of strangers are put together on planes and there is no opportunity to extract oneself," says Cha. "This is about adequately having people observe and identify the risk factors, in terms of the kinds of behaviors and activities associated with these incidents."

"In the case we're representing, the gentleman was very intoxicated," Cha continued. "This is about having people trained to identify the risk factors and keeping an eye out."

Cha added that he believes it's important for airlines to ensure its employees have specifically been trained to deal with in-flight sexual assaults and to also communicate that message effectively to passengers.

"Passengers must know the crew have been trained and are available to address inappropriate conduct," Cha said.

Contacted for comment about the lawsuit filed by Greenberg Gross and the broader issue of in-flight sexual assaults, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson declined to comment citing the pending litigation.

The airline also declined to comment on whether Southwest has a policy in place regarding how in-flight assaults are to be dealt with when they occur.

"Because of the sensitivity and security protocols, we’re not able to share details about this training program," said Southwest Spokesperson Dan Landson.

By Michael Sinclair

Foreign Bureau

As much as we use the cliché about not having a rudder or being rudderless to describe an issue, it’s a very real problem for the Boeing Company.

The National Transportation Safety Board issued urgent safety recommendations regarding a rudder malfunction on Boeing’s best-selling plane, the 737.

The problem is somewhat contained as it appears only to effect those planes bought by United Airlines. There is a manufacturing defect in the rudder control system. The Federal Aviation Administration is aware of the situation.

“We have been monitoring this situation closely. … We will convene a corrective action review board based upon the NTSB’s interim recommendations and determine next steps,” the agency said in a statement.

Boeing said, “We are working with our supplier to develop additional guidance.”

Nonetheless, the NTSB recommended that Boeing tell all carriers that there is a possibility that the rudder control system can jam. The NTSB also urged Boeing to come up with better instructions for pilots as to how to handle rudder jams.

Boeing said it will “ensure flight crews have the appropriate operating procedures.”

The enforcement recommendations stem from an incident earlier this year in which a United pilot found that the pedals that operate the rudder were stuck.

A NTSB spokesperson said the problem is with the manufacturing of the product itself and not necessarily with Boeing. However, the perception is that it still casts aspersions on the company which has suffered greatly from safety protocol issues this year.

In addition to other problems, Boeing is currently facing an internal strike that has caused the company almost half a billion dollars so far in one week.

By Jane Pearson

East Coast Bureau

Virgin Voyages is set to bring back its popular month-long cruise pass for Summer 2025, offering travelers the opportunity to spend up to 40 nights at sea across the company's fleet. Starting at $14,999 for two people, the pass allows passengers to enjoy a long-haul vacation with premium perks, including access to a Central Sea Terrace stateroom, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and early shore excursion and dining reservations.

This pass, which builds upon the success of the seasonal offering launched in 2023, enables guests to embark on unforgettable journeys on one of Virgin’s three vessels: the Scarlet Lady in Europe, the Valiant Lady in the Caribbean and the Resilient Lady in the Mediterranean. Each ship offers unique itineraries designed to provide a relaxing, yet adventurous, experience at sea. 

“Swap that zoom gloom for seaside views from your room. Whether you joined us this year or were just daydreaming about it—you can now reserve your spot to call one of our lady ships home (and work!) for a full month next summer,” Virgin Voyages wrote in a post. “With the fastest at-sea internet on the high seas in the biz, it’ll be a breeze hopping on your morning video meeting as you feel, well, the literal ocean breeze.”

Passholders will be treated to a Central Sea Terrace stateroom, which includes a private balcony and a premium Wi-Fi connection. Additional perks include complimentary laundry services, two specialty coffees per cabin per day, and early access to shore excursions and dining reservations. The service also features pre-sailing and onboard access to a Dedicated Sailor Services Support team, ensuring guests are welcomed from the moment they step on board.

