Most major US airlines ban guns in luggage for DC flights over inauguration, protest safety concerns
Airlines and airports say they are stepping up security before next week’s presidential inauguration.
Airlines and airports say they are stepping up security before next week’s presidential inauguration.
The new measures are designed to try to prevent travelers from bringing in newer forms of the virus that scientists say can spread more easily.
American Airlines flew a Boeing 737 Max with paying passengers from Miami to New York on Tuesday, the plane’s first commercial flight in U.S. skies since it was grounded after two deadly crashes.
The new rule will force passengers with emotional-support animals to check them into the cargo hold — and pay a pet fee.
All existing 737 Max jets must first undergo maintenance and get modifications before they can fly. Pilots must also undergo simulator training.
The airlines and their labor unions are lobbying for taxpayer money to pay workers for six more months.
The assistance will include a mix of cash and loans, with the government getting warrants that can be converted into small ownership stakes in the leading airlines.
Airlines say the number of support animals has been growing dramatically in recent years, and they have lobbied to tighten the rules.
The company said it could not predict future sales while it’s still working to update the software on the 737 Max and get the plane’s safety approved by regulators.
The Transportation Security Administration said Monday that Sunday’s absence rate compared to 3.1 percent on the comparable Sunday a year ago.
The agency is working with airports and airlines nationwide to consolidate operations and get the most out of resources, an official said.
Over the weekend, some airports had long lines at checkpoints, apparently caused by a rising number of security officers calling in sick while they are not getting paid.