US airlines incurred $6.66 billion in jet fuel costs in May, marking the second consecutive month above $6 billion. This represents an 84% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by higher fuel prices rather than increased consumption. The ongoing impact of Middle East conflict and volatile energy prices continues to affect the industry.
Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations on Saturday, stranding thousands of passengers after 34 years of low-cost service. The airline went into orderly wind-down after government rescue talks failed, with the US government rejecting a $500m bailout proposal. Passengers face canceled bookings and expensive replacement fares, while Republicans and Democrats trade blame over the carrier's collapse, with the blocked JetBlue merger becoming a political football.
Several US airlines have agreed to cap ticket prices for Spirit customers who need to rebook canceled flightsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, has announced a series of measures to help Spirit Airlines passengers following the low-cost airline’s collapse early on Saturday after running out of cash and the failure of rescue talks with the Trump administration.Duffy said that larger US airlines, including United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest, had agreed to cap ticket prices specifically for Spirit customers who need to rebook canceled flights, subject to a Spirit flight confirmation number and proof of payment. Continue reading...
US airlines are implementing new rules for portable chargers starting May 1, responding to rising lithium battery incidents. American Airlines limits passengers to two chargers with active ones in plain view. Southwest allows only one charger and prohibits overhead bin storage. United and Delta require chargers to remain within reach. The FAA reports 28 incidents this year, averaging nearly two per week, with over 700 since 2006.