According to Travel + Leisure, the adults-only cruise line has also just launched its first credit card for U.S. travelers, offering 3x the loyalty points across Sir Richard Branson's travel brands. This includes earning points for trips on Virgin Voyages, allowing passengers to accrue travel rewards as they enjoy their month-long escape to any of these idyllic destinations.

If you’re interested in sailing with Virgin next summer for anywhere from 24 to 40 nights, you should act quickly, as there are a very limited number of passes available. For more information, you can visit Virgin Voyages' official website, and fill out an online form to choose their preferred ship and sailing dates.

By John Stutz

West Coast Bureau

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Universal CityWalk is welcoming Hello Kitty and Friends, starting on September 6, 2024.

Universal CityWalk visitors will experience a selection of specialty treats and beverages at the Hello Kitty and Friends Café, and a variety of collectible merchandise at the Sanrio Smile Shop, including items from characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Keroppi, Kuromi, My Melody, Badtz-maru and Chococat.

The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe and the Sanrio Smile Shop are located adjacent to each other at the heart of Universal CityWalk. Their location complements the Animation Studio Store located within Universal Hollywood.

At the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, guests will find a giant signature Hello Kitty bow entrance that welcomes visitors inside to enjoy a grab-and-go menu with the option to dine at any one of the umbrella-covered tables located just outside the walk-up venue. 

As for the new Sanrio Smile Shop, Hello Kitty fans will embrace her cheerful spirit with a wide selection of themed collectibles, including backpacks, hats, cups and mugs, collectible pins, t-shirts, plush toys, keychains, jewelry, phone cases, lanyards and more.

The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe will offer a Sanrio-themed menu that presents an array of whimsical creations that include:

• Hello Kitty Mousse Dome – A red chocolate dome-shaped caked with cinnamon mousse, apple pie filling and cinnamon streusel
• Seasonal Mousse Domes – Seasonal dome cakes inspired by Hello Kitty’s friends crafted uniquely based on their personalities and composed of chocolate mousse and a delicious combination of fruit fillings and sponge cake
• Strawberry Cake – Vanilla sponge cake, strawberry jam and whipped white chocolate ganache
• Berry & Cream Churro – Berry stuffed churro with cream cheese frosting
• Birthday Cake – Confetti cake layered with white chocolate mousse topped with whipped white chocolate ganache
• Macaron Set – A set of raspberry, caramel, vanilla, pistachio and chocolate macarons
• Hello Kitty Cookie – A Hello Kitty-shaped sugar cookie topped with royal icing and rainbow sprinkles
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• Hello Kitty Strawberry Green Iced Tea – Strawberry green tea, pink sugar rim with strawberries and mint
• My Melody Lemonade – Strawberry lemonade, yellow sugar rim, garnished with strawberries and a lemon wheel
• Kuromi Berry Iced Tea – Blackberry tea, purple sugar rim and served with blackberry and mint
• Tuxedosam Lemonade – Blue raspberry lemonade, pink sugar rim served and a lemon wheel
• Keroppi Matcha Latte – Frozen matcha latte topped with whipped cream and matcha powder
• Chococat Frozen Mocha – Frozen coffee, chocolate boba, whipped cream topped with chocolate sprinkles

By Suze Miller

Foreign Bureau

Icelandic budget carrier Play is observing Memorial Day with a special flash sale, which offers travelers the chance to book one-way flights to Europe for as low as $99. This promotion, which ends at 12:00 a.m. ET on May 27, covers travel dates from August through December 2024. It also extends to some of the Continent’s most sought-after destinations, including such as France, England, Iceland, Ireland, Germany, Greece and others.

“Summer is finally here and Play challenges travelers to get ahead on their shoulder season trips to take advantage of low prices and a calmer time of the year to visit top tourist destinations,” Einar Örn Ólafsson, Play’s CEO, told Travel + Leisure. “Getaways during the fall and winter are a perfect time to unwind after a hectic summer, and Play wants to make these trips more affordable with this Memorial Day Discount to kick off summer and travel planning.”

The sale includes $99 one-way flights to Reykjavik and $129 one-way flights to other popular European cities, such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, London and Paris. These discounted flights are available from all of Play’s U.S. gateway airports, which include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Play, which began operating in Europe in 2021 and launched its first U.S. flight the following year, uses a hub-and-spoke model wherein all flights connect through Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik before proceeding to various destinations across Europe. The airline currently serves more than two dozen European cities, offering a range of options for travelers looking to explore the Continent.

As a low-cost carrier, Play’s pricing is per flight leg, and it charges extra for such additional services as checked baggage, food and drinks, allowing travelers to customize their flying experience according to their budget and preferences.

And, while this limited-time deal will enable you to get to Europe without breaking the bank, it does come with some restrictions. Importantly, to qualify for the sale prices, travelers must book roundtrip flights, even though the pricing as listed is for one-way travel.

Would-be travelers should also note that the exact travel dates available and applicable blackout periods vary depending upon the destination. For instance, flights to Iceland, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London and Paris are available on Mondays from August 19 to November 25, and from December 2 to December 16. 

By Richard Alexander

West Coast Bureau

The private Boeing 757 owned by former United States President Donald Trump clipped another corporate airplane while taxiing at West Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Sunday.

According to Reuters.com, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson confirmed that a privately-owned Boeing 757 was involved in an accident that saw it collide with an unoccupied corporate jet parked at the south Florida airport.

FAA representatives did not confirm that the former president owned the plane, but an investigation has been launched regarding the incident. The spokesperson said the contact occurred at an area of West Palm Beach Airport where the FAA does not direct planes.

A report from The Palm Beach Post found that a separate online FAA report said the Boeing 757 “struck the rear elevator of a parked VistaJet.” The same report indicated that no one was injured in the incident. 

Trump’s Boeing 757 was purchased in 2010 for $100 million and heavily customized with “gold plated accents, two private guestrooms, three bathrooms, dining and conference areas and an extensive entertainment system.”

With Trump looking to become president again in November, TravelPulse’s Mia Taylor spoke with travel professionals to find out how they think a second term in office might impact the industry.

By Dorothy Sheridan 

East Coast Bureau

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a letter harshly criticizing the Federal Aviation Administration for not taking safety recommendations seriously enough with regard to a rudder control component on some Boeing 737s.

The two-page letter, signed by NTSB board chair Jennifer Homendy, addresses the potential for the rudder control system on some Boeing 737 airplanes to become non-functional in certain cold weather conditions.

The NTSB issued “urgent safety recommendations” last week about the issue to both The Boeing Company and to the FAA, Homendy said in her letter.

“I remain concerned that the FAA, as a whole, did not take this issue more seriously until we issued our urgent safety recommendation report, despite the risk of loss of control of an aircraft or departure from the runway occurring due to a jammed or restricted rudder control system, caused by a defect in certain rollout guidance actuators,” Homendy wrote in the September 30 letter.

As you know, these recommendations were issued as a result of our ongoing investigation of the rudder pedal anomaly involving a United Boeing 737-8 that occurred while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, on February 6, 2024,” added Homendy.

The NTSB chair added that she is “disappointed that it does not appear that the FAA has initiated urgent actions to address the risk of jammed rudder controls in the 6 months since” a preliminary NTSB report on this incident was issued.

After NTSB opened its investigation into the February 6, 2024 flight incident, it was discovered by the FAA that two similar incidents had occurred with planes belonging to foreign operators, which Homendy said should have underscored the urgency of the safety issue.

The NTSB letter reveals that the FAA has apparently been “downplaying the urgency” of the issue including maintaining that the impacted units are no longer in service.

NTSB however, says this is not accurate.

“Boeing’s August 23, 2024, Multi Operator Message stated that 353 affected actuator units were delivered to Boeing starting in February 2017,” continues the NTSB letter. “Of these 353 units, we understand that 73 have not yet been installed on airplanes. Another 271 affected actuators that may be installed on aircraft in service operated by at least 40 foreign air carriers; 16 may still be installed on US-registered aircraft.”

In addition, Collins sent 75 affected actuators directly to operators for aftermarket installation; some of these may be spares, while others may currently be on airplanes in service, says NTSB.

Boeing was also the focus of criticism in the NTSB letter.

“Equally concerning is Boeing’s failure to inform United Airlines that the 737 airplanes it had delivered to the airline were equipped with these actuators—and that the actuators were mechanically connected to the rudder control system,” the letter states, adding: “We are concerned of the possibility that other airlines are unaware of the presence of these actuators on their 737 airplanes. “

What’s more, says NTSB, flight crews may not know what to expect if the rollout guidance actuator fails at low altitude or during landing and rollout.

“Not making operators fully aware of the installed systems and equipment on the airplanes delivered to them is unacceptable and cannot continue to be tolerated,” says the letter.

The FAA meanwhile, said it had addressed the issue and was not aware of any affected parts being in service at U.S. airlines, according to USA Today.

The agency issued its own statement after the NTSB letter was made public.

"The FAA is moving quickly to convene a call with the affected civil aviation authorities to ensure they have the information they need from the FAA including any recommended actions," the statement said. "The FAA will be issuing a Continued Airworthiness Notification to the International Community (CANIC). The FAA is also scheduled to do additional simulator testing in October." 

By Alex Johnson

East Coast Bureau

There have been plenty of crazy travel stories that prove why it's always wise to book with a travel advisor.

The latest involves a recent viral TikTok post from user @girlgoingtravel in which she racked up more than one million views chronicling a passport emergency after she accidentally sent the document through the washer and dryer.

"The anxiety of having a damaged passport five days before my trip to Thailand was eating me alive," the voice says in a clip. "I was so anxious I got there the night before and stayed in a hotel so that I could be there nice and early for my 9:30 a.m. appointment. I think it's really important to be there early because the line was really long."

Fortunately for the woman in this instance, everything worked out. "I will say the whole experience was so much more pleasant than I had expected it to be. I handed everything over. They told me to come back at 1 p.m. so I did," the voice says.

Nonetheless, surging travel demand has led to longer wait times for passports in some cases and many travelers aren't always lucky enough to secure a same-day or last-minute appointment. That's where it helps to have an experienced travel advisor in your corner.

That decision was vital for one traveler who lost her passport just days before her son's destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

"Leveraging my connections, I secured Mrs. Thompson an appointment for the next morning, ensuring she could be present for her son's special day. She received her passport that same day," says Cari Miles, Owner/ Travel Stylist Miles In Style Travel, a NEST affiliate.

Accidents happen but a trusted travel advisor can take the anxiety out of incidents like losing or damaging a passport ahead of an international trip by putting their experience and contacts to work.

It’s been a day of challenging headlines for Southwest Airlines.

In addition to news earlier today about investors calling for a special meeting of the airline’s governing body amid the carrier’s lack of financial success, it seems CNBC has obtained an internal memo detailing Southwest’s plans to slash jobs and routes.

CNBC has reported that Southwest intends to reduce service to and from Atlanta, Georgia next year, along with eliminating more than 300 jobs for pilots and flight attendants.

This doesn’t mean Southwest is closing its base in Georgia’s capital city. However, it does mean that operations are being trimmed. In particular, Southwest will reduce staff by about 200 flight attendants and 140 pilots for the April 2025 bid month.

The staff members aren't being let go entirely. Instead, they will have to bid to work from another location, CNBC explained.

In addition, the beleaguered carrier will cut its gates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Seven gates will be eliminated, bringing the carrier down from 18 to 11 at the busy hub. Additionally, come April 2025, the airline will only serve 21 cities from Atlanta rather than 37.

“Although we try everything we can before making difficult decisions like this one, we simply cannot afford continued losses and must make this change to help restore our profitability,” Southwest said in the memo seen by CNBC. “This decision in no way reflects our Employees’ performance, and we’re proud of the Hospitality and the efforts they have made and will continue to make with our Customers in ATL.”

The airline had already abandoned service at some airports that were added during the pandemic.

All of this Southwest news comes one day before the airline's executives are scheduled to meet to plan the company’s path forward, including how to continue reducing costs and increasing revenue.

Last week, Southwest’s COO, Andrew Watterson, told staff that difficult decisions lie ahead as the airline seeks to ramp up its profits.

By Eric Hanson

Foreign Bureau 

Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger only wants the best.

That includes his replacement.

In fact, he says he is obsessed by it. Maybe that’s because his first attempt at retiring didn’t go so well for his replacement.

“I think it would be safe to assume that I think about [CEO succession] all the time,” he told daytime television host Kelly Ripa. “I could say that ‘I’m obsessed with it’ would be probably an understatement, and actually, the board and I established when I returned that that would be among our biggest, if not our biggest, [priorities].”

Iger, who is in his 70s and said he will step down in 2026, is in his second stint running the entertainment giant. He first retired in 2020 and chose Bob Chapek to succeed him.

It did not work out.

Chapek resigned after two years following falling stock prices and a highly publicized feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Disney board member and former Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman will chair the company’s succession planning committee to find Iger’s successor. The new CEO will likely have to face challenges including reduced theme park attendance and a reorganization of ESPN.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he stays,” a Disney source said of Iger and told the New York Post. “He is ageless and there aren’t many internal successors who are ready.”

By Cedric Johnson

West Coast Bureau

The travel industry is embroiled in the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. A Federal Bureau of Investigation indictment revealed that Adams allegedly received free upgrades, among other perks, from Turkish Airlines in exchange for favors. 

It was for both business and leisure travel. The apparent malfeasance allegedly dates back to his days as the Brooklyn Borough President before becoming mayor.

 In one instance, Adams bought two tickets to India in economy class and received upgrades to business class within 48 hours of the flight. He also allegedly received discounted hotel suites in several international cities.

According to the indictment, the airline also provided support for an Adams political fundraiser that included “free use of a VIP room in the Turkish Airlines business-class lounge.” 

The reciprocal favors included code approval for the new Turkish consular in New York. The building allegedly would have failed a fire inspection otherwise.

Turkish Airlines has grown prominently in the last two decades or so, including advertising on the Super Bowl. It also planned a major expansion less than two years ago.

By Rick Jetters

West Coast Bureau

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is doing its due diligence.

The government agency would like to remind you of the rules regarding bringing a firearm on an airplane. A surprising number of people do not know the rules, and many believe that if you have a license to carry a concealed weapon in your state that you can automatically bring it on an airplane.

That’s not necessarily true since an airplane is considered under federal jurisdiction. And you can’t just shove it in your carry-on, either.

“Passengers should pack for a trip starting with an empty bag to be sure they are not carrying prohibited items before they enter our checkpoints,” said TSA Federal Security Director for the State of Mississippi Kim Jackson. “Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag and also check that you do not have a pocketknife or other threats that are not permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.”

If you are going to travel with your firearm it must be in your checked bag, unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. You must declare it to the airline at check-in. Travelers are responsible for being aware of what the firearm laws are on each side of their trip or they may be cited or heading to jail instead of to their vacation or business trip. Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.

“We are reminding the public to place their firearms in their checked bags and declare them to the airline,” Jackson said. 

Passengers face a civil penalty imposed by the TSA that can reach nearly $15,000.

So save yourself some money, aggravation and embarrassment with these helpful hints.

• Tip 1: No firearms in carry-ons. Firearms must be in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the firearm laws are on both sides of your trip.
• Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own suitcase, backpack, computer bag or purse before leaving home. 
• Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card readily available. If you are traveling with a carry-on bag follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule -- 3.4 ounces or less for each item and the items should be placed in a one-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger. To simplify your screening and even before entering the checkpoint it is best to put your phones and any other content of your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin in the checkpoint.
• Tip 4: Help is available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
• Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.